Explore every episode of the podcast The Demme Learning Show
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Concrete to Abstract: Mastering Math with the CRA Strategy and Math-U-See | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:40:53 | |
This episode details the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) Model, an evidence-based strategy designed to help students master math by bridging the gap between physical objects and abstract concepts. | |||
| What If Your Student’s Path to Success Is Not Through College? | 06 Feb 2026 | 01:01:23 | |
In this episode, we speak with Hannah Maruyama, founder of Degree Free, about empowering young adults to find careers that align with their life goals. | |||
| The Ghostwriter’s Guide: Insider Tips for Aspiring Writers | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:32:31 | |
In this episode, we explore the world of ghost writing with Maggie Mills. Learn how to step inside someone else’s thoughts to help them tell their story. | |||
| Let's Get the Party Started – 10 Things to Know as You Relaunch the Ship | 12 Jan 2024 | 00:56:09 | |
How do you put the air back in your academic tires after the joy and change of the holidays? Join us for ten practical tips to "begin again" as you start into 2024. | |||
| [Bonus] Don't Respond, Don't React – Emotional Lessons from the Continental Divide Trail | 04 Jan 2024 | 00:55:31 | |
This is a follow-up to our 10/27/23 episode on hiking the Continental Divide Trail. We recommend listening to that episode and reading the show notes first: | |||
| [Archive] How Establishing Habits Helps Your Homeschooling Journey | 02 Jan 2024 | 01:01:56 | |
Habits can be so hard to master. Whether you are a student or a parent, habits have the ability to create calm or chaos. In this episode, we explore some concrete actions to implement in your home so that changing and reviewing habits becomes a part of your journey. | |||
| 2023 the Year in Perspective | 08 Dec 2023 | 01:00:04 | |
Join us for a recap of this year's best content from The Demme Learning Show. We have lots of things to recap and share and lots of things for you to think about as you step enthusiastically into 2024. | |||
| Celebrating the Holidays and Making It Count for School | 01 Dec 2023 | 01:01:10 | |
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays about to begin, how do you fit in school with all the celebrations you want to have? Join us as we discuss a variety of ways to make school count when you are counting the days toward holiday celebrations. | |||
| Embracing the Homeschool High School Journey | 17 Nov 2023 | 01:00:04 | |
High school is definitely the place you should choose to continue your student’s homeschool journey. Join us for a wealth of information regarding transcripts, goal-setting, coordinating your student’s post-high school experiences, and, most importantly, the intentional conversations you want to have before your student's life changes. | |||
| The Gift of Adversity and the Power of Resilience | 10 Nov 2023 | 01:02:11 | |
We would love it if our children didn’t have to struggle. The fact is, however, that when our children with disabilities and special needs are growing up in a supportive, rich learning environment where they can grow into their best selves, untold opportunities can abound. In this episode, we discuss a mindset of possibilities through stories and examples of where real-life kids with learning disabilities and special needs find their niche. | |||
| [Archive] What to Do When Long Division Stops Your Math Progress | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:59:03 | |
We often have conversations with parents who say that everything in their math world was going along fine until long division. We know there are reasons for challenges here. Join us as we discuss those reasons and map a plan for you to find success in division and beyond. Show notes: | |||
| When Reading Doesn’t Evolve in Your Child the Way It Should | 03 Nov 2023 | 01:01:47 | |
There is nothing more thrilling than watching a child learn to read; every day is an exciting adventure. But what happens when a child does not emerge as a reader? What if they are still struggling with the reading process far beyond their peers? Join us for an insightful discussion about assessing what is happening and some possible paths forward you can take as a parent to boost your child's confidence and achieve success. | |||
| Hiking the Continental Divide Trail | 27 Oct 2023 | 00:59:57 | |
Hiking the Continental Divide Trail sounds like a crazy adventure for most of us. But for Duncan Roe, it was a dream five years in the making. Learn about long-term goal setting, making dreams come true, and the value of perseverance in this informative conversation. | |||
| How Outdoor Adventure Revolutionizes Homeschooling for Kids | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:34:34 | |
