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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: College Safety and Fun for Homeschool Graduates with Seth and Caroline Tillman- Replay.

College Safety and Fun for Homeschool GraduatesThis is a replay of a favorite episode. We feel like it is useful information for our grads who are heading to college soon.

Featured in this college safety and fun:* Safety Tip #1: Walk in a group * Safety Tip #2: Lock your dorm or apartment doors when you leave * Safety Tip #3: Ride-share advice * Safety Tip #4: If you are walking around while listening to music or podcasts, leave one earbud out * Safety Tip #5: Use the share your location app on your phone * Safety Tip #6: Have a friend who leaves their phone on sound at night for you (and you for them) * Safety Tip #7: When going on college tours, what kind of campus safety measures are in place at the school? * Safety Tip #8: When going to an event, make sure that at least one or two of your group will stand up for you

Vicki’s five homeschool high schoolers are all graduated from college now, even her youngest, Seth, and his newlywed wife, Caroline. Seth and Caroline loved their years of homeschooling. College was a big change for them both, but they loved it and made the most of their experiences there by getting involved in college activities and mentoring relationships. They also made lots of friends.

From the many experiences they or their friends had, Seth and Caroline offered to share some safety tips for homeschool high schoolers who will head off to college (or anywhere in the big, wide world).

Seth and Caroline Tillman, photo used with permission

So here are Seth and Caroline’s tips for college safety and fun for homeschool graduatesSeth is a elementary music education teacher in a local public school. Caroline first worked in the retirement industry but recently transferred to the University of Delaware as academic advisor and assistant to the UD Health Professions program. Both of them have had the adventure of spending part of their year teaching or advising remotely. (Check out Seth’s videos for his music students.) They believe in paying the things they have learned forward to current homeschoolers to help them prepare for college or employment situations.

Safety Tip #1: Walk in a groupAs often as you can, especially at night. If you will be late at the library, call a friend and talk to a friend while walking and use “Find My Friend” app on your phone. (Predatory people tend to prey on lone individuals, so groups are best when possible.)

Safety Tip #2: Lock your dorm or apartment doors when you leaveYou would think this is not something you really need to tell teens. But Caroline shared that she saw the poor outcome of roommates or friends not locking doors a number of times. (Keep a key on a hair tie if you find keychains are too cumbersome.)

Safety Tip #3: Ride-share adviceAsk the driver what YOUR name is. Make sure they and their car look like the descriptions you were told when ordering the ride. Also look for the lit sign in the windshield of the car (Uber or Lyft have signs). If you can, ride with a friend on the ordered ride.

Safety Tip #4: If you are walking around while listening to music or podcasts, leave one earbud outThis makes you more aware of your environment, especially for crossing roads but also for unusual things that might need your attention.

Safety Tip #5: Use the share your location app on your phoneBut only share that with close, safe friends. It is not a social media app!

Safety Tip #6: Have a friend who leaves their phone on sound at night for you (and you for them)If you have car trouble, are locked out of your apartment, or are in an uncomfortable situation, phoning a friend can be a lifesaver.

Safety Tip #7: When going on college tours, what kind of campus safety measures are in place at the school?For example, at the University of Delaware, there are safety blue lights regularly around the campus for calling for help. It is so important for schools to be considering the safety of their students!

Safety Tip #8: When going to an event, make sure that at least one or two of your group will stand up for youLet there be an understanding that if things get uncomfortable, you can say to your friend, “I need to go” and they will actually leave with you.

Okay, now for some uncomfortable topics. Sometimes we homeschool parents try so hard to shelter our teens, that we find it extremely difficult to discuss “adult” topics with our young adults as they leave for college. (As Seth says, your kids are not kids anymore when they leave for college, they are adults…young adults but adults, so need to be prepared for an “adult” world.) Naivety will not work for new adults.

Safety Tip #9: When encountering alcohol, if you see someone heavily intoxicated, please do not leave that person aloneBe aware of your surroundings. If you see someone who is not okay, call the university police or 911. If it is someone you know and you feel safe, help them get back to their dorm. When calling 911, remember it’s better to have folks mad at you about it than have someone die from alcohol poisoning. Also, there is usually a medical amnesty policy that protects you from getting in trouble when you call 911.

Safety Tip #10: Know what alcohol poisoning looks likeFrom Mayo Clinic’s website: confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, irregular breathing, blue-tinged or pale skin, low body temperature, passing out and cannot be wakened.

Seth and Caroline graduated from a state college. Seth points out that alcohol is common in state colleges, so they were not surprised to see these kinds of things. He also has lots of friends who went to small private or Christian colleges. In the smaller schools, these things happen, too (but mostly in secret).

Safety Tip #11: Monitor what you are drinkingThis is difficult to talk about but important. No matter where you are whether restaurants, parties or get togethers. Vicki jumped in on this to add that, as a counselor who works with college students, she has worked with a number young women who have been “roofied” (a date rape drug slipped into their drink) while at a public gathering. So:

• Keep a lid on what you are drinking when possible
• If you go to the bathroom, have a trustworthy friend watch your drink
• If you start to feel bad and feel like you are “blacking out” and you do not have a trustworthy friend with you but are at a public place, ask staff for help
• If you feel frightened, call 911

Safety Tip #12: If you are choosing to drink (or have friends that choose to drink) alcohol, understand that not all alcohols are alikeSome are stronger than others. Learn about it ahead of time.

Safety Tip #13: Offer rides if you have a carOf course, keep boundaries (some people might think you are an endless free ride) and remember that you can offer but not everyone feels comfortable accepting rides.

Safety Tip #14: Offer your dorm to a safe friend if they are stuck on campus late in the eveningOf course, only if you know they are safe friends

Safety Tip #15: Know what harassment and consent look likeIf you see someone who appears uncomfortable, (and you are safe) walk up to the person who looks uncomfortable and talk right to that person. If you do not feel comfortable, feel free to call 911. Don’t just walk away, err on the side of keeping people safe.

If you are in an uncomfortable situation and do not feel safe, it is okay to lie in order to stay safe, as in: “Sorry, I can’t go with you, I have to meet my roommate here.” Or give out a fake phone number. Remember that actually if you find you are making someone feel uncomfortable, stop and walk away.

Safety Tip #16: Take a self-defense classIt is a genuinely valuable investment of time

Safety Tip #17: Parents: teach your male sons to be respectfulTeach them to be gentlemen. Teach them no means no. Teach them the value of all God’s creation. Teach them good manners.

NOW, before you feel terrified for your young adults (and also we aren’t advocating for any unhealthy behaviors; we just don’t want young adults to be naive), here are some GOOD things that happen in college:* Going out to eat with classmates so you get to know them better and enjoy class together more. * Inviting classmates to study groups at the library (especially those in your major) * Joining a healthy fraternity and sorority (not all of those organizations are about partying and wild living; rather some are about service or building their major) * Joining the university choir * Joining an interest group or club * Getting an on-campus job (Caroline worked in the college creamery, Seth worked in events) * For more tips on making friends in college, check out this post

Join Vicki, Seth and Caroline Tillman for an empowering discussion. Also check out the college success tips interview with their friend, Kendall Smythe.

Watch one of Seth’s digital classes for his elementary music students (his school was online during COVID-19). And his fun project with friends, Newbit.

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College Safety and Fun for Homeschool GraduatesThe post College Safety and Fun for Homeschool Graduates with Seth and Caroline Tillman Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Are your students more like the tortoise or the hare when it comes to learning English? Some homeschoolers find that grammar, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and literature take so long that it feels like they just can’t win. Others find that their kids breeze through English lessons so quickly that they may not be accomplishing the goal of being competent readers and writers.

Fortunately, learning English doesn’t have to take all day. In fact, there’s a way to teach it that’s so enjoyable that you and your kids will want to do it. As a former homeschool mom of six who also taught English to her friends’ kids, I’m going to get you on the fast track to English teaching success. Ready? Let’s go!

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1 Use StoriesThe first step to teaching English quickly and effectively is to use stories. In fact, if all you do is read your kids a story every day, you’re making progress in all the language arts. Stories are one of the best ways to teach vocabulary—which also happens to be the best predictor of academic achievement and life success. Using stories that include advanced vocabulary words like those in Grammar Galaxy will give your kids exposure to the words. Exposure to the words is more effective for building vocabulary than having kids write out definitions—something most students don’t like doing.

In addition to vocabulary, stories teach grammar through exposure. Although some grammar has to be explicitly taught, other grammar is mastered through listening to it used correctly in conversation and story.

Stories can be used to teach literary concepts of course, but they also help students become better writers. Most writers were voracious readers in childhood. They learned how to use the English language to express themselves by reading their favorite authors.

The added benefit of using stories to teach is that they are memorable. A lecture or nonfiction paragraph is forgettable. But stories stick with us and beg to be shared. That’s why I wrote Grammar Galaxy—to use story to teach language arts concepts.

Ask many adults what a prefix is and they won’t know. But in Grammar Galaxy, Prefix is an evil programmer who introduces the re- virus into the galaxy’s computer system. As a result, movies keep rewinding and people keep repeating themselves. Students are guardians of the galaxy who correct the chaos Prefix and his Gremlin accomplice caused. If you’d like to try a free sample of Grammar Galaxy, click here.

2 Skip spelling and vocabulary busyworkIf you’re using story to teach English, you’ve already come a long way. But now let’s take a shortcut. When I first started homeschooling, I thought I needed a separate spelling curriculum—one that presents new lists of words to be memorized. As I tried one curriculum after another like this, I noticed something. My kids already seemed to know most of the words in each list. And those they didn’t either weren’t that difficult to spell, or they weren’t words they used often.

While dyslexic students’ spelling can benefit from focused work on phonics, most students can focus on learning only the words they are misspelling in their own writing. Then they can choose a mnemonic or memory tool that makes remembering easiest. For example, students may find it helpful to remember that piece meaning part is spelled p-i-e-c-e by noting the word pie at the beginning. They can embellish this further with a saying like: “The waitress put a piece of pie in front of Ce.” In Grammar Galaxy, students focus on learning to spell the most commonly misspelled words. They also choose and create a mnemonic that helps them remember them.

I found the same shortcut worked with vocabulary. I didn’t need a separate vocabulary curriculum, but it did make sense to review Greek and Latin word roots that form the basis of so many English words. I added many of these to the vocabulary unit of Grammar Galaxy. As homeschoolers, we save teaching time by not doing spelling or vocabulary busywork.

3 Encourage kids to write faster with milestones, friends, and encouragementWriting is like the last leg of the race. It feels like the hardest part, but that’s mostly psychological.

Florence Chadwick attempted to swim 21 miles from Catalina Island to the California coast in thick fog. She stopped after almost 16 hours of swimming only to discover she was less than a mile away from shore. If she had known, she would have dug deep and finished. How can we use her experience to help our reluctant or slow writers?

The most important thing we can do is break up the long writing process into smaller milestones. Swimming 21 miles must have felt impossibly hard. “Write an essay” can feel like a slog for our students too. So instead of, “Write an essay,” we can say, “write your three main points.” Instead of write a paragraph, we can say, “write the topic sentence.” Shorter sprints completed regularly help students build skills more effectively than a writing marathon.

The next thing we can do to make our writing lessons take less time is have students write with others. If Florence had been trying to beat another swimmer who was still swimming, I think she would have gone the distance. Giving a student an independent writing assignment that doesn’t have to be shared is not as motivating as participating in a class. Having my kids share their writing in our home-based co-op with friends helped them write better and faster. But writing and sharing with family members also helped—especially when we had a funniest writing competition that I participated in and Dad judged.

Finally, we can speed our young writers along by cheering them through to the finish line. If we are alongside them, focusing on when they should have started, and what they could have done better, they will be tempted to quit. Applaud the effort and content first to help them finish writing faster. Only then can we choose one or two things that we’d like them to improve in the next writing assignment.

Students don’t have to be either the tortoise or the hare when it comes to learning English. They can be guardians of Grammar Galaxy who quickly defeat the Gremlin and master language arts. Download a sample from the link here.

Have other ideas for quickly and effectively teaching English? Comment to share them.

Other episodes on teaching language artsWhy Charlotte Mason Would Love Grammar Galaxy

Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Your Child’s Writing

How to Edit Your Child’s Writing

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post Teaching English Doesn’t Have To Take All Day appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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ClassWallet, ESAs & Online State Resources: How Homeschool Funding Actually WorksConfused by ClassWallet, ESAs, and all the “school choice” headlines? In this episode, Gina Steffy joins Felice Gerwitz to break down—in plain English—how these state education funds actually work, what the online state resources really tell you, and how homeschool families can decide wisely.

“School choice” money is everywhere in the headlines, but almost nobody explains the plumbing behind it. What is ClassWallet? Is it the same thing as an ESA? Where do you find the real rules for your state—and how do you avoid the traps? In this conversation on Vintage Homeschool Moms, Felice sits down with Gina to demystify Education Savings Accounts, the ClassWallet platform, and the online state resources every homeschool family should bookmark. You’ll walk away knowing the difference between the program and the platform, what these funds can (and can’t) buy, how accepting money can change your legal status, and the smart-choice questions to ask before you apply. No legal jargon—just a clear, balanced map so you can make the right call for your own family.

What You’ll Learn* What ClassWallet is (and the one thing everyone gets wrong about it) * How an ESA is different from the ClassWallet platform that manages it * The three ways money actually moves: marketplace, direct pay, and reimbursement * Which online state resources are the true source of truth—and which to ignore * What the funds typically cover: curriculum, tutoring, therapies, testing, technology * How accepting funds can change your student’s legal status from “homeschooler” to “program participant” * The testing, reporting, and recordkeeping strings that come with the money * A balanced look at the “should we take the money?” debate * The smart-choice questions to ask before you apply or buy anything

How ClassWallet Works for Homeschool Families: ESAs and Online State Resources, ExplainedIf you’ve spent five minutes in a homeschool Facebook group lately, you’ve seen the questions: What is ClassWallet? Is it free money? Can I use it for curriculum? Does my state have it? The “school choice” headlines are everywhere, but almost no one explains how the money actually works—and that’s exactly where families get tripped up.

In my recent conversation with Felice on Vintage Homeschool Moms, we pulled back the curtain on Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), the ClassWallet platform, and the online state resources every homeschool family should know about. This companion guide gives you the plain-English version you can come back to anytime. (Quick disclaimer up front: I’m a homeschool mom, not a lawyer or tax advisor—so treat this as a friendly map, not legal advice, and always confirm your own state’s official handbook.)

What Is ClassWallet? (And the One Thing Everyone Gets Wrong)Here’s the single most important idea in this whole topic: ClassWallet is not the funding program. It’s just the tool.

Think of ClassWallet as the debit card and online marketplace that several states use to move education money and track how it’s spent. The state decides who qualifies, how much you get, and what you’re allowed to buy. ClassWallet is simply the plumbing that gets approved dollars from the state to the vendor.

So when someone says, “I got approved for ClassWallet!”—what they really mean is they were accepted into their state’s ESA (or a similar program), and ClassWallet is the platform they’ll use to spend it. Some states use ClassWallet; others use different platforms entirely (Florida’s program, for example, runs on a system called EMA). The tool varies. The principle doesn’t.

ClassWallet vs. an ESA: Know the DifferenceAn Education Savings Account (ESA) is the program: the state sets aside a pot of money—often somewhere around $7,000 to $8,000 per student—that you can spend on approved education expenses. ClassWallet is the platform some states use to manage that pot.

Getting this straight matters, because the rules you have to follow come from the ESA program and your state’s law—not from ClassWallet. The platform just enforces what the state already decided.

How ClassWallet Actually Works: Three Ways Money MovesOnce you’re approved and funded, there are generally three ways to spend:

1. The Marketplace. The simplest option. You shop from pre-approved vendors inside the ClassWallet marketplace, and payment happens automatically from your account—no out-of-pocket cost.

2. Direct Pay (“Pay a Vendor”). You request that ClassWallet pay an approved provider directly—say, a tutor or a curriculum company. The provider may need to be registered or approved first.

3. Reimbursement. You pay out of pocket, then submit receipts to be paid back. This carries the most risk: if the purchase is denied, you’re stuck with the bill. That’s why the golden rule is never buy first and hope later.

Online State Resources: Where to Find the Real RulesThe internet is full of blog posts (including this one!) that give you the lay of the land. But when it’s time to actually apply or spend, go to the source. Here’s the hierarchy I recommend:

1. Your state Department of Education’s ESA page and the current handbook. This is the source of truth. Amounts, eligible expenses, deadlines, and approved-vendor lists all live here—and they change almost every year.
2. The program administrator’s portal. In many states an outside organization runs the day-to-day (for example, Step Up For Students in Florida or the Treasurer’s office in Indiana).
3. National overviews for context. Sites like EdChoice and the NCSL are excellent for understanding how programs compare across states—just don’t treat them as the final word on your specific award.

One caution: ignore outdated articles. This landscape is moving so fast that a post from even a year ago may list the wrong amount, the wrong deadline, or a program that’s since changed.

What Can the Funds Actually Buy?It varies by state, but ESA funds commonly cover curriculum, tutoring, online courses, standardized testing, educational materials, therapies for students with special needs, and sometimes technology. Every program publishes an approved-expense guide and an approved-vendor list, and here’s the catch: “educational” in your mind doesn’t always mean “reimbursable” in theirs. Check the guide first, and get pre-approval for anything unusual or expensive.

The Fine Print: Legal Status, Testing, and RecordsThis is the part families most often miss, and it’s the part worth slowing down for.

Legal status. In many states, accepting the money changes your student’s legal category. While in Arizona, an ESA student signs a contract and is not a statutory homeschooler. In Florida, to join the Personalized Education Program you actually have to terminate your home-education program and become a “PEP student.” You’re still teaching at your own kitchen table—but the rules you answer to have changed.

Testing and reporting. Depending on the state, you may owe an annual norm-referenced test, a written learning plan, attendance or portfolio records, or all of the above.

Records. Keep an audit folder from day one: award letters, account agreements, invoices, receipts, and proof of payment. The families who run into trouble are almost always the ones who spent freely and kept nothing.

Should Your Family Take the Money? A Balanced TakeThis is a personal decision, and reasonable homeschoolers land in different places.

On one side, these funds are real, meaningful help—especially for families on a tight budget or those covering therapies and specialized services. On the other side, groups like HSLDA caution that government money can come with strings, and that a funded student is a distinct legal category rather than a protected independent homeschooler; they’d rather see tax credits, where you simply keep more of your own money. Other groups, like THSC, believe a well-designed ESA with strong legal protections can help without eroding freedom.

My honest take? Know exactly what you’re trading. If the trade-offs work for your family, an ESA can be a genuine blessing. If they make you uneasy, there is no shame in keeping your independence.

5 Smart-Choice Questions Before You Apply1. Does accepting funds change our legal status—and are we okay with that? 2. Is the usable award (not the headline number) worth the paperwork? 3. Can we buy what we already use? (Check the approved-expense guide first.) 4. Can we meet the testing and reporting deadlines? 5. What might we give up? (Families of students with disabilities should weigh ESA benefits against IDEA rights and public-school services.)

Your Next StepWant the full picture for your state? Download our free 50-State Homeschool Funding Guide—a plain-English map of what’s available, who qualifies, and what to watch out for in all 50 states. Then head to your state’s official page to confirm the current details before you apply.

And if you haven’t yet, listen to the full conversation with Felice on Vintage Homeschool Moms for the stories and nuance behind these tips.

Resources Mentioned Free download: Homeschool Funding — A 50-State Guide for Families → *[ family guide download page] * ClassWallet (platform overview) → https://www.classwallet.com * EdChoice — School Choice in America dashboard → https://www.edchoice.org/school-choice-in-america/ * National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) — ESA policy scan → https://www.ncsl.org * Arizona ESA (AZ Dept. of Education) → https://www.azed.gov/esa * Indiana Education Scholarship Account (INESA) → https://www.in.gov/tos/inesa/ * Florida Personalized Education Program (Step Up For Students) → https://www.stepupforstudents.org/scholarships/personalized-education-program/ * Related: How to Start Homeschooling | Homeschool Socialization

Quotable Moments* “ClassWallet is the wallet. The state is the boss.” * “The handbook matters more than the headline.” * “Never buy first and hope later.” * “Free money isn’t free if it costs you your freedom—but for some families, it’s exactly the help they need.”

Stay Informed Subscribe to Vintage Homeschool Moms so you never miss an episode * Grab the free 50-State Homeschool Funding Guide → [download link] * Share this episode with a homeschool friend who’s asking “should we take the money?” * Reminder for listeners: This episode is educational, not legal or tax advice. Always verify your state’s official handbook before applying or buying.*

Frequently Asked QuestionsIs ClassWallet free money for homeschoolers? Not exactly. ClassWallet is the platform that manages state ESA funds, and while the money is real and helpful, it comes with rules: an approved-expense list, possible testing or reporting, and in many states a change to your legal status. It’s better to think of it as a state education allowance with a rulebook attached than as “free money.”

What’s the difference between ClassWallet and an ESA? An ESA (Education Savings Account) is the state program that provides the money. ClassWallet is the online platform some states use to distribute and track that money. The state sets the rules; ClassWallet just enforces them.

What can I buy with ClassWallet funds? Commonly curriculum, tutoring, online courses, standardized tests, educational materials, therapies, and sometimes technology—but only from approved vendors and within your state’s approved-expense guide. Always check the guide and get pre-approval before large or unusual purchases.

Does taking an ESA mean I’m no longer a homeschooler? In many states, yes—your legal status changes from independent homeschooler to program participant. Arizona and Florida are two examples where accepting funds changes your statutory status. Read your state’s definition before enrolling.

Where do I find the real rules for my state? Start with your state Department of Education’s ESA page and the current program handbook—that’s the source of truth. Use national sites like EdChoice and NCSL for context, but confirm amounts, deadlines, and eligible expenses on the official page before you apply or buy.

Educational content only—not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Program rules, award amounts, vendors, and deadlines change frequently; always verify the current official handbook for your state before applying or purchasing.

The post ClassWallet and Online State Resources — and How They Work appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Encore presentation from the MBFLP archives — a listener favorite worth hearing again. Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Boys and Noise: Managing a Houseful of Energetic Boys“Got boys? Then probably, you’ve got noise!” This week Hal and Melanie Young open up an email from a desperate homeschooling mom of four boys, all eight and under — two quiet, peace-loving firstborn parents completely overwhelmed by the volume, the wrestling, and the endless bickering. As parents of six boys themselves, Hal and Melanie have been exactly there, and they walk through what actually helps.

The heart of it: boys are noisy, active, and energetic by God’s design — and noise is not the same thing as sin. Your job isn’t to turn your boys into quiet little girls; it’s to train them to know when to let it rip and when to put a cork on it, to stop the meanness without crushing the energy, and to keep your home a safe harbor for everyone in it.

In this episode: Why “one boy plus one boy” equals way more than two boys’ worth of noise * Boys, power, and impact — the God-given wiring behind all that energy * Teaching self-control: inside/outside voices, “commando quiet,” and the Silent Ship game * Burning energy on purpose — outdoor time and mid-day movement (and why large-muscle activity actually helps boys learn) * The bickering: kids are born sinners, so media limits help but the heart is the real issue * “The wrath of man works not the righteousness of God” — why losing your temper never motivates, and how raising your voice differs from losing it * The “knock it off” rule: rough-and-tumble is fine, but stop means stop* — or you’re a bully * Home as a safe harbor: no name-calling, no sowing discord among brothers (Proverbs 6) * Why sibling competition is unfair across wide age gaps — and how to raise a “hero” big brother instead of a bully * The long payoff: the brotherly friendship you build now pays off hugely in adulthood

Chapters: 0:00 — Intro & welcome * 1:16 — The topic: boys and noise * 1:51 — A desperate mom’s email: four boys, eight and under * 3:23 — “We’ve been there” — Hal & Melanie’s six boys * 5:00 — Why boys are so loud (and why some are louder than others) * 7:17 — Power, impact, and God’s design for boys * 8:36 — Don’t turn your boys into girls — make it livable instead * 9:00 — Teaching quiet: ninja/commando, Silent Ship, inside voices * 12:43 — Burn the energy: outdoor time, mid-day PE, movement & learning * 14:51 — Resources for parents of boys * 16:19 — The bickering & nastiness: it’s a heart issue * 17:41 — Ground rules: the wrath of man, and voice vs. losing it * 19:02 — The “knock it off” rule * 20:11 — Home as a safe harbor: names, discord, Proverbs 6 * 21:47 — Competition, fairness, and raising a hero big brother * 24:10 — The long payoff: brotherhood into adulthood * 27:20 — Encouragement: it takes consistency, and it will* get better

A few lines worth remembering:

“Being noisy is not necessarily a sin. It’s not necessarily something you need to punish — but it is something that needs training.”

“The wrath of man works not the righteousness of God. When I yell, when I lose it, it does not motivate them one bit.”

“Whatever’s out there in the world, when you come home you should be completely safe.”

About the hosts: Hal and Melanie Young are the parents of six boys (and more) and the authors and speakers behind Raising Real Men. Find more of their work at halandmelanie.com.

More on raising boys from the show:* Boy-Friendly Homeschooling: How to Help Boys Thrive in Learning * Boys and Books: How to Help Boys Love Reading * Boy Question Free-for-All: Raising Sons Biblically

Noise can be fun. Shop Whismsical and Adventure Gear @ RaisingRealMen.comThe post Boys and Noise: Managing a Houseful of Energetic Boys appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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When Your Child Sees Something They Shouldn’t Online: A Parent’s GuideParent note: this episode discusses pornography and its effect on kids and families. The conversation is frank but never graphic — it’s meant for grown-up ears, so you may want to listen before the little ones are in the room.

It’s not a question of if your child will see explicit content online — it’s when. That’s a hard sentence to read, but it’s the honest starting point of this conversation. Andy “Fletch” and Kendra Fletcher sit down with Barrett and Jenifer Johnson of INFO for Families to talk about what actually helps: not panic, not shame, and not a false confidence that the right filter will keep the world out. Filters and boundaries matter, but the real protection is an ongoing, calm, gospel-shaped conversation you start long before you think you need to.

Whether you’ve just discovered something on a device and your heart is pounding, or you simply want to get ahead of it, this episode gives you language, resources, and hope.

In this episode:

• Why exposure is a matter of “when, not if” — and why no fence or filter is enough on its own
• How to respond in the moment without freaking out or shaming your child
• Starting the conversation early (yes, even with young children) so you’re the first voice, not the last
• Where filters and accountability tools genuinely help — and where they fall short
• Teaching wisdom and compassion, including seeing the people in the industry as exploited rather than villains
• Bringing the gospel into it: “hope shifting” and the path to restoration
• Why restoration is spiritual, relational, and physical — retraining a brain that’s been wired by exposure
• Why this isn’t “just a boy problem” — girls and young women are affected too
• What it means to “run into the burning building” for your kids instead of away from it

Chapters (approximate):

• 0:00 — Fresh intro & parent heads-up
• 0:30 — Fletch & Kendra: the “when, not if” reality (and a nod to The Village)
• 4:00 — Why no filter or fence is enough by itself
• 7:30 — Meet Barrett & Jenifer Johnson, INFO for Families
• 11:00 — Don’t freak out: how to respond in the moment
• 15:00 — Talk to your kids before the world does — starting young
• 20:00 — Filters and tools that help (Circle, accountability software) — and their limits
• 25:00 — Wisdom & compassion: the people behind the industry are exploited
• 30:00 — The gospel and “hope shifting”
• 35:00 — Restoration: spiritual, community, and retraining the brain
• 41:00 — It’s not just boys — girls and young women too
• 45:00 — “Run into the burning building”: encouragement for weary parents
• 49:00 — Next week: Sex Ed for Parents (for couples)

A couple of lines worth remembering:

“It’s not if your kids will be exposed — it’s when. And the best filter you have is the conversation you’re already having with them.”

“Don’t freak out. If your kid feels like they can come to you with the hard thing, you’ve won something no software can give you.”

Resources mentioned:

• Barrett & Jenifer Johnson — INFO for Families (“Imperfect Normal Families Only”): infoforfamilies.com
• The Talks — book and companion 6-part DVD series from the Johnsons
• Good Pictures, Bad Pictures — a read-aloud book for introducing this topic to young children
• Brain Buddy — an app supporting recovery and retraining
• Circle — a home device for managing screens and filtering across your network

If you’re a parent in the thick of this right now: take a breath. You are not behind, and you are not alone. Start the conversation, keep it going, and lead with hope.

Thank you to the sponsor of this episode, CTCMath.com

The post When Your Child Sees Something They Shouldn’t Online: A Parent’s Guide appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Homeopathy for Pain Relief – Mini-Training Excerpt

I am asked frequently about pain – Do you have anything for headaches? Do you have anything for backache? Toothaches? Do you have anything for bladder infections? Do you have anything for Earaches? The list goes on!

Yes! We have remedies for all these things specifically, but for the sake of simplicity, I made this two part mini-training for my members – Homeopathy for Pain Relief.

This week I share part 1 on the podcast – a great introduction to the common, go-to type remedies and how to use them.

The rest of the mini-training inside our Members Corner is more detailed about how to zero in on certain “Types” of pain and then how to find the best remedy, specific to the patient. You can join the Members Corner for access to this and over 70 other in-depth mini-trainings on the Members Corner. Click here to see what we have inside: https://members.homeopathyformommies.com/mini-trainings/

Join now: https://members.homeopathyformommies.com

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383: AI Through a Teen’s Eyes with Sofia Alvarez de la HozIn this episode, Meryl talks with Sophia Alvarez de la Hoz, a former student in Meryl’s AI for Teens class. Sophia shares what she knew about AI before taking the course, what surprised her, and how her understanding changed as she learned about topics such as large language models, AI ethics, red teaming, and responsible use.

Sophia also explains how she currently uses AI tools for schoolwork and personal projects. She discusses using NotebookLM to study and an AI image generator to develop the design for her eighth-grade graduation cap.

The conversation addresses an important question for homeschool families: How can students use AI for support without allowing it to do the thinking for them? Sophia shares practical strategies, including asking AI to explain a concept without revealing the answer and recognizing when the tool is completing too much of the learning process.

Other topics discussed include:

• Why using AI to cheat ultimately harms the student
• The risk of becoming overly dependent on AI
• How AI may affect future careers
• The importance of understanding how AI works
• Future AI tools that could assist people with disabilities
• Why teens need a balanced understanding of AI
• The skills students should develop as AI becomes more common

Sophia’s central message is that AI is a tool whose value depends greatly on how it is used. Students need opportunities to understand its capabilities, limitations, risks, and ethical implications so they can make informed decisions.

Resources MentionedAI for Teens class from FundaFunda Academy:
AI for Teens is a one-semester, half-credit elective designed for students in grades 7–12.

NotebookLM:
https://notebooklm.google.com/

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Cooking for High School Credit with Angela Smith.

Cooking for High School Credit with Angela SmithAs homeschool parents, we 7Sisters know a win when we see one! How about life skills, cooking, and food science combined for a fun and meaningful high school elective credit?

That’s what we found with Angela Smith at Inquisicook!

Featured in this article:* Angela Smith’s story * Inquisicook’s story * How Inquisicook works * Find Inquisicooks * Learn more about electives

Angela Smith’s storyAngela likes to say that she is “actually a native member of the homeschool tribe”. Her family started homeschooling in 1992 and continued until their last child went to college. These days, Angela is helping with the homeschooling of her twelve grandchildren.

Inquisicook’s storyThe Inquisicook online program combines food science, life skills, and culinary arts into hands-on courses that put delicious food on the family table.

The Inquisicook online program combines food science, life skills, and culinary arts into hands-on courses that put delicious food on the family table.

These practical, elective courses include science labs that wind up as a prepared dish for the family table!

When her youngest child was about ten or eleven years old, she informed Angela that she wanted cooking to be one of her homeschool subjects. They were already cooking together as part of their family lifestyle. (Angela’s family loves to exercise hospitality.)

However, being a homeschool mom, Angela wanted to incorporate a science-driven approach to cooking. She thought it made sense to study the science that’s literally under their noses and that they were engaging with daily.

Angela believes that anybody ought to be able to prepare a tasty dish based on what’s in season, what’s on sale, or what’s in the fridge. She wants teens to be free from the tyranny of an ingredients list that says, “I’ve got to buy, you know, this and this and this, and if I don’t have those things, I can’t make this recipe.”

Angela could not find a curriculum that taught comprehensive, science-based cooking, so (being an industrious homeschool mom), she created her own. It took years to finally have the course in the form she wanted to launch, but it’s ready, and you can get your teens started now!

How Inquisicook worksInquisicook offers two courses. Each of the courses is divided into five units with fifteen lessons. Also included are optional recipes that we call “for further eating”, and teacher resources.

Inquisicook 1 covers eggs, quick breads, salads and dressings, yeast breads, along with herbs, spices, and seasonings. This is combined with soups and stocks.

In this first course, teens also learn the basic culinary art skills, such as:* Knife skills, * How to use a double boiler * Recognizing signs of doneness

Students also conduct sensory evaluations for every recipe they re-prepare, rating it based on appearance, flavor, texture, and aroma. This guides them to think specifically and analytically about their outcomes. It also gives them a pathway to craft improvements or variations for future attempts at the recipes, because we want them to be intuitive cooks, not recipe followers.

These skills help students figure out what the version two of that recipe might look like for their family’s tastes.

Food science in InquisicookOf course, all of the units are packed with science. For instance, they learn about egg protein molecules and how those molecules are transformed when heat is applied to them. They learn the physics of whisking: what is happening to egg proteins as they unfurl and then collect around bubbles to create an egg white foam.

In the science of custards, students learn special techniques to trap moisture droplets within the protein network.

In the quick breads unit, they learn the differences between biological leaveners, physical leaveners, and chemical leaveners. They learn about the different types of wheat, different protein contents of the wheat, and the different ways to capture those little air bubbles that cause bread to rise.

During the soups and stocks unit, students learn about extracting flavor through long, slow cooking and the science behind different flavoring agents in terms of herbs and spices

Inquisicook is an applied science that’s super tasty!

This course would be a good choice as an elective on the high school transcript!

Thanks to Seth Tillman for editing the podcast.

Find Inquisicook at:* Inquisicook.com * Facebook Inquisicook * Instagram Inquisicook

Learn more about high school electives in these Homeschool Highschool Podcast episodes:* Conservation Project with Nathaniel Mack * Fine Arts Electives * Filmmaking Elective

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review

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Read the transcriptWatch on YouTubeIn This Episode* + Why your child’s goals matter more than your goals * + How “busy work” can destroy motivation * + Why bright kids need meaningful challenges * + The hidden cost of constant correction * + How self-control becomes exhausted—and how to restore it * + Simple strategies you can use right away to help your child start trying again

Free Resources Free Grammar Galaxy Sample Discover story-based language arts that turns reluctant learners into enthusiastic readers and writers.

Free Training Aliens Lesson Help your child build self-control, communication, and other essential social-emotional skills through engaging stories.

Find both free resources here: https://funtolearnbooks.com

More Episodes Like ThisReluctant Learners: How to Motivate Them

Helping Students Take Initiative

Homeschooling Smart Kids

SubscribeIf this episode encouraged you, be sure to:

• • Like the video
• • Leave a comment: Which of these five reasons do you think best explains your child’s lack of motivation?
• • Subscribe for practical homeschooling advice, motivation strategies, and curriculum tips every week.

Connect with MeFacebook

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Have a happy homeschool week!

Have a bright child who suddenly refuses to do schoolwork? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share the surprising reasons intelligent, capable students stop trying—and why the problem usually isn’t laziness.

After homeschooling six graduates and researching motivation, I discovered five hidden causes that can keep bright kids from giving their best. More importantly, you’ll learn practical ways to help your child rediscover their love of learning.

Read the transcriptWatch on YouTubeIn This Episode* + Why your child’s goals matter more than your goals * + How “busy work” can destroy motivation * + Why bright kids need meaningful challenges * + The hidden cost of constant correction * + How self-control becomes exhausted—and how to restore it * + Simple strategies you can use right away to help your child start trying again

Free Resources Free Grammar Galaxy Sample Discover story-based language arts that turns reluctant learners into enthusiastic readers and writers.

Free Training Aliens Lesson Help your child build self-control, communication, and other essential social-emotional skills through engaging stories.

Find both free resources here: https://funtolearnbooks.com

More Episodes Like ThisReluctant Learners: How to Motivate Them

Helping Students Take Initiative

Homeschooling Smart Kids

SubscribeIf this episode encouraged you, be sure to:

• • Like the video
• • Leave a comment: Which of these five reasons do you think best explains your child’s lack of motivation?
• • Subscribe for practical homeschooling advice, motivation strategies, and curriculum tips every week.

Connect with MeFacebook

Instagram

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post Why Bright Kids Stop Trying (And What To Do About It) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

Try CTCMath →

Business Family DynastiesIn “Business Family Dynasties,” Episode #260, Meredith Curtis introduces you to the US “nobility”- some powerful families that have influenced American business over centuries. Meet the Cathy family, Rockefeller family, Vanderbilt family, Morgan family, DuPont family, & Barrymore family. Discover their impact on the USA.

Powerline Productions, Inc.Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show NotesWe don’t have royalty or nobility in the USA, but we do have political and ministry dynasties. Let’s meet some amazing families.

RockefellerA devout Baptist raised by a godly mother, John was frugal and an astute businessman. Their empire today is vast, and the family tree is filled with governors, senators, and businessmen.

VanderbiltThe Commodore, a Moravian, hard worker, and courageous entrepreneur, became the richest man in America. Over the generations, that wealth has dwindled but there’s still the Biltmore in Asheville, NC.

MorganFrom Massachusetts Bay Colony to the 1960s, this family reigned in banking and investing.

DuPontA nobleman in Paris escaped the guillotine and started fresh in Delaware. Meet the DuPont family.

BarrymoreDestined for law, this British man came to America to act. His daughter Ethel became one of the greatest actresses of all time.

CathyA devoted Christian perfected the chicken sandwich, and the rest is history.

Sign up for our Newsletter:Sign up for our updates and get your copy of US Living Books & Movies List (57 pages) and Sons of Liberty FREE. Sign up here.

| | |

Resources – Shop at PowerlineProd.com!

| | | | |

Keep Celebrating the USA’s 250th Birthday with More Podcasts

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Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Part of our guide: Homeschooling a Struggling LearnerHelp for parents who are considering homeschooling a struggling learner!

Do you have a child who works hard yet still struggles with reading, comprehension, spelling, letter reversals, or focus? You are not alone. Many Christian homeschool families face the quiet frustration of watching an intelligent child fall behind or lose confidence.

In this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, I sit down with an old friend, Steve Shapiro of The Learning Connection. Years ago I heard him speak on a Christian radio station. I was so excited I pulled over to a safe spot, called him from my phone, and ordered his learning kit for my own struggling learner. Later I introduced him to the leaders at the Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) conference in Orlando, where I had spoken for many years. Steve quickly became a favorite speaker among homeschool parents.

Homeschooling a Struggling Learner: Hope, Root Causes, and Real Help Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Steve Shapiro. I first called him over twenty-five years ago! Later I met him in person and I was able to give a glowing recommendation for his home kit. Steve is now semi-retired, yet he still believes so strongly in the tools God has given him that he wants to share them with a new generation of parents.

Meet Steve ShapiroSteve is a specialized learning disability therapist and educator with more than 40 years of experience helping thousands of children and teens who struggle with reading and learning difficulties. He holds a master’s degree in education with undergraduate work in special education. Early in his career, he discovered that the typical academic approaches were not enough. The underlying root problems were not being addressed.

He has written two books: The Learning Connection and Falling Through the Cracks: Why Intelligent Students Struggle in School. He has spoken extensively across the country, including at FPEA and many other homeschool gatherings.

Steve later met Dr. Guthrie, an optometrist in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who spent his career researching why so many bright students fail to achieve. In many cases, the root issue was not a need for glasses but an underlying vision processing weakness. These children could not properly process what they read. When the two eyes do not work together to process visual information, the brain cannot retain it well. This often shows up as:

• Poor reading skills
• Weak comprehension
• Reversals of letters, numbers, and words (commonly called dyslexia)
• Spelling difficulties
• Short attention span as the visual system fatigues easily

Together Steve and Dr. Guthrie developed what is now The Learning Connection—a therapy program designed to overcome reading and learning difficulties at the root. Most recently Steve created a home computer therapy kit that includes the same tools he used in his office practice for over 40 years. He offers a free home evaluation and a free, no-obligation phone consultation for any family.

Website: thelearningconnection.myshopify.com

Book a complimentary evalutation:https://thelearningconnection.myshopify.com/pages/free-home-evaluation-for-learning-difficultiesQuestions We Explore in This Episode1. How did you begin this work? 2. What makes your approach different? Why do you believe so many children struggle in school? 3. What is typically being done in schools for children who struggle? 4. You have been at this for over 40 years. Looking back, how has God led you through it all? 5. What are some of the symptoms parents would notice at home? 6. Tell us about your free home evaluation and what you offer families who live out of town. 7. Is there any practical skill or tip you can share with our audience today?

These questions open the door to practical hope. Steve explains why traditional methods often miss the mark and how addressing vision processing and related foundational skills can change a child’s trajectory—especially in the flexible, one-on-one setting of a Christian home.

Why This Matters for Homeschool FamiliesHomeschooling gives us the freedom to slow down, observe carefully, and meet a child exactly where he or she is. When a child struggles, the first step is often identifying whether the difficulty is purely academic or rooted in how the brain processes information. Steve’s work reminds us that intelligent children can still fall through the cracks when underlying processing weaknesses go unaddressed.

The free evaluation and phone consultation make it possible for families anywhere to explore whether this approach might help. The home therapy kit brings professional-level tools into the living room so parents can work with their children at a sustainable pace.

More Listening on Vintage Homeschool MomsIf this conversation encourages you, continue with these related episodes:

• Games That Teach (Part 1): Brain Training Games for Homeschool Learning + Special Needs Support
• Auditory Processing with Tara Jenner
• Homeschooling the Struggling Learner
• Homeschooling with Dyslexia
• Homeschooling with Special Needs

Helpful Resources from Media AngelsWhile you strengthen foundational learning skills, consider these practical tools from the Media Angels store:

• The Premium Homeschool Bundle — packed with encouragement, organization ideas, and teaching helps that support families navigating special needs or learning challenges.
• Homeschool Calendars & Goal Setting Bundles — simple planning tools that help you create realistic schedules and track progress without overwhelm.

Browse more at MediaAngels.com/store.

Stay ConnectedSign Up for the newsletter and receive ongoing encouragement, episode highlights, and practical help for your homeschool journey.

You are not alone. With prayer, careful observation, and the right tools, many struggling learners begin to thrive. Steve Shapiro’s decades of experience and heart for families offer a clear next step for any parent who wants to understand the root of the struggle and move forward with confidence.

*This link is an Amazon affiliate link and I may earn a small commission through your purchase.

This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

Try CTCMath →

The post Homeschooling a Struggling Learner: Real Help When Nothing’s Working appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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382: Summer Tech Challenge 9 – Build a WebsiteCreating a website may sound intimidating, but today’s free tools make it surprisingly simple. This challenge gives you and your children a low-pressure opportunity to experiment with website design and discover how useful this skill can be.

Why should teens learn to build websites?A simple website can be useful for:

• Promoting a teen’s small business, such as photography, babysitting, tutoring, or lawn care
• Sharing information for a Scout troop, 4-H club, sports team, or community organization
• Creating a portfolio of artwork, writing, photography, coding projects, or other accomplishments
• Providing additional evidence of a teen’s skills on college, scholarship, internship, or job applications
• Collecting information about a family hobby, favorite books, movies, or summer experiences

The goal of this challenge is not to produce a professional website. It is to become comfortable enough with the process that you and your children will be willing to create one when a real need arises.

Website-building tools to tryCanvaCanva is my first recommendation for this challenge because it is easy to use and will host your website for free. You can design the pages visually and publish the finished website with a Canva link.

StrikinglyStrikingly is another free option that makes it easy to create modern-looking websites.

Google SitesGoogle Sites takes slightly more time to learn, but it is free and works well for simple websites, portfolios, and collaborative projects.

When you get stuck, begin with the tool’s help section. You can also ask ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Claude, or another AI assistant to walk you through the specific problem.

This week’s challengeWork alone or with your children to create a simple website about something you enjoy. Possible topics include:

• A family hobby
• Favorite books or movies
• Places you visited this summer
• A collection of artwork or photographs
• A small business or service
• A club, team, or community project

Links and resources* Canva Websites * Strikingly * Google Sites * FundaFunda Academy Computer Applications: Teacher-Graded * FundaFunda Academy Computer Applications: Self-Paced

2 Videos on how to use Canva to create a websiteEntering the Summer ChallengeShare what you did in the challenge on one of the FundaFunda Education Instagram or Facebook posts or in one of these Facebook groups:

• • Homeschooling with Technology
  • Homeschooling Middle School
  • Homeschooling College-Bound Teens

If you are not on social media, email your entry to meryl@fundafunda.com, and it can be shared on your behalf.

Each week, one participant will win a FundaFunda Academy unit study of their choice worth $20. Everyone who participates during the summer will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for a $50 gift card.

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Halloween and the ReformationHalloween and the Reformation may not seem to have much in common. What does Halloween have to do with the Reformation? In this episode listen as you learn about Halloween alternatives.

Be sure to follow this episode several ways! One by subscribing to this podcast here – and another is listening on iTunes, Spotify, download or listen on this website. Look up this podcast on any podcast app! You can also share this with a friend.

Among the secular holidays, Halloween probably is the most controversial … with good reason. Is it just a festival of candy for children in costume, or a throwback to Druidic rites and demonic celebration, or something in between? This episode we talk about how we’ve chosen to mark the season, and its connection with the Reformation that swept Europe in the 1500’s – with effects to this day. In this way, our children enjoy a celebration. A celebration of something we can believe in!

Thank you to the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network Sponsors: CTC Math, True North Academy, and Math Mammoth.

Things You Might Find Interesting about Halloween and the Reformation:5 Tips for Reformation Day Fun (from Concordia Publishing House)

Our interview with Luther biographer Danika Cooley (episode 99)

Reformation Day: A Celebration of Heroism (from our blog, Raising Real Men)

Reformation Myth Busters: Truth That Changed the WorldAll around us, October is filled with darkness, fear, and make-believe — but for believers, this season points to something real and world-changing. Over 500 years ago, a handful of ordinary men and women took a stand on an extraordinary truth: that salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

This month, we’re separating myth from truth in our Reformation Myth Busters series. Join us as we uncover what really happened in the Reformation, why it matters for our families today, and how we can redeem October 31st by celebrating light over darkness and truth over fear.

Follow along on Facebook and Instagram @raisingrealmen — and download our Reformation Day Celebration Guide to help your family mark the day with meaning and joy!

Get the guide here »

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“I would attempt to stick with a curriculum and slow it down to meet my child’s level, instead of jumping ship. Sometimes that’s necessary, but I feel I moved my eldest to a different math curriculum and I should have just waited and slowed down to work at their pace.”

Every homeschool parent has been there — a curriculum that isn’t clicking, lessons that feel too fast or too hard, and the temptation to scrap it all and start over.

But this gold nugget reminds us of something timeless: sometimes the best progress happens when we pause. We need a little homeschool pace and patience!

When we slow down and meet our children where they are, we build confidence instead of frustration. We make space for mastery instead of racing through material. And we teach something far deeper than math or grammar — we model perseverance.

That patience creates lifelong learners who know that growth takes time, and that learning at your own pace is still learning.

Listen & Learn:
In Homeschooling with Technology, Meryl van der Merwe shares practical ways to make your homeschool more efficient — without sacrificing peace.
In her episode 12 Homeschool Tech Hacks, she explains how digital tools can help you stay organized and adjust lessons to fit your child’s pace.

Dr. Melanie’s episode, 12 Homeschool Hacks That Changed Everything, is filled with wisdom, humor, and grace for the busy homeschool parent.
Listen to the episode here

Your Golden Takeaway:
Don’t rush the process. Slow down. Adjust. Stick with it. The goal isn’t to finish faster — it’s to grow stronger.

Treasure Hunt Tip:
The next Golden Nugget is hidden inside the show notes of 12 Homeschool Gold Nuggest from Finish Well Podcast. Go find your clue — it’s your next piece of Podcast Gold!

Download the 12th Birthday Treasure Chest and see if it inspires homeschool pace and patience in your homeschool!
We’re celebrating 12 years of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network with a gift just for you! Download our Podcast Gold Treasure Chest — a free bundle filled with homeschool resources, printables, and special offers from our incredible partners. Plus, when you download, you’re automatically entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card!

No purchase necessary — this is a free resource made possible by our generous sponsors: Media Angels, True North Academy, CTC Math, Math Mammoth, BaseCampEd, Powerline Productions, Funda Funda Academy, Raising Real Men, 7 Sisters Homeschool, and Galaxy Grammar Books.

Download your Treasure Chest now!

The post Day 5 of Homeschool Podcast Gold: Slow Down and Stick With It appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Homeschool Without Quitting Your Job with Stephanie Cavin Homeschool Curious Podcast | Hosted by Morgan from Basecamp Ed

What does it look like to homeschool your kids and work full-time? In this inspiring episode, Morgan sits down with Stephanie Cavin, better known as @ThatCalTeacherLife on Instagram — a second-generation homeschool mom, California-certified teacher, and thriving content creator with nearly 500,000 followers. Stephanie recently made the bold leap from public school teaching to full-time entrepreneurship as the founder of Homeschoolers Connect, a platform built to support working parents who want to homeschool without burning out.

In This Episode: Stephanie shares her story of growing up homeschooled before it was popular — and how that free-range, hands-on learning shaped her entrepreneurial spirit. * She opens up about what it was like to work as a public school teacher, witnessing the system’s limitations, and how that experience reaffirmed her choice to homeschool her own kids. * Discover how she and her husband creatively balanced work schedules to homeschool their children — and why “homeschooling in just two hours a day” actually works. * Stephanie reveals her two-hour school day model*, helping parents ditch burnout and focus on what truly matters in education. * She also talks about the freedom of entrepreneurship, working with her husband full-time, and empowering other families to design a flexible lifestyle that works for them.

You can watch this episode on YouTubeAbout Stephanie:Stephanie Cavin is passionate about helping working parents homeschool with confidence and balance. Through her Working Parent Homeschool Network, she offers coaching, community, and practical guidance on how to make homeschool fit real life — not the other way around.

Special Offer:Listeners can DM @ThatCalTeacherLife on Instagram with the code Network25 for $25 off her Working Parent Homeschool Network lifetime membership!

Episode Takeaway:Homeschooling doesn’t have to mean giving up your career or spending six hours a day on worksheets. With the right mindset, creative scheduling, and supportive community — you can work, homeschool, and thrive.

Connect with Stephanie:
Instagram: @ThatCalTeacherLife
Website: Homeschoolers Connect

Connect with Basecamp Ed:
Find your homeschool community, local co-ops, tutors, and educators at basecamped.com.
Follow @BasecampEdApp on Instagram and Facebook.

Sponsored by Basecamp Ed — Building your village for the homeschool journey. Download the free app today!The post Homeschool Without Quitting Your Job with Stephanie Cavin appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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“Do more subjects together as a family — even with large age gaps.”

If you’ve ever tried teaching multiple grades at once, you know the juggle is real.
Math for one, grammar for another, science experiments bubbling over, and a toddler who wants to “help.”

But today’s Podcast Gold Nugget reminds us that one of the best parts of homeschooling is something that schools can’t replicate:

“Do more subjects together as a family — even with large age gaps.”

Learning as a family isn’t just efficient — it’s powerful. When we read aloud together, explore history side by side, or worship through music as a group, we’re doing more than teaching — we’re discipling.

Homeschooling gives us a front-row seat to shared discovery — where big kids model curiosity for little ones, and parents learn alongside their children. Those shared moments are the ones they’ll remember long after the books are closed.

Listen & Learn:
Tune in to the Homeschool Sanity Show with Dr. Melanie Wilson to discover more tips like this for your homeschool in her newest podcast episode, “12 Homeschool Hacks That Changed Everything.“

Your Golden Takeaway:
Don’t be afraid to combine lessons and ages. Let older kids help teach younger ones. Turn read-aloud time into discussion for everyone. Family learning isn’t chaos — it’s community.

Treasure Hunt Tip:
There’s a golden clue hidden in the show notes for today’s featured episode! Visit 12 Homeschool Hacks That changed Everything to find your next piece of Podcast Gold.

Download the 12th Birthday Treasure Chest!
We’re celebrating 12 years of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network with a gift just for you! Download our Podcast Gold Treasure Chest — a free bundle filled with homeschool resources, printables, and special offers from our incredible partners. Plus, when you download, you’re automatically entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card!

No purchase necessary — this is a free resource made possible by our generous sponsors: Media Angels, True North Academy, CTC Math, Math Mammoth, BaseCampEd, Powerline Productions, Funda Funda Academy, Raising Real Men, 7 Sisters Homeschool, and Galaxy Grammar Books.

Download your Treasure Chest now!

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344: 12 Homeschool Tech HacksIn this special birthday episode, to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network, here are 12 homeschool tech hacks that will make your homeschool more efficient, engaging, and fun!

Bonus: Celebrate the 12th Birthday of the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network with giveaways, bonus mini-episodes, a treasure hunt, and a gift basket full of freebies and discounts!
Visit UltimateRadioShow.com/birthday

Download the 12th Birthday Treasure Chest!
We’re celebrating 12 years of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network with a gift just for you! Download our Podcast Gold Treasure Chest — a free bundle filled with homeschool resources, printables, and special offers from our incredible partners. Plus, when you download, you’re automatically entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card!

No purchase necessary — this is a free resource made possible by our generous sponsors: Media Angels, True North Academy, CTC Math, Math Mammoth, BaseCampEd, Powerline Productions, Funda Funda Academy, Raising Real Men, 7 Sisters Homeschool, and Galaxy Grammar Books.

Download your Treasure Chest now!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Voice-to-Text Note Taking – Speed up writing projects and help struggling writers.
2. Shared Digital Planners – Organize assignments and family schedules with Google Calendar or Trello.
3. AI as a Study Buddy – Use NotebookLM, ChatGPT, or Gemini for custom quizzes and explanations.
4. Digital Library Tools – Unlock free eBooks, audiobooks, and online classes through your local library.
5. Custom YouTube Playlists – Keep kids safe online with curated video collections using Padlet, Wavelet, or Google Slides.
6. Canva for Learning – Teach graphic design and visual communication through posters, infographics, and comics.
7. Creative Alternatives to Reports – Replace essays with videos, animations, or interactive slideshows.
8. Virtual Field Trips – Explore the world online through Google Earth and museum tours.
9. Reuse Old Devices – Turn unused tech into dedicated tools for learning or reading.
10. Screen Recording for Tech Help – Show (not tell) when troubleshooting.
11. Chatbots for Solving Tech Problems – Use AI tools to fix software issues and learn new features.
12. Gamified Reviews – Make learning fun with Kahoot, Blooket, Quizlet, Vocabulary.com, and ClassTools.

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

The post 12 Homeschool Tech Hacks appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Rules are a good and necessary part of running a home and raising a family.Why do our best efforts sometimes breed resentment or even rebellion, when it’s all so well-intentioned? This episode we’re looking at the crucial balance between rules and relationship in our home!

Treasure Hunt Tip: Listen to the podcast to hear a Golden Homeschool Nuggest from fellow Ultimate Homeschool Network Podcast show host, Dr. Melanie Wilson from the Homeschool Sanity Show!

Download the 12th Birthday Treasure Chest!We’re celebrating 12 years of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network with a gift just for you! Download our Podcast Gold Treasure Chest — a free bundle filled with homeschool resources, printables, and special offers from our incredible partners. Plus, when you download, you’re automatically entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card! No purchase necessary — this is a free resource made possible by our generous sponsors: Media Angels, True North Academy, CTC Math, Math Mammon, BaseCampEd, Powerline Productions, Funda Funda Academy, Raising Real Men, 7 Sisters Homeschool, and Galaxy Grammar Books.

Download your Treasure Chest now!

Scriptures We ReferenceThe Ten Commandments – Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 5:1-21

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-40)Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. (Romans 14:5)

Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (Ephesians 6:1)

So then, my beloved, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)

The repentance of Ahab – 1 Kings 21:17-29

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Day 3 of Podcast Gold: Relationship Over Rigor

“Relationship is the most important ‘R’ in ‘reading, ’riting, and ’rithmetic.’ I’d read together more, move away from textbooks, start narration and dictation sooner, and find a homeschool community earlier.”

When most of us first start homeschooling, we focus on getting the academics right. We fill in checklists, chase grade levels, and try to recreate school at home — because that’s what feels familiar.

But somewhere along the way, we realize something sacred: homeschooling isn’t just about academics. It’s about connection.

Today’s Podcast Gold Nugget captures that realization perfectly:

“Relationship is the most important ‘R’ in ‘reading, ’riting, and ’rithmetic.’ I’d read together more, move away from textbooks, start narration and dictation sooner, and find a homeschool community earlier.”

This wisdom reminds us that the heart of homeschooling is relationship — not rigor. Our kids will forget some facts, but they’ll never forget how it felt to learn beside us.

Those snuggled read-alouds, messy science projects, and conversations over cocoa? They’re the moments that shape character and family culture — the kind of education that lasts.

Listen & Learn:
Hal & Melanie Young from Making Biblical Family Lfe Practical share this same truth often: learning happens best in the context of relationship. In their episodes about confidence and connection, she reminds us that joy comes when we stop trying to do homeschool like everyone else — and start building something that works for our family.

Your Golden Takeaway:
Before you open the math book, open your heart. The relationship you build with your child is the foundation for lifelong learning.

Treasure Hunt Tip:
There’s a golden clue hidden in the podcast for today’s featured episode! Visit Making Biblical Family Life Practical: Rules and Relationship to find your next piece of Podcast Gold.

Download the 12th Birthday Treasure Chest!
We’re celebrating 12 years of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network with a gift just for you! Download our Podcast Gold Treasure Chest — a free bundle filled with homeschool resources, printables, and special offers from our incredible partners. Plus, when you download, you’re automatically entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card!

No purchase necessary — this is a free resource made possible by our generous sponsors: Media Angels, True North Academy, CTC Math, Math Mammoth, BaseCampEd, Powerline Productions, Funda Funda Academy, Raising Real Men, 7 Sisters Homeschool, and Galaxy Grammar Books.

Download your Treasure Chest now!

The post Day 3 of Homeschool Podcast Gold: Relationship Over Rigor appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Hey, homeschoolers! I love hacks. A hack is a simple, creative strategy or shortcut that makes homeschooling easier, more effective, or more enjoyable. In my case, there are 12 hacks that changed everything for me as a homeschool mom. I hope you’ll listen to them all and will find one or more than will change everything for you too. I’m recording this episode in honor of the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network’s birthday celebration. Take a moment to visit the website this week and download free gifts we’ve provided at ultimateradioshow.com.

Watch on YouTube

Sponsor:Thank you to the NIV Application Bible for sponsoring this episode. We love our sponsors who help us bring you hacks like these.

Hack #1: Daily DevotionsThe first hack that changed everything for me is daily devotions. I wrote about my experience with establishing a devotional habit in my book The Organzied Homeschool Life. The short version is speaker Becky Tirabassi convinced me to commit to having an appointment with the King daily. I read the entire Bible in a year and prayed daily, even in the hospital after giving birth. At the time I thought the great blessing of my devotional practice was it educated me about the faith I professed. I knew only stories and Scriptures here and there before reading the entire Bible. I also recognized that I had more peace as I prayed. I would wake up overwhelmed with everything I needed to do. I would pray and God would often supernaturally manage my schedule or supernaturally manage me. But I now understand that the most powerful change that occurred is I learned that God was trustworthy. I did not have a lot of experience with trustworthy people before that time. After that first year, my devotional habits changed as my life changed. I still read the Bible and prayed most days, but sometimes I spent time with God in the middle of the night, nursing an infant. Other times, I prayed as I cleaned the kitchen. I listened to devotionals and sermons as I got ready in the mornings. I had a time of legalistic devotions too that blessedly became a grace-filled time that I look forward to. I give God my worries, record connections with the Scripture I read, and pray for myself and others. I don’t believe I would have succeeded in my homeschooling without this practice or at least with my sanity intact. I was recently asked about where to start if you’re new to Scripture reading. If you are in a challenging season, I suggest starting with the book of John. If you want to get the full story, start with Genesis. If you really don’t have much time to yourself, read the Bible with your kids for school. You’ll have more quiet time as your kids get older.

