School to Homeschool

160. What About the Girls? A Path Beyond College with Rachel

In this episode, I speak with Rachel about building an education around real skills rather than simply collecting credentials. As a second-generation homeschooler, she explored homemaking, business, herbology, doula work, midwifery, fitness, and lifelong learning before ultimately choosing motherhood and homeschooling. We discuss college alternatives for young women, practical education, self-reliance, and why motherhood is not a lesser ambition. SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

159. Bringing Back Commonplace Books

Let's rediscover the beautiful historic practice of keeping a Commonplace Book! Education is for us too! SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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158. Why we should NEVER stop reading aloud to children.

Why do families stop reading aloud once children learn to read for themselves? In this episode, we make the case that we may be stopping far too soon. We explore the history of reading aloud, oral recitation, Charles Dickens' public readings, the McGuffey Readers, and modern research on vocabulary, language development, story listening, and shared reading. You'll also hear why reading aloud should complement—not replace—phonics and independent reading, how it can become a bridge into books children aren't ready to tackle alone, and why shared stories naturally lead to conversations about courage, loyalty, justice, sacrifice, forgiveness, and human nature. Plus, you'll get practical read-aloud recommendations for children from preschool through the teenage years and simple advice for creating a family reading culture without turning every book into another school assignment. Your child may be able to read the book alone. But that doesn't necessarily mean you should stop reading it together. SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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THROWBACK: Preparing for the Fall: YOUTUBE WORKSHOP July 2025

It is that time of year again! Join me as we prepare for the fall with this is a throwback workshop from YouTube! SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

157. From Lost at 17 to EMT, Pilot, Firefighter, and Entrepreneur: Interview with Maxim Smith

What happens when a teenager knows college is not the answer—but has no idea what comes next? I sit down with Maxim Smith, co-author of The Preparation, to hear how he went from hiding in his room and feeling completely lost at 17 to becoming an EMT, pilot, wildland firefighter, sailor, ranch hand, entrepreneur, and investor-in-training. We discuss homeschooling, apprenticeships, real-world education, rites of passage, confidence, and how parents can help floundering teens build a meaningful path beyond the traditional college track. Learn More about The Preparation Buy The Preparation on Amazon https://substack.com/@maximsmith SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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156. Doing Science Differently

I used to believe I needed the perfect curriculum to teach homeschool science correctly. In this episode, I share 12 better ways to help children experience science through nature, experiments, books, field trips, experts, games, and everyday life—without forcing another program they may quickly forget. Nature Journaling with John Muir Laws Part 1 Nature Journaling with John Muir Laws Part 2 SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books and More! Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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155. How to Help Your Teen Build a Career Without College with Hannah Maruyama of DegreeFree

I talk with Hannah Maruyama of Degree Free about helping teens and young adults build meaningful careers without automatically defaulting to college. We discuss apprenticeships, degree-free jobs, career testing, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, college debt, AI, and how to match work with the life your child actually wants. https://degreefree.com Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@DegreeFree Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@degreefree Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/degreefree/ SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books and More! Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

154. When School Fails the ADHD Child with Dr. Amy Moore

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amy Moore, a cognitive psychologist, child development specialist, ADHD mom, and Director of Psychology and Research at LearningRx, to talk about supporting kids with ADHD at home and in school. We discuss 504 plans, IEP struggles, homeschooling with ADHD, emotional regulation, sleep, nutrition, exercise, medication, and what parents can do when the traditional school system is not working. If your child has big emotions, challenging behaviors, or feels like they are failing in school, this conversation will give you hope, practical tools, and a better way to understand the ADHD brain. https://www.thebrainymoms.com/ https://www.learningrx.com/homeschool/ https://www.amymoorephd.com/ SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books and More! Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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THROWBACK: There Will Be Opposition

In this episode, I pause to honor America's 250th birthday and reflect on what it means to teach our children about liberty, history, virtue, and truth....AND revisit a past episode to remember our past. SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books and More! Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

153. Homeschooling with an IEP: What Parents Need to Know with Elyse Scheeler

In this episode, I talk with Elyse Scheeler, a licensed speech-language pathologist, special needs advocate, homeschool coach, and host of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. We talk about IEPs, speech delays, sensory needs, ADHD, executive functioning, and why parents can homeschool a child with additional needs. If you are wondering whether school is the only place your child can receive support, this episode will encourage and equip you. Connect with Elyse: Speaking Life Into Motherhood Podcast https://speakinglife.co/homeschool/ SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books and More! Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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152. The best curriculum I've found wasn't written this century.

After years of researching education history, I decided to try something radical: teaching my children with textbooks from the 1800s and early 1900s. In this episode, I share the surprising results, the books we're using, and why these simple, straightforward resources may hold lessons modern education has forgotten. SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books and More! Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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151. Why So Many Young Men Feel Lost—and What to Do About It with Matt Smith

In this episode, I talk with Matt Smith, co-author of The Preparation, about the growing crisis of aimlessness among young people and how families can prepare them for adulthood without relying solely on traditional education. We discuss purpose, practical skills, entrepreneurship, adventure, and helping teens become capable, confident adults. Connect with Matt Smith on Twitter Learn More about The Preparation Buy The Preparation on Amazon Matt Smith on Crisis Investing SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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ANNOUNCEMENT!

SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

150. The Autodidact Advantage: Why Curiosity Beats Credentials with Megha Lillywhite

What happens when a lifelong academic discovers that true education isn't found in credentials, but in curiosity? In this conversation with Megha Lillywhite of Classical Ideals, we discuss autodidactic learning, homeschooling, classical education, beautiful children's literature, the decline of artistic standards, the pursuit of beauty, and why independent thinking matters more than ever. If you've ever wondered how to raise curious children, cultivate a love of learning, or reclaim beauty in education, this episode is for you. Connect with Megha Lillywhite on Instagram Megha's Substack: Classical Ideals SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

149. The Learning and Recovery Cycle

Why do kids forget so much of what they learn—and why does school seem to make burnout worse instead of better? In this episode, we break down the science behind how the brain actually learns, including the role of memory consolidation, rest, and recovery. Backed by research from experts like Matthew Walker and Andrew Huberman, this video explains why constant input without recovery leads to poor retention, frustration, and mental fatigue. If you're a parent, homeschooler, or educator, this could completely change how you approach learning. Discover: Why kids forget what they study The hidden role of rest in learning How burnout is created in traditional education A better rhythm for real understanding and retention This isn't about doing more. It's about finally doing what works. SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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148. The Homeschool Dad Perspective: Family, Freedom & Learning with Nick Robinson

In this episode, I talk with Nick Robinson from The Homeschool Helper about homeschooling teenagers, Classical Conversations, family culture, and raising kids who know how to think independently in an AI-driven world. Nick shares: Why his family chose homeschooling The power of community and co-ops Why middle and high school homeschooling matters How to nurture curiosity and creativity The role dads can play in homeschooling Why "behind" is the wrong way to think about education This conversation is full of encouragement for parents who are starting homeschooling, struggling through it, or wondering if it's worth continuing. Connect with Nick: https://thehomeschoolhelper.com/ The Homeschool Helper YouTube Channel Connect with Nick on Intagram Connect with Nick on TikTok SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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147. Why Rabbit Holes Create Real Education

Are rabbit holes distractions…or the foundation of true education? Janae explores why curiosity-driven learning helps children retain information longer, connect subjects naturally, develop critical thinking skills, build endurance, and stay intellectually alive. SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

146. From Frustration to Clarity in Special Needs Parenting | with Dawn Fleming-Kendall

For years, parents have been told to focus on managing behavior, following plans, and fixing their child's struggles. But what if that approach is missing the most important piece? We talk about why true progress for special needs families starts with the parent—our mindset, our emotional health, and our ability to lead our homes with clarity and strength. Dawn shares practical resources, including life skills tools, IEP support, and a community built specifically for families walking this path. If you've felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like nothing is really working long-term, this conversation is going to challenge you—but also give you a completely different way forward. Contact Dawn Fleming-Kendall Dawn's Links Life Skills Digital Download for Purchase Life Skills Paperback for Purchase SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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THROWBACK Unschooling, Children, and the Need for Play Interview with Dr. Peter Gray

Ever wondered about the transformative power of free play in a child's life? Prepare for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Peter Gray, an evolutionary psychologist and child development expert, as we journey through his research on self-directed learning and the crucial role of play in development and learning. Drawing from his personal experiences and groundbreaking research, Dr. Gray offers insights into the Sudbury Valley School's self-directed learning model and its potential to shape fulfilling lives. We dig deep into how self-directed education morphs the lines between work and play, and its ripple effects on children's lives. The conversation gets crucial as we navigate the alarming ascendance of ADHD and the use of medication. Dr. Gray underscores the importance of play in counterbalancing these concerns and the potential long-term effects of these drugs. Shifting gears, we probe into the decline of play and children's freedom since the 1950s and the societal factors contributing to this disconcerting trend. Bracing ourselves, we venture into the intimidating process of unschooling. Based on a study, we tackle how parents can conquer their fears and the scrutiny of others by finding a supportive community of like-minded individuals. As we wrap up, Dr. Gray leaves us with an inspiring message about the transformative power of free play in children's lives, reminding parents of the significant role they play. This episode is not just a conversation, it's a paradigm shift in understanding learning and play. Tune in and witness this shift. TED Talks with Dr. Peter Gray: The Decline of Play How Our Schools Thwart Passions Substack for Peter Gray Books by Dr. Gray: Free to Learn Mother Nature's Pedagogy: Biological Foundations for Children's Self-Directed Education How Children Acquire "Academic" Skills Without Formal Instruction Evidence that Self-Directed Education Works The Harm of Coercive Schooling SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links. *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

145. The Truth about Dyslexia. Interview with Faye Bankler Casell--Dyslexia Therapist

What if dyslexia isn't actually a lifelong learning disability—but a solvable problem that's been misunderstood? In this episode, I sit down with a certified dyslexia therapist to uncover what's really happening when children struggle to read. We dive into the science of reading, why so many kids are being misdiagnosed, and how traditional schooling methods may be creating the very problem they claim to fix. If you're a parent who feels something isn't adding up, this conversation will challenge everything you've been told—and give you hope for a better path forward. www.homereadingcoach.com FREE Dyslexia Roadmap for Families E-Book: Reading Breakthrough E-Course Waitlist (Beta Launch March 2026) SCHOOL TO HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES: Janae's Links for Vintage Books Sign Up for the School to Homeschool Newsletter School to Homeschool YouTube Channel CONNECT WITH US! Instagram Facebook janae@schooltohomeschool.com 🔔 Subscribe + Follow for more! If you're a faith-driven mom exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or personalized learning, this show is for you. Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more families find freedom in education! *Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.

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