In this episode, we spoke with Jess Alfreds, founder of Carolina Kids Co-Op, an outdoor academic, secular, hybrid program with dozens of locations throughout the country. | |||
| [Archive] When You Hate to Teach Your Student Compositional Writing | 24 Oct 2023 | 01:00:02 | |
Many parents dread teaching their students to write to an audience. Writing can be SO subjective! In this discussion, we talk about our newest addition, WriteShop, and how it can make a positive impact on your student’s compositional success. We will be sharing practical tips about the process of teaching compositional writing and what you can do to make it a success in your homeschool. | |||
| [Archive] Evaluating and Considering Changes to Your Homeschool Plan | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:59:58 | |
Join Gretchen Roe in a conversation with Janna Koch, BookShark‘s Community Manager, about fitting curriculum around your family instead of the other way around. We will offer practical tips in evaluating what is working, what might work better, and how you might change the course of your homeschool ship. | |||
| Charlotte Mason's 7 Keys to Developing Self-Motivated Children | 12 Oct 2023 | 00:59:23 | |
Join speaker, author, and blogger Jeannie Fulbright to discuss Charlotte Mason's methodologies for creating self-motivation in your students. Often we think that when we homeschool, we need to guide all aspects of our children's education. But learning to help your student direct themselves is a key principle in creating a lifelong learner. | |||
| [Archive] Reevaluating Your Educational Progress Before the Holidays | 10 Oct 2023 | 01:01:31 | |
Before you take a much-needed break, join our team to discuss your progress thus far. Let us help you evaluate what is working and what might need a different game plan as you step into a new year. We will offer practical advice to help you decide your priorities and maintain your sanity as your routine shifts to celebrating. | |||
| When Handwriting Struggles Obstruct Your Teenager's Academic Success | 06 Oct 2023 | 01:00:50 | |
In this age of technology, parents can have a hard time knowing how to help a teenager who still struggles with handwriting. In this discussion, Occupational Therapist Katie Roe discusses how to help your student when handwriting struggles plague their efforts. | |||
| It's Report Card Time – How to Evaluate Your Progress This Year | 29 Sep 2023 | 01:02:23 | |
You are seven to nine weeks into your homeschool year. It’s time to do a little evaluation of what is working and what could be working better. Join us as we explore questions you should be asking to turn up your academic progress to its best. | |||
| [Archive] Sorting Preferences from Needs with Your Child’s Learning Style | 26 Sep 2023 | 01:00:16 | |
Everyone has a preference for how they like to learn, and by careful observation, most homeschool parents can discern their student’s learning preferences from an early age. What are some of the benefits (and pitfalls) from tailoring your student’s learning experiences to their preferences? Join us for a lively discussion of learning styles, from multiple angles. Show notes: | |||
| [Archive] Inspiring Your Quirky, Passionate Student | 19 Sep 2023 | 01:05:31 | |
Colleen Kessler, talented blogger, author, podcaster, and gifted encourager, joined us to talk about inspiring differently-wired students and twice-exceptional kids. What are effective strategies for you when your kids are quirky, passionate, and intense? Colleen brings a wealth of ideas on how to spark a passionate, lifelong learning experience in your students and provides practical encouragement for homeschool moms on this incredible journey. If you are the parent of a differently wired child, this episode is for you. | |||
| Inspiring the Creative Writing Experience | 15 Sep 2023 | 01:01:23 | |
Join successful author and homeschool graduate Millie Florence for an insightful conversation about encouraging middle-grade students to find their inner author voice in their writing. Millie brings a wealth of talent and inspiration to help students tap into their creativity. Millie will talk about her writing, inspirations, and how she has created opportunities to coach young authors. Join us for this conversation on inspiring the writer inside YOUR student. | |||
| [Archive] How to Create a Love of Learning in Your Students | 12 Sep 2023 | 01:05:31 | |
Join us as we give you ideas on how to instill a love of learning in your family. We will provide practical tips, suggestions, and good old-fashioned wisdom about raising the whole child. Show notes:
| |||
| Guiding Children Through Change: The Power of Self-Regulation | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:36:28 | |
In this engaging conversation, occupational therapist and author Sarah Collins explores how sensory processing and declarative language intersect to help children build self-awareness and emotional regulation. | |||
