#143 Discover the heartwarming and inspiring homeschool journey of Kamika Raby in this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast! 🏡 Kamika, a dedicated mom of three, military wife, and seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience, shares her passion for empowering students and creating a nurturing learning environment through homeschooling. As the founder of Imagodei Academy, Kamika is reimagining what learning looks like by blending her public-school expertise with a biblical worldview to help families homeschool with confidence and purpose. Imagodei Academy's 9th-12th grade is accredited.In this episode, Kamika opens up about her transition from public school teaching to homeschooling, her commitment to building a strong educational foundation for her children, and the creative ways she simplifies learning for families through her nonprofit and self-published children’s book, "Mama, Why Do We Homeschool?" She also shares how homeschooling has strengthened her family’s growth mindset, fostered student success, and allowed her to connect with her children on a deeper level.Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or exploring the idea of homeschooling, this conversation is packed with valuable insights, practical tips, and a dose of encouragement to help you along your journey. Kamika’s story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and community in creating an enriching homeschool experience.

Imagodei Academy

Website: www.iogacademy.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iogacademy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imagodei_academy/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi9Ei7JmPC8o474H5n2p3Bw

Kamika RabyInstagram: novembersonshine

Website: www.kamikaraby.com

Kamika holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from North Carolina A&T State University, a M.Ed. in Education Administration and Supervision from Liberty University, and a Graduate Certification in Mathematics from Colorado State University. She is a highly qualified educator with over 15 years of education experience teaching from the elementary to the collegiate level and preparing future teachers for their careers in education.

Kamika began her involvement in education as an academic tutor and her career as an elementary public-school teacher. After giving birth to her first son, God began to deal with her heart about being a stay-at-home wife & mom and homeschooling her children.

Also having the desire to remain active and relevant in the field of education, she not only builds Imagodei Academy, but she also juggles working multiple education position such as an online career high school math teacher, a math professor for both campus and onlinecolleges, and an academic coach for a college course company. In the community, she remains actively involved in the local body of Christ serving kids, youth, young adults, women, and in the arts. She has also served a local homeschool community as a board member for a support group and currently hosts a monthly homeschool mom’s support gathering called “Homeschool Mom Huddle”.

Kamika is married to her supportive, one-of-a-kind husband of 14+ years, Terrence, and together they are raising and homeschooling three active sons. "God has given parents the responsibility of raising their children to know and have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It takes a Christian household, a Bible teaching church, and Christ-centered school for our children and the generations to come to be disciples of Christ. Receiving aChristian education allows students to maximize their God given potential andtalents and helps direct them in fulfilling their purpose here on earth." ~KamikaRaby, M.Ed.Join the Homeschool Yo Kids community for more empowering stories and support as we continue to foster creative, collaborative, and unconventional learning experiences. Subscribe now and be part of the movement to inspire the next generation!

#142

Discover the inspiring homeschool journey of the Bryant family in this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast. Join host Jae as the Bryants share their unique experiences, from embracing a learning environment rooted in Christian values to empowering students to explore their passions. Hear how a focus on family, faith, and flexibility fostered a growth mindset, creative exploration, and lifelong skills for student success. The Bryant family discusses reimagining what learning looks like, offering creative ways to simplify education while building a strong homeschool community. They also reveal insights behind their collaborative project, "Trusting Timothy," a Christian children’s book that teaches integrity and the power of making the right choices. With topics ranging from curriculum choices to pursuing individual interests like coding, music, and writing, this episode is a must-watch for anyone considering homeschooling or seeking inspiration on their educational journey.Be part of our mission to support families in creating empowering and unconventional learning experiences! Visit trustingtimothy.com to learn more about the Bryant family’s book, and follow their journey on social media. Let’s celebrate the incredible potential of homeschooling together!https://trustingtimothy.com/https://www.instagram.com/trustingtimothy_official/The Bryants are a Christian family who strongly believe in the power of GOD'S WORD. They are excited to share this message through their book, Trusting Timothy: A Story About Cheating.

