Raising A to Z Homeschool Podcast

Summer is finally here! ☀️One of the questions homeschoolers get asked all the time is: "Do you take the summer off?" In today's video, I'm sharing what summer homeschooling looks like for our family, along with our plans for travel, reading, activities, and a little bit of learning.While we do continue some school through the summer, it's much lighter than our regular school year. Our goal is simply to keep moving forward with math, language arts, and reading while leaving plenty of room for fun, friends, and family adventures.IntroSummer Homeschooling routineSummer PlansSummer CampMy summer goalsOutroSummer has become one of my favourite homeschool seasons because it gives us the flexibility to slow down, enjoy experiences together, and focus on the things we love most.💬 Do you homeschool through the summer or take a complete break? Let me know in the comments!Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#summerplans  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Our homeschool year is almost finished, so it's time to look back on everything we learned, loved, and would do differently!In this video I'm sharing an honest review of our 2025-2026 homeschool year, including our favourite unit studies, biggest challenges, and the books that stood out the most for our family.IntroSeptember + Kingdoms and Classifications UnitOctober + Canadian History UnitNovember December + History of ChristmasJanuary + Ancient GreeceFebruary + Canadian GeographyMarchApril + MammalsMayJuneOutroEvery homeschool year teaches us something new, and this one was no exception. From amazing books and memorable unit studies to lessons learned about planning, pacing, and surviving a long Canadian winter, I'm sharing it all.💬 I'd love to hear from you! What was your family's favorite book or unit study this year? 🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling.➡️ https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/Very Very Far North: https://amzn.to/4ojlF63 Wilderlore: https://amzn.to/3RRBQeG Heartwood Hotel 2: https://amzn.to/3RNKsTI Lion, Witch and Wardrobe: https://amzn.to/4x09n6u Percy Jackson:  https://amzn.to/49Gp5tC Spies on Parliament Hill: https://amzn.to/4vsFkmr One and Only Ivan: https://amzn.to/4v1jBCf Harry Potter 4,5,6: https://amzn.to/4g1a9dm Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#homeschoolwrapup #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

The homeschool year is wrapping up, summer break is around the corner, and I'm sharing exactly what I do to close out one homeschool year and prepare for the next.Last year, I left everything until August and spent all of September feeling behind. This year, I’m re-implementing my simple end-of-year routine that helps me head into summer feeling organized and ready for the new school year. Here are the 9 things I do now to enjoy the summer and start the next school year on the right foot.IntroMake a PlanShop for CurriculumGather BooksInventory Register for ActivitiesPrint StuffUpload ManualsPlanner OrganizedShop for SuppliesOutroThese simple tasks make back-to-school season so much less stressful and help us enjoy our summer without worrying about homeschool prep hanging over our heads.What do you do at the end of your homeschool year? Let me know in the comments!The planner shown in this video is available here: Colour PDF: https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/copy-of-homeschool-planner-academic-calendar-2Black and White PDF: https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/homeschool-planner-academic-calendar-black-white Whether you’re a detailed planner or more relaxed homeschooler, this process helps me stay organized while still leaving room for flexibility throughout the year.Let me know in the comments — are you already planning next year yet, or are you still recovering from this year first? 😂Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#planning #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

It’s time to plan our next homeschool year! In today’s video, I’m walking through my full long-term homeschool planning process — from reflecting on this past year to mapping out topics, routines, and weekly plans for next year.IntroWhat worked well this yearWhat didn’t work (and what we’re changing)Long-term homeschool goals & plansHow I organize unit studies and topics throughout the yearMy week-to-week planning processHow I avoid overplanningA full look through my homeschool planner PDFOutroIf you’ve been feeling overwhelmed trying to plan your homeschool year, hopefully this gives you some practical ideas and encouragement to create a plan that actually works for YOUR family.The planner shown in this video is available here: Colour PDF: https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/copy-of-homeschool-planner-academic-calendar-2Black and White PDF: https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/homeschool-planner-academic-calendar-black-white Whether you’re a detailed planner or more relaxed homeschooler, this process helps me stay organized while still leaving room for flexibility throughout the year.Let me know in the comments — are you already planning next year yet, or are you still recovering from this year first? 😂Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#planwithme  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

