405 | Hold Tight (But Not Too Tight) (Sean Allen)

One of the things that the homeschooling movement has sought to address is the inordinate degree of separation that modern society has inculcated between parents and their children. Bringing children home has helped to restore the privilege of acting as the primary influence in their lives back where it belongs–with the parents. However, as good as the desire is to hold tight to our children and shield them from harmful influences, we must be careful not to hold them too tight (particularly older teenagers) and thereby restrict their access to those who might influence them for good and who may be the only one who can finish the work of truth in certain areas of their lives.

404 | A Homemade Education: Tips for Writing Your Own Recipe (Jennifer Cabrera)

The perfect homeschool recipe is different for each child. Others can suggest ingredients, tools, and timing, but ultimately we must create our own homemade homeschool. Here are 7 tips to remember as you write your own unique homeschool recipe.

403 | Christmas Traditions for the Family (Jessica Smartt with her sister, Julie!) | REPLAY

402 | How to Evaluate Writing (and Avoid Perfectly Parsed Piffle) (Janice Campbell)

Grading papers is usually not a favorite chore, especially if the paper is what I call "perfectly parsed piffle," but did you know that writing evaluation can be a teaching tool? That is exactly what it can be! Almost every writing assignment can help a student grow as a writer, as long as it is evaluated in ways that are constructive and designed to teach. Here are some tips.

401 | Fake It 'Till You Make It (Sean Allen)

Of all the opposition that we meet as homeschoolers, some of the worst comes from within. "Can I really do this? I'm just a mom! I don't have a teaching degree. What on earth am I doing?!" This is understandable. One look at the public school system with its university educated teachers, modern facilities and plethora of programs can have this effect on us. But what if you're measuring yourself up against the wrong standard? What if all that your homeschool lacks in comparison to the public school is what makes it superior in nearly every way?

398 | Screen Time Tips: How to Constructively Limit Screens (Janice Campbell)

I think we all know that too much screen-time can be a problem. It has been linked to developmental delays in babies and mental health and relationship issues in older children and teens. If your family has struggled with how to limit screens in a constructive way, here are a few tips on how to change habits and shift to healthier activities.

400 | Home and Homeschool Organizational Tips (Jessica Smartt)

In this short but jam-packed episode, Jessica shares her most valuable home and homeschool organizing tools and tips and how she uses them to simplify and ease stress!

399 | How to Make the Holidays Truly Memorable This Year (Sean Allen) | REPLAY

It's the most wonderful time of the year...and the most hectic. With all the hustle and the bustle, the rich opportunity for us to help our children consider the people and events that make Thanksgiving and Christmas truly memorable often escapes us. It doesn't have to be this way. In this episode we'll talk about practical ways that you can set up altars of remembrance in your home through simple, routine devotions. These devotions are truly the gift that keeps on giving and will remain with your children long after the festivities of the season are through.

About Sean

Sean Allen is the founder of The Well Ordered Homeschool, husband to his beautiful bride Caroline and a proud father of eight. He has a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design and is passionate about creating materials to assist parents in the incredibly challenging, yet surpassingly beautiful, work of schooling and training their children at home.

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For more encouragement on your homeschooling journey, visit the Homeschooling.mom site, and tune in to our sister podcast The Charlotte Mason Show.

396 | Homeschool "Fall" Out (Jennifer Cabrera)

As fall comes speeding into view, homeschool fallout can occur from calendar conflicts, holidays & head colds. The need to do-it-all and enjoy the season may overwhelm, but remember, there’s no need. Relish your right to a homeschool slow down or hiatus!

397 | Screens and Homeschooling: What to Do? (Sean Allen)

Screens in homeschooling are as prevalent as they've ever been, and they don't look to become less prevalent any time soon. Whether it's your desktop computer, tablet or even your phone, your child can interact with educational programs in ways (and in locations) that would have been almost unimaginable to previous generations; but is it really all for the better? In this episode we'll explore the issue of the incursion of screens into our homeschools and we'll examine the potential pitfalls that come along with them. We'll also discuss some simple solutions to help mitigate their effects on our children.

395 | Grappling with Grade Levels; Practical or Pointless? (Jennifer Cabrera) | REPLAY

If you've ever said your kid is half a freshman or in 3rd-ish grade, you might be a homeschooler. But should we adhere to grade levels more strictly? Or ignore them entirely? How should we respond when asked about our kids' grade levels, graduation requirements, and future plans? In this episode we'll discuss the pros and cons of labeling our kids with grade levels and expectations. I'll share what my surveyed homeschool readers had to say, and some suggestions for polite but confident responses.

394 | Seven Things I Wish I'd Known About Homeschooling (Janice Campbell)

Whether you're just getting started or have been schooling for a while, there are a few basic things to know that might make your life easier. When I started homeschooling, I was lucky enough to have done enough reading and non-traditional learning so I knew that the "school-at-home" model wasn't what we wanted. That helped. However, I started out expecting that I'd be able to make perfect plans and schedules and keep exactly on track every year. As you might guess, that was — well, let's just say that it was overly optimistic. Here are a few of the things I wish I'd known — I hope they help you!

393 | The Power of "Yes" and "No" in Your Homeschool (Sean Allen)

Our lives consist of an innumerable series of "Yes's" and "No's". Our job is to make sure we're giving the right answers to the right questions and this certainly applies to our homeschools. Are we saying "Yes" to things that are proving a distraction to our homeschool and ultimately our family? Are we too often saying "No" to simple requests on the part of our children to spend time with them? Our homeschooling efforts are made up of such questions and our respective answers determine their ultimate success or failure.

392 | Overcoming Life Overwhelm: Two Books and One App That Changed My Life (Jessica Smartt)

Recently I found myself in a season of complete stress and mental overwhelm. In God's grace, I found two books that completely changed how I live my day-to-day life as a homeschool mom. I am sharing them in this episode in the hopes that they are helpful to you as well!

391 | Dumb Questions All New Homeschoolers Should Ask… and the Answers! (Jennifer Cabrera) | REPLAY

Do we need a laminator and some chickens? Asking random nervous questions is part of becoming a homeschool parent. No need to flail about in an ocean of possibilities. Ask away! We veterans won't laugh (out loud). Allow me to tackle a few that may have popped into your head. Though someday you may look back and laugh too, every obvious answer you need to hear now will placate your fears and insecurities, and show you... You got this!

390 | What To Do When Everything Changes (Janice Campbell)

Sometimes life changes abruptly in ways we can’t control, and it can leave us feeling tired, anxious, or sad. As I’ve read the daily newspaper over the last few months with its grim news of weather disasters, fires, political instability, and war, I thought it might be time to revisit some thoughts I shared at the beginning of the Covid-19 event that changed many of our lives for at least a year or two. I hope you find these thoughts helpful as you navigate whatever uncertainty has touched your life.

389 | Courage for the Year Ahead (Sean Allen)

Another school year is before us. This year, as with so many year's past, you probably have high hopes for how the school year will unfold, and that's wonderful; but have you counted the cost? In other words, are you prepared to not only start but finish strong? Let this episode serve as a pep talk or, if you like, a rally cry for all the potential and all the possibility that lies in the year ahead.

388 | Seven Tips to Reach Reluctant, Resistant, or Uninterested Learners (Jennifer Cabrera)

Some days resistant learners spend more time complaining about what must be done than it would take them to just do the work in front of them. Sigh. Chug more coffee. In this episode I share my tips for enticing those seemingly uninterested kids and how to reach them by providing interest and purpose.

*Plus I've got a special Hifalutin August offer from HomeScienceTools.com!

387 | Preparing for a Time of Persecution: A Curriculum Proposal (Janice Campbell with Andrew Pudewa) | REPLAY

Is it imaginable that freedom of speech and freedom of religion could be suppressed where we live at some time in our future? History would indicate so. How do we prepare ourselves and our families for such a contingency? What curriculum might best prepare us for persecution, even martyrdom? How do we cultivate necessary virtues without sparking burdensome fears? Listen in as Janice Campbell and Andrew Pudewa explore this challenging subject.

386 | Middle Grade Reading – Old Books or New? (Janice Campbell)

A while back, I came across an interesting comparison of two middle school reading lists — one from 1908 and one from a bit more than 100 years later. The original article compared the lists based on time period, thematic elements, and reading level, and I'll share that comparison along with a few ideas for interesting middle-grade reading.

385 | The Importance of Habit Training in Your Homeschool (Sean Allen)

Discipline (or the lack thereof) can make or break your homeschool. Helping your children build good habits cannot help but make your homeschool more enjoyable and successful. In this episode we emphasize the importance of helping your child experience a sense of ownership over their tasks and the transformative feeling of a job well done. If you start with some simple tasks and stick with it, your child will be well on their way to building character qualities that will serve them for a lifetime.

384 | Balancing Homeschool with Life and Work with Lyndsey of Treehouse Schoolhouse (Jessica Smartt)

In this episode Jessica interviews Lyndsey from Treehouse Schoolhouse about all sorts of things related to homeschool mom life. They chat about why Lyndsey and her husband decided to move from Florida and buy land to build their dream home as well as how to balance physical health goals, homeschooling, and running two businesses from home!