| [Archive] Help Your Student Learn Time Management Skills | 06 Sep 2023 | 00:59:12 | |
Most kids don’t learn time management naturally. As parents, we so often feel like our students don’t manage their time well. Join us as we discuss the facts about teaching time management more effectively. This episode will have information for parents of all age students, but will be particularly helpful to families with children who are middle school and high school age. Show notes:
| |||
| 20 Small Habits for Your Homeschool Year Success | 01 Sep 2023 | 01:03:00 | |
Can these small habits really lead to a more successful, less stressful homeschool year? Join us as we discuss ways to set yourself up for success as you begin another year of adventure with your family. | |||
| [Archive] How to Reduce the Struggle of Handwriting in Your House | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:54:56 | |
Handwriting can be the hardest struggle in so many households. Join us for insight into current research as to why handwriting is so important, as well as some tips and tricks to make it easier. | |||
| Creating Responsibility - How to Find the Sweet Spot | 25 Aug 2023 | 01:02:37 | |
Parents frequently ask us at what point should their students be responsible for their own academics. Join us for a discussion of how to intentionally transfer the responsibility to your student and learn what to expect as you engage in the process. | |||
| Creatively Planning Your Homeschool Space | 18 Aug 2023 | 01:00:40 | |
Learn from veteran homeschool moms how to set up a homeschool space that helps your students flourish. We will offer practical tips you can adapt to YOUR space. | |||
| [Archive] The Risks of Poor Math Fact Recall | 15 Aug 2023 | 01:00:41 | |
Fluent math fact recall is a struggle in SO many households. What should a parent do when they find that their student is using ineffective recall strategies? In this episode, we discuss WHY fluent fact recall is so essential and how Math-U-See’s Accelerated Individualized Mastery programs are changing the math world. | |||
| Embracing the Transition from Public School to Homeschooling | 11 Aug 2023 | 01:01:13 | |
Transitioning to homeschooling is as much about changing our point of view of what we believe education to be as it is about doing academics at the kitchen table. Join pioneering homeschool mother of seven, Alice Reinhardt, as she challenges your thinking about the differences between "school" and "education," and how to create a growth mindset in your homeschooling journey. | |||
| [Archive] Providing Support for Different Learners | 01 Aug 2023 | 00:59:15 | |
Veteran homeschool mom and author of Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner, Kathy Kuhl, brings a wealth of insight, empathy, and experience to the homeschool parent whose student learns differently. In this discussion, Kathy shares practical advice, guidance, and encouragement as you continue your unique journey with your students. Show notes:
| |||
| [Archive] When You Dread Teaching Math | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:53:35 | |
Math-U-See is a terrific program for students and an exemplary experience for parents who struggled mathematically. Join us as we talk about how Math-U-See can set both the student AND the parent up for success in upper-level mathematics.
| |||
| [Archive] Goal Setting: An Essential Skill for Your Homeschool Journey | 18 Jul 2023 | 00:59:37 | |
Goal setting is the key to success in so many endeavors. Let us help you create some SMART goals for your homeschool that will keep you on track through the remainder of your academic year. This skill will be essential for your students as they move beyond their homeschool time. | |||
| Seaside to Mountains: Worldschooling Through Brazil | 26 Sep 2025 | 00:44:32 | |
Discover how the Dawson family navigated a new environment, including attending a Brazilian private school, exploring, and immersing themselves in the culture. | |||
| Do I Have What it Takes to Homeschool My Child? | 14 Jul 2023 | 00:59:28 | |
Parents who have not yet begun their homeschooling journey often say they don't know if they have what it takes. Join us for a panel discussion with veteran homeschool moms to talk about what you need to consider as you weigh whether a homeschooling adventure is the right academic path forward. | |||
| [Archive] Capturing the HOW of Mathematical Word Problems | 03 Jul 2023 | 00:58:10 | |
Is your student struggling with word problem math? Parents often say that the hardest part of teaching mathematics is teaching word problems. Join us for a detailed discussion about HOW to teach a word problem, what skills you as a parent have to contribute to the process, and how to involve your student in active learning. Information shared will be helpful for students of all ages. Show notes:
| |||
| Creating an Unhurried Homeschooler Attitude in the Midst of a Frenetic Homeschool World | 30 Jun 2023 | 00:58:27 | |
