How to Teach Kids Real-Life Learning | Homesteading, Trades, & Purpose-Driven Learning

Homesteading and education aren’t just about what you know or how much you can produce. They’re about the mindset, skills, and real-life experiences that shape how you live, work, and contribute to the world around you.

And the truth is, more families than ever are questioning traditional education… but many aren’t sure what to replace it with or how to confidently teach their kids real-world skills.

In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Daniel Salatin of Polyface Farm to have an honest, practical conversation about learning outside the classroom, building a life through agriculture, and raising kids who are capable, confident, and ready for real life.

From growing up on one of the most well-known regenerative farms to struggling in traditional academics, Daniel shares how hands-on learning, problem-solving, and purpose-driven work shaped his life and why those same principles matter now more than ever.

Together, they talk about what education actually needs to look like, how kids learn best, and why real-life responsibility may be the missing piece for so many families today.

This isn’t just a conversation about farming or homeschooling. It’s about raising a generation that knows how to think, work, and contribute.

If you care about:

• Raising capable, confident kids
• Teaching real-life skills through everyday experiences
• Homeschooling with purpose (not pressure)
• Preparing kids for the real world—not just tests
• Building problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Creating a lifestyle rooted in responsibility and contribution

This episode will challenge how you think about education and remind you what actually matters.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Daniel’s upbringing on Polyface Farm and his homeschool journey
• Why traditional education doesn’t work for every child
• The importance of problem-solving over memorization
• How real-life responsibility creates motivation to learn
• Finding your life’s calling and building a purpose-driven career
• Why agriculture and homesteading create natural learning environments
• The transition into leadership at Polyface Farm
• Inside the Polyface Stewardship Program and full farm immersion training
• The value of mentorship, trades, and hands-on experience
• How learning often happens faster when there’s a real reason behind it

🤝 Support Our Guest — Daniel Salatin

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to learn more about Daniel and Polyface Farm.

🌱 Learn more on the Polyface Farm website 🎓 Explore the Polyface Farm Stewardship Program (applications open each August)

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Polyfacefarm 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polyfacefarm/

 

Resources & Links

Homestead Education Curriculum: https://thehomesteadeducation.com

Shop Books & Resources: https://thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

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Follow Along

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

🔥 Final Thought

Education doesn’t require perfect systems, perfect curriculum, or perfect timing.

It starts with a decision—to teach differently, to live intentionally, and to give your kids the skills they actually need.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about what they memorize…

It’s about who they become.