How do you move from surviving to thriving in difficult seasons? Zan and Nancy continue their heart-to-heart discussion about the power of prayer in your homeschool journey, exploring how parents' midnight prayers and tears reflect God's own heart. From fasting and prayer during legislative battles to stopping mid-lesson to seek God together, they share practical ways to make prayer your default response to both crisis and daily challenges. Their encouraging conversation reminds homeschool...

What does it mean to truly partner with God in raising your children? Zan and her good friend Nancy Manos share real-life stories of how the power of prayer transforms our homeschooling experiences. From legislative victories to daily challenges, they discuss practical ways to make prayer your lifeline. God delights to bless our children with amazing opportunities and to open doors for them that we never imagined possible. Their conversation reminds us that prayer isn't passive – it's an...

What does faith look like in the face of devastating trauma? Terrie McKee shares her remarkable journey of homeschooling children with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD while navigating both an abusive first marriage and a violent shooting that left her second husband paralyzed. From seeing her daughter advance three grade levels in reading within months to helping her adult son with autism live independently, Terrie has witnessed the way individualized homeschool instruction can transform learning...

How can homeschooling parents persevere in building community in the midst of daunting challenges? In today’s conversation, Zan Tyler and Janie Gibson encourage parents to weather these obstacles in order to provide their children the opportunity to experience the joy of community and the heart of homeschool connection. As Janie shares candid stories about launching co-ops in various locations and Zan reflects on starting one of South Carolina's first homeschool fine arts co-ops, they offer...

How do you find your tribe as a homeschooling family? Zan Tyler is joined by veteran homeschool mom Janie Gibson, who shares her journey of creating opportunities for homeschool families, from starting a sports league and American Heritage Girls troop to launching successful co-ops. Drawing from decades of homeschooling experience, Janie and Zan discuss the importance of following your children's passions while building meaningful connections with other families. Through stories of both...

How can you optimize your teaching methods to fit your unique family’s needs? Zan continues her conversation with Amy Harrell Smith as they share valuable insights on customizing your homeschool approach, including schedules and curriculum. Amy discusses her innovative "ultra block schedule" approach, which allows students to focus intensively on one or two subjects at a time, maximizing momentum and efficiency. They highlight the importance of adapting teaching methods to each child's...

How does a homeschooling family find hope and help in the face of disaster? Zan welcomes her dear friend Tracy Klicka, Director of Development at HSLDA. Together, they explore the crucial topic of disaster relief for homeschoolers, sparked by the recent devastation of Hurricane Helene. Tracy shares her personal journey of homeschooling through hardship and loss, offering encouragement from Scripture. Zan and Tracy discuss HSLDA's Compassion Program which has provided millions of dollars in...

Have you ever wondered how homeschooling friendships can transform lives and educational journeys? Zan sits down with Callie Chaplow, mom of four boys and homeschool advocate, to explore the power of community in homeschooling. Callie shares her inspiring story of how she and her best friend Michelle supported each other through their homeschooling adventures, from teaching each other's children to providing emotional support during challenging times. Zan and Callie discuss the importance of...

What's the secret to unshakable confidence as a homeschooling parent? Seasoned homeschool mom Amy Harrell Smith shares her personal journey and hard-won wisdom. Zan and Amy offer practical advice and encouragement for parents at every stage of the homeschooling adventure. From the early days of unexpectedly diving into homeschooling to navigating the challenges of different learning styles, listeners will be inspired by Amy's transparent reflections on overcoming self-doubt, dealing with...

How can one family's decision to homeschool lead to global impact and unexpected ministry opportunities? Zan and Gerald Huebner continue their conversation about Gerald's remarkable journey in the homeschooling movement. They discuss the growth of homeschooling worldwide, including its rebranding as "family education" in Ukraine. Gerald shares his work with Ukrainian refugees and the resilience of homeschooling families in challenging circumstances. The conversation takes an encouraging turn...

How did one family's decision to homeschool their developmentally delayed son in 1988 lead to leadership in the global homeschooling movement? Gerald Huebner shares his journey from homeschool novice to international advocate. He and his wife Bev homeschooled their two children, and founded local and provincial homeschool organizations in Canada, eventually expanding their influence through HSLDA Canada and the Global Home Education Exchange. Gerald offers insights on starting homeschool...

Have you ever felt like quitting homeschooling? In this episode of the Zan Tyler Podcast, veteran homeschool moms Zan Tyler and Nancy Manos share their personal struggles and triumphs on the homeschooling journey. They discuss the transformative power of perseverance, the importance of seeking support, and the unexpected ways God provides help in times of need. With candid stories and practical wisdom, Zan and Nancy encourage listeners to embrace the growth that comes through challenges,...

