Stay ConnectedWelcome to the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast, where we explore what it means to reimagine education and empower families to create learning experiences that work for them.
Hosted by Jae Carter—former public-school teacher, homeschool mom, and founder of the nonprofit Homeschool Yo Kids Organization—this podcast features authentic conversations with homeschool families, educators, curriculum creators, educational advocates, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across the world.
Copyright: © Jae Carter
Is your child being challenged enough in school, or are their unique gifts being overlooked by the system? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, Jae sits down with Dr. Chandra Floyd, a professor and director at the Center for Gifted Education at William and Mary, to discuss the urgent need for equity in gifted programs.
Dr. Floyd shares her journey from the classroom to becoming a leading researcher in educational policy. She sheds light on why African-American and minority children are often excluded from gifted labels and how traditional gatekeeping systems can fail high-potential students. From the science of non-verbal screeners to the social-emotional needs of advanced learners, this conversation provides a roadmap for parents who want to see their children thrive.
You will also learn about the specific resources available through William and Mary, including free residential camps and Saturday enrichment programs. Whether you are navigating the public school system or have already made the leap into homeschooling, Dr. Floyd’s insights on betting on yourself and finding your village will inspire you to take charge of your child's educational journey.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction to Dr. Chandra Floyd
3:15 The Journey to Gifted Education Research
7:30 Addressing Disparities in Student Identification
11:45 The Gatekeeping System in Schools
15:20 Benefits of Universal and Non-Verbal Screeners
19:50 Identifying Giftedness in High School Students
24:10 Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners
28:30 Understanding Gifted Services and State Mandates
33:15 The Myth of Acceleration and Grade Skipping
37:40 Why Black Families are Choosing Homeschooling
42:00 Programs and Grants at William and Mary
46:15 Enrichment Opportunities for Students and Teachers
49:00 Self-Care and the Power of Rest
51:15 Final Advice for Parents and Educators
Make sure to subscribe for more episodes focused on empowering your family and supporting your child's education. Don't forget to visit the Homeschool Yo Kids website for more resources and community connections.
#giftededucation #homeschooling #educationalequity #williamandmary #blackeducators
Are you worried that your child is struggling to get their thoughts from their head onto paper?
In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, we sit down with Holly Britain, the creator of Squiggle Squad, to discuss why handwriting is more than just neatness. We explore how handwriting is a vital transcription skill that serves as a foundation for cognitive development and academic success.Holly explains how the ability to write or type automatically allows the brain to focus on complex thoughts rather than the mechanics of moving a pencil.
We dive deep into Holly's personal journey from being an accidental homeschool mom of four in the 1990s to becoming a credentialed teacher who saw a massive gap in how children learn to write. She shares her observations from the classroom about why modern students are struggling with basic motor skills and how the rise of screen time is impacting their ability to communicate effectively.
You will learn about her unique Sunday night planning routine, the importance of modeling pencil use for your children, and why reading aloud is the foundation of family connection and intelligence. Whether you are a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this conversation offers practical wisdom on building a strong academic foundation. Holly breaks down the Squiggle Squad methodology, which focuses on developing motor skills and directionality before introducing formal letter learning. This episode is a must-watch for parents who want to equip their children with the tools they need to succeed in a digital world.
