Raising A to Z Homeschool Podcast

Amanda Ostrander
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

An inspirational and informational podcast all about homeschooling. Each week, Amanda, a certified teacher turned homeschool mom will answer questions, cover topics and share ideas on how to homeschool your kids and love it!

Episodes

  1. Raising A to Z | What We Do For Homeschooling In The Summer

    4d ago

    Raising A to Z | What We Do For Homeschooling In The Summer

    Summer is finally here! ☀️ One of the questions homeschoolers get asked all the time is: "Do you take the summer off?"  In today's video, I'm sharing what summer homeschooling looks like for our family, along with our plans for travel, reading, activities, and a little bit of learning. While we do continue some school through the summer, it's much lighter than our regular school year. Our goal is simply to keep moving forward with math, language arts, and reading while leaving plenty of room for fun, friends, and family adventures. Intro Summer Homeschooling routine Summer Plans Summer Camp My summer goals Outro Summer has become one of my favourite homeschool seasons because it gives us the flexibility to slow down, enjoy experiences together, and focus on the things we love most. 💬 Do you homeschool through the summer or take a complete break? Let me know in the comments! Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #summerplans  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    10 min
  2. Raising A to Z | Our Homeschool Year in Review + The Best Books We Read This Year

    Jun 10

    Raising A to Z | Our Homeschool Year in Review + The Best Books We Read This Year

    Our homeschool year is almost finished, so it's time to look back on everything we learned, loved, and would do differently! In this video I'm sharing an honest review of our 2025-2026 homeschool year, including our favourite unit studies, biggest challenges, and the books that stood out the most for our family. Intro September + Kingdoms and Classifications Unit October + Canadian History Unit November  December + History of Christmas January + Ancient Greece February + Canadian Geography March April + Mammals May June Outro Every homeschool year teaches us something new, and this one was no exception. From amazing books and memorable unit studies to lessons learned about planning, pacing, and surviving a long Canadian winter, I'm sharing it all. 💬 I'd love to hear from you! What was your family's favorite book or unit study this year?  🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling. ➡️ https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/ Very Very Far North: https://amzn.to/4ojlF63  Wilderlore: https://amzn.to/3RRBQeG  Heartwood Hotel 2: https://amzn.to/3RNKsTI  Lion, Witch and Wardrobe: https://amzn.to/4x09n6u  Percy Jackson:  https://amzn.to/49Gp5tC  Spies on Parliament Hill: https://amzn.to/4vsFkmr  One and Only Ivan: https://amzn.to/4v1jBCf  Harry Potter 4,5,6: https://amzn.to/4g1a9dm  Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #homeschoolwrapup #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    21 min
  3. Raising A to Z | 9 Things I Do Before Summer To Prepare For Our Next Homeschool Year

    Jun 3

    Raising A to Z | 9 Things I Do Before Summer To Prepare For Our Next Homeschool Year

    The homeschool year is wrapping up, summer break is around the corner, and I'm sharing exactly what I do to close out one homeschool year and prepare for the next. Last year, I left everything until August and spent all of September feeling behind. This year, I’m re-implementing my simple end-of-year routine that helps me head into summer feeling organized and ready for the new school year.  Here are the 9 things I do now to enjoy the summer and start the next school year on the right foot. Intro Make a Plan Shop for Curriculum Gather Books Inventory  Register for Activities Print Stuff Upload Manuals Planner Organized Shop for Supplies Outro These simple tasks make back-to-school season so much less stressful and help us enjoy our summer without worrying about homeschool prep hanging over our heads. What do you do at the end of your homeschool year? Let me know in the comments! The planner shown in this video is available here:  Colour PDF: https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/copy-of-homeschool-planner-academic-calendar-2 Black and White PDF: https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/homeschool-planner-academic-calendar-black-white  Whether you’re a detailed planner or more relaxed homeschooler, this process helps me stay organized while still leaving room for flexibility throughout the year. Let me know in the comments — are you already planning next year yet, or are you still recovering from this year first? 😂 Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #planning #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    18 min
  4. Raising A to Z | Planning Our ENTIRE Homeschool Year | Long-Term Homeschool Planning 2026-2027

    May 27

    Raising A to Z | Planning Our ENTIRE Homeschool Year | Long-Term Homeschool Planning 2026-2027

    It’s time to plan our next homeschool year! In today’s video, I’m walking through my full long-term homeschool planning process — from reflecting on this past year to mapping out topics, routines, and weekly plans for next year. Intro What worked well this year What didn’t work (and what we’re changing) Long-term homeschool goals & plans How I organize unit studies and topics throughout the year My week-to-week planning process How I avoid overplanning A full look through my homeschool planner PDF Outro If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed trying to plan your homeschool year, hopefully this gives you some practical ideas and encouragement to create a plan that actually works for YOUR family. The planner shown in this video is available here:  Colour PDF: https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/copy-of-homeschool-planner-academic-calendar-2 Black and White PDF: https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/homeschool-planner-academic-calendar-black-white  Whether you’re a detailed planner or more relaxed homeschooler, this process helps me stay organized while still leaving room for flexibility throughout the year. Let me know in the comments — are you already planning next year yet, or are you still recovering from this year first? 😂 Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #planwithme  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    32 min
  5. Raising A to Z | Our BIG Homeschool Plans For Next Year | Unit Studies, Novels & Writing 2026-2027

