At Modulo, we’re collectively reimagining everything we think we know about education—and in this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Laurie Block Spigel, a trailblazer in homeschooling and modular learning, to explore how families can empower children through creativity, play, and curiosity.
Laurie is a legendary figure in the NYC homeschooling movement, with over 30 years of experience transforming how families think about education. Her innovative, child-led approach has inspired countless parents to embrace curiosity and play as the cornerstones of learning.
It’s an honor to feature Laurie as part of Modulo’s mission to empower families with personalized learning solutions. Bringing voices like hers into the Modulo community reflects the bold ideas and momentum we’re building as we grow.
Stay tuned for our next newsletter, where we’ll share how Modulo is partnering with top-notch tutors to ensure families everywhere have access to the highest-quality, mastery-based learning experiences.
Exclusive Interview Highlights
🎙️ Laurie shares:
How child-led, game-based learning creates vibrant, curiosity-driven education.
Debunking myths about socialization and college readiness for homeschoolers.
Practical tips for working parents balancing homeschooling with busy schedules.
Why thematic, interest-based curricula can revolutionize how children learn.
Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, an educator, or just curious about fresh approaches to learning, Laurie’s expertise will inspire and empower you.
Timeline Summary
[00:00] – Laurie reflects on memorable learning experiences and how most life-changing lessons happen outside traditional classrooms.
[05:13] – “Sometimes the calling comes to you, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Laurie’s decision to homeschool in 1994 out of desperation—and how it changed her life.
[12:40] – The roots of Project Muse: Laurie’s early exposure to education through her mother’s pioneering work teaching literacy through arts and music.
[16:57] – Addressing the naysayers: Why homeschooling is no longer a fringe movement, especially in New York City.
[29:02] – How to make learning alive: Laurie’s “magic formula” of playing games, learning something new, and creating something meaningful.
[38:39] – How child-led and interest-based curricula, like Laurie’s own game-based learning methods, nurture curiosity and create memorable education experiences.
[42:22] – Laurie’s free resources and her insights into facilitating alternative education for more families.
📚 Laurie’s Books
Education Uncensored: A Guide for the Aspiring, the Foolhardy, and the Disillusioned (2006) – A blend of memoir and critique of America’s educational system.
Letting Them Lead: Adventures in Game-Based, Self-Directed Learning: Chronicles Laurie’s teaching experiences with 75+ hours of original curricula.
🗞️ Articles and Resources by Laurie
Laurie’s Homeschool Resources (many freebies!)
“The Path of the Teacher is the Path of the Open Heart.” Laurie’s article about Sylvia Ashton Warner
Pay Attention to the Children, by Sydney Gurewitz Clemens: Website and Book Review
Interest-Based Curriculum Examples: Explore how food, art, mysteries, and animals can be springboards for multi-disciplinary learning.
Other resources mentioned
NYCHEA (New York City Home Educators Alliance): A foundational homeschooling support network.
💡 Key Concepts
Each concept links to a Modulo Key Concepts guide for further exploration.
Key People
Sylvia Ashton Warner: Pioneer in child-led learning whose methods inspire today’s educators.
John Holt: Advocate for unschooling and self-directed education.
John Taylor Gatto: Critic of compulsory schooling and champion of alternative education.
Sir Ken Robinson: Visionary who reshaped the conversation around creativity in education.
Sydney Gurewitz Clemen: Early childhood specialist emphasizing holistic and creative approaches to teaching.
About Laurie Block Spigel
Laurie Block Spigel is an author, teacher, and homeschooling advocate with over 30 years of experience in homeschooling and alternative education.
Laurie homeschooled her two sons in New York City, where she created the website HomeschoolNYC.com as an informational resource for homeschooling parents and taught popular classes to homeschoolers.
Laurie has lectured at homeschooling and alternative education conferences, written articles and the HomeschoolNYC newsletter. Her first book, Education Uncensored: A Guide for the Aspiring, the Foolhardy and the Disillusioned (2006), is part memoir and part homeschooling guide, with an explanation of what’s wrong with America’s educational system. Her recent book, Letting Them Lead: Adventures in Game-Based, Self-Directed Learning, chronicles her teaching experiences taking a student-centered approach in her classes. Included are over 75 hours of original curricula created with and for her students.
Today, Laurie’s sons are college-educated lifelong learners with families of their own. Laurie now lives in Maine with her husband and cat, not far from her younger son and daughter-in-law. She continues to write, teach, and advocate for homeschooling and game-based personalized education.
👉🏿 Learn more about Laurie’s work: www.LaurieBlockSpigel.com
🧩 Join the Movement
Laurie’s insights are a powerful reminder of why Modulo is here: to lead the conversation on rethinking education and provide the tools families need to create transformative learning experiences.
At Modulo, we’re more than just a platform—we’re building a movement that’s redefining what’s possible in education. Join us in creating a world where personalized, meaningful learning is accessible to every family.
🎧 Listen to the episode now and explore Laurie’s invaluable resources for modular learners.
*Affiliate disclaimer: The links to Laurie’s books include affiliate links. This means if you buy them through the links, we’ll receive a small commission to support our work, at no extra cost to you.
Share this post