Homeschool Your Way BookShark

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)


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 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!


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.