Advertise on podcast: Homeschool Ways with Adriana Zoder

Teaching writing at home can feel intimidating—but choosing the right curriculum can make all the difference. In this episode of Homeschool Ways, we're comparing Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and Brave Writer, two of the most respected homeschool writing programs available today. While both help students become better writers, they represent two very different educational philosophies. IEW emphasizes explicit structure, modeling, and step-by-step instruction, while Brave Writer focuses on developing a child's voice, creativity, and love of writing through a literature-rich approach. In this episode we'll discuss: • Educational philosophy• Structured writing vs. creative writing• Parent involvement• Daily lessons and workload• Teaching methods• Student personalities that fit each program• Long-term writing development• Cost considerations• Which families are likely to thrive with each curriculum By the end of this episode, you'll have a much clearer idea of which writing curriculum best matches your homeschool style and your child's learning needs. 📚 Need help choosing curriculum? Get my Homeschool Curriculum Decision Guide here: https://homeschoolways.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide 🌐 Blog https://homeschoolways.com 🎥 YouTube https://youtube.com/@homeschoolways 📖 My Homeschool Books https://www.amazon.com/author/adrianazoder 📱 Facebook https://facebook.com/homeschoolways 📌 Pinterest https://pinterest.com/homeschoolways 📚 Need help choosing curriculum? Get my Homeschool Curriculum Decision Guide here: https://homeschoolways.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide Thank you for listening to Homeschool Ways. Every episode is designed to encourage, equip, and inspire homeschool families with practical advice, honest curriculum reviews, and real-life homeschooling experience.

Choosing an entire homeschool curriculum can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Homeschool Ways, we're comparing The Good and the Beautiful and Abeka, two of the most popular homeschool programs available today. Although both are Christian curricula, they approach education very differently. In this episode we'll discuss: • Educational philosophy• Teaching style• Parent involvement• Reading and language arts• Math approach• Science and history• Biblical worldview• Cost considerations• Which families thrive with each curriculum By the end, you'll have a much clearer idea of which curriculum best matches your homeschool goals. Still second-guessing every curriculum purchase? I created a short guide that walks you through my curriculum decision process so you can stop wondering if you're making the "wrong" choice. It's just $7 and has helped me simplify curriculum shopping. ➜ Get it here: https://adriana-zoder.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide 🌐 Blog:https://homeschoolways.com 🎥 YouTube:https://youtube.com/@homeschoolways 📖 My Homeschool Books:https://www.amazon.com/author/adrianazoder 📱 Facebook:https://facebook.com/homeschoolways 📌 Pinterest:https://pinterest.com/homeschoolways 📚 Need help choosing curriculum? Get my Homeschool Curriculum Decision Guide here:https://homeschoolways.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide Thank you for listening to Homeschool Ways. New homeschool encouragement, curriculum reviews, and practical advice are released regularly to help you homeschool with confidence.

If you're trying to choose between Mystery of History and Story of the World, this episode walks you through the strengths, weaknesses, and differences between these two popular homeschool history curricula. I'll compare: Teaching styleWorldview and approachEase of useAge rangePrep timeWho each curriculum is best suited forWhether you're homeschooling for the first time or looking to switch history programs, this comparison will help you decide which curriculum is the better fit for your family. If you've been following my homeschool curriculum comparison series, this is the latest episode!

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 building. Neither curriculum is universally better. The best choice depends on your child's learning style, confidence level, and how they process mathematical concepts. In this episode you'll discover: • The core differences between Singapore Math and Saxon Math• Which students tend to thrive with each curriculum• Why learning style matters more than most parents realize• How to reduce math frustration by choosing the right approach• Tips for selecting a homeschool math curriculum with confidence If you've been wondering whether Singapore Math or Saxon Math is the better fit for your family, this episode will help you make a more informed decision. Get the Homeschool Curriculum Decision Guide: https://adriana-zoder.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide Connect with us: https://homeschoolways.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HomeschoolWays

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 matches your child’s learning style? If you’ve felt overwhelmed trying to choose a reading curriculum, this episode will help simplify the decision. Download Curriculum Guide here https://adriana-zoder.kit.com/products/the-homeschool-curriculum-decision-guide

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 attentionHow alliteration supports phonemic awareness (a foundational reading skill)Behind-the-scenes insights from creating the bookHow real children shaped the tone and ideasPractical ways parents and teachers can use this approach dailyOne simple but powerful piece of advice for raising strong readersAlthough co-creator Ley (a mother of eight) chose not to appear on the podcast, her experience and input are an important part of this project and are shared throughout the conversation. Get An Alliterative Alphabet - the book - on Amazon https://amzn.to/4de4miL [affiliate link] If you're homeschooling or simply want a more natural, effective way to introduce reading—this episode will give you both perspective and practical tools.

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’tThe difference between narrative learning and structured curriculumHow independence level impacts your daily homeschool flowWhich curriculum reduces overwhelm for parentsStory of the World uses engaging storytelling to present history chronologically, while Notgrass History combines narrative, primary sources, and a structured daily plan with a Christian perspective. If you’ve been second-guessing your history curriculum, this episode will help you move forward with clarity.

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 childrenHow storytelling shapes identity and cultureWhy language learning starts earlier than most thinkPractical insights for parents and educatorsIf you’re interested in language, culture, or raising globally-minded kids, this conversation is for you. Colores Del Mundo by Fernanda Romero https://amzn.to/4vQcUDO Kitten in the Storm by Adriana Zoder https://amzn.to/3Qypd7G [affiliate links]

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 teachStructured vs foundational approachesWhich curriculum works better for struggling writersHow to match the method to your child’s readinessIEW offers a step-by-step structure that helps students who feel stuck and need clear direction. Writing With Ease focuses on building foundational skills like narration and copywork, making it ideal for younger learners or those not ready for full composition. The key difference:IEW = Structure + OutputWriting With Ease = Foundation + Readiness If you’ve been feeling stuck teaching writing, this episode will give you a clear path forward.

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 frustrations• Which type of learner each program fits best If you’re trying to decide what will actually work in your homeschool, this episode will help you make a confident choice. Life of Fred - the first 4-volume set - https://amzn.to/4bXVFaI Saxon Math - 3rd grade kit - https://amzn.to/3NOx8wI This contains affiliate links.

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 calming children• Practical ways to create peaceful bedtime routines• How homeschool families can extend stories into deeper conversations If bedtime feels rushed or overwhelming, this conversation offers a gentle, realistic way forward. Book mentioned - The Coast Is Clear - https://amzn.to/3NTg2h1 [affiliate link]

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 parents—especially homeschool families—can create simple, meaningful experiences that build confidence and creativity. Eve also shares practical advice for supporting reluctant readers, along with tools that can make reading more engaging and accessible. Whether you’re raising a young reader or trying to encourage one who’s struggling, this conversation offers both inspiration and actionable ideas. 📚 Olivia’s Jokes by Eve Heidi Bine-Stockhttps://amzn.to/4lJvkBv (affiliate link — helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you)

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 World Shouts in Extremes explores how parents can stay grounded in their values without becoming reactive or rigid. We discuss: What “overcorrecting” looks like in modern parenting Why parents feel pressured to choose sides The role fear plays in parenting decisions How homeschooling families can find healthy balance Teaching kids discernment in a polarized world A practical step for overwhelmed parents this week If you’re a homeschool parent navigating cultural pressure and looking for a calmer, wiser path forward, this conversation is for you.

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 academically• The planning mistake most teens make• How to teach task breakdown so assignments don’t feel overwhelming• The study strategies that actually work (not rereading notes)• Why emotional regulation affects learning more than parents realize When teens learn these invisible academic skills, performance changes — and so does confidence. Skills can be taught. Identity shouldn’t be damaged. Subscribe for grounded, practical guidance for raising capable teens.