Homeschool Your Way BookShark

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!


ABOUT OUR GUEST | Trisha Kondratek is in her seventh year of homeschooling her four boys, ages 7 to 12. As a family they chose to begin their homeschool journey as their oldest was going into first grade; which opened the door to more family time, traveling, and learning at each child's pace. Prior to homeschooling, Trisha was heavily involved in photography and the arts community, and now enjoys introducing her boys to the arts and humanities. Reading, exploring, and learning along side her boys has become the biggest bonus of being a homeschool mom. The family is more often than not spotted at the hockey rink or lacrosse field for practices or games in the evenings and weekends. Trisha, and the Kondratek family as a whole, are thankful for the quality time homeschooling has afforded them, even during the busy sports seasons.


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.

EPISODE 173 | Ever had a question about BookShark? Now you can get those questions answered by our seasoned experts.  Whether you're curious about our homeschooling approach (why we do the way we do) or seeking insights into our range of educational products (why 4 days), our experienced professionals answer all those and more thoroughly and insightfully. Join Janna as she chats with her guest, Maddie Suter, BookShark’s School Liason, as they discuss all the questions they have received at conventions, through customer service and more.

QUOTABLES | 

Bookshark's School Liaison, Maddie Suter, joins host JannaCook to answer common questions about the company's name, warehouse, and customer service.(0:04)

Bookshark's literature-based learning approach. (1:58)

Literature-based learning and audiobooks. (10:38)

Language arts program components and age appropriateness. (15:45)

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 172 | Homeschooling in Alaska presents unique challenges due to its vastness, especially in remote areas where accessing resources and support can be difficult. Cherie, initially drawn to IDEA for its comprehensive offerings and personalized approach, eventually became a representative due to her belief in its mission. Cherie's passion for homeschooling and dedication to IDEA and others like her continue to provide support and guidance to families navigating homeschooling in Alaska's diverse landscape.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | Cherie Taylor is a wife of 18 years and a mama to an 11-year-old boy. She is in her 6th year of homeschooling. She started with IDEA as a homeschool parent & parent advisory committee member. She joined the PAC to be as involved as she could be in the arena of homeschooling – something that was new to her. In July of 2020, due to the pandemic, enrollment with IDEA was quickly escalating & Cherie was hired as a part-time field rep – mainly just answering inquiries such as “How does homeschooling work?” and “How does IDEA come alongside families to support homeschooling?” In October of 2020, Cherie was hired as the full-time field rep.

She enjoys reading, baking, playing games, spending time with friends & volunteering at her church.

She also has 2 other part time jobs so, she stays very busy but, enjoys it all!

As of early 2023, Cherie’s husband is now a full-time dad-schooler. It is a team effort but he is the primary homeschooler.

QUOTABLES|

Homeschooling in Alaska with a veteran homeschool mom. (0:00)

Homeschooling experiences and perspectives. (3:55)

Homeschooling in Alaska with a focus on community support. (7:35)

Homeschooling in Alaska with limited sunlight. (12:11)

Homeschooling program and community support. (17:15)

Parenting, homeschooling, and loss. (25:53)

Non-traditional family dynamics and homeschooling. (30:47)


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.