#151 Homeschool Science Made Easy! Discover creative ways to simplify chemistry & biology for homeschoolers with Discovery Institute Academy's Kristin Marias. This episode dives into empowering students with tailored learning options, fostering a growth mindset, and reimagining what learning looks like in your homeschool journey. Kristin, a passionate high school science educator, breaks down how chemistry and biology courses at Discovery Institute integrate cutting-edge techniques, hands-on labs, and intelligent design principles to create a dynamic learning environment that supports student success.

Get inspired by Kristin's expertise as she shares how these flexible course tiers cater to various homeschool styles, offering live instruction, independent learning, and supportive resources. Learn how Discovery Institute Academy is shaping the future of the homeschool community with innovative approaches to education. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting, this episode is packed with insights to empower your homeschooling journey.

Discovery Institute Academy | Discovery Institute

Join the Homeschool Yo Kids community and explore these transformative educational opportunities by visiting discoveryinstitute.academy. Let’s make science exciting, accessible, and impactful for every student. Homeschool your kids with confidence and creativity!Video edited by: Nexus Novanzmedia1234@gmail.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/16DwALXWFa/?mibextid=wwXIfr#onlinelearning #science #homeschool #curriculumorganization #eclectichomeschoolCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:07 - Kristen Mertz Introduction02:06 - Journey to Becoming a Chemistry Teacher05:26 - Teacher Encouragement and Elaboration08:03 - Passion for Chemistry12:05 - Science in Everyday Life19:20 - Experience Teaching Online26:20 - Overview of the Discovery Institute34:41 - Insights on the Discovery Institute38:31 - Critical Thinking and Chemical Evolution43:11 - Future Plans for the Discovery Institute44:52 - Resources from the Discovery Institute48:25 - Importance of Self-Care50:23 - Essential Tips for Homeschool ParentsHomeschoolyokidsexpo.com

#150 Discover the key to fostering a love for learning in your homeschool journey! In this inspiring episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, host Jae welcomes Christopher J. Reeves, author of "The Parent Teacher: Love and Leading in Learning" and "Every Child Has a Story." Together, they dive into empowering students with a growth mindset, the importance of parental engagement in education, and creative ways to simplify and reimagine what learning looks like.Christopher shares his expertise on building strong parent-child relationships, creating a nurturing learning environment, and how individualized learning paths can unlock student success. This episode is packed with practical insights and heartfelt encouragement for parents navigating homeschooling and beyond.https://www.chrisreevesbooks.com/Join the Homeschool Yo Kids community as we explore the vital role parents play in shaping their child's homeschool experience. Learn how to connect with your children, inspire curiosity, and make education a meaningful journey filled with love and opportunity.Visit homeschoolyokidsexpo.com for resources, updates, and to join a supportive homeschool community. Don’t forget to download the Homeschool Yo Kids app for tools and connections to enrich your homeschooling experience. Together, let’s empower every family to build a brighter future through education!#newmomtips #socialemotionaldevelopment #developmentalconcern #intentionalparenting #developmentCHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction01:12 - Christopher Reeves Introduction07:16 - Importance of Parent Engagement12:35 - Pyramid of Needs in Education14:57 - Parenting Without a Manual17:30 - Parental Involvement Strategies22:20 - Benefits of Homeschooling26:30 - Inspiration for Writing Books31:38 - Assessing Happiness in Education34:08 - Creating Thinkers vs Workers37:09 - Diminishing Love for Learning42:50 - Importance of Relevant Learning48:04 - Self-Care for Parents49:25 - Key Takeaways51:15 - Final ThoughtsHomeschoolyokidsexpo.com

#149

Discover how "Story Driven," a creative writing board game, is reimagining what learning looks like for kids! ✍️ In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, Michael Clay, a multimedia visual storyteller and teaching artist, shares his journey of empowering students through innovative education. Inspired by years of volunteering and teaching, Michael developed "Story Driven" to make writing fun and accessible for learners of all levels, from early emergent to fluent writers.