383 | Jessica's Curriculum Reviews (Jessica Smartt) | REPLAY

A homeschooling mom of nine years, Jessica has tried quite a few types and kinds of curricula. Here she shares her family's favorites, as well as a few they've tried and ended up ditching.

382 | How to Add Literary Fun to Summer Travel (Janice Campbell)

If you’re planning a family road trip, you might enjoy adding a literary element to it by visiting an author’s home or the site of a famous story. Here are suggestions for finding and enjoying literary sites without spending a lot of extra time or money on your vacation.

381 | Homeschooling is for Everyone (Sean Allen)

Something wonderful happens when your purpose for homeschooling reaches outside the four walls of your home. Sure, your main focus is, and should be, your children; but if you'll allow the Lord to give you a heart, not just for the welfare of your children, but for the welfare of all that your humble efforts at home might affect for good, that's when you realize that homeschooling is for everyone.

380 | How to High School Your Homeschooler (Jennifer Cabrera)

"Dear Hifalutin… High School Approaches…Help!" In this episode I'll share the details of tackling high school with confidence and discernment. It's a Hifalutin how-to on choosing courses, assigning grades, keeping records, and keeping it purpose driven and individualized. We just graduated twins from high school and junior college in the same month, and though we didn't know how we would do it when we started, God provided.

379 | Homeschool Q&A with Sean & Caroline Allen | REPLAY

In this episode I decided to bring on an expert. She’s a second generation homeschooler and is currently educating 7 children at home. She’s constantly researching curriculum as well as various schooling methods and she’s passionate about bringing her children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. She also happens to be my wife. In the interview I’m able to ask her about her homeschool experience growing up, what she might say to mothers who are struggling with homeschooling or who don’t think themselves equal to the task of educating their children, and much more.

378 | What Grade Are You In? A Bit of Common Sense from Understood Betsy (Janice Campbell)

Have you ever thought how odd it is to have children move from grade to grade in lockstep with other children, even though they develop and learn at different rates in different subjects? Did you know that this idea of grade segregation is relatively new in the history of the world? Homeschoolers usually figure out how illogical the whole idea is, but I thought this excerpt from one of my favorite old books, Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher, might give you a glimpse of how learning levels used to work.

377 | Help Your Children Be Children, Part 2 (Sean Allen)

In part one of this series, I discussed how important it is to maintain a healthy balance between helping our children grow and mature and extracting all the joy that can be found in their present age. In this episode I will offer some practical suggestions on how you can actually put this into practice in your child's day to day life.

376 | Creating a Plan for Your Family's Summer (Jessica Smartt with Katie Clark) | REPLAY

This episode includes a discussion about building a summer daily routine, helping kids to work, creative ways to make memories as a family, goal-setting over the summer, and how to help parents truly rest without letting the household structure disintegrate!

375 | 101 Lies I Tell Myself About Homeschooling (Jennifer Cabrera) | REPLAY

Listen, laugh, and relate to this list of 101 homeschool lies. Lies we tell ourselves with the best intentions. Fibs and complete baloney caused by the pressure for perfection and desire for the outside world to pat us on the back. Dreams of educational success can lead to grand expectations and impossible goals we can’t begin to complete with when life gets in the way. Saying them out loud reveals the ridiculousness and frees your efforts to be awesome at this!

374 | Seven Tips for Finding More Reading Time (Janice Campbell)

Although there are many practical reasons to read daily, the list of the benefits of reading begins with delight. There are few things more soul-nourishing than a great book. However, reading can reduce stress, improve communication skills, increase empathy, build vocabulary, and so much more.

It's no surprise that reading builds brains; what’s surprising is how little reading time is built into most people’s day. You don’t have to read for hours a day to benefit. According to at least one study, stress is reduced after only six minutes of reading. Just imagine what longer periods might accomplish! Here are seven tips to help you find more reading time.

373 | Help Your Children Be Children, Part 1 (Sean Allen)

Adult life is so hectic, particularly for the homeschooling parent, that we can easily gloss over the unique beauty that is to be found in each season of our child's life. So often we are found urging them into adulthood to make life easier for us, but it often has the opposite effect (and it only serves to discourage them). In this episode I'll discuss how important it is for us as parents to help our children extract all the joy they can from each age while simultaneously helping them reach forward to the beauty of the age to come.

372 | Curriculum Fallacies & Practical Purchasing Pointers (Jennifer Cabrera)

A fun and informative look at the common fallacies we fall for and the practical tips to avoid them when curriculum hunting for the bouquet of courses and material guaranteed to bring homeschool success and possible college scholarships.

371 | Education is an Atmosphere (Sean Allen) | REPLAY

What goes into your homeschool is as important as what surrounds it. Today’s episode focuses on how important it is to create an atmosphere of learning in your home. This atmosphere is made up of many things including organization, discipline, attitude and even decor. If you find that your homeschool just seems to be dragging along, let this episode serve as a call to stop and take a day (or a week!) to address the environmental factors that may be keeping you from creating the homeschool you’ve always wanted.

370 | Plagiarism: What It Is and How to Avoid It (Janice Campbell)

With the ease of copy and paste in the online writing environment, plagiarism has become a real problem for students, teachers, and homeschooling families. Join me for some simple tips on how to avoid plagiarizing as you research and write great papers.

369 | The Best Advice I Can Give to the Struggling Parent (Sean Allen)

We meet hundreds of parents every year at homeschool conventions across the country. We are often approached and asked what advice or counsel we might give regarding difficulties many of these parents may be facing with their children. Sometimes we feel like we have a very clear answer to give, but more often than not, the best advice we can offer them is also, perhaps, the most obvious. In this episode I'll discuss what this bit of advice is and, despite it being hidden in plain sight, why it is ultimately superior to any counsel I may be able to offer.

368 | How To Make Educational Decisions For Your Family (Jessica Smartt)

Are you evaluating education for your kids? Are considering (or re-evaluating) homeschooling? Looking at part-time or full-time school? Considering a co-op? Online classes? Activities? No matter what choices you face, this episode will give you new, effective tools to make these decisions for your family, making the choice that you will feel best about!

367 | Anxiety and the Homeschool Mom (Jessica Smartt) | REPLAY

Seasons of anxiety and depression are difficult but can be even more challenging for the homeschool mother. In this episode Jessica shares her experiences with anxiety, highlighting tips for "emergency-level" anxiety as well as chronic, background anxiety.

366 | Why Penmanship Matters (Janice Campbell)

In this brief episode you'll learn why penmanship, including cursive, is important for learning, and you'll get practical tips for helping your children master this useful art.

365 | Tips for Climbing Out of a Homeschool Rut (Sean Allen)

Nobody ever said that homeschooling would be easy (and if they did they must be lying). How could it be? It's one of the most self-sacrificing endeavors that you could ever attempt. In this episode, we'll discuss how this often discouraging struggle against our selfish nature is the very thing our children need to see played out before them so that they too may be inspired to struggle against their lesser selves. And though this nature is constantly striving to press us into a rut, we'll discuss some simple but effective solutions to ensure that we don't stay there.

364 | Interest Led vs. Need Based; a Homeschool Balancing Act (Jennifer Cabrera)

Interests can lead to learning, but kids don't always follow them past fun and convenience. Career dreams can only become reality through work and meeting requirements. Requirements only parents may fully understand and need to push behind the interests. But what if they have no interests? There's a spark for learning in all kids that we want to kindle but not put out. But how do we find the perfect balance?

363 | Discovering the "Why" Behind Your Homeschool (Sean Allen) | REPLAY

There are many different reasons why people decide to homeschool, but not all reasons carry the same amount of conviction. Regardless of whether you’re just starting out or have been homeschooling for years, getting clear about the “why” behind your homeschool is critical to its longevity. Now is the perfect time to consider again why you’re schooling your children at home and whether that reason is convicting enough to see you through to the end.

362 | How Learning Journals Help Students Learn (Janice Campbell)

Long before textbooks and workbooks were invented, students kept notebooks and commonplace books to help them think, understand, and remember what they learned. Learning journals are a tool your student can use to do the same — here's how to begin using them!

361 | The Number 1 Reason Why You Should Homeschool— It's Not for the Results (Sean Allen)

If someone came up to you today and asked you the number one reason why you homeschool your children, what would your answer be? Is it because of the poor influences in the public school system? Is it for the educational benefits? For the results? These are all good reasons, but none of them are the ultimate reason why you should homeschool. In this episode I'll explore the "results" based argument when it comes to public school vs. homeschooling and I'll put forward what I believe to be the ultimate reason why schooling (see rearing) your children at home is superior to sending them off to a government run school.

360 | Building Mom Community (Jessica Smartt)

Join Jessica Smartt for a conversation about building your community as a mom!

359 | Houseplants, Homeschools, and the Mid-Year Blahs (Janice Campbell) | REPLAY

Are you in need of a mid-year homeschool pick-me-up? In this audioblog episode, we revisit a beloved episode with Janice Campbell at the exact time we all need to hear this encouragement!