    May 20

    Raising A to Z | Our BIG Homeschool Plans For Next Year | Unit Studies, Novels & Writing 2026-2027

    What are we studying this homeschool year? Today I’m sharing all of our homeschool unit studies, novel studies, and writing projects for the upcoming year! We use unit studies for most of our science, history, geography, and social studies, and this year’s lineup might be one of our favourites yet. I’m also sharing what novel studies we will be doing this year, as well as our new focus for the year: writing! Intro Unit studies Novel studies Writing Projects Outro Forensic Science - https://campfirecurriculums.com/product/forensics/  Titanic - https://campfirecurriculums.com/product/titanic_stepsof/  History 3 - Coming soon to True North History History of Holidays - https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/history-of-holidays  7 continents - https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/family-unit-study-the-seven-continents?_pos=2&_psq=con&_ss=e&_v=1.0  Paleontology - https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/collections/paleontology  Amphibians, reptiles and fish - https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/collections/reptiles-amphibians-and-fish  Energy - https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/collections/wonders-of-energy  Novels Redwall - https://amzn.to/4flJYhe  Impossible creatures  - https://amzn.to/4dMTpVD  The borrowers - https://amzn.to/4wEssuY  Artemis Fowl - https://amzn.to/4uQzQkW  Bad beginnings - https://amzn.to/3RKTAYZ  Harriet the Spy - https://amzn.to/4wyeydF  Thirst - https://amzn.to/4ubQ3kR  I Survived…the Titanic - https://amzn.to/4dSk4zx   🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling. Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #curriculum #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    24 min
  6. Raising A to Z | Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2026 / 2027 (Grade 6) | Next School Year's Curriculum

    May 13

    Raising A to Z | Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2026 / 2027 (Grade 6) | Next School Year's Curriculum

    I'm sharing our full Grade 6 homeschool curriculum picks for the upcoming school year! 📚 In this video, I’ll walk you through exactly what we’re using across all subjects—language arts, math, science, history, and more—and why these choices are working so well for our homeschool right now.  Intro Language Arts Math Science/History/Social Studies French Music and Art Outro Spectrum Reading: ​​https://amzn.to/4dztrou  Spectrum Languages Arts: https://amzn.to/4fjgm3U  Math Lessons for a Living Education: https://learninghouse.ca/product/math-lessons-for-a-living-education-level-6-st-rev-ed/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22257296836&gbraid=0AAAAADpEWQIOmFPK8II2j8IdHg4sitCwB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2YDQBhD_ARIsAE1qeSdho6HlSRLorZv6OC5Lnha8Ua9WEfFD85ro5NEDXDD0D8R6jeNtFEEaArjiEALw_wcB Music Appreciation: https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/products/music-appreciation-1  Canadian Art:https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/canadian-art-artists   🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling. Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #curriculum  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    18 min
  7. Raising A to Z | Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2026 / 2027 (Grade 4) | Next School Year's Curriculum

    May 6

    Raising A to Z | Homeschool Curriculum Choices 2026 / 2027 (Grade 4) | Next School Year's Curriculum

    I'm sharing our full Grade 4 homeschool curriculum picks for the upcoming school year! 📚 In this video, I’ll walk you through exactly what we’re using across all subjects—language arts, math, science, history, and more—and why these choices are working so well for our homeschool right now. I always aim to keep things simple, flexible, and effective, and this year’s plan really reflects that. Intro Preface Language Arts Math Science/History/Social Studies French Music and Art Outro Spectrum Reading: https://amzn.to/4unlKaE  Spectrum Languages Arts: https://amzn.to/42e3iFA  Math Lessons for a Living Education: https://learninghouse.ca/product/level-4-math-lessons-for-a-living-education-bundle/  Music Appreciation: https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/products/music-appreciation-1  Canadian Art: https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/canadian-art-artists  🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling. Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #curriculum  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    17 min
  8. Untitled Episode