Hack #2: RoutinesHack #2 that changed everything is routines. If you’re a regular listener, you’ve heard me say it dozens of times. When I started homeschooling, or should I say when I said I was starting homeschooling, I had no routines. I got up at all different times and did nothing in a particular order. I put out fires all day, usually not getting dressed. I accomplished nothing other than taking care of my three kids. With this kind of chaos, I wasn’t able to teach my preschooler using any of the books or materials I had purchased. I was ready to quit and stop having more kids. Then a friend told me about a woman named FLYLady. Like me, she was a messy, disorganized person. But she began to string together simple habits into routines. The first habit was shining her sink–making sure the dishes were in the dishwasher and that everything else was clean. It seems crazy to me now that I used to go to bed with a sink full of dirty dishes. Waking up to that was demoralizing. Beginning with that simple habit changed my life because it kept expanding. Soon my whole kitchen and home was tidy before I went to bed. My clothes were laid out and I was ready for the next day. An evening routine became a morning routine which became a school routine. I wrote about my experience for Woman’s Day Magazine and my dream of being a freelance writer was realized. This disorganized woman went on to help homeschool moms establish routines of their own. My interview with FLYLady on routines.

Hack #3: Praying with KidsAs part of our morning routine, the kids and I would do chores together. That’s a bonus hack, but I include it in routines. Having their help cleaning and picking up was essential for my sanity. BUT invariably there were kids who weren’t doing the chores they were assigned or they were doing them poorly. There were squabbles and delays so that by the time we started school I was NOT happy. But we had a practice of beginning with prayer. First, each of us would say what we were thankful for. It was nice to hear gratitude from the kids. But the second part of our group prayer is the hack that changed everything. We would go around and say what we were sorry for. Invariably, the child I was most miffed at would confess their poor behavior. I was usually humbled about my own reaction to it. The final part of our prayer was asking for help from God for yourself or someone else. Usually the child would say they needed help with the thing they were sorry for. Understandable as that’s usually how I pray too. If you’d like to start this prayer routine, I recommend modeling it for the kids by going first.

Hack #4: Reading Historical Fiction / Biographies AloudAfter our prayer time, I felt the closest to the kids as I read aloud to them. We used Konos and then Mystery of History for our history lessons. Konos incorporated read alouds automatically. When I started using Mystery of History, I would look up recommended titles to go along with the time period we were studying on Sonlight’s website. Stories not only make history more memorable, they are also key in teaching character and social and emotional skills. My kids loved our read alouds and usually begged for another chapter. I was happy to oblige. Our success with learning through story prompted me to create language arts and social and emotional skills curriculum using stories. You can learn more at FunToLearnBooks.com.

Hack #5: Independent Work with SupervisionI talk to new homeschoolers whose schedules with work and other commitments require independent learners. We now have computerized curriculum and online classes that can make independent work possible, even for kids who aren’t yet reading fluently. My caution concerns kids’ need for relationship and interaction. Most adults don’t want to stare at a screen all day. Kids are the same. The younger the child, the more they need that interaction and the less maturity and attention they have for sustained work. Having to give six kids’ individual attention, I did them to have periods of independent work. After finding out that some of my kids were struggling to accomplish anything on their own, I had them all sit at our school table to do independent work on the same subject. So everyone had their math in front of them. Then for 20 minutes, they would all get to work while I walked around the table. They had no opportunity to mess around, but they had every chance to ask for help. It worked brilliantly. I allowed my sophomores and up to work completely independently. By this point, they were mature enough to handle it.

Hack #6: Homeschool Co-opWhen I decided to use Konos curriculum, I also wanted to find other families to participate in a co-op. One day a week we would complete the group activities and field trips related to the topic we were studying. Originally, we met in a church basement. The kids had a blast doing the hands-on activities, crafts, and games together. When one family moved, I suggested that we meet at my house. I had little ones that still napped in the afternoons. I also had the most kids and it was easier for me to stay home. Forming this kind of co-op had unexpected benefits. First, it made my kids love homeschooling. They said it was their favorite part of it. Next, they built close friendships. This kind of co-op as opposed to a class or two in a learning center, is most likely to help your child form close friendships. It helped me build close friendships too. I made no friends when I later had my kids enrolled in a learning center. Finally, a co-op in which all the moms were responsible for the activities created much-needed accountability for me. I could not blow off the preparatory lessons. The kids had to have their papers or projects done. And because I was hosting it, my house had to be clean. My kids would have learned far less if we had not participated in a co-op.

Hack #7: Exercise as Part of the School DayMy husband and I have always been committed to fitness. Exercise is the #1 way of promoting physical and mental health, so we wanted to emphasize it for our kids. We had them in sports with practices and games. They played outside and rode bikes, but it wasn’t a regular fitness routine. That’s when I realized I could make fitness a part of our school day. We had times when we would lift weights together. I had many light dumbbells and we would lift in a slow and controlled fashion that is safe for kids. Then we started doing video workouts together before lunch. I got a workout in and my husband would join us when he was home. The workouts went by quickly and we laughed a lot. Today our kids are all committed to fitness. I highly recommend including it in your school day.

Hack #8: Loop SchedulingI have always been someone who tries to do it all. As a homeschooler, that created stress for me. An introduction to loop scheduling helped me fit more things in without frustration. If you aren’t familiar, a loop schedule simply means that on a given day or during a specific time period, you will loop or rotate through a set of options. If you want to do baking, calligraphy, and nature study on Fridays, but you can’t do all three, you bake the next Friday you’re home. In a traditional schedule, you would have calligraphy on the schedule for the second Friday. But if you have a field trip that Friday, you’d miss your calligraphy day. With a loop schedule, you’ll do calligraphy the Friday after your field trip. An unexpected benefit of loop scheduling is you will learn what really matters to you. If you are set to do calligraphy, for example, and you realize you’d really like to do nature study instead, you can drop calligraphy from the loop. You’ve trimmed your activity list without much fuss.

Hack #9: Delegating Difficult SubjectsI believe that we are capable of teaching any subject to our kids at home. There are so many resources out there that we can DIY it all. But do we want to? I tried and tried to teach my kids piano, but I kept avoiding it. I think part of it was that I didn’t feel confident in teaching it, despite many years of piano lessons. But the other issue is I didn’t want to teach it. I was teaching all the other subjects and teaching piano wasn’t enjoyable for me. I paid an excellent piano teacher to come to our home and teach it instead, and it was worth every penny. As a side note, I took lessons with my older kids and seeing me practice motivated my kids. I did the same thing with science labs. I could do it, but I didn’t want to. I had my friend who enjoyed science labs and was excellent at leading them teach them. I taught her kids literature, writing, and speaking which I love to teach. If a subject is difficult or not enjoyable for you to teach, consider delegating it.

Hack #10: Interest-Led AfternoonsUnschooling was fringey when I started homeschooling. I didn’t know people like Karla Marie Williams, who has shared how to provide a quality unschool education on this podcast. But I did fall into a bit of unschooling in the afternoons when I found myself worn out. I would work on my own projects and allow the kids to do independent work and hobbies in the afternoons. Some amazing things happened as a result. One son started creating with paper and started a YouTube channel about it. My daughter wrote a paper to convince us to let her get guinea pigs. I felt guilty for not providing more structure in the afternoons than I did. Now I know that it was a blessing I didn’t.

Hack #11: ApprenticeshipMy son applied for a job running slides for our church. He learned the program and was the leader for that aspect of worship. But most importantly, he was being mentored by the pastors and other leaders at church. Another son worked closely with the youth leader at church and grew in his faith and leadership ability. I taught yet another son how to edit my podcast. All of our kids have helped my husband and me exhibit and sell books at conferences. My kids have helped me with proofreading and shipping books over the years, too. This summer, my youngest, a computer programming major, was an apprentice with me in multiple aspects of my business. It was a wonderful experience for me to share dilemmas and get his help. I think it was excellent experience for him as well. If I were starting over in homeschooling, I would start my kids as apprentices at even younger ages.

Hack #12: Community College in High SchoolIf you have this option where you live, I commend it to you. One semester college course is a full year’s high school credit. These courses will limit the studies you have to supervise at home. Community college classes in our area are half the cost of homeschool learning center classes. The credit they earned was transferred to the four-year university they attended. Going to community college gave my kids a chance to further develop their study and writing habits and gain confidence. They learned that they could handle college-level work and it wasn’t just mom saying they were doing well. I also had the opportunity to talk through the worldview of secular coursework with them before they left home. Even if you plan to send your student to a Christian college, they will encounter views that don’t mesh with your family’s. It is also a good trial if your student isn’t sure what they want to do after high school. Daily devotions, routines, prayer with the kids, historical read alouds, independent work with supervision, co-op, exercise in school, unschooling afternoons, loop scheduling, delegating difficult subjects, apprenticeship, and community college. I would love to hear which one of these hacks you’ll try next. Comment on this post. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. Have a happy homeschool week!

Your Golden Takeaway:

Small, intentional changes can transform your homeschool. Whether it’s starting the day with devotions, creating peaceful routines, or learning side by side, every little “hack” builds toward something bigger — a home filled with grace, growth, and connection.

There’s a golden clue hidden in the podcast for today’s featured episode! Visit Making Biblical Family Life Practical: Rules and Relationship to find your next piece of Podcast Gold.

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This week on the Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How I Homeschool in South Africa with Grietjie Thorne.

How I Homeschool in South Africa with Grietjie ThorneAs you know, all of us homeschooling moms are in this together! In fact, at 7SistersHomeschool, there are six of us 7Sisters: Vicki, Sabrina, Kym, Marilyn, Allison, and Sara. So who’s the 7th Sister? All of our friends around the world who are homeschooling moms. That’s why we are so excited to visit with one of our international friends, Grietjie Thorne from South Africa!

Today we are talk about Grietjie’s adventures in homeschooling and what it’s like homeschooling in South Africa.

Grietjie Thorne’s storyOne of the beauties of homeschooling in this digital era, is that we can learn about geography and homeschool lifestyle from friends around the world. For instance, we learned a little weather geography when we recorded this episode. It was March springtime weather in the U.S. but it was full-on heat wave in South Africa (36 degrees Centigrade, which is 96 degrees Fahrenheit). Grietjie explains that March is their hottest month!

Grietjie’s inspiration for homeschoolingWhen she married an Australian who she met on a missions outreach in Kenya. (More geography: Kenya is in the other hemisphere of Africa.) The moved to South Africa and now have four children: three teenagers and an eleven-year-old.

When she was pregnant with my eldest daughter, Grietjie met a mother who became a very dear friend. She had eight children and was homeschooling them. In fact, she was really one of the homeschool pioneers in South Africa!

Grietjie saw the fruit of homeschooling in watching her friend’s children. She knew that she wanted this life for her own children. There was never been doubt in her mind about it! Now, that baby is a senior and will be graduating from homeschooling high school!

This is how Grietjie and her family describe their homeschool adventures:

It’s Been just a hoot! It’s been wonderful!

Homeschooling at Grietjie’s houseHomeschooling is a little different for each of Grietjie’s four children. This is influenced by the fact that three of children have severe dyslexia, while eldest is very much neurotypical and academically very strong.

All four of my children are extremely creative, but do not love math. They love to write stories, put on plays, make movies, and draw. So, Grietjie leans into building their strengths and interests while helping them develop the more challenging core subjects.

The key to homeschooling high school with four creative but very different-styled learners was:

I have had to learn to adapt and really get to know my children! (And stay on my knees constantly!)

Grietjie and her family’s needs change with the seasons, just like all of us! Now with a house full of teenagers, she has found more need community of mothers who understand what we are going through (you know: “the twenty-four hour day and the moods and everything that carries on”.) …We all know about that!

She has found that Lord just provides friends who are also in the thick of it to walk through the homeschooling adventures together! (Just like in the States, homeschooling in community is a blessing!)

Curriculum for different learning stylesGrietjie found that for some of her high schoolers with dyslexia that 7Sisters ELA Literature Bundles are perfect. He can listen to the audio version of the books while he works on his Legos. This fits his learning style best. He also enjoys completing the PDF study guides on his computer because they are in fillable format. Thus he does not need struggle with the writing while he is working on his inferential and literature analysis skills.

Her family chooses science curriculum that fits their interests and needs. For ideas on inspiring teens with learning differences check out these Homeschool Highschool Podcast episodes:

• How to Get Your Teens Interested in Science, with Kristin Moon
• Science Labs for Non-STEM Teens

Grietjie gives them plenty of time to build electives in their interest areas:

• They all love storytelling, so they have time to create stories
• One is seriously into handicrafts
• Another, at the time of our recording was out in the paddock building a radio control car track
• One is taking an online computer applications course through FundaFunda Academy (run by our friend and podcasting colleague from South Africa, Meryl van der Merwe. Meryl hosts Homeschooling with Technology podcast.)
• Grietjie created a homeschool co-op to work through Cinema Studies for Literature Learning together with fifteen teens
  • They are also working through Human Development, which is delightful with a group of adolescent males!

Homeschooling in South AfricaIn the primary years, it was easy to eclectic route for homeschooling. (Kindergarten, called “Grade R” in South Africa, is mandatory.)

Their academic year runs from January to the beginning of December. The year is two semesters broken into four terms.

However, at high school level, teens must take a completion exam.

• Public school students take an exam to earn government metrics certificate at the end of their 12 years.
• Homeschoolers traditionally could look to private schools that offer three different exit exams:
  • One exam is from the Independent Exam Board, and
  • Then there’s also the British (Cambridge) System, which is popular in South Africa
• Or they can choose the option for a GED

Recently, South African homeschooling families were given the opportunity to follow an American high school diploma, which is what Grietjie’s family has chosen.

Thus her family is pretty much doing what an American teen will be doing. In South Africa, the American high school diploma and the British System are recognized by universities.

Changes in homeschooling regulationsThere are changes happening in South Africa’s homeschool regulations, so Grietjie is watching to see what will be unfolding. Currently, homeschooling families are required to register their children with the Department of Education through grade nine. There is friction between the homeschool community and the government as they are all trying to figure out what do they want from homeschooling families now. For example, the Department of Education has mentioned wanting to see report cards, which is not something many South African homeschooling families have ever done. Many have chosen a more organic, eclectic approach in the line of Charlotte Mason.

Currently, the homeschooling regulations are applied differently in each of the nine provinces in South Africa. For instance, in one of the provinces, the Department of Education is now demanding that homeschooling parents must be university graduates. However, in other provinces, that’s not something that is being asking for.

So, homeschooling families and the province governments are all trying to figure out how to apply regulations.

Grietjie’s advice to new homeschool momsGrietjie loves to encourage new homeschooling moms. Here are some of her tips:

• First of all, you take them with you everywhere and you involve them in everything because the children and teens learn so much on the fly.
• Let them interact with adults whether you are at the grocery shop or whatever it is that you do.
• Get a library card because there is nothing that you cannot learn with a library card! Go regularly to the library.
• Be very open to the possibility that school does not have to look the way you thought it had to look or what you had experienced. Learning can happen anywhere, in any way.
• Let their interests guide their academics where possible.
• Remember: Real-life learning is just as important as book-learning.

Join Vicki and Grietje Thorne and learn about her family and homeschooling in South Africa!

Thank you to Seth Tillman for editing.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. 2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source” 3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review

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“I would enjoy the good, true, and beautiful subjects with my kids — and stress less about formal schooling.”

If you’ve ever stared at a homeschool planner wondering how to fit it all in, you’re not alone. The pressure to keep up with academic checklists can sometimes overshadow the very reason we started homeschooling — to nurture a love for learning and a love for life.

Today’s Podcast Gold Nugget comes from a mom who’s rediscovered what so many of us forget in the rush of lesson plans and testing deadlines:

“I would enjoy the good, true, and beautiful subjects with my kids — and stress less about formal schooling.”

There’s a deep truth here — that beauty, truth, and goodness are education. They’re the parts that make homeschooling rich and memorable: the art that sparks conversation, the music that brings peace, the poetry that softens a hurried heart, and the faith that weaves it all together.

When we shift from “checking boxes” to “cultivating wonder,” homeschooling becomes more than school — it becomes a lifestyle of learning. These are the moments that build connection and character — when your child’s eyes light up over a watercolor sunset, or you both laugh through a Shakespeare line that suddenly makes sense.

Listen & Learn:
Felice Gerwitz, The Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcast reminds us that peace comes when we let go of perfection and embrace purpose. Her practical wisdom and faith-filled encouragement help parents rediscover joy in the learning journey — one beautiful moment at a time. Listen to Peaceful Parenting on the Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcast.

Your Golden Takeaway:
Let beauty interrupt your day. Read a poem. Paint with your kids. Listen to Bach or Bethel while folding laundry. These moments are not distractions — they’re the heartbeat of homeschooling.

Treasure Hunt Tip:
Visit The Vintage Homeschool Moms Show page to find your next piece of Podcast Gold.

Download the 12th Birthday Treasure Chest!We’re celebrating 12 years of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network with a gift just for you! Download our Podcast Gold Treasure Chest — a free bundle filled with homeschool resources, printables, and special offers from our incredible partners. Plus, when you download, you’re automatically entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card! No purchase necessary — this is a free resource made possible by our generous sponsors: Media Angels, True North Academy, CTC Math, Math Mammon, BaseCampEd, Powerline Productions, Funda Funda Academy, Raising Real Men, 7 Sisters Homeschool, and Galaxy Grammar Books.

Download your Treasure Chest now!

The post Homeschool Podcast Gold: The Good, True, and Beautiful (Day 2) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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300: Celebrating 300 Episodes: 15 Tools in 15 Minutes with Exclusive BonusesJoin us as we celebrate the 300th episode of Homeschooling with Technology! Host Meryl van der Merwe highlights 15 top tech tools she uses in both her online classes and everyday life. Each tool has been featured at some point over the podcast’s journey, making this episode a refresher or a first-time introduction to tools that can benefit homeschoolers. As a bonus, our show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy, is offering special discounts, free resources, and an exciting giveaway!

Exclusive Bonuses: Listeners can enjoy discounts, free items, and a giveaway! Here’s a summary:

• Discounted Courses: Use code PODCAST300 for $15 off select FundaFunda Academy products until 11/19/24
  • Beginning Scratch Class – Intro to programming for just $40 (originally $55).
  • Self-Paced Photography Class – Ideal for middle and high school, now $60 (originally $75)
  • Astronomy Bundle – 8 modules covering stars stars and planets, discounted to $19 (originally $34)
  • Who’s Who in WWII Unit Study – Only $5 after discount (originally $20)
• Giveaway: Enter to win all 6 FundaFunda self-paced, parent-graded courses worth $549, covering Anatomy, Computer Applications, Health, Theater, Photography, and Photoshop. One person will win all 6. You can earn up to 4 entries depending on the actions you choose to take. Closes 11/20/24 8am ET.
• Freebies: Use code PODCAST300 to get any of these products free until 11/19/24
  • ACT Introduction
    Ideal for first-time ACT test-takers, this guide helps students understand what to expect, easing them into test prep with confidence.
  • Can You Escape Biology Class?
    A high school-level escape room game created by FundaFunda’s chemistry instructor, covering key biology topics.
  • Mystery of the Painted Pyramids
    A geography-focused mystery game for 4th-8th graders, set in modern Egypt.
  • Homeschool-Friendly Contest List
    A curated list of around 40 contests open to homeschoolers, including free and paid options.

15 Free Tech Tools for your Homeschool1. PHET – Free interactive science and math simulations from the University of Colorado. 2. Canva – A comprehensive design tool perfect for creating graphics, videos, presentations, and more. 3. Magic School AI – An AI-powered platform allowing parents to set up customized educational tools for their kids. 4. iCivics – Engaging games that teach government concepts through real, interactive play. 5. Padlet – A collaborative tool that allows students to share work on virtual pinboards. 6. Edpuzzle – Makes video learning interactive by adding questions to YouTube videos. 7. Trello – An organizational tool perfect for managing assignments, family schedules, and personal tasks. 8. Scratch – A drag-and-drop programming platform that introduces coding concepts. 9. Duolingo – A language-learning app with gamified lessons that now includes math and music. 10. Vocabulary.com – A gamified platform to improve vocabulary skills. 11. NGPF Games – Financial literacy games that teach practical money management skills. 12. Google Arts and Culture – Dive into global art, history, and geography through virtual tours, Street View, and interactive games. 13. ChatGPT and other LLMs – Harness the power of ChatGPT or similar tools to assist with explanations, project ideas, customized study aids, field trip recommendations, and even dinner planning based on ingredients on hand. 14. Bookbub – Discover discounted and free eBooks on Amazon 15. Purpose Games – Quiz-style games on subjects like history, science, and math.

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

The post Celebrating 300 Episodes: 15 Tools in 15 Minutes with Exclusive Bonuses appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Listener Questions!In this episode, Matt and Charla tackle listener questions, diving into topics about kids, money, and parenting. They share their personal experiences and practical tips for raising financially savvy kids while navigating the ups and downs of family life.

Key Topics Covered:

– When to Start Talking to Kids About Money: It’s never too early to start teaching children about money. Charla and Matt emphasize the importance of normalizing money conversations by incorporating them into everyday moments like errands and family discussions about budgets.

– Teaching Kids Through Real-Life Examples: The hosts reflect on how they use real-life scenarios, such as their family’s “Refrigerator Weekend,” where they only ate what they already had, to teach kids about saving. These lessons provide tangible, hands-on learning about the value of money and decision-making.

– The Importance of Letting Kids Make Financial Mistakes: Charla and Matt explain why it’s important to allow children to make small financial mistakes, like spending too much on shoes or buying things they don’t need. These minor missteps prepare them to handle bigger financial decisions in the future. The story about their son mowing the lawn in brand-new shoes is a perfect example of letting kids learn through natural consequences.

– When to Introduce Checking Accounts and Debit Cards: The hosts recommend introducing checking accounts and debit cards in middle school or early high school, depending on the child’s maturity level. This way, kids can start learning money management before they become too busy in high school.

– Getting Teens Interested in Money Management: For parents of teenagers who seem disinterested in managing money, Matt and Charla suggest not providing for all of their needs. By giving kids a set budget for things like clothes, they learn to manage their resources and understand the value of money.

– Raising a Child Who Doesn’t Want to Spend Money: Charla shares the unique challenges of raising their daughter, Kate, who is naturally frugal. Instead of focusing on limiting spending, they worked to teach Kate the importance of using money wisely and understanding its power in social contexts.

– A Special Shout-out to the “Charlie’s Angels”: Matt and Charla take a moment to recognize their supportive community, lovingly called “Charlie’s Angels.” These are the advocates who’ve helped teach their personal finance course, provided feedback, and shared their products with others. A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of their mission!

Listener Question Highlights:

– How early should we start talking to our kids about money?

– What’s the best way to start these conversations?

– How do we let kids make financial mistakes without putting them at risk?

– What age is appropriate for introducing checking accounts and debit cards?

Special Feature:

In the blog, you’ll find a picture of Rudy, their beloved Welsh Terrier, who’s been with the family since Kate was in second grade. Be sure to check it out!

Resources Mentioned:

– Back-to-School Budgeting Podcast Episode

– Greenlight Debit Card for Kids (as a helpful tool for managing a child’s spending)

– Beyond Personal Finance curriculum for teens

Thank You to the “Charlie’s Angels” Community!

Call to Action:

1. Ask your questions: Got more questions for Matt and Charla? Reach out and you might hear your question answered on a future episode! You can also connect with them through the podcast show notes, where you’ll find additional resources and links to past episodes.
2. Check the list: Don’t forget to check the list to see if you’re one of the amazing people who’ve helped Charla and Matt along the way.

Connect With Us:

– Read more about this topic and other discussions on Charla’s blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

– Subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

– Learn more about our unique products designed to enhance your children’s understanding of real-world money management: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

The post Listener’s Questions! appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Hey, homeschoolers! How will you homeschool through the holiday season? There are many approaches that can work for you, but you’re most likely to feel good about the season when you’re intentional about it. I invited guest Katie Trent back to share with us some ideas for adjusting our homeschooling during the holidays. I also asked her about her new book that is a must-add-to-cart title.

Watch on YouTubeBefore I get to our interview, I want to thank NOW Programs for sponsoring the podcast.

Sponsor: NOW Programshttp://nowprograms.com

ResourcesHow to Homeschool Through a Move with Katie J Trent

A Merry & Bright Adventure

KatieJTrent.com

Katie on Instagram

Katie on Facebook

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post How To Homeschool Through The Holidays appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Why Teach Human Development in Homeschool High School? Special replay.

Why Teach Human Development in Homeschool High School?When Vicki was in graduate school for counseling, she specialized Human Development. She loved it so much because as a mom, she was watching Human Development develop in her own kids! After all Human Development is the study of how people grown and change from womb to old age.

So, when her kids started to homeschool high school, she wanted them to have a Human Development course for their homeschool transcripts. She felt like it would be great life preparation, since it is likely that they would interact with people the rest of their lives and understand why people at different ages do different things would be helpful. It would help them understand their baby brother learning object permanence or their grandfather who always told the same stories over and over.

Unfortunately for Vicki, there was no high school Human Development text available to homeschool high schoolers, especially one from a Christian worldview. SO, what to do? In typical 7SistersHomeschool fashion, Vicki wrote her own text! Also in typical 7SistersHomeschool fashion, she wrote 7Sisters Human Development from a Christian Worldview text to cover the necessary scope and sequence but with no-busywork and readable (and enjoyable) by an average teen. Then, in typical 7SistersHomeschool fashion, she included instructions for leveling up to Honors credit in a meaningful way for the college-bound teens.

What is Human Development in Homeschool High School?The study of the physical, cognitive, emotional and social changes that people experience as they grow from womb to old age.

• Human Development can be a Social Science credit (something that many college-bound teens will need for their homeschool transcript).
  • HD is a stand-out course (because so few teens take it) so it gives transcripts that “sparkle” that college admissions officers often like to see!
• Or Human Development can be a Life Skills elective for their homeschool transcript. (It is a great life prep course. Teens can actually use the things they learn throughout life!)

For instance, adolescents go through a cognitive process called metacognition. Metacognition is the ability to think about thinking. Metacognitive teens think about who they are, what they feel, what the believe and why things are what they are. When teens learn from their Human Development course that the metacognitive process they are experiencing is natural and normal, they can enjoy the process!

Also, Human Development learn their two-year-old siblings (or the kids they are babysitting) are stomping their feet and saying, “NO!” (Toddlers are going through the early stages of finding out they are individuals. They find out where their personhood “stops” by testing out “No!”

They also learn about why their parents push them to accomplish stuff (middle-aged parents are in the “generative stage”- needing to be productive).

Is Human Development a good course for homeschool co-op?It sure is! Human Development can be a blast! Not only do homeschool high schoolers have the chance to learn and discuss what they are learning and experiencing in their own families, but there are so many fun things that can be done in the co-op setting.

For instance, homeschool co-ops can:

• Invite moms to bring their babies to class and discuss their pregnancies, delivery process (a favorite story of our local teens is our 7Sister Kym telling the story about finding out she was having twins when the twins were born!)
• Watch the babies and see how they interact and guess what they are learning and doing.
• Invite toddlers to class, provide them homemade clay or blocks and watch them play.
• Invite kindergarteners to class and do fun exercises together like walking on chalk lines or hop on one foot. Give them crayons and watch them draw.
• Invite grandparents to come and talk about their lives: adventures, parenting their own kids, what they are doing now.

Homeschool co-ops are also a wonderful place to allow teens to present projects they have done related to things that interest them about Human Development.

Hey, did you know that we will provide a homeschool co-op discount for Human Development from a Christian Worldview and all our texts?

Also, you can find lesson plans for co-op teachers and a suggested syllabus for your homeschool co-op classes.

Is 7SistersHomeschool’s Human Development from a Christian Worldview a preachy text?No way! Teens do not need to be preached at! However, the idea that God created people is implied through the text.

Join Vicki for an informative chat about her favorite subject: Human Development!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. 2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source” 3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review

The post Why Teach Human Development in Homeschool High School? Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Education At Home ~ with Sam Sorbo ~ Episode 542Have you considered education at home as an option for your family? Join Felice Gerwitz and Sam Sorbo, actress, author, conservative pundit, and home education advocate, for a lively discussion that will dispel many false concepts about home education.

Thanks to NowProgams for sponsoring this episode.

We are all called to homeschool, but few take up the challenge. There are many valid excuses for this, yet for those who believe, God will provide. Over the years, I’ve been a homeschool advocate. I homeschooled my five children for thirty-two years, yet I’ve never thought everyone should homeschool. I’ve changed my mind. The toxic culture in which we live begs for a new generation of Christian children who can stand up, articulate, and be heard. These are the kids whose faith only strengthens within the home and becomes the shining light of truth and justice. Educating this new generation of children is imperative for our culture to flourish. (End of soapbox rant

My special guest today is Sam Sorbo!

Mrs. Sam Sorbo is an actress, conservative pundit, radio show host, writer, and passionate child home education advocate. She released a PARENTS’ GUIDE TO HOMESCHOOL: MAKING EDUCATION EASY AND FUN – a soup-to-nuts, all-you-need-to-know-to-get-you-started workbook for parents who want to homeschool their children. Mrs. Sam Sorbo offers personal experience, insights, and encouragement to begin your and your children’s true educational journey. Visit her at Sorbo Studios.Sam’s perspective on homeschooling changed dramatically after placing her children in what was considered the best school at the time. In fact, they moved to be in the school district because of the school was highly recommended. She also became intune to her son’s outside influence within the structure of school and interactions with children of the same age.Sam’s passion is evident, and she is more than an advocate for homeschooling; she is the next champion of home education for new generations of parents. These are parents who care about their children’s academic education, yes, but more so about the future of their children’s minds and hearts. Having the ability and the passion for homeschooling, Sam has dedicated time to mentoring other parents at Sam Sorbo Locals – visit the link her for a sneak peak of the videos available.Education At Home ~ Discussion:* Why Sam began homeschooling. * The false concept of public/private education. * The foundations of education and the impact on children today. * The “brainwashing” of our children. * Authority of teachers vs. parents. * The fundamental right Christian parents abdicate by putting their children into traditional and even Christian schools. * The calling of God to home-educate * A “Parent’s Guide to Homeschool” and the purpose of this book. * Homeschooling shouldn’t be hard. Why is that?

Sam’s book helps parents figure out how they want to homeschool. It is a wonderful resource. One concept is to look at what you want in your life and how you want your relationship with your children to look, not only now but in the future. Check out the book on Sam’s website and get an autographed copy.

The post Education At Home ~ Sam Sorbo Homeschool Advocate appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Special Needs ResourcesThanks to our sponsor! NowPrograms.com – visit the website for more information.

Do you have a child with special needs? Are you lost, and you don’t know where to turn for help? Do you just need some encouragement? Today Dr. Jan Bedell talks with Peggy Ployhar, the CEO and founder of SPED Homeschool. The mission for SPED Homeschool is – Helping students succeed through parent directed special education homeschooling.

Peggy, the guest on Brain Coach Tips this week, is a homeschool mom, writer, speaker, blogger and has served in two state home school organizations as their special needs advisor. Peggy’s life has been full of special needs situations as her parents adopted 10 children with special needs and she home schooled both of her sons that had special learning requirements.

Peggy brings many years of knowledge about special needs home schooling to this interview and can guide you to resources to help in your journey of home schooling your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS), Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, ADD/ADHD, CP, Down, or a myriad of other syndromes. Peggy will also share her dreams and vision for SPED Homeschool, a nonprofit organization that serves the Special Needs Homeschool Community.

Listen in to today’s Brain Coach Tips interview.

Thanks to our sponsor! NowPrograms.com – visit the website for more information.

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Episode #18 – Unique needs may be remedial, gifted, illness, and everything in between. During this two-part series, homeschool mom and former teacher Felice Gerwitz, who holds a degree in Elementary Education, Learning Disabilities, and Early Childhood Education, talks about homeschooling children with a variety of learning styles and unique needs.

Thanks to our sponsor! NowPrograms.com – visit the website for more information.

Realizing that she was taught to teach to a child’s strengths but never how to work with their weaknesses, Felice saw that the public school system was failing students with needs that didn’t fit with the norm. Then as her own children grew older and she saw they had unique needs of their own, Felice sought a better way to help each of them educationally.

Sharing from her special education background and over 35 years of homeschooling, part one of this two-part series touches on the unique needs of each of her four children and her journey to finding methods to meet those needs. Her children are now grown and productive, successful adults. Listen in to find out how she thought outside the box to accommodate her children’s learning needs and how you, too, can teach a unique learner.

Felice Gerwitz is a creative, energetic, outside-of-the-box thinker. She is an author, hosts several podcasts, and is the founder of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network and the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network. Felice is a life-long Catholic Christian who loves and serves the Lord Jesus Christ. A graduate of Florida Southern College, she is a former teacher with a degree in Elementary Education, Learning Disabilities, and Early Childhood Education.

Listen to Part Two

Recommended Card Games:

• Set – Visual Perception Game
• Set Junior
• Quiddler – Short word game
• Word Spiel

Other Resources:

Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Ultimate Christian Podcast Network

Media Angels, INC

Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcast

Sponsor:

Upper Iowa University is committed to providing quality, affordable education to service members and their families. Service members, spouses and dependents qualify for tuition savings with their Military Family Grant on undergraduate and graduate degrees. UIU programs are available online, on campus and at one of their learning centers across the country. Work one-on-one with an advisor to reach your educational goals. Learn more at UIU.EDU/MilitaryHomeSchool

Join Crystal and her guests each week as they bring relevant information to equip you, stories to encourage you, and content to inspire you. You don’t have to go it alone, tune in to the Military Homeschool Podcast, and be energized in your military homeschooling journey!

How to listen:

1. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or Stitcher
2. Subscribe on your favorite podcast listening app
3. Or listen right here (just scroll down)

Got questions, comments, or have show topic ideas? Contact Crystal via email at militaryhomeschoolpodcast@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Please subscribe, follow, and share with all of your military homeschooling friends!

The post Homeschooling Children with Unique Needs – Part One (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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The holidays are upon us and we are looking forward to having our college students home again! But to be realistic, there’s always a transition to bringing our young adults back into the household – and often both the student and the family ends up frustrated. This episode we’re talking about things you can do – on both sides – to make the visit as smooth and pleasant as possible for everyone!

Parent Understanding

If you went to college, you remember the rush of exam week – and the mental and physical exhaustion at the end of it! Especially at Christmas and the end of the spring semester, your student will be arriving after a really tough week or two. We try to keep that in mind for their first several days home.

Expectations

Our unspoken hopes and preferences can set us up for disappointment and conflict. Maybe we parents look forward to seeing our young adult, but we’re also looking forward having his help around the house again! For his side, maybe he’s hoping for some relaxation from the stress of college — or possibly, he has projects or homework to finish during his holiday. Maybe the younger siblings want a lot of attention from their big sister, when she really needs some peace and personal space – at least at first.

The best way to deal with these issues is to communicate ahead of time – gently, in love – and be willing to listen to one other and seek to accommodate everyone. All of those expectations are common and valid – the difficulty is how to address them all. If we cultivate patience and understanding together, we can probably find a mutually agreeable pathway.

Changing Channels

When Hal was working a corporate job, he had to remind himself on the commute home, “I have to leave the office door closed behind me and put on my family hat now.” No matter what stress or disaster he’d left at work, when he came in the door, he knew the kids would be excited to see him, Melanie would be tired and need compassion, and he’d have to be ready to show love and concern to everyone at home.

Our college students need to think about that, too. While they’re making the trip home, they need to consciously prepare themselves to be part of the family culture at the end of their trip. The way they live or even just survive on campus is a separate issue to what happens at home — and they need to change gears before they get here.

In both cases there will be time and opportunity to share their struggles and disappointments, to seek advice and sympathy, but that will come after the initial rush of returning. Everyone will be happier at the end if the wanderer is ready to greet and be greeted first, and then seek the serious conversations after!

We dig deeper into the questions in our blog post here

Thanks to our sponsor! NowPrograms.com – visit the website for more information.

The post Surviving the Break with Your College Students – MBFLP 287 (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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In this thought-provoking episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the evolution of the American Dream, particularly how it has shifted from owning a home and achieving personal success to the almost universal expectation of attending college.

We explore the implications of this shift, including the daunting burden of college debt, and discuss how homeschooling offers a unique pathway that might better align with the original ideals of the American Dream for many families.

Thanks to our sponsor! NowPrograms.com – visit the website for more information.

What You’ll Learn:1. The Traditional American Dream: We start by exploring what the American Dream has traditionally meant – the pursuit of happiness, the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. 2. Shift in Perception: Discover how this dream has morphed over the years into an expectation that success can only be achieved through obtaining a college degree, and how this perception has influenced American culture and education. 3. The Burden of College Debt: We’ll dive into the statistics and personal stories behind the staggering amounts of debt accumulated by young Americans pursuing higher education, questioning the viability of this path for everyone. 4. Homeschooling as an Alternative Path: Learn how homeschooling is emerging as a viable alternative to traditional education paths, offering a more personalized and flexible approach to learning that can lead to success without the burden of college debt. 5. Real-Life Success Stories: Hear from guests who have pursued their version of the American Dream through homeschooling, including entrepreneurs, artists, tradespeople, and professionals who have found success without following the conventional college route. 6. Resources and Strategies for Homeschooling Families: We provide valuable resources and strategies for families considering homeschooling as a way to pursue their own American Dream, focusing on developing skills, pursuing passions, and preparing for adulthood in a rapidly changing world.

Subscribe and Stay InformedCheck out our other podcasts & subscribe.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to provide your family with the best possible homeschooling and career preparation resources. Subscribe to the Life Skills 101 Podcast and stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and valuable insights.

GRAB YOUR FREE TIMELINE TO HOMESCHOOL SUCCESS RIGHT HERE

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Ever wonder if that donut is as harmless as it looks? An occasional treat won’t hurt you, but a daily habit might do more harm than just add a few pounds. Find out more about how sugar affects the body in this podcast.

How Sugar Affects the BodyThanks to our sponsor! NowPrograms.com – visit the website for more information.

You May Gain WeightOne way of how sugar affects the body is by adding extra pounds. There are two ways that this happens. First, it triggers the reward center in your brain. Sweet things make us feel good, which then turns on our desire to want more so we continue to feel good. This cycle continues even when we’re full and not hungry anymore, causing us to eat more than we need. The second way that it causes us to gain weight is through the liver. When the liver processes excess sugar, the extra glucose is converted into fat molecules for storage. So, eating fat doesn’t make you fat. In fact, it is the extra unused sugar and carbohydrates that taste so good that make you fat.

It Can Increase Your Risk for Type 2 DiabetesWhile sugar is not the only culprit for type 2 diabetes, it is certainly another way of how sugar affects the body. High amounts of sugar that break down quickly flood the bloodstream with glucose. Your cells need insulin in order to use the glucose. But, if the cells are constantly stimulated by insulin, they develop a tolerance for it and become unaffected by it. Then, your body needs to release more and more insulin to move the glucose into the cells. This continues until you become so insulin resistant that you develop type 2 diabetes. In addition to insulin resistance throughout the body, there is another way of how sugar affects the body. The high sugar intake leads to insulin resistance in the brain as well, leading to cognitive decline. In fact, people with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop dementia, which is why Alzheimer’s is now considered type 3 diabetes.

It Can Overload Your Liver (Fatty Liver)As mentioned above, your liver processes all that excess glucose and converts it into fat. But, your liver can only metabolize so much of it at one time. The liver turns the excess glucose and fructose into fat that can accumulate not just in your midsection and thighs but in the liver, causing liver damage. Sometimes it can even lead to scarring and eventual cutting off of the liver’s blood supply, which means you need a transplant. It is important to note that the amount of fructose needed to overload your liver is only possible with an excessive amount of added sugar, so fructose found in fruit is likely not nearly enough to cause this.

How Sugar Affects the Body in Mind and MoodIf you are someone who suffers from mood swings or mental health issues, you might notice that they become worse when you consume a lot of sugar. Sugar causes a short-term boost of energy that leads to a much longer sugar crash. This in turn can make it harder when dealing with mental health issues like depression. This is because another way of how sugar affects the body is that it messes with your ability to produce serotonin by using up its vitamin pre-cursors and altering gut flora. In addition, too much sugar can also cause severe mood swings and irritability. Sugar also alters our ability to resist temptation, making it hard to control impulsive behavior and delay gratification. Research shows that a high sugar diet can impair memory function and cause inflammation in the brain.

Learn about more ways of how sugar can affect the body by listening to the podcast!

Tackle your sugar cravings and ditch the habit with Julie’s Ditch the Sugar Habit Super Bundle. Check it out!

The post 5+ Ways of How Sugar Affects the Body appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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The Rise of African American HomeschoolingLast month, Fletch read an interesting article in The Washington Post called, Racism in Schools is Pushing More Black Families to Homeschool Their Children. The title alone was enough to get him interested, but in the article the writer discussed why there has been such a sharp rise in African American Homeschooling.

We thought this was a good discussion to have with our listeners, so we pursued the author for an interview.

Thanks to our sponsor! NowPrograms.com – visit the website for more information.

Dr. Ama Mazama, professor of African American Studies at Temple University and homeschooling parent, joins us for an important discussion. In our interview, Professor Mazama discusses her research and shares with us why she believes there has been a distinct rise in homeschooling among black families.

You will want to listen to this interview and join us as we explore the questions and challenges that this discussion creates.

Timeline
3:00 – Introduction
9:30 – Interview Part 1
35:20 – Interview Part 2

Show Notes

Dr. Mazama’s Biography

Racism in Schools is Pushing More Black Families to Homeschool Their Children.

Music clips used on this show:

“Night Cave” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.The post Why The Rise In African American Homeschooling, Part 1 (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Episode #10 – Homeschooling Through Tough Times

There is no doubt that homeschooling can be difficult, especially when you are dealing with other stressors that are out of the ‘norm.’ So what can you do when homeschooling becomes even more challenging due to a deployment, illness, or other family crisis?

When things get complicated, it’s important to remember that homeschooling, AND military life, is a journey- there will be ups and downs. That’s just a given. On this episode, Crystal Niehoff shares some ways she’s learned through personal experience as a military spouse and homeschool mom to deal with tough times as military homeschool families.

1. Talk to your spouse.
2. Turn to your faith.
3. If homeschooling is becoming too overwhelming, take a break.
4. Be flexible with your homeschooling schedule.
5. Seek out support from other homeschoolers.
6. Utilize resources like homeschooling support groups, online homeschooling communities, and homeschool curriculum providers.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family if you need it.
8. Give yourself plenty of grace.
9. And finally, remember that homeschooling is a journey.

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” -Michael Jordan, basketball legend.

Episode Sponsor:

Thanks to NOW Programs, this evidence-based program helps students learn differences.Join Crystal and her guests each week as they bring relevant information to equip you, stories to encourage you, and content to inspire you. You don’t have to go it alone; tune in to the Military Homeschool Podcast and be energized in your military homeschooling journey!

How to listen:

1. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or Stitcher
2. Subscribe on your favorite podcast listening app
3. Or listen right here (just scroll down)

Got questions, comments, or have show topic ideas? Contact Crystal via email at militaryhomeschoolpodcast@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Please subscribe, follow, and share with all of your military homeschooling friends!

The post Homeschooling Through Tough Times appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Hard times! As much as we might like it to be, life is not all ponies, rainbows, and watercolor daisies.

On this episode of HomeschoolingIRL we discuss the issue of homeschooling when life gets hard. Difficulties can look different in every family – marital stress, tragedies, health challenges, financial loss – and we’ll consider how each of these hardships can put unusual stress on a homeschooling family.

What is our response? What should it be? Join us as we interview homeschooling mom and blogger Linda Difino, who shares her story of homeschooling through multiple hard times.

For complete show notes and links to what we discussed on this episode, go to our website: HomeschoolingIRL.comThanks to NOW Programs, this evidence-based program helps students learn differences.For the rest of the year, we will be running a “Best of” series of the Homeschooling IRL episodes. Many of these episodes were earlier episodes that you might have missed. Enjoy!

The post Homeschooling Through Hard Times appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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For Kids! What Happened To The Dinosaurs? Episode 7To understand a bit about what happened to the Dinosaurs, it is best to begin in Genesis. Understanding how man sinned shows us that the Garden of Eden a haven for Adam and Eve and all the animals became a world far from perfection.

Thanks to our sponsor: NOW Programs, this evidence-based program helps students learn differences.

Then along came Noah! He was a righteous man and he saved the animals at the time of The Flood. While some think the flood was only in specific areas of the world, this is not true! You can find more information about Flood Geology in the book Creation Geology a Study Guide to Fossils, Formations & The Flood. The Flood was worldwide, the podcast contains information about some of the ways we know this.

The Ark design was unique (Genesis 6:14-16) There was room for 2 of each animal, food and storage, Noah and his family. The ark design is one of the most stable of any boat. When God said He wanted Noah to take two of each kind, what does it mean? A “kind” is not a “species.” For example, a “dog kind,” includes dogs, wolves, coyotes, etc.

What Happened To The Dinosaurs?

Where are the dinosaurs? Dinosaurs were believed to be on the ark. Juvenile dinosaurs were onboard and the average size of the dinosaur was the size of a small chicken. So, for all those skeptics, yes – dinosaurs were on the ark!

When the rains stopped and the flood waters receded, 150 days later the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. The mountains became visible in the tenth month.

Before the Flood, the earth was warmer. It is believed there was more carbon dioxide in the air that made the plants and animals grow bigger (and people lived longer). There are many plants and animals found in the fossil record that did not survive the flood.

What Happened to the Dinosaurs?

After the flood, many plants and animals died and the dinosaurs and other large creatures could not live in the reduced atmosphere or without some of the plants that did not survive, so they became extinct. Many plants and animals were buried rapidly which caused fossils. Fossils are often found in groups. The rocks showed the catastrophic deposits with large scale erosion into the newly deepened oceans. There was also a post-flood Ice Age.

Geologic formations formed and the rapid burial showed that many fossils found were not commonly found together in nature. The Fossils were only preserved when they are rapidly buried.

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In this episode, we dive into the world of whooping cough (pertussis).
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits that can make breathing difficult, often accompanied by a distinctive high-pitched “whoop” sound during inhalation. It often begins with mild cold-like symptoms, which can progress to intense coughing spells. These spells can be particularly distressing for children, leading to a characteristic “whooping” sound as they struggle to inhale after a coughing fit.

Additional Notes:

Symptoms and Stages

The illness progresses through three stages:

Catarrhal Stage: This initial stage lasts about 7 to 10 days and presents with cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, mild fever, and occasional cough. This stage is highly contagious.
Paroxysmal Stage: Lasting from one to ten weeks, this stage is marked by intense coughing fits, thick mucus production, and the characteristic whooping sound. These coughing fits can be exhausting and may lead to vomiting, especially in infants.
Convalescent Stage: The final stage sees a gradual improvement in symptoms, although coughing spells may still occur.

Potential Complications

Potential complications of whooping cough, such as pneumonia, dehydration, and even hernias due to the violent coughing can occur. It is important to treat symptoms early to prevent these complications.

Homeopathic Remedies for Whooping Cough – you can download a FREE handout here for remedies Sue suggests!

https://homeopathyformommies.com/2018/02/whooping-cough-with-homeopathy/

Additional Supportive Measures

Hydration and Nutrition

Recommendations: Light, easily digestible foods such as soups, broths, and vegetable juices. Avoid heavy foods and sugars, as these can hinder recovery.
Benefits: Proper hydration and nutrition support the immune system and help the body recover more quickly.

Epsom Salt Baths

Recommendations: Hot baths can help soothe symptoms, although some children may prefer cooler treatments.
Benefits: Epsom salt baths can help relax the muscles and reduce discomfort associated with coughing fits.

Sun Exposure

Recommendations: Encourage children to spend time outdoors, away from drafts.
Benefits: Sunlight boosts the immune system and promotes overall health.

Preventative Measures

Sue stresses the importance of preventative care in maintaining family health. She encourages parents to adopt a proactive approach by using homeopathic remedies like Aconite and Belladonna at the first sign of illness. This can help bolster the immune system and reduce the likelihood of more severe infections.

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294: Online Contests for StudentsIn this episode, we explore a variety of online contests for students that homeschoolers can participate in. These contests provide great opportunities for students to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and even win prizes.

Contests Mentioned in This Episode:

1. PicoCTF
   • A cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) contest for ages 13 and up. Students work individually and in teams to solve challenges and develop critical thinking skills. Free training materials and practice challenges are available on the website.
2. Exploravision
   • A research-based contest where students, mentored by professionals, investigate a real-world problem. Available for high school and possibly younger students.
3. EngineerGirl Writing Contest
   • A writing contest focusing on engineering topics. Open to 3rd-12th graders, divided into different grade levels. The contest includes both boys and girls despite its name.
4. The Stock Market Game
   • A team-based game where students invest virtual money in the stock market. Open to students nationwide, it also includes an essay contest, InvestWrite, where students can win money and recognition.
5. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Contests
   • Patriot’s Pen: An essay contest for middle school students.
   • Voice of Democracy: A speech contest for high school students. Students record and submit their speeches, and winners can advance to regional and national levels.
6. Scholastic Art & Writing Contest
   • This well-known contest includes categories like art, writing, and even programming. Winners can earn recognition like the Golden Key Award, which looks great on college applications.
7. Jane Austen Essay Contest
   • An essay contest for fans of Jane Austen, with cash prizes for winners. Essays from previous winners are available for review on the website.
8. Classics and Mythology Contests
   • Offered by etclassics.org, these online contests focus on Latin, Greek, and mythology for different age groups and ability levels.
9. 15-Second Vocabulary Contest
   • A creative challenge hosted by the New York Times, where students create 15-second videos defining vocabulary words.

Bonus Resource: Showsponsor Fundafunda has compiled a comprehensive guide with over 30 contest opportunities for homeschoolers. You can find the Homeschool-friendly Contests pdf on the FundaFunda Academy website for just $2.99. It includes a description of each contest, grade levels, and whether they are free or require a fee.

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Project Ideas to Generate CashThey discuss how these experiences can help foster responsibility, financial independence, and a solid work ethic, all while equipping young people with valuable life skills.

Key Points Discussed:

– No Paying for Chores: Charla shares why she’s firmly against paying children for chores, explaining that chores are essential household tasks that everyone must contribute to, not something to be seen as optional or something to be negotiated. By reframing the approach, chores are presented as a responsibility rather than a money-making opportunity.

– Allowance and Budgeting: The hosts discuss how to give kids an allowance, but with a twist. Instead of giving money for discretionary spending, the allowance is tied to necessities like school clothes, activities, or supplies. This method teaches kids how to manage a limited budget and make tough choices when they overspend or need to save for future purchases. It’s about giving them responsibility over their finances while learning from their mistakes.

– Project List for Earning Money: Charla introduces a curated list of 12 projects that kids can undertake to earn money, including tasks like organizing household spaces, yard work, or even pet care for neighbors. These projects not only help them earn extra cash but also reinforce the value of working hard for what they want, creating a sense of achievement and independence.

– Learning Through Consequences: The episode is full of personal anecdotes, such as Charla’s son Jack, who accidentally ruined his white shoes by mowing the lawn, turning them green. These stories highlight how kids can learn from real-life consequences and gain a deeper appreciation for their belongings and the cost of replacing them.

Call to Action:

1. Download the full project list in the blog linked in the show notes.
2. Start implementing a project system in your home when your kids have wants that fall outside of regular gift giving occasions.
3. Reflect on how you’re teaching financial responsibility in your family—whether through allowances or entrepreneurial projects.

Connect With Us:

– Read Charla’s blog for more tips: Beyond Personal Finance Blog

– Subscribe to our weekly email with links to our podcast and blog: Subscribe Here

– Explore our financial literacy products for kids: Beyond Personal Finance Products

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Some things are unquestionable, life-changing moments – an unexpected death in the family, a natural disaster, a major accident. But what about things which just show up and disrupt everything? The smaller emergencies which aren’t big enough to awaken heroism, but are big enough to bring out all our doubts, fears, frustrations, and temper? The “breaking news” which could be really unpleasant, but you can’t be sure?

We’ve dealt with this – frequently, and even recently! So this episode, we’re talking about some practical ways to meet stressful news with calmness and faith … even if it takes a few minutes to make the adjustment!

Passages We ReferencedMatthew 10:29-31 (Jesus): “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Philippians 4:6 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God

Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Books We MentionedJudith Viorst, The Tenth Good Thing About Barney. This is a great children’s book about remembering the good things in the middle of sad times. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the stress of the moment, and forget that happiness is real just like sorrow – and life will have some of both.

Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna – check out the audiobook version narrated by Melanie!** The book is much better than the Disney version (more clearly Biblical, for one thing), and funny as well as thought-provoking. Even our teenaged sons enjoyed it, though the main character is a young girl at the time. Important lessons about always finding a reason to rejoice, even in difficulty.

NEXT TIMEHelping your kids through stressful times …

UPDATE –We mentioned that our van broke down on a speaking trip in July, and at the time of recording, had been in the shop for several weeks waiting on an engine replacement. We’re glad to say that the van is now repaired and back home – thank you for your prayers and support!

A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor: Thanks to NOW Programs, this evidence-based program helps students learn differences.

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Happily Married While Homeschooling?Happily Married and Homeschooling, podcast episode of Making Biblical Family Life Practical with Hal & Melanie Young.

Everyone tells you that homeschooling isn’t an educational choice, but a lifestyle! Should we be surprised if we discover that homeschooling has an impact on our marriage? It’s true, and if we’re not watchful, our marriage could be a weak spot in our family’s new endeavor. Hal and Melanie have been married for 27 years and homeschooling for 20, and this week they share some ideas of stumbling blocks to avoid and how you can make both your homeschool and your relationship strong!

This episode sponsored by CTC Math.Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum?

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!

The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly.

Visit c-t-c-math.com today to start your free trial.

Real. Authentic. Practical.We’re Hal and Melanie Young. We’re not just authors and speakers, but we’re the parents of six sons (in a row!) and two daughters. The experience of raising this van-full has proved two things – you need God’s wisdom to raise a family, and you need help to make it practical!

That’s our goal and message—start with Biblical foundations, then share how to put principles into practice.

The reality is that God gave each family a mix of parents, children, and personalities, in a particular time and circumstance. They’re all unique, so every family’s “practical” may be a little different, and still be totally Biblical. That’s why we focus on principles instead of checklists. Instead of more law, we need more grace!

And it’s grace that drives us to Jesus Christ, the one who ultimately makes our family what it ought to be. We want to help families find practical ideas, but the risen Savior as well.

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It’s not too early to plan for homeschool retirement! Here are my best tips for preparing for this season now.

Watch on YouTubeSponsorAre you looking for a new Math Curriculum?

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!

The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly.

Visit c-t-c-math.com today to start your free trial.

Takeaways

View homeschool retirement as a new season, not a sad one Continue teaching and mentoring your children even after homeschooling Invest in your marriage and spend time developing the relationship Cultivate non-homeschooling friendships and maintain a social circle Consider different options for work after homeschooling Explore new hobbies and continue learning for personal growth

Resources

How to Have a Strong Homeschool Marriage

Marriage Secrets with Mr. Wilson

Have a happy homeschool week!

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How To Ask for a College Recommendation Letter.

How To Ask for a College Recommendation LetterFor many years, 7Sister Vicki served as junior/senior advisor for our local homeschool umbrella school, while the rest of the 7Sisters taught these teens. SO we all have written a LOT of college recommendation letters for our homeschool students! Here are so tips that we always told our teens.

Plan Ahead for Recommendation LettersOne of the most important steps in securing a college recommendation letter is to plan ahead. Start the process early, ideally in the summer before senior year.

Start talking with your teen about getting recommendation letters and, together, try to identify potential recommenders. Anyone they have worked with can be a good recommender, such as teachers, coaches, mentors, youth pastors, volunteer leaders.

When it’s time, give your recommenders at least three to four weeks’ notice to ensure they have ample time to craft a quality letter. These are all people who who can provide valuable insights into their character and abilities, work ethics and commitment, and a growth mindset.

So understand the application timelines!In addition to brainstorming with your teen on who to request a recommendation letter from, you will also want to understand the timelines for college applications, especially for those using the Common App.

This will help your teen manage time effectively and ensure that everything is submitted before the deadlines. It’s important to stay organized and keep track of all the requirements for each college or university your teen is interested in or applying to.

Empower Your Teen to AskWho asks for the recommendation letter? Not you! It’s time for your teen to prepare for the next stage in life, and that includes reaching out to appropriate individuals themselves for recommendation letters.

So encourage your teen to personally ask for the recommendation letter. This is an essential life skill that teaches them the importance of polite and direct communication. Whether in person or via a well-composed email, your teen should clearly request the favor, expressing gratitude and respect for the recommender’s time.

Ask in Private and Follow UpAsking for a recommendation letter is one thing, but how your teen asks is equally as important. Coach your teen to ask for the recommendation letter in a private setting, not in front of others.

Doing so ensures the request is taken seriously and remembered. You do not want to assume the recommender will say “yes” and by asking in an open setting, your teen is putting the recommender in an uncomfortable situation..and possibly an embarrassing one for your teen as well.

After your teen does ask, they should follow up with an email. This puts the request on the recommender’s radar and provides a written record of the conversation. Do not be afraid to follow up multiple times too.

People get busy and things get pushed to the wayside the busier we become. Do not take it personal. Just politely bump it back up in the forefront of their attention by following up.

Provide Supporting InformationOnce the recommender agrees, it’s a good idea for your teen to promptly send a list of their accomplishments and experiences, such as an experiential resume. This information helps the recommender highlight specific achievements and qualities, making the letter more personalized and impactful. Provide clear examples and anecdotes that showcase the your teen’s strengths and skills.

This can significantly enhance the credibility of the recommendation letter, and if it has been a while since they worked with your teen, it could refresh their memory of their experiences.

Then after the recommendation letter is written, encourage your teen to thank the recommender sincerely. A heartfelt email or even a handwritten note can go a long way in showing appreciation. It’s not mandatory but this really sends the message of gratitude and ends it with a nice touch of appreciation. It not only acknowledges the effort the recommender put into writing the letter but also fosters positive relationships.

You never know when their paths may cross again in the future!

How To Ask For A College Recommendation LetterSecuring a strong college recommendation letter is a vital part of the admissions process for soon-to-be graduating homeschool students. Use these steps to only help your teen in obtaining a compelling recommendation but also to teach them valuable life skills during the process.

Have questions or need more advice on college recommendation letters? Join the 7Sisters Homeschool Facebook group for support from experienced homeschool parents. Share your experiences, ask questions, and become part of a warm and friendly community dedicated to helping homeschool families succeed!

Thank you for Seth Tillman for editing this podcast and for Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review and give us some stars and a comment to help others find us more easily. 7. Thanks!

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Make America Literate AgainIn “Make America Literate Again,” Episode, #216, Meredith Curtis will inspire and equip you to take part in a movement to get children and teens reading quality literature again so that as teens and adults they can read great works. I know there are some out there already on board (parents and teens) – please spread the news and get more folks reading! For those who aren’t on board yet – please listen to my compelling reasons for reading quality literature, timeless classics, and great works that have changed history.

Powerline Productions, Inc.Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show NotesMy favorite President Ronald Reagan coined the phrase “Make America Great Again.” We needed it. We were demoralized with Watergate, POWs still held by Vietnam, hostages held by Iran, and a failing economy. President Reagan injected hope and passed laws to improve the life of everyday Americas. It was morning in America again in the early 1980s.

President Trump loved the phrase “Make America Great Again” and uses it in his campaign. Robert F Kennedy, Jr. who just endorsed Trump and will work with him if elected, has adapted the slogan “Make America Healthy Again.”

Inspired by these three men, I want to make a slogan, too: Make America Literate Again.

Reasons to Make America Literate AgainLeaders are Readers. The quality of what they read

Founding Fathers – Cicero, Adam Smith, John Locke, Samuel Rutherford,

Freedom is maintained by Readers & Hedonism leads to Totalitarianism

We can read ABOUT great works or read those great works THEMSELVES.

Substitutes for Reading in Our Culture* Scrolling on Phone * Social Media * Video Games * Movies, Streaming, TV * Pornography * Gamification

Step-by-Step to Literacy America Once EnjoyedThe Process with Explanations on Podcast

1. Read Aloud & Read in Front of Children
2. Teach to Read
3. Beginning Readers
4. Introduce Age-Appropriate Classics
5. Read, Read, Read – Bible, Fables, Stories, Biographies, etc.
6. Read & Talk about Classic Literature (book clubs)
7. Middle School to Adult – Read & Talk about Literature & Classic Works (book clubs)
8. Bounce Back & Forth
9. Read Great Works – City of God, Wealth of the Nations, The Prince, Ecclesiastical History of the English People

What Happens to Literate PeopleBrainwashing doesn’t work.

They know who the “experts” really are

They Value FREEDOM.

They discuss ideas not just people and events

Resources for Literature Based LearningAt Powerline Productions, we love books! We included book lists everywhere – in cookbooks, timelines, history curriculum, geography curriculum, unit studies, and, of course, English courses.

