The Homeschool How To

Latest Episodes:

#121: Breaking Free from the System: Former Teacher's Journey to Homesteading, Homeschooling, and Home Birth May 24, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you choose to step away from mainstream expectations and reclaim your family's destiny? Mary Wainwright's journey from conventional life to intentional living offers a roadmap for those feeling trapped in industrial systems.
Mary returns to share insights from her new book "Taking Back My Life," which chronicles her radical transformation across every aspect of family living. She takes us through the stark contrast between her traumatic hospital birth and her subsequent empowering home births, revealing how this experience catalyzed her entire lifestyle shift. Rather than presenting her choices as the "right way," Mary simply illuminates alternatives many families never consider.
The conversation explores how modern society has systematically disconnected us from fundamental knowledge in just one or two generations. From growing food to understanding natural remedies, we've surrendered our self-sufficiency to systems that often prioritize profit over wellbeing. Mary shares practical steps anyone can take - starting a small garden, learning to make bone broth, or questioning medical interventions - that gradually build toward greater independence.
Perhaps most powerful is Mary's reflection on community building. She describes creating a "tribe" where families barter skills, share resources, and collectively raise children. This interdependence makes sustainable living not just possible but deeply fulfilling, addressing the isolation that drove many women away from traditional roles decades ago.
The conversation continually returns to fear as the controlling mechanism that keeps us compliant within industrial systems. By recognizing this pattern and making intentional choices about time, education, health, and community, Mary demonstrates how families can create lives aligned with their deepest values rather than external expectations. Her parting question resonates: "Are you living the life you want your children to replicate?"
Ready to reclaim aspects of your family's life? Check out Mary's book through her website marywainwright.com or leave a comment sharing which part of her journey resonates most with your own family's situation.

Mary's Book, Taking Back My Life which you can also purchase on Amazon !

What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?
HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!
This could mean life or death in some cases!
Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease:
Let's Talk, Emergencies! -and don't forget The Activity Book!
The Tuttle Twins - use code Cheryl15 for 15% the age 5-11 series!

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#120: Skip the Loans, Keep the Dreams: Hannah Maruyama's Degree-Free Revolution May 17, 2025

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Hannah Maruyama joins The Homeschool How To podcast to challenge everything you thought you knew about higher education and career success. Having walked away from college at 16 after discovering its politicized environment and questionable academic value, Hannah shares her journey to developing a groundbreaking approach to career preparation that's saving families hundreds of thousands of dollars while launching young adults into thriving careers.
The conversation reveals shocking statistics about our student loan crisis. Despite the cultural push toward college, only 7.7% of jobs legally require degrees—a mere 0.3% increase since 1965—yet we've accumulated $1.7 trillion in student loan debt. Hannah exposes how government subsidization of student loans created artificial demand, leading to bankruptcy-exempt debt that follows borrowers for life. Most disturbing is the poor return on investment: only 27% of graduates use their degrees, while the average bachelor's degree costs $104,000 and takes 5.5 years to complete.
For homeschooling families, this information is especially valuable. Rather than measuring success by college admissions, Hannah suggests focusing on four key questions: Where does your child want to live? How much money do they need? What schedule works for them? What work environment suits them? From these answers, families can identify careers that truly fit their children's goals and strategically acquire the specific skills employers need—without unnecessary degrees.
Through her company Degree Free, Hannah has helped hundreds of young adults identify their ideal career paths and secure high-paying jobs through targeted skill acquisition, often out-earning their degree-holding peers in a fraction of the time and cost. Whether your teens are approaching graduation or you're just beginning your homeschool journey, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on preparing children for genuine success in an economy that's rapidly changing beyond what traditional education can support.

https://degreefree.com/

Hannah's Instagram TikTok: @DegreeFree

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#119: Homeschooled on a Boat— Now Homeschooling Her Daughter: Shellbe’s Incredible Story May 10, 2025