Chapters0:00 Intro to Holly Britain and Squiggle Squad3:15 Holly's accidental journey into homeschooling7:45 The handwriting gap in modern classrooms11:30 Seeing the results of a homeschool lifestyle15:15 How to shape your homeschool and find community19:00 The Sunday night planning routine for success23:30 Transitioning to high school and studying abroad27:15 Why keyboarding is not a replacement for writing31:45 The decline of motor skills and the impact of tech35:30 Digital dysregulation vs ADHD in young children39:15 Modeling pencil use and preparing for kindergarten43:00 How handwriting trains the brain to think47:15 The power of family read-alouds and traditions50:30 Introduction to Squiggle Squad resources52:45 Final wisdom on intentionality and self-care
Be sure to subscribe for more expert interviews and homeschooling resources! Visit the Squiggle Squad website to learn more about their early handwriting curriculum and motor skill kits to help your child thrive.#homeschooling #handwriting #childdevelopment #parentingtips #literacy
Ever wondered how the health of our soil directly impacts the health of our families? In this episode, we sit down with Batavia Emanuel, a homeschool graduate turned regenerative agriculture nutritionist, to explore the powerful intersection of education, food justice, and community healing. Batavia shares her unique journey from being pulled out of public school in fifth grade to becoming a leading advocate for food sovereignty. We dive deep into why the modern food system is struggling and how regenerative farming can bridge the gap to nutrient-dense meals. She explains how her mother’s leap of faith into homeschooling led to the creation of a thriving micro school and how that self-paced environment prepared her for success in higher education and her current nonprofit work. Whether you are living in a city apartment or have a large backyard, Vetiveah provides actionable steps to start your own food security journey. From container gardening to supporting local farmers to the importance of food sovereignty, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone looking to reclaim their health and empower their community. We also touch on the importance of rest as resistance and why believing in the healing power of nature is the first step toward a better future. www.vetiveah.com Vetiveah Immanuel is a regenerative agriculture nutritionist, food justice advocate, speaker, community leader, and a minister of the Gospel. Vetiveah bridges the gap between agriculture, nutrition, and food justice, equipping audiences to reclaim their God-given inheritance of nourishment, environmental stewardship, and food sovereignty.A former picky eater turned community feeder, Vetiveah’s journey began with a deeply personal question: Why do some communities have access to healthy food while others do not? At 16, during a nonprofit urban farm apprenticeship in Chicago, she witnessed firsthand the realities of food apartheid, nutrition inequities, and the transformative power of community-grown food. That experience ignited a lifelong calling to connect people back to the land, their health, and their inherent power to nourish themselves and their communities.For more than 10 years, Vetiveah has worked at the intersection of food sovereignty, nutrition education, public health, urban agriculture, and community development. She has partnered with organizations including FoodCorps, CitySeed, Greater Chicago Food Depository, and Green Village Initiative, where she developed culturally relevant food education programs, farm-to-school initiatives, community gardens, food entrepreneurship programs, and wellness-focused learning experiences.Today, Vetiveah is the founder of Radiance Gardens, a health and garden education initiative empowering all through gardening, nutrition, and wellness. She is also the co-founder of Liberated Land Cooperative, a Black- and Brown-led farmer cooperative increasing access to culturally relevant foods across Connecticut, and a co-founder of the Connecticut Food Sovereignty Collective, advancing community-led solutions for healthier and more resilient food systems.Video edited by: Nexus Nova nzmedia1234@gmail.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/16DwALXWFa/?mibextid=wwXIfrDo creative video edit, YouTube video editing by Zzaman123 | FiverrChaptersIf you found this conversation helpful, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more content on homeschooling and holistic living. Share your thoughts on gardening or homeschooling in the comments below! ✍️
What happens when a twelve year old is told she cannot pursue her passion unless she compromises her values? In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, guest Elizabeth Flores explains how homeschooling gave her the courage and the time to start her own ballet company after being rejected by a traditional director. It is a powerful look at how alternative education empowers children to become leaders long before they reach adulthood.
Host Jae and Elizabeth dive deep into the journey of the New American Youth Ballet. Elizabeth shares fascinating stories from her childhood, including the time she and her mother hired a forty two piece union orchestra for a performance while she was still a teenager. They discuss the many ways homeschooling protects children from the high stress and social noise of traditional school environments, allowing them to focus on their unique talents and character development.
The conversation also explores the current state of the arts, the pitfalls of high pressure ballet competitions, and Elizabeth’s mission to bring the beauty of dance to nursing homes and hospitals. If you are looking for ways to integrate high level extracurriculars into your homeschool schedule, Elizabeth provides details on her new online classes and an exciting opportunity for students to perform in a New York City production of the Nutcracker. This episode is a must watch for any parent who wants to see their child find their lane and run in it with confidence.
https://www.naybdance.org/
Elizabeth Flores' ballet journey began when she was 8 in her hometown, Binghamton, NY. At age 11 she was accepted to train with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and from there was accepted to both the London Royal Ballet school and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy (on full scholarship), the latter of which she performed with as a soloist. But Elizabeth’s true passion always lay in teaching.
The mission of NAYB continued to evolve as they sought innovative ways to share music and dance to children of all economic backgrounds. After 9/11, the school offered free ballet lessons and performance opportunities in downtown NYC to any local child affected by the tragedy. In 2015, they aired the first episode of their TV show: New American Youth Ballet Presents!. The show broadcasts weekly on Manhattan Neighborhood Network every Friday at 6pm.
