Author Archives: Adriana Zoder

Aug 1 2025

The Common App Is Open

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On our journey from homeschool to college, our son created an account on the Common App back in July. Today, on August 1, the Common App opened up for applications. Our son is considering applying to about 10 colleges and nine of them are on the Common App.

The Common App

The Common App is used by over 1,000 colleges and universities.

There is nothing scary about the Common App. Like anything in homeschooling, one must face the fear and do it anyway. Click, read, fill out, research, ask around – the usual steps like for any other scholastic activity known to men and women in the 21st century. Continue reading »

Jul 25 2025

7 Essential Homeschool Supplies: Must-Have Amazon Picks for Back-to-School

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Homeschool season kicks off soon, so I’m sharing my top picks for supplies that rock a productive learning vibe. These seven essentials from Amazon streamline your setup. Here are the products for easy shopping. Please note these are affiliate links. Let’s dive in!

 

  • Pens – Grab vibrant gel pens or smooth ballpoints for scribbling notes, grading papers, or unleashing creativity. Ergonomic grips keep hands happy during marathon writing sessions – you do have those in your homeschool, right? Check out Four Candies Gel Pens.
Gel Pens

Gel Pens

 

  • Desk – Anchor your kid’s workspace with a sturdy desk. Adjustable heights and built-in storage nail organization for tight spaces. Scope out Cubiker Computer Desk for a sleek, compact vibe. The drawers add just enough storage space for supplies and the curriculum du jour.
Computer Desk with Drawers

Computer Desk with Drawers

Continue reading »

Jul 21 2025

MEL Science Review

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If you are looking for a science curriculum for the upcoming school year, check out MEL Science. My son and I recently got a chance to work with two of the experiments from their Chemistry kit. Here is what we did.

Teenager unboxes MEL Science kit

My son unboxing the MEL Science Chemistry kit

First, my son learned that one metal can sacrifice itself for another. Insert spiritual/life lesson according to your beliefs. What do we mean by that? MEL Science teaches the concept of corrosion through an experiment called rust protection. On its own, an iron nail rusts in water. But the magnesium strip (provided in the kit) keeps the blue precipitate from forming around the nail. As a result, the nail stays as good as new.

Rust Protection MEL Science

Rust Protection – MEL Science Kit

Why? Magnesium sacrifices some of its electrons to protect the nail. When abandoned one-on-one with oxygen, iron surrenders some electrons. When paired with magnesium, iron receives electrons from magnesium and does not rust. The experiment took about 25 minutes.

Corrosion Rust Protection experiment

Our son working through the experiment

Continue reading »

Jul 17 2025

Homeschool to College: Our Journey, Part 4

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This week I started meeting via Zoom with various Admissions Counselors from different universities on my list. Before we drive for hours to visit the campus (or fly in some cases), we want to make sure our big questions receive answers. What do you ask from an Admissions Counselor? In short, things that you may not have encountered on their website.

Homeschool to College

Homeschool to College – Part 4 – Interviewing Admissions Counselors via Zoom

Sometimes you just did not see a certain paragraph on their website. Maybe the information is there, but you just did not see it. But in my experience, the websites do not present specific answers for homeschoolers. In no particular order, here is a list of my questions to colleges and universities: Continue reading »

Jul 13 2025

5 Books Homeschool Moms Must Read

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Every year, homeschool moms should read one book about home education. At least one. I have put the bar low because I know how busy we all are. And once you have been doing this for a few years, it might seem redundant to keep reading books about homeschooling.

Feeding the Mouth that Bites You

This book has helped me tremendously as my children became teenagers. The author has a podcast, too.

Nevertheless, reading about homeschooling helps to keep your mindset fresh and updated. Children grow up and change. You change with them. The general books about homeschooling probably hit you differently when your kids are under 10, compared to their teenage years.

Reset Your Child's Brain

Implementing this book completely changed one of my children for the better

Therefore, I put together a TOP 5 Books for Homeschool Moms to help give you a grounding for the right homeschool and parenting mindset. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small compensation without added cost to you if you buy through the links below.

  1. For the Children’s Sake
  2. The Well-Trained Mind
  3. Feeding the Mouth That Bites You
  4. Reset Your Child’s Brain
  5. Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child

Bonus title, especially for Christian parents, The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian.

The Power of a Praying Parent

A prayer book which tackles all the aspects of a child’s life and development

Stop reading this blog now and order these books for your shelves. Get them from your library if money is tight. I strongly advise you to get your own copy though. These are classics and you will refer to them again and again.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small compensation without added cost to you if you buy through the above links.

Jul 10 2025

Homeschool to College: Our Journey, Part 3

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We have started visiting universities. TN Tech is in Cookeville, TN – about three hours from our house. We started with it because we had friends who also happened to want to visit this week.

TN Tech Display

We visited the campus of TN Tech last week

Next, we will visit UT Chattanooga and Southern Adventist University, both in one day. Due to their proximity to each other, we hope to see one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. We might regret it by the end of the day. Nevertheless, we must try it. Then, we will know for sure if two campuses in one day may be too much. Continue reading »

Jul 7 2025

Updated: Top Homeschool Supplies to Watch for on Prime Day 2025

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Amazon Prime Day 2025, running from July 8–11, is the perfect time for homeschool moms to stock up on essential supplies at deep discounts. With a four-day event this year, featuring daily “Today’s Big Deals” drops and up to 80% off on select items, you can stretch your budget while equipping your homeschool for success.

