Ever wondered what it is actually like to be homeschooled from kindergarten all the way through high school? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, we sit down with Ruth, a former K-12 homeschooler and educator, to discuss the freedom of learning at your own pace and how it shaped her career in special education.

Ruth shares her unique journey growing up as the oldest of five siblings in a family that prioritized individualized education long before the internet made it easy.In this deep dive, Ruth explains how her mother, despite her own struggles with reading, taught herself phonics to ensure her children had a solid foundation.

We explore the benefits of the Running Start program, which allowed Ruth to earn an associate degree before she even had a high school diploma. You will also learn about the Independent Education Network, a platform Ruth founded to empower middle school students and teachers to work together in a way that suits their unique needs.

Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting to consider alternatives to public school, this conversation offers valuable insights into curriculum planning, special education support, and the importance of being your child's first teacher.

Ruth provides practical advice on how to handle the high school years and shares why colleges often prefer homeschool graduates who can manage their own schedules.

Website www.independent-ed.com

Email hello@independent-ed.com

www.ruthkane.com

Ruth is the founder of Independent Education Network (IEN), a virtual learning program built specifically for homeschool families, non-traditional learners, and families seeking enrichment — serving students in grades 6–8. A homeschooler herself from kindergarten through 12th grade, Ruth went on to earn her degree in special education and spent over 10 years in the classroom before returning to her roots.

IEN is the intersection of everything she believes about learning — that every child deserves an environment where they can truly thrive, and every teacher deserves the freedom to actually teach. Through small-group courses in ELA, Math, Science, Geography, French, and Pattern Making, IEN gives students and educators exactly that. Free to learn. Free toteach. Free to grow.Spring 2026 enrollment is open now, with a summer session and full fall launch on the way.

Chapters0:00 Intro and meeting Ruth3:45 Growing up as a K-12 homeschooler7:20 The luxury of learning at your own pace11:15 Resourcefulness before the internet15:30 How Ruth's mom taught herself phonics19:10 Middle school and early online learning23:25 The Running Start program and college degrees27:50 Transitioning to special education teaching32:15 Launching the Independent Education Network36:40 Educational consulting for parents40:10 Success stories and sibling achievements42:15 Three pieces of advice for parents43:30 End of vide

Check out the links above to connect with Ruth and learn more about her consulting services and the Independent Education Network. Make sure to like this video and subscribe to the channel for more support on your homeschooling journey.

#homeschooling #education #specialeducation #independentlearning #homeschooltips

Are you wondering if your child’s speech patterns are affecting their ability to read and spell? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, host Jae sits down with Karin Kucayan, a speech-language pathologist who specializes in helping homeschool families and teenagers find their voice.

Karin shares her unique journey growing up in a multilingual home and how those early experiences led her to a career in communication. We dive into the broad scope of speech-language pathology, moving beyond just speech sounds to cover executive functioning, social pragmatics, and even public speaking anxiety. Corrine explains why many teens struggle with communication in a digital world and how virtual therapy can provide a comfortable and effective space for them to grow.

We also tackle the big questions parents often have about development. You will learn about the strong correlation between speech sounds and literacy, the red flags to look for in early childhood, and why the wait and see approach might not always be the best path. From using sign language as a tool for regulation to the importance of parental self-care, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for every homeschool parent.

