Homeschool Yo Kids

Are you looking for a way to take your child's STEM education to new heights? In this episode, we explore how homeschool students are building actual airplanes and training for careers in aerospace through the Wings Over the Rockies program. Whether your student wants to be a pilot, an engineer, or even a space farmer, there is a path for everyone in this unique hands-on learning environment.

Join host Jae as she sits down with Nedra Hall and Jessica from Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum to discuss their innovative aerospace exploration programs for middle and high schoolers. We dive deep into the mechanics of building a flight-ready aircraft, the high-energy world of drone soccer, and how students can earn their FAA drone pilot licensing. This conversation is a must-watch for any parent looking to bridge the gap between traditional academics and real-world trades.

You will also hear about the importance of self-care for educators and how specialized programs can help students with diverse learning needs thrive outside of a typical classroom setting. From NASA-partnered biology projects to field trips at the Air Force Academy, this episode is packed with inspiration for your homeschooling journey.

Chapters

0:00 Welcome to the Home School Yo Kids Podcast

2:15 Meet the Guests from Wings Over the Rockies

5:30 Transitioning from Public Schools to Museum Education

8:45 What is the Wings Aerospace Exploration Program

11:30 Students Building a Real Functional Airplane

14:15 Space Farming and NASA Research Partnerships

17:00 Drone Pilot Training and FAA Part 107 Testing

20:45 What is Drone Soccer and How to Play

24:00 Exploring the Denver and Centennial Museum Locations

27:15 Tuition Details and Scholarship Opportunities

31:00 Field Trips and the Colorado Aerospace Community

34:30 Self-Care and Maintaining a Work-Life Balance

37:00 Success for Students with Diverse Learning Needs

38:57 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

Check out the links in the description to learn more about the Wings Aerospace programs and how to get your family involved. Be sure to subscribe for more support and inspiration for your homeschooling lifestyle!

#homeschooling #aerospace #stemeducation #aviation #dronepilot

Are you a former teacher considering homeschooling, or perhaps a parent struggling to make math fun for your kids? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, Jae sits down with mother-daughter duo Mary and Bobbie to explore the unique journey of transitioning from the classroom to the kitchen table. Learn how to navigate different learning styles and build a foundation for academic success that fits your family's unique lifestyle.

🌟 Key Topics in This Episode

Mary shares her experience as a credentialed teacher who discovered homeschooling via a radio broadcast and never looked back. The conversation dives into the dynamics of teaching children with vastly different learning styles and the flexibility of balancing home education with traditional school environments. Bobbie provides a rare perspective as a former homeschool student who grew up to become a special education teacher, offering insights into how homeschooling shaped her career and her own future parenting plans.

🔢 Making Math Engaging

A major highlight of this conversation is Mary and Bobbie’s new math project focused on multiplication and division. They discuss why so many students struggle with basic facts and how their new program uses games and number talks to build a solid foundation without the boredom of traditional flashcards. Whether you are dealing with your own math anxiety or looking for ways to tailor education to your child's personality, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical advice for every stage of the journey.

🕒 Chapters

0:00 Intro and Welcome

3:15 Meet Mary and Bobbie

7:40 From Classroom Teacher to Homeschool Mom

12:20 Teaching Different Learning Personalities

16:50 A Student Perspective on Being Homeschooled

21:10 Navigating the Transition Between School and Home

26:30 Special Education and Hybrid Learning Models

31:45 The Vital Role of Parents in Education

36:10 Overcoming Cultural Biases in Standardized Testing

41:00 Introducing the Multiplication and Division Project

46:25 Why Rote Memorization Fails for Math Students

51:15 Connecting Addition to Multiplication Facts

55:40 Healing from Math Wounds and Anxiety

59:20 Self-Care Tips for Busy Homeschool Parents

1:02:15 Final Advice for Your Homeschool Journey

1:03:24 Video End

👋 Join the Community

If you found this conversation helpful, please subscribe for more homeschool support and inspiration. Check out the resources mentioned to help your kids thrive in their learning journey! Remember that you do not have to take this path alone.