Grab our FREE Reading Lists.

Sign up for our NewsletterSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

Resources for Literature Based Learning + our whole store!

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Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Please don’t listen to all the voices that say you can’t do it. Moms, you are enough! Many times, we doubt our abilities. Should we homeschool? Should we put our children in a co-op? Should we put our child in a private school or public school? In this podcast, Felice Gerwitz breaks down the critical concerns of homeschool moms and gives you the tools to thrive in your home.

Moms, You. Are. Enough. ~ Episode 532I’m working on an “Inspire Series.” This is a blueprint for encouraging excellence in our children and our homes. But before I release that series, I really felt the need to encourage you. If you are a mom or dad or even a caregiver, welcome. This episode is geared toward those trying to navigate a hostile world where we are told we need experts for everything. We are also told that we don’t know enough or can’t think for ourselves and need those outside voices, whether it is social media, the news, your favorite app, or even worse, your parents, inlaws, or spouse.

The good news is that I believe, even without meeting you, that you are more than enough and that you have the tools you need. I mean, somehow, you found this podcast, perhaps the entire Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network, and in particular, Vintage Homeschool Moms. You found me somewhere in the midst of the noise and the naysayers. That tells me you are incredibly resourceful, open, and willing to learn all you can to be the best you can be at this point in time. You can fill in the blanks.

Moms You Are Enough:

I am a ____________ (Christian, spouse, mom, dad, grandparent, caregiver) to my children. I am enough.

Moms You Are Enough vs. Moms You Are The BestWhat’s the difference between being enough and being the best? First, being enough means being comfortable with who we are and our mistakes. I am not the most graceful person. If there is a step, I will trip over it. That doesn’t mean I will avoid steps, but it does mean I am aware of my shortcomings and failure to notice details, and I am extremely careful when navigating steps. My husband and I were walking along a sidewalk, and I tripped on a crack. He actually went back to look because neither of us saw it, and sure enough, there was a tiny elevation along one side. But again, that doesn’t keep me from walking or trying or thinking, “Oh my gosh, I’m such a clutz!” (Okay, so I am, but I’m okay with that.)

What area are you concerned about?

In the near future, we will, God willing, offer a call with some of the podcasters on this network and me who are willing to participate. This is in celebration of our 11 years on the air as a homeschool podcast network. This is because I see such a need for a one-to-one discussion about the greatest needs homeschool parents have today. I’ve learned that many of us struggle not so much thinking we are covering enough information with our children, or hoping our children will fit in socially, or praying that we don’t mess up our kids in some way.

I believe that we can overcome this way of thinking. Homeschool Moms are resilient and strong. If you don’t think you are, that is what we are here for today!

Moms You Are Enough: Parenting* I believe that God does not make mistakes. As a Christian, I know that before I was born, God knew my name, and therefore my life has meaning. Your life does as well! * I believe that you, too, are not a mistake, your kids are not a mistake, and your lives have meaning. * I believe that our minds trick us into worry and concern about problems in the future or even events in the past, and we need to focus on today. (Mindfulness: Christians.) * I believe that you are given the tools you need to parent, homeschool to nurture, and protect your children and that you have a group of us (this homeschool network) that will come alongside you and help you in any way that we can.

While I believe in all of the things above, what do you believe? Our minds are powerful, and we have the creativity and drive to do great things in our families if we give ourselves some credit.

Try it, what do you believe? How about believing that you are enough? Start your sentence with: “I am enough because…” and list all of your beliefs. What are you finding? If you are stuck, pray about it and see what pops into your head that is positive, not negative.

Some podcasts you might enjoy

• Redeeming Your Time
• Being Present To Your Family
• Mindfulness – Being Present

Positive MindsetWe can take authority over our minds by focusing on the good and starting each day in giving thanks. When I wake up I immediately focus on thanking God for another day and praising Him. We can be thankful for the little things. Years ago, during a really difficult time in my life, I started keeping a praise journal. I was thankful for the sky, and the beautiful clouds. I was thankful for the weather, even when it rained. I focused on being thankful, and my outlook changed dramatically.

Praise. Gratitude. Positivity.When you praise God, when you are grateful for the little things, and when you focus on positivity in your life, the outcome is so much different. Does that mean we can’t have a pity-party on occasion? Of course, we can. (Share Deacon David’s story.)

Get Rid of the “If Only_____ I will be happy.”Do you have any “if onlys” in your life? Do you have any of these thoughts? If only we didn’t rent an apartment. If only we had a house. If only our car wasn’t in the shop. If only we had enough money to do the things we’d like to do. If only______ fill in the blank.

The if-onlys are buzzkills; they are detrimental to our health, our mind, and our spirit. (More on air.)

Getting another car is not going to make me happy. If it does, it is fleeting. How do I cope? I thank God my car runs, even with the check engine light a few days ago that indicated low oil. I thank God that I have a car. I pray, “Lord, I am happy with this car and don’t need another one.” Truthfully, I don’t, but in my mind, I wanted to give it to a family member who could use it.

Sometimes, we have to die to ourselves to our wants, focus on what is important, and continue on. We are thankful for what we have, and believe me, the if-onlys never make us happy in the long run. (Tell Sanibel lady story.)

What makes us happy? Our spouses, family, friends, and groups online encourage us as mothers, spouses, fathers, grandparents, and caregivers to remember that bringing up our children is the most important thing we do. Maybe your list is different, but think about this and list all the things that make you happy.

You are enough because you are giving your time, your talents, and your resources to raise children who I pray love and serve our Lord and are wonderful adults someday. The Inspire series coming up next is my way of helping you with some key points in parenting, in education, and in our lives to focus on what is truly important.

Do you believe you are enough now? I pray you do!

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Today, on Crunchy Christian Podcast, Julie talks about four ways for food to grow indoors. Maybe you live in an apartment, have a small yard or patio, or your region allows for only a short growing season. Here are some ways to maximize your ability to grow your own food. You may not be able to grow squash indoors, but you can still grow many other plants, including lettuces; kale, spinach, and other greens; strawberries; peas and green beans; onions, garlic, and herbs; and others. Check out these methods and see if one of them might work for you.

Four Ways for Food to Grow IndoorsThank you to our sponsor, CTC Math.

Grow HerbsGrowing herbs indoors in a greenhouse window in your kitchen or in small pots. Herbs are a great way to get started growing your own food. They smell good, add flavor and variety to cooking, and can be dried for year-round use. On the podcast, Julie shares the best herbs to grow indoors. And, don’t forget that culinary herbs are not the only herbs you can grow!

Grow sprouts and microgreensMicrogreens are the young plants of wheat, barley, broccoli, radish, watercress, beans, and a few others. The plants are generally less than 3 inches tall when eaten, thus the name “micro.” There are special trays for growing microgreens or you can use a sprouting jar. These are easy and quick to grow and are super nutritious! Listen in to find out more about the benefits of growing and eating them, as well as some tips for using a sprouting jar.

Try hydroponics for food to grow indoorsThis system uses a special water solution and no soil. It often the water solution with a clear lid to capture the plants’ respiration and to create a greenhouse effect. This is best for smaller garden plants, like lettuces and other greens. It also requires a bit more work and special equipment.

A vertical garden works well indoorsThough there is a constant debate about aquaponics vs hydroponics – a vertical garden uses some hydroponics technology and some composting to grow food vertically indoors in controlled environments. You can purchase a ready-made one or build your own using old gutters, PVC pipe, or other materials. This is probably the most involved, expensive way of growing food indoors, but it also produces the highest yields. It is possible to provide a small family with fresh vegetables year-round with a vertical farm system. Cities all over the world have converted old warehouses into vertical farms to help meet growing food needs.

ResourcesAll You Ever Wanted to Know About Microgreens

What is hydroponics? Learn the six types of hydroponics

How to Build Your Own DIY Vertical Farm: This offers a supplies list and step-by-step instructions. The finished vertical garden can live indoors or outdoors. An alternative to building your own is a product called Tower Garden (no affiliation).

The post Four Ways for Food to Grow Indoors appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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A reader writes, “I need suggestions how to discipline my 14-year-old son.” She’s finding out what we all discover – if you try to discipline your 14-year-old like he was still six, you’re likely to have a fight on your hands! So what do you do with this young person who’s growing so tall, but still needs a lot of guidance and discipleship?

Thank you to our sponsor, CTC Math.

It’s more than behavior managementWith younger kids, a great deal of our training is behavior – “Don’t tease the cat,” “Don’t touch the stove,” “Stop hitting your brother!” Tedd Tripp points out that Ephesians 6:1 is fundamental for the younger set: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

And external behavior is important – that’s what hurts others and damages things! But as they move into the early teen years, our children need more coaching and discipleship to reach their deepest need – the condition of their heart. They need to be confronted with Right and Wrong in a larger sense than, “Honor your father and your mother.” When they realize their failing and sin, they are more likely to grasp their need for a Savior!

And when we recognize that their behavior is more than “You’re on my nerves!” but something rooted on their human fallenness … maybe we can be a little more compassionate and not as quick to react.

As they change, we should tooA lot of parent-teen relationships are strained or broken because parents don’t adapt to their young person’s changes. When they reach adolescence, they’re not kids any more! We need to understand they aren’t the little ones we’ve raised so far, but young adults-in-training. We can’t just continue the old discipline models and expect the same response. Appropriate correction for a four-year-old is humiliating, at best, to a 14-year-old.

More and more, we need to move our discipline to adult responses. What does that look like?

Well, consider what happens when we make a mistake or cause an offense as an adult. Are we sent to stand with our nose in the corner until we say we’re sorry? Does our boss or pastor or neighbor give us a sharp swat on the hand? Of course not. Instead, we are likely to experience “natural consequences.”

Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta The Mikado includes the chorus, “Let the punishment fit the crime!” Humor aside, that’s actually quite Biblical. Over and over again in Scripture, you see principles of repentance followed by restitution. We use this as a guide with our teens – if you break it, you fix it – whether it’s a broken toy or a damaged relationship. It’s a hard lesson, but we impress on them that being an adult sometimes means we accept responsibility for things that aren’t strictly our fault. Maybe something happened by accident, or someone took offense by misunderstanding – we still need to step up and try to make things right.

Occasionally the problem isn’t actual sin but rather just high spirits or too much energy. Maybe they really are on your nerves, and that’s most of the problem!

How did Coach handle it?Sometimes the best correction is just to work it off. How did your high school coach handle it if you were goofing off during practice? What did your drill instructor do at boot camp if you weren’t putting your back into the job?

A bit of strenuous exertion can be a lifesaver here! “Drop and give me ten!” – a call for some push-ups is a good manly punishment for a minor but irritating infraction. You can have them run up and down the stairs, or laps around the back yard. Ask Dad for advice, since he’s probably received similar correction in his time! It’s not offensive or demeaning, but it can use up some energy and help your son focus again.

It’s not supposed to be easy or fun. Hebrews 12:11 says,

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

(continue …)

The most important partBut the most critical thing to remember is the foundation you’re laying for the long term. What sort of relationship are you building with your teenager?

Our relationship with God is more than just crime-and-punishment – that’s part of it and unavoidable, but it’s not the full relationship. If that’s all we know of our heavenly Father, there’s a lot that’s missing!

Likewise with our kids. Of course we’ll have times of conflict or confrontation, but the question will remain – what sort of relationship do we have now, and what sort are we building for tomorrow? … Tune in for practical applications!

The post Effective Discipline for Teens – MBFLP 261 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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289: Create your own Digital PlannerIn this episode, we discuss various tools and methods to create your own digital planner, perfect for homeschooling or managing other aspects of life.

We mention practical and customizable options like Google Calendar, Google Sheets, and Trello, and then talk about more visually appealing solutions using Canva and SlidesMania.

Key Takeaways:

• Google Calendar: Create multiple calendars for different aspects of your life (homeschooling, chores, etc.) and customize them with color coding. Easily share and collaborate with others.
• Google Sheets: Use spreadsheets to organize your homeschool plans by subject and week. Great for those who prefer a simple, column-based approach.
• Trello: A project management tool that can be adapted as a planner. Organize tasks by subject or child using lists and cards, with easy drag-and-drop functionality.
• Canva: Ideal for creating visually appealing planners. Start with customizable templates and adapt them for homeschooling.
• SlidesMania: Free templates in Google Slides or PowerPoint format, offering flexibility and organization in a well-structured format.

Resources Mentioned:

• Google Calendar
• Google Sheets
• Trello
• Canva Personal Planners
• SlidesMania Planner Templates

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Stuff Your Teen Can Fail AtAllowing teens to experience and learn from failure in a supportive environment helps build their confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for future challenges.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Encouraging Self-Belief and Independence in Teens:

– Allowing teens to fail in low-stakes situations helps build resilience and problem-solving skills.

– Experiencing failure prepares them for significant future challenges.

1. Examples:

– Clothing Choices: (1) Letting teens pick their own clothes, even if it’s inappropriate for the weather. (2) Teaches them about natural consequences and critical thinking.

– Filling Out Forms: (1) Encouraging teens to complete forms for activities on their own. (2) Helps them learn responsibility, attention to detail, and the importance of deadlines.

– First Job Experiences: (1) Allowing teens to navigate their first job without parental intervention. (2) Teaches the importance of dedication, effort, and adhering to standards set by an employer.

1. Parental Struggles with Letting Go:

– Acknowledging it’s hard for parents to watch their kids fail.

– Emphasizing the importance of trusting the process and letting children learn from their mistakes.

Printable Resource:

A printable list of the ideas discussed in this episode and many more:

1. Weather Fails
2. Forms Fails
3. First Job Fails

Call to Action:

Download the Printable: Get the list of examples to implement in your daily life. The link is in our show notes.

Share Your Stories: Email us with a story of a failure that seemed challenging at the time but has turned into a valuable lesson for your teen. We’d love to feature it on our next episode!

Subscribe and Stay Connected: Make sure to subscribe to our blog and podcast for weekly insights, tips, and resources.

Connect With Us:

You can read more about this (or past topics) on Charla’s blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Why Study Psychology in High School?

Why Study Psychology in High SchoolPsychology is such a fun and useful topic for homeschool high schoolers. It’s not just about filling a slot on their transcript; it’s about giving them tools for life. Diving into psychology helps teens become more self-aware, understanding the intricate workings of their minds and bodies. So, why study psychology in high school? Join Vicki for reasons why teens should study Psych!

Why Studying High School Psychology is BeneficialImagine your teen gaining insight into their emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and how all these elements interplay. This kind of self-knowledge is priceless and can help them navigate the complex world of high school, relationships, and beyond.

But that’s not all. Studying psychology isn’t just beneficial for personal growth. It also makes their high school transcript shine! (BTW- here’s a Psychology course description for your teen’s records.)

For college-bound students, a half-credit in psychology fits a social sciences requirement or a highly attractive elective.

Even if college isn’t in their immediate plans, psychology offers a rich, engaging elective that shows a willingness to explore and understand diverse fields. This kind of exploration adds breadth to their education, making them well-rounded and more prepared for whatever path they choose.

Plus, the skills they gain (like critical thinking, empathy, and understanding human behavior) are universally valuable, no matter their future career.

So, why study psychology in high school? Because it’s a stepping stone to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, setting them up for success in all areas of life.

Let’s dive even deeper into why studying psychology in high school can be transformative for your teen!

Why Study High School Psychology?There are lots of reasons to study (and like) Psych!

Psychology Helps Teens Understand Their Brain and BodyOne of the most compelling reasons is that it equips them with practical knowledge about how the brain and body function together. This is not just academic theory, it’s about understanding real-life applications.

For instance, learning about perception, genetics, and the basics of learning and behavior helps teens grasp why they think and act the way they do. This kind of insight can improve their academic performance, personal relationships, and even their mental health.

Also, psychology is a subject that resonates with many teens because it offers immediate relevance to their lives. From understanding personality theories to exploring the science of sleep and dreams, psychology covers a broad range of topics that are both fascinating and applicable.

These myriad of topics within this subject matter can ignite a passion for learning and encourage them to pursue further studies in psychology or related fields.

Psychology Helps Teens Develop Necessary Life SkillsAnother critical aspect of why study psychology in high school is its impact on developing essential life skills. Topics such as communication, needs and motivation, and abnormal psychology provide teens with tools to navigate their personal and social lives more effectively.

Understanding the basics of psychological testing and research methods also hones their critical thinking skills, enabling them to evaluate information more effectively, which is a crucial ability in our information-saturated world.

Studying Psychology Can Lead Towards A CareerAt the same time, for those students who find themselves drawn to the subject, psychology can be an introduction to a rewarding career.

There is a growing demand for mental health professionals, and an early introduction to the field can inspire teens to pursue further education and eventually contribute to this vital area.

By studying psychology, they are not only preparing for potential future careers but also learning how to support their own well-being and that of others.

Psychology Can Help Your Teen Learn More About GodIncorporating psychology into your teen’s homeschool curriculum can be a unique opportunity for faith-based learning. For instance, the 7Sisters Psychology curriculum offers an introduction to psychology from a Christian perspective, ensuring that the subject matter aligns with your family’s values.

This approach makes the material more relatable and also ensures that your teen can explore these concepts in a way that complements their worldview.

And for those concerned about academic rigor, 7Sisters’ curriculum provides flexibility- whether your teen is aiming for a standard credit or an honors level course. That’s because the curriculum is designed to be adaptable by offering leveling-up, enrichment activities for teens to choose as they create a rigorous credit that is personally meaningful.

It allows students to delve deeper into topics of interest, fostering a love for learning without overwhelming them with busy work. This balance ensures that your teen can enjoy and appreciate the subject, regardless of their academic goals.

Psychology Offers A Well-Rounded Education For Your TeenAnd let’s not forget the practical aspects. Many colleges look for a well-rounded transcript that includes social sciences like psychology.

Even if your teen is not aiming for a highly competitive college, having psychology on their transcript can showcase their willingness to explore diverse fields and their commitment to a comprehensive education.

Incorporating psychology into your homeschool high school years can also be a fun and engaging experience for the whole family. Psychology curriculum can include interactive elements like videos and personality tests, which can make learning more dynamic and enjoyable.

Whether used in a co-op setting or for individual study, these resources can help bring the subject to life and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the material.

Why Study Psychology In High SchoolStudying psychology in high school offers a multitude of benefits, from personal growth and academic enrichment to practical life skills and career preparation. It’s a subject that fulfills educational requirements while also enriching your teen’s understanding of themselves and the world around them.

So, if you are considering adding psychology to your homeschool curriculum, know that you are making a choice that will have a lasting positive impact on your teen’s life. Take a look at 7Sisters’

• Introduction to Psychology from a Christian Perspective textbook
• Introduction to Psychology edition for states that reimburse for curriculum
• Introduction to Psychology video course (the textbook is also required)
• Introduction to Psychology syllabus (free)
• Introduction to Psychology Lesson Plans (for co-ops or simply, more enrichment)

Thank you for Seth Tillman for editing this podcast and for Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review and give us some stars and a comment to help others find us more easily. 7. Thanks!

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287: Bringing History to Life with TechnologyIf your children find history boring, here are 8 ideas on bringing history to life with technology

1. 1. Videos: * Use YouTube channels, documentaries, and docudramas to visualize historical events. * Battle simulation videos and feature movies can also provide an immersive experience. * Compare movies to actual historical facts for a deeper learning experience.
   2. Online Games:
      • Incorporate games like Mission USA, “Be George Washington,” and Oregon Trail to make history interactive.
   3. Video Games:
      • Civilization and other strategy games can be used to learn about different civilizations
   4. Virtual Museum Field Trips:
      • Explore museums online, such as Ellis Island or Anne Frank’s house, to experience history virtually.
   5. Reading Old Newspapers:
      • Use Chronicling America to access historical newspapers and explore what life was like in the past
   6. Museum Websites:
      • Museum websites, like the Smithsonian, offer primary sources and interactive resources
   7. Google Maps & Google Arts and Culture:
      • Virtually visit historical sites and explore ancient ruins to connect with history.
      • Google Arts and Culture offers specific experiences related to historical events
   8. Digital Escape Rooms:
      • Engage with history through digital escape rooms that require problem-solving and critical thinking.

FundaFunda Academy Discount Offer:

Special offer: 50% off with code HWTHISTORY until 30 September 2024 for:

1. 1. • World War II web-based unit studies— “Who’s Who World War II” and “World War II Year by Year.” * Mystery of the Painted Pyramid * Two digital breakouts: “Mosby’s Treasure” (American Civil War) and “The Mystery of the Amber Room” (World War II).

High School History Classes from FundaFunda Academy mentioned in this episode

1. 1. • World History * US History

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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3 Traits That Define A True AdultIn this episode of “It’s Not About Money,” Matt and Charla dive into the essentials of intentional parenting, focusing on the crucial skills children need to develop into responsible and capable adults. They explore the concept of raising adults, not just kids, and emphasize the importance of fostering independence, accountability, and financial literacy from an early age.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Raising Adults, Not Kids:

– Charla shares her philosophy that the goal of parenting is to raise adults who can take on the responsibilities of adulthood.

– The importance of helping children mature and prepare for the next stages of life.

1. Independent Decision Making:

– Encouraging children to make their own decisions, from minor choices like dinner to major ones like career paths.

– Teaching kids to trust their judgment and learn from their decisions.

1. Accepting Responsibility:

– The significance of letting children accept responsibility for their actions and decisions.

– Avoiding the temptation to intervene too much and allowing kids to advocate for themselves.

1. Financial Independence:

– Preparing children for the financial realities of adulthood.

– The necessity of choosing a career that supports their desired lifestyle.

– Charla discusses her program, Beyond Personal Finance, designed to teach teens about the expenses of real life and the importance of financial planning.

Printable Resource:

– A printable checklist highlighting the three key skills discussed in this episode:

1. Making Independent Decisions
2. Accepting Responsibility
3. Managing Finances Effectively

Call to Action:

– Reflect on how you can incorporate these principles into your parenting style.

– Encourage your children to make decisions, accept responsibility, and understand the value of money.

– Download the printable checklist to use as a guide.

Connect With Us:

You can read more about this (or past topics) on Charla’s blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

The post 3 Traits That Define A True Adult appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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“What makes you think you’re qualified to homeschool?”That’s one of the frequently asked questions, isn’t it? And if nobody in your family, church, or neighborhood asks — you’ll probably ask yourself. Don’t you have to have a teacher’s certificate to really be a teacher? Shouldn’t you go to college and get an education degree first? Or is the credential less important for a homeschool than a classroom?

This episode, we’re taking a listener’s question and talking about homeschooling with confidence – without specialized training or professional certification. We did it, and you can too!

Do you have a question or a suggestion to share?We’d love to hear from you! Call our Listener Response Line and leave a message, and maybe we can answer your questions in a future episode!

Visit our sponsor:

Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum?

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!

The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly.

Visit ctcmath.com today to start your free trial.

The post Qualified to Homeschool – MBFLP 266 (Special Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Is your child struggling with math? Do you have a gifted child that needs to secure a good math foundation that will let them soar? Is your 5, 9 or 15 year old having trouble remembering their math facts? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, this is the podcast for you!

Thank you to our sponsor, CTC Math.

Dr. Jan will lead you through the foundation and cornerstone of math.

Foundation:
1. Rote counting – Counting CD
2. Understanding quantity – first count accurately, then be able to look at fingers, pictures on a page, and dice and be able to recognize the quantity
3. Counting from any random number to a specific number
4. Skip Counting
5. Concept of math operations:
a. What is addition, subtraction, multiplication or division?
b. Progression through the different aspects of each operation, i.e. multi-digit addition all the way through 2 and 3 digit division. This progression is made available through Visual Circle Math
(downloadable & printed copy), a way to advance quickly through understanding of concepts if a child is advanced in math. Great also for remediation if a child is struggling with math as
they can go at their own pace. Also available in: Visual Circle Math (download only)

1. Word problems – holding pieces together long enough to figure out what is important information requires good auditory processing.

Get your free Auditory Processing Test Kit at LittleGiantSteps.com
Cornerstone:
Math Facts – Rapid Recall System be sure to choose the operation you want (addition, subtraction, etc. or get all four operations at a major discount).
See handout for special Ultimate Home School Radio discounts on all products mentioned on today’s podcast.

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!

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Are you facing the challenge of a child who seems uninterested in their homeschooling journey? Do you hear complaints of, “I’m bored. This is boring!” You’re not alone. Many parents encounter this hurdle, but with the right strategies, you can turn this around. Inspired by insights from the podcast “Goldilocks and the Teen Years,” let’s explore how you can reignite your child’s passion for learning.

Thank you to our Sponsor: CTC Math.

1. Finding the Spark: Motivating Your Homeschooler Beyond Being BoredFirstly, understand that motivation is key. Every child has unique interests and learning styles, and tapping into these can make a world of difference. Try incorporating diverse teaching methods – maybe your child thrives on visual aids, or perhaps they’re more hands-on learners. Remember, the goal is to make learning engaging and fun. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, and set realistic goals together. This not only motivates but also gives them a sense of accomplishment.

2. Setting Realistic Expectations forBored TeensIt’s important to remember that age matters. What works for a teenager might not be suitable for a younger child. Tailor your curriculum and teaching style to match your child’s age and developmental stage. This doesn’t mean lowering standards, but rather aligning them with your child’s capabilities. Be patient and be prepared to adjust your approach as they grow and their interests evolve.

3. The Goldilocks Principle: Just Right LearningThis principle, as discussed in “Goldilocks and the Teen Years,” is about finding the ‘just right’ challenge for your child. Not too easy, not too hard, but just enough to stretch their abilities without overwhelming them. It’s about creating a learning environment that’s neither overly structured nor too lax, but perfectly suited to your child’s individual needs.

You’ve Got ThisEvery homeschooling journey is unique and comes with its own set of challenges. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and advice. Stay flexible, stay patient, and most importantly, stay connected with your child’s learning needs and interests. Together, you can overcome the hurdle of boredom and create a fulfilling and enjoyable homeschooling experience.

Welcome to the Life Skills 101 Podcast, proudly presented by Blue Collar Homeschoolers and the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. Whether you’re an experienced homeschooling family or just starting your homeschooling journey, this podcast is your go-to resource for equipping your family with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful future.Subscribe and Stay InformedCheck out our other podcasts & subscribe.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to provide your family with the best possible homeschooling and career preparation resources. Subscribe to the Life Skills 101 Podcast and stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and valuable insights.

GRAB YOUR FREE TIMELINE TO HOMESCHOOL SUCCESS RIGHT HERE

The post Help for Kids Who Are Bored with Homeschooling appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Jamie, Arlene, and I had so much fun recording our podcast for last week, we decided to keep the party going and record a second one. At every conference people ask us how we homeschool children across the ages. We figured it might be something the podcast world would want us to talk about as well, so we did.

Every homeschooling family is unique. Some people homeschool year round, some 3 days a week, some 8-12 everyday. It is hard to tell others exactly HOW to homeschool, but we all agreed on the following for those homeschooling different ages at the same time.

1. Find the rhythm for YOUR family, don’t compare.
2. Make sure your youngest gets some quality time by creating an engaging environment for them.
3. Partner children up to work together. For example, while you are working with the middle child, have the oldest and youngest work together. While you work with the oldest, have the middle and youngest work together, etc…
4. Don’t be afraid to seek the help of tutors, enroll some children in a hybrid, or partner up with other homeschooling families to meet the needs of your children.
5. Take advantage of early mornings and naptime. Be willing to change your schedule and remember this is just a season. Flexibility is KEY.

You’ve got this!

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

The post Back to School Replay – Homeschool Children Across The Ages appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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How does a homeschooling parent possibly educate older kids while at the same time juggling preschoolers, toddlers, and babies? Is it even realistic to think we could do a good job while spinning so many homeschool plates?

On this episode of Homeschooling in Real Life, Fletch and Kendra talk about how they’ve managed to homeschool 8 kids, how to structure a day so that schooling actually gets done, and how mom can survive and thrive during the demanding years of homeschooling multiple ages.

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:Three Essential Keys to Homeschooling Multiple AgesPreschoolers and Peace Website

Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Previous Episodes Mentioned:All of them

Music clips used on this episode:None

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor: CTC Math

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Hey, homeschoolers! I’ve always been fascinated by life change, thus my pursuit of a career in psychology. But psychology alone didn’t produce the changes I desired in my life. And what’s funny to me is that I can only share steps for how to change your homeschool life in hindsight. I didn’t have a plan. So if you’d like some things to change in your homeschool life, stay tuned for what I learned along the way.

SponsorAre you looking for a new Math Curriculum?

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!

The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly.

Visit c-t-c-math.com today to start your free trial.

Step 1: Make a daily appointment with the king.

I took the first step in changing my homeschool life before I even began homeschooling. I made a daily appointment with the king and worked to believe Him for the changes I wanted to see in my life.

Becky Tirabassi

The second step was added to that cornerstone: building routines. You’ve heard me say it many times, but if there is something new you want to do, pair it with a routine task.

Importance of Routines

The third step in changing my homeschool life was prioritizing relationships: husband, kids, friends. Prayer and routines allowed me to do this.

Training Aliens

The fourth step was self-care. The first three steps are part of self-care. But I had to prioritize time for exercise and hobbies and unscheduled time. Women who feel burdened by obligations are most likely to overeat. I don’t have research, but I believe they’re also most likely to be angry.

Self-care

The fifth step was self-talk. Still working on this. If we silently tell ourselves that we’re lazy, unlovable, or undisciplined, our minds will seek to fulfill this prophecy. Whatever it is you want to change (even if it’s your kids behavior), change the way you talk to yourself about it first.

What to Say When You Talk to Yourself

If God can change my homeschool life, He can change yours too. With daily devotions, routines, relationships time, self-care, and positive self-talk, you may wonder at that the changes just as I do.

Thanks again to CTC Math for sponsoring the podcast.

Have a happy homeschool week!

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Boxed vs out-of-the-box Curriculum.

Boxed vs Out-of-the-Box CurriculumOne amazing thing about homeschooling is the ability to tailor education to your family’s unique needs. When you are choosing curriculum, you will likely find yourself pondering whether to try boxed vs out-of-the-box curriculum approaches. Join Vicki and Sabrina to look at the benefits of each.

Boxed CurriculumA boxed curriculum provides a comprehensive, all in one, total package, typically including all necessary materials, such as books and resources, along with a suggested syllabus.

Boxed curriculum can look like a myriad of things. For instance, some boxed curriculum can be completely online, with or without the need to print worksheets. Others can be a mix of both online lessons and physical textbook lessons and activities. While yet other boxed curriculum can strictly be purely physical books and resources.

This option is appealing for its organized structure and convenience – it’s already put together and planned out for you. With this sort of curriculum approach, parents feel confident that they are covering all required subjects, and the provided syllabus helps keep the family on track.

Boxed curriculum might offer financial savings through bundled resources, making it a cost-effective choice for many families. It can also be a relief for parents who prefer not to spend time piecing together different resources or who feel less confident in certain subject areas.

Of course, the price of boxed curriculum varies from company to company, from affordability to highly expensive, with each having their own set of pros and cons.

One drawback of the structured nature of boxed curriculum can be that it ay sometimes feel restrictive. And it may not always align perfectly with your family’s unique interests or specific needs of a child. Parents might worry about cramming their child into a one-size-fits-all educational model. But the key is to remember it’s completely okay to skip the parts of the boxed curriculum that you don’t like or that doesn’t fit your family.

You can be in the boxed curriculum but not be bound by the boxed curriculum!

We 7Sisters call our boxed curriculum “bundles”. Our English/Language Arts Bundles are popular for busy families with homeschool high school. They include literature study guides, writing guides, grammar resources, vocabulary (in the literature guides), public speaking activities. Take a look:

General/Mixed Literature Topics* One Year of High School English/Language Arts (A Good Fit for 9th Grade) * Another Year of High School English/Language Arts (A Good Fit for 10th Grade) * One More Year of High School English/Language Arts (A Good Fit for 11th Grade) * A Final Year of High School English/Language Arts (A Good Fit for 12th Grade)

Focused Topic Literature Topics* A Full Year of English/Language Arts: Cinema Studies for Literature Learning and Composition (A Good Fit for 9th or 10th Grade) * A Full Year of English/Language Arts: Great Christian Writers Literature and Composition (A Good Fit for 9th or 10th Grade) * A Full Year of English/Language Arts: American Literature and Composition ((A Good Fit for 10th or 11th Grade) * A Full Year of English/Language Arts: British Literature and Composition (A Good Fit for 11th or 12th Grade) * A Full Year of English/Language Arts: World and Ancient Literature and Composition (A Good Fit for 11th or 12th Grade)

Out-of-the-box CurriculumOn the other hand, an out-of-the-box curriculum approach allows for complete customization. Here, you can select resources that match your child’s interests and learning style, creating a more personalized educational experience. This kind of flexibility can lead to higher enthusiasm from your teens for learning.

An out-of-the-box curriculum can also be called an a la carte approach, where you can pick and choose different curriculum to meet your teen’s needs and subject matter. This can be particularly beneficial for subjects when your teen has a strong interest or even where the parent has strong expertise.

It also allows families to incorporate real-life experiences and spontaneous learning opportunities, such as field trips or project-based learning. This flexibility makes for a more personalized and engaging educational experience for teens, helping them to connect their learning to the world around them.

However, the freedom of an out-of-the-box, or a la carte, curriculum comes with its own set of challenges. Without the structure of a pre-packaged curriculum, parents must invest more time in planning and ensuring they cover all necessary topics.

It may also be harder to track progress and stay organized, especially for those new to homeschooling. When parents are piecing together every bit of a child’s education, it could get overwhelming, especially if you have multiple children in different age groups to plan and purchase for.

Our homeschooling high schoolers who loved to pick and choose curriculum loved 7Sisters Literature Guides and Writing Guides.

Here is a complete list of 7Sisters no-busywork Literature Study Guides

• Essay Writing Guides for High School (suggested for 9th-11th grades)
• Poetry Writing Guides for High School (suggested for 9th-11th grades)
• Short Story Writing Guides for High School (suggested for 9th-11th grades)
• Research Paper Writing Guides (suggested for 9th-11th grades)
• Real-World Writing Guides (suggested for 11th-12th grades)

Boxed Curriculum vs Eclectic: Finding the Right BalanceThere is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of boxed curriculum vs. out-of-the-box curriculum. In fact, there is no “right way” to homeschool.

The best approach depends on each family’s specific needs and preferences. Some families might thrive with the structure and convenience of a boxed curriculum, while others might prefer the flexibility and personalization of an out-of-the-box approach.

For many, a hybrid model works best. This could involve using a boxed curriculum for core subjects and supplementing with customized resources for areas of special interest or need.

Flexibility is key, and it’s important to remember that the chosen curriculum should serve the family’s educational goals, not the other way around.

Boxed Vs Out-of-the-box CurriculumBoth boxed vs out-of-the-box curriculum have their merits. Understand the strengths and limitations of each one and how they compare with your family’s specific needs and preferences. When you do that, you can make an informed decision that best supports your homeschooling journey.

Whether opting for a structured package or a personalized mix of resources, the goal is to create a fulfilling and effective educational experience for your teens.

Thank you for Seth Tillman for editing this podcast and for Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

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There are many educational philosophies in general but not many for homeschooling. Homeschooling for excellence is a way to encourage your children to grow and excel in the homeschool environment. In this podcast, Felice shares tips on successful outcomes in your homeschool journey.

Homeschooling For Excellence – Episode 530How do you homeschool for excellence when you can barely get your teen kids up in the morning, and yet the younger kids are up before dawn? It can and will happen, but it takes a homeschool-for-excellence mindset. It is the way we think about homeschooling. Listen, no one wants to be told how to homeschool their kids; I get that. As homeschool parents and families, we are very strong-willed and independent people. We are, in essence, swimming against the current, and it would be easier in a sense to send our children off in the morning and let someone else deal with their education. But at what cost? In the society in which we live, many of us are shocked when we find out what is being taught in our schools, especially public schools. This curtain was drawn back during the 2020-2021 school year, and many parents have not recovered from the shock.

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com, It is due to our sponsors that we are able to bring quality homeschool-focused podcasts and great curriculum providers to your attention. Check them out.

Homeschooling for excellence involves how we regard our homeschooling journey. Here is a short list of reasons why people homeschool.

1. Faith
2. Parents don’t like what is being taught in the public schools.
3. Private and Christian schools are too expensive.
4. A struggling learner needs additional help.
5. Bullying
6. The desire to teach their children with a flexible schedule.

There are so many other reasons why people homeschool. I started because my educational background was in special needs, with an elementary and early childhood education degree. My struggling learner did not fit into the private school mold. Public education was not an option for me; having spent two years teaching in a broken system, I saw firsthand how children were left behind. Over the years, it has changed to a focus on our Catholic/Christian faith, values, and an emphasis on excellence.

Ask Yourself:

1. What are your goals?
2. What is your vision for your homeschool year?
3. What are your expectations?
4. Are your expectations reasonable?
5. How will you attain your goals?

Excellence is a state of mind. It is how we see our homeschool journey going, and it is how we expect our children to succeed.

Years ago, a family came out of nowhere and wrote a book, Homeschooling For Excellence-here. The book highlighted their four children and how they went to Ivy League colleges. This set off a firestorm among homeschoolers. Everyone wanted to be like this family, and this family was put on a pedestal. I watched interviews with this family at the time, and they were surprised by all the attention. Why was this so amazing? Because excellence and success in the outcome results were unheard of at the time. Now, homeschoolers have a track record. Homeschooling is mainstream, many young people in sports homeschool and many young people excel in the flexibility of the homeschool schedule.

I was a conference speaker during this time and was approached by countless parents about my homeschool philosophy and one of the questions they asked, “Do you want your children to attend an Ivy League school?” The answer will surprise you.

“No.”

That was not my goal; my goal for success was well-rounded children who had a good educational foundation, who loved the Lord and their family, and who demonstrated good character and a virtuous life. I wasn’t 100% successful, but I am happy to report that three of my children graduated from college, with their faith intact and strong, with Magnum Sum Laude and Cum Laude honors. Two of these children were struggling learners at one time. One of my sons is an entrepreneur who is highly successful, and the other is a Lyft Driver (currently) who is kind and courteous to his customers and has a five-star rating.

Homeschooling for excellence does not mean all of our children are a “success” by the world’s standards, only by the standards we set as parents.Here is what I’ve found in my own homeschool journey, as well as those I’ve talked to throughout my ten years on this podcast and thirty-two years of homeschooling. It all starts with us. The parents, the caregivers, and those who want our children to be successful. How do you approach your homeschool? What do you expect out of your children? Do we expect our kids to be the best they can be, or do we just want to get through the day so we can throw in a load of laundry in peace?

What is the Solution for homeschooling with excellence?The solution is to expect that your children will excel and have the goals explained to each of them. The best way I can explain this is to give you an example of my own homeschooling. I realized early on that my kids were super bright but struggling with reading, spelling or retention of math. Yet, I didn’t throw up my hands and make accommodations for them; I expected them to learn and do it well. Did we take things slower at times? Yes–but progress was still made.

I found a curriculum that worked; when it didn’t, I used something else. I used a hands-on approach, and we had many, many field trips that reinforced what we were studying and learning. My children excelled and looked forward (at times) to homeschooling. They knew what was expected.

The Key Is Expectation.I know I’m being repetitive, but it works. My grandchildren can be a handful at times. I love having them spend the night and recently had four of them, ages 11 to 5, three boys and one girl, for an evening and an entire day. The first thing I do is explain my expectations, often talking about myself in the third person! “Grandma expects you to listen when I talk and to follow the rules. You must ask me before you go outside, and if you want to go swimming, I need to be with you. I also expect you to be kind to each other with no yelling and talking mean.” Then, I ask them to tell me what my expectations are and ask questions. I then ask the children what will happen if they do not do what is asked. (The threat–which I’ve never had to follow through with is to call their parents to pick them up so that they could go home.)

The kids are young, but they are smart enough to know that they will have a wonderful time here, and being on their best behavior is a small price to pay for having fun.

Kids are smart, and as my husband says, they are gamblers. They are betting that you will not follow through, but I have a track record for following through with their mother and they have all heard the story. It only takes one time of following through to get the results we would like to see and the results are well worth it.

While expectation is key, surrounding yourself with like-minded families is important as well. We encourage each other, and we work together for common goals. But that, too, can be a bit much. I participated in homeschool co-ops only when my children were younger. These were parent-taught and led; we all took turns teaching a specific topic or unit. But, I pulled out of them with all of my children in the high school years. This seems counterproductive and against what I see many parents doing. The reason is that I wanted my children to learn independently and to research without being told what is right and what is wrong, with me available to help, to discuss, and to direct the learning. This independence and direction helped my college-bound children when they found their classmates were sheep wanting to “know” the right answer without challenging the professor. (Yes, this can backfire–but it is important that your children are independent thinkers).

How can we have independent thinkers who are good, wholesome, and honorable? It takes a good foundation. For our family, this foundation is strong in the Bible and in examples of godly men and women who lived virtuous lives. I read my children so many books that emphasized this type of behavior. We had open discussions, and my children challenged me, and I challenged them. My husband and I were available for our children.

Friends, excellence is whatever you make it, stay strong, join our homeschool podcast family and share your thoughts with me!

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286: Essential Computer Skills for Students in 2024What are the essential computer skills for students in 2024? These are 5 that are covered in this episode.

1. Understanding Computers and How They Work:
   • Importance of knowing the basics of computers.
   • Learn about binary, algorithmic thinking etc
   • Practical examples and benefits of understanding computer fundamentals.
2. Learning to Code:
   • Coding as a valuable skill across various fields.
   • Introduction to coding through Scratch and Python.
   • Real-life applications of coding skills in different careers.
   • Benefits of understanding coding even for non-technical roles.
   • Free and paid resources for learning to code.
3. Digital Literacy:
   • Importance of managing digital footprints and understanding internet safety.
   • Developing skills for evaluating online information.
   • Media literacy and critical thinking.
   • Online etiquette, email communication, and virtual collaboration.
   • Life skills like online shopping and booking travel safely.
4. Computer Applications:
   • Mastery of essential tools like Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
   • Importance of graphic and video tools like Canva.
   • Organizing tools such as schedulers and to-do lists.
5. Understanding AI:
   • Basics of AI and its integration into everyday tools.
   • Importance of responsible AI usage and understanding its limitations.
   • Age-appropriate introduction to AI tools and prompt engineering.

Teaching Methods:

• Enrolling in structured classes, such as those offered by show sponsor FundaFunda Academy.
• Integrating technology skills into everyday life.
• Using educational games and practical applications to teach younger children.
• Incorporating technology into “school” projects.

Resources Mentioned:

• FundaFunda Academy classes (Computer Science, Computer Applications, Scratch, Python, Web Development, Canva, Adobe Photoshop).
• Google Drive unit study.
• Common Sense Media for age-appropriate games.

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Back to School Budget for Teens.

Back to School Budget- A Handy Guide to Letting Your Teen Practice Money SkillsIn this episode, Matt and Charla McKinley discuss the importance of teaching children financial responsibility through a practical and hands-on approach. They introduce a back-to-school budget exercise where kids are given control over their clothing budget, using a Visa gift card to make their own purchases. This method not only teaches budgeting and financial discipline but also instills a sense of accountability and decision-making skills in children.

Back-to-School Budgeting Concept:– The episode centers around a practical money management exercise designed for teens.
– Charla emphasizes the importance of putting money directly into children’s hands to help
them learn budgeting.
– Matt and Charla discuss how this exercise prepares kids for real-life financial decisions.
Implementing the Budgeting Exercise:
– Charla provides a detailed explanation of the exercise, where parents allocate a set budget
for their teen’s back-to-school clothing.
– She suggests using a Visa gift card to give children a tangible way to manage their
spending.
– The exercise includes creating a budget based on basic, mid-range, and high-end clothing
stores.
– Charla outlines the process: starting with assessing the child’s current wardrobe, determining
the number of new items needed, and setting a budget per item.
– Example: If a child needs five basic tops at $12 each, the budget for tops would be $60.
Teaching Financial Responsibility:
– Charla and Matt discuss the benefits of this approach, such as teaching children to check
their card balance, prioritize spending, and make trade-offs.
– They share personal anecdotes about their son learning to budget for shoes and clothes,
and how he adapted his spending over time.
Dealing with Consequences and Learning Opportunities:

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Embracing Productivity in HomeschoolingDuring my homeschool journey, I always aimed to start each new school year with increased productivity. However, “life” often seemed to get in the way. The real challenge was my resistance to creating lists, setting objectives, and establishing reasonable goals. By “reasonable,” I mean plans that don’t involve renovating a home while trying to homeschool and write a book—yes, I did that one year.

The Challenges of Multi-TaskingWe schooled out in our lanai (a fancy term for a screened-in back porch), and while I had my oven and refrigerator plugged in out there, I could almost say I homeschooled in my kitchen. During this time, my dad was moving in, and we were adding two rooms to our home’s back section, which meant extending the living room/kitchen area. What seemed like a simple project took a few months but was ultimately worth it. Afterward, I returned to our upstairs homeschool space and completed the new book I was writing (Information In Nutshell: Writing and Publishing).

Stress Management and ProductivityI realized that while multitasking was never an issue, managing stress was. After this period, I took a long break from writing and began revising some of my earlier works. Now, with productivity on my mind, I’ve asked my daughter Christina, who has authored many of the latest Media Angels planners, to contribute to this one as well. Christina excels in productivity and organization. Once she completes her homeschool journey, she should consider starting a business to help others organize their homes—she’s brilliant at it!

Christina’s Planner: Simplifying ComplexityChristina has a knack for taking complex ideas and making them simple. Hopefully, this month’s planner addresses some challenging concepts and breaks them down into manageable tasks. I especially appreciate her “lists” pages, which are organized into different subheadings. While I tend to lump lists together, her approach makes them more manageable and helps prioritize important tasks.

The Debate on Multi-TaskingThere’s ongoing debate about whether multi-tasking is effective. Many argue that it leads to incomplete tasks. However, my brain functions best with multi-tasking, though I often need to refocus to complete specific tasks. Below, you’ll find recommendations on whether to multi-task or not. Ultimately, the best choice is what works for you.

Homeschool Reporting and OrganizationThis planner includes blank pages in the “homeschool” section for adding subjects and ideas. I’m usually not a fan of blank pages in planners, but these provide a sample of how reports can look. Depending on the subjects you teach, your reports may vary. While report cards aren’t necessary, they can be rewarding for children to see their accomplishments or areas needing improvement. It also allows them to showcase their progress to family.

Maximizing ProductivityThrough my years of homeschooling and friendships, I’ve observed that the busiest people are often the most productive. They minimize distractions, avoid social media and phone calls during the day, and let calls go to voicemail. I learned that if I answered emails in the morning, I’d never start homeschooling due to the “fires” I needed to extinguish. Leaving them for the afternoon worked just fine.

Productivity starts with you and me. It’s about how much freedom you want to have to engage in activities you enjoy but may not have time for. With a bit of planning, those essential chores can be completed efficiently, leaving extra time for what you love.

Get Your Free Productivity in Your Homeschool Planner. << click here.Get a complimenatry 30 page printable full of actionable advice + forms you can use right away. Exclusively created for the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network by Media Angels.

Check our 12-Pack Character Counts Planners from Media Angels.Dive into Media Angels’ Character Counts Planners, your go-to for instilling essential Christian virtues in today’s youth. This set features 12 unique planners, each spotlighting a critical character trait such as Availability, Benevolence, Boldness, Compassion, Diligence, Creativity, Enthusiasm, Faith, Loyalty, Self Control, Tolerance, and Virtue. Designed with kids in mind, these planners seamlessly blend Christian values into daily life.

Peak Inside: Awareness Planner

Features of the Character Counts Planners: Explore 12 Virtues: Each month, tackle a new virtue. * Ready in a Snap: Simply open, print, and start. These planners are set for immediate use, perfect for busy schedules. * Engaging Content: Filled with activities and prompts, each planner invites kids to deeply interact with the virtues. Through questions and fun tasks, they’ll see how these traits fit into their lives. * Age-Adaptable: Whether for a young learner or a teen, the planners adjust to suit different age groups. The content is clear, relatable, and engaging for all. * Lay a Strong Foundation:* Beyond filling time, these planners build the groundwork for lifelong Biblical decision-making.

Give your child the gift of character education with Media Angels’ Character Counts Planners. They do more than organize schedules; they shape confident, compassionate, and responsible individuals. Open, print, go – and watch your child grow into their best self, one virtue at a time.

Be sure to check out our other planners.

Review of the Character Counts Planners“Hi there! I’m a mom who teaches my kid at home, and I found something super cool called the Character Counts Planners by Media Angels. I just had to tell you all about them because they’ve made a big difference for us. So, these planners are all about learning good qualities like being patient, kind, and thankful. There are 12 of them, one for each month, and they focus on different good traits. The best part? They’re super easy to use. You just open them up, print them out, and start learning. It’s perfect for when we’re super busy but still want to learn something important.”- Nakisha B.

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Hey, homeschoolers! I grew up in a rural area where no one I knew took dance classes. Dance was confined to occasional, awkward PE classes. Our nieces were into competitive dance and acro, however, so when I had a preschool-aged daughter of my own, I was excited to enroll her in dance.

She enjoyed it, but it was an expensive, time-consuming activity for what amounted to a photo op that I could have set up for free. She ended up more interested in gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming, and volleyball. So she certainly wasn’t bored.

My son also learned how to tap dance in weeks for a role in a high school musical. He practiced on a piece of plywood in our living room. Everyone was impressed with the results.

You now have the extent of my dance background. So I hadn’t thought much about the value of dance to a homeschool education or how to incorporate it until I touched base with Courtney Sabin, a homeschool graduate herself and founder of YouDance.com. If you’re curious about dance, I think you’ll enjoy our conversation.

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Takeaways* + Incorporating dance into homeschooling can enhance cognitive development, emotional well-being, and physical fitness. * + Providing a safe and wholesome environment for children to learn and enjoy dance is crucial. * + Flexible scheduling and access to a variety of dance styles are advantages for homeschoolers. * + YouDance.com offers a membership model with all-access to dance classes and focuses on bringing more movement, creativity, and joy to homeschooling families.

Try YouDance.com for just $5 with code SANITY24.

Have a happy homeschool week!

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: College Safety and Fun for Homeschool Graduates with Seth and Caroline Tillman- Replay.

College Safety and Fun for Homeschool GraduatesVicki’s five homeschool high schoolers are all graduated from college now, even her youngest, Seth and his newlywed wife, Caroline. Seth and Caroline loved their years of homeschooling. College was a big change for them both but they loved it and made the most of their experiences there by getting involved in college activities and mentoring relationships. They also made lots of friends.

From the many experiences they or their friends had, Seth and Caroline offered to share some safety tips for homeschool high schoolers who will head off to college (or anywhere in the big, wide world).

Seth and Caroline Tillman, photo used with permission

So here are Seth and Caroline’s tips for college safety and fun for homeschool graduatesSeth is a elementary music education teacher in a local public school. Caroline first worked in the retirement industry but recently transferred to the University of Delaware as academic advisor and assistant to the UD Health Professions program. Both of them have had the adventure of spending part of their year teaching or advising remotely. (Check out Seth’s videos for his music students.) They believe in paying the things they have learned forward to current homeschoolers to help them prepare for college or employment situations.

Safety Tip #1: Walk in a groupAs often as you can, especially at night. If you will be late at the library, call a friend and talk to a friend while walking and use “Find My Friend” app on your phone. (Predatory people tend to prey on lone individuals, so groups are best when possible.)

Safety Tip #2: Lock your dorm or apartment doors when you leaveYou would think this is not something you really need to tell teens. But Caroline shared that she saw the poor outcome of roommates or friends not locking doors a number of times. (Keep a key on a hair tie if you find keychains are too cumbersome.)

Safety Tip #3: Ride share adviceAsk the driver what YOUR name is. Make sure they and their car look like the descriptions you were told when ordering the ride. Also look for the lit sign in the windshield of the car (Uber or Lyft have signs). If you can, ride with a friend on the ordered ride.

Safety Tip #4: If you are walking around with listening to music or podcasts, leave one earbud outThis makes you more aware of your environment, especially for crossing roads but also for unusual things that might need your attention.

Safety Tip #5: Use the share your location app on your phoneBut only share that with close, safe friends. It is not a social media app!

Safety Tip #6: Have a friend who leaves their phone on sound at night for you (and you for them)If you have car trouble, locked out of their apartment or are in an uncomfortable situation, phoning a friend can be a life saver.

Safety Tip #7: When going on college tours what kind of campus safety measures are in place at the school.For example, at University of Delaware there are safety blue lights regularly around the campus for calling for help. It is so important for schools to be considering safety of their students!

Safety Tip #8: When going to an event, make sure that at least one or two of your group will stand up for youLet there be an understanding that if things get uncomfortable, you can say to your friend, “I need to go” and they will actually leave with you.

Okay, now for some uncomfortable topics. Sometimes we homeschool parents try so hard to shelter our teens, that we find it extremely difficult to discuss “adult” topics with our young adults as they leave for college. (As Seth says, your kids are not kids anymore when they leave for college, they are adults…young adults but adults, so need to be prepared for an “adult” world.) Naivety will not work for new adults.

Safety Tip #9: When encountering alcohol, if you see someone heavily intoxicated, please do not leave that person aloneBe aware of your surroundings. If you see someone who is not okay, call the university police or 911. If it is someone you know and you feel safe, help them get back to their dorm. When calling 911, remember it’s better to have folks mad at you about it than have someone die from alcohol poisoning. Also, there is usually a medical amnesty policy that protects you from getting in trouble when you call 911.

Safety Tip #10: Know what alcohol poisoning looks likeFrom Mayo Clinic’s website: confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, irregular breathing, blue-tinged or pale skin, low body temperature, passing out and cannot be wakened.

Seth and Caroline graduated from a state college. Seth points out that alcohol is common in state colleges, so they were not surprised to see these kinds of things. He also has lots of friends who went to small private or Christian colleges. In the smaller schools, these things happen, too (but mostly in secret).

Safety Tip #11: Monitor what you are drinkingThis is difficult to talk about but important. No matter where you are whether restaurants, parties or get togethers. Vicki jumped in on this to add that, as a counselor who works with college students, she has worked with a number young women who have been “roofied” (a date rape drug slipped into their drink) while at a public gathering. So:

• Keep a lid on what you are drinking when possible
• If you go to the bathroom, have a trustworthy friend watch your drink
• If you start to feel bad and feel like you are “blacking out” and you do not have a trustworthy friend with you but are at a public place, ask staff for help
• If you feel frightened, call 911

Safety Tip #12: If you are choosing to drink (or have friends that choose to drink) alcohol, understand that not all alcohols are alikeSome are stronger than others. Learn about it ahead of time.

Safety Tip #13: Offer rides if you have a carOf course, keep boundaries (some people might think you are an endless free ride) and remember that you can offer but not everyone feels comfortable accepting rides.

Safety Tip #14: Offer your dorm to a safe friend if they are stuck on campus late in the eveningOf course, only if you know they are safe friends

Safety Tip #15: Know what harassment and consent look likeIf you see someone who appears uncomfortable, (and you are safe) walk up to the person who looks uncomfortable and talk right to that person. If you do not feel comfortable, feel free to call 911. Don’t just walk away, err on the side of keeping people safe.

If you are in an uncomfortable situation and do not feel safe, it is okay to lie in order to stay safe, as in: “Sorry, I can’t go with you, I have to meet my roommate here.” Or give out a fake phone number. Remember that actually if you find you are making someone feel uncomfortable, stop and walk away.

Safety Tip #16: Take a self-defense classIt is a genuinely valuable investment of time

Safety Tip #17: Parents: teach your male sons to be respectfulTeach them to be gentlemen. Teach them no means no. Teach them the value of all God’s creation. Teach them good manners.

NOW before you feel terrified for your young adults (and also we aren’t advocating for any unhealthy behaviors, we just don’t want young adults to be naive), here are some GOOD things that happens in college:* Going out to eat with classmates so you get to know them better and enjoy class together more. * Inviting classmates to study groups at the library (especially those in your major) * Joining a healthy fraternity and sorority (not all of those organizations are about partying and wild living, rather some are about service or building their major) * Joining the university choir * Joining an interest group or club * Getting an on-campus job (Caroline worked in the college creamery, Seth worked in events) * For more tips on making friends in college, check out this post

Join Vicki, Seth and Caroline Tillman for an empowering discussion. Also check out the college success tips interview with their friend, Kendall Smythe.

Watch one of Seth’s digital classes for his elementary music students (his school was online during COVID-19). And his fun project with friends, Newbit.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review

College Safety and Fun for Homeschool GraduatesThe post College Safety and Fun for Homeschool Graduates with Seth and Caroline Tillman Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Your Prayers Can Shape HistoryIn “Your Prayers Can Shape History,” Episode, #214, join Meredith Curtis for an inspiring look at how God used intercessors during World War II to shape history and turn the tide. We face incredible challenges in our homes and nation today. Should we give up? No! Let the true stories of miraculous answers to prayer encourage you to always pray and never give up! God bless you and God bless America!

Powerline Productions, Inc.Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show NotesI talk to so many people who are facing challenges in their families and who are so sad to see the direction in which the USA is going. In Luke 18, Jesus tells His disciples a parable so that they would always pray and never give up! He goes on to tell the familiar story of the persistent widow and the judge.

I want to encourage you with some challenging times in history (World War II) where some people chose to pray with all their hearts – and God turned the tide!

Corrie Ten Boom & FamilyCorrie’s grandfather starts a prayer meeting.

DunkirkPrayers behind the Miracles at Dunkirk

Battle of BritainPrayer & Miraculous Answers during the Battle of Britain.

Battles at El AlameinThe Bible college & a soldier pray and God answer!

How Does This Relate to YouWhat challenges do you face? Do you need a miracle? That’s the best time to pray!

How Does This Relate to Our NationRight now, we face so many challenges. Many Americans are struggling to pay their bills due to inflation. There is corruption in our government. People are rejecting the Constitution and the Bible at the same time. Evil is called good and good is called evil. Our border is wide open with fentanyl, criminals, and sex traffickers crossing our borders. Is there any hope for America?

God is still a God who answers prayer! Our prayers can shape history!

20 Century World History20 Century World History Online (High School Course at True North Homeschool Academy)

Sign up for our NewsletterSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

US Geography Resources

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20 Century World History20 Century World History Online (High School Course at True North Homeschool Academy)

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Do your children want to go to college? Do you wonder if they can succeed? Are they struggling just to make it through high school? Is taking a test a daunting prospect? This week you will hear an inspirational testimony of a seventeen-year-old who realized his life-long dream of going to college by using The NeuroDevelopmental Approach.

As parents we want our children to achieve their greatest potential! Dr. Jan gives helpful tips about simple activities that can be performed with children of all ages do so they don’t struggle academically. To be successful learners, we need organized brains, good short-term memory and correct mental storage of information. All of these are requirements so information is found easily and used efficiently. This is what the NeuroDevelopmental Approach is all about! Dr. Jan has been working for over 20 years to bring hope to struggling learners.

Listen to the Brain Coach Tips for today to get your healthy dose of hope. These tips will help whether your child is in college or wants to go to college in the future. Checkout the handout for mentioned products and discount codes.

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!CTC Math

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Welcome to our latest chat on LifeSkills101, sponsored by CTCMath.com, where we talk about the super important skills every young person needs to get ready for grown-up life. It doesn’t matter if they are planning to go to college, get a job right after school, or do something totally different, there are some skills that are just must-haves.

Let’s dive into the three big ones:Being Your Own Boss (Agency), Knowing Who You Are (Integrated Identity), and Having a Bunch of Cool Skills (Competencies).

What’s Being Your Own Boss (Agency)?First up, being your own boss, or Agency, is all about knowing you can change things around you and make decisions that matter. It’s like being the captain of your ship, deciding where to go and what to do. It means setting goals, like finishing a big project or saving up for something special, and not giving up until you get there. It also means being brave enough to stand up for what you need and want, and taking responsibility when things don’t go as planned.

Knowing Who You Are (Integrated Identity)Next, we talked about how important it is to know who you are, which is your Integrated Identity. It’s all about understanding what you believe in, what’s important to you, and what you want to do in the world. When you know who you are, making decisions gets easier because you can ask yourself, “Does this fit with what I believe and who I want to be?”

Having a Bunch of Cool Skills (Competencies)The last big skill set we covered is having a bunch of cool skills, or Competencies. This isn’t just about being good at math or knowing how to write. It’s also about understanding your feelings and getting along with others, plus knowing how to handle real-life stuff that comes your way. We talked about how learning different things can help you do great in the future, no matter what you decide to do.

Learning in Your Own WayWe also chatted about how learning isn’t the same for everyone. Some people learn best by doing things their own way, especially when it comes to what they’re really interested in. If you’re learning at home or in a way that’s different from regular school, it’s all about making sure what you’re learning fits what you’re good at and what you like.