What are we studying this homeschool year? Today I’m sharing all of our homeschool unit studies, novel studies, and writing projects for the upcoming year!We use unit studies for most of our science, history, geography, and social studies, and this year’s lineup might be one of our favourites yet. I’m also sharing what novel studies we will be doing this year, as well as our new focus for the year: writing!IntroUnit studiesNovel studiesWriting ProjectsOutroForensic Science - https://campfirecurriculums.com/product/forensics/ Titanic - https://campfirecurriculums.com/product/titanic_stepsof/ History 3 - Coming soon to True North HistoryHistory of Holidays - https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/history-of-holidays 7 continents - https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/family-unit-study-the-seven-continents?_pos=2&_psq=con&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Paleontology - https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/collections/paleontology Amphibians, reptiles and fish - https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/collections/reptiles-amphibians-and-fish Energy - https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/collections/wonders-of-energy NovelsRedwall - https://amzn.to/4flJYhe Impossible creatures  - https://amzn.to/4dMTpVD The borrowers - https://amzn.to/4wEssuY Artemis Fowl - https://amzn.to/4uQzQkW Bad beginnings - https://amzn.to/3RKTAYZ Harriet the Spy - https://amzn.to/4wyeydF Thirst - https://amzn.to/4ubQ3kR I Survived…the Titanic - https://amzn.to/4dSk4zx  🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#curriculum #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

I'm sharing our full Grade 6 homeschool curriculum picks for the upcoming school year! 📚In this video, I’ll walk you through exactly what we’re using across all subjects—language arts, math, science, history, and more—and why these choices are working so well for our homeschool right now. IntroLanguage ArtsMathScience/History/Social StudiesFrenchMusic and ArtOutroSpectrum Reading: ​​https://amzn.to/4dztrou Spectrum Languages Arts: https://amzn.to/4fjgm3U Math Lessons for a Living Education: https://learninghouse.ca/product/math-lessons-for-a-living-education-level-6-st-rev-ed/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22257296836&gbraid=0AAAAADpEWQIOmFPK8II2j8IdHg4sitCwB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2YDQBhD_ARIsAE1qeSdho6HlSRLorZv6OC5Lnha8Ua9WEfFD85ro5NEDXDD0D8R6jeNtFEEaArjiEALw_wcBMusic Appreciation: https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/products/music-appreciation-1 Canadian Art:https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/canadian-art-artists  🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#curriculum  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

I'm sharing our full Grade 4 homeschool curriculum picks for the upcoming school year! 📚In this video, I’ll walk you through exactly what we’re using across all subjects—language arts, math, science, history, and more—and why these choices are working so well for our homeschool right now. I always aim to keep things simple, flexible, and effective, and this year’s plan really reflects that.IntroPrefaceLanguage ArtsMathScience/History/Social StudiesFrenchMusic and ArtOutroSpectrum Reading: https://amzn.to/4unlKaE Spectrum Languages Arts: https://amzn.to/42e3iFA Math Lessons for a Living Education: https://learninghouse.ca/product/level-4-math-lessons-for-a-living-education-bundle/ Music Appreciation: https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/products/music-appreciation-1 Canadian Art: https://www.truenorthhistory.ca/product-page/canadian-art-artists 🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#curriculum  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

If you’ve been stressing about homeschooling high school in Canada…this is the video you need. I’ve been getting so many questions from parents (whether your child is heading into high school soon or you’re just starting out) and most of them come down to this:“What are we actually supposed to DO for high school?”The truth? There isn’t just one path—and you have way more options than you think.In this video, I’m breaking down what homeschooling high school really looks like in Ontario (and across much of Canada).The biggest takeaway? Your child’s path after high school should shape what you do during high school—not the other way around.I’ll also share practical tips on how to research requirements, plan ahead, and build a high school experience that actually fits your teen and their goals.IntroGoing to High School after homeschooling 8th gradeWhat do I need to do to prepare my kid if they are going to high school?Do you need an 8th-grade diploma?Can you Homeschool High School?The OptionsDoing high school entirely at home (and issuing your own diploma)Going for an OSSD (and what’s actually required), Using accredited online schools or distance learning (like TVO ILC)Adult education & Canadian GED alternativesHybrid approaches (part homeschool, part school)Trade programs and co-op opportunitiesGet a diploma from somewhere elseEntering university as a mature studentTake University courses, then transferPlanning ahead means planning backwardsHomeschooling grades 11 and 12 onlyOutro➡️ Ontario Curriculum Checklist (The Canadian Homeschooler):  https://thecanadianhomeschooler.com/ontario-elementary-level-curriculum-checklists/If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about homeschooling high school, this will help you see the big picture and move forward with confidence. 🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#highschool #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Homeschooling doesn’t have to break the bank—and in this video, I’m sharing the practical, tried-and-true ways we’ve kept our homeschool affordable (without sacrificing quality) and on budget. These are the strategies that have saved us the most money over the years! We'll go over the things you should focus (DOs) on and a few common mistakes to avoid (DON'Ts)!IntroDO Start SimpleDON'T buy more levels than you needDO Use your libraryDON'T forget about Interlibrary LoansDO buy usedDON'T print everythingDO teach multiple Kids TogetherDON'T worry about the different agesDO Join a homeschool communityDON'T Be afraid to Build the Community you needDO Keep extracurricular activities affordableDON'T Limit Yourself to After-school activitiesDO Shop a SaleDON'T Buy Things just because they are on SaleOutroJoin my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#budget #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Ever wonder how much a normal, everyday family spends to homeschool their kids?Well, come and watch me break down exactly how much we spent homeschooling our 2 kids over the past 12 months! From curriculum to memberships, from co-op fees to activities, here’s a realistic view of what homeschooling costs today.IntroCurriculumQuote Context (Side Note)Co-op feesActivitiesCampsExtra-curricularsMembershipsTotals & Outro💬 How much are you spending on homeschooling? Got any tips for keeping the costs low? Drop them below! 🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#budget #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