358 | Create a Simple Schedule Like Benjamin Franklin's (Janice Campbell)

357 | Homeschool Nightmares and Insomnia: Laughs for the Like-Minded (Jennifer Cabrera)

Homeschool worries can keep parents up with insomnia or restless with nightmares of ruining their child. Listen and laugh as I recount a couple of restless nights of valid concerns and mostly ridiculous worries. Know you're not alone and that things look different in the morning.

356 | Christmas Traditions for the Family (Jessica Smartt with her sister, Julie!) | REPLAY

355 | How to Ruin a Good Book: Three Easy Tips (Janice Campbell)

When your student finishes a literature class or curriculum with the firm determination to never read again, what happened? These three tips provide a bit of ironic insight into ways that a good book can be ruined. Perhaps they'll help you avoid some pitfalls as you guide your students in reading and the joyful study of literature.

354 | How Family Meetings Can Bless Your Homeschool and Your Home! (Sean Allen)

Does it feel like each member of your family is pulling in his or her own direction? Is there a sense of disconnectedness to your homeschool? Would you like your children to feel more involved in the pursuit of your family goals? If you answered "Yes" to any one of these questions, you should be having regular family meetings. In this episode we'll explore the many ways that routine family meetings can bless your homeschool day, express love and appreciation to your children, and get your entire family pulling in the same direction. We'll also offer some practical suggestions on how to make your family meetings as engaging, memorable, and productive as possible.

353 | Traditions in the Liturgical Year (Jessica Smartt with Amy Frank)

In this episode, Jessica chats with Amy Frank about how her family has adopted holiday traditions that are based in the liturgical year. In addition to some Advent and Epiphany traditions, they discuss some ways to celebrate throughout the rest of the year.

352 | Oh There’s No Way I’m Homeschooling for the Holidays (Jennifer Cabrera) | REPLAY

Step away from the Yuletide unit studies! Put down the glitter and the glue guns. You can’t add “making merry” to a homeschool transcript. Why try? One of the best things about homeschooling for the holidays is… you don’t have to! But if you insist, listen in for Jennifer’s Christmas tips for seasonal sanity, and ways to get the kids involved without ending up as nutty as a fruitcake.

351 | The Joy of Memorization: Why and How (Janice Campbell)

Memorization shouldn't be about rote learning — it is meant for cultivating wisdom, virtue, and a beautiful mind. Join me as I share a bit about my personal memory project — what I memorize, why, and how. I hope you'll be inspired to create a memory project that works for you!

350 | How to Make the Holidays Truly Memorable This Year (Sean Allen)

It's the most wonderful time of the year...and the most hectic. With all the hustle and the bustle, the rich opportunity for us to help our children consider the people and events that make Thanksgiving and Christmas truly memorable often escapes us. It doesn't have to be this way. In this episode we'll talk about practical ways that you can set up altars of remembrance in your home through simple, routine devotions. These devotions are truly the gift that keeps on giving and will remain with your children long after the festivities of the season are through.

349 | Homeschooling High School: I'm Not Afraid Anymore! (Jennifer Cabrera)

Don't be afraid to homeschool high school. After putting in the sweat, worry-lines and coffee grounds to get this far, don't ditch now! Let's talk about why homeschooling high school is the most rewarding part and why the part that worries you most is the exact reason you should give it all you've got.

348 | Guard Your Schedule (Jeannie Fulbright) | REPLAY

In this chaotic world, our first duty as mothers should be to make our home a sanctuary—a tranquil place where learning and creativity thrive. That's why it's vital that we guard our schedule. It's such a blessing that there are so many wonderful activities, opportunities, and curricula to choose from. But with so many choices, we are at risk of adding things that are not God's best for us. In this talk, Jeannie Fulbright will share the mistakes that taught her to guard her schedule, and how God shows us when we should say yes and when we should say no.

347 | The Art of Choosing Curriculum (Janice Campbell with Cathy Duffy)

Join curriculum expert Cathy Duffy and me as we talk about the art of choosing homeschool curriculum. You'll learn about goals, learning styles, types of homeschooling, and more. I think you'll come away feeling much more comfortable about making choices that fit your family.

346 | Embrace Your True Calling (Sean Allen)

Everything, and I mean everything that is right and true is under assault today. For instance, we've moved far beyond questioning whether a woman's rightful place is in the home rearing her children. Today, the world and all her emissaries of confusion question whether such a thing as a woman even exists. For decades we've been told that women are just as capable as men, no matter the field, no matter the task. Predictably (and at the same time inconceivably) we are told today that men are just as capable as women to the point that they may also become pregnant and bear children. This upsidedownedness came as a direct result of our collective failure to not only recognize but appreciate the wisdom and beauty of God's respective callings in each of our lives. We each have unique, precisely crafted roles. It is true we may choose not to fill them; but we do so at our own peril. This episode is a call to embrace and, just as importantly, give thanks for how God made us and who he calls us to be.

345 | Homeschooling a Difficult Child (Jessica Smartt)

We all go through stages where we struggle with a particular child. Or perhaps you are wondering, could I homeschool with this particular child? This episode is packed with tips, encouragement, and resources for building a healthy atmosphere in your homeschool and home!

344 | Homeschooling 101: How to Begin (Janice Campbell) | REPLAY

If you are new to homeschooling or are looking for a refresh, sit in on Janice Campbell’s talk about where to start. As a graduated homeschool mom of four and curriculum developer, Janice shares her best tips for finding your homeschooling style, choosing curriculum, structuring your year, and more.

343 | Why Homeschoolers Do Well in Science (Janice Campbell with Jay Wile)

Why do homeschooled students do so well in science? Dr. Jay Wile joins Janice Campbell for a wide-ranging conversation about homeschoolers, science, reading, art, and more. You might be surprised by what makes homeschoolers such good science students, and you'll definitely come away with tips for helping your students learn well.

342 | The Whole and Healthy Family (Jessica Smartt with Jodi Mockabee)

In this episode Jessica interviews Jodi Mockabee and they discuss the best hiking spots in the US, whether kids need to go to public school to experience "the real world," the first step to declutter your house, attachment issues, and so much more.

341 | Dumb Questions All New Homeschoolers Should Ask… and the Answers! (Jennifer Cabrera)

Do we need a laminator and some chickens? Asking random nervous questions is part of becoming a homeschool parent. No need to flail about in an ocean of possibilities. Ask away! We veterans won't laugh (out loud). Allow me to tackle a few that may have popped into your head. Though someday you may look back and laugh too, every obvious answer you need to hear now will placate your fears and insecurities, and show you... You got this!

340 | How to Make Your Child's Last Year of Homeschooling Truly Memorable (Sean Allen)

Every year of your child's homeschool experience is unique and precious; of course their last year is no different. So much work has gone into getting them to this point, but you're not quite done! This year presents a unique opportunity to to create something truly memorable and to place a joyous explanation mark at the end of their homeschool journey that they'll be able to look back on with fondness.

339 | MOST POPULAR: Start Your Homeschool Day Out Right (Sean Allen) | REPLAY

The success of your homeschool day largely depends on how you begin the day. If your mornings are a mad scramble and the rest of your day is anything but peaceful, let this episode serve as a call to gather your children together first thing in the morning to pay your devotions to your Father in heaven. You’d be amazed at how even five minutes in the morning — every morning — can influence your homeschool for the better.

338 | Teaching Writing the Easy Way (Janice Campbell)

Teaching writing doesn't have to be hard, intimidating, intimidating, or expensive. Just start with the books, pencils, and paper you already have, and follow these simple steps. Some children progress quickly; others slowly, but they can all learn to read.

337 | Homeschooling for Every Enneagram Type (Jessica Smartt)

How YOU thrive at homeschooling depends on YOUR personality. In this episode Jessica highlights a few common personalities, explaining what each type would be good at while homeschooling, and what weaknesses they may need to be aware of. While imperfect, the Enneagram can often be a helpful method of describing common strengths and weaknesses. Jessica highlights those as it pertains to homeschooling! This will be a helpful and informative episode in helping you homeschool well.

336 | Friendly Advice to the Homeschooling Father (Sean Allen)

A new homeschool year is upon us and there may be no better time to speak to all the homeschooling dads out there. As most of you recognize, your wife is doing critical work. In fact, few other occupations in the world can compare with it. Why, then, do we as husbands find it so difficult to be involved in it? This episode of the Homeschool Solutions Show is my humble attempt to address all the husbands of homeschooling households out there in the hopes that they will take a more active interest in the education of their children and provide the support that their wives so desperately need throughout the coming school year. (Note: In no way am I attempting to shame anyone here. These are things that I often need to be reminded of myself).

335 | MOST POPULAR: Planning for Making Family Memories in Your School Year (Jessica Smartt) | REPLAY

As homeschool parents, we are usually great at planning for the academic school year— setting goals and selecting curricula. But have you planned for family adventures in your school year? In this episode, Jessica encourages parents to remember the “why” of their choice to homeschool, and to build in opportunities to create traditions and adventure, including her favorite Annual Family Day.