Getting Ready for What’s NextThe world is changing super fast, especially with all the new tech stuff happening. That’s why it’s super important to be ready for whatever comes next. Knowing about the latest gadgets and how the world works can help make sure you’re ready for all the awesome opportunities that are coming.

Subscribe and Stay InformedCheck out our other podcasts & subscribe.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to provide your family with the best possible homeschooling and career preparation resources. Subscribe to the Life Skills 101 Podcast and stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and valuable insights.

GRAB YOUR FREE TIMELINE TO HOMESCHOOL SUCCESS RIGHT HERE

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Jamie, Arlene, and I had so much fun recording our podcast for last week, we decided to keep the party going and record a second one. At every conference people ask us how we homeschool children across the ages. We figured it might be something the podcast world would want us to talk about as well, so we did.

Every homeschooling family is unique. Some people homeschool year round, some 3 days a week, some 8-12 everyday. It is hard to tell others exactly HOW to homeschool, but we all agreed on the following for those homeschooling different ages at the same time.

1. Find the rhythm for YOUR family, don’t compare.
2. Make sure your youngest gets some quality time by creating an engaging environment for them.
3. Partner children up to work together. For example, while you are working with the middle child, have the oldest and youngest work together. While you work with the oldest, have the middle and youngest work together, etc…
4. Don’t be afraid to seek the help of tutors, enroll some children in a hybrid, or partner up with other homeschooling families to meet the needs of your children.
5. Take advantage of early mornings and naptime. Be willing to change your schedule and remember this is just a season. Flexibility is KEY.

You’ve got this!

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Classroom Teachers Who HomeschoolThis episode brought to you by CTC Math.

What happens when classroom teachers decide to homeschool their own children? How do they make the transition from classroom management to managing the personalities around their kitchen table?

If you are a classroom teacher considering homeschooling your own kids, you’ll appreciate this episode and the conversation with former classroom teacher Jolanthe Erb, who brings ten years of homeschool experience to the discussion. We talk about issues unique to the classroom, how homeschooling is different, and why perhaps not everyone is equipped to teach every child.

SHOW NOTES:Recommended Resources:

Jolanthe Erb – Homeschool Creations

Follow Fletch/Kendra:
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Follow the Studio Dogs:
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website**

Previous Episodes Mentioned:None

Music clips used on this episode:Imagine by John Lennon- buy it here on iTunes
Teach Your Children by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young – buy it here on iTunes

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How to Choose High School Curriculum.

How to Choose High School CurriculumChoosing curriculum for high schoolers can feel intimidating. As veteran homeschoolers ourselves, we know how the process of finding homeschool curriculum has changed. Join Vicki in discussing how to understand your teen’s learning style and give you practical guidelines for selecting the best resources.

The Evolution of Homeschool CurriculumIn the early days of homeschooling, curriculum choices were limited. Few publishers were willing to sell to homeschoolers, leading parents to create their own resources, which is what we did at 7SistersHomeschool.

Pioneers like Bob Jones University, Abeka, and ACE were among the few who supported the homeschool community. Over time, the landscape dramatically changed, with a wide array of curriculum options now available from traditional publishers. In fact, there can be so many options that choosing curriculum can feel intimidating.

Guidelines For Choosing Homeschool High School CurriculumOne of the key points is that there is not ONE right way to homeschool high school. Each family and student is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

Another key point to keep in mind is, if someone says their curriculum is the “right” curriculum for your child, take it with a grain of salt.

For instance, even though 7Sisters Homeschool curriculum serves multiple kinds of homeschoolers, it may or may not fit well your family or your unique situation – and that’s okay. Don’t let anyone tell you which curriculum you must use in order to “do homeschooling right”.

Identify Learning StylesWhen considering how to choose high school curriculum, it can help t to think about your teen’s learning style, as well as your family’s educational philosophy.

If you have been homeschooling for some time or have transitioned your teens from traditional school to homeschooling, you might have noticed that each teen has a unique combination of learning styles. However, one style may be particularly prominent.

BTW- If you are unsure about identifying the most effective learning style for your teens, we highly recommend Star Finder by Anita Gibson. Anita, a dear friend of ours, authored this insightful book to help parents observe and understand their children’s learning preferences, uncovering their innate talents and the gifts they possess.

Four Basic Learning StylesThere are four basic learning styles (though people will define them in different ways). Teens tend to have a mixture of them, but usually there is one that really stands out. (However, don’t get too stressed about it if you just can’t figure out which one is your child’s learning style- this is just food for thought):

1. Visual
2. Auditory
3. Reading/Writing
4. Kinesthetic

Visual LearnersTeens with visual learning styles are those who need pictures. They need curriculum that will have

• photographs
• graphs
• diagrams
• illustrations
• links to videos, and so on,

because they need to see something with their eyes and something that includes color. It’s just the way they work.

In the early days of homeschooling, some of the textbooks, particularly the older ones, lacked illustrations. For someone who learns better visually, this was a significant barrier.

Recognizing that visual aids are crucial for many learners, especially teens, we ensured that our 7Sisters curriculum has plenty of images. We have also included links to videos at the end of chapters to cater to those who benefit from a more dynamic form of learning.

Nowadays, most curriculums are designed with visual learners in mind, making it easier for them to find resources that suit their learning style. However, when faced with multiple options, it’s beneficial to include your teen in choosing curriculum that resonates with them.

Auditory LearnersAuditory learners thrive when they can listen and absorb information through their sense of hearing. This learning style requires educational environments where auditory engagement is a key component, whether it’s through:

• co-op and group classes
• online live classes (like those offered by our friends at FundaFunda Academy)
• self-paced courses
• or, of course, one-on-one discussions with a parent or tutor.

These learners excel when lessons are delivered verbally because hearing the information helps them to understand and remember it more effectively. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this approach. It’s simply a unique strength.

Fortunately, there are many choices for auditory learners.

In the spirit of helping auditory learners find resources that cater specifically to their strengths, 7SistersHomeschool has been dedicated to expanding our collection of self-paced, asynchronous courses on the Teachable platform. Feedback from teens indicates that these courses are not only enjoyable but also highly effective in meeting their unique learning needs.

Reading/Writing LearnersThe next category of learners is the reading-writing learner. These individuals have a profound love for reading and writing, embracing both activities with enthusiasm.

Far from being intimidated by the written word, they find joy and satisfaction in engaging with texts, whether through reading, note-taking, or crafting outlines. This affinity for the literary world often means they thrive in academic settings that prioritize these skills.

They enjoy taking in information from textbooks and delight in the process of writing papers.

For reading-writing learners, traditional textbooks can be a valuable resource. However, they truly excel when exposed to a curriculum rich in actual literature. Integrating real books into their studies, especially in subjects like history and science, allows them to engage deeply with the material.

• Historical nonfiction, historical fiction, and science texts not only enrich their learning experience but also provide a more engaging and comprehensive understanding of the subjects.

Moreover, reading-writing learners are particularly well-suited to creative academic approaches. They can earn credits or level-up to achieve honors status on their transcripts by undertaking additional writing projects.

This flexibility in learning strategies not only caters to their strengths but also encourages a deeper exploration of topics of interest.

Kinesthetic LearnersKinesthetic learners, even at the high school level, thrive on hands-on experiences. They engage and absorb information more effectively through interaction. Many of us benefit from interacting with our learning material, whether it’s something as simple as clicking a link to engage with interactive content online.

A prime example of a homeschool high school curriculum that leverages this learning style is our 7SistersHomeschool Financial Literacy course. It encourages students to interact with the material by navigating through links, experimenting with forms, and completing interactive exercises.

This approach not only makes learning more engaging but also ensures the knowledge has a lasting impact.

Physical movement can be crucial for some teens. For instance, Angela O’Shaughnessy has shared with us several times how her kinesthetic learners are deeply engaged with American history through reenactments.

• Participating in Civil War and Revolutionary War activities allowed them to learn through movement and immersive experiences, earning credits by logging hours in these activities.

However, it’s not all about movement. Sometimes, kinesthetic learners need to sit down with a textbook, like for math, but there are also opportunities to be creative, particularly in science and history.

Resources such as EFMeducation.com offer valuable support. Our Cousin, Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville, for example, offers consulting and teaches classes designed for kinesthetic learners, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

Parents and students often wonder about how to choose high school curriculum that aligns with college admission requirements.

Consider Your Own PreferencesChoose a curriculum that aligns with both your teaching style and lifestyle preferences. In a perfect world, identifying how your teenagers learn most effectively can guide you to the most suitable curriculum for their learning style.

Then, consider what suits you best. For instance, when my teens were in high school, I found that engaging with subjects together was crucial. However, if the textbook lacked visuals, I found it disengaging. For my own satisfaction, it was essential that the text included illustrations, which, fortunately, is commonly available nowadays.

Consider your own preferences. If you’re a parent who thrives on adventures and loves organizing field trips, then perhaps you could lean towards courses that accommodate this. If your family enjoys read-aloud sessions, as mine does, you can incorporate this into language arts, history, and science.

My children, now adults, still cherish read-aloud sessions when they get together. It’s a practice we never outgrew.

It’s about finding what works best for your teaching style and incorporating that into your educational approach as much as possible.

Evaluate StructureDetermine how much structure your family needs, from highly structured programs like Keystone to more relaxed, project-based approaches. Consider evaluating the needs and preferences of each family member, as well as your overall goals and values, to determine the ideal level of structure for your family.

Set GoalsAdopt a goal-driven mindset, focusing on long-term objectives and short-term milestones. This will help you maintain clarity and direction as you work towards your ultimate vision. It’s important to stay flexible and adapt to changes as you progress towards your goals.

Parents and students often wonder about how to choose high school curriculum that aligns with college admission requirements. It is important to understand that different colleges may have varying requirements and preferences when it comes to high school curriculum.

Research and consider the specific colleges or universities that the student may be interested in attending and then align the courses up accordingly.

Exploring Different Educational PhilosophiesThink about the kinds of homeschooling methods that work best for you and your family. Similar to the curriculum choices, we have so many, and again, there’s not one right way to homeschool. So you do what’s best for you.

Considering the many methods available for homeschooling, it’s helpful to find what resonates best with you and your family. Homeschooling does not need a one-size-fits-all approach!

Think of the philosophies, or methods, like a spectrum of curriculum choices to suit various needs and learning styles:

• On one end of the spectrum, you have extremely rigid and structured environments
• and on the other end of the spectrum, are the most relaxed learning environments

That’s how we will go through these different approaches now, beginning with the extremely structured approaches.

All-In-One ProgramsFor those who prefer a highly structured learning environment, programs like Keystone or K12 might be appealing. These are akin to traditional school settings, offering a structured curriculum that guides students through their educational journey, much like a classroom experience.

For instance, Abeka’s online classes, which replicate filmed classroom sessions, cater to students who thrive in a well-organized setting.

Textbooks ApproachOn the other hand, the textbook approach offers a slightly less rigid structure but still requires selecting specific textbooks for each subject and following a systematic plan. Creating a syllabus, especially at the high school level, can greatly benefit students.

Utilizing resources such as the free syllabi offered by 7Sisters’ curriculum can help maintain organization and focus throughout the school year.

For those interested in exploring different textbooks and curriculum options to choose from, Cathy Duffy’s reviews are an invaluable resource, providing comprehensive insights into a wide range of homeschooling materials.

Classical Education ApproachClassical education represents another structured approach, rooted in the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers and adapted over centuries. It emphasizes a chronological learning process, doing things in a certain order using certain books, and includes the study of Latin, grammar, rhetoric, and logic, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.

Publishers like Veritas Press and Classical Academic Press specialize in this educational model, offering resources for those interested in adopting a classical education framework.

Charlotte Mason MethodLess structured than the classical method, the Charlotte Mason approach focuses on reading, narrative writing, beauty, and observational learning through real books and experiences.

This method has proven successful for students aiming for competitive colleges, thanks to its emphasis on communication skills.

For those interested in this approach, Dreaming Spires Home Learning and Mater Amabilis offer programs inspired by Charlotte Mason’s methodologies.

Goals-Driven ApproachIn the middle of the structure spectrum lies a goal-driven homeschooling approach. This method, championed by us here at 7Sisters, emphasizes balance, avoiding the stress often associated with rigid educational frameworks.

We are kind of stuck in the middle. We do not believe in getting ulcers over anything being too rigid or overly formatted. Instead, we want to set goals and teach our teens to set goals and work towards those goals. And so we start high school, and every year, with long term goals as well as short term goals.

Choosing a curriculum that aligns with each teen’s goals for the year, with a clear vision of what they aim to achieve by graduation and how they wish to be prepared for life in the long term, is crucial.

For us, the essence of high school education is teaching teens to adopt a goal-driven mindset, and the curriculum is the tool that facilitates this development. Here’s more on 7Sisters Homeschool curriculum philosophy.

Our friend and Cousin Karim Morato’s Homeschool Spanish Curriculum exemplifies this goal-oriented approach exceptionally well.

Relaxed HomeschoolingRelaxed homeschooling and project-based homeschooling present unique avenues for educational engagement, focusing on a teen’s interests to drive learning.

This approach emphasizes exploration and project completion as tools for learning, allowing students to accumulate credits and build a transcript around their passions.

Our friend and Cousin Theresa Wiedrick, of Homeschool Mama Self-Care, exemplifies this method. She has successfully guided her teens through project-based homeschooling, leading them to college and beyond while fostering self-discovery and impressive achievements. Teresa offers coaching for those interested in shifting towards an unschooling approach with their teenagers.

This more relaxed, interest-driven approach naturally cultivates a student’s motivation and self-direction. It challenges students to earn their credits in a way that resonates with their personal interests, empowering them as they prepare for college or the next chapter of their lives.

Additionally, incorporating notebooking projects and other hands-on activities enriches the learning experience. Resources and examples, such as those from our friend and Cousin, Tisha Messing who has extensively utilized notebooking with high schoolers, offer practical insights and inspiration.

Unschooling ApproachTransitioning through the spectrum of educational philosophies, one encounters unschooling at the opposite end of the traditional curriculum-based approach. Unschooling is profoundly led by the learner’s interests, steering clear of the conventional “school-like” education that often saps the joy from learning.

It’s predicated on the belief that genuine learning struggles to take root if the learner resents the subject matter. Unschooling champions the idea of following one’s passions and curiosities.

It emphasizes a personalized exploration and deep dive into subjects that truly captivate the learner, thereby transforming engagement into educational credit through innovative strategies.

To further explore unschooling, you would like our interview with Julie Polenko.

Recognizing that each teen is unique, unschooling presents an alternative pathway to homeschooling that eschews a one-size-fits-all method.

Homeschooling offers a range of methodologies from highly structured to unschooled approaches, allowing families to tailor the educational experience to their preferences and goals. Exploring these options and leveraging available resources can help create a fulfilling and effective homeschooling environment, which will lead you to how to choose high school curriculum for your homeschoolers!.

Adapt to Life CircumstancesRemember, there’s not ONE right way to choose curriculum and your strategies will naturally evolve over time. What works one year might not be the best fit the next, and that’s completely fine. You are free to adapt and change.

Consider these thought-provoking questions to help you make some decisions about your curriculum choices.* Are there things in our lifestyle right now that may affect what we need for curriculum? + For example, are you planning to travel or have a new baby soon? * Does my child have any special interests or talents that could be incorporated into their learning? * What are our long-term goals for homeschooling and how can our curriculum choices support those goals?

When you are considering different curricula and have a few ideas, it’s helpful to reflect on your current lifestyle and how it might influence your needs. For instance, you may want to do more independent learning or unschooling or even online courses if you know you’re going through a particularly hectic year, perhaps:

• you’re moving
• caring for someone with a chronic illness
• managing the needs of aging parents with frequent doctor’s appointments
• maybe you have a new baby or several young children at home.

The key is making informed choices that acknowledge your unique situation.

Choose a curriculum that accommodates your current life situation, whether it’s a busy year or specific family needs. Select a curriculum that is flexible and adaptable, one that has this year’s educational journey aligning with your unique circumstances for the year.

And lastly, if you are in the throes of a busy year, consider programs that offer online or remote learning options to provide convenience and accessibility. These programs can be beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or limited access to traditional educational institutions. They can offer a wide range of courses and subjects to cater to diverse interests and learning styles.

How To Choose High School CurriculumChoosing the right homeschool high school curriculum for your teenager can seem daunting, but when you follow these guidelines, it can become a manageable, and even enjoyable, task. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s okay to adapt and change as needed.

Thank you for Seth Tillman for editing this podcast and for Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

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Do your children exhibit good character and values? What is the difference? We struggle occasionally to instill good behavior in our children; in this podcast, we will discuss how you can demonstrate and discuss good behavior in a way that sticks.

Values and Children ~529Many families are planning for back-to-school. Even though summer is still in full swing, there is an eye to school in the near future. For homeschoolers, it is important to teach academics, but many of us focus on virtues and good character as well. When my two little ones fought (it seemed 24/7), it alerted me to a problem that needed to be addressed. One time, I stopped school, placed them each in a chair facing the other, and said, “You two need to work out your problem. You are the only ones in your “class,” and if you don’t get along, this is going to be a miserable year.” I appealed to them to work together instead of against each other. I also told them that while “school” and “academics” are essential, their getting along was more important to me, and things needed to change.

I then walked away (within hearing distance) and listened to them work it out. Sure, voices were raised, and tears flowed, but eventually, they agreed to stop fighting. One of my children said, “If you just listened to me, things would be easier.” Insert head smack here!

That sounded like something I would say, and it brought home the truth. My children modeled my behavior and mirrored my words to them.

We all want our children to exhibit good values, and if you are like me, you’ve spent many dollars on books on character qualities. While we are told good character is to be caught and not taught, a balance must happen in this thought process.

Virtues – Character – ValueWhich are important to you and your family?

What are Values?I once heard a sermon on values and the ones most important to leading a good life. Values are the building blocks of the Christian moral life, but there is more. Values are habits that help us choose what is right and good, basically doing the right thing. Being good. Easier said than done!

What are good habits? These are things that are demonstrated and exhibited.

Values and CharacterFirst, character qualities are core values instilled in our children through example or lack of example and reinforced. Character is then exhibited in actionable traits or values that manifest in different life incidents. Sometimes, we look at our children (I know I do) and are amazed that they exhibit qualities we didn’t know they had — for example, I have a son who is very quiet. He doesn’t say much in a family of talkers unless it is really important to him. Yet, recently, at my daughter’s wedding rehearsal, he asked the person in charge (at the church) if they could practice processing down the aisle again. It was haphazard the first time; the wedding coordinator provided by the church was not in the back of the church telling people when to process down and when to wait, and it was disorganized.

He took charge, and truly, it was a good thing. He did this not because of a sense of righteousness, or I know better than you, but more so for a sense of justice, determination, and competency. He felt the entire first trial was a mess. What surprised me was his determination and fearlessness about what others might think. My husband and I chuckled slightly to see this in our son, who is 28 now.

Our children have watched my husband and I start our own businesses and watched good times and struggles. They have watched us budget and work around obstacles that happen from time to time. Once, the three youngest wanted a dog, and when I told them there was no money in the budget to buy one, they pooled their resources, looked online, and found a rescue. It still cost them $100 combined, but they pooled their money, lots of it loose change, and raised the money for the dog we had for over sixteen years.

Simply put, children learn values by observing what you do and drawing conclusions about what you think is important in life. Regardless of what you consciously teach them, your children will emerge from childhood with clear views of their parent’s values and a well-developed value system.

Many adjectives describe values, and I will probably use the words value and character interchangeably. Still, my shortlist, for the sake of focussing on behavior, includes the following alphabetically—this is not the order of importance, just how my list looks.

*Take some time to research a list of values and character traits that you would love to see your children exhibit, and make your own top 10 or 20.

1. compassion
2. competency
3. determination
4. faith
5. honesty
6. justice
7. kindness
8. loyalty
9. peace
10. reputation
11. respect
12. responsibility
13. self-respect
14. service
15. trustworthiness

So, how will this be implemented? Kids learn values by watching those around them; they draw conclusions. What are these conclusions? We won’t know unless we talk to them and learn how they process the information. A child’s idea of righteousness typically surrounds how things affect them. It doesn’t matter how you purposely teach them. They will form their own ideas of what is right and what is wrong. If you demonstrate your values in a clear way, it will have an impact on them as well.

For example, have you walked out of the grocery store only to find a jar of jam stuck in the corner that was not charged on your receipt? How difficult is it to load everyone back out of the car, and walk in the store, and go to customer service and pay for the jar of jam? Very. Yet, if a parent does this, it will set an example of how important it is to be honest, even when it is highly inconvenient. I remember one incident where I was leaving the bank, and a car was parked incorrectly, and when I backed up, I nicked the number. No one was in the parked car, yet I pulled over and left a note on the windshield with my name and phone number to exchange insurance information. Again, while it was difficult and upsetting (my SUV tank had no damage), I had to show my children that even when something happens and it is wrong and “no one sees,” doing the right thing is so important.

I watched a friend do a similar thing. I saw them run into another car, look around–apparently to see if anyone was looking, and take off from the parking lot. My estimation of this person and my respect went downhill. Why didn’t I report it to the car owner? Because the car was mine. There was a small dent, and again I was driving a seven-year-old large SUV, yet whether or not my car was old or new it was not right to take off and leave without letting me know. I never had the dent fixed; only my children knew about it.

What do you think? Should I have approached this “former friend?” That is something, perhaps, I should have done.

Or what about learning that my curriculum had been used verbatim in another science textbook without obtaining my permission? I contacted the large company, whose answer was, “We put a link to purchase your book on your website.” Yes, they did in the footnotes at the back of the book, where no one looks. At the time, I didn’t have the money or resources to hire an attorney and fight it. However, I did ask them to take it out of future reprints, and they did unless they wanted to obtain my permission and give me a footnote within the body of the text. They declined and removed it from future printings. This was a Christian company.

Sadly, as a Christian, I’ve noticed that that alone does not mean the person is honorable or just. Does Judeo/Christian faith increase a person’s chance of having good values? Yes. Unfortunately, we all know people who break that rule, and sadly, some of them are former close friends or, even tragically, within our own family.

We can “preach” without words, and I will be the first to admit that it is not easy. Truthfully, it is a painful lesson for all of us to be the main people our children look toward for what is good, righteous, honest, and just! You can buy the best curriculum in the world; demonstration is still the best. I created a 24-book series of activities for parents to use with their children (and I’m working on 12 more for the future) that include a list of questions you ask your children and have them answer or demonstrate in a small group. These are activities I did with my own family as a homeschooler. Check them out! Character 12 pack here and another 12-pack here.

The goal is to have enjoyable children who we enjoy having around us. Are all five of my children enjoyable? No, and from time to time, even as young adults, we share our displeasure over behavior, but it is minimal. They are now adults, and I am very proud of the people they have become.

Don’t lose heart if you feel it is an uphill battle. Keep at it. Demonstrate to your children, and have them demonstrate to you the ways they can improve their character. Role-playing works! Even with older teens. Ask them questions or discuss real scenarios. Situations happen all the time, especially if your children are involved in outside activities, sports, and lessons. These situations are perfect for discussing justice and injustice.

My young son and I traveled out of town while he played on a travel baseball team. He was a pitcher, and one of the coaches who was a dad also had a son who was a pitcher. My friends kept coming up to me and asking why they were not putting Mike in as he was a better pitcher, and I shrugged and didn’t have a good answer. Yet, another mom approached me and commented, “I’m amazed at your son’s character; look at him!” I had not noticed, but he was rooting on his team, pulling waters out of the cooler for players coming in, and encouraging those who sat there discouraged. Ultimately, we lost the game, and the team was disheartened walking to our cars.

I hugged my son and suggested we go to Cracker Barrel on the way home for dinner as a celebration. He was surprised, but I shared what I noticed (after it was pointed out – because this was behavior I had come to expect from him, caring for others). We had a great time. We purchased a mini checker set and a triangle puzzle and played while we waited for our dinner. It took longer to get home, but when we arrived, my husband, who had taken our daughter and another son to games in town that weekend, applauded him for his good sportsmanship. This son is currently a First Luitenant serving in the Army.

Friends, we can only do our part, and it isn’t easy. Demonstrating values, good character, and good sportsmanship, especially when we feel our children have been slighted or wrong, is not easy. We have taken drastic steps when necessary. My daughter played softball on a team at a college in Missouri, where she received a full academic scholarship. After her home run on her birthday, she rarely played again. There were too many girls on the team, and there were favorites, and she was not one of them. It happens. But that, combined with the toxic anti-Christian atmosphere on campus, caused us to encourage her to try out at another school (a university where my youngest son attended). She made the team and received a much lesser scholarship, but it was a fabulous move for her in the long run. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a master’s degree, all the while playing softball, a game she enjoyed.

I could share so many other stories. We are not a perfect family. My Italian temper came out more times than I am proud to admit, but I want to encourage you in this podcast as you plan a strategy for your homeschool year. We keep moving toward the goal of kids who listen at home because they will listen outside the house and be responsible citizens and valued members of our society. We desperately need this, and our homeschool community is the hope I see for our humanity!

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Jews and Christians are known in many cultures as “The People of the Book.” Our faith is grounded on the truth of God’s word! But there is a definite history of how that word was given, recorded, and distributed over the centuries. This episode, recorded at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., we’re talking about teaching your family about that history and the reliability of the text we have today!

Resources We RecommendJosh McDowell, More Than A Carpenter
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ

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284: YouTube Channels to Supplement Your Homeschool History CurriculumThese are all YouTube channels you can use to supplement your homeschool history curriculum and make history lessons more engaging for students

For even more ideas, visit this Facebook post by the Homeschool Historian.

1. The History Channel:
   • Offers a wide range of history-related content, including documentaries and series on various historical periods and events.
   • Provides in-depth and well-researched content suitable for older students
2. Crash Course:
   • Offers entertaining videos on U.S. and world history.
   • Known for high production quality, engaging visuals, and clear explanations.
   • Speaks fast!
3. Khan Academy:
   • Provides extensive history content with a focus on detailed explanations and thorough coverage of historical events.
   • Sometimes a little dry
4. Tom Ritchie:
   • Focuses on AP courses, but useful for everyone
   • Offers a serious yet engaging teaching style, with visual aids similar to Crash Course.
5. Heimler’s History:
   • Known for concise and engaging history lessons, usually 5-7 minutes long
   • Uses clear explanations and visual aids to help students grasp complex historical concepts
6. Mr. Betts Class:
   • Provides historically accurate content through parodies, cartoons, and memes.
   • Bridges the gap between modern media and educational content, making history relatable and enjoyable for students.
7. Horrible Histories:
   • British series, ideal for middle school students
   • Features reenactments and comedic presentations of historical events.
   • Covers European and some American history, including topics like ancient civilizations and world wars.
8. The Daily Bellringer:
   • Provides quick, engaging history lessons designed to capture students’ attention
   • Uses a lively and dynamic teaching style to make historical events and concepts memorable.
9. Hip Hughes:
   • Known for energetic and enthusiastic teaching, covering a wide range of historical topics.
   • Combines humor with clear explanations to make history accessible and fun for students of all ages.

Tips for Using These Channels:

• Use these channels as supplements to a primary history curriculum.
• Pair video lessons with assignments to ensure active learning and retention.
• Utilize platforms like Edpuzzle, Kahoot, Quizizz, and Quizlet to incorporate quizzes and interactive elements.
• Encourage note-taking and discussions to make the learning experience more interactive.

History Classes from FundaFunda Academy mentioned in this episode

• World History (high school)
• US History (high school)
• World War 2 Year by Year web-based unit study (4th – 8th grade)
• Who’s Who in World War 2 web-based unit study (4th – 8th grade)

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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6 Essential Steps When Considering a Credit CardIn this episode, Matt and Charla McKinley dive into the often contentious and anxiety-inducing topic of credit cards. Charla, the creator of “Beyond Personal Finance,” shares her unique perspective on teaching teens about credit card usage. Matt & Charla firmly believe in the importance of hands-on financial training and practical experience for teens and that includes the wise use of credit.

Step 1: Understanding Credit

– Charla’s philosophy on credit cards and why she believes in teaching responsible usage.

– The contrast with Dave Ramsey’s approach and the rationale behind it.

– The power of credit cards to build or destroy credit and the importance of understanding this balance.

– How simulating adult life helps teens grasp budgeting, career choices, and financial planning.

– The role of credit cards in building a credit history and its long-term implications.

– Adding teens to your credit card and teaching them to manage payments.

– The significance of borrowing money and the cost associated with it.

– Charla’s hands-on approach to financial education through her program, “Beyond Personal Finance” for parents who need additional support in teaching the financial basics.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Credit Card

– Evaluating credit card options based on individual goals and needs.

– The benefits of starting with a manageable card, like one from a familiar bank.

– Transitioning to more beneficial cards as teens become more financially savvy.

Step 3: Reading the Fine Print

– Understanding the critical details in credit card agreements.

– The consequences of missing payments and the hidden costs associated.

– Real-life experiences and lessons learned from overlooking fine print details.

Connect With Us:

You can find the rest of the steps and read more about this (or past topics) on Charla’s blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

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Do your children have an awareness of the impact of good etiquette? Today Dr. Jan Bedell speaks with Monica Irvine about how life-enhancing proper etiquette can be.

“If you are not taught, you don’t know,” is what Monica has learned from speaking with parents who have used her products. It is never too early to start your children on the road to good manners. Monica has help for all ages. Preschoolers to high schoolers can benefit from these life-enhancing social graces. These lessons touch on everything from wedding and funeral etiquette to cellphone manners. Monica has been told by many parents that their children have grown in confidence when they understand these etiquette skills.

“Children learn best when they can relate [to their environment] with the [proper] etiquette skill,” says Monica. Our society no longer teaches etiquette the way it has been taught in the past. Our children need to be taught because we are sending messages to others no matter what we do. Do we want to send a message that we are thinking of others or thinking of ourselves? Tune in, to today’s Brain Coach Tips to learn how to teach your children how valuable it is to prefer others in social situations.

Sponsored by CTC Math.

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Hey, homeschoolers! I think media literacy is a course we should consider including in our high school curriculum plan. When I learned that friend Nate Noorlander was teaching a class on it, I asked him to rejoin me on the podcast to discuss it. Nate gave me a new perspective that I hope blesses you as it did me.

Watch on YouTubeTakeaways* + Media literacy is an important skill for high school students to navigate the internet safely and critically evaluate information. * + Determining source reliability, bias, and perspective is crucial in media literacy. * + Epistemological humility, the willingness to doubt oneself and be open to different perspectives, is a valuable skill in media literacy. * + Finding accurate information in the age of social media and the 24-hour news cycle can be challenging. * + Having conversations about media literacy with children is important, and parents can take media literacy courses alongside their children. * + The Nomadic Professor offers courses on media literacy, American history, free speech, and world history.

Media Literacy ResourcesTeaching History on Location

Media Literacy on Nomadic Professor.com

Media Literacy through Aim Academy

NomadicProfessor.com

Instagram.com/nomadicprofessorcourses

YouTube Nomadic Professor

Have a happy homeschool week!

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast:7Sisters Curriculum Eligible for State Reimbursement- Replay. This post is running concurrently on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

7Sisters Curriculum Eligible for State Reimbursement- ReplayThis week Sabrina explains how 7SistersHomeschool curriculum will work for state reimbursement. Now, do not get too excited! Not all states offer any reimbursement programs for curriculum! (Take a look at all the 7Sisters curriculum that meets reimbursement criteria.)

However, some states DO offer at least partial reimbursement for curriculum purchases. Every state’s laws are different. Often states that offer reimbursement programs have very specific rules on how to go about being reimbursed. SO, if you are not sure what your state’s rules are, check your local homeschool organization or Homeschool Legal Defense Association.

If you DO live in a state that gives your a tax credit or reimbursement, then this episode is for you!

Is the curriculum from 7SistersHomeschool acceptable for reimbursement programs?Until recently, we would have said, “maybe not”. That is because, each of us 7Sisters are of the Christian faith. We are each from different denominations but our overall worldview is shaped by our faith. Thus, it is often explicitly mentioned in our textbooks. (However, we are never pushy, judgmental or preachy with our messaging…just to be clear.)

In recent years, we have had consistent and increasing numbers of homeschooling parents who live in states that reimburse. They want to be good stewards of the family finances, which means it makes sense to avail themselves of the reimbursement programs. However, most states that give tax credits or have reimbursement programs require that curriculum NOT be used for “religious instruction”.

Often the term, “religious instruction” means that in the textbook there is mention of religion or is intended as religious instruction (or could be construed as such).

So HOW did 7Sisters handle this dilemma?We want to help our 7th Sisters and their families. (BTW- there are six of us 7Sisters: Sabrina, Marilyn, Kym, Vicki, Allison and Sara. SO, who is the 7th Sister? YOU are!)

How could we help our homeschooling friends in states that reimburse use 7Sisters texts and still qualify for reimbursement? First, we thought and prayed and came up with a unique solution. Then we evaluated each:

• Textbook
• Literature Study Guide
• Cinema Study Guide
• Writing Guide

First, we searched through each text and guide and found the curricula that we could create a state-approvable version that does not damage the integrity of the material. Then we removed material in these curricula that was gave the appearance that we were giving (or attempting to give) religious instruction, teach the Bible or Christian ways of living or model preachiness of any kind.

However, if you download a piece of curriculum that you do not feel will not meet your state’s guidelines, pay attention to your gut! It was our intention to present curriculum that did not include any semblance of religious instruction. When we evaluated the adapted texts and guides, we feel we did well with this. But if your gut says you do not think it will work in your state, contact us and ask for a refund. As you probably know, 7SistersHomeschool is proud of our:

10-Day No-Questions-Asked Money-Back Guarantee on all 7Sisters EBook curriculum!

SO you do not have any risk when you purchase our curriculum! Just scroll down in the 7Sisters bookstore to the category: Curriculum Acceptable for State Reimbursement. There you will find the titles that have been adjusted to be free from religious instruction.

Please note: Some 7Sisters curriculum could not be adapted to be free from religious instruction!Some of our textbooks and guides simply could not be adapted to be reimbursable. Take for instance:

• Financial Literacy from a Christian Perspective
  • This teachings of this text rely deeply on Biblical ideals and principles. This text could not be adapted.
• Great Christian Writers
  • Well, this one is obvious. No explanation even needed.
• CS Lewis Study Guides
  • One of the main purposes of Lewis’ writings is instruction in religion!

However, some textbooks and guides could be adapted to be free from religious instruction while maintaining the integrity of the materialIf there is a character in a study guide who is a person of faith (such as the priest in Les Miserables), we ask questions that work on literature analysis. Thus, we do not ask religiously-oriented questions.

Some titles that have been adapted to be acceptable for state reimbursement for 7Sisters curriculum include:Health* High School Health

English/Language Arts* ELA Bundles: + One Year of High School ELA + Another Year of High School ELA + One More Year of High School ELA + A Final Year of High School ELA * American Literature, Full-Year Course * American Poetry: Reading and Writing * APA Research Paper Writing Guide * British Literature, Full-Year Course * Chicago-Style Research Paper Writing Guide * MLA Research Paper Writing Guide * Research Readiness Guide * World Literature, Full-Year Course * Writing Your Personal Mission Statement

Career Exploration* Career Exploration Textbook

Psychology* An Introduction to Psychology

PLUS, many other guides:Check out these on the 7Sisters estore

• Cinema Studies for Literature Learning Guides
• Literature Study Guides
• Shakespeare Study Guides
• Writing Guides (Short Stories, Essays, Poetry, Creative Chronicling, College Essays)

Not only that but ALL four Complete Bundles (Literature, Writing, Vocabulary, etc) have been adapted to be acceptable for state reimbursement, such as:One Year of High School English/Language Arts (a good fit for 9th grade)

Look for the RED STICKER on the cover of textbooks and guides OR simply scroll through the bookstore to the category: Curriculum Acceptable for State Reimbursement.

Join Sabrina for encouragement for choosing reimbursable curriculum AND if you need more information on choosing curriculum, check out this Homeschool Highschool Podcast episode.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. 2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source” 3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review

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Sound Strategies: Boosting Academic Success with Auditory ProcessingIn this episode of the Vintage Homeschool Moms podcast, Felice Gerwitz is joined by special guest Terra Jenner to look into the critical role of auditory training in education. Terra shares invaluable insights on how auditory processing can significantly impact reading, spelling, and comprehension skills.

This episode sponsored by CTC Math.

Special Guest: Terra Jenner

Host: Felice Gerwitz

Episode Highlights:

• The Sound-to-Code Connection: Discover how the English language operates as a sound-to-code system and what this means for learners.
• Understanding English Sounds: Learn about the number of sounds in the English language and their significance.
• Demystifying Dyslexia: Terra explains what dyslexia really is and why it’s often mistakenly associated with letter reversals.
• The Link Between Auditory and Written Language: Uncover the surprising connection between auditory skills and written language proficiency.
• Practical Tips and Fun Games: Get practical advice on how to teach individual sounds and engage children with fun and educational auditory games.

Do you have a child who struggles academically?

This episode is packed with practical tips and insights that can help improve your child’s learning experience through auditory processing training. Terra Jenner’s expertise will provide you with new strategies to support your child’s academic journey.

Tune in to this episode to unlock the potential of auditory processing in your homeschool curriculum.

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It’s summertime, and like many families, we’re on vacation! Our annual trip to the lake is a tremendous encouragement after all the travel and work of conference season. You know what else is encouraging? To realize the Bible supports the idea!

God established a pattern of work and rest from the very beginning – creating the world in six days and ceasing His work on the seventh. It was a matter of civil law in the Old Testament, but Jesus explained that the day of rest was a blessing given to man.

In the Gospels, Jesus took His disciples aside for a time of rest after a strenuous period of ministry. (Not unlike our vacation!) And sometimes special occasions would call for a pause in the daily routine – like a wedding.

So there are examples in the Bible of doing just this – taking time off work and doing something different. It’s meant to restore our strength and courage for the tasks we return to. It may be a time to relax, or a time to do something active – but a change from our regular work.

WHAT SHOULD IT LOOK LIKE?“Vacation” doesn’t have to be a multi-thousand-dollar cruise or resort stay. We’ve done all kinds of things on a tight budget (raising eight kids on one income, and part of that time in ministry!).

• “Daycations” – go visit nearby museums, state parks, or other places you might have overlooked
• Camping – We have literally camped across the U.S., in tents – no RVs! National Forest campgrounds are inexpensive and they’ve always been well-maintained. And you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment – we found when we camped often while traveling, we got to be minimalists with our gear. (It’s not cheating for Mom and Dad to have an air mattress, though)
• Business trips – Often our whole family went with Dad on training and meeting travel. While he was in class, the rest of the family visited historic sites, museums, and natural attractions. Often, the company would cover the cost of gas instead of the airfare they expected!
• Add a few days to a college trip – We often did this when moving a student into or out of the dorms. You’re already going there, why not enjoy the local places together?

SCRIPTURES WE REFERENCEThe pattern of work and rest was established before the Fall!

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day … Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it … (Genesis 2:1-3)

A weekly time of rest is a blessing to mankind

“The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” (Jesus, in Mark 2:27)

There are seasons when it is appropriate to set aside regular work

“When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war or be charged with any business; he shall be free at home one year, and bring happiness to his wife whom he has taken.” (Deuteronomy 24:5)

Jesus saw the need for recuperation after extended work

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. (Mark 6:30-32)

You Might Find Helpful …Long Distances with Little Ones

Family Travel Hacks

The post Time Off – Vacation, the Bible, and Your Budget – MBFLP 307 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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283: Online Resources for Learning Computer ScienceComputer science encompasses more than just coding and programming; it includes history, hardware, software, algorithms, computational thinking, the internet, cybersecurity, and more.

Highlights and Resources:

1. ScienceTrek.org
   • A fun and interactive site with various options including games
   • Includes books and facts that cover the history of computers, how they work, and internet safety.
2. Studio.Code.org
   • Offers numerous programming and computer science resources.
   • Filterable catalog by grade, duration, topic, device, and curriculum.
   • Includes Hour of Code activities for short, engaging lessons.
3. Khan Academy
   • Known for its math courses, but also offers comprehensive computer science resources.
   • Includes AP options and modules on digital information, the internet, and online data security.
4. CSFieldGuide.org.nz
   • Features interactive simulations and curriculum on various computer science topics.
   • Useful for teaching concepts like algorithms, data representation, and binary.
5. Crash Course
   • Provides video content on computer science, including history and how computers work.
   • Videos are about 16 minutes long, suitable for high school students.
6. CodeHS.org
   • Offers a complete computer science curriculum that aligns with state standards, including Tennessee.
   • Allows for comprehensive learning or picking and choosing resources.
7. ClassCentral.com
   • Database of university-level MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) in computer science.
   • Suitable for advanced high school students looking for a challenge.

Computer Science Class from FundaFunda Academy

• New Class: an online computer science class for high schoolers, also suitable for advanced middle school students

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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On this week’s episode, Sue Meyer welcomes her friend and one of the Members from the Members Corner, Peggy from Irving, Texas. Peggy shares her personal journey with long COVID, detailing symptoms like exhaustion, brain fog, high blood pressure, and a persistent rash. She shares about the benefits of vitamin D3 and sunlight exposure in alleviating her symptoms. Peggy also discusses her research on anticoagulant therapy and the use of homeopathic remedies as an alternative option.

Links mentioned:
Immune Boost Kit: https://theoutpostmercantile.com/Immunity-Mini-Kit-p490731380
Vitamin D: https://theoutpostmercantile.com/Rudys-Vitamin-D3-p89354190

—–

DISCLAIMER:

The content of the Homeopathy for Mommies Radio post or page, including text, graphics, images, or information contained in text or audio, or other content, is offered on an informational basis only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice and guidance of a qualified health professional before: Changing or making any adjustment to any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.

Stopping any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.
Starting any new medication or treatment protocol, whether or not it was discussed on the Homeopathy For Mommies Radio show, page or post on this website.
Information on this site is informational and not as specifically applicable to any individual’s medical problem(s), concerns and/or needs.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat or prevent disease.
In each audio remedies are recommended. We are not claiming that the product will cure any of these problems or disorders. We are merely reporting that people have used the product to aid these conditions.

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Let Your Teen Pay: Empower Your Teen with Financial OwnershipEpisode Summary:

In this episode, Matt and Charla discuss the importance of teaching teens financial responsibility by giving them ownership over their own expenses. They explore practical strategies to help teens understand the value of money and make informed financial decisions.

Discussion Highlights:

Real-Life Financial Management:

– Charla emphasizes the importance of teens handling real-life expenses, not just allowances for trivial items. This includes significant costs like extracurricular activities and college savings.

Decision Making and Budgeting:

– By giving teens a budget, they learn to make choices based on their priorities. For example, choosing between a high-end item or several less expensive ones fosters better financial decision-making.

Building Financial Muscle:

– Allowing teens to experience financial tension prepares them for future financial independence. This practice also helps them develop a better understanding of budgeting and saving.

Parental Involvement:

– While teens manage their allocated budget, parents should still guide and support them. This dual approach ensures that teens are learning while still having a safety net.

Examples:

1. Extracurricular Activities:

– Teens often want to participate in numerous activities without understanding the associated costs. By providing them with a set budget for these activities, they learn to prioritize and manage their expenses. This includes registration fees, equipment, and travel costs.

1. Food:

– Give teens a weekly or monthly food budget for their snacks and extras. This helps them learn to shop wisely and manage their own food expenses. It’s a practical way to teach them about the costs of their dietary choices and encourage them to make healthier, budget-friendly decisions.

1. College Expenses:

– Discuss the costs of college early on and set clear expectations about financial contributions. Encourage teens to save for college and seek scholarships. This helps them appreciate the value of their education and motivates them to perform well academically.

Practical Tips for Parents:

1. Set Clear Budgets:

– Provide a specific amount for activities, food, and other expenses. Make sure teens understand they must stay within this budget.

1. Encourage Work:

– If teens want more than their budget allows, encourage them to find part-time jobs to cover the additional costs. This teaches them the value of earning money.

1. Discuss Long-Term Goals:

– Have open conversations about future expenses like a car, living expenses and college. Make sure teens understand the financial commitment from the family and start saving early to help make those future plans succeed.

Connect With Us:

To read more about this (or past topics) go to Charla’s blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

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Hey, homeschoolers! Whether you are interested in motivating yourself or your children, understanding the three motivational states described in Mark Forster’s book How to Make Your Dreams Come True will help you achieve your goal.

SponsorAre you looking for a new Math Curriculum?

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!

The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly.

Visit c-t-c-math.com today to start your free trial.

Takeaways– Push mode involves pushing ourselves and our kids to achieve goals through scheduling, planning, consequences, and accountability. – Drift Mode occurs when we reject Push mode and seek downtime and freedom, but it can lead to feeling sluggish and demoralized. – Pull Mode is about using inspiration and connecting goals to personal interests and passions. – Strategies for push mode include scheduling, planning, using consequences, and accountability. – Strategies for pull mode include describing and visualizing goals, connecting goals to personal interests, and consuming motivational content. – Finding a balance between Push Mode, Drift Mode, and Pull Mode is important for maintaining motivation in homeschooling.

ResourcesHow to Have a Better Homeschool Year

Unschooling with Karla Marie Williams

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post 3 Motivational States For Homeschoolers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How to Start the Homeschool High School Year.

How to Start the Homeschool High School YearStarting a new homeschool high school year can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschool mom or just beginning this journey, having a solid plan in place is crucial. Let’s explore effective strategies for how to start the homeschool high school year by selecting the right curriculum, managing schedules, and fostering a positive learning environment for your high schooler.

Setting Long-Term and Short-Term GoalsThe very first thing we want to do is make sure we get our planning under control. What are the long term goals that you have? It’s essential to establish both long-term and short-term goals because that helps you with the planning.

Discuss with your teen what they hope to achieve by the end of high school and break these down into yearly objectives. This will guide your planning and ensure that your teen’s educational journey aligns with their aspirations.

What should those goals be? It depends on what the career interests or the subjects they need to take to be ready for college.

If your teen is preparing for college, consider how much exposure they need to specific subjects. Take the time to sit down and discuss the courses they should focus on this year. Then, decide together how long the academic year should be.

And you both should be on the same page – or as close to that as possible!

Curriculum ChoicesLet’s dive into choosing the ideal curriculum for our teens, recognizing that preferences can vary significantly by individual and subject. For instance, some teens prefer the straightforward structure of a textbook, particularly for subjects like math where progressing page by page offers a clear path.

However, when it comes to electives or subjects conducive to hands-on learning, such as history, many teens thrive on experiential learning opportunities. This could include engaging with interactive projects, videos, or logging hours spent on practical activities to earn credit – methods that emphasize learning by doing.

For those who favor flexibility, asynchronous online courses present a valuable option. Platforms like 7Sisters offer a variety of courses ranging from Human Development to Shakespeare, allowing students to learn at their own pace.

This is particularly beneficial for those who might find their most productive study times outside the conventional school hours, whether early in the morning or late at night, without the distractions of siblings or other commitments.

On another note, live online courses are gaining popularity among teens who enjoy the structure and community aspect of traditional classroom settings, albeit virtually. Numerous online academies cater to this preference, offering a diverse range of subjects that can complement any homeschool curriculum.

The landscape of homeschooling has evolved dramatically since its early days. Where once resources were scarce, and obtaining curriculum was a challenge, today’s families have access to an abundance of options. From local co-ops and group classes to online academies and beyond, the variety is vast and varied.

Reflecting on our experiences, the 7Sisters Homeschool curriculum comes highly recommended. Our approach has always been to adapt our curriculum based on direct feedback from teens, focusing on engagement, minimizing busywork, and maximizing enjoyment.

Our aim is to inspire and fulfill the academic needs of our students in a way that feels most aligned with their learning styles and preferences.

When choosing the best curriculum for your teen, consider exploring various options togetherThere are so many choices when choosing curriculum! Browse websites, review samples, and consult with peers to make informed decisions. The key is to engage in an open dialogue about what feels right for them, ensuring a tailored learning experience that meets their unique needs and aspirations.

Scheduling the School YearWhen it’s time to figure out the scheduling of your homeschool year, remember: There’s not ONE right way to schedule!

Flexibility is one of the greatest benefits of homeschooling. Decide together whether a year-round schedule or a more traditional school calendar works best for your family. Be sure to account for holidays, family events, and any potential disruptions to create a realistic and adaptable plan.

So some families homeschool year round. This may be a 52-week school year, but it also gives them space to take off a few weeks at at ime, such as for Christmas, or to take a family road trip while logging geography hours.

Or some families want to do a 32-week year or a 30-week year. What’s important is how it fits your family, so figure that aspect out together by looking at what’s on your family schedule for the year.

It’s also wise to consider planning around significant events or occurrences that might disrupt the regular school schedule. Whether it’s a family trip, someone undergoing surgery, or any other event that requires a break from the routine, it’s beneficial to account for these in advance.

This might mean scheduling some time off from lessons and adjusting the school calendar accordingly. For example, you could structure the academic year to run from September to early December, taking the entirety of December off, or extend it to the end of January with a break before resuming until spring break.

Tailoring the homeschool schedule to fit your family’s unique needs is the most effective approach.

Weekly and Semester PlanningOnce you’ve settled the initial steps, it’s time to consider the structure of your week throughout the semester. It’s crucial to recognize that learning preferences vary among teens.

Some may opt for a balanced daily schedule, incorporating a bit of English language arts, math, science, and so on each day.

Others might prefer block scheduling, where they dedicate an entire semester or a focused two-month period to mastering math, immersing themselves in the subject intensively. This approach allows for concentrating on one or a few subjects at a time, rather than juggling all subjects simultaneously, by dividing their learning into more manageable segments.

There’s no universally correct method; it’s about aligning with your personal learning style, understanding your needs and goals, and deciding the most effective strategy for you.

Time ManagementLet’s talk about the concept of scheduling backwards, a strategic tool that’s incredibly beneficial for high school teens managing their myriad of projects and papers. The idea is to prevent the all-too-common last-minute cramming by organizing tasks well in advance.

I’ll share a personal story to illustrate this point, one that many of you might find familiar. My daughter, during her college years, shared a valuable insight with me. She never had to cram for exams.

Curious, I asked her to elaborate. Her strategy was simple yet effective: she would review her notes daily, immediately after her classes. This consistent, bit-by-bit study method meant that by the time exams rolled around, she was already well-prepared, avoiding the stress of last-minute studying.

This approach is a prime example of effective time management – planning ahead and dedicating a little time each day to stay on top of your studies.

Engaging in regular discussions about these strategies with teens can be incredibly helpful. It’s a good practice to have regular one-on-one check-ins, perhaps weekly or bi-weekly, to discuss what’s working and what isn’t.

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, a planned curriculum or schedule might need to be adjusted. That’s perfectly okay. Adapting to change is a crucial life skill, embodying flexibility and resilience.

This adaptability is at the heart of what we call a growth mindset. When something doesn’t work out, rather than seeing it as a failure, view it as a learning opportunity. Together, we can navigate these challenges, learning and growing along the way.

Let’s be open to changing course when necessary, fostering a mindset that embraces growth and learning as integral parts of the educational journey.

Starting the School YearSabrina always shares a valuable insight for engaging in long conversations with teens: do it over food.

Whether preparing snacks at home or stepping out for coffee, discussions seem to flow more naturally with food on the table. (By the way, this approach works wonders with adults as well.)

When planning how to kick off the school year, consider what tone you want to set from day one. Do you prefer a gentle start, mixing a bit of academic work with relaxation? Or are you inclined to dive right in, tackling a full schedule of subjects to swiftly adapt to the routine?

Another option could be to infuse the beginning with excitement, perhaps dedicating a week to field trips related to your year’s focus, like American history, and exploring how many related outings you can fit into that week.

There’s no single correct approach. It’s about aligning with your family’s dynamics, energy levels, and your teens’ current interests. Decide whether to begin the year on a tranquil note or with a burst of energy.

What matters most is making these decisions together, ensuring a collaborative and effective start to the year.

How To Start the Homeschool High School YearStarting a homeschool high school year requires thoughtful planning and open communication. The key is to find what works best for your family and be willing to adapt as needed.

How do you plan your homeschool high school year? Share your tips and experiences in our 7SistersHomeschool Facebook group!

Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post and to Seth Tillman for editing this podcast!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review and give us some stars and a comment to help others find us more easily. 7. Thanks!

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Talking with Kids About TragedyTragedy. In terms of media and social media, tragedy has become a staple of our daily diet. The world seems to be going crazy and the news is full of stories that are difficult for kids to process and understand. How do we talk to our children about race issues, murder, terrorism, and other tragic current events?

On this episode, we dive right into modern events and take on the headlines of the day. We discuss ages and appropriateness of content and conversation, how to address our children’s fears, and of course how to bring the gospel into every conversation.

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!CTC Math.

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Show Notes: LifeSkills101 Podcast Episode – “The One Skill Your Kids Need to Graduate High School”Sponsored by: CTC Math

In this episode of LifeSkills101, we delve into an essential skill. It’s not math or science. It’s the art of selling. Selling is crucial for high school graduates. It’s not just about business. It’s about communication and persuasion. Our kids use selling daily. They negotiate with peers, teachers, and even us, their parents.

The One Skill: SellingFirst, selling teaches effective communication. Kids learn to express ideas clearly. They learn to listen and respond to feedback. This skill is vital in any career. It helps in resolving conflicts and building relationships.

Emotional Intelligence is a SkillSecond, selling enhances emotional intelligence. It requires understanding emotions in oneself and others. Kids learn empathy and how to influence feelings positively. This emotional awareness is key in personal and professional success.

Resilence and RejectionThird, selling fosters resilience. Rejection is part of selling. Kids learn to handle it without losing confidence. This resilience is crucial for life’s challenges. It teaches them to persevere and adapt.

The Skill of Goal SettingFourth, goal setting is another benefit. Selling involves setting and achieving goals. Kids learn the importance of planning and hard work. They understand that effort leads to results. This mindset is valuable for any future endeavor.

Problem Solving SkillsFinally, selling builds problem-solving skills. Kids learn to identify needs and offer solutions. They think creatively and critically. These skills are applicable in any situation.

To cultivate this skill, encourage your kids to practice selling. They can start small, like selling old toys or organizing a garage sale. Support them in school fundraising activities. Discuss their experiences and the lessons learned.

Also, teach them the value of preparation. Understanding the product and the audience is key. Role-playing can be a fun way to practice. It helps them anticipate questions and objections.

Honesty and IntegrityHighlight the importance of honesty and integrity. Selling is not about tricking people. It’s about offering real value and building trust. Teach them to believe in what they’re selling. Their enthusiasm will be contagious.

Lastly, remind them that selling is a journey. They will face rejections and failures. Encourage them to see these as opportunities to learn and grow.

Wrap UpIn conclusion, the art of selling is invaluable for high school graduates. It equips them with skills needed for success in life. It’s about communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, goal setting, and problem-solving. Encourage your kids to embrace selling. Support them in their journey. They will not only graduate high school but also thrive in life beyond it.

Remember, the goal is to prepare our kids for the real world. Selling is a skill that opens doors and creates opportunities. Let’s help our kids master it. Join us next time on LifeSkills101 for more insights into equipping your kids for success.

Subscribe and Stay InformedCheck out our other podcasts & subscribe.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to provide your family with the best possible homeschooling and career preparation resources. Subscribe to the Life Skills 101 Podcast and stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and valuable insights.

GRAB YOUR FREE TIMELINE TO HOMESCHOOL SUCCESS RIGHT HERE

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Special Replay! School approaches … can you believe it? Here’s a special replay with some special tips to help you get ready to have a calm school year!

Thanks to our sponsor, CTC Math.

As this school year approaches, I thought I would share some of my plans to have a calm year! This year I have one 7th grader, one 9th grader, two high school seniors, one in Estethecian School and one junior in college. Whew, that is a lot. I will be honest, the first couple of weeks I find myself struggling to get us all on the same page. Between school, jobs, sports, etc… keeping this house running smoothly is a challenge.

Here are some of my tips for surviving back to school:

1. Create Dream Posters.
2. Create a Healthy Meal Plan.
3. Follow Through on Healthy Meal Plan.
4. Plan a family night to make dream posters. You will need poster board, markers, magazine, and glue. Invite your children to create a dream poster and display them in your home.
5. Have a Dream Poster Date Night with your partner/spouse.
6. SLEEP… get sleep. Make sure everyone in the home is getting enough sleep.
7. Organize your space and remember less is better. Don’t forget to create a cozy corner for reading books/getting away.
8. Take time to watch and listen. What are your kids talking about, playing with, dreaming of? What pushes their buttons, brings them joy, challenges them?
9. Create a realistic routine that you can live with. Encourage children to stick with routine.
10. Be Flexible – If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it.

Say YES and have a great week!!! Don’t forget that The Homegrown Preschooler’s biggest sale of the year is going on until Labor Day, save $35 off any order of $150 or more.

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for me to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let me know. Just email me at kathy@thehomegrownpreschooler.com or shoot me a message on social media.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

. Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase atThe Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

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Math The Easy Way – Episode 435Special Replay

Are you ready for math the easy way? Enjoy my special guest Pat Murray – he’s been a math teacher and coach for more than thirty-six years.

And would you believe that Over that time, the programs and courses Pat and his company developed have helped students and families numbering in the tens and hundreds of thousands in more than seventy-two countries. So no matter where you live this information is accessible!

Pat and his beautiful wife Maree live in Sydney Australia, have 10 children, and 7 grandchildren – soon to be 8 (next month).

So, we are going to delve into seven of the most valuable tips for teaching math to kids –of all ages. I was amazed that your math programs have one low cost for a year, per family and it covers grades 1 through high school which is amazing and only a man with a big family understands what a blessing that is to parents with many children….

1. Short concise explanations – clarity is important.
2. Immediate practice – get them to practice it quickly and feedback.
3. Rote learning memorizing, times tables, important facts. [Great examples given on the audio!]
4. The sequence can make a difference. Start with the easiest stuff first, encourage success.
5. Discovery and inquiring learning that is taught first by example.
6. Puzzles and problem solving – a fun activity. Build interest.
7. Parents – avoid frustration. Kids will avoid help, due.

Pat shares a mathematical trick – kids can learn as a parent to impress their kids.

Visit our sponsor:

Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum?

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!

The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly.

Visit ctcmath.com today to start your free trial.

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“My son shows me disrespect.” “How can I deal with the disrespect from our kids?” “What can I do to teach my children to be more respectful?” It’s something we all have to deal with as parents, and yet it’s hard – and some of us struggle more than we expected! This episode, we look at the very real question of respect – teaching our kids to show it, dealing with them when they don’t, where this may be coming from, and what God expects from all of us!

Thank you to our episode sponsor, CTC Math.

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Episode #13- Interview with Stepheny Seabolt: I Don’t Have to Look Like the Public SchoolOn this episode, meet Stepheny Seabolt, who explains how her view of homeschooling has changed and how she now chooses and utilizes curriculum with the insights she’s gained through nearly a decade of homeschooling under her belt, and why she doesn’t have to look like the public school.

Public School vs. Homeschooling= the Route ForwardTen years ago, when Stepheny began encountering problems with her local public school, she reached out to the school administration, who seemed unwilling to address her concerns. When charter school didn’t work out either, Stepheny and her husband decided to homeschool. At first, upon recommendations from other homeschoolers in online groups, she used free homeschool programs. But, as her daughter got older and she added two more children to the mix, it became more difficult and time consuming to use the free programs.

She also realized that with three children vying for her time, she needed a home education program in which she could combine multiple ages for different subjects. Stepheny admits, “I was the one who thought we had to do all the worksheets and all the flashcards and all the drills, and it almost drove me insane.” Her advice for new homeschoolers as they search out homeschool curriculum options is to know that “you don’t have to do everything.” Stepheny shares that she eventually realized, “I don’t have to look like the public school.”

What’s Working: I don’t have to look like the public school.Nowadays, Stepheny says, “What I use changes based on each kid because each has their individual needs.” This ability to be flexible and to determine what works best for our family is a huge benefit of homeschooling!

Listen in to hear more of Stepheny’s insights from nearly a decade of homeschooling and using many different curricula over the years. She also shares what she looks for in a homeschool program.

About StephenyStepheny Seabolt is the wife of one amazing husband and the mama to three very interesting kiddos, ages 12, 13, and 16. A West Virginia gal through and through, even though she’s currently stuck in North Carolina. She and her family are getting ready to start their tenth year of homeschooling next month. Stepheny went back to school in 2016 and received her associate’s degree in business administration. She also runs a homeschool bookstore from home and works with The Old Schoolhouse to help other parents get started homeschooling. In her free time, Stepheny loves to cook from scratch, read, sing, and add to the list of places she doesn’t have to wear shoes!