I'm back with Homeschool Q&A Part 2!I had so many amazing questions submitted that there was no way to fit them all into one video—so I’m back, pulling more from the bowl and answering them on the spot!This is a real, unscripted Ask Me Anything homeschool Q&A, where we dive into everything from curriculum and routines to struggles, surprises, and honest behind-the-scenes moments.IntroWhat was your process of deschooling yourself as a former teacher to prepare for homeschooling?How do you schedule life and do the fun things while also getting through what you need to get done (and stay chill)?What do you do to fill your own cup, and how often do you need your cup filled?How do you plan the flow of your year?What documentation do you feel is necessary for homeschooling?OutroWhether you’re just starting homeschooling or have been doing it for years, these Q&A videos are a great way to learn, relate, and feel encouraged in your journey.💬 Keep your questions coming for future Q&As—I love hearing from you! 🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#HomeschoolQ&A #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

It’s time for a Homeschool Q&A!I asked you to send in your questions, and today I’m answering them randomly by pulling them out of a bowl—so anything could come up! From homeschooling routines and curriculum choices to real-life struggles and behind-the-scenes moments, nothing is off limits.If you’re curious about homeschooling, looking for honest answers, or just want to hang out and chat, this video is for you.IntroHow do you know if your kids aren't getting enough socialization?How do you know when it's time to switch around your homeschool schedule and routine?Can you still homeschool if your child is non-verbal or has a speech delay?How long will you homeschool for? Can children be homeschooled through high school? As a former teacher, what are your thoughts on peer-reviewing curriculum?What made you decide to homeschool?OutroWhether you’re a new homeschooler, considering homeschooling, or deep in the journey already, I hope this gives you helpful insight and encouragement.💬 Drop your question in the comments for the next Q&A! 🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, real-life encouragement, and honest conversations about homeschooling.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#HomeschoolQ&A #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

What is homeschooling really like?In this video, I’m sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of homeschooling—the things people love, the things that are frustrating, and the challenges that don’t get talked about enough.Last week, we covered the good and the bad/annoying. Now it’s time to tackle the ugly side of homeschooling, the things that make it hard, that make us want to throw in the towel. And it’s not kids bickering (that’s the least of our struggles).0:00 IntroThe UglyFamily and friends aren’t always supportiveFinding a supportive homeschool communityFeeling lonely at timesFinancial pressure when homeschooling on one incomeFewer curriculum resources as kids get olderNavigating middle school and high school homeschool pathways18:11 OutroHomeschooling isn’t perfect—but for many families, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.If you’re thinking about homeschooling, this honest look at the good, bad, and ugly of homeschooling will help you decide if it might be the right fit for your family.💬 Comment below: What’s the biggest question or concern you’ve heard about homeschooling?🔔 Subscribe for honest homeschool conversations, tips, and encouragement for families on the journey.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#homeschoollife  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