#homeschooling #mathtips #education #homeschoolmom #parenting

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the current state of the education system and wondering how to best support your child's learning? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast, host Jae sits down with Cat Hendricks from Parents Challenge to discuss why school choice is a fundamental right and how parents can reclaim their power as primary educators. 🏫✨

We dive deep into the mission of Parents Challenge, a Colorado-based organization that provides resources, funding, and empowerment sessions for families across all educational paths, including public, private, charter, and homeschool options. Cat shares her personal journey growing up in an education-focused household and explains why the current system often fails students due to poor fund allocation and overcomplicated curriculum. 📉🤔

Throughout the conversation, we explore the critical need for a village mindset and why being a proactive parent is the most significant factor in a student's academic success. From navigating parent-teacher conferences to understanding the importance of basic literacy and math skills, this episode is packed with insights for any parent looking to make a meaningful difference in their child's future. Cat also highlights the importance of accountability, community support, and self-care for those leading the way in their children's lives. 🤝🌟

Website Link: parentschallenge.org

Catherine “Cat” Hendrix is the Program Director for Parents Challenge in ColoradoSprings, where she leads efforts in school choice advocacy, parent empowerment, andyouth development. With five years of experience starting as a Parent Coordinator, shehas built deep connections with local families and community partners. Her backgroundincludes leadership positions at the Boys & Girls Club, internships in bothCongressional and Senate offices, and impactful work with ACE Scholarships to expandaccess to quality education for low-income students. A graduate of the LeadershipProgram of the Rockies and a former member of the Steamboat Institute’s EmergingLeaders Council, Cat continues to influence the conversation on education, familyempowerment, and civic engagement. She has also shared her perspective oneducation, faith, and community issues as a guest on local media platforms such asCrosswalk Colorado Springs.

Chapters 📺

0:00 Intro and Cat Hendricks Background

4:30 What is Parents Challenge?

8:15 The Politics of School Choice

12:00 Funding vs. Allocation in Education

16:45 The Reality of Modern Classrooms

21:30 Why Elementary Teachers are Angels

25:00 The Importance of Basic Skills and Literacy

29:15 Empowering Parents as Advocates

34:00 The Problem with Modern Math and Overcomplication

39:15 Taking Accountability for Your Childs Success

44:00 How Parents Challenge Operates

48:30 Self-Care and Maintaining a Sabbath

52:00 Final Advice for Parents and Closing

If you found this conversation helpful, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more interviews with education experts and inspiring stories. Visit our website to learn more about how you can support your child's unique learning journey today! 🔔🙌

#schoolchoice #homeschooling #parentalrights #educationreform #parentingadvice

Are you struggling to find an educational path that fits your bright or twice-exceptional child? Join Jae on the Homeschool Your Kids podcast as he sits down with Dr. Mary Grace Stewart, founder of Ideal for Gifted, to discuss how to tailor learning to the individual needs of unique students. Discover how to move beyond the one-size-fits-all approach and embrace an education that truly respects the human element of learning.

In this episode, Dr. Mary Grace shares her extensive journey in education, beginning in 1978 and evolving into a global nonprofit mission. She explains how the 2020 pandemic acted as a catalyst for change, revealing the deep gaps in traditional schooling for gifted and twice-exceptional children. You will learn about the concept of cognitive nourishment and why many students who struggle in traditional classrooms actually thrive when given the right tools and autonomy.

We also dive into the challenges of the modern school system, the importance of soft skills in the age of AI, and how to handle asynchronous development where a child might be advanced in math but struggle with basic writing. Dr. Mary Grace uses her famous shoe store analogy to explain why choice is the most important factor in a child's success. Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting out, this conversation provides the encouragement and practical advice you need to follow your child's bliss and support their unique growth.

https://ideal4gifted.org

Dr. MaryGrace Stewart is the Founder and Executive Director of IDEAL4Gifted, an online homeschool and enrichment program for gifted and multi-exceptional learners ages 5–14.MaryGrace began her career in 1978 as an art and drama teacher and taught in three states and nine school districts.