Website: https://www.speechfitslp.com/Email: speechfitslp@gmail.com

Phone: 818-660-6351IG: @speechfitslpTPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/speechfit-slpBook a Call: https://calendly.com/speechfitslp/complementary-consultationLI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-hartunian-koukeyan/ | LI: www.linkedin.com/company/speechfit-slp/ BIO: Karin “Careen” Hartunian Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, is the founder of SpeechFit, A Speech-Language Pathology Corporation, a solo practice providing clinical, corporate, and consulting services. With over 25 years of experience across private practice, outpatient, telehealth, school, early intervention, and adult home health settings, Karin brings deep expertise in communication and leadership. As a Corporate Speech Pathologist, she coaches professionals to enhance their communication effectiveness, executive presence, and confidence in the workplace. A pioneer in telepractice since 2010, she has delivered services in both educational and healthcare environments and continues to advance best practices in the field. Karin regularly presents at state and national conferences and develops content for articles, podcasts, and webinars on a broad range of topics in communication, telepractice, and professional growth. A strong advocate for expanding access to care through telehealth, she currently serves as the 2025-2027 Board Member, Secretary-Treasurer for California Speech Language Hearing Association (CSHA), 2026 Co-Chair of the ASHA Telepractice Topic Committee. She also served as the elected 2023-2025 Associate Coordinator for ASHA Special Interest Group 18 (Telepractice).Chapters0:00 Meet Karin Kucayan and the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast4:30 The journey from psychology to speech pathology9:15 Understanding public speaking anxiety in middle and high school14:00 The benefits of telepractice for homeschool families19:20 Breaking down the wide range of speech therapy services24:45 Executive functioning and social connection for teenagers29:15 How speech sound disorders impact reading and spelling34:30 Navigating the shift to virtual therapy post-COVID39:00 When to seek professional help for speech delays44:15 Using sign language and AAC devices as communication tools48:45 Practical self-care strategies for busy parents53:00 Final advice and where to find SpeechFit servicesIf you found this episode helpful, please like and subscribe for more resources to support your homeschooling journey. Check out the links in the description to connect with Karin and explore the Homeschool Yo Kids Expo!#homeschooling #speechtherapy #parentingadvice #literacy #specialeducation

Are you feeling disillusioned with the current state of the public school system and wondering if there is a better way to educate your children? In this episode, we sit down with Erica Dela Rosa, a former educator turned advocate, to discuss the power of school choice and the importance of centering Black and Brown voices in education. Discover how you can reclaim your power as a parent and find the learning environment that truly honors your child’s identity.

In this deep dive, Erica shares her personal journey from being a dedicated teacher in the Houston Independent School District to her current role as the Manager of Strategic Partnerships for Freedom to Choose Schools. We discuss the emotional toll of the teaching profession, the impact of state takeovers on local communities, and why so many passionate educators are choosing to walk away from the traditional classroom.

The conversation explores the nuance of school choice, highlighting that advocating for alternative options like homeschooling, micro-schools, and charters is not an attack on public education but a necessary move toward student-centered learning. Erica explains how the history of the American education system was often designed for assimilation rather than empowerment, and why it is vital for parents to see themselves as the true experts in their children's lives. Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting to explore your options, this episode provides the inspiration and community connection you need to make the best choice for your family.https://chooseschools.org/Erika De La Rosa proudly taught 7th grade English/Language Arts and served as Department Chair in the Houston, Texas, neighborhood where she grew up and currently lives. In her role, she prioritized understanding and honoring her students' varied experiences and cultures to ensure the curriculum validated, inspired, and empowered them to reach their own academic and life goals. In addition to serving her students, she mentored first-year teachers as well as college student-teachers. She participated in fellowships and advocacy with Latinos for Education, Teach Plus Texas, the Education Trust Texas and the Leadership for Educational Equity. She was the 2023 Inspira Award Recipient from Latinos for Education, recognized as a remarkable individual whose unwavering dedication and passion have transformed the landscape of education for Latino students. Erika's work is rooted in her desire for all children to have access to an education that gives them safety, hope, and opportunity, regardless of where they come from. She now uses her classroom experience and deep passion for educational equity to work toward policies that benefit all children.

In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, host Jae sits down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, the founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy and author of Treating Mathematics Anxiety. They explore the startling reality that many children enter kindergarten unprepared for the math curriculum due to a gap in language and vocabulary.

Dr. Nagrath explains why viewing math as a language rather than just a set of rules can transform a childs confidence and performance.You will learn about the basketball analogy for learning math, the importance of conceptual understanding over rote memorization, and how the Elephant Learning app helps students from age two through algebra.

