Homeschool Ways with Adriana Zoder

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 b...

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 matc...

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 attention How alliteration supports phonemic awareness (a foundational reading skill) Behind-the-scenes ins...

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’t The difference between narrative learning and structured curriculum How i...

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 children How storytelling shapes identity and culture Why language learning starts earlier than most think Practical insights for parents and educators If you’re interested in language, culture, or raising globally-m...

Trying to choose between Math Mammoth and RightStart Math? In this episode, I share my honest experience using both homeschool math curriculums. I break down the pros, cons, teaching styles, and which type of learner each one works best for — so you can confidently decide what’s right for your family.

Teaching writing can feel overwhelming because it’s not just one skill—it’s multiple skills working together. In this episode, I compare IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) and Writing With Ease to help you decide which approach fits your child best. We talk about: Why writing is so difficult to teach Structured vs foundational approaches Which curriculum works better for struggling writers...

Choosing the right math curriculum can feel overwhelming—especially when two popular options take completely different approaches. In this episode, I compare Life of Fred and Saxon Math from a real homeschool perspective. We’ll talk about: • Story-based vs traditional math instruction • Spiral vs mastery learning • Student independence and parent involvement • Strengths, weaknesses, and common fru...

Bedtime can be one of the most meaningful — and most challenging — parts of the day. In this episode, I talk with children’s author Karen Brough about her book The Coast Is Clear and how simple bedtime rhythms can help children feel safe, calm, and connected. We explore: • Why bedtime stories matter more than we think • How to ease anxiety and nighttime fears • The power of rhythm and language in...

How do you help a child fall in love with reading—especially if they struggle or resist it? In this episode, I’m joined by award-winning children’s author Eve Heidi Bine-Stock , creator of Olivia’s Jokes , a story inspired by a real-life moment of kindness and community. We explore how humor can transform a child’s relationship with reading, why laughter is more powerful than pressure, and how par...

In today’s culture, parenting can feel like a constant push toward extremes. Whether the topic is education, discipline, technology, or lifestyle, parents often feel pressure to pick a side. But what happens when reacting to those extremes causes us to overcorrect ? In this episode of Homeschool Ways , I’m joined by author Manu Brune , whose book Overcorrecting: Parenting in the Middle While the W...

School teaches subjects. But it rarely teaches students how to manage them. If your teen seems capable but struggles with homework, deadlines, or studying, the problem might not be motivation — it’s missing skills. In this episode, we break down the four academic skills most teens were never taught , and how parents can start teaching them at home. You’ll learn: • Why smart teens still struggle ac...

If you’ve ever said, “She’s so smart but just doesn’t apply herself” — this episode is for you. Many bright teens struggle in middle and high school not because they lack intelligence, but because they lack trained academic execution skills . IQ does not equal follow-through. Understanding does not equal output. In this episode, we break down: Why smart teens often underperform The hidden executiv...

When learning doesn’t look like school, parents often assume something is wrong. But school is a format. Learning is a process — and they are not the same. In this episode, we explore why capable teens sometimes struggle inside traditional academic models, and how reframing “what counts” as learning can immediately reduce pressure at home. We discuss: – The myth of linear progress – Why different...

Homeschooling high school can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re raising a teen and wondering if you’re “behind.” In this episode, we walk through three common fears homeschool moms carry during the high school years: • Feeling behind academically • Wondering if colleges will take homeschooling seriously • Struggling with teen motivation You don’t need panic. You need clarity. For more pra...

Can babies really learn a second language — even before they can talk? In this episode, I’m joined by Christine Barry , creator of JoJo Learning – Sing & Learn Chinese Baby & Me , an interactive book designed for babies 6 months and up . We talk about why early language exposure matters, how music and sound support brain development, and how parents can introduce Chinese naturally through...

In this episode of the Homeschool Ways Podcast , I’mtalking with Keith Lowe , author and illustrator of The Fuel Factory (Your Body) — a homeschool biology bookthat explains digestion, energy, and the human body in a way kids actually understand (and enjoy). What caught our attention immediately? 👉 The illustrations . They’re hand-drawn, expressive, and full of movement — and my teen artist daugh...

What makes someone walk away from a legal career to write children’s books? In this conversation, Marteena Rodriguez-Drinnen shares her journey from juvenile court lawyer to stay-at-home mom and author. We talk about her decision to step into motherhood full-time, her plans to homeschool, and why she chose to create The Adventures of Tiny Tail — a gentle children’s book series that reflects tradit...

In this episode, former NBA assistant coach turned author Brett Gunning shares the leadership, life, and purpose-driven lessons he’s learned on and off the court — and how those insights led to his On The Right Path book series and curriculum. From basketball to books, this conversation goes beyond the game and into what it really means to find direction, build character, and stay on the right pat...

Get I am Joshua - Let's Talk on Amazon https://amzn.to/4sC1lhV affiliate link Bate Ilondior's son did not speak much until he was 4 - kind of like Einstein. This set Bate on a quest to find solutions and a diagnosis. After several months of tests and speech therapy, her son started developing his vocabulary. This mom's journey through a language challenge with her son should inspire everyone to ta...

Introduce your child to a realm in which a sad princess learns that spelling magic can happen. In The Sad Princess, author and illustrator Alex Faisman helps children make a connection between letters, sounds, and meaning. Get The Sad Princess on Amazon https://amzn.to/491eKqP [affiliate link] Other titles by Alex Faisman also available. Over 400,000 families have downloaded the FREE Reading App -...

Unlock the secrets to early learning that truly inspires children with Teri Farrari, developmental psychologist, author, and natural health practitioner. In this interview, Teri shares her expert strategies for helping children build confidence, creativity, and resilience—essential skills for a happy and successful life.🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Video:How to make learning fun, meaningful, and i...

Teaching children a foreign language is very dear to my heart, as I learned several languages myself. I have taught my children several languages, as well. One of the tools in teaching foreign languages? Bilingual books. I have written some myself, and today I invite Heidy Espinosa Flores to tell us about her books, too. The Coco-Nuts' Holiday Story Collection presents English and Spanish vocabula...

Discover the transformative power of nature walks in this uplifting video from Homeschool Ways! 🌿 As a busy homeschool mom, I know how overwhelming life can feel—but stepping outside for a solo stroll or a family adventure can recharge your body, soothe your soul, and ignite endless learning opportunities. In this episode, I dive deep into the incredible benefits of nature walks: from boosting ph...

Adra and Jonathan Ludwig, homeschool graduates who are homeschooling their own two children, co-founded SAIL Co-op in Knoxville. SAIL stands for Symbiosis Arts Interactive Learning. It is a one-of-a-kind Christian arts school cooperative. SAIL provides a diverse array of courses that cover everything from learning the fundamentals of fine arts to pursuing a career in the entertainment field. The s...