In 1997, she took a turn toward gifted education and has never looked back. Since then, she has worked with gifted and multi-exceptional learners, presented to parents and educators nationally and internationally, and become a recognized advocate for children whose educational needs are often misunderstood.

A state- and national-award-winning educator, speaker, and lifelong champion of gifted learners, MaryGrace believes that education should flex to fit the child—not the other way around.

Chapters

0:00 Welcome to Homeschool Your Kids Podcast

2:50 The 2020 Pivot and Starting Ideal for Gifted

7:15 Building a Program During a Crisis

12:30 Going Global and Becoming a Nonprofit

17:45 The Problem with Standardized Testing

22:10 Education in the Age of AI

27:00 Asynchronous Development in Gifted Kids

32:15 Redefining the Human Element of Learning

37:40 The Shoe Store Analogy for Education

42:20 Challenges of the Public School System

47:05 Understanding Twice Exceptional Behaviors

51:50 Lessons from Personal Experience and Self-Care

54:30 Final Advice for Homeschooling Families

If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel for more expert interviews and homeschooling tips. Visit our website at homeschoolyokidsexpo.com to find upcoming events and resources in your area.

#homeschooling #giftedchildren #2e #education #parenting

Are you ready to unlock your child's full creative potential? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, Jae welcomes Janine Gomez to discuss how she transitioned from being a school principal to launching a mobile dream studio on a converted bus. It is time to rethink what education looks like when we prioritize imagination and passion over standardized testing.

Janine shares her incredible journey from electrical engineering to founding a charter school and ultimately realizing that children need a dedicated space to explore their dreams outside the traditional system. We dive deep into the concept of dream time and how it helps children reclaim their identity and sense of freedom.

Janine explains how she co-creates learning plans with parents to blend academic skills like math and literacy with a child's unique interests. We also discuss the challenges of the current educational landscape and why homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to keep the light of creativity burning bright. Janine provides practical advice for parents who feel ill-equipped, reminding us that teaching is an art and that the world is our curriculum.

From the funny story of a childhood lightning bug experiment to the vision of a fleet of dream buses, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to break free from the status quo and support their child's natural genius.

https://www.thedragonflydreams.com/Janine Gomez | LinkedInBIO: Results-oriented, accomplished leader and educator with 33 years of broad experience in public and charter schools. Expertise includes coaching, leadership development, staff development, workshop design and facilitation, and team building. Strong project management and interpersonal skills. Enjoys collaborative, fast-paced, professional environments in non-profit or educational organizations.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Janine Gomez and Dragonfly Dreams

4:15 From Engineering to the Classroom: Janine's Journey

9:10 Closing a Charter School to Chase a New Vision

14:30 Inside the Mobile Dream Studio: How the Bus Works

19:00 Co-Creating Learning Plans with Families

24:15 Why Dreaming is a Form of Freedom

28:30 The Impact of Traditional Schooling on Creativity

33:15 Navigating the Politics of Education and Micro-Schools

38:50 Homeschooling Without a Rigid Curriculum

43:10 Future Vision: Expanding the Fleet of Dream Buses

47:55 Self-Care Tips for Dreamers and Final Advice

🌈Don't forget to visit the dragonflydreams.com to learn more about upcoming sessions and follow the journey on social media. Subscribe for more episodes that empower you to homeschool your kids with confidence and peace!

#homeschooling #creativelearning #educationreform #dreaming #mobileclassroom

Ever wondered what it is really like to transition from a highly structured homeschool environment to a professional music career? In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, we sit down with Kathryn, the founder of Intertidal Conservatory, to explore her journey from a K-12 homeschooler to a successful online music school owner. Kathryn shares the unique details of her upbringing, including the name tags and early start times that shaped her discipline and passion for piano.