Dr. Nagrath also shares his personal wellness routine and offers three essential tips for parents to help their children succeed in mathematics. Whether your child is just starting out or struggling with high school algebra, this conversation provides a roadmap for building a strong mathematical foundation.

Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityanagrath/Website: https://www.elephantlearning.com/

Dr. Nagrath helps students overcome mathematics anxiety. Aditya is the creator and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy which helps students learn years of mathematics over the course of a few months using their system just 10 minutes per day, 3 days per week.

With a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Sciences, Dr. Nagrath has spent over 30 years in industry as a software engineer, author, leader, speaker, and serial entrepreneur working on everything from atomic clocks to iOS and Android apps to Amazon’s Kindle Fire. As the Founder of Elephant Head Software, which won the prestigious JD Edwards Innovation Award in 2015, he has also done software projects for Pearson, Verizon, Telefonica, JD Edwards (Oracle), and other billion dollar companies.

Chapters0:00 Intro and Guest Introduction2:50 The Gap in Kindergarten Math Readiness5:45 Understanding Math as a Language8:30 Algebra 2 vs Financial Literacy11:15 Overcoming Math Anxiety and the Basketball Analogy15:00 Common Core and Conceptual Understanding18:45 How Elephant Learning Accelerates Progress22:00 Filling Gaps from Preschool to Algebra25:15 Self-Care and Routines for Success27:30 Three Key Takeaways for ParentsCheck out more resources for your homeschooling journey and dont forget to subscribe for more expert interviews. Visit elephantlearning.com to see how you can support your childs math journey today.#homeschooling #mathhelp #mathanxiety #education #elephantlearning

Ready to transform your childs education and financial literacy through the power of play? In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, host Jae sits down with De'von Travell, the visionary creator behind Black Wall Street the Board Game. Together, they explore how gamified learning can empower the next generation with the tools they need to build wealth and understand their history.

De'von shares the incredible journey of how a summer camp experience led to the creation of a historically accurate game that teaches entrepreneurship. We dive deep into the hidden history of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, moving past the focus on tragedy to highlight the immense success of figures like O.W. Gurley and Edwin P. McCabe. You will learn about the specific game mechanics designed to teach kids about sole proprietorships, LLCs, and corporations, all while keeping them engaged and entertained.

The conversation also shifts to the heart of homeschooling as Jae discusses her transition from a public school teacher to a homeschooling advocate. They discuss the importance of reclaiming identity and purpose in education and why representation matters in every curriculum. Plus, get an exclusive first look at Devons new game, Allensworth, which focuses on California’s first all-black town and teaches resource management and land development.

Whether you are a homeschooling parent, an educator, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice on how to take action on your dreams.Play Black Wall Street

Websitehttps://www.playblackwallstreet.com/Allensworth

Kickstarterhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/devontruvel/allensworth-the-board-game/descriptionDe’Von Truvel is the

Director of Curriculum and Community Development at Play Black Wall Street and the visionary behind its founding. He leads the design of engaging, culturally relevant educational experiences that blend Black history, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. With over 10 years of experience, De’Von ensures all programs align with the company’s mission to educate and empower through gamified learning.

What happens when a veteran teacher of thirty years decides to walk away from the public school system to become a fierce advocate for homeschooling? Mark joins Jae on the Homeschool Your Kids podcast to pull back the curtain on why the current education model often fails our children and how you can reclaim your child's learning journey through creativity and community. This episode is a must watch for any parent feeling stuck in the traditional school lottery. 🎓

In this deep dive, Mark shares his perspective as a former high school English teacher who witnessed the industrial factory model of schooling firsthand. He discusses the lottery of inner city education, the importance of self directed learning, and why he believes homeschool students often show extraordinary maturity and passion compared to their peers.