334 | My Top Tip for Peaceful Learning (Janice Campbell)

Want to learn one simple thing you can do to lower stress and guard the atmosphere of your home? In this episode, Janice talks about the one thing that was most helpful for her family as they tried to cultivate a comfortable, positive atmosphere for learning. Perhaps you'll find it helpful, too!

333 | Grappling with Grade Levels; Practical or Pointless? (Jennifer Cabrera)

If you've ever said your kid is half a freshman or in 3rd-ish grade, you might be a homeschooler. But should we adhere to grade levels more strictly? Or ignore them entirely? How should we respond when asked about our kids' grade levels, graduation requirements, and future plans? In this episode we'll discuss the pros and cons of labeling our kids with grade levels and expectations. I'll share what my surveyed homeschool readers had to say, and some suggestions for polite but confident responses.

332 | Five Things Every New Homeschool Parent Should Hear (Sean Allen)

It is so wonderful to see so many families making the decision to homeschool for the first time! In my conversations with many of these new homeschool parents, it's almost as if the same question lingers on all of their faces: "Can I actually do this?" My answer to that? "Absolutely, yes! And I'll tell you exactly why..." And that's just one of the things I feel that every new homeschool parent should hear as they embark on this wonderful journey of home education.

331 | MOST POPULAR: How to be an Awesome Homeschool Mom + 10 Commandments of a Homeschool Mom (Jennifer Cabrera) | REPLAY

Homeschool perfection is impossible and boring. Be awesome instead! Tips for being an imperfectly awesome homeschool teacher. And for laughs... The 10 Commandments (suggestions for sanity) of a Homeschool Mom.

330 | Homeschooling and Homesteading (Jessica Smartt with Megan Ross)

In this episode, Jessica interviews Megan Ross, who amazingly juggles both homeschooling five children AND running an impressive homesteading operation. We talk about all the things - balancing schoolwork and farm chores, butchering animals (yes), growing fruit trees, and which homesteading ventures offers the biggest ROI.

329 | Do You Know Where Your Children Are? (Sean Allen)

In light of the recent shootings carried out by 18 year olds, an excellent question for the parents of America to ask themselves is, "Do you know where your children are?" Of course we should always be aware of where they are in a physical sense (for then we can take stock of the influences they may be exposed to) but we should also know better than anyone where they are spiritually. Parents who are careful to observe the behavior of their children from day to day and who are quick to uproot any anomalies they might observe in their character will NEVER raise a child capable of perpetrating such crimes against their fellow men.

328 | Summer Homeschooling in Disguise (Jennifer Cabrera)

Homeschooling year-round makes total sense, but sometimes we just need a break from planning and pushing. Here's a look at the pros and cons of summer homeschooling and my hack for continued learning while enjoying the traditions of summer.

327 | Caregiving and Homeschooling: Can Learning Happen? (Janice Campbell)

Learning while caregiving — is it even possible? Can learning can go on while you’re caregiving for someone who is elderly or disabled? I want to reassure you that it can, but it will be different from what you might expect. If you can align your expectations with reality, make adjustments that keep you sane, and focus on priorities and essentials, you’ll be able to homeschool while you’re a caregiver. You may not achieve the picture-perfect homeschool you envision, but your family will learn many valuable lessons, and can even thrive.

326 | Dads Can Homeschool, Too! (Jeannie Fulbright with Sean Sherrod)

Jeannie Fulbright interviews a dad who homeschools, Sean Sherrod. Jeannie and Sean discuss the issues that are unique to fathers who are the primary educator, as well as how having a father involved in the child's education benefits children. This podcast also encourages fathers, even those that work, to get involved in their children's education, because dads really can homeschool, too.

325 | Homeschool Like You’ve Never Homeschooled Before (Sean Allen)

Often when we get weary in our homeschools, we settle for what's easy and secure. Unfortunately, if we do this for too long we fall into a rut and we miss the opportunity to capitalize on one of homeschooling's greatest strengths – its flexibility. In this episode we'll talk about the great blessings that can come from simply asking, "What could be?" What would happen if you changed things up a bit? Did something spontaneous and unexpected? Spent more time outside, more time reading, more time exploring the limitless opportunities at your disposal as a homeschooling family. What if you homeschooled as you've never homeschooled before?

324 | Preparing for a Time of Persecution: A Curriculum Proposal (Janice Campbell with Andrew Pudewa)

Is it imaginable that freedom of speech and freedom of religion could be suppressed where we live at some time in our future? History would indicate so. How do we prepare ourselves and our families for such a contingency? What curriculum might best prepare us for persecution, even martyrdom? How do we cultivate necessary virtues without sparking burdensome fears? Listen in as Janice Campbell and Andrew Pudewa explore this challenging subject.

323 | Freedom, College, Homeschool Curricula, Facebook, and More with Connor Boyack! (Jessica Smartt)

Join Jessica Smartt for a conversation with Connor Boyack, author of The Tuttle Twins books and president of Libertas Institute!

322 | Homeschooling Multiple Children: You Can Do it! (Jeannie Fulbright)

By following these five guidelines, you can homeschool multiple children with excellence and ease.

321 | 5 Reasons Why You Should Attend a Homeschool Convention This Year (Sean Allen)

It’s that time again! Homeschool convention season is just getting started, and there are so many reasons why you should consider attending one. From the huge curriculum fair to the encouraging and informative speakers, there’s no better place to recharge, gear up, and be uplifted ahead of the new school year.

Episode 320 | Curriculum Fallacies & Practical Purchasing Pointers (Jennifer Cabrera)

A fun and informative look at the common fallacies we fall for and the practical tips to avoid them when curriculum hunting for the bouquet of courses and material guaranteed to bring homeschool success and possible college scholarships.

Episode 319 | Homeschooling: Then and Now (Janice Campbell with Jan Bloom)

Join us for a book-centered conversation with guest Jan Bloom. You'll catch a glimpse of homeschool life in the early years, hear how BooksBloom, their traveling bookstore (a favorite stop at many of the Great Homeschool Conventions) came to be, and even hear a bit about what it's like to homeschool as a grandparent. You'll hear about several favorite books, and come away inspired, with a renewed sense of the joy of homeschooling and the fun of reading good books.

Episode 318 | Jessica's Curriculum Reviews (Jessica Smartt)

A homeschooling mom of nine years, Jessica has tried quite a few types and kinds of curricula. Here she shares her family's favorites, as well as a few they've tried and ended up ditching.

Episode 317 | Nature Journaling: Everything You Need to Know (Jeannie Fulbright)

At the same time that it builds a foundation in scientific thinking, nature journaling benefits your children in numerous other ways. In this talk, Jeannie will share all you need to know for making nature journaling both easy and enjoyable for the whole family. She'll share tips on choosing a journal, how to get started, and ways to encourage reluctant children.

316 | Homeschool Q&A with Sean & Caroline Allen

In this episode I decided to bring on an expert. She’s a second generation homeschooler and is currently educating 7 children at home. She’s constantly researching curriculum as well as various schooling methods and she’s passionate about bringing her children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. She also happens to be my wife. In the interview I’m able to ask her about her homeschool experience growing up, what she might say to mothers who are struggling with homeschooling or who don’t think themselves equal to the task of educating their children, and much more.

Episode 315 | Children's Great Books: Embracing the Wonder (Janice Campbell with Cheri Blomquist)

Homeschoolers have a lot of things to cover — does it make sense to spend time reading children’s classics? Join us in a conversation with author and homeschool mom Cheri Blomquist to learn how children’s literature fits into a whole-hearted curriculum, and how you can encourage thoughtful reading without ruining a great story.

314 | Anxiety and the Homeschool Mom (Jessica Smartt)

Seasons of anxiety and depression are difficult but can be even more challenging for the homeschool mother. In this episode Jessica shares her experiences with anxiety, highlighting tips for "emergency-level" anxiety as well as chronic, background anxiety.

Episode 313 | Guard Your Schedule (Jeannie Fulbright)

In this chaotic world, our first duty as mothers should be to make our home a sanctuary—a tranquil place where learning and creativity thrive. That's why it's vital that we guard our schedule. It's such a blessing that there are so many wonderful activities, opportunities, and curricula to choose from. But with so many choices, we are at risk of adding things that are not God's best for us. In this talk, Jeannie Fulbright will share the mistakes that taught her to guard her schedule, and how God shows us when we should say yes and when we should say no.

Episode 312 | The Wonders of Winter Homeschooling (Jennifer Cabrera)

How do we muster the will to rise and get dressed and get back a life of learning in the cold and winter months? Much less entice our teens to do the same? With new resolve and new fleece pajamas, homeschooling in winter is a privilege filled with opportunities for getting ahead academically, productive family time, and remembering why we homeschool in the first place.