She has staged numerous full-length ballets with professional symphony orchestras including: The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Coppelia. Her original ballet, Life of a Dancer, which she composed with Dr. Alan Turry, was recently arranged by Hollywood Music arranger Tim Simonec (UP!, Ratatouille, Star Trek, Mission Impossible 3, Whiplash) and recorded in Nashville with a 40 piece professional orchestra. Her original ballet learning musical album, My Ballerina and Me, also written in collaboration with Dr. Alan Turry, was recorded at the Juilliard School of Music.
Elizabeth continues to strive to find new ways to merge her two passions, the arts and the community.
Chapters
0:00 Intro and meeting Elizabeth Flores
3:10 Why Elizabeth’s family started homeschooling
6:45 Starting a ballet school at age twelve
10:20 Choosing values over traditional dance companies
14:50 Performing with a union orchestra as a teen
19:30 Navigating college pressure and expectations
24:15 Training at Julliard and the pursuit of excellence
29:00 How homeschooling creates a flexible schedule
34:10 Avoiding the social noise of public school
39:40 The difference between art and competition
44:20 Bringing dance to hospitals and nursing homes
49:15 Upcoming Nutcracker and online class info
52:40 Self care and advice for homeschool moms
54:30 Final thoughts and encouragement
Make sure to subscribe for more inspiring interviews and resources for your homeschooling journey. Check out the links in the description to connect with Elizabeth and explore her upcoming dance programs.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by hours of homework or wondering if you can really handle the homeschooling journey long-term? Join Jae and veteran homeschool mom Karen Love Mitchell as they dive into twenty-one years of wisdom, covering everything from deschooling in New York City to navigating college prep for her four graduates.
In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, Karen shares her transition from private school stress to a life of individualized learning. She provides practical advice on how to handle a ten-year age gap between children, the importance of finding local community through libraries and co-ops, and why socialization is actually a homeschooler’s greatest strength. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned pro, Karen’s insights on building a family-centered education will inspire you to keep going.
Key topics include the benefits of enrichment co-ops, teaching through movies and unit studies, and how to involve extended family in the educational process. Karen also discusses her consulting work with Homeschool Informational Services, where she helps parents find the right curriculum and prepare their students for life after graduation. You will learn about the importance of having an overarching theme for your school year and how to encourage your children to advocate for themselves and use their voices in the real world.
Chapters
0:00 Intro and Meeting Karen Love Mitchell
3:15 Moving from Private School to Homeschooling
7:40 The Importance of Deschooling and Slowing Down
12:10 Using Field Trips to Make History Come Alive
15:50 Managing the Gap: Teens and Toddlers Together
19:30 Finding Community and Library Resources
23:45 The Structure of an Enrichment Co-op
28:20 Creative Teaching: Movies as Literature
32:15 Professional Consulting for Homeschool Families
37:00 Choosing Curriculum Based on Learning Styles
41:30 Tackling the College and Socialization Questions
46:15 Turning Naysayers into Supporters
51:00 Encouraging Kids to Use Their Voices
54:45 Essential Self-Care for Homeschool Parents
57:15 Final Wisdom and Where to Find Karen
Don't forget to check out the links in the description to connect with Karen and learn more about her consulting services and YouTube channel. Subscribe for more stories and support for your homeschooling journey, and we hope to see you at the next expo!
#homeschooling #education #parenting #homeschooltips #community
Have you ever considered how travel can be the ultimate classroom for your children? Join Jae on the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast as she interviews Jessica, a corporate flight attendant and author known as Red, who shares her incredible journey from the skies to the page. Jessica discusses how her experiences flying private jets and visiting all 50 states inspired her to create a unique series of aviation-themed children's books featuring her lovable cats, Miso and Keely.
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of aviation, the reality of life on the road, and why exploring the world is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to a child. From stories about flying celebrities like Prince and Taylor Swift to the technical challenges of being a flight attendant, Jessica offers a fascinating look at a high-flying career. We also explore the importance of independent publishing, collaborating with talented illustrators, and the life lessons found in geographical exploration.
