The Homeschool How To

• #138: Mama Bears vs. Overreaching Legislation

  In this critical episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, host Cheryl interviews Mariama, a homeschooling mother from New Jersey who's been tracking dangerous legislation threatening homeschool freedom. With homeschooling rates skyrocketing from less than 1% to 3.7% post-pandemic in New Jersey, lawmakers are pushing unprecedented restrictions that could spread nationwide.What You'll Learn:The Four Bills Threatening New Jersey Homeschoolers:Assembly Bill 5825 & Senate Bill 1796: Mandatory curriculum alignment with state standardsAssembly Bill 5796 & Senate Bill 4589: Required annual "health and wellness checks" with school district representativesConstitutional Concerns:First Amendment religious freedom violationsFourth Amendment search and seizure issues14th Amendment equal protection and parental rights infringementThe Real Story Behind Homeschool Success:African American and Latino homeschooled children outperform public school peers by 20-25 points on standardized testsNew Jersey public schools: Only 52% pass ELA, 39% pass math, 24% pass scienceWhy homeschool families are achieving superior educational outcomesFrom COVID Awakening to Homeschool Advocacy: Mariama shares her journey from concerned parent during the pandemic to homeschool advocate, discussing vaccine mandates, gender ideology in schools, and the importance of biblical worldview education.Key Topics Covered:Homeschool laws by state and how to track legislationHSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) resourcesResponding to "sheltering" and "privilege" criticismsThe historical context of compulsory educationBuilding community and authentic cultural education at homeWhy school "confidential curriculum" policies are red flagsCritical Action Items:Follow HSLDA updates on pending legislationShare your homeschool story on social mediaMonitor your state's legislative calendarConnect with local homeschool advocacy groupsFeatured Guest: Mariama (@GodlyMothersChosenLittles) - New Jersey homeschool advocate and mother of twoBlog: https://www.godlymotherschosenlittles.com/Mariama's YouTubeResources Mentioned:Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA.org)New Jersey homeschool law informationConstitutional amendments and parental rightsCheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast. 👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!Help Support the showInstagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

  --------  

  53:38

  --------

  53:38
• #137: From 'Homeschooled' Movie to Real Life: This Is Kristi's Story

  What happens when you throw out rigid timelines and arbitrary benchmarks, allowing children to learn at their own pace in ways that honor their unique personalities? Kristi's 11-year homeschooling journey with her three daughters reveals the transformative power of personalized education.When her introverted third-grader with learning difficulties asked to homeschool, Kristi—despite having no prior knowledge of homeschooling—took the leap. Within two years, she brought all three daughters home, discovering that the full benefits came when the entire family shared the same educational approach. This shift opened extraordinary possibilities: four-day school weeks, regular RV camping trips, skiing adventures that started on Thursdays, and meaningful participation in the family's citrus farm.Most remarkably, Kristi's approach to her oldest daughter's learning challenges demonstrates the power of patience and personalization. Working "one to two years behind typical grade level for a very long time" and even repeating ninth grade at the student's request, this daughter eventually caught up naturally. By age 15-16, professional assessments showed she qualified for no learning disorders whatsoever. Today, she attends Concordia University with a substantial academic scholarship.Interest-led learning transformed their homeschool experience. When a child loved horses, they studied equine science for a year. When another was fascinated by birds, they created habitats around their home that now attract unique species their neighbors don't have. Their youngest daughter's inexplicable passion for the Beatles as a preschooler evolved into studying 60s history in ninth grade. As Kristi explains, "I think you get some passionate, extraordinary individuals by really customizing and letting them be interest-led in everything they do."Considering homeschooling? Kristi's advice is refreshingly simple: "Homeschool should and can look different in every single household." You can always return to conventional schooling if needed—they'll take you back.Kristi's Instagram'Homeschooled' the movie: WHERE TO WATCH: https://homeschooledthemovie.com/where-to-watchCurriculum discussed: Teaching Textbooks, Moving Beyond the Page, Apologia, IEW, Amal Unbound, Rutus Apetis, Alan Gratz, Under the Painted SkyCheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast. 👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease: Let's Talk, Emergencies! Support the showInstagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

  --------  

  47:50

  --------

  47:50
• #136: “I Loved Teaching, But Schools Are Failing Our Kids": Toni’s Homeschool Journey