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What happens when you grow up homeschooled on a sailboat, then experience public school, only to return to homeschooling as a parent? Shellbe's remarkable journey offers a window into an educational path less traveled, filled with powerful insights for any parent questioning traditional education.
Born to parents who rejected conventional schooling, Shellbe spent her early years cruising the Bahamas on a sailboat. Her "classroom" was the open water, where learning to navigate charts, catch fish, and take responsibility weren't electives—they were survival skills. Using the Calvert School curriculum, her education blended formal academics with real-world application in ways most children never experience. "I knew responsibility," Shellbe reflects, recounting how she sailed dinghies with her toddler sister at just eight years old, learned to recover from capsizing, and developed problem-solving skills that have served her throughout life.
When Shellbe entered public school in seventh grade, the contrast was stark. The rigid bell schedule, curriculum gaps, and social dynamics created challenges that shaped her understanding of what education could and should be. Despite her strong foundation in reading and writing, she struggled when the system couldn't accommodate her learning style—an experience that would later inform her approach to teaching her own daughter.
Now homeschooling as a single parent, Shellbe has crafted an education for her daughter that honors both structure and freedom. With formal lessons sometimes just twice weekly, learning happens organically through exploration, measurement, and discovery. When her five-year-old spends a morning examining caterpillars with a magnifying glass, creating habitats, and measuring specimens, Shellbe recognizes this as valuable education that transcends textbooks.
Whether you're currently homeschooling, considering the leap, or simply curious about alternative educational paths, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about how learning happens and what truly matters in preparing children for a fulfilled life.

Connect with Shellbe:

Instagram and Facebook are @Vital.Roots.Coaching

Shellbe is offering a FREE masterclass on how to have an Empowered Pregnancy & Birth next Friday the 16th!!

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#118: Breaking Free: A Teacher's Journey into Homeschooling May 03, 2025

Show notes

What happens when a dedicated special education teacher realizes the system she works in isn't what she wants for her own children? In this revealing conversation, Terry shares her remarkable journey from classroom teacher to homeschooling mother of four (soon to be five).
Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American, Terry was raised believing that college education and professional success were the ultimate goals. She dutifully followed this path, becoming a special education teacher for five years in Arizona. Yet what she witnessed behind the scenes – from rigid behavioral expectations to concerning pandemic responses – gradually shifted her perspective on public education.
Making the leap to homeschooling wasn't easy. Terry and her husband took the dramatic step of relocating across the country to South Carolina, significantly downsizing their lifestyle to survive on a single income. Despite her educational background, she still battled self-doubt about teaching her own children – a sentiment many homeschooling parents will recognize.
The rewards have been profound. Her children have thrived away from the pressures of traditional schooling. Her son, once labeled a "class clown," now focuses better on academics without constant social distractions. Her daughter, who experienced testing anxiety even in kindergarten, has rediscovered the joy of learning. Perhaps most beautifully, the family has grown closer through shared daily experiences, including welcoming a new baby.
Terry doesn't shy away from discussing the practical challenges – from curriculum choices to balancing the needs of multiple children at different levels. She shares her approach to finding community through library meetups and church connections, and her thoughts on preparing for the high school years ahead.
Whether you're considering homeschooling, already on the journey, or simply curious about educational alternatives, this conversation offers valuable perspective from someone who's seen both sides of the educational divide. As Terry reflects, "You're never going to regret having that time with your children."
Ready to explore more homeschooling journeys? Subscribe to the Homeschool How To podcast and join our growing community of families discovering educational freedom.

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#117: Homeschooling Seven Kids Through Her Real Estate Career Apr 26, 2025

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Ever wondered if you could pursue your career dreams while homeschooling your children? Natalie Watts proves it's not only possible—it's transformative. As "The Thoughtful Realtor" and mother of seven homeschooled children ranging from 5 to 16 years old, Natalie shares her remarkable journey from traditional expectations to entrepreneurial success.
Despite growing up in public school herself, Natalie embraced homeschooling after marrying into a conservative family with homeschooling roots—her in-laws were pioneers in making homeschooling legal in Minnesota. What makes her story particularly compelling is how she integrates her thriving real estate career with her children's education, creating authentic learning opportunities every day.
Natalie's approach centers on "delight-directed learning," focusing on subjects that genuinely interest each child rather than forcing traditional schoolwork. Her children participate in various aspects of her business based on their natural inclinations—designing marketing materials, learning videography, practicing handwriting through client thank-you cards, and experiencing real-world math, communication, and problem-solving. This practical education has yielded impressive results: her children excel on standardized tests, have become exceptional readers, and are specifically requested as employees by local businesses who recognize their unique capabilities.
Beyond academics, Natalie emphasizes character development through what she calls "grit training"—"doing what you don't want to do to be who you should be." Her family's focus on work ethic, critical thinking, and relationship skills has prepared her children for success in ways traditional education often misses. Meanwhile, her community-focused business approach earned her "Business of the Year" in her first year and recognition as a top 10 realtor in her state.
Want to learn more about integrating entrepreneurship with homeschooling? Connect with Natalie on Instagram @thethoughtfulrealtor where she mentors other parents building businesses while educating their children at home.