What is homeschooling really like?In this video, I’m sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of homeschooling—the things people love, the things that are frustrating, and the challenges that don’t get talked about enough.Homeschooling can be an incredible way to educate your children, but it isn’t perfect. There are amazing benefits like customized learning, more family time, and flexible schedules. But there are also annoying questions from strangers, messy houses, and moments when being both parent and teacher feels overwhelming. And then there are the harder realities—like finding community, dealing with criticism from family, and balancing finances.If you’re considering homeschooling or just curious about what life is actually like for homeschool families, this video will give you an honest look at the real pros and cons of homeschooling. IntroThe GoodCustomized EducationMore natural Learning TimelineFamily TimeFlexible schedulesRich socializationThe Bad (annoying)Same questions again and againA messier house when everyone is home all dayBalancing the roles of parent and teacherConstant curiosity from strangers in publicThe reality that there’s no single “right way” to homeschoolOutro➡️ The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Homeschooling Part 2 (The Bad): Coming Soon! Homeschooling isn’t perfect—but for many families, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.If you’re thinking about homeschooling, this honest look at the good, bad, and ugly of homeschooling will help you decide if it might be the right fit for your family.💬 Comment below: What’s the biggest question or concern you’ve heard about homeschooling?🔔 Subscribe for honest homeschool conversations, tips, and encouragement for families on the journey.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#homeschoollife  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Wondering how to homeschool two different grade levels at the same time?Teaching multiple ages in your homeschool can feel overwhelming... but it’s absolutely doable! Classroom teachers handle split grades all the time (some even teach 3–4 grades together)! The key is something called differentiated instruction—and it’s much simpler than it sounds.In this video, I’m sharing exactly how I teach two grade levels in our homeschool using practical strategies that don’t require two completely separate school days.Teaching Multiple Grade Levels in Homeschool (How I Make It Work)Teaching together - Family styleTeaching separatelyOutroHomeschooling multiple grade levels doesn’t mean doing twice the work. It means being flexible, adjusting expectations, and trusting that both children are learning—even if it looks different.If you’re homeschooling siblings in different grades and feeling unsure, this video will give you practical confidence and real-life strategies that actually work.💬 Comment below: How many grades are you teaching in your homeschool?🔔 Subscribe for honest homeschool tips, curriculum ideas, and real-life encouragement.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#multiplegrades #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Curious what a real homeschool day looks like?In today’s homeschool day-in-the-life, I’m taking you along for our homeschool morning routine, lunch prep, co-op time, and a library visit. This is real-life homeschooling—not perfectly aesthetic, but practical, flexible, and full of learning woven into everyday moments.Morning routine and rantschool timechores and lunchCo-op/libraryEvening routineIf you’re new to homeschooling, considering it, or just love watching homeschool vlogs for ideas and encouragement, this video will give you a realistic look at how a homeschool day can flow.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#dayinthelife  #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Are you in a homeschool slump? You’re not alone—the mid-year homeschool slump is real, especially for Canadian families between January and March.The holidays are over, the days are dark and cold (hello -30°C!), and everything can start to feel repetitive and dull. Kids get restless, motivation drops, and homeschooling can feel like a grind.Here’s the good news: this is completely normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.In this video, I’m sharing practical, real-life ways to break out of a homeschool slump and bring joy back into your days.IntroLean into the seasonGet out of the house Try a novel studySwitch things up with a unit studyPick a passion projectTake a breakOutroWinter homeschooling doesn’t have to be boring or miserable. With a few simple changes, you can turn this season into a cozy, creative, and meaningful time for your family.💬 Comment below: What helps YOU get through the homeschool winter slump?🔔 Subscribe for homeschool tips, encouragement, and realistic homeschooling strategies.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#Slump #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling

Let’s be honest—every homeschool parent has days when everything falls apart.Someone slept poorly, someone is cranky, someone is crying 10 minutes into the first lesson… and suddenly you’re wondering why you ever decided to homeschool.If you’ve had a homeschool day like this, you’re not failing. You’re normal.In this video, I’m sharing practical, real-life tips for what to do when your homeschool day goes completely off the rails—and how to reset without giving up.IntroWhat to do when your homeschool day falls apartStart with the basicsBegin with a favourite activityChange the formatNegotiateJust add waterGo “educational adjacent”Get out of the houseGive space and free timeAnd if all else fails… OutroSome days, the best homeschool lesson is meeting basic needs, reconnecting, and starting fresh.If you’ve ever had a homeschool meltdown day, this video will help you feel less alone—and give you simple ways to turn things around.💬 Comment below: What’s your go-to reset when homeschool goes off the rails?🔔 Subscribe for honest homeschool tips, encouragement, and real-life homeschooling strategies.Join my channel with a membership! ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/raisingatoz/join#baddayshappen #RaisingAtoZ #Homeschooling