Homeschool Ways with Adriana Zoder

Adriana Zoder
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Let us discover ways to homeschool and thrive as we educate our children at home. Join me, Adriana Zoder, as I interview homeschool moms, co-op leaders, curriculum providers, authors, and content creators in the homeschooling space. Or as I tackle important topics on my own.

  1. 1d ago

    IEW vs Brave Writer | Which Homeschool Writing Curriculum Is Better?

    Teaching writing at home can feel intimidating—but choosing the right curriculum can make all the difference. In this episode of Homeschool Ways, we're comparing Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and Brave Writer, two of the most respected homeschool writing programs available today. While both help students become better writers, they represent two very different educational philosophies. IEW emphasizes explicit structure, modeling, and step-by-step instruction, while Brave Writer focuses on developing a child's voice, creativity, and love of writing through a literature-rich approach. In this episode we'll discuss: • Educational philosophy• Structured writing vs. creative writing• Parent involvement• Daily lessons and workload• Teaching methods• Student personalities that fit each program• Long-term writing development• Cost considerations• Which families are likely to thrive with each curriculum By the end of this episode, you'll have a much clearer idea of which writing curriculum best matches your homeschool style and your child's learning needs. 📚 Need help choosing curriculum? Get my Homeschool Curriculum Decision Guide here: https://homeschoolways.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide 🌐 Blog https://homeschoolways.com 🎥 YouTube https://youtube.com/@homeschoolways 📖 My Homeschool Books https://www.amazon.com/author/adrianazoder 📱 Facebook https://facebook.com/homeschoolways 📌 Pinterest https://pinterest.com/homeschoolways 📚 Need help choosing curriculum? Get my Homeschool Curriculum Decision Guide here: https://homeschoolways.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide Thank you for listening to Homeschool Ways. Every episode is designed to encourage, equip, and inspire homeschool families with practical advice, honest curriculum reviews, and real-life homeschooling experience.

  2. Jul 20

    The Good and the Beautiful vs Abeka: Honest Homeschool Curriculum Comparison

    Choosing an entire homeschool curriculum can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Homeschool Ways, we're comparing The Good and the Beautiful and Abeka, two of the most popular homeschool programs available today. Although both are Christian curricula, they approach education very differently. In this episode we'll discuss: • Educational philosophy• Teaching style• Parent involvement• Reading and language arts• Math approach• Science and history• Biblical worldview• Cost considerations• Which families thrive with each curriculum By the end, you'll have a much clearer idea of which curriculum best matches your homeschool goals. Still second-guessing every curriculum purchase? I created a short guide that walks you through my curriculum decision process so you can stop wondering if you're making the "wrong" choice. It's just $7 and has helped me simplify curriculum shopping. ➜ Get it here: https://adriana-zoder.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide 🌐 Blog:https://homeschoolways.com 🎥 YouTube:https://youtube.com/@homeschoolways 📖 My Homeschool Books:https://www.amazon.com/author/adrianazoder 📱 Facebook:https://facebook.com/homeschoolways 📌 Pinterest:https://pinterest.com/homeschoolways 📚 Need help choosing curriculum? Get my Homeschool Curriculum Decision Guide here:https://homeschoolways.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide Thank you for listening to Homeschool Ways. New homeschool encouragement, curriculum reviews, and practical advice are released regularly to help you homeschool with confidence.

  3. Jul 14

    Mystery of History vs Story of the World | Which Homeschool History Curriculum Is Better?

    If you're trying to choose between Mystery of History and Story of the World, this episode walks you through the strengths, weaknesses, and differences between these two popular homeschool history curricula. I'll compare: Teaching styleWorldview and approachEase of useAge rangePrep timeWho each curriculum is best suited forWhether you're homeschooling for the first time or looking to switch history programs, this comparison will help you decide which curriculum is the better fit for your family. If you've been following my homeschool curriculum comparison series, this is the latest episode!