Resources:

• Mystery of History
• SchoolhouseTeachers

Join Crystal and her guests each week as they bring relevant information to equip you, stories to encourage you, and content to inspire you. You don’t have to go it alone; tune in to the Military Homeschool Podcast and be energized in your military homeschooling journey!

How to listen:

1. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or Stitcher
2. Subscribe on your favorite podcast listening app
3. Or listen right here (just scroll down)

Got questions, comments, or have show topic ideas? Contact Crystal via email at militaryhomeschoolpodcast@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Please subscribe, follow, and share with all of your military homeschooling friends!

You might also enjoy these podcasts on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network:

Military Family Chooses Homeschool and Public SchoolFrom Public School Teacher to Lifeschooler – Tina HollenbeckThe post I Don’t Have to Look Like the Public School: Interview with Stepheny Seabolt: appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Summer Fun On A Shoestring Budget ~ Episode 527The summer is in full swing, and you have weeks left before school starts. How do you instill summer fun in the remaining months? What can you do to keep the children from fighting or saying those dreaded words, “I’m bored!” In this podcast, veteran homeschool mom, mom of five, and grandmother of nine will share tried-and-true activities to keep the kids learning, mostly without them knowing!

Visit the MediaAngels.com website for fun ideas and planners you can print and use.

So, it’s summer or some other time when the children are finding it difficult to use their time wisely. Maybe you are similar-minded and feel that children should not be on a tablet, computer, or television most of the day. What do you do when they’ve exhausted their normal activities and find they’d rather bother each other than find something else to do? This is the time I pull out the activities I save for the proverbial “rainy day,” even if the sun is shining brightly. These activities tend to keep the children occupied and having fun.

Summer is a time to learn a new skill, my children learned to ride bikes in the summer. Or, start a new hobby or sport. Maybe you’ve wanted to teach your children about the explorers or classical music. I wanted to do a classical music study around Christmas and never found time, but I switched it to the summer, and it was so much fun. Even if the children never loved classical music the way I do, they enjoyed learning about the composers and learned how to identify different musical instruments in an orchestra. In the winter months, we attended a concert, and they enjoyed it because they understood a little about compositions and the instruments.

I group my activities into different categories. Ones that don’t take many supplies, just brain power, and others that do take supplies that I try to have on hand. Either way, the results are the same. Mom is happy, and the kids are happier! I break down my list into Indoor and Outdoor Activities and then further break down into the following groups: few or no supplies, some supplies, and many supplies.

Here is a free summer printable for you with ideas: HERE

Indoor Activities for Summer Fun:Few or No Supplies:

• Scavenger hunt
• Word Cross or Activity Pages (try our new planners just for kids – there are pages you can use for this activity)
• Puzzle pages
• Make your own puzzle

Some Supplies:

• Coloring pages
• Drawing with pencils, colored pencils, or markers
• Paper airplanes
• Make a fort with sheets
• Read
• Write a story (story starters)

Many supplies:

• Arts and Crafts
• Painting
• Kite Making
• Water balloons
• Balloon crafts
• Homemade rockets

Outdoor Activities For Summer Fun:Few or No Supplies:

• Nature walk, see and identify
• Bird watching
• Wind activities
• Collect (rocks, shells, etc.)
• Races / Tag / Hopscotch, etc.

Some Supplies:

• Run through sprinklers, slip, and side, or swim
• Fly kites
• Bug catchers
• Make a fort with sheets
• Make giant bubbles

Many supplies:

• Cook with the sun
• Contests: beach ball (how long can you keep it up?) timer
• Create a map that starts with your yard, neighborhood, etc.
• Map the grocery store (park, etc.) without going, then visit to see how accurate.
• Nature hike with backpack and supplies
• Picnic in the backyard or park

Does this list help you to think of ideas of your own? I hope so, and I’ve included some other links for you to explore with even more ideas.

More Summer Fun Resources:

Summer Fun Water Pressure

Summer Fun: Write A Book

Summer Fun Project: Write A Book

Summer Fun: Family Business

Summer Projects For Families

The post Summer Fun On Shoestring Budget appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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279: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and your homeschoolThis episode discusses how we are living in the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution driven by technologies like AI, nanotech, blockchain, Internet of Things, etc. and how this affects our homeschool

The 4th Industrial Revolution started around 2011 and is characterized by AI, IoT, nanotech becoming mainstream and integrated into daily life, even if we don’t realize it (Netflix recommendations, Siri/Alexa, etc.) You can find interesting blog posts about it on the World Economic Forum

The recent release of ChatGPT has brought AI technology into the forefront. Some ways to use AI in your homeschool

• for personalized learning
• differentiating reading levels,
• creating custom videos/slideshows
• explaining concepts via analogies

Prevent an over-reliance on AI:

• Teach critical thinking so kids don’t just turn to AI for everything
• Ensure they build core knowledge in subjects, not just turn to AI
• Model responsible AI usage and discuss ethics around it
• Be aware of risks like bias, misinformation in training data
• Don’t let kids treat AI chatbots as real friends who give advice

Potential AI benefits discussed include medical advancements through rapid data analysis, communication aids like sign language-to-speech, etc. But risks like deepfakes, cheating in classes, and losing core skills are covered as well.

Meryl recommends talking about when AI use is okay vs. cheating, establishing a family “secret word” to verify identity, and never naming AI chatbots with human names

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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8 Benefits of a Part-Time JobIn this episode, Matt and Charla discuss the numerous benefits of part-time jobs for teenagers. They share personal anecdotes, insights, and practical advice on how part-time work can help teens develop essential life skills, financial independence, and a strong work ethic.

*Family Dynamics and Part-Time Jobs:*

– Discussion on their daughter Kate, a rising senior who hasn’t worked in a paying job outside the home. Contrast with their son, who started working at a younger age.

– Charla explains her tailored parenting approach based on each child’s personality and needs.

The importance of channeling energy and improving soft skills through part-time jobs.

– Kate’s volunteering and unpaid marketing work as a way to gain real-world experience.

Transition to her upcoming part-time job and her mixed feelings about it.

*Benefits of Part-Time Jobs:*

– Matt and Charla outline the eight benefits of part-time jobs for teens.

– Focus on financial independence, work ethic, time management, and building confidence.

– Matt shares his experiences with demanding managers and the valuable lessons learned.

– Charla recounts her time as a hostess and learning the importance of staying productive at work.

*Parenting Tips:*

– Encouraging teens to work to develop a sense of responsibility and independence.

Balancing work, school, and personal life to foster time management skills.

– Importance of experiential learning and stepping out of comfort zones.

Connect With Us:

To read more about this (or past topics) go to Charla’s blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Fun Financial Literacy – Interview With Mindy Muller.

Fun Financial Literacy – Interview With Mindy MullerAre you looking for innovative ways to make financial literacy fun and engaging for teens? Our special guest, Mindy Muller from Wealthy and Rad, is a homeschool mom who turned the challenge of financial education into an exciting adventure! Discover how Mindy’s journey from public school frustrations to homeschooling triumphs paved the way for a vibrant, hands-on approach to teaching finance to high schoolers.

BTW- Some folks ask us about sharing info about curriculum from other publishers when 7Sisters provides our own version of Financial Literacy. That’s because we believe that homeschooling is a community. We do not compete, we life each other up. So we are excited to share our friend, Mindy’s Financial Literacy materials! (For an explanation of what Financial Literacy courses include, check out this Authoritative Guide post.)

About Mindy MullerMindy Muller, a mother of five, was frustrated with the overwhelming homework load and lack of meaningful learning in public school, like many homeschool moms today. And, like them, Mindy decided to take a stand.

She researched the detrimental effects of excessive homework and communicated her findings to her children’s teachers. But while some teachers were supportive, others were resistant.

One of the teachers even targeted Mindy and her kids when she refused to have her kids doing all the homework! This led Mindy to consider homeschooling. And, inspired by a dream, she embraced the role of educator for her family, finding it to be a fulfilling and successful experience!

Her oldest was pulled out of public school and into homeschooling in her junior year of high school. Now, she works for a solar company.

Mindy’s triplets have graduated as well. One is a surgical technician, another one is climbing the corporate ladder for Jiffy Lube, and the third is still in a college.

And Mindy’s last daughter, she decided to re-attend public school, which is always somewhat of an internal struggle for us homeschool moms when or if our kids mention the desire to go to public school. As you can imagine, Mindy’s heart was heartbreaking because she enjoyed homeschooling her other four so much.

However, her homeschool story may not be over just yet – her daughter is reconsidering returning to homeschool! Sometimes we have to live and learn, depending on our personalities.

Every one of our homeschool stories is different – not a single one will ever be the same. And this holds true to every one of Mindy’s children’s educational experience.

Experimenting With Fun Financial Literacy ActivitiesMindy’s passion for financial literacy was sparked when her husband was laid off in 2016. Observing her children’s spending habits, she realized the need for a more engaging financial education.

Teaming up with her business partner Kendra, they experienced creating a curriculum that made learning about finance fun and interactive. This is when Wealthy and Rad was born.

The approach to understanding financial literacy involves games and activities that bring financial concepts to life. These kinds of activities help ensure that teens not only understand but enjoy the learning process.

One standout activity is the Compound Interest Game, where teens use corn kernels to simulate earning and investing money. It’s hands-on games like these that help students grasp the power of compound interest in a fun and memorable way.

Mindy says: Compound interest is remarkable. That’s how the average person becomes a millionaire, through compound interest.Because poor health is a significant financial strain on the average budget, Mindy also created other activities that focus on investing in health and education. This allows students to use real money to make meaningful choices that impact their well-being and knowledge.

These fun financial literacy activities are designed to be immersive, making financial literacy a dynamic and enjoyable subject.

Creating Wealth and RadMindy felt like kids needed something that was a little more engaging for financial literacy. Through the successful use of the curriculum in their local commonwealth, Mindy and Kendra were inspired to share their curriculum with a wider audience.

Wealthy and Rad now offers group and independent study options, complete with engaging materials and support for teachers. Their website features colorful, interactive content that makes financial education accessible and exciting for teens across the globe.

Fun Financial Literacy – Interview With Mindy MullerMindy Muller’s journey from public school struggles to homeschooling success is such an inspiration! Through the creation of their fun financial literacy curriculum, Wealth and Rad, financial literacy can be engaging for teens, transforming traditional teaching methods into exciting hands-on activities.

Their story is a testament to the impact of innovative education and the power of homeschooling to meet the unique needs of each family!

Connect with Mindy and Wealthy and RadAre you ready to make financial literacy a fun and engaging experience for your homeschooler? Visit Wealthy and Rad to explore their curriculum and discover how you can bring these exciting activities into your home.

They have several different curriculums, such as for group study or independent study.

You can also visit the Wealth and Rad Facebook page and join their Facebook community group, where you can ask questions.

You can also find them on Curriculum Square by searching Wealth and Rad on the website.

And remember, it’s not too late (or too early) to get a financial literacy curriculum on your kids’ schedule.

Thank you for Seth Tillman for editing this podcast and for Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review and give us some stars and a comment to help others find us more easily. 7. Thanks!

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Reading Adds Joy to LifeIn “Reading Adds Joy to Life,” Episode, #212, join Meredith Curtis for inspiration for parents and teens to read books for pure enjoyment! Reading excellent literature for fun works out your brain, stretches your vocabulary, increases your attention span, cultivates compassion, and builds character. Plus when you read for fun, you release endorphins and add joy to life!

Powerline Productions, Inc.Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show NotesReading for fun is enriching and education.

Reading is a Brain Workout!Flex your brain muscles – improve comphrehension, build thinking & logic skills

Improves VocabularyClassical literature and well-written works will expose you to a richer vicoabulary. Older books have more description, conversation, and character development.

Increase Attention SpanOpening a book takes us away from short blogs, short movie scenes, and shorter commercials. Trains our brain to focus.

Cultivate Compassion & CharacterTimes change but human problems remain the same. Choosing books with good role models can impact you. He who walks with the wise grows wise.

Add the Joy!Everyone loves a good story! Everyone loves an intellectual challenge like a mystery. Or a lovely romance. Or a grand adventure.

What Shall I Read?Check our reading lists for every age imaginable: https://www.powerlineprod.com/homeschooling/reading-lists/

Sign up for our NewsletterSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

Book Lists for All Ages

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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50 Summer Projects For Kids – Episode 431There are so many fun ideas for summer, but what about 50 summer projects for kids? Summertime is a chance to learn new things, explore and have a great time, but it can also be easily wasted doing nothing. Here is a list of ideas to get you started.

Welcome to this Just for Kids episode!Here is a list of my 50 top ideas for kids and they are not in any particular order, but it gives you a starting place to come up with ideas of your own. For example, anyone can read one book, but what about an entire series? Sure, this may take time if you are reading something like the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew. But, it will take less time if you are reading Little House on the Prairie. Even if the book is for younger kids take a chance, especially if you have not read the series before.

1. Read a series of books.
2. Start a business. Think of things you’d like to do.
3. Manage money. See how much you can save.
4. Learn to cook, bake or create new recipes.
5. Learn a new skill.
6. Learn a new sport.
7. Learn to play a musical instrument.
8. Learn a new language.
9. Create an obstacle course.
10. Create something that flies.
11. Make something out of recyclables.
12. Learn to draw.
13. Write with your non-dominant hand.
14. Make a list of things you’d like to collect and start a collection.
15. Make a list of movies you’ve watched and the ones you want to watch.
16. Make a list of books you have read and the ones you want to read.
17. Make a new friend.
18. Help a neighbor or friend.
19. Each day say something nice to each member of your family.
20. Start a new habit, like fixing your bed.
21. Plan a trip for the family.
22. Plan a family event, like a game night.
23. Plan an entire month of fun activities. These can be simple.
24. Stage a play. Write, and produce it for others to act.
25. Write a short story.
26. Create a podcast. What would your show be about?
27. Create a scavenger hunt.
28. Learn about geocaching.
29. Go on a treasure hunt.
30. Organize pictures. On a phone, or computer.
31. Learn to take good pictures.
32. Learn to sew a button.
33. Write an mail a letter to a relative or a friend.
34. Learn to write a thank-you card.
35. Jobs – what do you think would be fun to have as a job.
36. Build something.
37. Create a fort.
38. Learn first aid.
39. Create a list of rules for different things.
40. Play a game using a different set of rules.
41. Create something new. Think about this.
42. Create an exercise routine.
43. Learn to eat healthy.
44. Grow something from a seed.
45. Start a garden.
46. Create a challenge with someone in your family.
47. Learn to play chess – or another game you don’t know.
48. Learn a new craft.
49. Create a kite.

As you can see some of these fun projects can take some time and others can be done easily. If you like some of these ideas, make a plan on when you will start to do them and write them in your calendar. Learning to set deadlines and goals is an important part of learning to accomplish and get things done! This also helps us to be creative and figure out ways to make things work. I hope one or many of this ideas help you.

You might also like these Rainy Day Summertime Activities.

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In this episode of Homeopathy for Mommies, Sue interviews Catherine, a listener and member of Sue’s Members Corner, who shares her profound journey through fertility struggles and her recent successes with classical homeopathy. Catherine recounts her experiences with conventional medicine and naturopathy, which left her physically and emotionally drained. Discovering homeopathy through a local event, she found hope and healing, particularly during her pregnancy. Catherine’s story is a testament to the hope and healing that homeopathy can bring, even in the face of daunting challenges. Her journey is a beautiful reminder of the power of faith, personalized care, and the incredible potential of natural alternative medicine.

If you or a family member are looking for a homeopath to help you with individualized care, check out Sue’s list of recommended homeopaths here: https://homeopathyformommies.com/recommended-homeopaths

The 10 year anniversary of this podcast is coming up! If you would like to leave a review, personal note, or voice recording for Sue to celebrate this milestone, visit https://homeopathyformommies.com/anniversary

—–

DISCLAIMER:

The content of the Homeopathy for Mommies Radio post or page, including text, graphics, images, or information contained in text or audio, or other content, is offered on an informational basis only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice and guidance of a qualified health professional before: Changing or making any adjustment to any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.

Stopping any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.
Starting any new medication or treatment protocol, whether or not it was discussed on the Homeopathy For Mommies Radio show, page or post on this website.
Information on this site is informational and not as specifically applicable to any individual’s medical problem(s), concerns and/or needs.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat or prevent disease.
In each audio remedies are recommended. We are not claiming that the product will cure any of these problems or disorders. We are merely reporting that people have used the product to aid these conditions.

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278: Learning with Micro:bitGuest Joseph Lemke shares with us how he is learning with Micro:bit and why this is a great way for students to explore coding.

What is a Micro:bit?

• programmable microcontroller, like a tiny computer
• has built in sensors like temperature, gyroscope, compass, microphone, speaker, touch button, blue tooth antennae to talk to other microbits and your phone
• has enough computing power to do a lot of things

What are the strengths of Micro:bit?

• it’s a good starting microcontroller because has a good programming platform
• microsoft makecode – graphical platform or text code
• micropython is another option

How do I get started?

1. Purchase a starter kit for about $25 on Amazon.
2. Go to Makecode.microbit.org, and work through the Tutorials

What are some of the favorite projects you’ve made with micro:bit?

• drink dispenser
• controlled dot matrix printer from the 80’s
• Borg costume
• fingerprint reader for light switch

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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How to Use AI to Find Your PathIn this episode, Matt and Charla delve into the practical ways parents can utilize artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, to help their teens explore potential career paths. Whether your child is college-bound or looking into trades, this episode offers valuable insights on leveraging AI to navigate the often overwhelming process of career selection.

*The High Cost of College:*

– Matt and Charla discuss the significant financial investment in college education today compared to the past.

– They stress the necessity of making informed decisions to avoid unnecessary expenses and delayed entry into the workforce.

– In today’s economic climate, it’s crucial for students to have a clearer idea of their career interests before investing in higher education or specialized training.

– Charla shares personal anecdotes about her son Jack’s uncertainty in choosing a career.

– The importance of identifying a broad career field (like business) before college is highlighted, allowing for more focused exploration during higher education.

*Using AI for Career Exploration:*

– Matt and Charla introduce ChatGPT, affectionately nicknamed “George” by Charla, as a tool for career exploration.

– Charla explains how she uses ChatGPT to generate ideas, improve her writing, and help her students find career paths.

– Teens can ask ChatGPT questions like “What type of careers are good for people who are [insert trait]?”

– AI provides a starting point, but further research and human interaction are essential for detailed understanding.

– Charla encourages using social networks to connect with professionals in various fields for informational interviews.

Connect With Us:

To read more about this (or past topics) go to Charla’s blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

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Podcast Title: LifeSkills101: Final FarewellEpisode Title: Seasons in HomeschoolingHost: Lisa NehringDuration: 23 minutes

Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt final episode of LifeSkills101, Lisa Nehring takes listeners on a reflective journey through the different seasons of homeschooling and life. Using the changing seasons as an analogy, Lisa beautifully illustrates the ebb and flow of homeschooling experiences and personal growth.

Key Points:

1. Introduction: Seasons in Homeschooling
   • Lisa opens the episode with a warm welcome and introduces the theme of seasons in homeschooling.
   • She explains how each season—spring, summer, fall, and winter—mirrors the stages and transitions in the homeschooling journey.
2. Spring: New Beginnings
   • Discussion about the excitement and freshness of starting a new homeschooling journey.
   • Tips for embracing new beginnings and fostering a love for learning.
3. Summer: Growth and Exploration
   • Highlights the importance of taking time to explore and grow during the homeschooling journey.
   • Encouragement to pursue interests, hobbies, and deeper learning during the summer months.
4. Fall: Harvest and Reflection
   • Lisa reflects on the rewards and achievements gathered over time.
   • The significance of evaluating progress, celebrating milestones, and preparing for the next steps.
5. Winter: Rest and Renewal
   • The necessity of taking breaks and allowing time for rest and rejuvenation.
   • How to use the winter season to plan and set goals for the future.
6. New Beginnings at True North Homeschool Academy
   • Lisa shares exciting news about the new developments and programs at True North Homeschool Academy (TNHA).
   • Details on how these new commitments are taking more of her time and focus, but how fulfilling it is to serve TNHA families.
7. Saying Farewell to LifeSkills101
   • A heartfelt goodbye to the LifeSkills101 podcast and its listeners.
   • Lisa’s reflections on the journey and the decision to end the podcast to focus on TNHA.
8. Encouragement and Resources
   • Encourages listeners to make the most of the available LifeSkills101 podcast episodes.
   • Recommendations for other great podcasts on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network:
     • Homeschooling High School
     • Vintage Homeschool Moms
     • Homeschool Sanity
9. Final Thoughts and Gratitude
   • Lisa expresses her gratitude to the listeners, guests, and everyone who has supported the LifeSkills101 podcast.
   • Encouragement to embrace each season of homeschooling with grace and adaptability.

Resources Mentioned:

• True North Homeschool Academy
• Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network
  • Homeschool High School Podcast
  • Vintage Homeschool Moms
  • Homeschool Sanity Show

Connect with Lisa Nehring:

• True North Homeschool Academy Website
• TNHA on Instagram

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the seasons of homeschooling and life. Embrace each season with love and adaptability. Until we meet again, happy homeschooling!

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Job Hunting Skills for Homeschool High Schoolers- Special Replay.

Job Hunting Skills for Homeschool High SchoolersIt can be really stressful for teens to look for their first jobs. They are stressed because they have never done this before and often do not know where to start! And face it, it is been a LONG time since we moms have had to search for a first job! Want some tips to help? Join Vicki for this quick, concise coaching session on job hunting skills for homeschool high schoolers.

So as a quick, encouraging review on what to do. Here are ten tips.Here are some basic tips that help teens as they look for their first job.

1 Develop an experiential resumeTeens may think they do not have anything they could put on a resume because they have not had a “real” job yet. However, they CAN create an experiential resume.

Experiential resumes highlight skills that teens have been developed through their volunteer work, travel or other experiences. By the time a young person reaches high school, they have lots of skills. Homeschool high schoolers can highlight those on a resume that shows various experiences rather than showing a job timeline. Some experiences they might include would be:

• Volunteer experiences
• Travel experiences
• Interesting academics that show ability to go above and beyond the average
• Hobbies and special interests
• Extracurriculars

You can download 7Sisters Experiential Resume Writing Guide to help your teens with this project.

2 Develop a cover letterA cover letter explains why your teen wants a job at a specific job at a specific place. Teens will not always need a cover letter for entry-level jobs. However, knowing how to write one will help if they find a job that needs one. You can download 7Sisters Cover Letter Writing Guide to help with this.

3 Ask reference-givers permission to list them as references.This is one of the most important job hunting skills for homeschool high schoolers. Teens will need to list some references on most applications. Reference-givers need to have a politely-worded request ahead of time and a follow-up thank you afterwards. I highly recommend you have your teens read this post on how to ask for favors and not leave a terrible impression.

4 Make a listMany first jobs come from people you or your teens know. In fact, networking is the way many jobs are found- even jobs well into an adult’s career. SO, sit with your teens and make a list of people your teen knows:

• youth pastor
• friends’ parents
• relatives
• co-op teachers
• coaches

5 Make the askOnce your teens know their “network”, they can ask each person if they know of any job openings. Have your homeschool high schooler rehearse telling each of those people they are looking for a job. Then they can also ask if they know anyone who needs help. Here is a Great episode on how this worked for our friend Angela’s son.

6 Look for help wanted signsTool around local businesses and the mall. See if you see any “help wanted” signs. If so: have your teen run in, drop off the resume. They may be given an application to fill out right then and there (or more likely: told to apply online). If they are filling out an application in person, remind them to take a breath, be calm and write neatly.

7 Look for online applications from bigger corporations or for local grocery stores or businessesYour teen can look on job sites like Indeed or Monster OR simply look at local stores’ websites. (Help them spot spam on Indeed or Monster- jobs too good to be true.)

8 Work on interview skills.Practice questions and non-verbal. Have questions ready to ask in return. Here are some links to interview skills handout and article.

Remind your homeschool highschoolers to: Show up early, dress professionally, bring a copy of their resume along with pen and paper for notes.

9 Got the job!Remind your teens to: Show up early for work with a smile. Give everything 100%.

This builds the resume for the next job!

10 Make sure you include Career Exploration on the homeschool transcriptThese first jobs can count as a Career Exploration elective. Here’s a how-to for that. And if your homeschool highs chooler has not completed a comprehensive Career Exploration course, you might want to consider it as an important part of the upcoming year’s curriculum!

Hope you get some encouragement with this quick, helpful chat with Vicki!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review and give us some stars and a comment to help others find us more easily. 7. Thanks!

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Hey, homeschoolers! I am excited about today’s episode, not only because of the topic that I think addresses a real need we have as parents, but also about my guest.

I experienced the pain of feeling different as a child and so did my kids. There’s different good and different bad, right? But kids don’t often like any kind of difference that makes them feel alone. How can we help our kids through that? That’s the topic of the conversation I had with Ali Gilkeson.

Ali is a member of the popular Christian folk band Rend Collective. If you’re like me and you aren’t good with band names, you’ll likely recognize their hit song “My Lighthouse.” A gifted communicator, Ali began to travel around Ireland speaking to young people in her early twenties. She is the mother of three children she has raised partly on the road, starting when each one was six weeks old. She and the other members of Rend Collective, including her husband, Gareth Gilkeson, are the founders of Rend Co. Kids, a platform dedicated to creating music that children under the age of thirteen can sing and find hope in. She currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her family.

Ali is down-to-earth and relatable and her new children’s book My Lighthouse is absolutely beautiful. I will be adding it to my library for future grandchildren. Here’s my talk with Ali.

Watch on YouTubeResources MentionedFind Amazon link to the book in the show notes below:

My Lighthouse book

https://rendcollective.com

Rend Co. Kids – YouTube Channel

https://www.instagram.com/aligilk

https://www.instagram.com/rendcollective

https://www.facebook.com/rendcollective

https://twitter.com/rendcollectivehttps://www.youtube.com/@RendCollective

https://www.tiktok.com/@rend_collectiveHave a happy homeschool week!

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Are you ready for an adventure through God’s amazing Creation? With our Creation Camp, you can explore the wonders of the world right from your home! Each day, you’ll dive into a new day of Creation with fun activities, experiments, and art projects.

Let’s explore what you’ll learn (scroll to bottom for details) and some fun ideas you can start with right way, teaching each day to your students!

And … don’t miss the Creation Science Podcast on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Day 1: Let There Be Light! On the first day, God created light, separating it from the darkness.

Teaching Idea:

• Experiment with Light: Use a flashlight in a dark room to show how light can change the environment. Discuss how light helps us see and makes us feel safe.
• Art Project: Create a “light and dark” collage using black and white paper. Let students cut out shapes and glue them to show the contrast between light and darkness.

Day 2: Sky and Water On the second day, God made the sky and separated the waters.

Teaching Idea:

• Sky in a Jar: Fill a clear jar with water and add a few drops of blue food coloring. Shake it up to see how the water and sky might have looked.
• Cloud Watching: Lie down outside and watch the clouds. Ask students to describe what they see and imagine the sky God created.

Day 3: Land, Sea, and Plants On the third day, God gathered the waters to create seas and made dry land appear. He also made plants and trees.

Teaching Idea:

• Planting Seeds: Give each student a small pot and some seeds to plant. Watch them grow over the week and talk about how plants need water, light, and soil.
• Create a Mini-Landscape: Use clay or playdough to create models of land and sea. Add small plants or grass to show vegetation.

Day 4: Sun, Moon, and Stars On the fourth day, God made the sun, moon, and stars to light up the sky.

Teaching Idea:

• Star Gazing: Take students outside at night to look at the stars. Use a star map to identify constellations and talk about how vast the universe is.
• Solar System Mobile: Make a mobile using paper or cardboard cutouts of the sun, moon, and stars. Hang them from strings to create a moving display.

Day 5: Birds and Fish On the fifth day, God created birds to fly in the sky and fish to swim in the sea.

Teaching Idea:

• Bird Watching: Spend some time observing birds in your backyard or a local park. Have students draw the birds they see and describe their behaviors.
• Fish Tank Fun: Set up a small fish tank or a bowl with fish (even paper ones!). Discuss different types of fish and their habitats.

Day 6: Animals and Humans On the sixth day, God created animals and humans.

Teaching Idea:

• Animal Parade: Have students draw their favorite animals and share fun facts about them. You can also watch documentaries or read books about different animals.
• Human Body Exploration: Discuss the human body and how amazing it is. Use diagrams to show how different parts of the body work.

Day 7: Day of Rest On the seventh day, God rested.

Teaching Idea:

• Quiet Time: Encourage students to have some quiet time for reflection or reading. Discuss the importance of rest and how it helps us recharge.
• Create a Relaxation Space: Make a cozy corner with pillows and blankets where students can relax, read, or meditate.

Join Our Creation Camp! Our Creation Camp kit comes with everything you need to host your own camp at home:

• Teacher’s Manual: Complete day-by-day instructions, reproducible sheets, and directions for each activity, experiment, and art project.
• Student Notebook: Activity sheets, crossword puzzles, vocabulary games, word search, and a separate field guide book to decorate and put together.

You can complete the camp in one week or spread it out over a longer period—it’s up to you!

Ready to start your Creation Camp adventure? Click here to learn more and get your kit today!

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If you feel like your homeschool year is fizzling out, you’ll appreciate these tips for ending well.

LISTEN ON ITUNES

LINKSGrammarGalaxyBooks.com/treasure.

Instagram at Psychowith6

Rochelle Barlow’s Learn American Sign Language in 31 Days

The Organized Vacation Challenge

my recent podcast on being disappointed in your homeschool year

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Advice For New Homeschool Moms With Sue Sobszak

If you are a new homeschool mom, and you just need a little boost of encouragement, or if you have been homeschooling and need to recalibrate and find that encouragement, then you’ll love the tips from today’s guest, Sue Sobszak! After reading the advice for new homeschool moms laid out by Sue, be sure to check out her website for even more resources and support on your homeschooling journey.

About Sue SobszakSue is a retired nurse practitioner and is now a life coach. Sue and her husband are both retired from the army and have six kids, three of whom have graduated from college, two are currently in college, and their youngest is in high school.

Sue and her family have homeschooled while moving around the United States and even in Germany through their military jobs. This means they have experience with different laws and making homeschooling work in various situations.

Embrace IndividualityOne of the tips for new homeschool moms from 7Sisters Homeschool is that there is no one right way to homeschool. It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

Don’t feel pressured to follow a specific method or approach just because someone says it’s the right way. Our goal as homeschooling parents is to do what’s best for each individual child.

God has created each child uniquely, and as homeschooling parents, we have the privilege of tailoring their education to meet their specific needs and interests. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to homeschool.

You Won’t Mess Up Your KidsMany parents worry about whether they are capable of homeschooling and fear that they might mess up their children. It’s common to feel uncertain and worried about whether we’re doing enough or teaching them everything they need to know. But the truth is, learning is a lifelong journey.

Our kids will continue to learn and grow even after they graduate. Even if we don’t have all the answers, our children’s ability to learn and adapt will help them succeed in life beyond homeschooling.

If there are gaps in their education, they can always learn those things later when they need to. The important thing is to foster a love for learning and a curiosity that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Character DevelopmentWhile academics are important, the significance of character development in homeschooling can’t be emphasized enough. Focusing on building good character traits, such as perseverance, resilience, and adaptability, can leave a permanent impression on our children’s lives.

For Sue’s family, character development was a top priority. While academics are important, her family focused on building good character traits in their children. This emphasis on character has had a lasting impact on them, and they’ve grown into responsible and compassionate individuals.

Sports, travel, and other real-life experiences provide excellent opportunities for character development. Sue incorporated sports and travel into their education, as these experiences help teach them valuable life skills. Sports, in particular, teach resilience, teamwork, and the ability to learn from failure.

Prepare for the FutureAs parents, it is essential to consider our children’s post-high school plans when designing their homeschool education. While it’s impossible to predict exactly what they’ll want to do, having a general idea can guide your educational choices.

Whether they are college-bound, considering a gap year, entering the military, or starting a job, tailoring their education to align with their future goals can better equip them for success. This doesn’t mean you have to mimic the public school system. Rather, it’s about preparing them for their chosen path and meeting any specific requirements they may need to fulfill.

Electives, internships, and mission trips can provide valuable experiences and skills that align with their aspirations. These opportunities allow students to explore their passion areas and gain practical knowledge that can enhance their future career prospects. It also provides them with a chance to network and form connections in their desired fields.

Have a PurposeHaving a clear purpose for homeschooling can help guide your decisions and provide motivation during challenging times. Take some time to reflect on why you chose to homeschool and what you hope to achieve.

Sue encourages parents to write down their purpose and refer to it when things get tough. This purpose will serve as your guiding light on tough days when you question your decision.

Your purpose might be to instill strong Christian values, foster a love for learning, or provide a safe and nurturing environment for your children to grow.

Having a purpose will give you direction and clarity throughout your homeschooling journey. It will help you prioritize what truly matters and let go of unnecessary stress.

Homeschooling is not just about academics. It’s about nurturing your child’s whole being and helping them develop into well-rounded individuals.

Take It One Year at a TimeHomeschooling is a dynamic and ever-evolving process. Instead of overwhelming yourself with long-term plans, focus on one homeschool year at a time.

Flexibility is key, as life circumstances may change, and your children’s needs may evolve. Embrace the freedom homeschooling offers and adapt your approach as necessary.

You don’t have to plan out every detail in advance. You can take it day by day, minute by minute.

Advice For New Homeschool Moms With Sue SobszakHomeschooling can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both parents and children. You’re not alone in this homeschooling adventure. There are many resources and a supportive community available to you.

You can do this, and your dedication and love for your children will shine through in their education. Stay encouraged and keep embracing the joy of homeschooling.

Connect With SueIf you’re looking for more guidance and support on your homeschooling journey, be sure to check out Sue’s website, where you’ll find valuable resources and coaching services. She also has a helpful blog to read her experiences from her own homeschooling years.

Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Top Tech Tools for Homeschool High Schoolers with Meryl van der Merwe.

Top Tech Tools for Homeschool High Schoolers with Meryl van der MerweIf you are looking for something to enhance the homeschool experience for high school students, there is a range of tools and resources available. From technology and career preparation to organization and community service, these tools can help students thrive academically and beyond. Here, we want to dive right into the top tech tools with our friend, Meryl van der Merwe, fellow podcaster at Homeschooling With Technology as well as owner of Funda Funda Academy. So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of homeschooling with technology!

BTW- Meryl has shared her wisdom with Homeschool Highschool Podcast several times. If you have missed them, check these episodes:

• Helping Teens Own Their Education
• Choosing Elective Credits for Homeschool High School
• Tech Skills for Teens

About Meryl van der MerweOriginally from South Africa, Meryl moved to the United States 20 years ago and decided to homeschool her children due to their advanced academic abilities.

Meryl’s passion for teaching led her to start teaching online and eventually establish Funda Funda Academy, where she and a team of teachers offer a wide range of online classes.

On top of Funda Funda Academy, Meryl ventured into podcasting and connected with Vicki, our very own 7Sisters Homeschooler, through the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast network, their shared podcasting network.

Merrill’s amazing podcast is called Homeschooling with Technology. If you are looking for resources on the best technology for homeschooling, this is the podcast you don’t want to miss.

Favorite Top Tech Tools for HomeschoolLet’s talk about some of the best technology for homeschooling you can use that happens to be Meryl’s favorite top tech tools that she encourages you to check out.

GrammarlyFirst up is Grammarly. Grammarly is a free app that helps with grammar and spelling. It’s like having a personal editor that highlights any mistakes you make. Good grammar is important for high school writing requirements.

It is incredibly helpful, especially when writing essays or any other written work. Trust me, your teens will thank you for introducing them to Grammarly.

Vocabulary.comNext on the list is Vocabulary.com. This is another free tool that is fantastic for building vocabulary. It is essential for understanding what you read and improving your writing skills.

Plus, having a strong vocabulary is crucial for standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. And here is a little secret: even though many colleges are going test-optional, scholarships still require test scores.

It’s important to help your children develop a robust vocabulary and thanks to Vocabulary.com, it becomes a fun and engaging process!

Google AppsYou are probably familiar with the Google apps, but let’s emphasize their importance. Many college students use these apps for group work and collaboration.

It’s essential for your children to be familiar with Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Forms. They are free and incredibly useful for organizing and working together on projects.

CanvaAnother tool beloved by Meryl is Canva. It’s like the one tool to rule them all when it comes to graphic design!

Canva started as a simple tool for creating graphics, but it has grown into a powerful platform with features for photo editing, video creation, and even comic strip design. It is free and user-friendly, making it perfect for creating portfolios, marketing materials, and more.

Not only that, but it also has thousands upon thousands of templates, including but not limited to, business cards, presentations, videos, worksheets, printable activities, planners and schedules, and much more.

It also includes a print-on-demand feature for, say, creating and ordering invitations, business cards, flyers, or even prints on a t-shirt!

ChatGPT and AI ToolsAI may be somewhat intimidating for some but it really is here to stay. Instead of fearing it, try to embrace it and its many capabilities.

One AI tool is ChatGPT. It can be used for brainstorming ideas, improving essays, and even generating content.

Even so, it’s important to teach your children to use AI responsibly and not rely on it entirely. AI is a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking and creativity.

Online ServicesThe first online service opportunity is Zooniverse.org, where kids can participate in citizen science projects. This allows them to contribute to real scientific research while learning about various topics.

The second online service opportunity is a platform within the Library of Congress site called By The People, which allows volunteers to transcribe historical documents. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about history and gain valuable experience while also making a difference.

Top Tech Tools With Meryl van der MerweThese are just a few highlights, and there are countless other tools and resources out there. Children should be encouraged to use these tools responsibly and with a discerning eye, always keeping in mind that their contributions and actions can have a real impact.

Technology can truly enhance your homeschooling experience and prepare your children for the future. Don’t be afraid to explore and try new things. You’re not alone on this journey. We’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Connect With Meryl van der MerweIf you want more in-depth information on the top tech tools for homeschooling, be sure to listen to the Homeschooling with Technology podcast.

You can also visit her website, Funda Funda Academy, or join her Homeschooling College Bound Teens Facebook group.

Thank you to Seth Tillman for editing this podcast and to Richie Soares with Homeschool & Humor for writing this blog post!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

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Celebrate 5 Moms Who Changed the WorldIn “Celebrate 5 Moms Who Changed the World,” Episode, #209, Meredith Curtis invites you to meet 5 amazing women who changed the world! A Jewish momma, a pastor’s wife, a Victorian mother, the mother of a President, and a modern woman have or are all changing the world. Each faced or face challenges, yet each woman perseveres. Be inspired and encouraged by the lives of these women!

Powerline Productions, Inc.Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show NotesThe hand that rock the cradle rules the world. Meet five women who changed the world!

JochebedA young Jewish wife and mother who had only a few years to impart her faith in her son who would grow up to be the deliverer Moses.

Susannah WesleyAfter giving birth to 19 children, 10 made it infancy. Two of her sons led a revival in England, one writing over 1,000 hymns. Susannah was purposeful in raising her children for the glory of God.

Mary Eliot EdisonWhen Thomas exasperated his teachers, they labeled him “dumb” and “lazy” so Mary kept him home and taught him herself.

Nelle ReaganNelle’s alcoholic husband made life difficult for Nelle and her two sons. But her faith in God and heart to serve others gave a future President a good foundation.

You!In choosing to homeschool, you are changing the world – here’s why!

Sign up for our NewsletterSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

Resources for Mom – Shop at PowerlineProd.com!

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Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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As we step into the beautiful month of May, we are focusing on something incredibly special and essential—God-Centered Self Care. It’s not just about taking a moment for yourself; it’s about refilling your cup with the love and peace that comes from our faith, allowing you to be the best version of yourself for your family and your homeschooling journey.

Copyright 2024 Felice Gerwitz, Media Angels, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Use for Family only.

Sign Up Here & Get Spring Cleaning Planners!PS. Check out additional planners at Media Angels.

Why God-Centered Self Care?In the hustle of lesson plans, grading, and managing household duties, it’s easy to put our own needs last. But remember, taking care of yourself isn’t an indulgence—it’s a divine responsibility. God-Centered Self Care is about more than just a spa day or reading a good book (although those are wonderful ways to recharge!). It’s about connecting with our Creator to find strength and serenity in our everyday lives. It’s about praying, meditating on scriptures, and walking in nature while reflecting on His creations.

What to Expect in the “God-Centered Self Care” PlannerThis May, our opt-in is designed to help you weave self-care into the fabric of your daily life, with God at the center. Here’s what we’ve planned for you:

• Weekly Inspirational Messages: Start each week with motivational insights that align with our faith and focus on personal renewal.
• Practical Self-Care Tips: Easy, practical tips to incorporate spiritual, physical, and emotional self-care into your busy schedule.
• Community Support: Join our Facebook community where we share our journeys, uplift each other, and find common ground in our challenges and successes.

Introducing the “Making Memories” Kids PlannerWhile you’re investing in your spiritual and personal growth, we haven’t forgotten about the little ones. I’m excited to announce the launch of our new kids’ planner, Making Memories. This planner is designed to help your children organize their activities while creating lasting memories. It’s a fantastic tool that encourages them to develop planning skills and cherish each day’s special moments.

How to JoinJoining is easy! Simply sign up through our website or send me a private message, and I’ll get you all set up. This is your time to shine and grow, not just as a homeschooling mom but as a woman of faith and strength.

A Final Word of EncouragementRemember, when you take time for God-centered self-care, you’re not stepping away from your responsibilities—you’re stepping into God’s rest. This not only rejuvenates your spirit but also empowers you to continue nurturing those you love with renewed energy and joy.

Let’s make this May a turning point, a month where we focus on caring for ourselves with the same love and patience we give so freely to others. It’s time to embrace a routine that includes God-centered self care, making sure that while our children learn from their textbooks, we learn from our greatest teacher—life guided by faith.

Recommended Resources to Help You Make the Most of Your HomeschoolUltimate Checklist Planners

Our most popular printables are now updated! Do you like to use checklists for all of your needs? You’ll get all 12 months of planning sheets all at your fingertips. Use it in your home and homeschool.

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Let’s Talk About The Best Graduation Gifts that Teens Really Want!With five children and a group of friends with many children, I’ve participated in my fair share of graduation celebrations in recent years. However, it was after really thinking about my own graduation and those of my children that I realized what children really desire is not what they receive. In this podcast, Felice shares her ideas of what a graduation celebration should be and ways you can make lasting memories with your own special graduates.

Show Notes – Best Graduation Gifts A study by Hallmark reveals:

• 95 percent give money for gifts for graduation from high school or college
  • $25 is about the average amount spent for a close friend (or child of a close friend)
  • 67 percent believe that $50 or more is appropriate for a close relative
  • $20 is the average for a not-so-close friend
  • And many would give no gift to a not-so-close friend, but they might send a card.

Some of the Best Graduation Gift Ideas:1. A book where the child can begin their memoirs – one leather-bound book entitled: “My Life Story Thus Far” 2. Jewelry 1. Necklace, bracelet, earrings 2. Watch 3. Money Clip Holders 4. Posters with great sayings on it. 5. Personalized gifts 1. Personalized wooden box 2. Personalized jewelry – necklace/ ring/ bracelet 3. Mugs, glasses 4. Candy wrappers 5. Picture albums 6. Backpacks 7. Picture frames 8. Baseball bats 6. Luggage 7. Throw Rug 8. A Bible with their name engraved – if they don’t already have one. 9. Popular gifts but they also become dust collectors 1. Paperweights 2. glass shadow boxes – elegant glass boxes with your grads name so they can store and see their special treasures 3. a globe that is made of cork with pushpins to mark the countries visited 4. The year with a spot in the 0 for their picture 5. Personalized wooden box 6. Personalized jewelry – necklace/ ring/ bracelet

Nothing replaces spending T-I-M-E with your teen or soon-to-be graduate, making memories through gift-giving, if the right gift is selected helps.

Podcast #83 – Creating Memories on Vintage Homeschool Moms

• Are you an eZine member? If you are you received a LINK to the free eBook
• You must be a subscriber to receive yours – Subscribe here

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Today on Homeopathy for Mommies, I want to share with you the insights from one of our most sensitive and personal subjects: hair loss, or alopecia, as it’s medically known.

Hair loss can be a distressing experience, affecting not just our appearance but also our self-esteem. It’s a condition that doesn’t discriminate, impacting men and women, young and old. In our recent episode, we delved deep into the causes and remedies of hair loss from a homeopathic perspective.

Before we can address hair loss, it’s crucial to understand its root causes. Hair loss can stem from a variety of factors, including hereditary predispositions, hormonal changes, underlying medical conditions, certain medications, and even stressful life experiences. As a homeopath, I stress the importance of looking at the whole person, considering their health history, hormonal fluctuations, stress levels, exposure to toxins, and other contributing factors.

Homeopathy shines in its ability to tailor remedies to the individual. It’s not just about treating hair loss in isolation but understanding the person’s unique perception of the world and how it influences their health. This holistic approach can lead to the most beneficial remedy for each person’s specific type of hair loss.

In our discussion, we highlighted several homeopathic remedies, such as sulfur, lycopodium, and sepia, which are known for their effectiveness in addressing different patterns of hair loss.

One of the most encouraging aspects we discussed in this episode is the body’s remarkable ability to recover and regrow hair, especially when the triggering factor is identified and addressed. Physical injuries, for example, can have a profound impact not only on our hair but also on our psyche. The body’s response to such shocks can be mitigated with the right homeopathic remedies, promoting recovery and healing.

Hair loss, while challenging, is not insurmountable. With the insights from homeopathy and the support of a professional, there’s hope for recovery and regrowth. Remember, your health journey is unique, and with the right approach, you can find the remedy that resonates with your individual needs.

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273: Engaging online art history resourcesIn today’s episode, guest Holly Egan who teaches the Art History class for teens at show sponsor FundaFunda Academy, shares her favorite online art history resources.

Main supplemental websites for her art history class:

Smart History -Has over 800 contributors from all over the world

https://smarthistory.org/

National Geographic – great art history section with engaging articles

Art History School – artist biographies explored by Paul Priestly

Artthropology.com– a collection of art history videos an art history teacher has put up on her site from various sources

Khan Academy – their art history videos

Art Museum Websites

MoMA

The Met

The Whitney

YouTube Channels for Videos:

National Galleries Scotland & Royal Academy of Arts – videos on movements, artists, exhibitions

The Magnificent Paintbrush – excellent, short artist bios from an elementary art teacher

Tate YouTube Channel:

The National Gallery YouTube Channel

Favorite art channel on this list is The Art Assignment. It’s a PBS Digital Studios channel uploads videos focus on contemporary art. Host Sarah Urist Green interviews the artists from around the world and the artists give an assignment to the audience.

Holly’s Art History Class

Art History 2024

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Is Your Teen Ready?Introduction:

Charla & Matt welcome listeners back to another episode of “It’s Not About Money – The Money Podcast for Intentional Parents,” discussing the challenges and joys of parenting teenagers and preparing them for financial independence.

Opening Banter:

Charla & Matt discuss their current podcasting setup and the absence of their kids, who are growing up and starting to face the realities of adulthood. They reflect on the transition to becoming empty nesters and share humorous anecdotes about their children’s perspectives on family dynamics and finances.

Setting the Scene:

They set the stage for discussing important financial questions to gauge teens’ understanding of money management and adult responsibilities. They emphasize the need for parents to approach these conversations carefully, considering each teenager’s unique personality and level of awareness.

Teenagers as “Tigers”:

Charla uses a metaphor comparing teenagers to tigers (something Matt takes issue with!), highlighting the importance of approaching them with caution and sensitivity when discussing financial topics. She shares insights from her experience as a teacher, noting that open-ended questions can encourage dialogue without making teens feel pressured or judged.

Reality Check for Teens:

They delve into specific questions that can help gauge teens’ financial awareness, such as the cost of a cell phone plan or monthly savings contributions. They emphasize the gap between teens’ perceptions of financial independence and the realities of adulting, stressing the importance of practical experiences and financial education.

Lessons from Personal Finance Classes:

Charla shares experiences from her personal finance class, where students simulate adult scenarios to understand the complexities of budgeting, expenses, and financial decision-making. She highlights the value of such courses in preparing teens for the responsibilities of adulthood.

Empowering Teens Through Education:

Charla & Matt discuss the role of financial education in empowering teens to make informed decisions about money. They mention resources like “Beyond Personal Finance,” a comprehensive course designed to teach teenagers the fundamentals of financial literacy and long-term planning.

Promoting Dialogue and Understanding:

The hosts encourage parents to engage in ongoing conversations with their teens about money, using tools like the provided questions as a starting point. They stress the importance of creating a supportive environment where teens can learn and grow without feeling overwhelmed or judged.

Closing Remarks:

Charla & Matt wrap up the episode by thanking listeners for tuning in and reaffirming their commitment to helping parents navigate the challenges of raising financially literate and responsible teenagers.

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Helping Teens Make New Friends. Give your high schoolers the networking skills that will help them now and in adulthood.

Helping Teens Make New FriendsDelivered by 7SistersHomeschool’s very own licensed professional counselor, Vicki is here to talk about one of her most favorite topics: helping teens make new friends. In Vicki’s other hat, besides having raised her kids through the homeschooling process, she’s worked with all kinds of teens on how to make new friends. No matter where you are in life, there are times where you need a new set of friends, whether that’s moving to a new area, joining a new church or breaking up with a homeschool co-op group. You’ll learn all the pointers you need to know in these tried and true tips!

Share Basic Life SkillsFirst, know that helping teens make new friends doesn’t mean you make the friends for your homeschool high schoolers. We can’t do this for our teens, but we can give them the skills needed to pursue friendships, for making those friends themselves, and for creating their own network. This is a skill that, if learned now, can apply to the rest of their lives, well into their careers.

Also, work with your teens on basic life skills so they can have the tools already in their toolbox to use. And they need to know they can choose to use these or they can choose not to use these tools. It’s their choice. As long as teens feel like they have a choice in something, they will very often use those skills.

Even shy teens can learn skills like these to build their confidence.

Find New Things To Try LocallyWhen your teen finds some things to try, this doesn’t mean it’s something that they are already passionate about, nor is this necessarily something they want to do. They just need to try some new things. It’s one of the most important things we can do for learning and practicing skills and actually discovering some things that we don’t know whether we like or not until we try it.

Local Support GroupsIf you’re new to an area, or you’re beginning your homeschool journey brand new, look around your local area and start simple. Find some things that have other teens involved. For instance, look to see if there is a local homeschool support group or other organization. That is a good place to start looking, and then see if they have a youth group. Check out their website, or see if they have an online schedule or calendar to see what is happening.

Local ClassesIf there’s not a support group with just some youth activities, are there some classes that they can take locally? Regardless if they need the class or not, enroll your teen in an umbrella school class or two at a homeschool umbrella school or someplace where there’s group learning.

Church Youth Groups and Service OrganizationsFor teens, church youth groups and church missions trips are another way to be around other teens doing something.

Service organizations for teens that are out in the community, such as library volunteers or food bank volunteers. See what different things are available where there are groups of teens going out and/or volunteering. Maybe even have your teen join a sports team. All those things are places where teens will meet new people.

Pick One Thing to TryOnce you pick a thing, unless they’re an extroverted teen, you don’t want to overwhelm them with 42 different things. What you do, instead, is make an agreement with your teen on what they are going to try.

For instance, have your teen agree to give that specific activity or organization a try. In most cases, you will know how it fits after at least two sessions or two events. Sometimes you will even know after the first time that it’s not a good fit.

Give It An Honest GoThere have been times when Vicki visited new churches or new organizations and nobody is at the door to greet or welcome her. No one spoke to her the entire time of the meeting or event, not a soul spoke a word to her.

If this happens to you, just know they’re not your people.Realize there is never a lost event and that you will always come away with an insight or new perspective or learning something new.

But don’t stop there. Although it’s definitely not fun, you can even try it twice to see if that was a fluke the first time, to see if someone will talk to you the second time.

What most often happens is that, upon the second or third visit to an organization or group, you’ll notice a shift. The initial tension or formality begins to fade, making interactions more relaxed and straightforward. This ease develops as familiar faces become friendlier, and the overall atmosphere becomes more welcoming.

It’s during these subsequent visits that true connections start to form, and it becomes noticeably easier to engage and collaborate, them with you and you with them.

Let Your Teen Handle the First Visit On Their OwnBefore you arrive at the group or event, it’s important to not accompany your teen inside the building (unless there’s a specific rule stating otherwise). Teens must navigate this event independently.

Extroverted kids likely won’t mind handling this on their own, while introverted ones might feel anxious. In such cases, it’s okay to discuss how far into the building you’re willing to walk with them. However, it’s crucial not to impose. Instead, respond to your teen’s cues.

Tips To Help Your Teen Warm Up to the New SettingMagic Non-verbalsBefore they step out of the car, encourage them to place their hands on their hips. This simple gesture can boost their confidence, preparing them to face the event on their own terms.

Adopting a posture with arms akimbo and counting to fifteen — thousand one, thousand two, and so on — has an interesting effect on our bodies. This stance, even if held for just a few seconds, triggers the release of testosterone. Yes, even women have testosterone coursing through their bodies.

This hormone boosts confidence. It’s like a biological encouragement that says, “You can do this.” And so, you do.

Before any significant event, it’s valuable to discuss these techniques. It’s not something to spring on someone last minute, say, in the car ride over. Share these strategies in advance: “Here are some skills we can use.”

Just before entering the venue, encourage a slight adjustment in posture: pull the shoulders back and lift the chin slightly — not too high, but just enough. When we’re anxious, we tend to hunch our shoulders and lower our chins, gazing down at the floor, closing ourselves off. However, adopting a posture with shoulders back, chin up, and a gentle, Mona Lisa-like smile can transform our nonverbal communication.

These “magic non-verbals” make us seem more approachable, signaling to others that it’s okay to engage with us. Have your teen employ these nonverbals before walking into the building and then periodically check throughout the event to ensure they’re maintaining them. Shoulders back, chin up, and that soft smile can make all the difference, inviting positive interactions and boosting your confidence.

Learn more about non-verbals in 7Sisters Introduction to Psychology.

Hold Something In Your HandThis confidence invites people to come and talk to you. Generally, within a certain period of time, somebody’s going to wander over and start talking. If it’s one of those events where you are socializing, and there are snacks, tell your teen to grab some snacks so that they have something to hold in their hand.

This is called a tool. And you don’t even have to like whatever it is you hold in your hand. You don’t have to eat it all. You just need to have something in your hand. There’s something about holding something in your hand that is appropriate for the setting, like a cup of soda or some cookies, that makes you even more open for people to come and talk to.

Scan the RoomOnce there is something in your hand, if no one is talking to you yet, go stand near the table where the snacks are at, and then scan the room. Look to see where the clusters of people are, if there’s anybody on the outskirts that might be a new person too.

Because believe it or not, there’s new people at things all the time. And if you see someone that’s just standing by themselves, kind of at the edge and, maybe looking a little bewildered, walk slowly over to them and smile and greet them. Ask them a question. They’ll greet you as well and hopefully they’ll ask you a question back.

Prepare Questions Ahead of TimeHave questions that you’ve already planned ahead of time that you can pull out of your pocket. Some questions you can ask are:

• If they’re an old timer here
• What do they like about that group
• Do they have any siblings
• If you’ve been homeschooling long, what’s your favorite subject,

Just ask them questions. When you talk to somebody and you ask them questions, and they start talking about themselves, they feel like you like them, even though you don’t know them yet. And they are more likely to ask you some questions in return. This helps them feel connected and comfortable to you. And you’ve already got a first friend.

Popular Kid SyndromeFor younger teens, very often they worry about cliques and popularity, especially if they’ve been in a public school system or some traditional setting for a while. Think about the kingdom of Heaven. When Jesus came, did He go hang out first with the popular kids? He was looking for people who weren’t the popular kids because in God’s kingdom, it’s backwards.

The kids who might be shy are the ones that are more popular kingdom-wise. We have to have the boldness and the faith to set aside worrying about talking to the wrong person. Take that pecking order mentality out of your younger teens brains and have them thinking along the lines of God’s kingdom. How do we want to be in God’s kingdom in this group?

The John Maxwell StoryHere’s a story that complements this tip: In one of his books, John Maxwell recounts a memorable journey from the airport to a conference with a friend. They shared a cab and, being naturally sociable, struck up a conversation with the driver.

Eager to learn about the driver’s life, Maxwell and his friend peppered him with questions, uncovering fascinating stories about his family and experiences. Throughout the ride, they shared nothing about themselves except for their destination, the conference they were speaking at.

As the cab approached the conference venue, the driver, preparing to say goodbye, expressed his enjoyment of the conversation and wished them well at the conference. Remarkably, despite knowing little about Maxwell and his friend beyond their participation in the conference, the driver felt a sense of acceptance and connection.

This interaction epitomizes the Christ-like virtue of showing genuine interest in others, fostering a feeling of warmth and acceptance with a simple, attentive conversation. And that becomes the beginning of a friendship.

Remember, tell your teen to keep those non-verbals going as often as they can.

Describe ThemselvesIn between events, have your teen work on being able to describe themselves. You can start this before you go to an event, but definitely keep this an ongoing conversation.

Questions to incite self-description:

• Who are you?
• What do you like to study?
• What do you want to do after high school?
• Do you have any hobbies?
• Take some personality tests. What are your personalities?
• What are the service projects you’ve done?

This way, if people ask your teen questions, they don’t have to stare at the floor, fumbling on what to say as they’ll already know how to answer these questions.

One way to practice describing themselves is through a speech class. Have them write an elevator pitch about themselves, which is what they could say to somebody about themselves. Or, act like they have a business and they are between the first and third floor of an elevator ride.

An elevator pitch is something very short, just little soundbites they can say about themselves.

Once they establish their elevator pitch, have them practice a little bit at home on how to continue a conversation. When they say something about themselves, have them as the person a follow-up question.

The Second Visit or EventOnce your teen gets to the second event, one of the best things to do is for them to start looking for ways to get involved. If there’s a service project, a side project, or people set up for cleanup, for example, they want to get involved doing those things because that gets them in on the kinds of kids who also do things. And those kinds of kids are generally the friendlier and more fun kids over time.

What can they volunteer for? The people who are engaged and active are the ones that are more likely to be the ones who are friendly over time.

Volunteering can open doors to new friendships and other things. When you’re volunteering to help out, you’ll be working alongside people. You’ll likely carry on a conversation with them, and just that little moment of conversation is the beginning of a connection, taking a stranger to an acquaintance level.

And maybe if they volunteer enough together, they might become homeschool friends. At minimum, they will have some acquaintances every time they go to that meeting, where they will have someone to talk to and do the service together. Doing projects together is one of the very, very best ways to start making new homeschool friends.

What Went WellTo wrap it all up, one of the most important things we want to do is make sure your teens are telling you what went well.

Let’s be realistic. Not all teens are going to want to talk about it because some of them just need to think about it. Suggest or encourage them to tell you a few things that went well so they can put that into focus and see it as a positive experience, shedding any anxieties from it in the future.

When you leave an event and head home, your mind often races with thoughts of regret: “Why did I say that? Why didn’t I do this?” This self-criticism and guilt can lead to unnecessary stress, teaching your brain to associate these social events with negative feelings. Your brain starts to signal “danger” at the thought of attending future events, fearing the stress that may follow.

However, it’s crucial to shift this mindset. Instead of them dwelling on what went wrong or what they didn’t do, have them focus on the positive aspects of the experience. Have them think about what went well, what felt good, and end their day on a note of positivity and gratitude.

Though it might sound cliché, embracing a positive outlook and gratitude can significantly impact your mental well-being. Remembering the positives and expressing gratitude deactivates the stress response in your brain and activates the regions associated with smart thinking and emotional health.

From a counselor’s perspective, ending an event with a sense of gratitude not only aligns with the biblical encouragement to give thanks but also places you in a better biological and spiritual state. Focusing on the positives encourages your brain to view future events more optimistically, making you more likely to approach them with enthusiasm rather than anxiety.

Helping Teens Make New FriendsWhen you follow these tips, you’ll find it easier to help your teen make new homeschool friends. We hope these tips help!

Don’t forget, we have the 7Sisters Homeschool Facebook group too. It’s a really friendly and supportive Facebook group, where people share all kinds of homeschool high school questions and feedback, sometimes about younger ones all the way to a lot of high school stuff. It’s such a good, supportive place!

Thank you to Seth Tillman for editing this podcast and to Richie Soares with Homeschool & Humor for writing this blog post!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe

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5 School Break Boredom Busters That Homeschoolers Will Love ~ Episode 38

On this episode, Crystal shares a list of five school break boredom busters that homeschool parents and kids will love! Even better- most of these activity ideas will keep your kids learning, but shhh, it’s our secret!