311 | Homeschooling Beyond Your Home (Sean Allen)

Effective homeschooling reaches the heart of our children but also reaches far beyond them - to their children and also every person they will encounter. It is the means through which a lowly mother, minding her business at home can exert more positive influence on the world than practically any one else. It is also the means that may ensure that the privilege to school our children at home may be perpetuated into the future.

Episode 310 | Homeschool Success Story: An Interview with Tandy Hogate of Homeschool Hindsight

This episode will totally inspire and encourage you on your homeschooling journey. Tandy, a homeschooling mom of four, shares her story of homeschooling her son who was diagnosed with dyslexia. Tandy shares their journey and how she gave him space to grow up into the man God wanted him to be, and now he is an extremely successful entrepreneur, raising a beautiful family, with a close relationship to God, impacting the world to be a better place. This story will surely inspire any parent in the trenches who is feeling discouraged or worried for a child who may not be hitting the milestones the traditional school system has created.

Episode 309 | Planning by Looking Back and Looking Forward

Sitting down to plan priorities for the new year can be simple and fun. I hope you'll be able to find a quiet afternoon when you can look back at the previous year and forward to the next. Join us today for a few simple questions and ideas that can help you create a more peaceful, priority-focused year.

Episode 308 | Planning Your New Year's Personal Retreat

January is the perfect time for a mom's personal retreat. In this episode Jessica will share tips and tricks of hosting your own personal homeschool mom retreat. With a little bit of creativity, you can benefit from taking the time to rest, pray, plan, and goal-set for the second half of the school year.

Episode 307 | 101 Lies I Tell Myself About Homeschooling

Listen, laugh, and relate to this list of 101 homeschool lies. Lies we tell ourselves with the best intentions. Fibs and complete baloney caused by the pressure for perfection and desire for the outside world to pat us on the back. Dreams of educational success can lead to grand expectations and impossible goals we can’t begin to complete with when life gets in the way. Saying them out loud reveals the ridiculousness and frees your efforts to be awesome at this!

Episode 306 | Start Your Homeschool Day Out Right

The success of your homeschool day largely depends on how you begin the day. If your mornings are a mad scramble and the rest of your day is anything but peaceful, let this episode serve as a call to gather your children together first thing in the morning to pay your devotions to your Father in heaven. You’d be amazed at how even five minutes in the morning — every morning — can influence your homeschool for the better.

Episode 305 | Finding Community as a Homeschooler

On this episode, you will learn about the importance of finding community as a homeschooler and how to find your people within the homeschooling world. You will learn tips on how to find local community as well as what the difference is between a co-op, an umbrella school, and a tutorial. You will also learn about finding community using social media. Your homeschooling besties can be just one message away. You will also hear some tips on starting your own homeschooling community if there isn’t already one in your area.

Episode 304 | Two 12-Year-Old Boys Share Their Favorite Books

In this episode, Jessica interviews two seventh-grade boys on the topic of their best book recommendations. The boys offer suggestions for fantasy, non-fiction, as well as books for beginning readers.

Episode 303 | He Said, She Said: A Homeschool Marriage

Behind the scenes banter with real homeschool parents. Get some homeschool dad insight from an interview with Mr. Hifalutin. Then listen and laugh along with a comical rendition of a homeschool marriage court deposition over some common everyday struggles and trials.

302 | Education is an Atmosphere (Sean Allen)

What goes into your homeschool is as important as what surrounds it. Today’s episode focuses on how important it is to create an atmosphere of learning in your home. This atmosphere is made up of many things including organization, discipline, attitude and even decor. If you find that your homeschool just seems to be dragging along, let this episode serve as a call to stop and take a day (or a week!) to address the environmental factors that may be keeping you from creating the homeschool you’ve always wanted.

Episode 301 | Can You Take "A Message to Garcia"?

How do you teach your child what it means to be a responsible person? Like most parents, you probably model the traits you hope they will acquire, and that's the best possible way. However, don't forget the power of literature. Fables, parables, stories, and humorous essays (such as this one) can spark discussions, provide vivid examples, and remind us of truths in ways that are more memorable and meaningful than straight admonition. Join me today for a reading of the classic essay, "A Message to Garcia” by Elbert Hubbard. It's the type of essay that can help you make an important point in an entertaining way. Enjoy!

Episode 300 | Getting Dads Involved in Homeschooling

What does it look like for dads to support homeschooling? If mom is the primary “teacher,” what role do dads play? Graham Clark weighs in on the creative ways dads can pitch in to support their wives.

299 | Discovering the "Why" Behind Your Homeschool (Sean Allen)

There are many different reasons why people decide to homeschool, but not all reasons carry the same amount of conviction. Regardless of whether you’re just starting out or have been homeschooling for years, getting clear about the “why” behind your homeschool is critical to its longevity. Now is the perfect time to consider again why you’re schooling your children at home and whether that reason is convicting enough to see you through to the end.

Episode 298: Homeschool Science; the Horror, the Humor, and Help!

Homeschooling science is often frustrating and impossible, easily replaced with videos, or neglected altogether. Don’t let it be! I’ve got help and great offers! Science can be hands-on, exciting, edible, and dangerous! And can create lasting family memories. Like when you almost burn the house down for the science fair. True, hilarious story here….

HS #297 Deschooling & Homeschool Confidence

In this episode, you will learn about deschooling Yourself to help increase confidence and start your year off on the right foot. You’ll be given questions to consider & answer to help you deschool. You will also receive encouragement for the year ahead.

HS #296 Children’s Literature and the Romance of Reality

295 | Planning for Making Family Memories In Your School Year (Jessica Smartt)

As homeschool parents, we are usually great at planning for the academic school year - setting goals and selecting curricula. But have you planned for family adventures in your school year? In this episode, Jessica encourages parents to remember the “why” of their choice to homeschool, and to build in opportunities to create traditions and adventure, including her favorite “Annual Family Day.”

HS #294 How to be an Awesome Homeschool Mom/10 Commandments of a Homeschool Mom

Homeschool perfection is impossible and boring. Be awesome instead! Tips for being an imperfectly awesome homeschool teacher. And for laughs... The 10 Commandments (suggestions for sanity) of a Homeschool Mom.

HS #293 Reminiscing: Lessons Learned From Years of Teaching

Cynthia and Sue discuss how they worked successfully with reluctant learners and the lessons they learned from those experiences.

HS #292 A Homeschool Parent Teacher Conference

An actual recording of the infamous “homeschool parent-teacher conference” (aka split personality overthink-a-thon) in my head. The teacher and voice in the back of our minds echoing public opinions and trying to checkboxes, and pigeon-hole potential will be played by me. And the voice of the bedraggled but hopeful homeschool mom is played by...also me. Listen, laugh, sniffle, and feel seen and inspired.

HS #291 Behavior and Hidden Allergies In A Child

Are you working with a child who has difficulty with cooperation, focusing, hyperactivity, sensory processing dysfunction, or has meltdowns? Do you have a child who “whines” all the time? Could a hidden allergy be affecting your child’s behavior? Find out why one mom said, “Our daughter is so different now.” Histamine is a huge irritant to the nervous system. Many parents are finding that common foods can be contributing to the child’s everyday behavior. This doesn’t have to be hard!

HS #290 The Art of Unschooling

Karla Williams is the unschooling mom of six, as well as the author of Homeschooling Gone Wild: Imagined Learning Through Living

HS #289 Our Family’s Chore And Allowance System

In this episode, Jessica shares her family’s “family economy” system for chores and allowance. If you’ve been wanting to implement a better system for kids to pay for their own things, work around the house, and learn the value of a dollar, this system may work well for you, too.

HS #288 Homeschooling, Farming, and Publishing in Australia

I’ve long believed that homeschooling parents are some of the most interesting and creative people around. If something needs to be done, they can figure out how to do it. And if something needs to be added, they add it. Join us for this inspiring conversation with Anthony Coafield of Living Book Press.

HS #287 Fitting your own passions into this busy season of motherhood

Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart talk about how common it is as homeschool moms to feel that we’ve lost ourselves in this season of homeschooling. We used to have interests, passions and plans, even careers.

While Wendy and Kelli both had to learn to fit their writing careers into the cracks and crevices of family life, they want to encourage you to remember and reclaim some of your passions and pleasures.

HS #286 10 Things I Hate About Homeschooling

Homeschooling may be the best decision we’ve made for our family, but the everyday struggles and pitfalls don’t always fall in line with the dream. Here’s a list of 10 things I hate about homeschooling, though I wouldn’t change a thing.

HS #285 5 Steps Out of Dyslexia with Dianne Craft

In her 25 years of teaching special education and consulting, Dianne Craft has found that it takes only 5 steps, consistently applied in a daily reading lesson, to not only remove the symptoms of Dyslexia (reversals, scrambling sounds, and dysgraphia), but the effects of Dyslexia , (below level reading, spelling and writing). In this Podcast you will learn 2 simple steps: Physical Exercises that internalize directionality for a child and Visual Teaching Strategies that faithfully put “Zany Memory Hooks” on all aspects of reading…phonemes/phonics; sight words; spelling words. This can all be done in a daily reading session. It’s a method that she used in both Elementary and Middle School settings with equal success. A minimum of 2 years growth in a year was made using these simple, but non-curriculum related strategies. (many times, more) No need for future college accommodations. No need for curriculum purchase. No special training needed. Just success at your fingertips.