✨ This episode is brought to you by Excelsior Classes — live, online courses for homeschoolers taught by passionate, Christian instructors. Whether your student needs support in core subjects or wants to explore exciting electives, Excelsior offers rigorous academics in a nurturing environment. Learn more at excelsiorclasses.com!

The Tuttle Twins - Do you want to help your children learn about true history, personal freedom, responsibility, and individual rights? Then check out The Tuttle Twins books by clicking HERE!
Use code: Cheryl15 for 15% off the age 5-11 series!

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#116: "Behind Who?" — Challenging Traditional Timelines and Expectations with Jackie Apr 19, 2025

Show notes

Dive into a refreshingly honest conversation about homeschooling with Jackie from @RealRaisingCubs, a tattooed, outspoken mother of four boys who's been homeschooling for over a decade. Jackie shatters the stereotypical image of homeschooling parents, offering a perspective that's both liberating and practical.
This episode explores the core concept of freedom that drives Jackie's homeschooling approach. We discuss her evolution from structured curricula to her current unschooling methods, and how her philosophy has adapted to meet the changing needs of her children. Jackie shares the startling statistic that average parents spend just one hour daily with their children, highlighting how homeschooling reclaims precious family time.
One of the most powerful moments comes when Jackie recounts being told her son was "behind" in reading, and another mom's perspective-shifting question: "Behind who?" This story exemplifies how homeschooling frees families from arbitrary timelines and expectations, allowing children to develop at their natural pace.
Jackie doesn't sugarcoat the challenges—she admits to doubting herself regularly and losing patience with her children. Yet she emphasizes that these real moments create opportunities for character development and authentic learning. Her practical advice includes not trying to replicate traditional school at home, focusing on character development before academics for younger children, and trusting your instincts as a parent.
Whether you're a veteran homeschooler, just beginning your journey, or simply curious about alternative educational approaches, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating an educational environment that honors children's natural development while preparing them for a meaningful, self-directed life.

Follow Jackie:

@RealRaisingCubs

@FreeThinkology

https://www.freethinkology.com/

The Tuttle Twins - Do you want to help your children learn about true history, personal freedom, responsibility, and individual rights? Then check out The Tuttle Twins books by clicking the link below.
Use code: Cheryl15 for 15% off the age 5-11 series!

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#115: Shifting from Curriculum-Heavy to Self-Directed Learning with Katie Berry Apr 12, 2025

Show notes

Katie Berry returns to The Homeschool How To Podcast with a refreshingly honest revelation about her educational transformation. Once a curriculum devotee who meticulously planned each subject for her five children, Katie now champions a dramatically different approach that has revolutionized learning in her home.
The catalyst? Life's demands forced her hand when increasing work responsibilities made her traditional teaching schedule unsustainable. What began as a necessary adaptation revealed an unexpected truth: her children learned more, retained information better, and developed genuine enthusiasm when given agency over their education. From her eight-year-old narrating detailed animal facts after watching Wild Kratts to her older son eagerly sharing discoveries from science comics, the evidence was undeniable.
Katie still maintains that some subjects—particularly reading—benefit from direct instruction. If a child hasn't begun reading spontaneously by age six or seven, structured phonics teaching becomes essential. But for history, science, and other subjects, she's transitioned from teacher to mentor, guiding her children toward resources while allowing them to chart their learning paths through documentaries, podcasts, books, and hands-on activities.
This shift addresses a profound educational gap Katie observed when her public-schooled daughter, despite graduating with honors, called home during her first month of college having panic attacks because she didn't know how to learn independently. The checkbox mentality of traditional education hadn't prepared her for self-directed learning. By contrast, Katie's homeschooled children are developing the exact skills needed for higher education success—finding resources, managing time, and pursuing knowledge without constant direction.
Are you struggling with curriculum overload or wondering if your approach is sustainable? Join us for this thought-provoking conversation about loosening the reins, trusting your children's natural curiosity, and reimagining what effective education truly means.

✨ This episode is brought to you by Excelsior Classes — live, online courses for homeschoolers taught by passionate, Christian instructors. Whether your student needs support in core subjects or wants to explore exciting electives, Excelsior offers rigorous academics in a nurturing environment. Learn more at excelsiorclasses.com!