We are quickly approaching the time of the year when public and private schools alike are anticipating Spring Break, with summer soon to follow. Many homeschoolers are also planning their vacation week. While some families plan road trips or visits to amusement parks, others prefer a low-key agenda that includes natural learning opportunities for their children.

Or, you and/or your kiddos may simply be feeling a bit burned out with the normal day-to-day homeschool routine and need something new and different while taking time away from school books and worksheets.

Whatever your reason, if you’re looking for ideas on keeping your kids occupied, you’re in luck! On today’s episode, Crystal shares some great spring break activities that your kids will love. And most of these activity ideas will keep your kids learning, but shhhh it’s our secret!

• Give those new recipes a try! Need ideas? Try these kid-friendly recipes.
• Start a garden! It’s really pretty easy! If you need some inspiration, watch this great YouTube video on how to get a simple garden going.
• Scavenger hunts galore!
  • Color-themed
  • Location-themed
  • Alphabet-themed
  • Easter-themed or other holiday themes
  • If you are looking for more ideas, check out these fun scavenger hunt ideas for kids!
• Camp out under the stars! In addition to the ones mentioned in the podcast, here are some other family-friendly backyard camping ideas you can enjoy with your kids.
• Get crafty! Here are some crafty projects, with links, so you can follow the step-by-step instructions and recipes:
  • Homemade slime: This recipe only requires two to three ingredients to make a basic slime, or your kids can make a puffy slime if that’s what they like. This craft is a perfect chance to learn about chemical reactions and how the ingredients interact to create the slime. Note: since this recipe calls for borax, this craft project is better suited for older kids, as they’ll understand that they can’t eat the slime!
  • DIY bird feeders: What to do with those plastic jugs leftover from water and milk? Well, save them for this project! Your kids will enjoy using recycled plastic jugs to make their bird feeders. Once up, your kids will see and learn about all the birds that venture into your yard.
  • Build a bug hotel: Another DIY project you can do using recycled materials mixed with some nature is a bug hotel. Little kids will love the silliness of building a hotel for bugs, all while learning about the different bugs that might want to stay there!

So, there you have it! My list of five school break boredom busters that homeschool parents and kids will love! Try them out, and let me know what you think! And if you have any other ideas for keeping the kids busy, please share!

Join Crystal and her guests each week as they bring relevant information to equip you, stories to encourage you, and content to inspire you. You don’t have to go it alone; tune in to the Military Homeschool Podcast and be energized in your military homeschooling journey!

How to listen:

1. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or Stitcher
2. Subscribe on your favorite podcast listening app
3. Or listen right here (just scroll down)

Got questions, comments, or show topic ideas? Contact Crystal via email at militaryhomeschoolpodcast@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Please subscribe, follow, and share with all of your military homeschooling friends!

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Top Summertime Healthy Snacks Episode 279Summertime Healthy snacks do not have to taste like cardboard or break the bank. In this episode, of Vintage Homeschool Moms, I will share some yummy snacks with you that are crowd pleasers and even the kids will love them–promise!

There are so many healthy snacks that appeal to kids! However, I’ve learned that my kids will eat different things when they help in the prep! Teach kids some safety rules.

1. Wash hands before preparing any food to eat.
2. Use care with knives. Don’t put your hands by the blade.
3. Use a cutting board when slicing fruit or vegetables.

Listen to the audio to learn about many more!

Summertime Healthy Snacks1. Cucumber sandwich – you can use two slices of cucumber, sharp cheese, and sliced meat. 2. Crackers and peanut butter. 3. Frozen yogurt 4. Hard boiled eggs. 5. Cucumber and tomato salad. Drizzle olive oil. 6. Smoothies – use your child’s favorite fruit and blend with ice. 7. Banana and peanut butter popsicles. Blend bananas and peanut butter until creamy. 2 large bananas or 3 small bananas – ripe work best plus 2-3 Tablespoons of peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter). Nutella works well. 8. Apple muffins are always a favorite. Use grain-free alternatives if needed for gluten-free. 9. Ketogenic – high fat, low-carb. Shakes as well as various snacks such as coconut balls. See recipe here. 10. Chocolate peanut butter: Mix 1 tablespoon of peanut butter with 5-10 chocolate chips, eat with a tiny spoon 11. Melt peanut butter with coconut oil – unless you live in FL like I do and coconut oil is liquid here, stir in the cocoa and add the sugar. Take it off from the heat and mix in the van. extract. Pour it into a candy mold – or simply line a cookie pan – lipped with wax paper and pour it in, cut into tiny squares or break once it is cooled. You may need to put it in the frig to Harden. 12. Use mixed nuts and place in a shallow pan, toast them in the oven and sprinkle’ with sea salt. Drizzle with melted chocolate and refrigerate until set. Store in a mason jar and enjoy 13. Kale chips – wash and place leaves on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt and drizzle with olive oils – be sure to watch carefully and bake until toasty – break up into chunks, cool and eat. Very low cal and yummy. Great rainy day activity. 14. Homemade Applesauce – Wash apples in vinegar to take off waxy polish sometimes on the skin. Core the apples and place whole in boiling water until mushy. Take out and process in a food processor or remove the skin and mash with a fork. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy! 15. Roll banana in peanut butter and then roll in crunchy cereal 16. Snack tray — pretzels, applesauce, banana chips, raisins, nuts, cereal 17. Yogurt and fruit parfait. Try instant pot recipes for yogurt – super yummy! 18. Yogurt bark. Spread yogurt on parchment paper, top with fruit such as blueberries or strawberries. Freeze. Break into chunks once froze. A family favorite. 19. Frozen banana pops. Cut bananas in half, thread popsicle stick in banana. Dip the banana in melted chocolate. Place on wax paper lined cookie sheets and freeze. 20. Pinwheels: take a soft, tortilla and use a spread such as mayo or mustard. Layer your meats or cheeses, add lettuce, tomato, roll up and slice. Have the children add their favorites. 21. Melted chocolate. Use fresh fruit to dip! 22. Frozen grapes. Try them, they are a yummy snack! 23. Homemade trail mix – add your favorites. 24. Fruit and veggie platters. Use favorite salad dressing for a dip. 25. Scooped chips filled with fresh salsa.

This list of twenty five snacks will help to jump start your own ideas. What did I leave out? Leave your favorites with me!

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272: Vacation Planning with AIIn this episode one Vacation Planning with AI, Meryl discusses using AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, and others to plan their upcoming summer road trip out west in their Sprinter van. She shares her experience asking the AI for suggestions on stops, restaurants, activities and more along their route through states like Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma and others before arriving at Capitol Reef National Park.

She also covers using AI to plan a hypothetical trip to Boston with kids aged 6, 9 and 14, asking for child-friendly museum recommendations under $40 total, outdoor activities, novels/websites to prepare them for the trip, and more.

Key Topics:

• Using different AI tools like Claude, Anthropic, ChatGPT, Copilot to plan a road trip
• Asking for stop suggestions with specific interests like hiking, cycling, kayaking, historic sites
• Getting restaurant recommendations for certain cuisines and price ranges near highways
• Planning a family trip to Boston with age-appropriate activities under a budget
• Requesting book/website recommendations to prepare kids for the Boston trip
• Tips for crafting effective prompts when using AI for planning

In Summary: Meryl summarizes the pros and cons of using AI for vacation planning based on her experience:

Pros:

• Using it as a family activity to introduce kids to AI
• Finds unique suggestions you may not have considered
• Provides a lot of relevant information in one place (activities, restaurants, books, websites)
• Allows for very specific queries (price ranges, cuisine types, interest filters)
• Good for getting a jumpstart on planning

Cons:

• Some responses were completely off-base or useless
• Incorrect information given at times (e.g. non-existent books)
• Still has limitations, paid versions likely much better
• Requires learning how to craft effective prompts

If you want to follow along on Meryl’s real trip out west, you can do that by following show sponsor FundaFunda Academy’s Instagram account – https://www.instagram.com/fundafundaeducation/

All online tools mentioned in this episode

Destinations.AI– Did not find it useful

Gemini

CoPilot

ChatGPT

Claude

Perplexity

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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4 Things a Debit Card Can TeachIntroduction:

Charla & Matt warmly welcome listeners to another insightful episode of “The It’s Not About Money Podcast.” Today’s episode is special as they are joined by their daughter Kate. A 17 year old junior who brings a unique perspective on financial independence for teens.

Opening Banter:

Charla and Kate share a light-hearted banter about their roles in the family and how Kate has grown up learning financial responsibility under Charla’s guidance. Kate reflects on her journey from receiving her first debit card to becoming proficient in managing her finances.

Parenting Philosophy and Financial Tools:

Charla & Matt discuss their parenting philosophy, emphasizing that money is a tool that requires hands-on experience to master. Charla compares money practice to learning to play the piano, highlighting the importance of practical experience rather than theoretical knowledge alone.

Kate’s Experience with Debit Cards:

Kate shares her experiences with using a debit card, including moments of discomfort and learning. She talks about managing her monthly expenses, budgeting for personal and family needs, and the importance of financial independence in relationships.

Lessons Learned and Challenges Faced:

Kate recounts a humorous incident at a restaurant where she misunderstood the tipping process, leading to a funny yet insightful lesson about financial transactions. Charla and Kate discuss the value of making mistakes and learning from them in the journey towards financial literacy.

Teaching Moments and Real-Life Scenarios:

Charla emphasizes the importance of allowing teens to experience real-life financial challenges, such as a declined card or budgeting for different expenses. These experiences, although challenging, are crucial for building resilience and practical money management skills.

Recommendations and Wrap-up:

Charla & Matt recommend using practical financial tools like debit cards from reputable banks, sharing their positive experiences with Bank of America’s mobile app. Charla teases upcoming episodes and encourages listeners to subscribe for more valuable insights on parenting and financial wellness.

Conclusion:

With laughter and valuable lessons shared, Charla, Matt and Kate wrap up the episode, thanking listeners for joining them on this journey of financial empowerment.

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Hey, homeschoolers! If you have a teen daughter, I think this episode is a must-listen. I interview Shannon Popkin and Lee Niehuis, authors of Comparison Girl for Teens, and I haven’t been able to stop talking about it. There is so much wisdom here about our girls and how to help them manage comparison and friendship in a God-honoring way.

Shannon Popkin invites you to drink deeply of God’s story, and live like it’s true. Shannon’s books include Control Girl, Comparison Girl, Comparison Girl for Teens (2024), and Shaped by God’s Promises(2024). Shannon also hosts the Live Like It’s True Bible podcast and has been featured on Revive Our Hearts, FamilyLife Today, The Gospel Coalition, and Proverbs 31. She’s happy to be sharing life with Ken, who makes her laugh every day. Together, they have the joy of watching their three young-adult kids become the amazing people God created them to be.

Lee Nienhuis is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher. She cohosts the Martha & Mary Show and the You Can Tell the Children podcast with Bible2School. Lee’s books, Brave Moms, Brave Kids and Countercultural Parenting are a clarion call for parents looking to raise wholehearted Christ followers. Lee and her husband, Mike, have four kids and live in West Michigan.

Here’s my chat with Shannon & Lee.

Watch on YouTubeSummary

In this conversation, Shannon Popkin and Lee Nienhuis discuss the topic of comparison and its impact on teenage girls. They share personal experiences and insights on how comparison relates to anxiety and depression. They also discuss the role of family and church background in shaping a girl’s self-perception. The conversation highlights the importance of parents in helping their daughters avoid the pitfalls of comparison and offers practical advice on how to do so. The speakers also introduce their book, ‘Comparison Girl,’ and provide additional resources for further exploration.

Have a happy homeschool week!

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Homeschool AI Courses, Interview with Chris Remboldt.

Homeschool AI CoursesAs we transition into an era of artificial intelligence (AI), we can see how influential it could be for our kids today, both by including homeschool AI courses for learning about its applications and also by using it to pursue knowledge. One such AI wizard is Chris Remboldt from Future Homeschool. Chris is passionate about AI and believes in empowering young people with the knowledge and skills to harness its potential. Learn more about Chris’s journey into AI exploration and it helped shape Future Homeschool into making AI education accessible and engaging for teenagers.

BTW- Technology courses are useful for homeschool high schoolers. In fact, a few states require a some kind of technology course for high school graduation. (For a look at what credits teens need for graduation, check out this post.)

About Chris RemboldtChris’s homeschooling experience had a profound impact on his life. From a young age, he was immersed in a hands-on and book-rich environment from kindergarten through twelfth grade, and he never attended public school. In fact, the closest he got to it was taking standardized tests in Kansas.

Chris says he was a “nerdy kid.” And his mom is still proud of the fact that he tested at a college level in most subjects when he was just ten years old.

With no screens or video games, Chris’s childhood was filled with books, Legos, and the wonders of nature. He loved reading books like Little House on the Prairie and nature field guides.

His parents encouraged him to explore and learn, instilling in him a love for knowledge and discovery. Moving to Tennessee, they began a truly unique educational journey: building their own house.

Chris learned practical skills and the value of hard work, doing everything from plumbing to electrical work, and they even tamed the land around the house. Chris recalls it as an incredible education and upbringing, and he considers it the best homeschool story because it taught him that all of life is education, learning so much through that experience

From Building Houses to Hacking AIChris’s fascination with technology began early on when he tinkered with VTEC laptops and wrote his first lines of computer language. As he grew older, he dabbled in hacking video games, pushing the boundaries of what was possible. This curiosity and desire to explore the edges of possibilities in technology led him to AI.

Chris has been studying AI since 2018 and has used it to build web apps and create innovative projects and explore the endless possibilities it offers. His journey from building houses with the Pythagorean theorem to hacking AI showcases his passion for pushing the limits of what is possible.

AI has become an extension of his exploration of the world and a tool that empowers him to do things that would have required an entire team of developers just a few years ago.

The Importance of AI Education for HomeschoolersAI has the potential to shape the future, and Chris believes that homeschoolers are the perfect audience to embrace and harness its power. By equipping teenagers with AI knowledge, they can become the architects of a better world.

Future Homeschool offers a platform where Chris adds a new lesson each week based on his experiences in AI. Each week, students receive a new lesson based on what Chris has learned in AI. These artificial intelligence lesson plans cover a wide range of topics, from large language models to online entrepreneurship, providing teens with a comprehensive understanding of AI and its applications. There’s even a free course on Chat GPT that you can learn more about.

The course is structured to be an elective, allowing students to earn credit for their homeschool transcript, all while fostering a supportive community where students can connect and collaborate.

Homeschoolers are the perfect audience for Future Homeschool because they are creative, curious, and wise. Chris’ goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to make a positive impact in the world by providing them with the tools and knowledge to navigate the world of AI.

He hopes to see graduates of his course starting their own tech companies. And, as an entrepreneur himself, Chris also plans to invest in startups that emerge from the Future Homeschool community, fostering a cycle of innovation and growth.

Homeschool AI CoursesIn a world driven by technology, it is crucial to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving landscape. Future Homeschool offers a unique opportunity for homeschoolers to learn more about the world of AI, explore its possibilities, and develop their entrepreneurial mindset.

Chris Remboldt is paving the way for a future where teens can utilize technology to create positive change. Learn more about Future Homeschool, where your teen can join the exciting AI journey that will undoubtedly shape their future.

Keep pushing the boundaries, exploring new possibilities, and embracing the power of education. You are the future, and your potential is limitless.- Chris Remboldt

Connect with Chris RemboldtYou can learn more about how your teen can join Future Homeschool by Chris Remboldt. Also, learn how AI continues to shape our world through the Future Homeschool YouTube channel.

Also, for more technology ideas, check out the Homeschooling with Technology Podcast, here on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Thank you to Seth Tillman for editing the podcast. Also, thanks to Richie Soares with Homeschool & Humor for writing this blog post.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe

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Successful Parenting That Works ~ Episode 522As parents, we want to be appreciated, but what does successful parenting look like? Are your goals met? Do you have goals, and where do you see your child in five, ten, or even fifteen years down the road? In this episode, we will look at some misconceptions about parenting and ways you can have a peaceful home.

Visit MediaAngels.com for books, classes, and downloadable printables.

Have you ever felt that success or failure is typically in the eyes of the beholder? I certainly have, and the articles I’ve read often discuss the fact that we set our own standards. In other words, what you consider a success or a failure might not fit my definition. I’ve come to realize that without a plan, I will struggle and fail. Unfortunately, parenting does not come with a manual, although some would argue that the Bible is all the manual you need! But even Christians like me face challenges when it comes to parenting.

Parenting Little Ones:

Your kids aren’t little forever, and when I was expecting my first I read every parenting book I could get my hand on. There is a ton of advice now on blogs, video and everyone is an expert, just ask them. While I’m not saying I’m an expert, I’ve spent most of my adult life as a wife and mother. More than 43 years at this point with five children and nine grandchildren. When my grandkids come to Sunday family meals, they know what is expected. Sometimes it takes a gentle reminder, or I appeal to my daughter, their mother for help. When kids know what is expected it is so helpful!

One misconception about parenting is that there is one right way, and your neighbor is doing a better job than you or anyone else. Another misconception is that parenting is one size fits all—or, in some cases, most! We equate our success in parenting with how well our children listen or like the family rules (if you have them).

Parenting is not the same as friendship. Sure, you should have a relationship with your child, but parents who attempt to be “friends” with their children end up struggling with discipline.

I have felt successful with some of my children and a failure with others. I can list all the excuses, but that doesn’t help with a solution. This is regarding children who are now grown up. Parenting looks different when the children are younger.

No matter what your level of success or failure, one thing that is certain is there is always room for improvement and apologies when needed. It is okay to admit you were wrong; it isn’t easy, but it is necessary and can go a long way toward repairing damage in relationships.

Successful Parenting That Works for Elementary Age:1. You have family rules. These are fluid and may change, but your children know what is expected. 2. You say what you mean and you do what you say. (Threatening and repeating parents rarely are happy with the outcome.) 3. Your child knows there will be follow-through. 4. You are encouraging and look for opportunities to praise and encourage. 5. Punishments work.

Successful Parenting That Works Looks Like This: (Older Children/Teens and Young Adults)1. You and your child have mutual self-respect. 2. You listen (and they listen). Discussion is allowed. There is open communication, you may not like what they have to say, but you will hear them out. 3. Advice is considered and taken. 4. Rules are mutually set, with the parents having more weight on the final outcome. (Especially for children who live at home or dependent children.)

There is, God willing always tomorrow for a “do-over” if you’ve had a very bad day. Children will test the limits of our patience and our rules and structure. However, if they know we will follow through the odds are in our favor that the outcome will be acceptable for all. I remember telling my teens that our home was a monarchy and I was the Queen. Yes, it may not have been my proudest moment, but I was struggling with the boundaries that they were pushing in full force! We did regroup, discuss and come to a compromise that was accepted by all.

My husband was never the disciplinarian, and I had to be okay with that, but I decided early in our marriage that I’d rather have well-behaved children than stress over who was the stricter parent. In the end, we did work together, and as long as we had discussions in private—not in front of the kids—when we disagreed with parenting, all was good.

I want to end with words for Christian parents. Many Bible verses are helpful, but first, it depends on your mindset.

Proverbs is a wonderful book filled with useful information, I especially like Proverbs 3:1-4 (Read on air).

As a Christian parent, I believe that God put our family together, giving me the spouse I needed and the children I needed, not necessarily for perfect happiness, although happiness can be found in family life, for the salvation of all. We, as a family, work to encourage each other toward the goal of eternal life, and it isn’t an accident. We are family. (Yes, salvation is through faith and Christ. However, those who are saved can go off the righteous path without nurturing whether adults or children.)

Keeping the commandments is more than just at home – 1 Kings 2:3 and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.

There are many other verses that deal with discipline, but I think that going to prayer and praying for our children is one of the best things you can do! As a mom of adult children, I will tell you I pray for them every day, and I prayed for them when they were younger. Friends, don’t be disheartened! If you have pressing concerns or advice you’d like to share, leave it on the post, or join our Facebook Family page and share there as well!

Some Notable Podcasts* Top 10 Parenting Secrets * Top Parenting Questions Answered * Best Homeschool Parenting Tips * Parenting with Influence * Greatest Homeschool Tips

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Show Notes: LifeSkills101 Podcast – “Boys with Pens” with Special Host, Beth PurcellIn this special episode, we welcome Beth Purcell, a renowned writing coach from True North Homeschool Academy. Beth shares her expertise on teaching writing to boys, focusing on their unique linear thinking patterns.

Beth starts by explaining linear thinking. It’s a straightforward, logical process that many boys naturally adopt. This way of thinking influences how they approach writing tasks.

Understanding this linear mindset is key to teaching boys effectively. It’s not about changing how they think but leveraging it. Beth suggests strategies that align with their logical progression of ideas.

First, use structured writing assignments.These provide a clear framework for boys to follow. Outlines and templates can guide their thoughts from start to finish.

Introduce writing exercises that build on their interests.Topics like sports, science, or technology can motivate boys to write. Engagement increases when they’re invested in the subject matter.

Incorporate visual aids and graphic organizers.Tools like mind maps help boys plan their writing visually. This method complements their linear thinking style.

Beth emphasizes the importance of short, achievable writing tasks. Breaking down assignments into manageable parts reduces overwhelm. It encourages boys to tackle writing with confidence.

Feedback should be constructive and specific.Highlight what they’re doing right and where they can improve. This approach fosters a growth mindset towards writing.

Encourage revision as a natural part of the writing process.Beth suggests showing examples of revised works. This demonstrates that even good writing can be made better with effort.

Beth shares success stories from her coaching experience. These anecdotes illustrate how boys can excel in writing with the right support.

To wrap up, Beth offers encouragement to parents and educators. She assures them that with patience and tailored strategies, boys can become confident writers.

“Boys with Pens” is more than an episode title. It’s a call to recognize and nurture the writing talents of boys everywhere. With Beth Purcell’s guidance, we can help them express their thoughts clearly and creatively.

Join us next time on LifeSkills101 for more insights into educational strategies. Together, we can make a difference in the way our children learn and grow.

Welcome to the Life Skills 101 Podcast, proudly presented by Blue Collar Homeschoolers and the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. Whether you’re an experienced homeschooling family or just starting your homeschooling journey, this podcast is your go-to resource for equipping your family with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful future.Subscribe and Stay InformedCheck out our other podcasts & subscribe.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to provide your family with the best possible homeschooling and career preparation resources. Subscribe to the Life Skills 101 Podcast and stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and valuable insights.

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271: Magic Student AI ToolsThis episode covers the Magic Student AI tools from Magic School, following last week’s episode ( (Episode 270 – Magic School AI)) on the teacher tools.

Magic School Features to Explore

• New Google Chrome extension to easily access the tools
• New YouTube channel explaining how the different products work
• Can create a classroom to control which tools students have access to

Magic Student AI Tools Discussed

• Chatbot for students called Raina (not found very helpful)
• Writing feedback tool (fantastic for getting feedback on student writing at different grade levels)
• Research assistant (disappointing results)
• Create a skit tool (fun for generating skits based on provided characters/scenarios)
• Step-by-step tool (provides step-by-step instructions for any topic/task)
• Literary devices tool (gives examples of literary devices based on a provided scenario)
• Joke creator (jokes not very good)
• Study bot (helps guide students in what to study for a test)
• Study habits tips
• YouTube video summarizer
• SAT reading practice test
• Chatbot builder (create a custom chatbot on a specific topic)
• Character chatbot (roleplay as a literary character)
• College/career counselor
• Rap battle (super fun to have historical figures rap battle each other)
• Book suggestions tool
• Coding assistant
• Debate partner (odd/not very useful)
• Email writer (generated overly long emails)
• Make Relevant (explains why a topic is relevant to real life)
• Real World Connections (connects topics to the real world)

Here are the lyrics for the Rap Battle I generated

Round 1: Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, here, dropping beats, not bombs,
From the peanut farm to the White House with calm.
Habitat for Humanity, building homes for the poor,
Eradicating diseases, who could ask for more?

Negotiating peace, like it’s my prime mission,
Camp David Accords, now that’s a vision.
Energy crisis and inflation, I faced it head-on,
A Nobel Peace Prize, yeah, I won one.

Round 2: Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, the greatest, no dispute in the ring,
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, I bring.
Champion of the world, not just once, but thrice,
Against injustice and war, I didn’t think twice.

Rumble in the Jungle, Thrilla in Manila,
My fists do the talk, couldn’t be any realer.
Fighting for Civil Rights, stood against the norm,
Converting to Islam, sparking a reform.

Round 3: Jimmy Carter

Building hope and fighting disease, that’s my creed,
With diplomacy and compassion, I lead.
Solar panels on the White House, I was the first,
For renewable energy, I have an unquenchable thirst.

From Iran hostages to energy laws,
I dealt with it all, never paused.
A farmer, a governor, then a prez,
Always serving the people, yes, that’s my jazz.

Round 4: Muhammad Ali

I dodged the draft, said no to the war,
My fight was here, with poverty and more.
An Olympic gold medal, I threw it in the river,
For a country that practiced racial sliver.

I talked the talk and walked the walk,
For civil rights, I was the rock.
Philanthropic efforts, long after the ring,
Ali, the People’s Champ, forever the king.

End of Battle

Two giants from history with very different battles,
One fought with words, the other with rattles.
Carter and Ali, both champions of peace,
Their legacy and lessons will never cease.

So who wins this battle, it’s hard to say,
They fought in the ring and the world in their own way.
Let’s celebrate these heroes, from sports to the senate,
Their courage and conviction, limitless, infinite.

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group, especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology into your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Table Talk- Questions to get your child thinking about the futureIntroduction:

Charla and her husband, Matt, warmly welcome listeners back to “The It’s Not About Money Podcast,” a show designed for intentional parents. They share light banter about the podcast’s name and introduce their canine companion, Rudy, who occasionally snores during recordings, adding a touch of homey charm to the episodes.

Table Talk:

Matt & Charla introduce the concept of “Table Talk,” which is inspired by question cards they used in the past at their family’s dining table. These cards were designed to spark meaningful conversations among family members, touching on topics ranging from personal aspirations to self-reflection.

Question Examples:

They discuss specific questions like “What features do you want to have in your car?”, “If you were given $1,000 how would you spend it?” and “What do you think the best part of being an adult is?” These questions are meant to encourage introspection and allow children to express their thoughts and dreams openly.

Discussion and Personal Stories:

Matt & Charla delve into the significance of these questions in understanding their children’s perspectives and future aspirations. Charla shares a personal anecdote about an encounter she had with the neighbor and how she fears she might have crushed his dreams!

Advice for Parents:

Throughout the episode, Matt & Charla emphasize the importance of listening to children’s dreams without judgment, fostering open communication, and using storytelling as a tool for connection and understanding within the family unit. They encourage parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about financial literacy and future goals.

Future Vision and Teasers:

As the episode concludes, Charla mentions upcoming topics and guests on the podcast, teasing future episodes focused on financial education and family dynamics. She invites listeners to subscribe to their blog for more insightful content related to parenting and financial wellness.

Conclusion and Closing Remarks:

The hosts wrap up the episode by thanking listeners for tuning in and urge them to continue being attentive and supportive parents. With a blend of humor and heartfelt advice, they sign off, leaving a positive and encouraging message for their audience.

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Hey, homeschoolers! Have you considered learning robotics in your homeschool? I don’t have an engineering brain so I enrolled my kids in in-person and online classes. My youngest is now majoring in computer science in college. His classes had a major impact on his career direction.

Today on the podcast, you’ll hear about the advantages of including robotics and programming in your homeschool from my guest, Francie Black. I met Francie at the Great Homeschool Convention last year. She is the founder of HomeHackerCamp.com and is passionate about teaching. She and I are traveling to the IDEA conferences in Alaska this month. If you’ll be there, be sure to come by and say hello. Now here’s my chat with Francie.

Watch on YouTubeSummary

Francie Black, a former tech professional and homeschooling parent, shares her journey into robotics and programming and the importance of STEM education for kids. She explains the scope of robotics and the skills it develops, such as critical thinking and problem-solving. Francie offers online classes for homeschoolers, teaching software, hardware, and electronics. She also discusses the upcoming speaker at her program, her son who works as a Starship engineer at SpaceX. Francie and Melanie Wilson discuss their upcoming conference in Alaska and where parents can find more information about Francie’s classes.

Have a happy homeschool week!

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Teen Life Skill: Plan a Road Trip!In “Teen Life Skill: Plan a Road Trip!,” Episode, #208, Meredith Curtis talks to teens and parents about the benefits of teens planning the next family road trip! She gives the practicals of what to plan and how to budget for a trip. Teens can pack their suitcase, pack the car, and map out the trip. Oh, and don’t forget the itinerary!

Powerline Productions, Inc.Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show NotesMost homeschool families hit the road in the spring or summer for that wonderful family vacation! Hey Teens, why not plan the next family road trip (with some input and help financially, of course). It’s super-fun and you should get homeschool credit for it!

Benefits of Planning a Road Trip* Finance & Budgeting Skills * Booking Hotels, Campsites, etc. * Mapping Skills * Food Planning & Prep Skills * Decision-Making & Planning Skills * Decision-Making on Behalf of Others for their Benefit

What to Plan * Itinerary * Overnight Stops – Hotel, Campsite, Airbnb * Best Route with Stops (Scenic vs. Speed) * What to Bring & How to Pack * Saving/Spending Money * Recording the Memories – Photos, Videos * Tune-Up, Tires, etc Before Trip

Road Trip Finances * Hotel, Food, Gas * Theme Park & Museum Expenses * Clothing & Essentials for Trip

Packing Practicals* Clothing, Shoes, Equipment (tennis rackets), Hats, Sunglasses, * Coolers for Snacks & Drinks * Blankets, Pillows

Snacks for the Cars & Other Important Vehicle Info * Snacks & Drinks for Car * Tune-Up Before Trip: Tire, Brakes, Fluids * Mileage * Flat Tire, Gas Tank, Stops

Map Out the Trip! * Use Atlas or Online * Are there any stops (e.g We’re driving pretty close to the Grand Canyon or Smokey Mountains)

Itinerary* Go, go, go family or rest, rest, rest?

What does your family love? Sports, beach, mountains, museums, theme parks, boating, hiking?

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Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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On this episode, True North Homeschool Academy Director, Lisa Nehring tackles one of the common question we get at True North Homeschool Academy regarding homeschooling students with IEP’s.

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What if we could turn back time? Seriously. What if we could turn back time? That was a topic of conversation. THSC in The Woodlands is always a fun conference. One of the reasons I love it so much is that I get to hang out with two of my favorite ladies on the planet, […]

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Homeschooling, Halloween, and Harry Potter Thank you to this podcast episode sponsor: Route 60 – The Biblical Highway. In theaters September 18th & 19th only. Please check the website to learn more about this wonderful movie. Homeschooling, Halloween, and Harry Potter? Are we nuts? Well, yes, but that didn’t stop us from tackling two hot potato […]

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242: Science Olympiad I have coached a homeschool Science Olympiad team for many years and have seen the huge benefits it has provided to the students involved. For more information about the contest visit Soinc.org. If you can’t find a team in your area – start one! ———————————————————————————————- Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda […]

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This week on Homeopathy for Mommies, Sue addresses Enlarged Tonsils and how homeopathy can help! She chose to discuss this topic because it’s an issue she has addressed many times. Enlarged tonsils can be hereditary, but there are some homeopathic remedies that can be used at home to help children with this condition. Sue referred […]

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In this episode, Melanie Wilson explores the concept of rewriting our life stories and guiding our children to do the same. Watch on YouTube This episode is sponsored by the Route 60 movie. Rewrite Your Story Summary Melanie begins by recounting the biblical story of Joseph and how he overcame numerous challenges. She emphasizes that […]

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Financial Literacy for Homeschool High Schoolers- Special Replay Financial Literacy for Homeschool High Schoolers How do you go about preparing homeschool high schoolers for managing money throughout their lives? Financial Literacy is a life skills math credit that many teens will use WAY more often than their high school […]

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Quick Healthy Meals For Busy Days S2, E5 – On this episode, Crystal discusses the hows and whys of healthy meals that are quick and easy to make for those busy homeschooling days! If you’re interested in learning some tips, and a few recipes, that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night, be sure […]

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Streamline Your Homeschool ~ Episode 503 How do you streamline your homeschool when you have so much to accomplish each year? With these three tips Felice Gerwitz will share with you in this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, it’s relatively easy! I so appreciate this week’s sponsor! Thank you to our sponsor, Route 60 – […]

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Homeschooling doesn’t (and shouldn’t) look like a classroom school. One big difference is multiple ages together – and sometimes, the younger ones aren’t even school age yet! How do you manage teaching your older kids while you have nursing babies and demanding toddlers in the room? It’s possible – we did it for our eight […]

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The joy of getting things done! I can see very big changes that have taken place in my life. And it took a very simple commitment on my part and sticking to it! You see, I’m married to a procrastinator who is also a perfectionist. On the other hand, I like to get things done […]

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Best of College Prep Genius – Must Know College Checklist with Jean Burke When you are ready to visit a college do you know what to look for? Here is the must know college checklist of important information to find the very best college for your child. Celebrate with us! Jean Burk is a Fox […]

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Cultivating Writing Confidence: 6 Tips to Help Your Reluctant Writer Special Host: Beth Purcell Welcome to another episode of the Life Skills 101 podcast on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network! Today, we have a special guest, Beth Purcell from True North Homeschool Academy, joining us to discuss a topic that many homeschooling parents encounter – […]

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What if I think my child needs a diagnosis? This is a common mom-question and today on Momfessions we’re going to tackle that topic. Thank you to today’s sponsor: CTC Math. I have the coolest friends. Sometimes I forget that they are even more amazing in their careers. This is the case with my friend, […]

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There are millions of books available today. How on earth can you choose what’s best to read? In this episode, we’ll consider how to choose good books—both for yourself and for your children. This is part 2 of a series on why, what, how, and when to read and why and how to build a […]

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Hey there, students and parents! September is here, and it’s that time of year when we get back to school, whether it’s in a classroom or at home. This month, let’s set some goals and aim for greatness in our homeschooling journey. Imagine unlocking your full potential and making learning a fun adventure with your children!

Tailoring Education to Your ChildOne of the amazing things about homeschooling is that you can customize your learning experience. You get to choose the curriculum and schedule that works best for you and your child. This allows your child to focus on absorbing and understanding information at their own pace.

Recognizing Strengths and Working on Weaknesses in Your Children, Self, and HomeschoolWe all have things we’re great at and areas where we could improve. Homeschooling allows us to identify our strengths and weaknesses and work on both. By doing this, we can grow in every aspect of our lives, not just academically.

Developing a Love for Learning in Your ChildrenAs homeschooling parents, we want our children to love learning. And that’s not limited to textbooks! We’re also interested in nurturing their character and values. Learning is not just about facts; it’s about becoming better individuals.

Setting Goals and Planning ActivitiesIn this guide, you’ll find help in creating goals for the month. Plan out activities, reading time, game nights, household chores, and even charitable work with your church and community. Having a plan in place helps keep things organized.

Hands-On LearningLearning isn’t just about reading and writing; it’s also about doing. Try immersive learning experiences, unit studies, and topical studies that cover various subjects. Let your child study topics they’re passionate about; it’ll make them unique and self-reliant adults.

Encouraging Independence in Your ChildrenAs your child grows older, give them more say in their studies. You can help them succeed by providing support and guidance. Overcoming challenges takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end.

Planning for the Months AheadTake a moment to look at upcoming holidays and events. While plans may change, having an overview helps in scheduling. The coming months can be hectic, so let’s get organized early.

Time to Be KidsRemember, it’s crucial to give your children downtime. They don’t need to be overscheduled. This planner helps you find that balance.

Enjoy the JourneyHomeschooling is not just about academics. It’s about exploring the world, seeking answers, and challenging ideas through experiments and discovery. Make learning an exciting adventure!

So, as we kickstart this school year, let’s aim for greatness. Use the tools in this planner to stay organized and focused on your goals. And most importantly, enjoy your time with your family and the wonderful journey of learning. Have a fantastic September!

Blessings,
Christina Moss

Get Your September Organize It! Planner and Kickstart the School Year With Your ChildrenSign Up Here:Get convenient links to all the latest homeschool podcasts each week- PLUS new printables every month! A free gift from the author, Felice Gerwitz, Ultimate Homeschool Radio owner and podcaster at Vintage Homeschool Moms!

Disclosure Statement regarding affiliates and partnerships.

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Back to School Checklist for Special Needs HomeschoolingEvery year, when we began school, it was with joy and a bit of trepidation. At this point, I did not have a checklist for my Special Needs Homeschooling. I didn’t have a. I wondered what surprises the new school year would hold. We began by reviewing information already learned from the previous year. Many times, there were tears, my tears, not his. And I wondered if he’d ever write his whole name on less than a half sheet of paper, although I did applaud that accomplishment. After a period of prayer, I knew something had to change.

A Realization About My Own Needs and the Idea for a ChecklistI quickly realized a routine needed to take place more for my sanity than my son’s. In addition, I could chart his progress more readily and not feel we were stagnant when we were actually doing quite well. And so I began what I called the back-to-school checklist. I also created a middle and end-of-the-year list to keep our schooling on track. It was a chance to analyze my goals and make plans without the stress of trying to go to school simultaneously.

Know Your Self, Know Your Special Needs StudentAt first, my list was very simple; I started with the big picture and then narrowed it down until I devised a daily schedule and chores. To begin with, I looked at things like my goals for homeschooling and training, such as a particular character quality I wanted to see improved. Then I moved to my philosophy, what homeschool methodology worked for me. I found that my methodology changed at different times in my homeschool journey. At the beginning, everything was very “hands-on” and science-oriented. As my son grew older and his analytical skills improved, we could turn a corner into the area that would be best described as creative, such as writing and beginning a simple newsletter among the cousins in the family.

The Checklist DirectionThe checklist kept me going in the right direction, and it was even a blueprint if my child was frustrated; believe me, there were twists and turns along the way. It allowed me the latitude to make decisions and changes very quickly. As my planning became more second nature, I implemented a middle-of-the-year check to be sure our goals were the same or pencil in time to analyze our curriculum and whether it was working for us. One year, I completely scrapped our math program and changed mid-year. It was the right decision for my son, and he flourished. I was happy I had the courage to do this, or I would have had a miserable school year!

Here is a sample of the items on my checklist, and I encourage you to add to this list and create your own.

Ultimate Special Needs Back to School Checklist:* Plan – Start big picture and continue to narrow down * Family mission statement * Family goals * Character quality (per child) and even one for family * Spiritual goals * Curriculum checklist –by subject * Weekly Schedule * Daily Schedule * Everyday Chores * Daily Chores * Catch-Up Day * Field Trips Planned * Mini-Vacations * Holiday Vacation or Break Time

Make the list work for you; don’t be a slave to this list. The great thing about making a plan is that you have a focus and a direction; your family will thank you!

If you are interested in sample audios that I recorded from a 3-audio set with handouts on the Ultimate Back to School Checklist, please visit my website Media Angels, Inc. and look for eBooks and Audio Downloads.

Meet Felice Gerwitz: A Devoted Homeschool Mom, Author, Publisher, and Podcast HostA heartfelt enthusiast for both education and faith, Felice Gerwitz has embarked on an incredible journey as a homeschooling mom, guided by her unyielding devotion to the Lord. Alongside her incredible husband and five wonderful children, Felice’s life is a testament to the beauty of balancing family, faith, and personal aspirations.

In 1986, Felice embarked on her homeschooling adventure, a path that has been colored with both triumphs and challenges. Through the years, she has amassed a wealth of experience and wisdom that she eagerly shares with the world. As the founder of Media Angels, Inc., Felice has not only embraced her role as an educator but also stepped into the shoes of an author and publisher. Her creative ventures have not only enriched her own family’s learning journey but have also inspired countless others seeking alternative educational paths.

Felice’s passion for cultivating an enriched homeschooling experience goes beyond the written word. As the host of the acclaimed podcast Vintage Homeschool Moms, Felice extends her insights to a global audience. Tune in every week to glean from her vast knowledge and unique perspective on homeschooling. The podcast, a cornerstone of the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network, serves as a beacon of inspiration and guidance for parents navigating the intricate landscape of homeschooling. You can access her podcast and explore a treasure trove of valuable resources atUtimateHomeschoolRadioNetwork.com

In Felice Gerwitz, we find more than a homeschooling advocate – we discover a devoted mother, a devout believer, an accomplished author, and a compassionate mentor. Her life story is an ode to the possibilities that open up when you blend unwavering faith with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Join Felice as she continues to inspire, educate, and uplift families worldwide through her podcast and her remarkable journey.

Thank you to our Network Sponsor, Route 60: A Biblical Highway for sponsoring this podcast. Please check out the link here. Route60.movie

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Why are ages and stages important???

So that we can set developmentally appropriate expectations.

Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is an approach to teaching grounded in research on how young children develop and learn and in what is known about effective early education. Its framework is designed to promote young children’s optimal learning and development.

Our Sponsor! I want to thank Route 60: A Biblical Highway for sponsoring this podcast. Please check out the link here. Route60.movieCheck out this presentation on Ages and Stages from Kathy Lee by clicking here!The best way to teach children in a developmentally appropriate manner is through PLAY…

In short…PLAY builds the brain, develops the whole child, and contributes to children becoming who they were meant to be.

“Play is a vital way for the brain to integrate its divergent parts and build complex synaptic connections. This is key to brain stabilization, organization, and development. “ – Stuart Brown, MD

“When children play, their brains are engaged in numerous pattern-seeking processes that construct, organize, and synthesize knowledge.

These processes Include:* Sorting * Ordering * Classifying * Counting * Patterning * Measuring * problem-solving * organizing * comparing * describing * storytelling * Inventing * constructing * deciding * explaining * mapping * cooperating * experimenting * imagining * questioning * creating * symbol making

What is the role of a DAP Teacher/parent?* Observe * Facilitate * Encourage * Have realistic expectations * Focus on progression rather than perfection * Remember

“Childhood is the world of miracle and wonder, as if creation rose and bathed in light, out of darkness, utterly new and fresh and astonishing. The end of childhood is when things cease to astonish us. When the world seems familiar when we have gotten used to existence, one has become an adult.”– E. Jonesco

“Every stage of development is complete in itself. The 3-year-old is not an incomplete 5-year-old. The child is not an incomplete adult. Never are we simply on our way, always we have arrived! Enjoy now!” – JC Pearce

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Neuroplasticity – Rewiring The Brain with Dr. Jan BedellPodcast #19Neuroplasticity and rewiring the brain? Hmm? Do we really have to use such an unfamiliar word? Yes, to describe the amazing gift that God has given us we can start with a big word and break it down. It really is quite simple – “neuro” is having to do with the brain and “plasticity” is the ability to change. Our brains are changing all the time. This is really good news when you have a struggling learner or a child with a label like dyslexia, ADD, ADHD or autism. The key is knowing how to fuel the brain with the right kind of stimulation so it builds new pathways. From these new pathways, the brain can receive, organize, process and store information well enough to bring it out and use it in everyday life. With the right kind of stimulation, your brain can take little developmental steps to achieve giant strides in academics and overall function. That is what happens when you use the products and services of Little Giant Steps.

In this episode, you will hear the experience of a teacher that had taught first grade for 17 years before using The NeuroDevelopmental Approach in her classroom in year 18.It made a huge difference for her students and can make a difference for you and your family as well. Applying just a little information can make all the difference in your child’s future. We shouldn’t leave out the adults either! It is never too late to change the brain. Two ladies in their 50’s, one a reading tutor and the other a Montessori teacher who had always struggled with reading comprehension, raised their reading comprehension score by 3 ½ years in only four months’ time. And guess what? They didn’t do any specific reading program. All it took was organization and specific stimulation to the brain and their abilities radically changed.

Visit our sponsor Little Giant Steps for information about

• Free auditory processing kit – here
• Help for math facts – here
• Brain boosting products – here

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Truth, Beauty, and GoodnessToday on the podcast, True North Homeschool Academy Director, Lisa Nehring is talking with True North teacher, Angie Ferrell about Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.

Show Notes: Exploring Truth, Beauty, and Goodness: Unveiling Their Significance in HomeschoolingIn this episode of the podcast, join Lisa Nehring, Director of True North Homeschool Academy, as she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Angie Ferrell, an esteemed educator at True North. Together, they delve into the captivating realms of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, concepts that frequently resonate within the homeschooling community. But what lies beneath these terms? And why should they hold a place of importance in our lives?

Unveiling the Core of EducationHistory of Education

• The foundation of education stands resolute when rooted in Truth, serving as the wellspring from which the rivers of goodness and beauty flow. For individuals of faith, Truth finds its bedrock in the person of Jesus Christ, entwined with the transformative redemption offered through acceptance of Him as Lord and Savior. Additionally, the Bible emerges as a profound testament of His love and wisdom bestowed upon humanity.
  Manifestation of VirtueGoodness, the tangible manifestation of Truth, urges believers to align with God’s perspective and understanding. This moral obligation beckons us to navigate life through the lens of divine definition. By embracing goodness, we embrace the inherent purpose woven into all things, employing them in ways that honor their intended design.

Nurturing Moral ImaginationThe gateway to comprehending goodness lies in cultivating a moral imagination. This lens allows us to peer beyond the surface, capturing the essence of purpose intricately interwoven within. Recognizing that purpose may shift across seasons, we find solace in the significance of even seemingly minor roles we undertake – for within them resides immeasurable value.

Reflecting on ‘Honor Patronage, Kinship, and Purity’ by David DeSilvaHonor Patronage, Kinship and Purity by David DeSilva * Venturing into the realm of beauty, we encounter a connection to the laws of physics and the potent Law of Attraction. Truth stands as a beacon, drawing us closer, while lies weave a seductive web. Beauty, an offspring of goodness, in turn, invites us to a life infused with purpose. Through its allure, we discover a renewed devotion to serving others, an organic outgrowth of the harmonious relationship between beauty, goodness, and Truth.
Resonating with ‘Coat of Many Colors by Dolly PartonDolly Coat of Many Colors * In this enriching discussion, Lisa Nehring and Angie Ferrell provide a captivating exploration of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness – concepts that permeate the homeschooling landscape. Tune in to gain insights that transcend the mundane, and embark on a journey that illuminates the profound significance of these pillars in our lives.

FREEBIES from True North Homeschool Academy!* 3 Ways to Be a Working Homeschool Mom with Printables a FREE Working Homeschool Mom BUNDLE * High School Reading-Bingo * Getting Started Homeschooling with Free Printables

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO Life Skills 101 VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. 2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Life Skills 101 Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source” 3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

OR PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Life Skills 101 Podcast 4. Tap the Life Skills 101 Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review

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Melanie introduces the topic of dating philosophies and their extremes and encourages parents to find an approach that is just right for their family.

Watch on YouTubeThis episode is sponsored by the Route 60 movie.

The Extremes of Dating PhilosophiesMelanie introduces the topic of dating philosophies and their extremes. Discusses the “too strict” philosophy born out of fear of negative consequences and wrong partners. Mentions the extreme position of advocating courtship instead of dating, involving parental involvement and no kissing. Highlights challenges of implementing the “too strict” philosophy, especially with strong-willed teens. Shares examples of success stories and failures within this philosophy.

Explores the “too lax” philosophy rooted in fear of losing the parent-child relationship. Discusses lack of enforced rules, including premarital sex and sleepovers. Presents examples of both successful and unsuccessful outcomes within this philosophy. Points out potential consequences such as broken homes and strained relationships.

Finding the “Just-Right” ApproachMelanie encourages listeners to avoid extreme approaches and seek a balanced perspective. Advocates teaching through fear of natural consequences rather than punishment. Shares personal story of the power of fear of consequences. Recommends using resources like the video Sex Still Has a Price Tag to illustrate real-life consequences. Suggests sharing examples of well-adjusted couples who adhered to biblical principles. References Tommy Nelson’s Bible study on courtship from the book of Song of Solomon.

Advocates coaching approach by asking open-ended questions and guiding discussions. Emphasizes that rules should be tailored to each family’s values and dynamics. Discusses the importance of maintaining open communication and dialogue with teens. Advises parents to prioritize their relationship with their children while discussing dating. Highlights the need for affection and attention, even in the teenage years. Reminds parents to show humility and be willing to adapt their approach. Discusses the significance of prayer in shaping a child’s dating experiences. Shares the historical example of Augustine’s mother’s prayers influencing the faith of her son and the church. Encourages listeners to find the right dating philosophy and make changes when needed. Emphasizes the value of humility and flexibility in parenting. Have a happy homeschool week!

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Making Homeschooling Work on a Tight BudgetIn this episode, Fletch and Kendra from the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network are joined by CPA and homeschooling expert Carol Topp to delve into the topic of homeschooling on a limited budget. The conversation covers valuable insights on managing finances while providing a quality homeschooling experience for your children.

Episode Highlights:Sponsor: I want to thank Route 60: A Biblical Highway for sponsoring this podcast. Please check out the link here. Route60.movie

1. The Financial Realities of Homeschooling | Understanding Homeschool Finances– Understanding the concerns of homeschooling parents who are struggling financially.
   – Exploring the challenges of affording homeschooling when the budget is already stretched thin.
   – Acknowledging the importance of financial stability while pursuing homeschooling goals.

2. Strategies for Homeschooling on a Small Budget | Putting Homeschool Finances to Work– Carol Topp shares practical tips for making homeschooling work with limited financial resources.
   – Exploring cost-effective curriculum options, free educational resources, and library materials.
   – Creative ways to engage in extracurricular activities and field trips without breaking the bank.

3. Homeschooling Older Kids | Managing Challenges in Your Homeschool Finances– Discussing the unique expenses and challenges associated with homeschooling teenagers.
   – Exploring part-time job opportunities and microbusiness ideas for teens to contribute to homeschooling expenses.
   – Balancing the financial aspect with the flexibility and personalized education homeschooling offers.

4. Aligning Finances with Purpose in Your Homeschool Finances– Reflecting on the deeper purpose of homeschooling and the values it aligns with.
   – Evaluating financial decisions in the context of one’s family goals and values.
   – Recognizing the need to prioritize and make thoughtful choices in spending.

5. Resources and Recommendations– Carol Topp’s “Dollars and Sense” podcast for more financial insights and advice.
   – Exploring the “Microbusiness for Teens” concept as a way for teenagers to learn about entrepreneurship and contribute financially.
   – Drawing inspiration from financial expert Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University.”

6. Final Thoughts– Emphasizing the importance of open communication about financial constraints with children.
   – Encouraging parents to seek support from homeschooling communities and online networks.
   – Reminding listeners that homeschooling’s value goes beyond finances, focusing on the holistic development of children.

ConclusionIn this eye-opening episode, Fletch, Kendra, and guest Carol Topp provide a wealth of practical advice and thoughtful perspectives on navigating homeschooling within a limited budget. By aligning financial decisions with their core values, homeschooling parents can find ways to provide a rich and fulfilling educational experience for their children while maintaining financial stability.

Resources MentionedHomeschoolCPA
Dollars and Sense Podcast with Carol Topp
Microbusiness for Teens
Financial Peace University

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.

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This week on Homeopathy for Mommies, Sue Meyer delves into the world of activated charcoal, a supplement that has been used for centuries to treat poisonings and stomach upsets.

Activated Charcoal: An Ancient Remedy

Activated charcoal is a medication that has been used for centuries to treat poisonings. It’s made more porous through a process of superheating, which increases its absorption power. Just one teaspoon of activated charcoal can absorb all the toxins on a football field. Isn’t that amazing?

Our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins, even in urban areas where pesticides are sprayed without permission. Activated charcoal is known for its ability to absorb toxins and is often used in cases of poisoning or overdose. It can be taken orally or administered through a nasogastric tube. It’s also effective in treating respiratory issues and can absorb toxins through the respiratory tract.

The process of making activated charcoal involves heating carbon-rich materials such as wood, peat, coconut shells, or sawdust. This process strips the charcoal of previously absorbed molecules and increases its overall surface area, allowing it to absorb toxins effectively.

The Health Benefits of Activated Charcoal

Several studies suggest activated charcoal may assist kidney function by filtering out toxins and drugs. It may also help reduce gastrointestinal damage and inflammation in individuals with chronic kidney disease. Additionally, activated charcoal has been found to be beneficial in reducing intestinal gas and abdominal pain.

Activated charcoal is commonly used for water filtration and can remove fluoride from water without removing beneficial minerals. It is also used as an anti-diarrheal medication, particularly for diarrhea caused by bacteria or toxic sources. It has potential benefits for teeth whitening, skin care, deodorizing, and treating skin infections.

Activated Charcoal: A Personal Experience

I frequently take activated charcoal due to my sensitivity to food preservatives. I recommend other homeopathic remedies like Nux Vomica, Lycopodium, or Arsenicum for stomach aches, along with activated charcoal.

I believe in the importance of having activated charcoal in a first aid kit and consider it a supplement to a diet in today’s toxic environment. I’m concerned about the exposure of organic foods to pesticides and chemicals, and I shared an anecdote about non-organic potatoes being falsely labeled as organic.

The Power of Activated Charcoal

During a period of illness, my oxygen levels were consistently low despite using carbo veg, a homeopathic remedy. After consulting with a chiropractor friend, I learned that the cells in my lungs were coated with carbon monoxide, preventing them from absorbing oxygen properly. Upon the suggestion of my friend, I started taking activated charcoal, which resulted in a significant improvement in my oxygen levels within a few hours.

Activated charcoal not only works on the respiratory system but also cleanses other body systems by pulling toxins and heavy metals. I suggest taking one capsule a day or adjusting the frequency based on individual needs and reactions. Activated charcoal can be taken in different forms, such as capsules, powder, or mixed in smoothies, depending on personal preference.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this information and encourage you to explore the benefits of activated charcoal for yourselves. Thank you for listening and don’t forget to visit the Homeopathy for Mommies website and tune in to future episodes.

The content of the Homeopathy for Mommies Radio post or page, including text, graphics, images, or information contained in text or audio, or other content, is offered on an informational basis only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice and guidance of a qualified health professional before: Changing or making any adjustment to any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.

Stopping any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.
Starting any new medication or treatment protocol, whether or not it was discussed on the Homeopathy For Mommies Radio show, page or post on this website.
Information on this site is informational and not as specifically applicable to any individual’s medical problem(s), concerns and/or needs.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat or prevent disease.
In each audio remedies are recommended. We are not claiming that the product will cure any of these problems or disorders. We are merely reporting that people have used the product to aid these conditions.

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This is a replay of episode 125 – you can find the original show notes here.

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Are you a homeschool mom gearing up for a new school year? Or perhaps you’re considering homeschooling for the first time? No matter where you are on your homeschooling journey, one thing’s for certain – staying organized is key to a successful and stress-free experience. Homeschool organization doesn’t have to be hard.

In this article, we’ll explore a plethora of great ideas, tips, and tools to help you create an organized and efficient homeschooling environment, even in small spaces like your living room or kitchen table. Plus, we’ll provide you with some fantastic ideas for homeschool organization that will make planning a breeze. Get ready to streamline your homeschool!

1. Create a Dedicated Homeschool SpaceWhile a dedicated homeschool room is ideal, it’s not always possible. Instead, designate a specific area in your home, whether it’s a corner of the living room, the kitchen table, or even a cozy nook in the dining room. This helps create a focused environment for learning and ensures that your homeschool supplies are easily accessible. A dedicated space may be all over Instagram, but you homeschool in your home, so create a homeschool storage system that makes sense for you, even if it’s the dining room table.

2. Utilize Small Spaces EfficientlyFor homeschooling in small spaces, think vertically and use wall space for storage. Install shelves, pegboards, or wall-mounted storage units to keep art supplies, craft materials, and books neatly organized. Milk crates and wicker baskets can also be stacked or hung to create storage pockets for various items. The organizational system that works best is the one you’ll actually use.

3. Invest in Practical Storage SolutionsStorage bins, supply caddies, and glass jars are your best friends. Use clear glass jars to store art supplies, small items, or craft materials. Label storage bins for different subjects or grade levels and consider using different colors for easy identification. Keep in mind your younger children will need easy access to craft supplies in any given week. Creating a great place takes a little time, but you can make it your own space.

4. Establish a Homeschool PlannerA homeschool planner is a must-have. It can be a physical planner or a digital tool. Use it to jot down lesson plans, homeschool days, and weekly assignment sheets. This will keep you on track and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. Teacher planners are great for homeschool families who need to keep track of a child’s assignments, kids’ work, and a homeschool schedule. Student planners, especially for high school, are great if you’re using a digital homeschool curriculum that has a typical week, easy steps, and to-do lists. Daily work can be tracked and simple tips for your student to make the most of the planner can go a long way. A good fit when homeschool planning is, at the end of the day, the one that works for you.

5. Morning Basket and RoutineKickstart your homeschool day with a morning basket. Gather language arts materials, engaging books, and any other resources you want to cover as a family. This is a great way to ease into the day and cover subjects that all your kids can enjoy together. You can create a little basket for each of your younger grades and your young children can take ownership over their homeschool books. During morning time, you can relieve some of the overwhelm and amount of time it takes to get focused. Think of your daily plan when setting up this type of homeschool area, what extra space you might have, and the different ways you can create the perfect spot.

6. Individual Workstations for Older ChildrenIf you have older kids, consider providing each child with their own desk or workspace. This encourages independence and responsibility. They can keep their textbooks, notebooks, and assignments organized in their designated space.

7. Use Chalkboard Paint and WhiteboardsChalkboard paint or adhesive whiteboards can transform any wall into an educational space. Use it to display the weekly schedule and important dates, or even as a creative outlet for kids to express themselves. And a bonus during family game nights is the ability to grab those lap-sized whiteboards for tracking scores, etc. #winwin

8. Keep Teacher Manuals and Resources HandyDesignate a shelf or a file folder system to store teacher manuals, curriculum resources, and educational materials. This will save you time searching for materials during school time when you need to access those file folders. This can help make homeschool organization a breeze.

9. Plan Meals and Breaks AheadMeal planning is a game-changer. Prep meals in advance to save time during the day. Incorporate regular breaks and physical activity into your schedule to keep your homeschool family refreshed and energized. One of the best things about homeschooling is the freedom to incorporate real life into your favorite homeschool organization ideas.

10. Regular Homeschool Records and EvaluationsSet up a system for keeping track of your homeschool records, including assignments, completed work, and any assessments. This will help you gauge your child’s progress and make adjustments as needed. At the start of the new homeschool year, think ahead to the type of records you’ll need to keep and the different methods available to you to track and document.

Incorporate these homeschool organization tips into your routine to ensure a smooth and successful homeschooling experience. Remember, what works best will depend on your family’s unique needs and preferences, so feel free to adapt and modify these ideas to create the perfect homeschool space for your family. Happy homeschooling!

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Teens Who Don’t Like to Read- What to do!

Teens Who Don’t Like to Read- What to do!Many parents can relate to having a teen who doesn’t love reading, but let’s get one thing out of the way from the state – this is not a character flaw, but rather a part of their individuality. If you’re homeschooling teens who don’t like to read, you can embrace this in a whole new way instead of trying to force it. Let’s explore how we can support and encourage our non-reading teens on their educational journey.

Recognizing IndividualityWe often feel pressure as homeschoolers to raise book-loving kids, but that’s not always the case. It’s essential to recognize that there is room for all types of learners in the homeschool universe, including teens who don’t love reading!

Just as there are kids who love everything about school, there are also those who don’t find joy in reading. And that’s okay!

It doesn’t mean they are flawed or lazy; it simply means they have different strengths and interests.

Shifting the PerspectiveInstead of viewing a teen’s lack of love for reading as a character flaw or a sign of laziness, let’s consider it as an opportunity to explore alternative ways of learning.

We need to redefine what success with reading means. We often fall into the trap of measuring success by the number of books our teens read. But teens reading shouldn’t be the measurement of success; success should be evaluated based on a broader perspective.

It’s not about the number of books read, but rather the ability to comprehend and apply what they read. The goal is to ensure they can comprehend and apply the information they encounter, even if it’s not through traditional reading.

• Can they read and comprehend information, even if it takes them longer than others?
• Can they apply what they’ve learned in practical ways?
• Are they able to think critically and ask questions?

By shifting our focus from the quantity of reading to the quality of learning, we can alleviate the pressure on our non-reading teens and homeschool moms.

Seeking Feedback and SupportWe sometimes need an outside perspective to help us navigate challenges. Consider seeking input from trusted friends, youth group leaders, or co-op teachers who can offer insights into your teen’s strengths and potential.

Seek input from trusted friends or mentors who can provide a fresh perspective on your teen’s unique qualities.

Remember, God has a plan for each young person, and it may not align with our expectations.

Sometimes, others can see the growth and progress that we may overlook. This feedback can be invaluable in helping your teen gain confidence and recognize their unique abilities.

Embracing Lifelong LearningIf your teen doesn’t enjoy reading, don’t despair. Education is not solely confined to reading books. Today, there are countless resources available, such as audiobooks, read-alouds, discussion groups, and even movies, that can help engage non-reading teens.