Whether you are a homeschooling parent looking for new literature or someone curious about the aviation lifestyle, this conversation is packed with inspiration, humor, and heart. Learn how to balance a demanding career with creative passions and why kindness is the most important lesson of all.
www.misokili.com
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 Welcome to Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast2:15 Meeting Jessica Red and Her Cats5:30 From Tell-All Books to Childrens Literature8:45 Encouraging Kids to Explore Aviation Careers11:20 How to Become a Corporate Flight Attendant14:00 Safety Standards and Commercial Flight Requirements17:15 Exploring Alaska and 30 Different Countries20:45 Getting Stuck in Nebraska and Finding Time to Write23:30 The Beauty of Arizona and the American West26:15 Why Traveling is the Best Education for Kids29:45 Flying Taylor Swift and Other Celebrities33:00 Lessons of Friendship in the Miso and Keely Series36:15 Working with Illustrators and Creating Board Games39:30 Space Adventures and Independent Publishing42:00 RV Life Challenges and Future Travel Goals44:45 Self Care Strategies and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, please like the video and subscribe to the channel for more interviews with amazing authors and educators. Visit our website to learn more about upcoming expos and resources for your homeschooling journey!#aviation #homeschooling #childrensbooks #travel #flightattendant
Are you worried that you aren't qualified to teach your children or that homeschooling is too expensive for your family? In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, Jae sits down with Kym Kent, an educational entrepreneur with over 22 years of experience, to debunk the biggest myths surrounding home education and student success.Kym shares her incredible journey from a career in special education litigation to homeschooling six children, all of whom have found massive success in diverse fields like aviation, fine arts, and psychology. You will learn why parents are the best advocates for their child's education and how to leverage community tutorials to handle difficult subjects like trigonometry or science dissections without the stress.The conversation dives deep into the practical side of schooling through the high school years, specifically highlighting the power of dual enrollment. Kym explains how taking college classes early helps students build confidence, save money, and gain a competitive edge for university scholarships. Whether you are just starting out or are a veteran parent looking for a second wind, this video provides the data and the encouragement needed to own your child's educational journey.eXtend website: https://extendhomeschool.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExtendHomeschoolInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/extendhomeschool/Kym's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kymkent1/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 Introduction to Kym Kent and Extend Homeschool Tutorial3:45 Tackling the three perceived hindrances to homeschooling8:10 Why homeschooling is a lifestyle and not just a gig13:30 From law school plans to fire from heaven19:15 Creating a vision for academic tutorials and flexibility25:00 Busting common homeschooling myths and stereotypes31:45 Understanding national test scores and educational ownership37:20 Success stories: Raising artists, pilots, and entrepreneurs44:10 How to access Kym's free homeschooling ebook and resources51:05 The strategic advantage of dual enrollment for high schoolers58:30 The power of do-overs and respecting a child's personal pace1:04:50 Self-care for the homeschooling parent and finding your village1:08:09 Final encouragement and how to connect with the communityIf you found this conversation helpful, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more interviews with educational leaders. Visit the Homeschool Yo Kids Expo website to find a community event near you and get equipped for your journey!#homeschooling #education #parenting #dualenrollment #homeschoolcommunity
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complex systems surrounding your child's mental and behavioral health? In this episode, we dive deep into how families can bridge the gap between schools, medical providers, and home life to ensure every child thrives. Join us for a powerful conversation about advocacy, collaboration, and the importance of meeting children where they are.
In this episode, host Jae sits down with Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer, PhD, the founder of Beyond the Individual and a professor at the University of Kansas. Katrina shares her unique journey from academia to clinical practice, sparked by her own experiences as a parent of children who do not always fit the traditional mold. We explore the common frustrations of siloed systems where schools, insurance companies, and parents often find themselves at odds rather than working together.
Katrina explains why true collaboration is the secret ingredient to progress and how her clinic provides a continuum of care that empowers families rather than creating long-term dependency. We also discuss the vital role of parental self-regulation, exploring why parenting is often more about managing our own emotions than controlling our children. Whether you are navigating an IEP, seeking behavioral support, or looking for ways to better regulate your household, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement.
Chapters
0:00 Intro and Welcome
2:15 Katrina’s Journey to Psychology and Practice
5:30 Filling Service Gaps in Mental Health
8:45 The Problem with Siloed Systems
12:00 Collaboration Over Blame in Child Success
15:15 Parenting and Self-Regulation
18:30 Focus on Guidance and Autonomy
21:45 The Beyond the Individual Service Model
25:00 Moving Toward Independence in Therapy
28:30 Working with Schools and IEP Teams
31:15 Telehealth and Reaching Families Everywhere
34:00 Final Takeaways and Self-Care
35:51 End of Video
If you found this conversation helpful, please like this video and subscribe to our channel for more insights on supporting your children. Share your thoughts in the comments below about how you navigate the different systems in your child's life!
#homeschooling #mentalhealth #parentingsupport #neurodiversity #behavioralhealth
Welcome to the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast with your host Jae!