We also explore his innovative businesses, Homeschool Beats Academy and Project Prospero, which aim to provide high quality music production and language arts support to families everywhere. 🎵

Mark also opens up about his personal battle with stage five kidney disease and how it has fueled his resilience and commitment to purposeful work. Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just considering pulling your child out of a system that is not working, this conversation offers the inspiration and practical advice you need to lead your child toward a brighter, more creative future. 🌟

https://www.homeschoolbeatsacademy.com/

Marc Feldmann is the founder of Prospero Learning Studio LLC, based in Salem, Massachusetts, an education company with two distinct programs serving students wherever they are. Homeschool Beats Academy brings music production education to homeschooling families, combining authentic music production with critical thinking and project-based learning. Project Prospero is an academic tutoring program open to any student, anywhere in the world — and for families in failing school districts, the Open Session drop-in is completely free.Marc brings 30 years of classroom experience teaching critical thinking and debate in Lynn, Massachusetts,Chapters0:00 Intro and meeting Mark4:15 Why Mark chose teaching and English8:30 The transition from public school to homeschool advocacy13:45 Critique of the industrial school system18:10 The lottery of inner city education23:50 The extraordinary maturity of homeschool students29:15 Why parents are the best primary educators34:30 Overcoming the stigma of homeschooling39:50 Project Prospero and accessible tutoring45:20 The importance of engagement in learning51:10 Challenges with school administration and curriculum57:40 The matrix metaphor of public education1:03:15 Protecting the homeschool vibe and community1:08:40 Teaching with confidence and bucking the system1:14:20 Launching Homeschool Beats Academy1:19:50 Music production as a tool for connection1:24:30 Mark's journey with health and resilience1:28:15 Final thoughts and how to get involved1:31:25 Video EndIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe for more inspiring stories and resources for your homeschooling journey. Visit Mark's websites to explore his free kits and tutoring programs mentioned in the video. Remember, you have the power to choose the best path for your family. ✨#homeschooling #educationreform #musicproduction #tutoring #homeschoolyourkid

Are you ready to rethink everything you know about education? Join Jae as she sits down with Erica Davis Petrie to explore the transformative world of radical unschooling and game-based learning. This conversation challenges traditional ideas of compliance and conformity, offering a fresh perspective on how to raise self-determined, lifelong learners.

In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, Erica shares her extensive experience as a leader in the homeschool community and the coordinator of Game School Con. We dive deep into why unschooling is a powerful tool for liberation, especially within the Black community, and how shifting from a path to a journey can change your family dynamic forever.

From heart-wrenching stories of navigating the public school system to the joy of seeing children learn to read through trading cards, this episode is packed with wisdom for every parent. Erica explains the importance of being a partner in your child's education rather than an overseer, and how to use the power of yes and no with intention.

🌟 Key Topics Covered:

🚀 The difference between academic unschooling and radical unschooling.

🎮 How game schooling can bridge the gap in subjects like math and physics.

🤝 Building trust and collaboration with your children rather than demanding compliance.

🌍 Real-world stories of navigating schools and reclaiming educational freedom.

www.gameschoolcon.com

Erika Davis-Pitre and her husband Michael have 4 children - one daughter (46) and three sons (43, 40 & 33). They also have two sons-in-law, and two grandsons(18 & 11).She and her husband live in San Francisco and Erika is the owner of GameSchoolCon, a Gameschooling family conference that's held annually in Southern California. She is also the former President of HSC, one of California's largest homeschooling organizations.

Erika has spoken at many un/homeschooling conferences, led quite a few funshops/workshops and has hosted and participated in many round table discussions about unschooling and gameschooling all over the US, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

She especially enjoys talking about Gameschooling, Unschooling teens, Sharing the joy of Unschooling and Celebrating Diversity through Unschooling. And she is a Artist Trading Card(ATC) fanatic-if you don't know about ATCs please ask!