  What happens when a seasoned teacher with 20 years in the classroom decides traditional education isn’t right for her own children? In this inspiring episode, Toni, mother of five shares her journey from dedicated educator to passionate homeschool advocate.Toni noticed troubling patterns in conventional schooling that she “couldn’t unsee,” realizing that schools often fail to prepare children for the real world while neglecting natural learning rhythms—especially for active learners who struggle to sit still. She shares her philosophy: “Academics should serve kids, not suffocate them,” and explains how homeschooling can preserve curiosity, foster creativity, and develop critical thinking skills.Learn practical homeschooling strategies, including Toni’s “Socratic snack” discussions, balanced reading routines, and real-world projects that connect learning to life. Toni’s Roots and Wings method empowers children to build strong foundations while gaining the confidence to explore, create, and contribute meaningfully to the world.Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, considering a switch, or exploring ways to enhance your child’s education, this episode provides actionable insights, encouragement, and inspiration to raise independent, creative thinkers.Toni Samuelu is the founder of Simple Joyful Learning and the creator of the Roots & Wings framework, designed to help families spark wonder, build character, and raise creators—not consumers. A former teacher and single mom of five, Toni combines over 20 years of experience in education with the everyday reality of motherhood. Her mission is to give moms simple, meaningful tools to connect with their children, create fun memories, and raise kind, capable, creative kids—without overwhelm.Check out Toni's Page: Simple Joyful Learningand Toni's InstagramCheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast. 👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!This could mean life or death in some cases!Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease: Let's Talk, Emergencies! Support the showInstagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

  --------  

  52:11

  --------

  52:11
• #135: Unschooling Success: How One Mom Built a Profitable Business While Homeschooling 4 Kids | Real Family Routines & Screen Time Rules

  Join host Cheryl as she interviews Raven Kramer, a homeschool mom of four and successful online marketing entrepreneur, who shares her unschooling journey and family-first lifestyle. Living in a 1,000-square-foot house in Florida with no debt except their mortgage, Raven and her husband have built a life centered around their children's education and their family business.In This Episode, You'll Learn:What unschooling really looks like: Daily routines that balance core subjects with passion-led learningHow to work from home with kids: Raven's strategies for building a marketing business while homeschoolingScreen time boundaries that work: Why her kids get only 30-60 minutes of TV daily and no phones until they have jobsReal family rhythms: 5+ hours outside daily, morning and afternoon outings, and structured quiet timeSocial media and kids: Her approach to family content creation and setting boundaries with neighbor kids who have phonesPreparing kids for an uncertain future: Why she focuses on reading, writing, math fundamentals over rigid curriculumCollege alternatives: Teaching kids about trades, entrepreneurship, and real-world skillsKey Takeaways:One-third of kids learn to read easily, one-third need more help, one-third need lots of help - and that's all normalLiving below your means enables one-parent income and homeschool freedomKids don't need constant entertainment - they need freedom to be kids and playReading aloud to children and emotional regulation modeling are the most important "subjects"Progress over time matters more than grade-level expectationsPerfect for: Parents considering homeschooling, current homeschoolers looking for encouragement, families interested in unschooling approaches, and anyone wanting to balance entrepreneurship with family-centered living.Resources Mentioned:Tuttle Twins books and curriculum"Good Pictures, Bad Pictures" book for internet safetyRaven's Guide to Homeschooling e-courseReading Horizons curriculumRaven's E-Couse: Guide to Homeschooling E CourseAnd check out: Raven's InstagramCheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast. 👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!This could mean life or death in some cases!Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease: Let's Talk, Emergencies! Support the showInstagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

  --------  

  52:16

  --------

  52:16
• #134: Unschooling in Australia: A Radical Approach to Child-Led Learning

  Join host Cheryl as she explores the fascinating world of unschooling with Debbie, an Australian homeschooling mom who's raising three children (ages 4, 11, and 13) using radical unschooling principles. This eye-opening conversation reveals how questioning medical authority led to questioning educational systems, and why some families are choosing to let their children learn naturally through play and exploration.What You'll Discover:🎓 Unschooling Fundamentals:What unschooling really looks like in daily practiceWhy boys may naturally learn to read later than girls (ages 6-9 vs 5-7)How children thrive when they learn at their own developmental pace🇦🇺 Homeschooling in Australia:Legal requirements and reporting processes for Australian homeschoolersHow 11,000 registered families (potentially 30,000+ total) are homeschooling in Queensland aloneRecent legislative challenges and victories for homeschool freedom🌱 Child-Led Learning Benefits:Real examples of kids developing business skills through 3D printing venturesHow unschooled children learn critical thinking and problem-solving naturallyThe importance of protecting childhood while preparing for adulthood📱 Technology & Screens:Balanced approaches to screen time in unschooling familiesTeaching digital safety and online awareness to young childrenWhy radical unschoolers don't impose traditional screen time limits🏥 From Medical to Educational Freedom:How questioning unnecessary medical interventions led to educational awakeningParallels between hospital protocols and school systemsThe importance of individualized approaches vs. one-size-fits-all solutionsPerfect For:Parents considering homeschooling or unschoolingFamilies seeking alternatives to traditional educationThose interested in child development and natural learningHomeschoolers looking for community and support ideasFeatured Topics: Unschooling, radical unschooling, homeschooling Australia, child-led learning, natural reading development, homeschool reporting requirements, screen time balance, educational freedom, alternative education, deschooling journeyGuest: Debbie from The Village Hub, Queensland, Australia - Unschooling coach and homeschool community creatorCheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast. 👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!This could mean life or death in some cases!Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease: Let's Talk, Emergencies! Support the showInstagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

  --------  

  51:20

  --------

  51:20

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About The Homeschool How To