This game is more than just fun—it's a dynamic tool for fostering creativity, building confidence, and encouraging a growth mindset. Whether you're part of a homeschool community or seeking creative ways to simplify writing skills in a traditional learning environment, "Story Driven" meets students where they are, offering flexibility for parents, teachers, and even speech pathologists. By turning writing into a collaborative and imaginative experience, it supports student success while helping children discover the joy of storytelling.

https://dbdcreativeagency.com/

Michael L. Clay is the CEO & Multimedia Visual Storyteller of Driven by Design Creative Agency LLC “DBD”. DBD is a Multimedia Visual Marketing company that specializes in the art mediums of videography, photography, creative writing and teaching for small to large businesses/organizations who service children and families. After a decade of research through volunteering and programming, Michael developed a successful residency called the Art of Visual Storytelling “AVS” (https://dbdcreativeagency.com/visual-storytelling/).

AVS develops and enhances student understanding of the English Language Arts (ELA) through creative writing and film production right in their classroom.Writing became a fun activity for the students in his classroom. He enjoyed watching those “light up moments” when their ideas and the concept presented clicked and became one. The teachers who came in contact with the Art of Visual Storytelling residency wanted it year-round, but without funding they could only do it once or twice a year. Michael desired to efficiently spread this experience out to others year-round. That's when he began to formulate his residency into the concept of a game.

Story Driven: Unlocking Writer’s Block (https://dbdcreativeagency.com/story-driven/) is a creative writing board game that helps its players become the writers they never thought they could be. Story Driven caters to all levels of writers including, but not limited to early emergent, emergent, transitional and fluent writers. One story can be told multiple ways leaving no room for redundancy and opens the door to free-form expression.

Homeschool Yo Kids is dedicated to supporting families on their homeschool journey by offering tools, resources, and inspiring stories like Michael's. Don't miss this engaging conversation about creating change through education.

Join our mission to empower families and reimagine learning! Visit our website, follow us on social media, and connect with our growing homeschool community today. Together, we're building a brighter future for every student.

#148

Transform your homeschooling experience with BāKIT Box, a game-changing educational tool featured on the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast! Host Jay welcomes Shelly Gupta, founder of BāKIT Box, to discuss how her innovative baking kits empower students to explore culture, STEM, and culinary creativity—all from the comfort of home. Designed with the homeschool community in mind, these kits offer engaging, hands-on projects that make learning fun, meaningful, and delicious.

BāKIT Box is a subscription-based program that introduces students to culturally diverse recipes and STEM principles through interactive baking activities. Each kit includes pre-measured ingredients, a recipe book, and an activity guide that seamlessly blend math, science, art, geography, and language skills. With themes like "The Science of Color" and "Exploring Space," learners as young as five can cultivate a growth mindset while expanding their understanding of the world.

Shelly shares her journey of reimagining what learning looks like by addressing the lack of diversity in baking. Her mission to inspire creativity and simplify the educational process resonates deeply with homeschooling families. Parents and kids alike will love the opportunity to bond while building skills in a supportive, hands-on learning environment.

Ready to enrich your homeschool journey? Visit bakitbox.com to explore these creative tools for student success. Don’t forget to follow Homeschool Yo Kids for more tips, resources, and community support. Together, let’s redefine education and empower the next generation of learners!