🎹 We dive deep into the realities of pursuing a music degree, the common gaps in traditional music education, and why hard work always beats the prodigy myth. Kathryn explains how she founded her online conservatory to provide a holistic approach to music, covering everything from theory and history to performance labs. Whether you are a homeschooling parent or an aspiring musician, Kathryn's insights on building confidence and finding joy in learning will inspire you to dive into your own passions.

Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/page/krescendolive-jacksonville-fl?utm_campaign=1777475819132&share_action_id=9f02ecb3-e93f-44d9-be20-1d1e6b1251f7

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@IntertidalConservatory

Bio: My name is Ms. Kathryn, and I have had the privilege of teaching students from all walks of life, helping them fill in the gaps of their education and guiding them toward reaching their full potential. Over the years, I have worked with students of all ages and backgrounds, and it has been incredibly rewarding to witness many of them succeed. The majority of my students have gone on to attend the colleges of their choice, having built a solid foundation of knowledge under my guidance. I have also had the pleasure of helping numerous students achieve their personal goals in the realm of music, whether it's mastering a particular piece or developing their overall musical ability. I look forward to continuing this journey, helping more students tap into their full musical potential and find the joy that music can bring to their lives.I started learning piano at the age of four, and while my early experiences were filled with the excitement of music, I still faced my own struggles along the way. Growing up, I didn’t have formal music theory or ear training, which meant that when I entered college, I was tasked with learning these crucial concepts and significantly refining my piano technique. It was a challenging process, but I pushed myself to learn and grow. These experiences shaped the way I approach teaching, as I understand the obstacles that students may face and the importance of perseverance. I strive to give my students not just technical skills but also a holistic foundation—tools they can rely on when things get tough. It’s through these challenges that our passions truly flourish, and I aim to empower my students to overcome difficulties with confidence, helping them grow as musicians and as individuals.

🕒 Chapters

0:00 Intro and Kathryn's Background

4:10 From Homeschooling to Music Pedagogy

8:30 The Rigor of a Structured Homeschool Life

13:05 Transitioning to College as a Homeschooler

17:40 Overcoming Gaps in Music Theory and Ear Training

22:15 The Importance of Asking for Help

26:50 Using Stubbornness as a Tool for Success

31:20 The Hour-Long Memorized Piano Recital

35:45 Sibling Dynamics and Social Exposure

40:10 Why Kathryn Chose to Stay Homeschooled

44:35 Founding Intertidal Conservatory

48:50 Holistic Music Education for K-12 Students

52:15 Hard Work vs The Prodigy Myth

55:40 Self-Care and Final Advice for Families

58:14 Video End

✨ If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell for more stories from the homeschool community. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments about how you incorporate music into your daily routine!

#homeschooling #musiceducation #pianoteacher #homeschoolsuccess #musictheory

Are you looking to raise financially confident kids while navigating the unique world of homeschooling? Join Jae and guest Cassandra as they dive deep into the journey of a K to 12 homeschooler who graduated at 15 and now helps families master financial literacy. This episode is packed with insights on how to transition from home education to the real world with confidence and wisdom.

In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, Cassandra shares her experience growing up in a nomadic homeschooling family and how that flexibility shaped her career. We explore the transition from a sheltered home environment to a college campus at just 15 years old, including the social hurdles and life lessons along the way. Cassandra also introduces Money Matters University, a comprehensive financial literacy program designed to bridge the gap between education and real-world money management.

