From Skeptic to Confident: A Mom’s Honest Journey with Reading FUNdamentals Interview with Samantha Cook [79]

Home Education with Ease

In this heartfelt and inspiring Summer Short episode, Christine is joined by Samantha Cook—a busy business owner, coach, and homeschool mom of two. Sam opens up about her initial skepticism around homeschooling, her biggest fear (teaching reading!), and how the Reading FUNdamentals Program completely changed her confidence and her daughter’s learning journey.

Together, they dive into how EduPlay Learning made it not only possible but joyful—and how even Sam’s younger son has jumped into learning letters and writing his name thanks to the program’s flexible, play-based approach.

If you’ve been wondering how to make home education work your way—or if you’ve doubted your ability to teach reading—this episode is your sign that it’s more than possible.

Takeaways:

• You don’t have to recreate school at home—learning can happen naturally and flexibly.
• Reading truly is the foundation for all future academic skills.
• A structured curriculum with flexibility can support multiple learning styles.
• EduPlay’s Reading FUNdamentals Program empowers both parents and kids.
• Confidence grows when learning feels joyful and connected to everyday life.
• Siblings learn from each other naturally—homeschooling can benefit the whole family.
• It’s okay to question the traditional route and choose what works best for your family.

Quotes:

• “Reading is just the core of everything we do—and Christine’s program made it possible.” – Samantha Cook
• “It felt like it was too good to be true… but it worked.” – Samantha Cook
• “You don’t even have to do that much—it just fits into your rhythm.” – Christine Furman
• “There’s so much flexibility in the program to fit who your child is.” – Samantha Cook
• “If we could master reading, we could do anything.” – Samantha Cook
• “It wasn’t forced—she just started reading through everyday moments.” – Christine Furman
• “It’s not just learning to read—it’s learning the skills to read for life.” – Samantha Cook

Resources & Links:

🫶 Join the Home Education with Ease Facebook group to connect and share your biggest takeaway.

✨ Ways to work with Christine:

📚 Reading FUNdamentals Program – Step-by-step support for beginning readers (includes videos, printables, and confidence-boosting strategies)

📦 EduPlay Learning Activity Kits – Seasonal collections filled with themed crafts, science experiments, literacy and math practice, and storytime ideas for ages 2–7

🤝 Home Education with Ease Collective – A supportive space for moms with community, live Q&As, curriculum ideas, and encouragement for the journey

🎯 1:1 Learning Support – Personalized coaching and educational planning for your unique family

📧 Email: [email protected]

📱 Instagram: @thehomeeducationexpert | @eduplaylearning

🎥 Watch Ms. Christine on EduPlay Learning YouTube for hands-on activity demos and curriculum support

Head over to the Home Education with Ease Facebook Group and answer this week’s questions:

• What’s been your biggest fear or challenge when it comes to homeschooling—or teaching reading?

🗣 Share your answers with the community, ask questions, or DM Christine!

🎧 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow mom that could use some inspiration and encouragement!