    Apr 29

    Untitled Episode

    If you’ve been stressing about homeschooling high school in Canada…this is the video you need.  I’ve been getting so many questions from parents (whether your child is heading into high school soon or you’re just starting out) and most of them come down to this: “What are we actually supposed to DO for high school?” The truth? There isn’t just one path—and you have way more options than you think. In this video, I’m breaking down what homeschooling high school really looks like in Ontario (and across much of Canada). The biggest takeaway?   Your child’s path after high school should shape what you do during high school—not the other way around. I’ll also share practical tips on how to research requirements, plan ahead, and build a high school experience that actually fits your teen and their goals. Intro Going to High School after homeschooling 8th grade What do I need to do to prepare my kid if they are going to high school? Do you need an 8th-grade diploma? Can you Homeschool High School? The Options Doing high school entirely at home (and issuing your own diploma) Going for an OSSD (and what’s actually required), Using accredited online schools or distance learning (like TVO ILC) Adult education & Canadian GED alternatives Hybrid approaches (part homeschool, part school) Trade programs and co-op opportunities Get a diploma from somewhere else Entering university as a mature student Take University courses, then transfer Planning ahead means planning backwards Homeschooling grades 11 and 12 only Outro ➡️ Ontario Curriculum Checklist (The Canadian Homeschooler):  https://thecanadianhomeschooler.com/ontario-elementary-level-curriculum-checklists/ If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about homeschooling high school, this will help you see the big picture and move forward with confidence.  🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling. Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #highschool #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    29 min
  9. Raising A to Z | The Dos and Don'ts of Homeschooling on a Budget

    Apr 22

    Raising A to Z | The Dos and Don'ts of Homeschooling on a Budget

    Homeschooling doesn’t have to break the bank—and in this video, I’m sharing the practical, tried-and-true ways we’ve kept our homeschool affordable (without sacrificing quality) and on budget. These are the strategies that have saved us the most money over the years! We'll go over the things you should focus (DOs) on and a few common mistakes to avoid (DON'Ts)! Intro DO Start Simple DON'T buy more levels than you need DO Use your library DON'T forget about Interlibrary Loans DO buy used DON'T print everything DO teach multiple Kids Together DON'T worry about the different ages DO Join a homeschool community DON'T Be afraid to Build the Community you need DO Keep extracurricular activities affordable DON'T Limit Yourself to After-school activities DO Shop a Sale DON'T Buy Things just because they are on Sale Outro Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #budget #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    32 min
  10. Raising A to Z | Homeschool Budget Breakdown

    Apr 15

    Raising A to Z | Homeschool Budget Breakdown

    Ever wonder how much a normal, everyday family spends to homeschool their kids? Well, come and watch me break down exactly how much we spent homeschooling our 2 kids over the past 12 months! From curriculum to memberships, from co-op fees to activities, here’s a realistic view of what homeschooling costs today. Intro Curriculum Quote Context (Side Note) Co-op fees Activities Camps Extra-curriculars Memberships Totals & Outro 💬 How much are you spending on homeschooling? Got any tips for keeping the costs low? Drop them below!  🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling. Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #budget #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    16 min
  11. Raising A to Z | Ask Me Anything! | A homeschool Q&A | Part 2

    Apr 8

    Raising A to Z | Ask Me Anything! | A homeschool Q&A | Part 2

    I'm back with Homeschool Q&A Part 2! I had so many amazing questions submitted that there was no way to fit them all into one video—so I’m back, pulling more from the bowl and answering them on the spot! This is a real, unscripted Ask Me Anything homeschool Q&A, where we dive into everything from curriculum and routines to struggles, surprises, and honest behind-the-scenes moments. Intro What was your process of deschooling yourself as a former teacher to prepare for homeschooling? How do you schedule life and do the fun things while also getting through what you need to get done (and stay chill)? What do you do to fill your own cup, and how often do you need your cup filled? How do you plan the flow of your year? What documentation do you feel is necessary for homeschooling? Outro Whether you’re just starting homeschooling or have been doing it for years, these Q&A videos are a great way to learn, relate, and feel encouraged in your journey. 💬 Keep your questions coming for future Q&As—I love hearing from you!  🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling. Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #HomeschoolQ&A #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    24 min
  12. Raising A to Z | Ask Me Anything! | A Homeschool Q&A | Part 1

    Apr 1

    Raising A to Z | Ask Me Anything! | A Homeschool Q&A | Part 1

    It’s time for a Homeschool Q&A! I asked you to send in your questions, and today I’m answering them randomly by pulling them out of a bowl—so anything could come up! From homeschooling routines and curriculum choices to real-life struggles and behind-the-scenes moments, nothing is off limits. If you’re curious about homeschooling, looking for honest answers, or just want to hang out and chat, this video is for you. Intro How do you know if your kids aren't getting enough socialization? How do you know when it's time to switch around your homeschool schedule and routine? Can you still homeschool if your child is non-verbal or has a speech delay? How long will you homeschool for? Can children be homeschooled through high school?  As a former teacher, what are your thoughts on peer-reviewing curriculum? What made you decide to homeschool? Outro Whether you’re a new homeschooler, considering homeschooling, or deep in the journey already, I hope this gives you helpful insight and encouragement. 💬 Drop your question in the comments for the next Q&A!  🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling. Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join #HomeschoolQ&A #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

    20 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

An inspirational and informational podcast all about homeschooling. Each week, Amanda, a certified teacher turned homeschool mom will answer questions, cover topics and share ideas on how to homeschool your kids and love it!

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Ostrander
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Raising A to Z Homeschool Podcast
  • Show Website
    Raising A to Z Homeschool Podcast

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