So if your teen prefers learning through the internet or watching educational videos, that’s okay! Encourage your teen to explore these alternative methods of acquiring knowledge. Whether it’s watching informative videos, engaging in online research, or pursuing hands-on activities, emphasize that learning can take many forms.

Focus on their individual growth and the areas of their strengths or skills, and help them develop those further.

By broadening the definition of success, we empower our teens to embrace their individual learning styles and interests.

You’re doing a great job as a homeschool parent, and your child’s worth is not determined by their love for reading.

Overcoming Comparison and Self-DoubtIn the homeschooling community, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. We hear stories of other teens devouring classic novels and feel as though our own children are falling short.

It’s crucial to remember that each child has their own unique path.

Comparing our teens to others only leads to self-doubt and unnecessary pressure. Instead, focus on your teen’s growth, progress, and individual strengths. Celebrate their accomplishments, regardless of how they align with societal expectations.

Homeschooling Teens Who Don’t Love ReadingSo take a deep breath and embrace the journey. Homeschooling is about nurturing your child’s individuality and helping them become the best version of themselves. If you have a teen who doesn’t love reading, remember that it’s not a character flaw or a reflection of your parenting.

By shifting our perspective and embracing lifelong learning, we empower our teens to thrive and succeed in their own way.

Here are some posts that might help, also:* Teaching Teens to Read Textbooks (because they probably cannot avoid all textbooks) * Homeschool Case Study: Teen Who Hates Reading * Teenager Bored with Reading * Help for When Reading and Writing are Wrecking Your Day

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Check out 7SistersHomeschool for free resources, literature study guides, and career exploration tools. We’ve created these resources based on our own experiences and the success we’ve seen in our own homeschools and co-ops.

Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post and to Seth Tillman for editing the podcast.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review and give us some stars and a comment to help others find us more easily. 7. Thanks!

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Organize Your Homeschool In “Organize Your Home School,” Episode, #192, Meredith Curtis tackles organization. Don’t panic! It is possible to organize the year ahead, schedule, and the stuff you use to teach with – books, papers, assignments. Meredith even walks through setting up the homeschool room for easy storage and clean up each day after […]

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Easy Way Curriculum Planning Special Replay | Episode 252, Easy Way Curriculum Planning Curriculum Planning The Easy Way? It never gets old, the feeling of excitement OR dread when you are planning your homeschool curriculum. What is curriculum? It is the books, and the methodology you will use to homeschool your children. I won’t go […]

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240: AI in the tools you already use Do you know there is probably AI in the tools you already use? Here are the ones mentioned in this episode: 1. Gmail – Smart reply / compose 2. Canva Text to image (under Apps) Magic Write AI Photo editing Magic Create Presentations 3. Google slides – […]

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This week on Homeopathy for Mommies, Sue Meyer shares a fascinating topic that has been a significant part of her journey as a farmer and a homeopath – the use of homeopathy and natural ways to rid the body of parasites. Reflecting on my own experiences with parasites on my farm, I initially used anti-parasitic […]

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Introduction: In this episode, I address the common concern of homeschooling parents trying to juggle too many tasks, curriculum, and activities in their homeschooling journey. I outline six telltale signs that indicate you might be taking on more than you can handle and provides valuable insights for finding a healthier balance. Watch on YouTube Sponsor […]

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Helping Teens Handle Discouragement. Helping Teens Handle Discouragement Let’s face it, as humans, we all experience moments of discouragement. Our teens are no exception. Let’s explore some practical ways in helping teens handle discouragement as they navigate through these uncertain, kind of “weird”, challenging times. Join Vicki for encouragement […]

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Kick Off Your Homeschool Year Right! S2, E1 – Kick Off Your Homeschool Year Right! It’s that time of the year when kids and families are preparing to go back to homeschooling!  Whether you are a year-round homeschooler or you take the traditional summer off approach, there comes a time in the year when you […]

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Best Homeschool Tips – Survey Response – Episode 501 Homeschooling can be a wonderful experience, and in this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, we discuss the best homeschool tips. We surveyed our listeners. Join me to find out what they advised. Thanks to our sponsor CTC Math. CTC is a highly rated math curriculum for […]

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What is trauma? This episode is sponsored by CTCMath.com. trau·ma ˈtroumə,ˈtrômə/ noun 1. a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. What causes trauma in young children? Past or Present Abuse Stress in the home Divorce Death of Pet Death of Family Member/Friend Unhealthy environment Adding a new family member. Move Witnessing something horrible, scary, or stressful. […]

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Homeschooling Exchange Students Live on location in Paris, France! One of our very favorite episodes to record, because in this show we record straight from the streets of Paris, France as we interview our former exchange student about life in the home of a large homeschooling family. This episode brought to you by CTC Math. […]

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239: Free vs paid online resources Free vs Paid Online Resources? This episode covers reasons you might choose one over the other and I give a few ideas on where to find free resources. For all the details listen to the episode. Things to consider 1. Budget 2. Priorities 3. Kids abilities and interests 4. […]

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Hey, homeschoolers! For me and for so many of you, homeschooling is about freedom—the freedom to educate our children ourselves, the freedom to teach our values. It’s a freedom that we often take for granted. Sometimes it’s a freedom that feels at odds with government education and programs. Watch on YouTube I am happy to […]

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: CJ’s Tips for Homeschooling High School! CJ’s Tips for Homeschooling High School  Vicki was SO excited to chat with her new friend, CJ of Homeschooling Through High School! CJ has a wonderful YouTube channel full of helpful, fun and authentic posts about homeschooling high school. She (and sometimes, her […]

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Throw a Luau to Learn about Hawaii In “Throw a Luau to Learn about Hawaii,” Episode, #191, Meredith Curtis inspires you to plan and host a Luau to learn all about Hawaii the fun way. shares the educational benefits of hosting a luau with all the how-tos. Learn about venue, food, costumes, decorations, music, and […]

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Homeschooling is a beautiful journey filled with ups and downs, challenges, and triumphs. As a homeschool mom, you have taken on the noble responsibility of educating and nurturing your children at home, providing them with a personalized learning experience. However, like any journey, there might be times when you feel overwhelmed or unsure of your […]

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Dos and Don’ts of Buying Homeschool Curriculum Episode 334 In this episode, Meredith and Felice share their secrets to buying homeschool curriculum. Both homeschooled their five children (each) from K-12 and have now graduated their children. You will be blessed by this helpful episode. Homeschool Curriculum isn’t perfect but you can have a successful homeschool […]

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Keeping Your Calm This School Year Special Replay sponsored by CTCMath.com As this school year approaches, I thought I would share some of my plans to have a calm year! This year I have one 7th grader, one 9th grader, two high school seniors, one in Estethecian School and one junior in college. Whew, that […]

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Hard times! As much as we might like it to be, life is not all ponies, rainbows, and watercolor daisies.

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238: 3 Digital Resources to Include in Your Homeschool This Year As you plan your school year, consider adding these 3 digital resources to your homeschool. They are all free and can help both you and your children. The 3 digital resources for homeschooling are: Google Docs Canva ChatGPT Listen to the episode to learn […]

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Title: LifeSkills101 with Lisa Nehring – Back to Homeschool Tips Show Notes: Thank you to our sponsor, True North Homeschool Academy. Introduction: Welcome back to LifeSkills101, the homeschooling podcast where we equip parents and students with essential life skills for a successful homeschooling journey. I’m your host, Lisa Nehring, and today we’re diving into the […]

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Get Ready for a Fantastic Back-to-Homeschool in August with the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network Planner! Hey there, fellow homeschooling families! As summer comes to a close, it’s that exciting time of the year again – back-to-homeschool season! While it may feel bittersweet bidding farewell to vacation mode, the thought of embarking on a brand new […]

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This week on Homeopathy for Mommies – Sue shares about how homeopathy can help eye floaters. Eye floaters are tiny objects inside the eyeball that cast shadows on the retina. They can be bits of tissue, red blood cells, or clumps of protein. Suspended within the vitreous humor, the gel-like liquid that fills the inside […]

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In this podcast episode, Melanie Wilson discusses her 25 years of teaching her six kids and helping other families with their homeschooling journey. She reflects on her journey as a homeschooler and talks about her passion for speaking to homeschoolers, creating curriculum, and writing. She encourages listeners who are entering a new season of homeschooling, […]

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This week on the Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Exciting Resource for 2e Teens! Interview with Sam Young. Exciting Resource for 2e Teens! Interview with Sam Young Opportunities for neurodivergent teens to shine do not come often enough. Fortunately, for our 2e teens, Sam Young started Young Scholars Academy, where these awesome young people have opportunities to […]

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Homeschool Do-Over ~ 500th Episode! Do you wish you had a homeschool do-over? What would that look like? After over thirty-two years of homeschooling, there were many things I wish I had done differently. Join your host, Felice Gerwitz, as she celebrates her 500th Podcast Episode for Vintage Homeschool Moms. Don’t miss the special 500th […]

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Would it be great to have homeschool do-overs? What’s a homeschool do-over? It’s when you get the opportunity to learn from others and make pivots in your homeschool. The benefit? Besides the wisdom, you can have a homeschool with no regrets. It’s time to get mom wise! Homeschooling is a deeply rewarding experience for both […]

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This is a replay of episode 143 – you can find the show notes here.

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Hey, homeschoolers! This week I am creating a podcast based on a very popular guest post I wrote for LikeMindedMusings.com. Specifically, how to help your tween daughter handle her emotions. I’m looking forward to sharing some tips with you if you have a tween daughter, who also seems to have emotions, if you know what […]

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast Senior What to do Senior Year for College-Bound Homeschoolers- Special Replay What to do Senior Year for College-Bound Homeschoolers- Special Replay You and your homeschool teens have been working diligently all through high school. They needed a college-attractive transcript. Not only that, they needed the college-prep study skills and […]

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Mistakes Teaching Math – Episode 369 We all make mistakes teaching math but in this episode, we will learn that these can be overcome. Today’s guest is CTCMath and spokesperson Nadim El-Rahi. Thanks to our sponsor CTC Math.com Not being a great math student until I became a homeschool mom, I was interested in what […]

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Welcome to Life Skills 101 with Lisa Nehring, where we will shed light on important issues affecting parents and their children. In today’s episode, we’re going to chat about launching your homeschool in the elementary year. Learn about getting started with elementary homeschool education. Let’s listen in… Thank you to our sponsor, True North Homeschool […]

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What makes a marriage last? How do you build a strong and stable relationship for hard times and good times? Is it something more than just being “lucky in love”? This episode, we’re talking with our friends and fellow teachers, Roger and Jan Smith. Between us, we have eighty years of marriage, twelve children, and […]

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Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity for parents to tailor their child’s education to suit their individual needs and interests. One effective approach to achieve this is through unit studies. A unit study is an in-depth exploration of a particular topic, encompassing various subjects like history, science, literature, and art. By designing your own unit study, […]

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This week on Homeopathy for Mommies we’re talking about Emotional Healing and how homeopathy can help. Back in 2017, I briefly touched on this topic in a blog post and over time this has been one of the top accessed blog posts on my website. I’ve had occasion to use a very popular remedy called […]

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237: Prompt engineering: A skill you and your children need Chris Remboldt of [future homeschool] explains what prompt engineering is and why you and your children need to learn it. These are the questions Chris answers in this episode: 1. What is prompt engineering 2. Why is it important to learn how to do? 3. […]

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Does Creation Matter? Creation matters, yes. Why does the discussion on how God created the world matter? Did God really create the world in six days and rest on the seventh? Does anyone really care? These questions and many more including teaching tips and great resources are presented in the Creation Science Podcast, my name […]

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This week, we’re talking with our friends Roger and Jan Smith, veteran homeschool leaders and speakers, about Roger’s new book, Parenting with Influence. The parents of four adult children, Roger and Jan share the principles they found helpful preparing their kids to take on the responsibilities of adulthood, without resorting to legalism or overbearing control. […]

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Special Replay | Creating Inviting Spaces for Your Homeschool for your Little Ones   When my sweet friend, Misty sent me a Marco Polo (a cool video app) asking my opinion on her child’s playroom, I thought it would be a good idea to share my thoughts with all of you on creating inviting spaces […]

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236: The Art of Collaboration: AI-Driven Unit Studies Randi Smith from Peanut Butter Fish Lessons is my guest again and in this episode wee demonstrate how you can collaborate with AI to create AI-driven unit studies. Randi is using Khanmigo and Meryl is using ChatGPT. Be sure to listen to our 3-part series on ChatGPT […]

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Military Education Services Coordinator, Kelly Robinson, shares tips and insight on preparing homeschool students for college so they can get the most out of their college experience!

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Must Know College Checklist with Jean Burk When you are ready to visit a college do you know what to look for?  Here is the must know college checklist of important information to find the very best college for your child. Celebrate with us! Jean Burk is a Fox News Contributor – she was recently […]

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When our students hope to go to college, the perennial question remains: how in the world will they pay for it? We decided to return to the topic of affording college with College Prep Genius Jean Burk because we know she has valuable information to share. We think you’ll be encouraged and feel equipped as you […]

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How and Why to Use Literature Study Guides- Special Replay. How and Why to Use Literature Study Guides Sabrina and Vicki LOVE Literature! In this episode we are recording in Vicki’s office, not very fancy for recording: just a chair draped with a blanket for best sound production! We […]

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Let’s Talk About: Back to Homeschool Lists with Felice Gerwitz  Can you successfully homeschool easier with back-to homeschool lists? Of course, you can! Listen as Felice shares her aversion to lists, her New Year’s Resolution to make lists and USE them, and how it has helped her formulate a plan for going back to school […]

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This week on Life Skills 101 Podcast with Lisa Nehring - Let's talk about Planning in Strange Times with Tamera Pool! Listen in for some great tips.

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Homeschoolers have the blessing of flexibility on so many issues – and graduation timing is one of them. Should you plan to graduate your student at 18? What about the precocious kids who might earn a diploma by 15? Or kids with health or learning issues, should they graduate later? We’ve had all three situations […]

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Field Trips for Homeschool High Schoolers- Special replay. Field Trips for Homeschool High Schoolers When you have homeschooling high schoolers, they are BUSY! Academics and extracurriculars fill their schedules while they build their powerful transcripts. It is easy to forget field trips when homeschoolers hit the high school academics. […]

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Summer is a time of relaxation, fun, and exploration for many families. While traditional schooling takes a break during this season, homeschool families often see it as an opportunity to continue the learning journey in a more relaxed and flexible manner. With proper planning and organization, homeschoolers can make the most of their summer break […]

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Free Speech gave us the Constitution & Bill of Rights In “Free Speech gave us the Constitution & Bill of Rights,” Episode, #189, Meredith Curtis introduces you to the men and women who fought just as hard after the American Revolution about the Constitution. Meet the Federalists: George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John […]

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Prepare For Storms – Episode 498 As parents, we prepare our kids for many things, but do we prepare our kids for storms? In an uncertain world, there is something we as parents can do to alleviate the fears and help our children cope with the unexpected and sometimes dangerous. Thanks to our sponsor CTCMath.com […]

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Let’s Talk About the SAT and Athletic Scholarships with Jean Burk Episode 13 Raise Your Hand …if you are interested in your athlete getting a scholarship! Really? SAT and Athletic Scholarships going hand-in-hand? So, your child is interested in playing sports on the college level. What’s a parent to do? Full scholarships are available but […]

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On today’s episode, Crystal discusses factors to consider when making your homeschool curriculum decision and how you can successfully homeschool as a military family.

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Why Freedom Matters with Angie Ferrell   Today True North Homeschool Academy Director is talking with True North Teacher, Angie Ferrell and as we near the 4th of July, we are talking about freedom! Freedom is a stabilizing force and creates a better environment for people in it- Freedom allows for healthier economics and builds […]

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This is a replay of episode 132. You can find the show notes here

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Hey homeschoolers! This week we are discussing habits of the organized homeschool mom. If organization doesn’t come naturally to you as it doesn’t for me, I think you’ll enjoy this episode. First, if you haven’t listened to the last two episodes I did on planning, you’ll want listen to them first. Organizing didn’t come naturally […]

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Why Teach Philosophy in Homeschool High School? Interview with Dr. Micah Tillman- Special Replay. Why Teach Philosophy in Homeschool High School? Interview with Dr. Micah Tillman Homeschool graduate and philosopher, Dr. Micah Tillman joins his mom for a discussion on why and how teens should study Philosophy. Micah’s story: […]

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“You never would have let me do that,” says the older child. “Why can’t I do the same thing as my brother?” demands the younger. Parents may find themselves caught between competing complaints! But the fact is, many of our family rules can and should change as our children grow and mature – and […]

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Summertime – Making Family Memories Episode 277, Making Family Memories Making family memories is one of the most important things you will ever do as a family. As homeschool parents, we naturally make memories with our children each day, but in this episode, we explore making positive memories! Thanks to our sponsor – Media Angels. The […]

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Join us for Communication Skills with Special Needs and Struggling Learners with Peggy Ployhar on the Soft Skills 101 Podcast.

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Military Education Services Coordinator, Kelly Robinson, shares tips and insight on preparing homeschool students for college so they can get the most out of their college experience!

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235:Benefits of Teens Starting a Youtube Channel with Audrey Parker In this episode I talked to Audrey Parker about the Benefits of Teens starting a Youtube Channel. Audrey is a teen who has her own channel and these are the questions I asked her: 1. What motivated you to start a YouTube channel? 2. What […]

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Hey homeschoolers! We are already well into July, and if you’re like me, you feel like summer is slipping away. Fortunately, we can still make the most of it. I’ll explain how. Before I do, I want to thank my sponsor for this episode CTC math. Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? CTCMath specializes […]

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Helping Teens Write Myth Fantasy, Interview with Will Hahn- Special Replay. Helping Teens Write Myth Fantasy, Interview with Will Hahn At 7SistersHomeschool.com there are six of us: Sabrina, Vicki, Kym, Allison, Sara, Marilyn. So WHO’S the 7th Sister? YOU are! But did you know we have “7th Brothers, too”? […]

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Prepare Your Kids ~ Rookie Rescuer: Episode 497 Are your kids prepared? Join us for the Rookie Rescuer interview with author and creator Firefighter Tommy Neiman and your host, Felice Gerwitz. The author of Rookie Rescuer shares his thoughts on homeschooling (he was a homeschool dad) as well as his newest project, and interactive workbook […]

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How to Have FUN in Your Homeschool (Replay) With Mary Hannah Wilson I first was introduced to Mary Willson through IG Reels. Her Reels are so much fun and encouraging to Homeschoolers! Mary has been a homeschooling Mom for over a decade and loves to provide helpful information to fellow homeschoolers, particularly families with homeschooling […]

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This week on Homeopathy for Mommies, we have another Remedy Review! This week we are talking about Zincum Metallicum. “The common old school use of zinc ointment to suppress eruptions and zinc injections to suppress discharges is based on fact. Zincum does suppress them. And it transfers the morbid action to the nervous system, setting […]

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234: Navigating College Prep in the Digital Age This podcast discusses many different aspects to navigating college prep in the digital age. Until June 30, 2023, the coupon POD5 will give you a $5 (20%) discount on the self-paced College Prep class / contest (High School Challenge) from show sponsor FundaFunda. Previous podcast episodes mentioned […]

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If your homeschooler is going to be taking a standardized test soon, do you know the best way to prepare? This is The Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where my guest shares some lesser known insights and tips to put you and your student at ease. Hey, homeschoolers! I had the chance to interview one […]

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Preparing Middle Schoolers for High School- Special Replay Preparing Middle Schoolers for High School Are you preparing middle schoolers for high school? Are they ready for the rigors of high-school level studies? Feeling stressed about it? Never fear! Homeschool Highschool Podcast is here to help. With years of homeschooling […]

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Geography Just Around the Corner In this short little podcast “Geography Just Around the Corner,” Episode, #188, Meredith Curtis shows you how to take a walk around your neighborhood to notice all the geography there – landforms, flora, fauna, climate, and more. Children will open their eyes to new things and geography will become simple […]

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For this episode of the Military Homeschool Podcast, military spouse, Conli McVey, joins Crystal Niehoff to discuss how she juggles military life and working from home while homeschooling.

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233: Using tech to encourage good habits Our guest, Katie Matteson, talks to us about using tech to encourage good habits. She does this by using the Greenlight app. Katie was also on episode 199 where she shared about 3D printing. Listen to this episode to learn all about how Katie uses the Greenlight app […]

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Do you love Charlotte Mason’s approach to education? This is the Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where I explain why I think Charlotte Mason would approve of my unique approach to teaching language arts and why you might want to consider adding it to your studies this year. If you love a Charlotte Mason approach […]

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Map God’s World the Fun Way In “Mapping God’s World the Fun Way,” Episode, #187, Meredith Curtis shares out-of-the-box creative ways to map God’s amazing world. From using large outline maps and cooking/coloring in to map contests and mapping on the bathroom wall, who says mapping can’t be fun? Get back to basic mapping the […]

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Special Replay | Thoughts about my Upcoming Graduate I can’t believe that I have another senior this year (insert tears)! In just a few short weeks, Grace will be graduating high school and pursuing her passions as a makeup artist and esthetician. I am so proud of the young woman she has become. Before she […]

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Episode #3- Homeschool High School Transcripts On this episode, Lisa Nehring, Director of True North Homeschool Academy, joins Crystal Niehoff to discuss homeschool high school transcripts. Lisa and her husband, Dr. David Nehring who served in the Air Force, started homeschooling 30 years ago. They started in 1991 and graduated their youngest a year ago […]

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You are going to want to grab your spouse for this episode! Fletch and Kendra dive right into the middle of the topic and discuss how the stress of homeschooling can leak into your marriage relationship. Throughout this episode, you will hear live interviews conducted with couples on the floor of the Teach Them Diligently […]

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232: Online Resources for Improving French Skills Today’s guest, Sébastien Crépieux, has been teaching French for many years and he shares with us his favorite online resources for improving French skills. Sébastien teaches French online with show sponsor FundaFunda Academy. Online French resources mentioned in this episode Wordreference.com: To look for a French word within […]

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The Future of Work What about the future of work? Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:14 Career Stages High school Launching as an Adult can include college Early Career Late Career Mid-Career Retirement […]

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Are you an unaware mommy shamer?Have you ever been guilty of mommy shaming? I sure have. I honestly did not realize I was doing it until years later, but unfortunately, that doesn’t change the fact that I did it in the first place. I hope this episode will encourage you to look at yourself and make sure you aren’t guilty of being an unaware mommy shamer.

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com – we are pleased for their continued excellence in education and dedication to the homeschool community. It is due to sponsorships that our programs continue to come to you without cost. Please visit the website and check out their curriculum.Lesli often tells the story of me mommy shaming her shortly after we first met. She offered me a pair of shoes similar to the ones in the picture below and I refused them because “my daughter was not allowed to wear heels.” Yep, I said that. Nope, I am not proud. Yep, it was mommy shaming.

Once I looked back, I realized that I was often mommy-shamed in those early years. I would proudly state my opinion about holistic medicine, homeschooling, etc.… not realizing that just my tone about the subject could be harming another mom.

Mothering is a mystery. Mothering is challenging. At times mothering is flat-out overwhelming. Most of us are insecure of our decisions, especially early on. I think many of us “yell” out our opinion as a cry for affirmation. Unfortunately, our opinions are often seen as mommy shaming.

If you think you might be guilty of being an unaware mommy shamer, here are my suggestions:1. Recognize why you mommy shame. 2. Recognize when you mommy shame. 3. Strive to be quietly confident, only sharing STRONG opinions among your inner circle.

Mommy shaming divides. We need each other. Let’s spend our time respecting each other, encouraging each other, and loving each other.

You’ve got this!

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Enjoy this podcast? Try these Vintage Homeschool Moms podcasts:Just for homeschool moms. Vintage Homeschool Moms preserves the best of the past while blessing future generations with the fruit that comes from putting God first and using the experience as a teacher. Your host, Felice Gerwitz, is a Christian wife, mother, and educator-turned-homeschool-mom in 1986. She began homeschooling as a trial and never looked back. Felice’s topics range from home education, child-rearing, enterprising moms, SAHM (Stay at Home Moms), WAHM (Work at Home Moms), and so much more.

Top Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcasts

Homeschool Lifestyle
Last Minute DIY Tips
Money Saving Field Trips
All About Teaching
Raising Spiritually Strong Kids
Six Homeschooling Insider Tips
Best Staycations for Kids
Avoid Curriculum Pitfalls
Top 10 Parenting Secrets
45 Family Date Night Ideas

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!

Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase atThe Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.The post Special Replay | Are You An Unaware Mommy Shamer? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Let’s Talk About Your Homeschool Teaching Checklist! with your host Felice Gerwitz Do you have a Homeschool Teaching Checklist? It’s time to get personal. How are you doing? But you may be saying, “Hold on! We just started school.” And that’s why this podcast is soooooo important. Before the year gets away from you and […]

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Do you wish you could ask a Christian homeschooling psychologist a parenting question? This is The Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where I answer the most common parenting questions I receive. Hey, homeschoolers! Most of the questions I’ve received in my personal and professional life center around parenting. As a parent myself, I understand that. […]

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Create a Great Transcript Using Levels in 7Sisters Curriculum- Special Replay. Create a Great Transcript Using Levels in 7Sisters Curriculum We 7Sisters have twenty-two homeschool graduates between the group of us. Not only that, but Sisters Marilyn and Vicki have served as academic advisors to hundreds of homeschool high […]

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How to Start a Homeschool Co-op Your Teens Will Enjoy- Special Replay. How to Start a Homeschool Co-op Your Teens Will Enjoy We 7Sisters have always loved co-op! Co-ops do have their ups and downs, but all of our homeschool graduates still have best friend and fond memories of […]

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Memorial Day Activities For Kids Need something to do? Memorial Day activities for kids to the rescue. While the events of Memorial Day are somber, dealing with the death of the heroes of the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corp, and the Airforce. Many of you may have family or friends who died and use […]

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Wait! This is NOT a rebroadcast of an old episode! Homeschooling is a Buzzkill has been one of our most popular downloads, so we decided to sit down and record a completely new episode. After more than two years of podcasting, it was time to discuss again one of our favorite topics: how homeschooling can be a “buzzkill”.

The first Homeschooling is a Buzzkill was one of our favorite episodes to record, but as we listened to it we both thought the actual recording just stunk. Since then we have new equipment and a few new things to say, so join us again for a brand new fun and lively discussion as we re-record how homeschooling can be a buzzkill!

EPISODE TIMELINE1:23 – Introduction/Show

SHOW NOTES for Homeschooling is a Buzz KillRecommended Resources:Hope Shifting – by Jim Applegate

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Music clips used on this episode:

SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smartphone. Let us show you how easy it is:

1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5 stars (hint hint!).
6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com – check out their amazing math curriculum for K-12. Homeschoolers get 50% off.

Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.Love this podcast? Check out these!Top Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcasts

Homeschool Lifestyle
Last Minute DIY Tips
Money Saving Field Trips
All About Teaching
Raising Spiritually Strong Kids
Six Homeschooling Insider Tips
Best Staycations for Kids
Avoid Curriculum Pitfalls
Top 10 Parenting Secrets
45 Family Date Night Ideas

The post Homeschooling is a Buzzkill Remix – Episode 83 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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231: Robotics competitions with Dawn and Nate GarrettGuests Dawn Garrett and her son Nate join us to talk about Robotics Competitions. You can learn about Nate’s team here and see their 2023 competition robot

If you missed episode 225 on An Introduction to Robotics – start by listening to that.

You can find general information about robotics in this blog post – Robotics in your Homeschool

These are the questions our guests answered.

1. Nate: How long have you been involved in robotics?
2. Dawn: Why did you think about robotics as an area for Nate to get involved in?
3. Dawn: How did you find a FLL team?
4. Nate: Over the years on FLL – what roles did you play on the team? What did you enjoy most about FLL
5. Dawn: How did you find a First Robotics team?
6. Nate: How is this different from FLL? What do you have to do? What is your role on the team?
7. How does the contest work?
8. Nate: What have you enjoyed most doing robotics?
9. Nate: What has been the biggest challenge?
10. Nate: What have you learned?
    11 Dawn: What have you observed as a parent watching Nate get involved? What do you think the biggest benefits have been?
11. Nate: Has robotics influenced your ideas for a career?

You can find Dawn at

LadyDusk.com
Instagram: LadyDusk
Dawn is also the Community Manager for PamBarnhill.com

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Do you hope that your kids will be involved in missions? This is the Homeschool Sanity Show–the episode where my guest shares practical ideas for inspiring even young children to serve as missionaries to a hurting world.

Hey, homeschoolers! With a full-time missionary in the family, we had plenty of mission inspiration in our homeschool. Between my sister-in-law and church-sponsored trips, our kids have served and ministered to people in Kenya, Tanzania, Mexico, the states, and locally and they have been blessed in the work.

I met Wayne or Wynand De Wet at a Great Homeschool Convention where he and his lovely daughter were sharing about missions and a new picture book that can engage our younger kids. Our conversation inspired a greater trust in God for me personally and a desire to spread the word about his ministry.

Wayne De WetWayne graduated with a PhD in New Testament from the University of Pretoria in South Africa, where he served until 2008 as pastor and teacher with a passion for youth, retreats, and missions. Since 2009 he has served in the States as pastor, an adjunct professor of Indiana Wesleyan University, and an instructor of Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. His passion for missions led to the founding of One Plus God Ministries in October of 2013. He has been married since 1993 to his wife Somari, and they have two children, Shana and Nicky. Wynand believes that Christ-centered marriages, families, and businesses can leave strong spiritual legacies behind, and that partnership with the Lord and one another is our strength to bring about global, transformational change to God’s glory.

I hope you are inspired by our conversation.

How to Get Your Kids Interested in Missions RecapIn this episode of Homeschool Sanity, Melanie Wilson interviews Wayne de Wet, a missionary and founder of One Plus God Ministries. They discuss the importance of teaching children about missions and practical ways to do so.

De Wet shares an analogy of attending a baseball game with a friend who loves the sport but failing to enjoy it himself. He relates it to the challenge of teaching children about missions, a commandment of Jesus that is often taught but not fully implemented. De Wet suggests that understanding and experiencing missions is the key to making it a part of one’s life.

He offers several practical ideas for homeschooling parents, including using resources like the Joshua Project, Operation World, and Wycliffe Bible Translators, reading missionary stories with children, and going on mission trips. De Wet also introduces a new resource developed by his organization, One Plus God Ministries, called OpieG, which uses four missions principles to teach children about missions.

Wilson and De Wet discuss the importance of contentment and how it can be modeled and taught to children. De Wet also shares his daughter’s experience of going on a mission trip and how it impacted her life.

The podcast episode ends with a prayer for parents to catch God’s heart for missions and teach their children to do the same.

Have a happy homeschool week!

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Incorporating Adulting Skills into High School Planning- Special Replay.

Incorporating Adulting Skills into High School PlanningWhen we are homeschooling our high schoolers, one of our most important tasks as parents is passing the baton of “who’s in charge of learning and living” to our teens. In other words, we hope that as our teens move through high school, they become more and more in charge of their education and of their life preparation.

Of course, all teens are different and there’s not ONE right way for teens to progress into their preparation for life. The cool thing is that we can appreciate and build on each of our teens’ unique personalities, gifts, interest and goals to help them be ready for what happens after graduation!

What we are saying is: homeschooling high school is time for preparation for life:* For many teens, high school is preparation for college * On the other hand, for many teens high school is preparation for career * For all teens, high school should include preparation for adulthood

In this special replay, Sabrina, Vicki and Kym talked about how they worked on increasing educational and adulting ownership by passing the baton of responsibility from parents to teens.

Laid back teensTeens who are go-with-the-flow often simply needs to be part of the goal setting and planning process. If they are part of this process, they can simply schedule backwards to get things done. BTW- scheduling backwards is a useful adulting skill. It helps teens and adults get ALL sorts of big projects done!

Teens who have chronic illnesses or disabilitiesOne of Kym’s teens had a chronic illness. Teaching adulting skills and educational ownership skills had to be frequently adjusted due to her teen’s conditions. Sometimes her teen felt healthy and strong and could run with her skills. Other times, Kym pulled back expectations and simply worked on her daughter’s health.

Teens who “don’t give a flip”Some teens are not interested in adulting or owning their own education. The things they care about are not in textbooks or chore lists. These teens need patience, love and boundaries with clear expectations. Make sure they are involved in planning.

Teens who think they “own the baton”Some teens think they have already arrived at adulting; some of these are hyper-responsible teens. They need their parents’ love and encouragement to run with their ownership, while turning to their parents for love and support. (LOTS of love and support because these teens sometimes make mistakes.)

Teens who are head buttersSome teens are natural head-butters, especially if their personalities are similar to mom or dad. Here are some tips:

• Watch your own triggers: calm down before blowing up
• Make sure there are lots of adults in their lives
• Keep communicating on the plans and goals you both have already agreed upon

More tips to help planning on adulting skills:There is so much planning that goes into homeschooling high school! Especially when your goals include helping their teens own their education and adulting skills. Here’s some more advice.

Remember to let go and let GodAs homeschooling moms, it can sometimes fall into the temptation to become heavy equipment moms– helicopter moms and steam shovel moms. So homeschool parents: watch yourself. Include teens on the planning for the homeschool high school years, listen to their goals. Work together to plan out the goals.

AND allow them to have their own struggles. As Vicki’s boss always says, “Let them make their own mistakes.”

Kym shared her favorite quote:

It’s not our job to be God to our children, rather we need to need God in front of our children. – Angie Smith

Remember to show and tellEspecially with practical life preparation skills such as home maintenance and home economics skills, teens need guidance. Also they need to hear your affirmations on their trial and error processes, which develops a growth mindset.

Don’t forget to check in regularlyWhile you want your teens to own their adulting and education, they need you to have regular one-on-ones with a parent in order to:

• Record progress
• Discuss the ups and downs of homeschooling high school or any other talks
• Remind you both of the goals y’all set together

How do you help teens prepare for life and develop their adulting skills?

Join Sabrina, Vicki and Kym for a tips and ideas.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review

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Blessings From Heaven ~ Episode 495Do you have blessings from heaven? Our children are indeed blessings, but in our busy lives, it is hard to appreciate this fact. This podcast will look at ways to encourage and love our kids as God intended.

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com – check out their amazing math curriculum for K-12

My schoolroom has a plaque that has been there for many years. It reads, “Dear Lord, grant me the patience to endure my blessings!” I began my homeschool journey in 1994 and ended in 2018! It still hangs there as a reminder.

I love the quote by St. Mother Theresa – It is very important that children learn from their fathers and mothers how to love one another- not in the school, not from the teacher, but from you. It is very important that you share with your children the joy of that smile. There will be misunderstandings; every family has its cross, its suffering. Always be the first to forgive with a smile. Be cheerful, be happy.

Mother Theresa said so many things that are still quoted today, and I will share some of these relating to our children throughout this podcast.

However, I know…

IT IS NOT EASY to be cheerful and happy, especially when I was in the midst of school-aged kids. I was too busy keeping up. Of course, I think back fondly on those days – but if you are in the middle of diaper, laundry, and homeschooling older children, I know what you are going through! The saying little kids–little problems, big kids–big problems is real.

At times I struggled to appreciate one of my sons, and I often prayed, Lord, please help me to love him as You love him. It helped tremendously. Instead of only looking at the bad behavior, I remembered he was a child of God, and I prayed blessings upon him. My husband and I often prayed for our kids. We prayed together as a family, still daily struggles cropped up.

Many of you who are listening homeschool your children. And you are truly heroes for loving your kids and caring enough to make the effort this takes on a daily basis. This can not be minimized or forgotten. One of my best blessings is watching my grandchildren be homeschooled–and loving it.

Homeschooling takes most of the day for many of us, especially as the children get older. Most importantly, our time and devotion to our children make a difference. Yet, it is sometimes a struggle to have our children finish their schoolwork and chores and do what they require each day. We are constantly on them for something.

How can we appreciate our blessings from heaven when dealing with their basic needs, raising and correcting misbehavior? That is tough. For this to happen, there needs to be a foundation that comes from love.

Another Mother Theresa quote: “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”

We have an example of the unconditional love of God; he loves the sinner but not the sin. We can use this as a foundation of our love for our children. We separate them from misdeeds and focus on correcting them with love. Our kids need to know they are loved. You do this by saying it to them, and if you are uncomfortable with this, tell them at some point that you care. We think we do this as parents, but more times than not, we expect our kids to know they are loved.

In romantic love, we would never expect to know we are in love; we’d want to be told. Of course, you can show you love someone by your actions, but as parents, our actions tend to be relegated to feeding, clothing, and caring for our kids.

Are you honest with your kids? Think about this question. When you are upset with them for an infraction, is it said with love or anger? When you need them to listen when you speak (which is always), are you clear in your instruction?

Our frustrations with our children stem mostly from the lack of follow-through and how the children seem to have selective listening. I’ve witnessed this in my own family. Therefore I tried to give clear instructions and needed to make myself follow through. I had to check to be sure what I asked was completed, and if not, there were consequences. My daughter is an amazing example of parenting. She is calm and very rarely raises her voice. She deals with things in an uplifting way, and her kids listen well.

Observing other people enjoy their children was an eye-opener for me. I was so busy doing that I found I was missing the biggest gift right in front of my eyes. Sitting with a dear friend and watching the children play in her backyard, I was surprised to find our conversation focused on her love of watching her children. [All I could think about was enjoying adult time, and my friend wanted to watch her kids and how cute they were!] Yet, I walked away changed. I could see not only her love for children but also for them individually. She is one of those people who appreciates the little things.

I learned to stop and appreciate my kids. Now it is almost impossible. If you are sitting outdoors watching your children play, how easy is it to jump on a call, text, or go on social media? None of those things are wrong, and I get it — we all need a break, but just for a few minutes, watch your kids, observe their antics, and enjoy them. You may be thinking I don’t know you, your family, or what your kids are like, and you are absolutely correct. I don’t. You know your family the best, and even if it is just a few minutes of joy, take it!

As a mom and dad, there is so much to do; sitting idly doesn’t happen unless you have a full staff at home to help. My family grew from two kids to five, and I had a dad who lived with me in his 70s and mid-80s. We were able to enjoy our kids, younger and older, and multi-generations. I was able to watch the impact of my father (my mother died years before) and my mother and father-in-law on my children. We can learn so much from our parents, even as adults. If we want our children to love and honor us, we must set an example whenever possible.

I host, A Few Minutes with God on our sister network, The Ultimate Christian Podcast Network. And I have given challenges at the end of each broadcast for the last two years. I decided a challenge would be a good way to practice what I preach, so in the spirit of solidarity, I will join you in the next week in appreciating my blessings, praying for them daily, and letting them know they are loved.

I have several resources below:

Resources: Blessings From Heaven

Building Relationships with Your Kids here.

Family Bonding Time here.

Time Management here.

Relaxing Tips for Mom here.

And I want to leave you with two more quotes by Mother Theresa:

How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers.

and …

The child is the beauty of God present in the world, that greatest gift to a family.

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On this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with my beautiful daughter-in-love, Caroline. Last June, Caroline made me a grandmother when she gave birth to the coolest twin boys! Levi and Titus rocked all of our worlds, especially hers. Caroline gets real and vulnerable as she shares her journey of expectations vs reality. I think many moms can relate to Caroline’s story and can empathize with everything she shared. Caroline shares openly about her many experiences with children leading up to motherhood and the fact that even then, she had no idea what it was like to be fully responsible for a newborn life (or lives in her case).

Thank you to our Sponsor! CTCMath, a wonderful Math curriculum for the entire family of school-aged children. This one-stop shop has grades K-12; check it out. Homeschoolers can save 50%!

Caroline with her boys, Titus and Levi

Caroline encouraged moms to give themselves grace, focus on the present, and enjoy the time when they are small. We also talked about the importance of other moms walking alongside new moms, not just expecting moms. New moms get lonely and tired and could use a visit from a friend to cheer them up in those early days. I mentioned my favorite gift from a lady in our church was when she offered to come and hold my new baby so I could take an uninterrupted nap. That was heavenly!!!

Levi and Titus have not decided what they will call me; any suggestions???

Caroline suggested every mom read this book!

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!! Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

Check out these posts from Ultimate Homeschool Podcast NetworkTop Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcasts

Homeschool Lifestyle
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Raising Spiritually Strong Kids
Six Homeschooling Insider Tips
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Top 10 Parenting Secrets
45 Family Date Night Ideas

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Navigating the Digital Battlefield: Staying True to Your Christian Faith in a Hostile Online WorldIn today’s interconnected world, the internet has become a virtual battleground where ideas clash, opinions collide, and hostility seems to lurk around every corner. As a Christian, it can be challenging to maintain your faith amidst the chaos and negativity. However, by employing certain strategies and adopting a Christ-centered approach, you can navigate the digital landscape with grace and stay true to your Christian convictions.

1. Cultivate a Strong Foundation:To withstand the challenges posed by the online world, it is crucial to build a solid foundation in your faith. Spend time in prayer, studying the Bible, attending church, and engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow believers. This strong spiritual grounding will equip you to respond to the hostility you may encounter online with wisdom and grace.

2. Embrace Humility and Love:When engaging with others online, humility should be your guiding principle. Remember that our faith teaches us to love even our enemies. Therefore, approach discussions with a genuine desire to understand others’ perspectives rather than imposing your own beliefs forcefully. Respond with kindness, empathy, and respect, regardless of the hostility you may encounter.

3. Exercise Discernment:The internet is a vast ocean of information, ideas, and opinions. It is essential to exercise discernment and evaluate the content you come across. Not everything on the internet aligns with Christian values, and exposure to hostile or ungodly content can erode your faith. Be cautious about the platforms you engage with, the sources you trust, and the discussions you participate in.

4. Seek Wise Counsel:In the face of hostility, seeking wise counsel from experienced Christians can be invaluable. Connect with mature believers who have navigated similar challenges in the digital realm. They can offer guidance, encouragement, and practical advice on how to remain faithful while engaging with the online world.

5. Practice Digital Sabbath:Constant exposure to the online world can be overwhelming and detrimental to your spiritual well-being. Incorporate regular digital sabbaths into your routine—periods of intentional disconnect from technology. Use this time to focus on nurturing your relationship with God, engaging in offline activities, and finding solace in the natural world around you.

6. Choose Battles Wisely:The online world presents countless opportunities to engage in debates and arguments. While some discussions may be worthwhile, it is crucial to discern when to engage and when to let go. Remember that not every battle needs to be fought, and some encounters may only lead to further hostility and division. Seek God’s guidance to discern which battles are worth your time and energy.

7. Pray Continually:Prayer is a powerful tool in navigating the online world with grace and conviction. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and the strength to withstand hostility. Dedicate time each day to converse with God, seeking His guidance and asking for His protection over your online interactions.

Living out your Christian faith in the hostile online world may seem daunting, but with the right mindset and approach, it is possible to stay true to your convictions. Cultivate a strong foundation in your faith, embrace humility and love, exercise discernment, seek wise counsel, practice digital sabbaths, choose your battles wisely, and commit to continual prayer. By following these principles, you can remain a beacon of light and love in the midst of the online battlefield, making a positive impact on those around you while staying true to your Christian identity.

Thanks to our sponsor CTCMath, a wonderful Math curriculum for the entire family of school-aged children. This one-stop shop has grades K-12; check it out. Homeschoolers can save 50%!

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Replay | How to Heal from BullyingToday on Life Skills 101, we are talking with Candice Duggar, the mastermind behind Bullied, Broken, Redeemed. Teaching our kids how to navigate the online world and keeping themselves emotionally and physically safe is going to be a necessary life skill, as the online world is going to continue to expand and grow; many of our kids may find themselves working in the online space.

Candice share the journey of bullying in their own family and how that changed the course of her family and life- from working with Fortune 100 Companies to Homeschooling Momma and the creator of Bullied, Broken, Redeemed.

“There is no safe. There is only safer.” Candace Duggar

The program builds in Executive Functioning and Soft Skills and Non-Verbal Communication Skills

Of kids who will be bullied, 90% don’t tell their parents, and 70% don’t tell anyone.Most bullying takes place after 10 p.m. at night. Parents, collect your kid’s cell phones at night, and turn off the Wi-Fi.

Give kids a “safe” word and develop a family policy about how to help your kids out of unsafe circumstances.

Begin talking to your kids sooner than later about safety online and cyberbullying. Kids as young as 2-5 years old are playing online games, which means kids are getting bullied at younger and younger ages.

We are meant to be in community, but we are not meant to be in a community of a million people! The online world encourages shallowness; as Christians, we want our kids to grow in wisdom and discernment. This will take intentionality as parents!

*This course, Digital Leadership, is no longer available at TNHA.

Replay How to Heal from BullyingWe still felt the topic was an urgent one to revisit and hope you enjoy this replay of How to Heal from Bullying.

We love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to ensure your academic and future success at True North Homeschool Academy! We offer Academic Advising, amazing k-12th grade Classes, Clubs and Mom’s Membership, regular Podcasts and Blog posts and more! Let us know how we can come alongside of you!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO Life Skills 101 VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. 2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source” 3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

OR PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review

We love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to offer encouragement and support! Let us know how we can support YOU!

Love this podcast episode? Try these.

Stop Bullying – Episode 78

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Hate math? And I hate teaching science. And writing. Or . . .

Let’s get real homeschoolers. Most of us have at least one subject we don’t enjoy teaching. What? That is difficult to justify when we are the ones in charge of teaching all the subjects.

So what is a homeschooling parent supposed to do when there are core subjects that must be covered, but there is no motivation by mom or dad to get that subject done every week, or they feel unqualified to teach it?

In this episode of HomeschoolingIRL, Fletch and Kendra discuss the reality of teaching multiple subjects to multiple grade levels and resources for getting some help. Join them as they encourage their listeners to think a little bit outside of the proverbial box.

Episode Timeline for I Love Homeschooling But I Hate Teaching MathThanks to our sponsor CTCMath, a wonderful Math curriculum for the entire family of school-aged children. This one-stop shop has grades K-12; check it out. Homeschoolers can save 50%!

5:28 Studio Discussion Part 1 (Sponsored by Compass Classroom) – Sharing our strengths and weaknesses
14:00 Studio Discussion Part 2 (Sponsored by Grapevine Studies) – Staying a step ahead
20:47 Studio Discussion Part 3 – Practical suggestions from Fletch and Kendra
30:14 Listener questions – Fletch’s tie-dye wardrobe and parenting with grace.
35:18 Advent Resources/Interview with Amanda White from Truth in the Tinsel

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every two weeks as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

Enjoy this podcast? Try these:

6 Reasons Your Child Hates to Write

I Hate Homeschooling Let Me Tell You Why

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230: How to set students up for success in high school science classes with Dr. Kristin MoonDr. Kristin Moon from Kristin Moon Science explains how to set students up for success in high school science classes.

Dr. Moon teaches Chemistry for show sponsor FundaFunda Academy and a number of science classes at True North Homeschool Academy.

These are the questions she answers:

1. What should middle school parents do to make sure their children are ready

2. a) What is the biggest problem you see in high school classes?
   b) How to overcome this problem?

3. a) What other problems?
   b) How to overcome them?

4. What non-science skills do students need to be successful?

You can find the summer class on Math Skills for Chemistry mentioned in this episode here

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Relaxing Tips For Mom ~ Episode 494Do you have your favorite relaxing tips for mom? Or are you shaking your head and wondering where you will find the time to relax? In this podcast, I will share some quick tips to get in those relaxing minutes even when you struggle to find the time!

Thanks to our sponsor CTCMath, a wonderful Math curriculum for the entire family of school-aged children. This one-stop-shop has grades K-12; check it out.

There was a time when a topic like this would make me irritated. I didn’t think I needed to relax; the truth was harder to accept. I was upset because I didn’t think I had the luxury of time. I was so overwhelmed I didn’t think I had time to relax until I decided that if I didn’t take care of my own health, I’d have my kids and husband taking care of me, which meant slowing down.

The first thing I did was look at all of those volunteer, unpaid positions. And when I began scaling back, I found my stress level went down, and so did my time management. I had more time to work with, and I was much happier. Does this mean I never volunteer? Of course not! I am the coordinator of a women’s prayer ministry now, but when I was homeschooling, and my kids were younger, I volunteered in much smaller roles that I could accomplish on my time at home.

I also found that there were things that I could do quickly that were “pick me ups,” and all of these could happen during the day. Some will have you laughing, but I am telling you all are tried and true. In other words, yes, I did these things!

The first thing I’ll ask you to do is make a list of all the things you do each day, then during the week – take out a one-week calendar and map out these times. If you already have a planner, take it out and look at it. Are there any gaps in time? Here are two to get you started if you do not have a good calendar and goal setting set:

1. 12-Month Checklist Calendar Set:
2. Setting Goal Set – 12 months

Before I begin, I want to warn you that your kids, especially if they are younger, are going to join in with you, especially with my quick relaxing tips. Kids are so amazing; if yours are like mine, they want to be where you are! My husband created a playroom off of our schoolroom for the kids upstairs, and they still would drag down their toys to play nearby. So, again, don’t be surprised if you are attempting a quick fifteen-minute foot soak and you find some little feet in with yours!

First, where do you find the time? Look for it and snatch those pockets of time:

1. While listening to kids reading, watching television, or even paying bills, you can do almost anything on the list below.
2. Cut out social media – that can be stressful! I spent lots of time there.
3. Space out when you look at emails. I do not allow notifications on my phone, but I do allow digests. This gives me things “at a glance” and saves time.
4. While sitting in traffic, I can listen to music, drink lemon water, or watch the clouds.

Quick Relaxing Tips for Mom

1. Foot soak. Use episome salts, one or two drops of lavender, or your favorite essential oil scent. Fifteen minutes is all you need.
2. Rub lotion on your hands, arms, or legs. This is a quick pick-me-up!
3. Diffuse lemongrass oils or your favorites, and sit with your eyes closed for five minutes. Have the kids sit with you and just be in the moment.
4. Watch the clouds. I do this in traffic or when I sit outdoors while the kids play and watch the clouds go by – I love it, and it is so relaxing!
5. Drink water with a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon. Use a squirt of lemon juice if you don’t have fresh on hand.
6. Neck rub – my kids gave me the best neck rubs, and I used to ask for “neck-rub-coupons” for gifts when they were younger.
7. Five-minute walk. I have a thread mill and enjoy a quick walk when I feel tired.
8. Listen to nature; there are many nature soundtracks to help you relax. We used to have specific songs for cleaning day. Make a playlist of the opposite, relaxing songs to help you…relax!
9. A foot massage. I purchased one of those slide-in foot massagers, and it is great! I take it out when I need a few minutes of relaxation. Yes, they work, and no I dont’ want to get up after ten minutes, so I often do at least fifteen.
10. Sit. Yes, something as simple as sitting for a few minutes is invigorating. I found my legs so tired each evening until I realized I was standing when I could be sitting doing activities like folding clothes.

Longer Relaxing Tips for Mom

1. Dinner out with my husband, or even a drive!
2. Get a manicure or pedicure. Would you believe it took me months to use the gift card my friends purchased for me? I just couldn’t seem to make the time. I usually get two or three a year; taking my daughters is so much fun.
3. Read. I didn’t have time to read long novels when I was homeschooling, but I could read spiritual books and a chapter daily.
4. Baths are a favorite of mine. Bath salts help give you the at-home spa experience. Add a terry cloth robe and a bathtub pillow. These are great birthday and Mother’s Day gift ideas.
5. Time on the phone to talk to a family member or friend. With text messages the norm, it is so nice to have time to catch up!

What are your favorite relaxation tips? Share them with me. We are each so different, and maybe running or exercising is your go-to for relaxation! I never made it to that point in my life, even when I ran each day. Take some time and make a list and try to do one or more things a week, if not each day, and you will be glad you did!

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There are secrets for moms you are most likely unaware of, even if you’ve been a mom for years! You are a rock star, even if you never sing on stage! And you are amazing, even if you never tour Europe. You are special because of who you are, not what you do!**

Secrets For MomA special gift from Felice ~ keep reading to learn more!

I am blessed to have a group of wonderful friends who are committed to their faith and family. These ladies are strong and a good example of what motherhood is supposed to look like, and believe me, it is not what you read online! Motherhood is self-giving, and it is also a fulfillment of what God has called you to do. Behind every powerful CEO, president, and other powerful “leader” is a mother. This person is responsible for the life of that important person. My mother has been gone for over twenty years, yet her impact on my life is stunning.

My mother said there was nothing I could not do; she encouraged me in my aspirations, whatever they might be. I loved to draw, and she encouraged this and had me paint landscapes of Italy for their Italian restaurant, side note, I’m not that good! Mothers are wonderful and work so hard, often neglected and misunderstood! So, as my mom would say, “What are you waiting for? Do something about it.”

Why do we wait for others to give us accolades we do not want? Most of us want to be appreciated – a simple thank-you suffices. Let your family know, and you will be surprised; they will respond well! Recently, one of my adult children gave me an unasked critique about my decision, and I happily shared, “That is the great thing about being an adult. I can finally make my own decisions on my own and with your father’s input, and that is all that matters. But thanks for weighing in!”

Often we stay silent and take the criticism and complaints. You know your family best, but often we need to realign expectations (theirs, not ours). I want to share with you some secrets about womanhood and what makes you special, treasured, and revered!

Secrets For Mom #1You are more than what you do; you are a person created in the image of God.

The word “special” is hard to remember in the everyday bustle of kids, school, and household activities. But you ARE SPECIAL and PRECIOUS. Get right with your God; your faith should be first, then your spouse and kids. A relationship with God will help you tremendously in this walk we call life!

Secrets For Mom #2Relationships matter. Your relationship with your spouse is important.

After a relationship with the Almighty, the relationship with your spouse is next. We often put our kids before our spouses because they need us, right? They do, but without a good foundation of two, it makes raising children more difficult. It is hard to see the bigger picture. Once the kids are grown, many relationships fall apart. Invest in your spouse and work together as a team. Easier said than done (ask me how I know).

Secrets For Mom #3Nothing in life is perfect, so quit expecting it in your motherhood and how you parent.

We never think we are doing the best we can; we are tired and sometimes frustrated by situations out of our control. Remember the old saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!” And for the record, I dislike the word, ain’t. We can’t make our kids happy – in fact, only God can make a person happy. So, do your best, parent with love, and let go of the rest.

Secrets For Mom #4Don’t forget your identity.

Who were you before you met your husband, before you got married before you had children? Do you even remember this person? Perhaps she was optimistic, spontaneous, or had high hopes for a long-held goal. That person is still there! This means don’t forget yourself in the midst of caring for your family. It may mean putting some of your dreams and goals on hold, but it is worth it!

Secrets For Mom #4Your goals are still there, the timeline may change, and that’s okay!

There is always time to meet your goals or work if you desire. Maybe you have a job or a part-time job. My part-time job is “at our home,” in my husband’s words. My hobby got out of hand, and I realized I needed to scale back on speaking commitments and focus on my home first. It was difficult to give up speaking engagements, but it was the best choice for my family in the long run. My business survived, my kids thrived, and I realized I had time to write and publish but at a slower rate. I’m still at it (Media Angels, founded in 1995, is still in business with the original owner, me!)

Secrets For Mom #5When needed, call in the troops.

During different times in my life, I needed help. Whether it was spiritually, emotionally, or physically. I had to round up my family and share that I was stressed and needed them! I spoke at an online conference and sold hundreds of books. This meant shipping. I had to ask everyone to pitch in, pack-ship, and double-check to be sure we didn’t make mistakes. It actually brought us all together, and my kids said later they were impressed because they knew I was an author and wrote books; they just didn’t realize I sold so many. (Insert head shake here!)

Motherhood never stops. As I write this, my daughter is in the hospital waiting for an emergency C-section (her first one, but her ninth child). My granddaughter’s 16th birthday is a day away, and my daughter was concerned, from her hospital bed, that she wouldn’t be there for Samantha’s birthday! This is what we do, we mothers. On the other hand, I worry for my daughter, but I will ensure my granddaughter is pampered and spoiled on her birthday!

God Has You in the Palm of His HandI pray that if you are discouraged or feel abandoned, you realize I AM HERE FOR YOU! Come over to our Facebook podcast family page, send me an email or know I am praying for you. Believe me when I say while it is nice to receive the accolades of others, you must be confident in the knowledge that God has you in the palm of His hand, even if it doesn’t feel that way!

A special Mother’s Day gift – my book, One More Child – absolutely free.The book link is here.

Plus TWO additional bonuses for Moms.“Buy” the book and get these bonuses!

For a limited time you get free gifts with the purchase of the newest book by Felice Gerwitz, One More Child.

Four audio & e-book Bundles from podcaster and Christian author Felice Gerwitz. These bundles include more than 40 dynamic resources to help you take action in every area of your life.

After you download a copy of the book and claim your bonuses, we have a series of freebies just for moms. Sign up below to get yours!
Yes, Please Send Me My Mom Freebies!I’m excited about 10 Days of made-for-mom freebies. Please send them to me! (Enter your best email below, and be sure to whitelist felice@mediaangels.com to ensure the best delivery!)

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Why a Morning BasketPam Barnhill joins me on today’s podcast to talk about how to manage your life while homeschooling

Pam, Jamie Martin and Colleen Kessler have all joined forces to create a program called, Homeschooling with Purpose

1. Cast a vision
2. Calm the chaos
3. Create a lifestyle of learning in your home

Which is great, because it gives homeschoolers the tools they need to manage all of their lives, not just the educational piece. Like Pam says, manage the laundry- it’s never a surprise.

Pam and Why a Morning BasketPam is also probably best known for Your Morning Basket. Pam draws a distinction between Unit Studies and Morning Baskets and says Morning Baskets are when they cover everything from memory work to Internet Safety and are distinctly different than a unit study.

Some of the Barnhill’s favorite Morning baskets have focused on the Election, Finance and Folk Songs.

Pam uses a Trello Board to manage their Morning Baskets.

Pam is also a big proponent of Memory work, and learning memory work by songs and hymns.

Resources discussed in this podcast

Foyle’s War

Silverdale Press

Your Morning Basket Podcast with Pam BarnhillWe love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to ensure your academic and future success at True North Homeschool Academy! We offer Academic Advising, amazing teachers, regular Podcasts and Blog posts and more! Let us know how we can come alongside of you!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO Life Skills 101 VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. 2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source” 3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

OR PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review

We love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to offer encouragement and support! Let us know how we can support YOU!

Enjoy this podcast? Listen in on these you’re sure to love!Top Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcasts

Homeschool Lifestyle
Last Minute DIY Tips
Money Saving Field Trips
All About Teaching
Raising Spiritually Strong Kids
Six Homeschooling Insider Tips
Best Staycations for Kids
Avoid Curriculum Pitfalls
Top 10 Parenting Secrets
45 Family Date Night Ideas

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Extracurricular Overkill on the HIRL PodcastOn this week’s special back-to-school replay with Fletch and Kendra, they talk about Extracurricular Overkill. When is enough too much?

On this episode of HomeschoolingIRL, Fletch, and Kendra answer a letter from a listener wondering how to filter extracurricular activities into your homeschool. When should you say yes? When should you say no?

We invite good friends Nate and Ali Miller into the studio to talk through the topic of extracurricular overkill. Listen in as we discuss how they made the decision to pull back from gymnastics, swimming, baseball, and choir in their family of three pre-teens. We hope you are encouraged by this discussion of choosing extracurricular activities in your homeschool family.

SHOW NOTES For Extracurricular OverkillRecommended Resources:

Joann Kraft – Just Too Busy
Betty The Surf Dog Twitter Feed – Home of Betty the Surf Dog
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Music clips used on this episode:Breathe In Breathe Out Move On – Buy it on iTunes Here

Love this Episode of HIRL? Check out these podcasts from Ultimate Homeschool Podcast NetworkHomeschool Lifestyle
Last Minute DIY Tips
Money-Saving Field Trips
All About Teaching
Raising Spiritually Strong Kids
Six Homeschooling Insider Tips
Best Staycations for Kids
Avoid Curriculum Pitfalls
Top 10 Parenting Secrets
45 Family Date Night Ideas

Find them all at Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network, including Vintage Homeschool Moms, Homeschooling with Technology, LifeSkills101, and more!

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor, CTC Math! A Cathy Duffy top 103 Pick for Homeschool CurriculumThanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com – we are pleased for their continued excellence in education and dedication to the homeschool community. It is due to sponsorships that our programs continue to come to you without cost. Please visit the website and check out their curriculum and learn how homeschoolers can save 50%!

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228: Math is a good tool for learning to think criticallyToday’s guest is Elizabeth Weaver and she loves math and is enthusiastic about its ability to aid us to think critically! Elizabeth lectures at Roane State Community College, a homeschool co-op, and also teaches the Agebra 2 class at show sponsor FundaFunda Academy.