As a homeschool mom myself, I’ve curated seven must-have products tailored to our unique needs—think tech for virtual learning, organization tools for chaotic days, and educational resources to spark curiosity. These items are either already on early sale or expected to see heavy discounts based on Amazon’s Prime Day trends and homeschooling deal patterns from past years. Each product includes affiliate links to help you snag the savings. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you). Let’s dive into the top homeschool supplies to watch for on Prime Day 2025!

 

2025 Amazon Prime Day

2025 Amazon Prime Day is July 8-11

 

1. Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet

Why It’s Essential: Tablets are a game-changer for homeschooling, supporting online curricula, educational apps, and e-books. The Fire HD 8 is budget-friendly, kid-durable, and perfect for Khan Academy, Outschool, or Audible.
Expected Deal: Up to 50% off, potentially dropping to $49.99 from $99.99, based on past Prime Day discounts on Amazon devices.
Why I Love It: Its 8-inch HD display and 13-hour battery life make it ideal for lessons or on-the-go learning. Parental controls ensure kids stay on task.
Shop Now: Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet (Check for early deals even today).

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61ZNNp1aK0L._AC_SY450_.jpg "Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet for homeschooling"

Amazon Fire Tablet HD 8 for homeschooling

 

2. Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards

Why It’s Essential: This STEM-focused set of 120 colorful wooden blocks and double-sided boards teaches shapes, patterns, and problem-solving for ages 3+. Continue reading »

Jun 27 2025

Homeschool to College: Our Journey, Part 2

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June is quickly coming to a close and I have two things on my mind: scholarships and college visits. This means updating the Master Calendar almost every day, as I discover scholarship deadlines and schedule various campus visits. In case you are looking for Part 1, here it is.

Homeschool to College: Our Journey

Homeschool to College: Our Journey, Part 2 covers scholarships and campus visits

I started a running list of scholarships and decide to spend one hour a day researching and refining it. The student applies for scholarships, but the homeschool mom does the research. After all, a homeschool mom is a guidance counselor.

Google is listening to my conversations with various members of my family. All of the sudden, my social media feed is flooded with Sponsored posts from different scholarship gurus who offer free webinars. I book two of them and learn a lot: The Scholarship System and PrepExpert.com.

No, I will not sign up for these done-for-you programs which cost anywhere from $700 to $4,000. As a scrappy homeschool mom, I am happy doing the research and implementing the findings; let the chips fall where they may. Continue reading »

Jun 24 2025

Amazon Prime Day 2025: 7 Self-Care Deals for Homeschool Moms

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We homeschool moms pour our hearts into creating enriching learning environments for our children, often putting our own needs on the back burner. With Amazon Prime Day 2025 running from July 8-11, it’s the perfect time to prioritize self-care with some amazing deals on products that promote relaxation, wellness, and a little pampering. Below, I have curated seven self-care essentials tailored for homeschool moms, plus a special note on how an Amazon Prime membership can maximize your savings. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps support this blog at no extra cost to you. Let’s dive into these must-have deals!

 

1. Pré de Provence Lavender Soap Bar

Indulge in a luxurious bathing experience with this shea butter-enriched soap, crafted using traditional French methods. Its soothing lavender scent and thick lather make it a perfect addition to your evening wind-down routine, leaving your skin soft and refreshed.

Pre de Provence Lavender Bar Soap

Pre de Provence Lavender Bar Soap

  • Why I Love It: Long-lasting, natural ingredients, and a calming aroma ideal for a quick self-care moment.
  • Deal: Up to 30% off select Pré de Provence products during Prime Day.
  • Price: Approx. $10.99.

 

2. Dreamegg White Noise Machine

Sound Therapy Machine

Sound Therapy Machine

Create a serene environment for meditation, naps, or focused planning with this versatile sound machine. With 34 soothing sounds and customizable light settings, it’s a homeschool mom’s best friend for carving out moments of peace amidst a busy day.

  • Why I Love It: Portable and perfect for creating a calming atmosphere during lesson planning or downtime.
  • Deal: Matches the best price seen in 2025, up to 25% off.
  • Price: Approx. $29.99 after discount. Maybe less. Check the link.

Continue reading »

Jun 20 2025

Homeschool to College: Our Journey, Part 1

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And so it begins: our adventure into the senior year. The plan is to blog about what we are learning and share it with you all as it happens. Naturally, it all starts with a plan and a goal. What is your goal for your children as they graduate high school? Please share it in a comment below. College is not for everybody.

Homeschool to College: Our Journey Series

Homeschool to College: Our Journey Series

For us, the goal is a four-year institution with a strong computer science program and a merit-based full ride scholarship. Geography plays a role, too. Our son wants to stay nearby. There are many options in Tennessee, where we live. However, we have cast a wider net in order to add certain other universities which have peaked his interest. Continue reading »