EPISODE 183 | Understanding Learning Styles

Every child learns differently, and recognizing those differences can transform the way you homeschool. In this episode of Homeschool Your Way, Janna and Ximena dive into the world of learning styles—what they are, why they matter, and how they can shape your homeschooling approach. Whether your child thrives on hands-on activities, absorbs information best through reading, or needs to move while learning, understanding their unique preferences can make homeschooling more effective and enjoyable. Tune in as Janna and Ximena share insights, tips, and personal experiences to help you tailor your homeschool to fit the way your child learns best!

ABOUT OUR GUEST | Ximena is a homeschooling mother of two—one graduate and one currently in 10th grade. Her homeschooling journey began in 2014, filled with piles of readers and cherished moments cuddled up on the couch with a good read-aloud. Beyond academics, her family shares a love for travel, gourmet experiences, and cozy movie nights. They are avid fans of The Office and enjoy laughing together out loud. Passionate about supporting fellow homeschool parents, Ximena provides fun and practical tips alongside her best friend. More about her homeschooling journey can be found at www.chipsnsalsahomeschooling.com.

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

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EPISODE 182 | In this episode, Janna and her guest, Molly Nickles, dive into the power of SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—and how they apply them not only to personal growth but also to family and everyday life. Through candid conversations and real-life examples, they share how setting intentional goals has shaped their careers, strengthened their relationships, and helped them navigate life’s unexpected twists. With humor, insight, and plenty of relatable moments, this episode inspires listeners to take a structured yet flexible approach to goal-setting, making room for both ambition and life’s beautiful chaos.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | Molly Nickles is a working homeschooling mom of a high school Senior and sophomore. She’s been married for 19 years and lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is a Marketing and Sales Operations Director, which means her job revolves around making smart goals! When she isn’t working, she loves to read informational books and travel- her family has visited 49 states, with Hawaii being the last American frontier!  

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 181 | "Keep Your Kids SAFE" offers essential insights for parents navigating online safety and building trust with their children. Fareedah, an expert in the field, shares her personal journey and practical strategies to address parental concerns while fostering connection. The episode explores how gaming can positively impact education and careers, offers advice on rebuilding trust after negative experiences, and provides a clear framework for online safety through the SAFE Method. With tailored, age-appropriate safety measures and the importance of real-world lessons, this episode equips parents with the tools to guide their kids in the digital world effectively.

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ABOUT OUR GUEST | Fareedah Shaheed is an award-winning Internet Safety Expert, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and founder of Sekuva and the Protect Kids Online (PKO) Membership. With expertise in cybersecurity, threat intelligence, and online gaming, she created the SAFE Method, a unique approach to child internet safety focused on building safe spaces and meaningful connections. Featured by outlets like CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and Fortune Magazine, Fareedah has worked with major organizations, including Meta, NASA, and LinkedIn, to promote online safety. She also serves on the Forbes Under 30 board and is a LinkedIn Top Voice in Cybersecurity.

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

EPISODE 180 | Explore strategies for balancing homeschooling with a full-time job. The discussion emphasizes the importance of flexibility, using support systems like co-ops, and simplifying the curriculum to manage time effectively. One approach shared includes utilizing online resources such as math tutoring and adopting a four-day week focused on core subjects to create a more streamlined schedule.

The episode also highlights the benefits of prioritizing reading and encourages families not to overestimate the time needed for homeschooling. By experimenting with different methods and seeking help when necessary, families can find a routine that works best for them while juggling both homeschooling and full-time work.

LISTENER COUPON CODE

★Request your coupon code to use on any purchase at bookshark.com.

ABOUT OUR GUEST |

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 179 | 

Well, that’s a wrap to Season 4 of the podcast Homeschool Your Way!  It seems crazy that we have done 179 Episodes including this one in four seasons.  We hope that the subjects and people appearing on our podcast have benefited you in some small way. Homeschooling is such a personal path for every family and as always we hope that we have helped you feel more comfortable about your family’s journey. Join Janna as she reflects on the past season and provides some pearls of wisdom from her journey and previous episodes. 

QUOTABLES |

Standardized testing and homeschool evaluation methods, with a focus on progress and growth. (0:00)

Homeschooling mistakes and growth, including unsuccessful methods and neglecting children's needs. (4:13)

Homeschooling motivation, why, and personalized learning. (9:18)

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 178 | Parents finding joy in writing for their children is a meaningful way to connect and nurture creativity. This act strengthens the parent-child bond, fosters creativity, encourages personal growth, and enhances cognitive skills. It also contributes to literacy development in children, fostering a love for storytelling and literature. Additionally, writing for children allows parents to share their values, life experiences, and wisdom in a tangible and memorable way. It provides an avenue for parents to explore imaginative worlds, create characters, and impart important lessons through engaging narratives. Ultimately, writing for children creates lasting memories and enriches both parents' and children's lives with shared experiences and imaginative adventures. Join Janna and her guest, Greg Baran, as they talk about writing and how to make it an enjoyable experience for your student.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | Greg Baran feels blessed every day because his wonderful wife Heather and his amazing son Nate are in his life. With a background in teaching college and secondary English studies, he noticed early on that many students struggled with writing. Drawing from his expertise in English Composition, he recognized that this challenge was solvable, and it became his mission to ensure that every student who passed through his classroom could write with clarity and effectiveness. This commitment led to the development of The Baran Method, which remains a driving force in his efforts to empower every child to become a proficient writer.