Chapters0:00 Intro and Welcome3:15 History of Game School Con7:45 Defining Radical Unschooling12:20 Diversity in the Homeschool Community17:10 Erica’s Personal Homeschool Journey22:35 Why Unschooling Matters for Black Families28:15 Challenging the Path vs the Journey33:40 A Story of Conforming in Public Schools39:05 Questioning Authority and Building Trust44:20 Parenting with Compassion over Compliance49:50 Lessons from Social Justice Movements54:15 Reclaiming Humanity through Education59:30 The Power of Game Schooling1:04:10 Learning to Read through Gaming1:08:45 Game School Con Details and Activities1:12:30 Modeling Lifelong Learning1:14:00 Final Advice and Closing Remarks

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more interviews with homeschool leaders!

Visit the Game School Con website to learn more about the upcoming conference in Irvine, California.

#homeschooling #unschooling #gameschooling #blackhomeschoolers #educationreform

Are you worried that your children are entering the real world without the financial tools they need to succeed? In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, Jae sits down with financial literacy advocate Tiffany McCoy to discuss how we can empower the next generation with essential money management skills. It is time to move beyond shielding our kids from financial realities and start preparing them for long term success.

In this engaging interview, Tiffany shares her journey from a temp worker at a brokerage firm to a certified instructor dedicated to teaching teens what she wishes she had known. We dive into her book, Money Smart, and discuss practical ways parents can involve their children in household finances today. From understanding the difference between needs and wants to the power of compound interest and 529 plans, this conversation is a roadmap for breaking financial cycles. You will learn how to turn grocery trips into lessons, why algebra classes should include budgeting, and how to start investing with as little as twenty-five dollars.

Jae and Tiffany also explore the importance of self-awareness in spending and how to use tools like the 50/30/20 rule to manage income. Whether you are a homeschooling parent or just want to ensure your child is prepared for adulthood, this episode provides actionable advice for building a lasting family legacy.

https://www.moneysmartwithtiffany.com/

Tiffany McCoy, CFEI®, is a nationally Certified Financial Education Instructor℠, and visionary founder of Money Smart with Tiffany, LLC—a movement dedicated to empowering kids, teens and young adults with lifelong money skills. Driven by her passion for youth empowerment, Tiffany authored “Money Smart: A Financial Literacy Guide for Teens” and the "Smart Budgeting Planner."

Her mission is simple but powerful: equip the next generation with the financial confidence, knowledge, and habits they need to build successful futures.Tiffany is the creator of a growing ecosystem of tools and programs—including workbooks, workshops, youth advisory initiatives, school partnerships, and community outreach experiences—designed to make financial literacy engaging, relatable, and accessible. As a dynamic speaker, she blends real-world expertise with relatable storytelling, making her sessions inspiring, practical, and deeply impactful. Through Money Smart with Tiffany, she is committed to breaking generational cycles, expanding financial opportunities, and helping young people see what’s possible when they take control of their financial future. Tiffany’s message is clear: Financial literacy is not just knowledge—it’s power, purpose, and generational change.Video edited by: Nexus Novanzmedia1234@gmail.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/16DwALXWFa/?mibextid=wwXIfrDo creative video edit, youtube video editing by Zzaman123 | FiverrChapters0:00 Intro and Tiffany’s Professional Journey3:25 The Gap in Traditional School Education6:50 Interactive Workshops and Budget Simulations10:15 Avoiding Credit Card Traps on Campus13:30 Using Utility Bills as Teaching Tools17:05 Breaking the Silence Around Family Finances20:10 Exploring the Money Smart Financial Guide23:45 Understanding Earning Power and Banking Basics27:20 The 50/30/20 Rule and Budgeting Methods30:55 Misconceptions About Investing and 529 Plans34:15 Three Key Tips for Every Parent37:10 Final Thoughts on Building a Family LegacyIf you found these tips helpful, please like this video and subscribe for more homeschooling and parenting resources. Be sure to visit Tiffany's website to explore her financial literacy curriculum and upcoming workshops.#financialliteracy #homeschooling #moneytips #parenting #generationalwealth