#sciencecurriculum #eclectichomeschool #homeschoolcurriculumunboxing #learninglanguageartsthroughliterature #bakingrecipes

CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:52 - Who is Shelly03:04 - What is BāKIT Box08:49 - What to Bake with BāKIT Box12:49 - Your Baking Background14:09 - Business Opportunity in Baking17:43 - Cooking from Scratch Tips19:32 - Contents of the BāKIT Box21:14 - Where to Find BāKIT Box21:42 - Self-Care Tips for Bakers22:53 - Key Takeaways for Families24:17 - Outro

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#147 Overcoming homeschool doubts can feel overwhelming, but this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast will show you that you CAN do it! Join Jae as she welcomes Jen Garrison Stuber, Advocacy Chair for the Washington Homeschool Organization, to share her incredible homeschool journey. From navigating unexpected challenges to reimagining what learning looks like, Jen provides real-life examples and creative ways to simplify the homeschooling process while empowering students to thrive.Discover how embracing a growth mindset, fostering curiosity, and building a supportive homeschool community can transform your education experience. Jen shares her personal story of homeschooling her daughter from second grade to becoming a successful college graduate, proving that unconventional paths lead to student success.Whether you're new to homeschooling or seeking fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with practical insights, tips for creating a flexible learning environment, and encouragement to trust yourself in this rewarding journey. Remember, homeschooling is not meant to be done alone, and the Homeschool Yo Kids community is here to support you every step of the way.https://washhomeschool.org/about-who/who-membership/https://www.facebook.com/washhomeschool/The Washington Homeschool Organization is a statewide all-volunteer organization of homeschool parents, dedicated to helping other homeschooling families across our state. Was this email helpful? Support WHO's mission to serve the diverse interests of home-based education in Washington State by joining today. Follow us on Facebook.For more resources, inspiration, and to connect with a vibrant community of homeschoolers, visit homeschoolyourkidsexpo.com and follow us on social media. Together, let’s create meaningful educational experiences for our children!#inspiration #homeschool #mentalhealth #curriculumplanning #childbehaviormanagementCHAPTERS:00:00 - Welcome00:51 - Intro to Jen05:21 - Daily Life in Homeschooling09:23 - NC vs WA Homeschooling Laws11:34 - Joining Co-ops and Classes19:00 - Homeschooling Methods22:40 - Understanding Unschooling24:40 - Comprehensive Curriculum Overview27:13 - Pandemic's Impact on Homeschooling Laws29:36 - Benefits of Unstructured Play33:09 - Joining the WHO: What It Means34:51 - Creating Safe Learning Spaces for Kids40:15 - Importance of Communication with Kids45:37 - Parental Involvement in Education49:48 - If I Were Queen of the Universe50:57 - Self-Care Strategies for Parents53:34 - Key Takeaways for Families57:09 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsHomeschoolyokidsexpo.com

#146 Discover the inspiring journey of homeschooling five kids over 14 years in this episode of Homeschool Yo Kids! Host Jae sits down with Leigh Ramsey, a seasoned homeschool mom and director of Rankin Performing Arts, to discuss lessons learned, creative ways to simplify education, and empowering students to thrive in a personalized learning environment.

Leigh shares how she balanced structure with spontaneity, nurtured her children’s unique gifts, and built a supportive homeschool community. From managing different learning styles to fostering a growth mindset, Leigh offers invaluable insights into reimagining what learning looks like.

As a passionate advocate for performing arts, she also highlights the transformative power of creativity and imagination in shaping confident, capable adults. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned educator, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement.

https://www.facebook.com/rankinperformingarts/---rankin

Join the conversation and explore how to create a thriving homeschool environment that supports student success. Don’t forget to visit homeschoolkidsexpo.com for helpful resources, connect with like-minded families, and find your tribe in the homeschool community. Let’s redefine education together!

#dayinthelife #largefamilyhomeschooling #homeschool #homeschoolingmultipleages #curriculumCHAPTERS:00:00

- Intro01:38 - Starting Performing Arts Journey04:07 - Reasons for Homeschooling08:50 - Finding Educational Resources11:44 - Family's Reception to Homeschooling13:16 - Kids' School Preferences19:00 - Homeschool Curriculum Overview25:03 - Rankin Performing Arts Insights30:10 - Benefits of Starting Early34:40 - Locating Rankin Performing Arts38:44 - Importance of Imagination in Learning45:43 - Self-Care Strategies for Parents48:52 - Key Takeaways for Parents53:14 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

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