QUOTABLES | 

Teaching children how to write with a focus on confidence and effective methods. (0:00)

Teaching academic writing to students, focusing on a framework for organization. (4:03)

How to encourage kids to write without crushing their creativity. (9:20)

Importance of reading out loud to improve writing skills. (14:51)

Using AI in writing and its impact on children's learning. (19:49)

Importance of writing and communication skills for future jobs. (25:09)

Importance of articulating ideas in writing and education. (29:03)

Teaching children to write well through dictation and contextual grammar instruction. (33:41)

Teaching children to write using the "Baran Method" by Greg. (39:15)

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 177 | Ever wondered about dyslexia? Have you heard of the Barton method? Dyslexia affects many, but homeschooling offers tailored options. Discovering strengths in dyslexic learners is crucial, with assessments guiding multi-sensory learning approaches. Online and in-person tutoring supports children with learning difficulties, benefiting from passionate advocates in homeschooling settings. Listen in as Janna and her guest, Angela D’Antonio discuss dyslexia, the Barton method and so much more.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | ABOUT OUR GUEST| Angela D’Antonio has been homeschooling her two daughters for over a decade, beginning with preschool and continuing through high school.  From 2019 to 2023, she worked in sales and customer service for a homeschool curriculum company. She now brings her expertise as a sales and marketing consultant for educational supply companies and schools. In addition, Angela serves as a Barton academic tutor and offers personalized services, both in-person and online, to support homeschooling families.  Her true passion lies in assisting families in discovering the perfect curriculum for their children and ensuring that their homeschoolers are well-prepared for college.

QUOTABLES | 

Dyslexia, homeschooling, and the Barton method with a passionate advocate. (0:04)

Dyslexia prevalence, diagnosis, and homeschooling options. (6:08)

Dyslexia, strengths, and homeschooling. (12:29)

Online and in-person tutoring for children with learning difficulties. (18:48)

Dyslexia, learning difficulties, and homeschooling. (24:11)

Dyslexia and homeschooling with a focus on assessments and multi-sensory learning. (28:57)

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 176| Why is hearing about other peoples’ homeschool stories important?  Because it can energize us and give us wonderful ideas on how to make our lives easier. It also gives us perspective on our lives on just how well we are doing and tips to make it easier. Join Janna and her guest, Tricia on making homeschooling work with four energetic boys and the magic of using stories to teach, especially with BookSharks. We'll also dive into how we balance homeschooling and sports, share handy organizational tips like binder calendars and color coding, and discuss teaching life skills alongside academics. Learn mental math tricks to smooth out those busy homeschooling and sports schedules. Tune in for a dose of homeschooling inspiration!

QUOTABLES | Homeschooling with four boys, using BookSharks literature-based learning. (0:04)

Using literature to teach children, with a focus on BookShark curriculum. (8:32)

Homeschooling and sports involvement. (12:01)

Homeschooling and organization tips, including using a binder calendar and color-coding. (17:17)

Homeschooling and organization tips for busy parents. (21:23)

Homeschooling and life skills for children. (28:11)

Managing busy homeschool and sports schedule with mental math tricks. (32:38)

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 175| Discover the transformative power of implementing outdoor education in homeschooling. Delve into the profound benefits of homeschooling for families, exploring how it nurtures personalized learning experiences. Our guest, a former teacher with a PhD in education policy, sheds light on the crucial role of outdoor education in homeschooling, emphasizing its ability to foster connections with nature and community. From discussing a new curriculum box tailored for outdoor education to sharing insights on effective teaching methods and hands-on learning using real-world problems, this episode equips homeschooling parents with invaluable tools to enrich their children's education. Tune in to learn how to teach science, and outdoor skills, and connect deeply with nature, creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for homeschoolers.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | Rob Vagi is a homeschooling dad with almost 20 years of education experience including classroom teaching and education research. He also runs Wilder Outdoor Academy which provides outdoor education experiences that equip and inspire families to have great outdoor adventures. You can learn more by tuning into the Wilder Outdoors Podcast  (available on all major podcast providers) or by visiting www.wilderoutdooracademy.com.

QUOTABLES | 

Implementing outdoor education in homeschooling with a former teacher and PhD in education policy. (0:04)

Homeschooling and its benefits for families. (2:46)

Outdoor education and homeschooling with a focus on connecting with nature and community. (8:17)

Outdoor education for homeschoolers, including a new curriculum box. (14:34)

Outdoor activities with kids, emphasizing the importance of clear goals and fun experiences. (19:25)

Outdoor learning and teaching methods for homeschool parents. (22:43)

Using nature and real-world problems for hands-on learning. (27:42)

Teaching science and outdoor skills to homeschoolers. (33:10)

Outdoor education and connecting with nature. (39:12)

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 174 | In the dynamic world of homeschooling, BookShark stands out for its meticulous book selection criteria that cater to diverse learning needs. From crafting relatable characters in children's books to leveraging literature as a gateway to understanding history and culture, BookShark's approach intertwines educational strategies with emotional connections to enrich the homeschooling experience. By prioritizing character development and cultural relevance in their curated book lists, BookShark empowers homeschoolers with a well-rounded program that educates and fosters a deeper appreciation for literature and the world around us. Learn the how and why BookShark chooses books in Part 2 of BookShark Insider with Janna and Maddie.

QUOTABLES |

Book selection criteria for BookShark’s homeschooling program. (0:04)

Creating relatable and well-developed characters in children's books. (2:17)

The importance of literature in understanding history and culture. (7:02)

Literature and homeschooling strategies. (11:48)

The importance of emotional connections in reading. (16:58)

Choosing books for homeschooling based on character development and cultural relevance. (25:15)

BookShark homeschooling program and its benefits. (29:08)

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.