HS #284 I Don’t Know if I Can Do This Anymore: How to Get Over That Wall Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuňa

Cynthia and Sue give tried and true tips on what works when you are just about to hit the wall as motivation is waning.This episode speaks to those who need to get over obstacles.

HS #283 How We Started Our Homeschool Co-op with Jessica Smartt

Have you ever thought about starting your own homeschooling co-op? In this episode, Jessica shares the step-by-step of how she built a small homeschool community from the ground up. The episode discusses what kind of people you should think about including, the ideal size of a beginning group, her co-op’s daily schedule and curriculum, forming a community mission, and how they added extra events to enrich the community.

HS #282 Storytime is for Grown-Ups, Too with Janice Campbell

Stories are more than words on paper. A good story can serve as a window through which we can see truth. Just as a picture is said to be worth a thousand words, a short story can convey an idea more effectively than an entire self-help book. Join me today, and I'll talk briefly about reading, and then we'll have a grown-up story time with a short story by Leo Tolstoy. I hope you'll enjoy this episode!

HS #281 Homeschooling in the Middle of a Storm with Guest Ruth Schwenk

Today we’re talking about suffering and hardship. How we can keep putting one-foot-in-front-of-the-other as we homeschool our kids when we’re going through a frightening diagnosis, financial struggles, relationship battles…? How do we keep the family together when our world is falling apart?

HS #280 Moms and Best Good Homeschool Friends with Jennifer Cabrera

Real friends don’t let friends complain alone. Best good homeschool friends are for keeping it real, a safe space to complain. They can be the best defense against the homeschool blues and burnout. Let’s talk about why you need one, how to find one, and some truths and laughs about the perks of having your very own best good homeschool friend.

HS #279 Asperger’s Syndrome: Thriving At Home with Dianne Craft

Many parents find that the very best educational setting for children with Asperger’s like symptoms is at home. Since these children are often gifted learners, at home they are free to explore the topics of interest to them, without needing to do the mundane chores that are needed in the more formal school setting. Let’s explore the various interventions and resources available to help these wonderful kids and teens thrive at home.

HS #278 You Can’t Make Me! (But I Can Be Persuaded) Part Two with Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuña

More practical tips for loving and teaching your strong-willed child--without driving either one of you crazy!

HS #277 Keeping the Spark in Dreary, Depressing Indoor Days with Jessica Smartt

Are you losing your creativity? Got the winter doldrums? Feeling depressed? This episode offers 10 very practical ideas for what to do with your family inside and also encourages parents who may feel down in the dumps.

HS Special Edition #5 Counting Down to the 2021 Conventions with Janice Campbell

After a year away from homeschool conventions, many speakers are excited about coming back in person. In this special episode, three of those speakers — Dr. Jay Wile, Nicholeen Peck, and Dr. Melanie Wilson — join Homeschool 101 speaker Janice Campbell to talk about what they’ve been creating in the off season, and what they have planned for this year’s GHC conferences. You won’t want to miss this episode — or the GHC conference near you!

HS #276 Creating a Family Culture of Reading, Writing, and Creativity with Guest S. D. Smith

What does it take to be a writer? How can parents cultivate creativity and foster a love of reading in their kids? Today’s episode features a conversation with author S.D. “Sam” Smith, about reading, creativity, and the craft of writing. If you love stories, words, and adventure, you won’t want to miss this one!

HS Special Edition #4 The Homeschooling Class of 2021 Just Grew 40% Bigger...and It's Not Why You Think with Jean Burke

The 2020 pandemic forced everyone to “home educate” in some form or another. Surprisingly, numerous studies are showing that around 40% of families will continue even after the lockdowns are over. Yes, health may be a big concern but that’s not the main reason. Discover what these new homeschoolers are finding out that most veterans already knew.

HS #275 An Honest Look at 1 Corinthians 13 with Wendy Speake

Today our host is Wendy Speake. With the help of 1 Corinthians 13, we’re considering how to communicate love better during the most challenging parts of our mothering life. As always, Wendy leads us into God’s Word in an effort to find it not only living and active but applicable to our homeschooling days.

HS #274 How My Kid Taught Me to Teach Him… Computer programming (or get out of his way)! with Jennifer Cabrera

An interview with a self-motivated (techie) homeschooler on how he taught himself computer programming (plus book suggestions and tips). And how homeschool moms can get out of the way and let curiosity drive our kids’ education further than we can shove it!

HS #273 Dysgraphia: When a Child Hates to Write with Dianne Craft

Students can seem “lazy, sloppy, unmotivated” while having an undiagnosed Dysgraphia or blocked writing gate. Many times it isn’t identified until a child is a teenager and not turning in written work! The most common gate that is blocked with gifted kids. He knows so much but just can’t get his thoughts down in writing because this “head to hand” process takes too much energy….a blocked learning gate.

This student has not internalized directionality and does not have a well-defined sense of space. A powerful simple daily exercise develops this important skill and takes the stress out of the writing system, by sending this process to the Automatic Brain Hemisphere. Affects sports too …coaches report improved performance on the court or field.

HS #272 You Can’t Make Me! (But I Can Be Persuaded) with Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuña

Do you have a strong-willed child? You’ll love these quick, practical ways to bring out the best in a strong-willed child of ANY age!

HS #271 Homeschooling When Mom and Dad Work in Ministry or on the Side with Guest Alyssa Bethke

What does homeschooling look like when your family is busy with ministry projects, work, or just life? In this episode Jessica interviews Alyssa Bethke about what homeschooling in Hawaii has looked like for their family as they lead several ministries and also write books. Alyssa offers encouragement for overwhelmed moms and reminds us of the many benefits of homeschooling, even when family life is full!

HS Special Edition #270 Hindsight’s 20/20 - A Look Back at an Unprecedented Year with Wendy Speake

While we may not have had 20/20 vision going into this year, I’ve found that hindsight really is 20/20. In today’s show, I am sharing three lessons I learned and Bible stories to flesh those lessons out! Let’s take the lessons we learned in 2020 with us into 2021!

HS #269 Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner with Guest Kathy Kuhl

Sometimes learning seems harder than it should be. Both parent and student can feel frustrated, not knowing what to do. Join Kathy Kuhl and me as we talk about reading, writing, and learning, and ways you can help students who struggle.

HS #268 Homeschooling Screen Kids with Guest Arlene Pellicane

Today we are talking with the author of Screen Kids, Arlene Pellicane, about the boundaries we can set around our children’s devices (and our own.)

HS #267 Oh There’s No Way I’m Homeschooling for the Holidays with Jennifer Cabrera

Step away from the Yuletide unit studies! Put down the glitter and the glue guns. You can’t add “making merry” to a homeschool transcript. Why try? One of the best things about homeschooling for the holidays is...you don’t have to! But if you insist, listen in for my Christmas tips for seasonal sanity, and ways to to get the kids involved without ending up as nutty as a fruitcake.

HS #266 Powerful Reading Comprehension Strategy: Make a Movie In Your Head with Dianne Craft

One of the most puzzling situations a mother finds herself in is when she has a child who can read the words in a book but cannot answer the questions or tell her what has just been read. These moms frequently hear the phrase, “I don’t remember,” when queried about the reading material.

When working with bright, hardworking 4th through 8th graders in my reading class, I realized that these students were not proficient at converting the words they were reading into a “movie” in their head, as the rest of us do when we read. They were merely doing “word calling” much of the time. I found that “movie making” was a skill that could be developed in them, using an easy fifteen-minute a day exercise. This exercise did not involve paper or pencil, but only the use of their brain. “Word calling” is a left-brain auditory task, while creating a picture or movie of those words is the responsibility of the right brain hemisphere. I merely showed them how to create a seamless flow of words to pictures as they were reading. You can do this at home, very easily.

HS #265 Christmas Traditions for the Family with Jessica Smartt

In this episode, Jessica chats with her sister, Julie, about making memories over the holidays. They cover food traditions, entertaining, Advent traditions, and centering your holiday around Jesus.

HS #264 Middle School: The Inside Story with Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuña

Middle Schoolers reveal their thoughts, feelings, and fears--and it may not be what you expect!

HS #263 Reading and Writing, and Why They Matter with Janice Campbell and Brian Wasko

HS #262 What Do You Turn To (to alleviate your stress) On Your Hardest Days? with Wendy Speake

Wendy Speake often talks with us about our various Homeschool Triggers, but today she’s asking us this hard question: What do you turn to to help you deal with those Triggers on your hardest homeschool days? Tune in for a convincing conversation that ends with an exciting invitation!