Whether you have a six-year-old just learning about needs versus wants or a teenager preparing for the stock market, this conversation provides actionable insights on how to foster independence and financial wisdom in your children. Learn how to introduce complex topics like risk management and investment through age appropriate language and interactive learning. Cassandra also shares her personal tips for self care and the importance of allowing kids to explore multiple interests before settling on a career path.

http://www.moneymattersuniversity.com/

Cassandra Smith Bio: Cassandra Smith has empowered youth and college age students for 15 years through teaching and development tools. Her adventures have taken her to national tours, global travel, serving her local community, and writing. Her keynotes, TEDx talks, books, mentorship programs, and downloadable resources rally around the power of living your story to the fullest, including mental health, career development and financial literacy. Her goal? To equip the next generation to make wise decisions in every area of life.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Cassandra and Money Matters University

3:25 Growing up as a nomadic homeschooler

7:10 Graduating at 15 and starting college early

11:45 Navigating social gaps and street knowledge

16:20 Protecting innocence vs processing life with kids

21:05 The value of human connection and travel

25:30 Transitioning from psychology to publishing

29:45 The mission of Money Matters University

33:15 Teaching needs versus wants to children

37:40 Financial curriculum for different life stages

42:10 Introducing risk management to young learners

46:50 Self care and finding your happy place

49:15 Final advice for homeschool families

50:48 End of video

Check out the links in the description to learn more about Money Matters University and start your family's financial literacy journey today. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more homeschooling support and inspiration!

#homeschooling #financialliteracy #moneycoach #homeschoolmom #parentingadvice

Are you ready to redefine what education and wellness look like for your family? Join host Jae on the Homeschool Your Kids podcast as she sits down with Marilyn Moore, also known as Marilyn the Chef, for an unfiltered conversation about the power of homeschooling and ancestral healing. This episode dives deep into why standard school systems often fail our children and how you can reclaim your family's sovereignty through democratic education and holistic self-care.

Marilyn shares her transformative journey from navigating infertility to raising four daughters in a home-centered environment. She provides a sharp critique of the institutional buildings we call schools, explaining how these environments can impact the nervous system and suppress a child's authentic self. The discussion covers everything from the importance of home birthing and environmental justice in the Bronx to the necessity of teaching children how to question authority and understand their own biology.

Beyond education, Marilyn opens up about her work as a healer, her personal experiences with grief after losing her father, and her unique approach to self-care. You will learn about the benefits of herbal medicine like fire cider, the importance of masculine energy in a female-led household, and why the concept of resilience is often misused in marginalized communities.

Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting to consider alternatives, Marilyn’s wisdom offers a roadmap for living a life of gold rather than just chasing diamonds.

https://linktr.ee/ChefMarilyn?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnyHZf-JsBVuu2fCIDIWPHIUnqsUIWUTtVPkA2fBYJVXplecnE6MnUFCcbZC0_aem_r8DptlAhnLiz3santf_w4AMarilyn Moore is a chef, homeschool parent, entrepreneur, speaker, and wellness advocate dedicated to helping families live healthier, more intentional lives. As the founder of Divine Appetite and the face behind Marilyn the Chef, she combines her passion for culinary arts, holistic wellness, and education to empower others through food, faith, and purposeful living.

As a homeschooling mother, Marilyn understands the importance of creating learning environments that nurture the whole child. She is passionate about equipping families with practical tools for healthy eating, wellness, and personal growth while encouraging children to develop lifelong habits that support both their physical and emotional well-being.

Drawing from her own journey of resilience and transformation, Marilyn inspires others to embrace the internal work necessary for lasting change. Through cooking demonstrations, wellness education, speaking engagements, and community outreach, she encourages individuals and families to pursue healthier lifestyles rooted in balance, purpose, and connection.

Marilyn believes that nourishing a family goes far beyond preparing meals—it means cultivating healthy minds, strong relationships, and thriving communities. Her mission is to help others discover that true wellness begins from within and extends into every aspect of life.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the channel and share this video with another parent looking for inspiration. Let us know in the comments how you are making education work for your family!#homeschooling #blackhomeschoolers #healing #selfsovereignty #educationreform

Are you ready to transform your homeschooling journey with the power of creativity and representation? Join Jae as he sits down with Toshi J, an actress and comic creator who is revolutionizing how we think about education and black identity in the arts. This episode explores how passion projects can become powerful teaching tools for the next generation.