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Instagram LIVE Event with Two Former Teachers of 20 Years Who Now Homeschool Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

What happens when dedicated teachers with advanced degrees and decades in the classroom realize the system isn't working for their own children? Two extraordinary educators share their journeys into the unknown world of homeschooling after collectively spending over 40 years in public education.
Deanna and Leigh Ann take us behind the curtain of their transition from traditional schooling to home education, revealing the personal "enough is enough" moments that pushed them to make radical changes for their families. One witnessed her son three grade levels behind in math catch up within six months. The other found herself peeking into a classroom to see her young son sitting dejected and crying behind a mask. These deeply human experiences—not academic theories—drove their decisions to create something different.
Both women candidly admit the learning curve was steep. They initially tried replicating school at home with rigid schedules and desk work before discovering that true learning looks radically different: conjugating verbs while jumping on trampolines, incorporating cooking as applied mathematics, and allowing natural curiosity to drive deeper investigation. With refreshing honesty, they discuss working full-time while homeschooling (yes, it's possible), the importance of "deschooling" before implementing formal curricula, and why Finland achieves 100% literacy by starting formal education at age seven.
Whether you're a curious parent wondering about alternatives, a teacher questioning the system, or a homeschooler seeking validation, this conversation offers practical wisdom without judgment. The message is clear: you don't need specialized credentials to educate your children. As Leanne says, "You can learn with them. If you don't know how to do it, learn alongside them." Their stories prove that sometimes the most powerful educational choice is simply choosing to do things differently.
Want to explore these ideas further? Connect with Deanna at "Dr. Deanna's Learning for Littles" on YouTube and check out Leigh Ann's book "Making the Switch" about her transition experience.

Making the Switch

Dr. Deanna's Learning for Littles YouTube Page

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#114: How Five Years of Homeschooling Set Laura’s Kids Up for Life Apr 05, 2025

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The moment Laura Bains heard the word "homeschooling," she knew it was her calling—even before understanding what it meant. Though her husband, a first-generation immigrant who valued traditional education, needed convincing, Laura's instincts proved right. In this revealing conversation, Laura shares how just five years of homeschooling transformed not only her children's lives but her own professional journey.
Laura's refreshingly practical approach focused on fundamentals: "I need you to be able to read, write, and do math—the rest you'll figure out on your own." With structured learning from 9 AM to 1 PM and afternoons free for self-directed exploration, her children thrived. Her son discovered electrical engineering at age four, building circuits and programming while her daughter read far beyond grade level. Most importantly, both learned to teach themselves—a skill that would define their academic futures.
When they eventually returned to traditional school, they excelled beyond expectations. Laura's daughter medaled on the honor roll throughout high school before pursuing a mathematics degree, while her son took senior-level classes as a freshman and became the school's unofficial tech specialist. Their success showcases how even a limited homeschooling period can provide a lifetime foundation.
Now a full-time tutor with extraordinary results, Laura's final message resonates deeply: "Homeschooling is not just about your kids. Find yourself in there too."
Whether you're considering homeschooling, currently in the trenches, or simply curious about alternative education paths, this conversation offers both practical insights and inspiring encouragement. What might your homeschooling journey unlock—not just for your children, but for you?

Laura's FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1385951045396974

Laura's website: www.amuseinphonics.ca

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#113: What Japan Got Right About Education—and the Shocking Truth Gabriella Discovered in the U.S. Mar 29, 2025

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What happens when a flight attendant with international benefits decides to homeschool? Magic, adventure, and a whole new approach to education.
Gabriella from RellaBBooks invites us into her world as a "hybrid homeschooler," where her four-year-old daughter attends traditional school three days weekly while spending the remaining two immersed in personalized education at home. But this arrangement is just temporary—by second grade, Gabriella plans to fully homeschool, transforming their lives into a globe-trotting educational adventure.
Drawing from her own childhood experiences in Japanese schools—where libraries featured Zen gardens and the curriculum embraced cultural immersion—Gabriella recognized the stark limitations of American education when she returned stateside. The contrast was jarring: from child-led exploration to strict limitations where even her already-mastered cursive writing was prohibited because "they hadn't taught that yet."
After working within the school system and discovering disturbing correlations between third-grade reading scores and prison population projections, Gabriella chose a different path. Now she's creating children's books that make learning joyful, starting with financial literacy in "Mama I Got a Dollar." Her multifaceted approach includes podcasts where authors read to children, YouTube content featuring movement and imagination, and even plans for a movie about English language components.
Most innovative is her vision for young readers to become "little editors," providing feedback on manuscripts before publication—a brilliant way to engage children in the creative process while teaching communication skills.
Whether you're considering homeschooling, looking for creative ways to supplement traditional education, or simply fascinated by alternative educational approaches, this conversation offers practical insights into crafting a learning environment that honors children's natural curiosity while preparing them for real-world success.
Ready to rethink education? Download this episode now and discover how one mother's journey might inspire your family's educational adventure.

Check out Gabriella's work here: RellaBBooks

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