HS #261 Elections and the Homeschool Connection Jennifer Cabrera

The 2020 election infection... Is it over yet? We might want to be oblivious to the political turmoil outside our blanket forts but homeschooling and elections have connections and consequences. Just like no candidate in any election is perfect, no educational choice is perfect. Yet whichever we say yes to, we should still be saying yes to God's plan, not popular opinion. Choosing what is right is not always easy or with the "in crowd", but then again neither is homeschooling. Join me for some hifalutin and earnest thoughts on civic responsibility and how it relates to homeschooling.

HS #260 Change the Evidence with Dianne Craft

Are working with a bright, hard-working learner who feels “dumb”? Change the evidence by changing the way he learns. Here are some strategies that I used in my resource room and consultation practice to prove to students how smart they really are. The students that use these “zany” memory strategies find they have great success in school and take these skills with them to college.

HS #259 Welcome to Puberty! with Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuña

How to recognize and celebrate the transition from childhood to adolescence--and still keep your sanity!

HS #258 Homeschool Organization, Kindergarten, Special Needs Families with Jessica Smartt

Elizabeth Kidd offers her humor and practical tips on what supplies are absolutely essential, best curriculum for kindergarten, and how a child with Down’s Syndrome has been a gift to their family.

HS #257 College Isn’t the Only Path to a Successful Future with Janice Campbell and Cindy LaJoy

Although we are surrounded by messages that imply that college is the best choice for everyone, that isn’t always true. Some kids and families have the kinds of gifts and talents that make a skilled trade or entrepreneurship a much better option. Join us today to hear about Cindy LaJoy’s experience in homeschooling a blue-collar family.

HS #256 Teaching Our Children to Know God’s Voice with Wendy Speake and Mark Batterson

Today we are going to be talking about teaching our children to know God’s voice. Mark and his daughter Summer recently released a children’s book entitled God Speaks in Whispers.

This may have been my favorite interview yet! Even if you don’t have young children to read this picture book to… this is a not-to-be-missed conversation!

HS #255 Homeschool Laughs and Lingo with Jennifer Cabrera, Hifalutin Homeschooler

Humor and introspection into the different species of homeschoolers, homeschool uniforms, and the lingo and vocabulary unique to the homeschool culture.

HS #254 Kids With Sensory Processing Problems with Dianne Craft

Do you have a child who is anxious, and gets upset easily…who is “overreactive” to his environment? Childhood should be “carefree”, but for some kids and teens, it is anxiety-filled. Their nervous system is sending them erratic messages that make them feel uneasy, panicked, or upset. We call them kids whose nervous system is in disequilibrium. Is it “Character or Chemistry?”. In this Podcast, we will explore the physical symptoms that a child often has that leads to behavior that is inappropriate. We will explore ways that we can help these kids feel so much better. Looking to the body’s manufacturing place for the calming neurotransmistters (the “gut”), we will explore an easy nutritional supplement plan (using your local health food store), that many parents use to help their child’s body make more calming neurotransmitters, so they can feel peacefull, fall asleep easily, handle loud noises, and in general be able to react to their everyday environment with more ease.

HS #253 How Many Times Do I Have to Say It? with Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuña

Tried and true ways to get your kids to actually remember what you say!

HS Episode #252 Identify Issues In The Homeschool Mother with Jessica Smartt and Rachel Jankovic

Jessica talks with Rachel Jankovic about the success of her first book, Loving the Little Years, about her passion for women reading Scripture, and about why women need to understand their identity.

HS #251 The Joy of Reading in Community with Janice Campbell and Jennifer Dow

Reading in community can take you more deeply into a book, and more deeply into the heart of friendship, too. If you’ve ever wanted to start a book group or wondered how to lead a class discussion on a classic work of literature, Jennifer Dow’s wise counsel can help you do both. You don’t have to know everything about a book in order to do this. Jennifer suggests that “If the goal is community and the hospitality that leads to healing, we must provide free space with clear, helpful boundaries. We must meet people where they are, at the same time offer or invite others to a vision of what can be, together, shoulder to shoulder. This expresses itself in the environment we curate, the content we behold, and the way we teach or read.” Join us to learn more about how to cultivate a reading atmosphere that leads to learning, growth, and relationship.

HS #250 How to be a Work-at-Home(school) Mom with Wendy Speake

We’re talking about another HOMESCHOOL TRIGGER. Today’s episode is for the working moms in our community — those of you who are not only doing the work of homeschool, but also working a job! Whether 9-5 or part time work, getting paid or volunteering, it’s hard to balance the heavy load. That’s why we are talking about carefully and intentionally scheduling our homeschool days. We don’t want to be so stretched out that we are stressed out and freaking out at our kids.

HS #249 Mom on Demand Worn Out Moms and Worn Out Excuses NOT to Homeschool Jennifer Cabrera, Hifalutin Homeschooler

2020 inspiration from the front lines of homeschooling for worn out moms wondering why they should carry on and a nudge for those that know deep down they could homeschool, maybe they should, they kind of want to, but... what about me time?

HS Special Edition #3 Teens, The News, and Positive Screen Time

Getting your teens to engage with the news can be a challenge but we believe it's crucial for young students to understand what's happening in the world in order to develop critical thinking skills and discernment.

HS #248 Photographic Memory: Your Child’s Greatest Resource with Dianne Craft

Today we are going to discuss the most useful resource you can give to your bright, hard working learners. Many people think that some are just born with a “photographic memory”. But we now know that this amazing ability can be easily taught. The ability to use the photographic memory is one of the best gifts you can give your child. Your child can store his spelling words in his photographic memory for quick retrieval. Poor test takers will learn how to store facts using their photographic memory. Everyone looks smart when these strategies are used.

HS Special Edition #2 Homeschool Connections Podcast by Sonlight: Literature-Based Learning Conversations

Today’s two-part podcast features an animated conversation between Stephanie, Judy, and Sarita about literature-based homeschooling. Filled with anecdotes and practical advice for those considering homeschooling, and those already on the journey. In addition, listen to Sarita share what makes great literature and delightful narratives so effective for teaching. Find out what kinds of books to avoid and how to get your kids begging for just one more chapter - even if they aren’t in love with reading yet.

HS #247 Finding the Right Spot Cynthia Tobias and Sue Acuña

Help your children discover what motivates them to concentrate--and how to prove it works.

HS #246 Homeschooling the Next Great Generation! Wendy Speake and Jonathan Catherman

Today we are talking about raising children to be ready to take on the many demands of life! This is so much more than reading, writing and arithmetic. If you’ve ever wanted a “manual” or a “guide” — or wanted to pass a manual / guide onto your children as they hit middle school and high school… this is the conversation for you!

HS #245: Creating A Plan for Your Family’s Summer- Jessica Smartt

This episode includes a discussion about building a summer daily routine, helping kids to work, creative ways to make memories as a family, goal-setting over the summer, and how to help parents truly rest without letting the household structure disintegrate!

HS Special Edition #1 Homeschooling 101: How to Begin with Janice Campbell

Homeschooling expert, Janice Campbell shares her vast knowledge of all things homeschooling. This workshop is a wealth of information geared toward helping those new-to-homeschooling families begin their journey. Janice discusses how to get started, what you need to know in order to choose a homeschooling method and the curriculum that fits. She also spends a few minutes talking about how to plan your time and find that all-important support.
Even if you have been homeschooling for a while, you can also find helpful information in this workshop.

HS #244 Stories and Music and Learning that Sticks with Janice Campbell and Carol Reynolds

Children are born with a love for music and stories, but sometimes it can seem as if those things are just for fun and must be set aside when “real school” begins. That’s really not true! Join us in this episode as we talk about how stories show up in books, history, science, and music, and why stories and the arts aren’t extras in your homeschool — they’re essential all the way through as you teach your whole child — head, heart, and hand.

HS #242 with Wendy Speake

Today we are announcing something thrilling. Here on the Homeschool Solutions Show, we are growing in exciting ways — and we hope that you will grow with us. Not only will you be encouraged, during this episode, to reach out and live out Acts 2:42 in your own community of friends, but Wendy will be sharing how our podcast will be inviting new friends to join us each week as well!

HS #240 Talking With Our Children About Racism Susan Seay

Susan Seay’s main message to moms is that we have the privilege and the responsibility of being present and purposeful with our children, every day with ever topic we race.Today we’re talking about about what intentionality looks like in the conversation about race relations and local social justice for our brothers and sisters of color.

HS #238 Planning an Educational Family Vacation Brandy and Matt Gleason

Today's episode, Brandy Gleason and her husband Matt will share from their vacationing experiences as a homeschooling family of 10. You'll find many hints and tips to make a day trip or lengthy travel doable and how to create a paper trail for homeschool record-keeping. Now is the time to begin exploring and creating timeless memories with your family

HS #236 Family Worship Francie Winslow

Maybe our time of “family worship” is less about a devotional and more about our first love devotion to God overflowing in devoted love to the people in our home. Today’s podcast takes us out of a traditional box of “family devotions” and inspires us to live lives of devotion to God!

HS #234 — Rhonda Stoppe Homeschooling with No Regrets part 2

Today is part 2 of our 2-part conversation with Rhonda Stoppe. We’re covering the remaining 4 points from her list of 8 very specific things we can do to make sure we don’t look back on these homeschooling years with regrets. If you missed part-1, please listen to that one first! It’s a gem… and so is Rhonda!