  4. Jun 15

    Singapore Math vs Saxon Math: The Biggest Differences Explained

    Trying to decide between Singapore Math and Saxon Math for your homeschool? In this episode, we compare two of the most popular homeschool math curricula and explain the key differences between their teaching approaches. Singapore Math focuses on conceptual understanding, visual learning, and problem-solving. Saxon Math takes a spiral approach with daily review, repetition, and incremental skill building. Neither curriculum is universally better. The best choice depends on your child's learning style, confidence level, and how they process mathematical concepts. In this episode you'll discover: • The core differences between Singapore Math and Saxon Math• Which students tend to thrive with each curriculum• Why learning style matters more than most parents realize• How to reduce math frustration by choosing the right approach• Tips for selecting a homeschool math curriculum with confidence If you've been wondering whether Singapore Math or Saxon Math is the better fit for your family, this episode will help you make a more informed decision. Get the Homeschool Curriculum Decision Guide: https://adriana-zoder.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide Connect with us: https://homeschoolways.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HomeschoolWays

  5. May 19

    Choosing Between All About Reading and 100 Easy Lessons

    Trying to decide between All About Reading and Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons? In this episode, I break down the biggest differences between these two popular homeschool reading programs — including pacing, structure, repetition, and which types of learners each program tends to work best for. The real question isn’t “Which curriculum is better?”It’s this: Which curriculum best matches your child’s learning style? If you’ve felt overwhelmed trying to choose a reading curriculum, this episode will help simplify the decision. Download Curriculum Guide here https://adriana-zoder.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide

  6. May 12

    Teaching Kids to Love Words: The Power of Alliteration | Laura Wire

    In this episode, I sit down with illustrator Laura Wire to explore An Alliterative Alphabet—a creative approach to early literacy that uses rhythm, repetition, and playful language to help children naturally develop reading skills. We discuss: Why many alphabet books fail to hold children’s attentionHow alliteration supports phonemic awareness (a foundational reading skill)Behind-the-scenes insights from creating the bookHow real children shaped the tone and ideasPractical ways parents and teachers can use this approach dailyOne simple but powerful piece of advice for raising strong readersAlthough co-creator Ley (a mother of eight) chose not to appear on the podcast, her experience and input are an important part of this project and are shared throughout the conversation. Get An Alliterative Alphabet - the book - on Amazon https://amzn.to/4de4miL [affiliate link] If you're homeschooling or simply want a more natural, effective way to introduce reading—this episode will give you both perspective and practical tools.

  7. May 5

    Story of the World vs Notgrass: Which Homeschool History Actually Works?

    If your child isn’t retaining history, the issue may not be the subject—it may be the method. In this episode, I walk through the key differences between Story of the World and Notgrass History so you can confidently choose what works best for your homeschool. We cover: Why some kids love story-based history—and others don’tThe difference between narrative learning and structured curriculumHow independence level impacts your daily homeschool flowWhich curriculum reduces overwhelm for parentsStory of the World uses engaging storytelling to present history chronologically, while Notgrass History combines narrative, primary sources, and a structured daily plan with a Christian perspective. If you’ve been second-guessing your history curriculum, this episode will help you move forward with clarity.

  8. Apr 28

    Raising Bilingual Kids: Lessons from ‘Colores del Mundo'

    In this episode, we sit down with Fernanda Romero to explore the inspiration behind her bilingual children’s book Colores del Mundo. We dive into: The importance of raising bilingual childrenHow storytelling shapes identity and cultureWhy language learning starts earlier than most thinkPractical insights for parents and educatorsIf you’re interested in language, culture, or raising globally-minded kids, this conversation is for you. Colores Del Mundo by Fernanda Romero https://amzn.to/4vQcUDO Kitten in the Storm by Adriana Zoder https://amzn.to/3Qypd7G [affiliate links]

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Let us discover ways to homeschool and thrive as we educate our children at home. Join me, Adriana Zoder, as I interview homeschool moms, co-op leaders, curriculum providers, authors, and content creators in the homeschooling space. Or as I tackle important topics on my own.

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