In this deep dive, Toshi shares her incredible transition from the theater stage to owning her own publishing house, Midnight Comics. You will learn how a simple frustration with anime endings led to a family business that prioritizes authentic storytelling and diverse characters. Toshi also breaks down her innovative methods for using comics to teach literacy and even mathematics, proving that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning.

Beyond the books, we discuss the realities of homeschooling three children, including navigating education for a child with special needs and the importance of maintaining your own identity as a parent. From the benefits of graphic novels to using Dungeons and Dragons for reading comprehension, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice for every creative family.

www.midnightcomics.org melaninminds.carrd.co

BioNatosha (Toshi J) is an actress turned comic creator. Co-founder andeditor in chief of Midnight Comics, she is an award-nominated writerand award-winning comic editor. In 2024, she founded Melanin Minds tohighlight Black women and femmes who work in the comic book industry.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Toshi J

3:15 From acting to comic creation

7:45 The birth of Midnight Comics

12:30 Parenting and finding your identity

16:10 Homeschooling a child with special needs

20:45 Why public school was not the right fit

24:20 Building a homeschool community

28:50 Teaching math through comic books

33:15 Literacy benefits of graphic novels

38:00 Challenging the classic literature model

42:30 The stories behind Midnight Comics characters

47:15 Melanin Minds: Representing black women in comics

51:40 Self-care tips for busy homeschool parents

55:20 D and D and roleplaying for reading comprehension

59:00 Final thoughts and where to find Toshi

Make sure to visit the Midnight Comics website to support Toshi's work and check out the Melanin Minds podcast for more stories from black women in the industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the channel and leave a comment below about how you use creativity in your own homeschool lessons!

#homeschooling #comicbooks #blackcreatives #education #parenting

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the traditional school system or curious about how to make homeschooling work for your family? In this episode, Jae sits down with Regina Sloan to discuss her transition from a standard classroom setting to a life of self-directed learning and conscious parenting. Discover how to reclaim your child's education and your own identity while balancing work, family, and personal growth.Regina shares her personal story of pulling her son out of school after a premature ADHD diagnosis and how that led her to the world of unschooling. She breaks down the myth that homeschooling must look like a traditional classroom and explains how curiosity quests can make learning fun and natural for children of all ages. Beyond education, this conversation dives deep into the importance of mindset, the role of life coaching for women, and how to break generational cycles through conscious parenting.

Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting to look at your options, this episode provides practical advice on building community, utilizing co-ops, and implementing self-care that actually works. Regina and Jay also discuss the power of informed consent and why every parent deserves to know they have choices when it comes to their child's future.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginasloan/https://tidycal.com/reginasloancoaching/connect-call

Regina Sloan is a mindset coach who helps women make clear decisions, trust themselves, and move forward without overthinking or waiting for perfection.

As a mom of four (ages 6 to 20), she knew early on she wanted something different for her kids—but believed homeschooling wasn’t for her. She thought she had to be rich, white and a stay-at-home mom. Years later, she challenged that thinking, learned to trust herself, and created her own way—one that works for her family.

She teaches you how to think—so you can get clear on what you want, trust your decisions, and build a path that supports both you and your children, while also being able to pivot and navigate natural changes as they occur.

Chapters0:00 Introduction and guest welcome4:15 Challenging the kindergarten ADHD diagnosis9:30 Discovering unschooling and raising free people14:45 The importance of informed consent in education19:10 Balancing a nursing career and business while homeschooling24:30 How to implement curiosity quests in your home29:15 Using AI and modern tools for lesson planning34:00 Finding community through co-ops and meetups39:45 Partner dynamics and sharing the load44:20 Raising free thinkers and avoiding limiting labels49:15 The shift toward conscious parenting54:30 Life coaching for women and mindset shifts59:10 Redefining failure as a path to growth1:03:20 Practical self-care strategies for busy moms1:05:31 Final takeaways and closing thoughts

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more empowering content. Share your biggest takeaway in the comments below.

#homeschooling #unschooling #consciousparenting #lifecoach #blackhomeschoolers