Join us for a conversation with author, speaker, podcaster, and chief encourager Durenda Wilson of the Unhurried Homeschooler. Her frank and honest encouragement for homeschool parents is refreshing, insightful, and not to be missed! A mom of eight, Durenda helps us sort the essentials of our experience from the noise that can distract and frustrate us. No matter where you are in your journey, this will be a conversation you will not want to miss. | |||
| What's Your Homeschool Philosophy? | 23 Jun 2023 | 01:02:00 | |
Homeschooling takes so many different forms. This is the time of year when parents consider starting their homeschool journey. Join us for a conversation about different homeschool styles and how you might tailor one or more to make your journey enjoyable. | |||
| [Archive] Math Manipulatives—The Key to Your Success | 19 Jun 2023 | 01:00:32 | |
In the Math-U-See world, the manipulatives ARE critical to successful instruction—but parents often miss how to capitalize on them. Join us for a conversation about how to get the best out of your Math-U-See experience. Show notes: | |||
| Exploring the Benefits of Sound Therapy for Students Who Learn Differently | 16 Jun 2023 | 00:59:07 | |
Faith Berens, a trained dyslexia interventionist who holds a certification in Equipping Minds Cognitive Curriculum, joins us for a discussion of sound therapy, its benefits, and how often learning difficulties are rooted in auditory and language processing weaknesses. This insightful discussion will help parents of students whose unique learning experiences make learning more of a challenge. | |||
| Pros and Cons of Changing Curriculum | 09 Jun 2023 | 00:58:07 | |
We all have our favorite curriculum. What are the things to consider when you feel like your favorite is not serving your child well? Join us as we weigh the pros and cons of math, spelling, composition, and grammar curricula, and help you create a list of priorities in deciding what the coming year means for you in these academic areas. | |||
| [Archive] Preventing Learning Loss: What Does Summer Look Like For You? | 06 Jun 2023 | 00:56:35 | |
If you are a family who traditionally takes the summer off, how do you get back in the academic “groove” after summer? Our team will share practical tips and advice to prevent “summer learning loss.” | |||
| [Archive] Steve Demme Guest Interview | 30 May 2023 | 01:01:35 | |
Join us for this very special interview with Steve Demme, the creator of Math-U-See and founder of Building Faith and Family. Hear Steve’s story and be prepared to learn about yourself and your student. | |||
| Outdoor Education Opportunities that Make Memories for Your Student | 26 May 2023 | 01:01:43 | |
Take your summer outdoors and create educational opportunities that are fun, memorable, and different. We will have ideas and resources for adventure-making memories. | |||
| Homeschoolers and Heroes: Creating Compelling Comics | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:27:59 | |
Join us as we examine how these homeschoolers developed their storytelling skills during neighborhood walks, which led to creating comics and speaking at conferences. | |||
| [Archive] Homeschool Planning with Pam Barnhill | 23 May 2023 | 00:58:48 | |
Join us as we host Pam Barnhill, award-winning educator and homeschool mom of three awesome kids. A recovering public school teacher, Pam is the creative force behind Your Morning Basket, an essential resource for your homeschool journey. Pam will share insights about breaking down big tasks into small, manageable steps and helping you set yourself up for success in planning for your next exciting homeschool year. | |||
| Incorporating Virtual Reality into Your Homeschool | 12 May 2023 | 00:59:44 | |
Experiences—that is how the brain is wired to learn. To engage, from birth, with the world, learning through interactions with objects, spaces, and living elements. Yet somewhere along the way, the element of experience and fun has escaped the world of education. It's time to bring it back. It's time to engage kids with their curiosities, promote exploration, understand concepts, support social-emotional learning skills, and travel to faraway places without ever leaving home. With VictoryXR's Virtual Learning Platform, students can experience a wide variety of virtual learning environments without exceptional costs involved. Come learn how to explore a virtual world. | |||
| [Archive] Helping the “Artsy” Math Student Succeed | 09 May 2023 | 00:56:44 | |
There is often a misconception that artistic and mathematical thinking are opposites. Math and art are more like fraternal twins—they might not look alike, but there is a definite connection between them. Join us as we talk about some ways to demonstrate the connection between math and art, for either your “artsy” student or your more “math-y” student who might need some creative thinking encouragement. | |||