HS #232 - Homeschooling with No Regrets - Rhonda Stoppe

Today is part 1 of our 2-part conversation with Rhonda Stoppe. We’re covering eight very specific things we can do to make sure we don’t look back on these homeschooling years with regrets. Today we’re talking about our calling, our motivation, and so much more!

HS #230 — Wendy Speake - Where Do You Turn in Times of Stress?

We’ve heard it said, “These are unprecedented times”, but stress is nothing new. How are you doing with your stress these days? How is it affecting your home and your homeschool? Today’s short episode challenges listeners to take inventory. Are you taking your stress to social media as the form of escapism? Is your pantry where you hide? Do you turn for comfort in comfort food these days, rather than turning to the great comforter? Or maybe you are self-medicating with a nightly glass of wine. Today’s we’re turning to God’s Word for our help in times of trouble.

Episode #228 — Julie Kieras — Family Hobbies Make the Best Unit Studies

This conversation may be my favorite one to date! We are diving in and talking about unit studies — but not as something more to add to our already too-full plates. We’re talking about slowing down and taking our time to learn more about the things that we already enjoy as a family. I hope you’ll be as blessed by this conversation as I was!

HS #226 — Kristen Welch — Moving Mountains as a Family

Life is an incredible journey with ups and downs. We soar, struggle, scale and stumble, and often stand at the edge of cliffs, afraid to step into the unknown, unsure of where we will land. But instead of running away, we are called by God to stand firm, muster up what faith we can, and take a step. Because we were made to move mountains.

In today’s podcast interview, Kristen Welch calls us to step out in faith and climb the mountain right in front of us — not because we are good enough or adequate or able, but because God makes a way where there is no way. Of course this applies to our homeschooling dreams, to our families, marriage and raising children. But what else can God called you (and your family) to be part of out in the world today?

This episode is about all that, and so much more. It’s a joy to have author Kristen Welch with us on the Homeschool Solutions Show.

HS #224 — Jessica Smartt — The Memory Making (Homeschool) Mom

We’re talking today about making memories as a homeschool family. Jessica Smartt is sharing plenty of “easy-button” memory making ideas your family may love. We’re talking about how (and why) to make memories when you feel totally overwhelmed and exhausted as a mom.

HS #222 — Kris Camealy — The Art of Surrender

We’re talking today about the beautiful yet (oh so) hard topic of surrender. Homeschooling, parenting, following Christ all requires great-gobs of surrender, and there’s no one I’d rather talk it through with than Kris Camealy.

HS #220 — Katie M. Reid -- Parenting from a Place of Rest

Let’s talk about experiencing rest as a Homeschool Mama! We want to exchange our striving for settledness, our sense of panic to a sweet sense of peace. But how do we parent our children from a place of rest? We’re talking about it all today with Katie M. Reid.

HS #218 — Connie Albers -- Homeschooling Teens

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Today we are talking about how parents can create a rich relationship with their children throughout their parenting/homeschool journey. Children are a masterpiece and parents hold the brushes. God is the architect who knows the plans he has for each of his children. Too often parents give up or give in… not realizing that we are the primary influence in our children's lives.

HS #216 — SD Smith — Story-Telling and the Power of Imagination

I cannot sum up today’s podcast conversation with a simple description. I loved it all and it was sweeping! S.D. Smith talks in quotes. He quotes the master story-tellers who went before Him, but masterfully crafts wonderful words of his own, many of which can stand alone as quotable phrases. The main theme of our conversation was valuing good stories if we want to be good story-tellers — or even good people.

That said, my very favorite part of this interview was when Sam shared that he often looks out at all of the homeschool moms who come to The Great Homeschool Conventions and thinks, “These are warriors of light!” I may have teared up when he went on to encourage us, “This matters. You are a hero!”

HS #214 — Wendy Speake — Accidental Homeschoolers (COVID-19)

Today’s unique episode is for the moms and dads who didn’t choose to homeschool, but don’t have a choice right now. Given current events, kids are home from school with various levels of support from their local school districts. Here is some advice!

HS 210 — Angie Mosteller — Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

Angie Mosteller is passionate about many things, but teaching and hospitality are always near the top of the list. She specifically loves the holidays because she gets to put both of her passions to work – the teacher in her is intrigued by the amazing history of our celebrations (which she passes down to her kids through meaningful traditions); and the hospitality enthusiast in her fills their home with creative holiday food, decor, and music. Over the years, Angie has built a website — Celebratingholidays.com — as a resource for other families who want to learn about the rich Christian history of their favorite holidays.

HS 212: September McCarthy — Why Homeschooling Matters

September McCarthy has been homeschooling for 24 years! She is the mom of 10, grandma to 7, and her youngest is only 8. Which means that she’s still in the trenches with us, but has great-gobs of wisdom to share. September is the author of [Why] Motherhood Matters and is talking with us today about [Why] Homeschooling Matters. Her top reasons for choosing to homeschool her children are to help them:

• Know their identity
• Grow in character
• Develop strong relationships
• Discover their mission for life

In today’s conversation we talk a lot about all four of these things, but my main takeaway had to do with teaching my children about good and Godly character traits. I don’t want to simply discipline my children for the times they lack character. I want to train my children to grow in character. September’s “Character Matters” cards and posters are valuable resources to help us do just that!

HS 208: Ruth and Troy Simons — Education as Discipleship

Today we’re talking about seeing our children’s education as discipleship. Not merely giving them the head knowledge they need, but laying the foundation they need (with them, as a family) for a life of knowing and loving Christ and His Word.

In their book Foundations, Ruth and Troy Simons encourage parents to take the time to invest in a relationship with God as the starting point for leading their families to become long-lasting, fruitful followers of Christ. The couple outlines the importance of heeding God’s instructions and being transformed in their own lives as the magnetic force that draws their children’s interest to cultivate their own relationship with the Lord.

HS #206 - Asheritah Ciuciu - How to Make Lent Part of Your Homeschool Curriculum

Lead your children through Lent with creative activities and Bible readings! Today’s episode is the most gracious conversation about inviting our children to spend time with us in the word during the lenten season. Asheritah Ciuciu, author of Uncovering the Love of Jesus: a lent devotional, tells us both the history and the purpose of Lent, and gives us resources to make this more than just another “unit study.”

HS Episode #204 — Kate Battistelli — Raising Creative Kids

On today’s show we talk with Kate Batistelli about raising our children to do amazing things for the glory of God. During the conversation, however, we turn our attention back to the moms… and challenge ourselves to live life with a “Here I am, send me” availability to whatever God calls us to as well.

HS #202: Turn Your Homeschool Challenges Into “Challenges” with Wendy Speake

Everyone has challenges! But we all have a choice to make regarding how we respond to our challenges and the challenges of those we love (and teach.) Do we let them challenge us to the point that we can’t deal with the issues lovingly? Or do we deal with the challenges in a Christlike way? This has to do with our challenges and our children’s challenges. Today we’re talking about turning our kids’ challenges into “challenges” that help them pinpoint and then grow in those areas. Getting angry and allowing their struggles to become a matter of contention in our homes isn’t helping anyone. So let’s get creative and find some practical solutions together!

HS 200: When Marriage Stress Affects the Homeschool with Amber Lia

"Don't discuss triggered issues in the middle of a triggered moment. -Amber Lia

HS 198: Homeschooling Boys with Monica Swanson

Today’s podcast is for the Boy Mom in our midst!

HS 196: The Introverted Homeschool Mom with Jamie Martin

Motherhood is beautiful; motherhood is hard. All moms understand this paradoxical truth. Yet introverted mothers face unique challenges. When our quiet nature collides with our often loud role, frustration and guilt result. We wonder why motherhood feels at odds with our personality, and in our darkest moments fear we’re simply not cut out for the job. This experience can be especially challenging for introverted homescooling moms!

HS 194: Homeschooling Encouragement with Sally Clarkson

Sally shares with us the story of how she caught the vision to homeschool her family and what a tremendous blessing it was. Not only did it foster a deep love relationship among their family members, but homeschooling helped to cultivate three specific things in the Clarkson household.

HS 193: Troubles in the Homeschool, with Wendy Speake

Here on the show every week you’ll get to listen in on some great conversations, with wonderful guests, all designed to equip us as homeschooling moms. And then once a month, we’ll be opening up the Bible together, applying God’s Word to our long, blessed, but often challenging days. It is my hope as we gather together in this space, we will encourage one another with some practical, biblical solutions.

HS 192: Passing the Baton with Wendy Speake

All good things must come to an end and this is one of those cases. I have decided to turn my focus to Morning Baskets in 2020 and beyond and therefore am stepping down as host of the Homeschool Solutions show. But never fear, I am leaving you in great hands. Enter Wendy Speake, homeschool mom and blogger extraordinaire. She is taking the helm of the show and carrying it into the next decade. Join us today to get to know Wendy and hear her vision for the show.