Do your children know how much you love them and love being with them? As you plan for a new school year, be sure to join Zan Tyler and Nancy Manos for a conversation about setting the tone for a successful homeschooling journey. In this episode, these veteran homeschool moms share their wisdom on celebrating the start of the school year, creating a joyful learning atmosphere, and keeping sight of your "why" when challenges arise. From treasure hunts to field trips, they offer creative ideas...

Second-generation homeschooler and the Executive Director of Family Protection Ministries, Nathan Pierce joins Zan in exploring practical ways homeschool families can safeguard educational freedoms. Nathan shares heartwarming stories of how homeschoolers have influenced legislators and offers simple, effective strategies for engaging in the political process. Learn why bringing your whole family to Homeschool Day at the Capitol can be a game-changer and how even the youngest homeschoolers can...

Growing up, Nathan Pierce had a strong dislike for math and sitting still. His parents were undaunted. Because they homeschooled, they could build plenty of time into Nathan’s school days to play, be outside, and to build things. One year Nathan constructed a working drawbridge for a treefort he and his mother had built together. Through this, Nathan began to learn the importance and usefulness of math. As he grew older, he started his own firewood business–and through serving customers,...

When it comes right down to it, we all want lives that are filled with meaning and wonder. Veteran homeschool mom Tina Keto suggests undergirding your school year with prayer. Join Zan and Tina as they discuss specific ways you can build activities into your children’s lives that ignite their interests and passions. Homeschool co-ops and support groups can be a great source of community and belonging. And giving your children an education with a worldview that nurtures their faith adds a...

Tina Keto loved everything about being homeschooled–the mental freedom, the flexibility, and the family time. But she decided not to homeschool her own children because she knew firsthand the time and sacrifice it required from her mother–until she had her first son. And that changed everything. Join Zan and Tina as they discuss the homeschool advantage–an engaging education, flexibility of schedule, and the freedom that her teenage sons have to pursue their passions. Their love of music has...

Dr. Robert Jackson, father of nine, believes that homeschooling is a calling, and we must be prepared to persevere in that calling. Robert and his wife have walked through raising two special needs children who have had very serious illnesses and two children who walked away from their faith for a period of time while they were in the midst of their homeschooling journey. Zan and Robert discuss the essential aspect of commitment – that you can’t give up on your calling, you can’t give up on...

Join Zan Tyler as she welcomes Dr. Robert Jackson to the podcast. Listen in as this family practice physician shares his inspiring journey into medicine, relates his compelling and sometimes funny love story, and reveals how he discovered homeschooling in the Middle East. Robert and Carlotta homeschooled their nine children from kindergarten through high school. They view their home as a sanctuary and a place of learning, love, and laughter for all of their children, including two born with...

Zan Tyler and Todd Wilson get real about the ups and downs of family life, marriage, and homeschooling. Todd opens up about tough times in his marriage and parenting, but also emphasizes the value of not giving up. Zan and Todd share wisdom from the Bible and talk about finding strength in vulnerability and pushing through the hard times. Every family has good times and bad. That’s why learning to navigate the craziness of family life and homeschooling with grace and faith is an important...

Public speaking often ranks as the number one fear of Americans, yet God gave us all the ability to communicate. Our job as parents is to help our children develop and hone this ability. If you are stuck and can’t figure out how to do this, tune into the Zan Tyler Podcast and find practical encouragement from Christy Shipe. For your children ages 12-18, a local chapter of NCFCA, the national homeschool speech and debate league, might be just the answer you are looking for. Don’t be...

Learning to communicate well is a foundational skill that impacts every aspect of your children’s lives. Zan Tyler is joined by guest Christy Shipe, a second generation homeschool mom of five and the founder of NCFCA, a national Christian speech and debate league. Zan and Christy explore the significance of communication, critical thinking, and a biblical worldview in education. From her personal experience being homeschooled in the 1980s to founding NCFCA, Christy sheds light on the valuable...

Homeschooling is really the intersection of living, learning, and loving–and this often includes experiencing loss and grief. In part 2 of their discussion on homeschooling and homesteading, Zan and Brandee Gillham share the impact of grief on their lives, as well as the significance of grieving together as a family. Brandee shares her journey of grief through the unexpected loss of her father-in-law, followed six months later by the loss of their two-year-old son, Benjamin. Throughout this...

In today's episode, Zan sits down with Brandee Gillham, a homeschooling mom and fourth generation rancher from Colorado. Brandee's family has a unique morning routine that involves milking cows; feeding sourdough, chickens, and turkeys; and having devotions. They integrate education and work on their ranch, teaching their children a variety of life skills. You’ll enjoy hearing insights into the daily life of a ranching homeschool mom. But, remember, these insights are not just for...