Homeschool Yo Kids

Jae Carter

Welcome to the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast, where we explore what it means to reimagine education and empower families to create learning experiences that work for them. Hosted by Jae Carter—former public-school teacher, homeschool mom, and founder of the nonprofit Homeschool Yo Kids Organization—this podcast features authentic conversations with homeschool families, educators, curriculum creators, educational advocates, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across the world.

  1. 1d ago

    Why Gifted Kids Struggle in School (And What Parents Can Do)

    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. 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

  2. 4d ago

    Why This Principal Left Public Schools to Build a Mobile Classroom

    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. Chapters0:00 Introduction to Janine Gomez and Dragonfly Dreams4:15 From Engineering to the Classroom: Janine's Journey9:10 Closing a Charter School to Chase a New Vision14:30 Inside the Mobile Dream Studio: How the Bus Works19:00 Co-Creating Learning Plans with Families24:15 Why Dreaming is a Form of Freedom28:30 The Impact of Traditional Schooling on Creativity33:15 Navigating the Politics of Education and Micro-Schools38:50 Homeschooling Without a Rigid Curriculum43:10 Future Vision: Expanding the Fleet of Dream Buses47:55 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

  3. Jul 16

    From Homeschool to CEO: How Rigor Prepared Me for Success

    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 Catherine, the founder of Intertidal Conservatory, to explore her journey from a K-12 homeschooler to a successful online music school owner. Catherine 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. Catherine 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, Catherine's insights on building confidence and finding joy in learning will inspire you to dive into your own passions. 🕒 Chapters 0:00 Intro and Catherine'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 Catherine 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

  4. Jul 9

    Starting College at 15: A Homeschooler’s Real Experience

    Are you looking to raise financially confident kids while navigating the unique world of homeschooling? Join Jay 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. 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

  5. Jul 5

    NYC Homeschooling: Raising Authentic Kids in Brooklyn

    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.Chapters0:00 Intro and meeting Marilyn the Chef3:15 The decision to homeschool and home birth7:40 Environmental justice and growing up in the Bronx12:10 The reality of hospital births vs home births16:35 Why the traditional school system is a disservice21:05 The health impact of teaching on educators25:40 Democratic education and student power30:15 Breaking the cycle of systemic oppression35:00 Questioning authority and raising free thinkers39:45 The challenges and triumphs of homeschooling44:20 Redefining resilience for Black children49:10 Lessons from a hostile environment to healing54:00 Self-care, nature walks, and the Rebel Walk59:05 Future goals and living off the grid1:03:15 Final advice for homeschooling parentsIf 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

  6. Jun 27

    From Actress to Comic Creator: A Homeschool Mom’s Journey

    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.Chapters0:00 Introduction to Toshi J3:15 From acting to comic creation7:45 The birth of Midnight Comics12:30 Parenting and finding your identity16:10 Homeschooling a child with special needs20:45 Why public school was not the right fit24:20 Building a homeschool community28:50 Teaching math through comic books33:15 Literacy benefits of graphic novels38:00 Challenging the classic literature model42:30 The stories behind Midnight Comics characters47:15 Melanin Minds: Representing black women in comics51:40 Self-care tips for busy homeschool parents55:20 D and D and roleplaying for reading comprehension59:00 Final thoughts and where to find ToshiMake 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

  7. Jun 23

    The Truth About Kindergarten: Why This Mom Chose Homeschool

    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

  8. Jun 21

    How to Help Struggling Readers Gain 1 Year of Literacy Fast

    Are you looking for a fun, stress-free way to help your child improve their reading skills? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast, we explore how the power of music and singing can transform literacy for struggling readers and build lasting confidence. Host Jae sits down with Carlo Franzblau, the developer of Tune Into Reading, and consultant Maya Fombelle to discuss a unique approach to education. What started as a software to help people carry a tune evolved into a research-backed literacy program that has helped thousands of students make dramatic gains. We discuss the science behind why singing works for the brain, how repetitive reading builds fluency, and the deep connection between reading struggles and student behavior. Maya shares her heartwarming experiences as a school counselor seeing kids move from shame to pride as they master new words. Carlo explains the structure of the program, which includes vocabulary building, pitch tracking, and comprehension quizzes. You will also learn about the extensive research from the University of South Florida that proves students can gain a full grade level in reading in just 12 weeks. If you have been searching for a way to make learning to read feel less like a chore and more like a celebration, this episode is for you. https://www.tuneintoreading.com/ Maya Fombelle is a consultant with Tune into Reading. She has spent her life working withat-risk children in a variety of capacities. She practiced law for 35 years, beginning as aProsecutor in Macon County, Illinois. She developed an interest in a Public Defender positionserving as Guardian Ad Litem for children who were removed from their homes due to abuseand neglect. During her tenure as a PD, she was also assigned as counsel for juveniledefendants and patients facing involuntary mental health commitment. When she and herhusband (Greg) started their family, she took a hiatus from practicing law until their childrenbegan kindergarten. When she returned to work, she and her husband started their own lawfirm. Maya focused on defending youthful offenders during her time at the firm. As a trialattorney for many years assisting children after they had been arrested, Maya decided that shewanted to change careers and be a part of improving the trajectory for at-risk students. Shereturned to graduate school, earning an MS with dual licensure in Clinical and SchoolCounseling. She began her school counseling career in a Catholic High School, where sheworked 4 years until a position opened in a Title I high needs school. Maya worked in a largepublic school district for 3 and a half years until retiring to Florida. During her time at a lowperforming school, (bottom 2% in ELA) Maya began researching ways to help students recovertheir grade level reading skills. She discovered Tune into Reading and the rest is history! Chapters0:00 Intro and meet the guests3:15 The 25 year journey of Tune Into Reading7:45 How singing helps with visual feedback and pitch11:20 The benefits of repetitive reading through music15:10 Breaking down the four parts of a song lesson19:35 Addressing student shame and behavior through literacy24:15 Improving reading confidence in elementary students28:50 Dealing with the national literacy crisis33:10 Research and peer reviewed results from USF37:45 Accessing the program through Step Up for Students42:20 The importance of self care for parents and teachers47:10 Final advice for parents of struggling readers50:30 Conclusion Visit the Tune Into Reading website to learn more about their 12 week guarantee and the 4 week trial program. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more resources to support your homeschooling journey and share this video with a fellow parent! #homeschooling #literacy #readingtips #educationalmusic #tuneintoreading

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast, where we explore what it means to reimagine education and empower families to create learning experiences that work for them. Hosted by Jae Carter—former public-school teacher, homeschool mom, and founder of the nonprofit Homeschool Yo Kids Organization—this podcast features authentic conversations with homeschool families, educators, curriculum creators, educational advocates, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across the world.