Today we are joined by the inspiring Antonette Elliot, a mother of four and the founder of an elite nature-based childcare center in Georgia. 🌿In this deep-dive conversation,
Antonette shares her incredible journey from substitute teaching to building a childcare legacy that supports working families with radical flexibility. We explore the critical importance of nature in early education, the power of involving your family in your business, and the honest realities of navigating the childcare industry.
Antonette also gets real about why she chose to transition her own children toward homeschooling. We discuss the current state of the public school system, the importance of child advocacy, and how to protect your child's confidence and mental well-being in a challenging world.
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a homeschooling parent, or someone looking for better childcare options, this episode is packed with wisdom on breaking toxic cycles and building a legacy of love and respect. 💖
https://aocelitechildcare.com/
Bio:Antoinette Elliott is redefining what modern childcare can look like, especially for parents navigating burnout, night shifts, foster care, or just needing a day to breathe. As the founder of All Our Children Elite Childcare Academy, she’s built a nature-based, vegetarian program rooted in flexibility, whole-child development, and deep caregiver training. Every staff member is CPR and crisis-prevention certified, every meal is plant-based, and every child is treated like they belong. Her approach proves that nature and nutrition aren’t luxuries. They’re essential tools for raising curious, resilient kids. In this episode, Antoinette shares how she’s supporting not just children, but caregivers too — offering drop-in care, extended hours, and even free Saturdaysfor foster parents. It’s a conversation that challenges outdated childcare models and offers a real-world vision for what it means to show up for families today.
Video edited by: Nexus Novanzmedia1234@gmail.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/16DwALXWFa/?mibextid=wwXIfrDo creative video edit, youtube video editing by Zzaman123 | Fiverr
Chapters0:00 Intro and meeting Antonette Elliot
2:45 The origin story: From substitute teaching to business owner
6:30 Spotting the red flags in traditional childcare
11:15 Starting a home-based childcare business
15:50 Transitioning to a nature-based center model
20:20 Building a family legacy with your children
24:45 The benefits of nature-based learning and inclusion
29:10 Flexible scheduling for modern working parents
34:00 Supporting teacher-entrepreneurs and community
38:30 The financial reality of running a large center
43:15 Managing family dynamics in a business setting
48:10 Why parents are choosing homeschooling today
53:20 Navigating school safety and the trenches
57:50 De-escalation and giving children a voice
1:02:30 Self-care strategies for busy parents
1:05:45 Final advice for breaking the cycle and closing
If you found this conversation helpful, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more support and inspiration. Visit our website to learn more about our upcoming expos and resources for your homeschooling journey! 📢
#homeschooling #childcare #naturebasededucation #parenting #familybusiness
Are you looking for a way to take your child's STEM education to new heights? In this episode, we explore how homeschool students are building actual airplanes and training for careers in aerospace through the Wings Over the Rockies program. Whether your student wants to be a pilot, an engineer, or even a space farmer, there is a path for everyone in this unique hands-on learning environment.
Join host Jae as she sits down with Nedra Hall and Jessica from Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum to discuss their innovative aerospace exploration programs for middle and high schoolers. We dive deep into the mechanics of building a flight-ready aircraft, the high-energy world of drone soccer, and how students can earn their FAA drone pilot licensing. This conversation is a must-watch for any parent looking to bridge the gap between traditional academics and real-world trades.
You will also hear about the importance of self-care for educators and how specialized programs can help students with diverse learning needs thrive outside of a typical classroom setting. From NASA-partnered biology projects to field trips at the Air Force Academy, this episode is packed with inspiration for your homeschooling journey.
Chapters
0:00 Welcome to the Home School Yo Kids Podcast
2:15 Meet the Guests from Wings Over the Rockies
5:30 Transitioning from Public Schools to Museum Education
8:45 What is the Wings Aerospace Exploration Program
11:30 Students Building a Real Functional Airplane
14:15 Space Farming and NASA Research Partnerships
17:00 Drone Pilot Training and FAA Part 107 Testing
20:45 What is Drone Soccer and How to Play
24:00 Exploring the Denver and Centennial Museum Locations
27:15 Tuition Details and Scholarship Opportunities
31:00 Field Trips and the Colorado Aerospace Community
34:30 Self-Care and Maintaining a Work-Life Balance
37:00 Success for Students with Diverse Learning Needs
38:57 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up
Check out the links in the description to learn more about the Wings Aerospace programs and how to get your family involved. Be sure to subscribe for more support and inspiration for your homeschooling lifestyle!
#homeschooling #aerospace #stemeducation #aviation #dronepilot
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