In this episode, Elizabeth answers these 4 questions:

1 Why is critical thinking important?

1. Why is math a good tool to practice it?

2. Why are word problems important?

3. What should parents look for in a math curriculum?

Overall takeaway – realize the potential math has to help your children think critically and make sure the curriculum you use achieves this. Listen to the full episode to learn more.

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and all of you moms listening!! This week I thought I would share some reminders from a talk I have been giving this summer at conferences nationwide. At the end of this episode, I have a BIG surprise; you don’t want to miss it!

This episode is brought to you by CTCMath.com – a wonderful math curriculum for all of your homeschool needs or to brush up on new skills.

During my talk, “What Every Mother of Preschooler Needs to Know,” I share the following:1. Your children will remember how you lived.

How do you spend your time? What are your passions? Will they remember that you were physically and emotionally present?

1. Your children will remember how you loved.

How do you love? Do you show affection? Say I love you?

1. Your children will remember what you loved.

What do you love? People? Things? Birds?

1. Your children will remember whom you loved.

Do you love others? Do they see that? Do you love yourself? Do they see that? Hear that?

1. Your children will grow up and will mother like you.

Someone once said, “The days are long but the years are short.” This is such a true statement. They grow up so incredibly fast and before we know it, we will witness them being moms and dads just like us. Yes, they will resemble you in so many ways. You are their model for what a mom looks like.

What’s the surprise, you ask? I have decided to add one more spot to my birthday celebration weekend. If you would like to be the final person chosen to attend, please like or follow me on Instagram @_therealkathylee or like my page FB @The Real Kathy Lee.

Don’t forget to check out www.heartsathome.org to learn more about Hearts at Home 2.0.

I hope you all have a fabulous Mother’s Day!

Say YES and have a great week!!!

Thanks for listening. If you have topics you would like for me to discuss or people you would like to hear from, let me know. Just email me at kathy@thehomegrownpreschooler.com or shoot me a message on social media. And be sure and check out the latest episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase atThe Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.The post Mother’s Day Surprise Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Organizing makes everything go better, and this month our focus is on party planning.

In my experience, this allows for less stress and a successful event everyone will enjoy in the moment and remember for years to come.

How Do You Plan Parties?How do you plan parties? Maybe you are an expert, or perhaps you are just starting to host events. This month’s planner will focus on the details of planning the perfect party for you and your guests. Use this reference to efficiently organize the different aspects of your party regardless of the size or event. We’ve planned everything from weddings (we hand-made guest favors and name tags and decorations) as well as hosted low-key events like family night. Any homeschool mom with kids will have more than one birthday party to plan, even if you are having the event somewhere else.

What’s In The Planner?Using the print-out sheets provided will keep you on track without leaving everything to the last minute or forgetting important details. Take your time; print and begin immediately! With the aid of the included organizational sheets, it is easier to implement and stick with a plan that will undoubtedly lead to a fun full event. And our planner makes it easy to insert changes.

This organizational planner includes tips and tricks to take your party organization from sporadic and stressful to well-executed and fun for everyone! Use the blank sheets to make this planner fit
any occasion. Find out how much the party will cost ahead of time with the budget spreadsheet.

Picking a Party Planning ThemeComing up with a theme for your party is just the beginning. You will plan and decide how much you want to DIY (do it yourself) and when it is best to order flowers and/or the cake. Each
spreadsheet provides another step in the equation of a well-planned and executed party. An important factor is the menu and guest lists. This will help you plan graduation, religious occasions, or
anniversaries and other special events. Just think of the memories your family and friends will have for a lifetime after the party. Feel free to omit aspects that don’t fit your event and cater to
your unique needs.

Many planning sheets can be used from this planner to help you with any task. You can print as many as you need for your family. Planning is just the beginning. This includes shopping, organizing, and cooking. It helps to make food and decorations ahead. Remember to organize a setup and clean-up team. You don’t need to do everything yourself. Big parties can be handled in small steps.

Ultimate ChecklistUse the Ultimate Checklist to start up to three months (or more) in advance. Utilize the blank sheets at the end of the planner to help you plan your day, look for ways to set up routines, and
keep a specific schedule. This is important anytime, and getting into a routine, especially while planning an event, will make your life easier, especially when homeschooling. Use the blank calendar to pay the bills, keep track of your homeschool goals, or even a menu plan.

Keep Your Party Planning FocusFocus on your priorities, and remember change doesn’t happen overnight. Tweak what didn’t work last month or modify it, but stick with the overall plan; it takes perseverance to succeed in each area, whether budgeting, homeschooling, or organizing a party.

The Vintage Homeschool Mom’s Podcasthas great party planning ideas to get you started. Here are the direct links to the podcasts. Check out the ones that may be helpful to you. Links are on the following pages.

Graduation on the Cheap
Graduation Party Ideas
Best Experiential Gifts
Mother’s Day Gifts
Valentine’s Day
Blog Post Graduation and Party Ideas

There are so many resources available. The entire podcast network is free. Check out the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network, which has many shows that deal with the organization. Vintage Homeschool Moms has great shows on graduation and more. Just search for the topic on the website. I pray you are brought peace and joy as you organize your life!

Sign Up Here:Get convenient links to all the latest homeschool podcasts each week- PLUS new printables every month! A free gift from the author, Felice Gerwitz, Ultimate Homeschool Radio owner and podcaster at Vintage Homeschool Moms!

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It’s the end of the traditional school year here and you may be trying to get caught up before summer. This is The Homeschool Sanity Show–the episode where I’ll give you permission to stop trying.

I cover three key steps to abandoning the quest to get caught up:* + Ask yourself how behind you really are * + Ask yourself how important it really is to get caught up * + Start fresh

5 Ways to End the Endless Game of Catching Up

Checklist for completing this quarter (a fresh start)

Have a happy homeschool week!

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Planing Homeschool Graduation Ceremony and Party.

Planning Homeschool Graduation Ceremony and PartyWhether it is your first or your fifth homeschool graduation, planning homeschool graduations can be stressful. You want it to be memorable AND something you can manage. We asked our 7th Sisters in our 7SistersHomeschool Facebook group about graduation events that have worked for their homeschool families.

Planning tips for homeschool graduations:Start your planning process with this important fact: Just as there’s not ONE right way to homeschool high school, there’s also not ONE right way to hold a graduation event. For real. You and your teen should have a chat or two. Ask what they need and what do you need (you count, you did a lot to help this homeschool high schooler to get to the point of graduation)!

Decide if you want an eventSome graduates do not want a graduation ceremony. Rather, they only want a pat on the back and maybe their favorite meal.

On the other hand, some would like an event. Hey, some of us moms NEED that event for closure; it’s okay to have an opinion. (I know that for me, I needed that graduation ceremony to celebrate all we had done as a family. My teens were glad that they had that significant event, once it was done.) Come to a workable and respectful compromise.

Decide what kind of ceremony you will holdThere are lots of ways to hold a graduation ceremony:

• Hold a get together in the backyard or at a local park (I’ve been to a number of these events)
• Have a big event with your local homeschool umbrella school or co-op (this is what our family has always done)

Choose a dateTo help you decide on a date, think about:

• When can the family come?
• What are facilities available (if you will go somewhere besides home)?

Do you want someone to film or live stream it?This is very popular these days. Start looking early for a friend, family member or professional to handle this.

Will you send graduation announcements?Will you want to send traditional announcements from a local printer? (Grandparents often like these because you can enclose a photo that they can put in their wallets and show their friends?

Will you create your own announcements or post cards?* You can create your own notes online with websites like Shutterfly or Canva (We are not affiliates, btw.) * Handmade announcements are popular with many of our local homeschool graduates.

Remember to send the announcements early so that folks can make plans.

We highly suggest you create a diploma (and keep a copy of the official transcript with it)You can make your own:

• Buy parchment and an “official stamper” at the local office supply store and create your own. (Check Pinterest for samples.)

You can purchase one online from Homeschool Diploma (we are not affiliates)

• We have found over the years that graduates occasionally need to show a diploma or send a copy of the diploma to prospective employers, military and even graduate schools.

For the transcript:* You can create your transcript yourself using a template available at many places. * 7Sisters has an editable template with detailed instructions that is popular.

Will your teen wear a cap and gown?There’s not one right way to handle this. I always like to have the visual of my graduate wearing the cap and gown AND the joy of moving the tassel on the cap from left to right (or right to left, there’s no real protocol for that)?

• If you are ordering cap and gown do so EARLY. Shipping is slow sometimes, these days.
• Some of our homeschool friends have ordered from Homeschool Diploma or Jostens (we are not affiliates)

Plan the ceremony and afterwards Will there be opening and/or closing prayer? Who will handle that? * Do you and your teen want speeches? (Given by the graduate? Parent(s)? Other?) + Decide ahead of time speeches will be? (Be sure to let guest speaker know the expectation of length of speech.) * Will there be a march? + Where? + When? + Will there be march and ending music? Pomp and Circumstance by Algar? - Will you need a sound system? Recording? Musician? * Do you want to “present the graduate” at the end of the ceremony? * Write down the order of events at the ceremony and make sure everyone knows + We recommend creating a program for all attendees * What will happen after the ceremony? + Will there be a party that day or later or not at all? + Here are some expert posts on graduation parties from our 7Sister Allison, who is the queen of throwing homeschool graduation events: - Planning ahead - Drinks, delegating and set up - Having fun and clean up - How to make announcements or invitations - How to be a good guest - More on how to be a good guest* * Here’s a post with MORE ideas from our 7th Sisters * Give your teen a wrap up their high school experiences with 7Sisters’ delightful Creative Chronicling project. * Review some things your teens should know before graduation. * Check out the graduation event ideas from our friends at Finish Well Podcast

Join Vicki for a you-CAN-do discussion on how to plan homeschool graduations!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review

How to Plan Homeschool GraduationsThe post Planning Homeschool Graduation Ceremony and Party appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Homeschooling Around the WorldGerald & Bev Huebner

Homeschooling Around the World In this podcast episode, Israel Wayne interviews Gerald and Bev Huebner. They are veteran homeschooling parents and international advocates for home education. They share their experiences from traveling around the world helping to encourage and equip new home educators in many countries. Learn more about what homeschooling looks like globally through this interview.

Gerald and Bev Huebner are veteran home educating parents from Arborg, Manitoba. They, like many, started home educating their 2 children with the oldest in grade one, deciding to try it for a year. They went on to home educate their two, now adult children, through to graduation and now are enjoying four homeschooled grandchildren.

Gerald and Bev have spent over 30 years in leadership of home education organizations, including serving on the MACHS (Manitoba Association of Christian Home Schools) board since 1989, having served as chair, conference coordinators, newsletter editors and other roles including currently as the board secretary. Gerald and Bev have also been involved in national home education advocacy and ministry across Canada for many years. They have had the privilege of sharing their homeschool journey in 10 different provinces. Nationally Gerald serves as the board chair of HSLDA Canada and the Canadian Centre for Home Education.

Since 2010 Gerald and Bev have also been very involved in international Home education development, having spoken on Home education and shared their homeschool journey and experience with parents, government officials and others in over 12 different countries around the world. Gerald has served as the chair of the Global Home Education Council since 2012. The Huebner’s have traveled to speak on home education in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia and many other places around the world.

Learn more about the Global Home Education eXchange (GHEX) here: https://ghex.world/about/

Learn more about the Huebner’s work through MACHS here: https://machs.ca/machs-board

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To Learn more about Israel Wayne and Family Renewal, LLC visit https://www.ChristianWorldview.net

& https://www.FamilyRenewal.org

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Tips for Marriage While HomeschoolingTips for Marriage While Homeschooling Episode #42 – Marriage tends to be placed on the back burner during the busy homeschool years. But you can balance your relationship with your husband while homeschooling the kids, all while keeping both areas fulfilling, meaningful and happy. Here’s how!

How do we handle the challenges life and the military may throw our way as we work to cultivate our relationship with our spouse and homeschool our children?

Yes, homeschooling is a beautiful journey full of love and bonding with your children. The ability to watch them grow and learn in a healthy environment is absolutely beautiful. Learning at a pace that is beneficial for your child in all areas, including mental and emotional. As much as we love it, it may come with some challenges – potentially a disconnect with your husband. The joys of homeschooling your children and keeping your marriage strong are both important and achievable goals! With some adjustments and maybe changing a few things, you will make a fulfilling, happy, balanced life.

On this episode, let’s dive into some tips to help you keep your marriage strong while homeschooling and living the military lifestyle! Listen in!

Resources:

5 Activities You Can Share with Your Spouse During Deployment

…

Join Crystal and her guests each week as they bring relevant information to equip you, stories to encourage you, and content to inspire you. You don’t have to go it alone; tune in to the Military Homeschool Podcast and be energized in your military homeschooling journey!

How to listen:

1. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or Stitcher
2. Subscribe on your favorite podcast listening app
3. Or listen right here (just scroll down)

Got questions, comments, or show topic ideas? Contact Crystal via email at militaryhomeschoolpodcast@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Please subscribe, follow, and share with all of your military homeschooling friends!

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Rules which are non-negotiable

Rules based on conviction

Household management rules

The importance of mercy and grace

Scriptures We ReferenceThe Ten Commandments – Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 5:1-21

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-40)Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. (Romans 14:5)

Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (Ephesians 6:1)

So then, my beloved, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)

The repentance of Ahab – 1 Kings 21:17-29

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Travel to Learn US GeographyIn “Travel to Learn US Geography,” Episode, #185, Meredith Curtis shares ways to teach US geography as if you were on a road trip through each US state and territory highlighting natural wonders, historic landmarks, and interesting people and places. Learn to use mapping, road mapping, sightseeing, drone videos, cooking, baking, and research to discover our beautiful country. Grab your road map, pack your suitcase, and don’t forget your camera—we’ll see lots of beautiful places! Traveling, even from your family room, is a great way to learn geography the fun way!

Powerline Productions, Inc.Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show NotesHi! I love to travel. If only I could pack up the minivan and travel from state to state for a year or two.

Country Overview* How USA grew * Regions: Landforms, Climate * Farming

Road Trip & Packing* If we were going. * Why it’s their favorite class.

Regional Overview * Maps – colorful and fun * Mapping * Food, culture, music, landmarks, natural wonders, rivers, lakes

Take a Tour* State Description * Places to See * Food, crops, resources, fun things to do

Research* Statehood, flower, bird, fun facts * Copy flag – make it beautiful

Road Mapping* Lost skill with GPS * Where roads go and how they meander * g. Interstate highways (S to N even) (W to E odd)

Cooking & Baking * I dish or meal from each region * Kids LOVE this!

In Class OnlineUS Geography course at True North Homeschool Academy

Use God Bless the USA Exploring States & Territories

God Bless the USA State Capitals & Abbreviations

| | |

• Videos (esp Drone, travel, adventure)
• Games
• Questions: “What do you notice about this state flag (seal, capitol, coin, stamp)
• Photo of Map Shape: “Give me the capital and abbreviation)

US Geography Online ClassJr High US Geography

Sign up for our NewsletterSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

US Geography Resources

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More Online Classes with Laura, Meredith, and LeanneCheck out all the great classes at True North Homeschool Academy!

| | | | | | | | | |

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Please follow me on iTunes or your favorite cell phone app!

Mother’s Day Gifts, aka “What Mom Really Wants,” is the topic for today’s podcast. As a long-time mom – my first child was born in 1980 – I’ve had some experience WINK celebrating Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day has been a time of joy and, truthfully a time of hardship! We moms want to be grateful for whatever we have. While this is true, and I am grateful, I’ve also struggled. Listen as I share some tips for the best Mother’s Day gifts ever, and be sure to subscribe to the Vintage Homeschool Moms podcast!

This episode is brought to you by CTCMath.com – a wonderful math curriculum for all of your homeschool needs, or to brush up on new skills.

Mother’s Day Gifts – What Mom Really WantsEpisode 271

I’m including something personal at the end — so stay tuned for Mother’s Day Gifts that I now learn to except and enjoy!

I’ve had some exhausting Mother’s Days! When my children were little, I was sleep deprived, and I don’t do well with little sleep. I’m not one of those people that thrives on four hours or less and feels so productive. No, I’m the crash and burn Mom who would fall asleep while nursing my baby in the middle of the day. When baby number two came along, baby number one was a wild-man two-year-old, and he kept me awake in the day, so no worries about falling asleep! At least baby number one was sleeping through the night, and two, well, let’s say she finally slept all night at age four!

Then came numbers three, four, and five. A larger home, and guess what? Our home turned into a party central. All of the family came for Mother’s Day dinner, and somehow my day turned into a frustration for all. The kids and my husband had to help clean up, I had to cook, and everything had to be perfect when the first mom came! I finally became wise and learned that with these easy tips, I could reclaim my Mother’s Day! First of all, I had to think about what I really wanted to do. Did I want to go out to a costly meal? Did I want a gift that we couldn’t really afford? Did I want to stress my husband and kids by wondering, “What does mom really want for Mother’s Day?

Truthfully the best Mother’s Day gift is to be appreciated and loved.Those precious handwritten cards with “Mommy, I love you!” are the ultimate best!

Mother’s Day gift selection for me from my family was not working! After years of costly presents, presents that didn’t fit, household items I didn’t want, and the worse, costly flower bouquets ordered and delivered by the florist–have you seen how much they cost?! I said enough! We needed to cut back financially and it was getting so out of hand. It all came to a head, after the following event.

One Mother’s Day, after church and breakfast, my husband decided to take the three younger children fishing. Our subdivision has many small ponds and drainage streams/ ditches where fish abound. He was doing this to give me “alone time.” As I sat with my feet propped up, enjoying my day, my older son came home and looked smug. I knew something was up! Later I learned from the little kids–you’ve gotta love them; they can’t keep a secret–“Dad called up Neal and asked him to buy and bring us flowers — your Mother’s Day gift — to us– at the pond! Isn’t that great Mom?” So much for secrets. I certainly gave flower delivery an entirely different spin!

Yes, as my husband walked in to hand me flowers! A gift. And I was grateful, especially for the smaller price tag, but I decided that day…it’s now or never time to take charge of my own Mother’s Day gift!

First, my sanity tips for Mom, and next, my ideas for the best gifts ever — or ones I’d enjoy!Here are my Mother’s Day Sanity tips:1. If you are cooking, make an easy meal: Baked Ham, store-bought scalloped or mashed potatoes, frozen or canned veggies, and prepared salads.2. Do a potluck. Everyone loves to show off a special recipe. Assign different entrees or sides and desserts to those attending and let everyone else help with the meal.3. Use paper products. The trees will survive another day.4. Flowers. Buy yourself some. You can get them locally at a discount. Make your own arrangements. Hint: Use all of one color and baby’s breath for filler. You can not mess up. I promise!5. Do something for you. Is it a 15-minute uninterrupted shower or soak in the tub? Is it a manicure? Is it a book that you want to read?What I’ve learned from the thirty-eight years of being a mom… many times, your family wants you to have the perfect day because they really do love and appreciate you; they need help! Being proactive goes a long way to making your day wonderful!My favorite Mother’s Day gift was going to church, then out to the beach, and one of our favorite casual restaurants. There is a pizza restaurant that has an extensive sandwich, and salad menu as well. Here we can sit with an amazing view and enjoy each other’s company. The food is delicious and then we can go to the beach and enjoy a few hours before it gets too hot! When we get home, the kids help clean out the car; it gets vacuumed while I shower. Then, prep for an evening meal handled by my now grown-up teens and husband! Things have changed but then, I had to ask for the change, something we moms don’t want to do!Suggestions for Great Mother’s Day Gift Ideas:1. Gift Subscriptions – sometimes there are subscriptions I won’t buy for myself and I really want. This is my top list. DO you have any you would add? Audible * Kindle Unlimited or other eReader subscriptions * Streaming movie channels – like Hallmark wink * Streaming radio channels

1. Coupons from kids* I love you mommy notes!
2. Neck messages
3. “Chore upgrade” coupons

4. Car wash

5. Flower bushes* Rose bushes

6. Flowers planted
7. Mulch

8. Tree planted

9. Household* Trash emptied each day!

10. House cleaned

11. Floors cleaned

12. Devices* Sleeve for laptop

13. New phone case
14. eReader
15. Battery charger

Relax. Have Fun. Enjoy Your Day.Enjoy this podcast? Listen in to these:Tips to Strengthen the Mother-Daughter RelationshipFlowers for MomThe post Special Replay | Mother’s Day Gifts appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Tools for Struggling Learners – Part 1Today we are talking with Cindy LaJoy. You might remember Cindy from a previous episode where we talked about the Soft Skills of Work Ethic. Cindy spent the pandemic busy as ever, learning many new videography skills, working on a graduate degree and co-authoring a book. Along with Natalie Vecchio, Blazing New Homeschool Trails: Educating and launching Teens with Developmental Disabilities

Cindy and her husband have adopted 5 kids, now young adults from Eastern Europe and has a fantastic story of hope for other Moms homeschooling non-traditional learners. Her five kids, some of whom were adopted as older children who did not speak English and were illiterate have over 25 diagnosis between them and yet, as young adults, they have gone on to college, entrepreneurship, owning an award winning business and hiring other developmentally challenged adults. Cindy is also the amazing homeschooling Momma behind Blue Collar Homeschooling and the Facebook page and group Blue Collar Homeschooling.

Cindy has spent the last decade and a half searching out appropriate curriculum, therapies and realistic opportunities for her non-traditional students, as well as helping them develop realistic life skills that have allowed them not only to manage and cope but thrive and become leaders in their own right.

She and her family make their home in Colorado. If you are in the Montrose, Colorado area, stop by their “Best in the Valley” shop, Buckaroos Slices and Scoops, for great pizza, ice-cream, and customer service!

In this episode and the next, we’ll take a look at what’s available for those who are homeschooling non-traditional learners.

FAFSD Hope Podcast Natalie Vecchio

Cindy LaJoy offers these services and classes through True North Homeschool Academy:

• SPED Academic Advising
• Adapted U.S. History
• Adapted English
• Adapted Life Skills
  Other classes at True North for non-traditional learners:
• Organizing Your Writing I and Organizing Your Writing II
• Literature through Film I

Special Needs and Transcripts

Meet Cindy LaJoy!

Join Cindy and me for Part II of Tools for Struggling Learners – Part 1 next time on Life Skills 101!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO Life Skills 101 VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. 2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source” 3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

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We love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to offer encouragement and support! Let us know how we can support YOU!

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In Today’s world, we are seeing so many changes in the disease state among the average person. Abrotanum is a really good remedy that is famous for change of symptoms, location and the pathology of an illness.

John H Clarke says, “The most prominent symptom of Abrotanum is the wasting it causes, most marked in lower extremities. It has also an intense indigestion and morbid appetite. There are burning, gnawing, constricting pains, and sometimes vomiting of offensive matters. A peculiar sensation is as if the stomach were hanging or swimming its water. After a checked diarrhoea, rheumatism may ensue. Another great characteristic of Abrot. is metastasis; metastatic rheumatism. Metastasis of rheumatism from joints to heart; to spine. There is a sudden aching pain in back > by motion. Symptoms are < at night and in cold air. The face is wrinkled, pale, old-looking; feels cold; blue rings round eyes. It is suited to affections of newborn children, and especially little boys; hydrocele; epistaxis; emaciation. Oozing of blood and moisture from navel of newborn. I have cured with it indigestion with vomiting of large quantities of offensive fluid in a middle-aged woman.” (Materia Medica, 1902)

Listen in to hear more about how Sue has used this remedy in the past.

The content of the Homeopathy for Mommies Radio post or page, including text, graphics, images, or information contained in text or audio, or other content, is offered on an informational basis only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice and guidance of a qualified health professional before: Changing or making any adjustment to any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.

Stopping any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.
Starting any new medication or treatment protocol, whether or not it was discussed on the Homeopathy For Mommies Radio show, page or post on this website.
Information on this site is informational and not as specifically applicable to any individual’s medical problem(s), concerns and/or needs.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat or prevent disease.
In each audio remedies are recommended. We are not claiming that the product will cure any of these problems or disorders. We are merely reporting that people have used the product to aid these conditions.

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Unrealistic Mom Expectations with The Real Kathy LeeEpisode #5I had a great time talking with Keri Vasek about the unrealistic expectations we as moms put on ourselves. You might remember Keri from Episode 2 where we talked about Losing Your Joy in Motherhood. Keri is the mother of three “muddlings” and enjoys encouraging other moms to let their children PLAY.

This episode is brought to you by CTCMath.com – a wonderful math curriculum for your homeschool needs or to brush up on new skills.

In this episode, Keri and I get real about the expectations that haunt mothers. As mothers, we often feel the need to keep a spotless house, present perfect children, and always be dressed and ready to host an event. Well, this is UNREALISTIC. Moms with little ones often have chaos, and unruly children and can be found in yoga pants and a messy bun. Keri and I share some of the unrealistic expectations we had early on as moms and agree that keeping it simple is best.

I loved Keri’s 3 REALISTIC expectations for each day.1. Find time to read aloud.

1. Invite your children to play.

2. Be intentional about loving one another.

Let’s EXPECT good things from our kids and from ourselves. My goal is that my children grow up to know they are loved, so that they feel free to give love to others.

You’ve got this,

Kathy

ps- if you are enjoying this podcast, please take a moment to submit a review on iTunes!

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227: Why all teens should learn CanvaBecky Brinkman from Rose and Bird explains why all teens should learn Canva.

Becky was the guest on episode 210 – Taking Holiday Photos with Storytelling in Mind

Becky answers the following questions:

1. Why do students need to build confidence in creating graphics – especially if they don’t believe
   they are “artistic”?

2. How can we bridge the gap between natural visual communicators and everybody else?

3. Why is Canva a particularly good tool to learn?

4. What are some things students need to learn to use Canva effectively?

Becky concluded by giving an overview of the Graphic Design with Canva class she will be teaching for show sponsor FundaFunda Academy from Fall 2023.

Where to find Becky Brinkman online:

• Website Rose and Bird
• Instagram
• FaceBook
• YouTube

—————————————————————————————————————-
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Can Your Homeschooler Go To College?The answer to this question is obvious: we all know that homeschoolers can go to college!

This episode is brought to you by CTCMath.com – a wonderful math curriculum for all of your homeschool needs, or to brush up on new skills.

On this episode of Homeschooling In Real Life, Fletch and Kendra get real and challenge their listeners to join them in a difficult discussion about fear and trusting God as they contemplate sending their children onto higher education.

Along the way, they sit down with two college admissions counselor. They ask them to share the experiences they have had when homeschoolers apply to college. How are we doing when it comes to academic preparedness, pride and preparing our kids for college?

Finally, Fletch and Kendra wrap up their show with a special edition of the HIRLer’s Treasure Chest. Tune in to see what these two are recommending for you now!

Homeschool College SuccessNot only can homeschoolers go to college, they can succeed when they are there. Time and again, we have seen the statistics. There are a wide variety of college prep opportunities for homeschool kids.

Episode Timeline03:45 – Fletch/Kenj talk begins the discussion about parenting from a place of fear.
15:13 – Grand Canyon University Admission reps Nick Chandler, and Carrie Fox-Buttram joins the discussion.
45:29 – HIRL’ers Treasure Chest

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every two weeks as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

Enjoy This Podcast? Listen in to more:

MBFLP 94 – Choosing A College

College Prep Genius Introduction

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Have you intentionally taught leadership skills in your homeschool? Have you wondered how to do that as a homeschool parent? This is the Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where my guest shares practical tips for training young leaders.

This Week’s Homeschool Sanity GuestHey, homeschoolers! My guest for this episode is Clara Stacko. Clara is a homeschool mom and bilingual native Spanish speaker who has taught Spanish to homeschoolers for more than a decade. She offers Spanish classes on her website SimplyTeachingSpanish.com.

Clara and I discussed the importance of teaching leadership skills, how we should think about teaching these skills to kids who aren’t natural leaders, and some practical ideas for learning leadership as homeschoolers. I hope you come away with new inspiration.

Leadership Skills at Home ResourcesTEENPACT LEADERSHIP SCHOOLS – teenpact.com

4-H – https://4-h.org/

CHICK-FIL-A LEADER ACADEMY – https://chickfilaleaderacademy.com

TOASTMASTER YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM – https://www.toastmasters.org/education/youth-leadership-program

Have a happy homeschool week!

​

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Movies for Educational Purposes in Homeschool High School- Special Replay.

Movies for Educational Purposes in Homeschool High SchoolNeed some fun in your homeschool high school? Think: movies!

Movies and reading can both count for Language Arts assignments? Yes, they can! Reading is fundamental, of course. However, movies can be a wonderful way to teach literature themes (and make a wonderful change of pace from books, books, books…). Our 7Sisters’ teens have loved the years where we took an entire year to study movies through a literature lens. They have also enjoyed years when we added a movie or two to study with literature themes.

Cinema studies for learning literatureMovies cannot always count as books. However, when our teens completed a study guide to accompany a movie we DID count that movie as a book. That’s because they were learning about literature through a movie, while doing high-school level learning.

they can be used to learn themes, plots, characters and other tools of literary analysis. Studying a movie can add some sparkle to a year that is getting bogged down in heavy literature books. However, you want to have good tools (like 7Sisters Cinema Studies for Literature Learning Study Guides).

Join Sabrina and Vicki for an enlightening discussion of movies for educational process.

Let’s start with another of Sabrina’s famous quotes:

Stories are stories.

So, a story in a movie is still a story.

Learning story analysis skills by watching movies is good for all teens.Studying movies can build literature analysis skills for a variety of teens:

• Those who have special needs
• Average teens who need to liven up their literature learning experiences
• College-bound teens who want to learn literature analysis skills in a variety of ways

Homeschool high schoolers with learning difficultiesThese teens will find analysis skills more accessible when they watch and discuss movies. It can be easy to get bogged down in a book while trying to learn literature themes at the same time. Movies are short compared to many books, so there is less likelihood of becoming overwhelmed.

BTW- For more out of the box credit ideas and support for teens with special needs check out these:

• Resources for Teens with Special Needs, Interview with Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville (one of our 7Sisters’ Cousins)
• Favorite Resources for Teens with Learning Disabilities
• Out of the Box Credits for Teens with Special Needs- An Authoritative Guide

Average teens who need more variety in their literatureAverage teens, especially those not planning on going to college, do not need excessive amounts of literature analysis for the English/Language Arts credits. While they do need to read some real books and study some literature analysis, they can also liven things up by learning in different ways. Cinema studies for literature learning is a perfect way to do this.

College-bound teens who want to learn literature analysis skills in a variety of waysTeens who are headed for college need solid literature analysis skills. They can build these skills with books with literature study guides. At the same time, they can add more levels of learning by using literary analysis skills to study movies.

So where do you start?Choose one or two aspects of the movie’s story to discuss and analyze. This is important. It is wise to limit the ideas being studied for each movie- even if the movie has lots of outstanding features that could be explored. When you don’t over-teach, you don’t kill the movie. Not only that but teens can actually learn and hold onto their learning. We suggest 7Sisters Cinema Studies for Literature Learning Study Guides for this.

When teens learn some concepts from a film story, they can then find those concepts when they read books.When teens learn literary concepts from movies, they can make connections with those same concepts in real books. Making connections is a necessary facet of education (and an important life skill).

Watching movies as an educational tool, helps teens begin to think that any time they watch a movie, they can use their brains and think about what they are consuming. In other words, when given tools for analysis in a gentle way, most teens will have more critical thinking skills for watching movies any time.

All 7Sisters curriculum is level-able (adaptable for Average- through Honors-level studies.) Homeschool high schoolers who are college-bound Honors level cinema studies will find interesting and meaningful leveling-up activities in 7Sisters Cinema Studies for Literature Learning Study Guides.

The way the Cinema Studies guides work:* Students watch the movie. * They take notes as they watch the movie on anything that is interesting to them. * Then they watch the movie again several days later. * Lastly they complete the study guide (questions and a writing assignment).

As an aside, Vicki and Sabrina rabbit trailed onto the topic of audiobooks for books and poetry. They noted that Benedict Cumberbach is one of their favorite readers. Vicki has several pins on her Pinterest Poetry board with him reading a poem.

Join Sabrina and Vicki for a moving talk about movies!

For more creative Language Arts ideas, check out A Novel Approach to High School Literature!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review and give us some stars and a comment to help others find us more easily. 7. Thanks!

Movies for Educational Purposes in Homeschool High SchoolThe post Movies for Educational Purposes in Homeschool High School- Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Soldier Lessons ~ Just For Kids ~ Episode 493What are soldier lessons? These are things we can learn from soldiers and apply to our lives. The military men and women are tough and become tough through training and the ideals of protecting others. They give of themselves for noble causes. In this JUST for Kids episode, we can learn from the men and women that serve our country.

This episode is brought to you by CTCMath.com – a wonderful math curriculum for all of your homeschool needs, or to brush up on new skills.

I want to welcome you to this podcast and encourage you to like this episode and share it with a friend, this helps us tremendously and in doing so, pays it forward.

Do you know a soldier? Perhaps you have a family member or a neighbor, or maybe you live in a town that has a military base. Maybe you know what a soldier does, and maybe this is new information for you. In my family, my youngest son is in the Army and he is a 2nd Luietnent. I’ve watched him work very hard to get in shape and eat right. This is way before he was sent to training.

I think we can learn so much from soldiers and that is what this episode is all about, learning by watching others and using the useful information in your own life. Each branch of the military has a set of rules the soldiers follow, but most are very similar.

There are words like loyalty, honor, respect, duty, giving of yourself (selfless), courage, and integrity. Do these words mean anything to you? In a family we do these things, we are loyal to our family and have respect for our parents and siblings, we have our duties, the things that are required of us, and we give of ourselves when we are asked to do things that are above what is expected. Having integrity means not cheating or stealing and doing what is right, these are also called morals. Courage may not be something that is used as much in families because you should feel safe in your own family. But maybe you might need courage if there is something you must stand up for, even yourself. We will get back to these traits in a minute.

Something remarkable that I’ve noticed about my own soldier son and his friends is that many are self-motivated. What does this mean? It means they do the hard things because they are supposed to not because someone makes them. I watched my son fill a backpack with forty-five pounds of weight and walk and run until he could do at least five miles well. It turns out he had to do 12-14 miles or more rucks – that means walking and running with a heavy weight on your back. He said sometimes his pack weighed 100 lbs. He trained in water, in the mountains, and in the swamps and this prepares the soldiers for the different terrain they may experience.

What these young men do is train to be ready. Are you ready? Ready for what? For your life? How are you training to be the best you can be? Many times we try to get away with doing the least amount of work, right? What if you are asked to clean up your room? Is it easier to pick up your clothes and put them away or is it easier to kick them under the bed for another time? What did you say? If you said kick them under the bed, that is a short-term solution – this means you will eventually have to do the work of getting those clothes out and taking care of them, so why not do it right away?

In your life, you can be the best you can be or the worse. Who wants to be last or be a loser? No one. You might say you don’t care, but all of us care. What can we learn about life from a soldier? Soldiers must do the best they can or they will be cut out, fail their training, be sent to the end of the training to do it again, or worse get dropped. That means they will get jobs that no one else wants. If a soldier does the best they can they will be selected for important jobs because they have proved they can do it. Don’t you want to get the best jobs instead of the worse? If you show you can do the easy stuff you will. It takes practice. No one not even a soldier is great at a job the first time.

Let’s say you are not happy OR you may think no one cares about you so why should you try? The only person you can make care of is yourself. You should want to do the best you can because you can, not because of what you think others will say. That is being a soldier, the kind of soldier that puts integrity and honor first. Integrity is doing what is right and not cheating someone and trusting yourself to make good choices. Honor is carrying respecting others and serving others in a way that is right and just.

Write down the words loyalty, honor, respect, duty, giving of yourself (selfless), courage, and integrity. Think about how you live your life and think about ways you can improve. All of us can get better and learn from others, not just kids but adults as well. How can you be more loyal? Show honor and respect within your family. How can you do your duty in a way that is correct and how can you give of yourself to your family and friends? What about courage and integrity? How can you use those in your daily life?

In the training that some soldiers go through they are sleep deprived and don’t have enough to eat. Sleep deprivation means they are not allowed to sleep very much each day, and often work through the night. Sometimes they stay up all day and all night. Not having enough to eat is hard, it means the soldiers go hungry. Why does this happen? To make the soldiers stronger, and to show them that if they can withstand this type of hardship they can do anything. They keep going, they do not stop, they do what they are told, and they do it to the best of their ability. They are hungry. They are tired. They have to push beyond their limits. That makes them stronger.

Thankfully in your life, you can go to bed at a decent time, and no one makes you wake up to take a walk in the woods to do training, thankfully! In your life, you can eat three meals a day and often have snacks if you are hungry. Try to be like a soldier and don’t eat your snacks or dessert one day. How does that make you feel? If you can deny yourself a treat, you can deny yourself something else like doing the wrong thing. You may be tempted to sneak that cookie before mealtime when your mom tells you to wait or do something else that is not right. Showing yourself that you have the willpower (that is the power to go against the easy way or what you want to do) will make you a stronger person.

I hope this makes you think about the ways you can improve your life. Can you make a plan to try one thing a day? One day try to be loyal, another respectful, try to do your chores or school work the best you can, another time be helpful to others and another has the courage to stand up for what is right and to have integrity in all that you do. Can you imagine if we all tried to live lives like this we would be so much stronger and better!

When people do not act the best it causes all of us to pay for it in some way. We lock our cars and our homes because we are worried someone might steal from us. We put our money in the bank for the same reason. People get hurt when others do not act honorable. But the best place to show that you can be the best is at your own home. If you can try these things without anyone knowing about it – and I am sure your brothers, sisters, and parents will notice. Just like being bad gets attention, being good and doing what is right does as well.

I pray that looking at the good qualities of a soldier that is to fight and protect us is very helpful to our own country. It is designed to keep us safe. Acting honorably in your own family will be helpful to all!

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Rethinking CollegeWelcome to this episode of Life Skills 101! This week the topic of this podcast is Rethinking College.

With the rising cost of college, it’s important for parents to take time to evaluate with their students, the academic, financial and world view Return on their Investment (ROI) of college costs and debt. The average college graduate (does not include students who do not graduate but still have debt), takes 6 years, not 4 to graduate, with an average of over $35,000 in debt

A college degree is no longer necessary for a rewarding career or to ensure an upwardly mobile life-style. In fact, crippling college debt can make the American Dream an impossibility!

As parents, how do we guide and direct our young adults as they plan for the future?

In this episode, we explore ways that students can get a head start on college, by starting by taking CLEP or Dual Enrollment courses, specifically targeting Gen Ed Courses.

General Education Requirements:* + 6 credits of English. + 3-6 of Math + 3-9 of Science + 3-6 of Social Science + 3-6 of Diversity + You can get an associate’s or even a bachelor’s from the Big Three of the CLEP world. These are - Thomas Edison - Excelsior - Charter Oaks

It makes good sense for young adults to learn how to navigate the digital world. Starting an online business in high school can set them up for future success; setting up an online educational business is even better as the online education market is estimated to be an over $350 billion dollar market by 2025.

Students should consider what kind of lifestyle do they want to have as adults and work backwards from there. What kind of training, income and skills will they need to attain that? The future will demand that our young adults have Critical Thinking Skills, Adaptability and Flexibility and the ability to Collaborate.

Below are resources offered by True North to help families navigate the rapidly changing world of college.

• Orienteering (Vocational Exploration)
• Entrepreneurship
• Photography & Digital Technology
• Photoshop
• Video Editing
• Life Skills 101
• Survive Homeshooling High school: full of worksheets and great information!
• Young Professionals Series –ebooks to help your student gain skills while still in high school: Lawyer, Mental Health Care worker, Educator, Health Care Occupations, FilmMaker, Writer
• Academic Advising & Testing
• PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO Life Skills 101 VIA COMPUTER
  1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page.
  2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source”
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  4. Click SUBSCRIBE.
  5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)
  6. Thanks!OR PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE
  7. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone
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  9. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast
  10. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon
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  12. Please tap Ratings and ReviewWe love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to offer encouragement and support! Let us know how we can support YOU!

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How to Have Those Big Talks with Your Kids | Momfessions with the Real Kathy LeeWe know we need to have those big talks with our kids. But, where to start?

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com – we are pleased for their continued excellence in education and dedication to the homeschool community. It is due to sponsorships that our programs continue to come to you without cost. Please visit the website and check out their curriculum.

Christy Montes is back to chat about those BIG talks.

Christy and I have had many talks with all of our kids over the years and thought you guys might benefit from hearing from us on this topic. We have done some things well, but we have messed up plenty. If you want to have a relationship that promotes open communication, start early and talk often. Some other things we suggested were:

1. Make time for each child.
2. Stay in the moment, that means put away your phone.
3. Don’t be fearful about the BIG talks.
4. Take advantage of car rides, it is a great place to talk.

This picture is of sweet Christy and her husband at a recent history night. I wonder if they had any talks in that car.

1. You will make a mistake, which is why GRACE exists.
2. You will feel like your drowning in toddlerhood, know that your investment pays off later.
3. You are not meant to be friends with your young children, but if you do not invest in them when they are young, you will not be friends as adults.
4. Find a friend you trust and encourage each other through this mothering gig.

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com – we are pleased for their continued excellence in education and dedication to the homeschool community. It is due to sponsorships that our programs continue to come to you without cost. Please visit the website and check out their curriculum.

Enjoy this Podcast? Check out These!

Why You should Homeschool with Christy Faith – pt. 1

The post How to Have Those BIG Talks with Your Kids with Christy Montes appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Homeschooling Will Save Your Kids?Most of us won’t say outright that we think homeschooling will save our kids, but many of us pack this idea in the back of our minds: if we only do it right, our kids will turn out to be good, godly adults.

Is that true? Can we trust that homeschooling will save your kids?

On this episode, we share our own homeschool journey. Where we think we got it right, where we know we got it wrong, and then we’ll bring some levity to the whole show by recommending some things we love and a new segment called “Q and A with K and A.”

Join us for Homeschooling IRL Episode #4Where we peel back the layers of our own hearts and expose the areas where we may be relying on our own good works to deliver our kids to the finish line.

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.comWe are pleased with their continued excellence in education and dedication to the homeschool community. It is due to sponsorships that our programs continue to come to you without cost. Please visit the website and check out their curriculum.

SHOW NOTES: EPISODE 4 – HOMESCHOOLING WILL SAVE YOUR CHILDREN, PART 1Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace) podcast every two weeks as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.Enjoy This Podcast? Check these out!Faith and Homeschooling

Moms Fill Up Your Tank

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226:Exploring AI with Your Homeschooled TeenIn this episode, you will learn why exploring AI with your teen is something you should be doing.

If you know very little about AI, a good place to start would be our previous episodes on ChatGPT

3 previous episodes on ChatGPT
Episode 215- What is ChatGPT?
Episode 216- ChatGPT and the Future of Education
Episode 217- 10 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Homeschool

5 topics to address with your teens about AI

1. Learn something new together. 3 websites mentioned

2. Canva

3. ChatGPT

4. Microsoft Designer

5. Discuss the ethical questions involved

6. Discuss appropriate use for assignments – Video mentioned (start at minute 17) Generative AI with Steve Dembo and Vicki Davis

7. Learn to use it effectively eg how to craft good prompts

8. Discuss how AI might affect their choice of career

Show sponsor FundaFunda Academy classes mentioned that will include instruction on how to use AI:

• Graphic Design with Canva
• Computer Applications

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Helping Non-College-Bound Teens Find Success! Special replay of a favorite interview with Angela O’Shaughnessy.

Helping Non-College-Bound Teens Find SuccessThere’s not ONE right way to homeschool high school AND there’s not ONE right way to do life after high school.

Many teens are gifted by God to go into a career without going to college. That’s good. Why spend tens of thousands of dollars and four years of life on college, when a young person was created to do something else?

Huge numbers of teens have gifts and interests that they can develop without going to college. This is good. Career-bound teens can have a high school experience that is completely different than the academics for college-bound teens. With this in mind, Vicki asked her friend, Angela O’Shaughnessy, to talk about her two homeschool graduates who went right into careers that did not need college.

Today Angela and Vicki will discuss helping non-college-bound teens find successVicki and Angela are old friends who have worked together at Pike Creek Psychological Center. They have also had years of homeschooling together in their homeschool co-op (Angela always did the most fun history-related activities with the teens!)

Angela (who also joined us for more about homeschooling high school with career-bound teens) has two sons are loving successful lives that did not require college! How did Angela help guide them through high school to prepare them for life after graduation? Here are some tips from Angela.

Top Tip: Notice interests as they growAngela is skilled in noticing. As her oldest son was growing, she saw that he loved:

• History
• Music
• And especially figuring out things by working on them with his hands

She kept an eye on these interests as he progressed through high school. Angela and her husband concentrated on helping her sons:* Explore their interests * Develop their strengths

Therefore, she was not surprised when he told her that he did not want to go to college, but rather, to trade school and learn to be a machinist. This is what he did and is now a highly successful leader in that trade.

For more on helping teens discover and develop interests and strengths, check out our interview with Anita Gibson about helping teens discover their star.

Tip #2: Help teens develop strong life skillsAngela and her husband worked to model and teach the character, and life skills that her non-college-bound teens would need to have success in adulting. As adults, her sons have reported that they find these skills (that they developed during high school) highly valuable:

• Enjoying hard work
• Taking opportunities when they come
• Getting technical training when they needed it
• Learning job-hunt skills
• Practicing interview skills

One of the most important skills her sons learned was networking. Networking has helped Angela’s son in:* Building confidence in meeting new people and facing new situations * Finding mentors * Asking for help or opportunities * Getting help to develop skills or compensate for weaknesses

Tip #3: Find mentorsMentors can help teens make connections that will open doors for their future careers. However, even more important is the fact that mentors can be guides full of advice, encouragement and resources for teens. Angela and her sons looked for mentors at church, volunteer and small jobs. For instance, they looked for folks who had:

• Skills that she wanted her sons to explore
• Good character qualities

Mentoring situations can look different according to the family needs. For instance, you could invite the mentor to spend a little time over coffee or a family dinner. Even more valuable is the opportunity to have an apprenticeship or internship with that mentor.

For information on mentoring relationships and resources for teens with special needs, check out our interview with Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville. BTW- Dr. Matthews-Somerville is one of our special 7Sisters’ Cousins, who shares tips and resources for homeschooling high school at EMF Consulting.

Tip #4: Do not rushAs moms, we tend to worry about our teens. It is easy to fall into the trap of becoming heavy equipment moms who micromanage our teens. When Angela worried about the future for her son who struggled with learning disabilities, her husband would remind her,

“Life is long, he has plenty of time to figure it out.”Isn’t that great advice?!

Both of Angela’s sons are experiencing success in their different careers AND in their interests AND in church AND in other adulting areas. Your homeschool teens can, too!

Join Vicki and Angela for an inspiring chat. In the meantime, check out these posts.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review and give us some stars and a comment to help others find us more easily. 7. Thanks!

Helping Non-College-Bound Teens Find SuccessThe post Helping Non-College-Bound Teens Find Success- Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Hey, homeschoolers!

I’ve done a lot of reading on unschooling and I’ve experimented with it in the afternoons with my kids over the years. But I was forced to take a fresh look at unschooling when I read the book, Homeschool Gone Wild. I invited the author, Karla Marie Williams, to be a guest on the podcast and I posed some challenging questions to her. Whether you’re all about unschooling or think it’s not for you, I know you’ll enjoy my interview with this fascinating homeschool mama.

But first, I’d love to invite you to join our Homeschool Sanity Facebook group. I am enjoying your answers to the daily discussion questions. I am happy to give my answers to your burning questions along with allowing the rest of the group to respond, and I consider it a privilege to pray for your requests.

I’d like to thank our sponsor, the Christian Standard Bible. Listen for more about this fresh version of God’s Word.

Homeschool Gone Wild: A Fresh Look at UnschoolingKarla Marie Williams is a speaker, writer, and global child advocate. As the founder of iSpeak4KidsGlobal, her work has touched multple countries and cultures. She is a homeschool conference speaker and a mentor to parents through social media – Unschooling the Senational Six. Karla is a wife of 21 years and a mom of si inspired learners. She and her family reside in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Karla responded brilliantly to several criticisms of unschooling, including that it’s:

• not parenting
• not for college-bound students
• allowing kids to play video games all day
• for do-nothing homeschoolers

You may be interested in my episode on alternatives to video games here.

Find the episode on interest-led learning here.

Karla’s book Homeschool Gone Wild is excellent. Follow her on Instagram. How were you inspired by this episode? Comment below.

Have a happy homeschool week!

The post Special Replay: Homeschool Gone Wild: A Fresh Look at Unschooling appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Christian View Creativity the ArtsDaniel Hancock

Christian View Creativity the Arts Daniel Hancock is a play writer, script writer, director, producer, story-teller, and fiction author who creates comic books, graphic novels, audio dramas and much more. In this episode, Israel Wayne and Daniel discuss ideas for those who want to use their artistic talents for the glory of God. This is a great podcast episode for teens or parents who have children who are interested in the performing arts: theater, film-making, dance, speculative fiction, etc.

Learn more about Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielhancock222/

Bible Actors: https://bibleactors.com/

Dominion (Bible-based Graphic Novels): https://www.terminusmedia.com/dominion

Experience DOMINION Chapters 1-3: Star Wars meets Narnia in this timeless story of war and family reimagined for a new generation! Own your copy of DOMINION CHAPTERS 1, 2 AND 3 together as a first edition trade paperback! This beautiful 134 page graphic novel includes galactic maps, biblical study guides, and exciting behind-the-scenes bonus material! [E for Everyone]

End of Darkness (audio Bible drama): https://www.terminusmedia.com/endofdarkness

Experience Bible Actors’ epic, full cast audio drama, END OF DARKNESS! Written and directed by DOMINION writer, Daniel Hancock.

Jesus of Nazareth recruits an unlikely group of disciples to join him in confronting spiritual darkness and launching the kingdom of God on earth. But hopes are shattered when he is falsely tried and executed. Will light yet shine in the darkness?

Faithful to the Biblical text and dedicated to excellence in storytelling, the Bible Actors deliver a bold rendition of the Gospel narrative. With a full cast of 50 voice actors, immersive sound effects, an original score, and unforgettable performances, END OF DARKNESS is a powerful, one-of-a-kind dramatic experience you don’t want to miss!

Now available for digital download and as a Limited Edition 3-Disc Set including a 24 page Visual Companion booklet! [Runtime 213 minutes]

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To Learn more about Israel Wayne and Family Renewal, LLC visit https://www.ChristianWorldview.net

& https://www.FamilyRenewal.org

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Homeschool Schedule Vs. RoutineHomeschool Schedule Vs. Routine Episode #41 – In this episode, let’s discuss how to determine the ideal way to plan your homeschool days to ensure success!

Homeschool Schedule Vs. Routine. When it comes to ensuring a productive homeschool day, having some plan in place allows you and your homeschooled students to know what to expect for the day as well as help avoid any unnecessary power struggles when it comes to what activity to do next. Knowing their homeschool plan for the day helps kids avoid asking for electronics during the school day and helps Mom avoid caving into their requests simply because she doesn’t have the next lesson planned or prepped.

Listen in as Crystal discusses which is better for military homeschooling families- schedule or routine- and shares important reminders that flexibility is key. Consistency is vital regardless of what method you choose.

Regardless of what method or combination of methods you use to organize your homeschool schedule. There will be an adjustment period for both you and your children. Lessons may be missed, activities may need to be rescheduled, and you may have to repeat “Check the schedule/ routine!” more times than you would like.

Eventually, everything will seemingly come together, the days will run smoother, and the kids will be more engaged in their lessons than ever. And you will be grateful you took the time to overhaul your days with a consistent and reliable homeschool schedule or routine as you accomplish your homeschool education goals.

Join Crystal and her guests each week as they bring relevant information to equip you, stories to encourage you, and content to inspire you. You don’t have to go alone; tune in to the Military Homeschool Podcast and be energized in your military homeschooling journey!

How to listen:

1. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or Stitcher
2. Subscribe on your favorite podcast listening app
3. Or listen right here (just scroll down)

Got questions, comments, or show topic ideas? Contact Crystal via email at militaryhomeschoolpodcast@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Please subscribe, follow, and share with all of your military homeschooling friends!

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Essential Computer Skills for TeensIn “Computer Science Online ,” Episode, #184, Laura Nolette & Meredith Curtis discuss Laura’s Introduction to Computer Science course online at True North Homeschooling Academy and the essential computer skills for teens. Laura, a 30+ year veteran and continuing student of the IT world, offers some insight into why students need a computer science class and what they can learn in this one. Meredith and Laura talk about the computer related challenges they have helped homeschool students overcome as they learn online.

Powerline Productions, Inc.Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show NotesWhat Students Need to Know About Computer Science* Basic history of computers * What computers do * How they work * How they think * What’s in a computer * What works with a computer * What is computer programming or game design * The internet – How it works how it was built * Internet safety * How can you use the internet to make money? * Office application * How to make apps work * How to find work on your computer * How to organize your computer * How to customize or personalize your computer

Teaching Computer Science Online* Learn What They Need Now * Learn What They Will Need in the Future * Start with the Basics * Using the internet to learn * Using the internet to share or submit documents * Compare & Learn To Use Different Systems * Microsoft Office 365 – including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint * Google Chromebook – including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides * MacBook or iMac – inclkluding Apple Pages, Numbers, and Keynote

Teacher Experience* Been around computers since childhood * Worked as a IT professional for over 30 years * Involved in the beginnings of the internet * Siblings are all IT professionals * Taking more classes still

Always keep learningSign up for our NewsletterSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

More Online Classes with Laura, Meredith, and LeanneCheck out all the great classes at True North Homeschool Academy!

| | | | | | | | | |

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Truth Seekers Mystery Series Episode Join Felice Gerwitz as she interviews her co-author in the Truth Seeker’s Mystery Series, Christina (Gerwitz) Moss. Christina shares her homeschool experience and how the series evolved from an idea to three books in the series.

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com – we are pleased for their continued excellence in education and dedication to the homeschool community. It is due to sponsorships that our programs continue to come to you without cost. Please visit the website and check out their curriculum.

Christina began the idea of writing a novel and finally convinced her mom it was a good idea. When Felice, a non-fiction author with a publishing company, Media Angels, Inc., explained she didn’t know how to write a novel, her daughter shot back. “We are homeschoolers; we can figure it out!” And figure it out; they did.

First In The Truth Seekers Mystery SeriesChristina’s first novel, The Missing Link Found (Book One in the Truth Seekers Mystery Series), outsold her mother’s Creation Science: A Study Guide at the convention debut. In fact, this book helped children learn about Creation science in a fun way, and in turn, they were enthusiastic about attending creation science events.

Encourage Your Kids to Solve Their Own Creation Science MysteryMedia Angels, Inc. offers the Creation Science Camp. Perfect for homeschool, co-op, or Christian school classroom. Each day you study one day of God’s amazing Creation! One Week of Full Activities or break it up into a longer period of time. Your choice.

This digital download is a special price right now. Save 50%!

If you Enjoyed this Podcast on the Mystery Series, Listen to This:

The Truth Seekers Mystery Series Perfect for Summer Reading – Keys to the Past: Unlocked

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This week on Homeopathy for Mommies, we have a wonderful guest with us to talk about Homeopathy for Plants! Cornelia Maute, the co-author of Homeopathy for Plants, has come on the podcast to share some wonderful information about using homeopathy on our garden and house plants!

Cornelia will also be joining us inside the Members Corner on April 17th at 10 AM CST for a Live Q&A. If you would like to join this upcoming Live Q&A with Cornelia, you can do it by going to https://members.homeopathyformommies.com. Come and learn how to care for your gardens!

Links mentioned on the podcast:

Homeopathy for Plants eBook: https://amzn.to/3KRY9Kj

Cornelia’s website:
https://maute-pflanzenhomoeopathie.de/en/

Consultation form: https://maute-pflanzenhomoeopathie.de/en/consultation-form.html

Dosing Chart and instructions for Plants: https://maute-pflanzenhomoeopathie.de/en/application.html

Cornelia Maute is the co-author of the book Homeopathy for Plants with her mother, Christiane Maute. As the daughter of a homeopath, she grew up familiar with the spirit and application of classical homeopathy. Her mother’s research as a “plant homeopath” awakened her own interest in this new, highly promising and environmentally friendly method of treating plants. By working with her mother on her books and consultations as well as participating in a study group (consisting of horticulturists and winegrowers), Cornelia has been able to constantly increase her knowledge in this field with Ongoing case reviews and self-study. Cornelia has a website where she offers individualized treatment plans with homeopathic recommendations for her clients, from amateur gardeners to professionals. She also completed her education as a homeopathic veterinary practitioner in 2017.The post Homeopathy for Plants with Cornelia Maute appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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225:An Introduction to Robotics with Vinod AgrawalVinod Agrawal from Robotics Workshops for Kids is our guest and he talks about how to provide your children with an introduction to robotics

Vinod covers these topics in this episode:

1. How he became interested in robotics
2. Why he decided to teach robotics to students
3. What is involved in learning robotics
4. Who will be interested in robotics
5. The free workshop he offers
6. How to build a drum-playing robot
7. Extra projects students can do with the robot after it is built
8. Careers in robotics

You can find Vinod at

Robotics Workshops for Kids
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook

Podcast episode mentioned

Episode 199: Using 3D Printing in your Homeschool with Katie Matteson

Coding classes from show sponsor FundaFunda mentioned

• Scratch Programming
• Python Programming

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Special Replay: Even Second-Generation Homeschoolers Make MistakesEpisode #4Do second-generation homeschoolers make mistakes? As I travel across the country, I am fortunate to meet some amazing people. Two of those I have met along the way are Mike and Jessica Somerville with Tapestry of Grace. Recently, I met up with Mike and Jessica at the Great Homeschool Conventions in Fort Worth, TX. Mike and Jessica Somerville are homeschool graduates that are now homeschooling their three beautiful daughters. If you are like me, you assume that they must be the PERFECT homeschooling family.

However, in this podcast, they share some lessons they have already learned from mistakes already made. You don’t want to miss this time together.

After you listen, please take a moment and click on the review button in iTunes to write a review. Thank you so much!!!

You’ve got this,

Kathy

Show Notes for Even Second Generation Homeschoolers Make MistakesCtcmath.com0:00Meeting the coolest people.2:13Learning to say yes to reading.5:26Set a shared vision and flexible vision.11:21Lesson 2: Don’t panic.14:11Make the right curriculum choices in the early years.16:52Where to start with homeschooling?23:12The importance of having a plan.25:08Space is the final frontier.28:45Find and read good books on homeschooling.34:22We’re not working for them.37:36

This podcast is sponsored by CTC MathHomeschoolers – 1/2 Price after FREE TRIAL. Click the link to get started.Enjoy Even Second-Generation Homeschoolers Make Mistakes? Try these podcasts!

How to Homeschool: Practical Tips and Advice to Launch

Homeschooling with Vision and Purpose

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Thinking about homeschooling? Have a friend who is? Are you thinking about homeschooling? On this episode of Homeschooling IRL, we’ll answer your burning questions about homeschooling, such as, “Will my kids have to raise their hands to ask to go to the bathroom?”, “What about the prom?”, and “Who gets to be the lunch lady?”Just kiddin’. We’ve polled moms and dads who are thinking about homeschooling and asked them what concerns them most. We didn’t prompt or suggest their comments, and you just might find yourself relating to what they have to say.When told they fear burnout, kids who turn out wacky, and their own academic shortcomings, we responded with honesty and transparency with some good old-fashioned humor and self-deprecation mixed in. This is the stuff of real life!

This podcast is sponsored by CTC MathHomeschoolers – 1/2 Price after FREE TRIAL. Click the link to get started.Thinking About Homeschooling Show Notes:Summary of Thinking About HomeschoolingCtcmath.com.0:00Intro to homeschooling in real life.1:19It takes a lot of time and commitment.6:25The reality of homeschooling in real life.11:50I don’t know if I can do this right.21:06Why science is hard to homeschool?23:30Q and A with Candy.29:27What do you mean by socialization?34:00How to bring Jesus into your home?39:52CTC Math Sponsored PodcastAre you looking for a new math curriculum? Well, CTC Math specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning favorably reviewed in Kathy Duffy’s 102 Topics and the Old Schoolhouse Crew Review.

The lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math and a whole new way. The lessons are taught their traditional way, not to the test. Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way. And in only a few minutes at a time.

Using a multi-sensory approach, having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with a practical assessment, even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results. And the ones that were doing okay before now are doing brilliantly. Visit CTC math today and start your free trial. That’s CTCmath.com.

Loved Thinking About Homeschooling? Try These Recommended Podcasts

Find a Math Curriculum That Works

How Do I Make Homeschooling Fun?

Best of Homeschooling IRL: I Love Homeschooling, But I Hate Teaching Writing

SUMMARY KEYWORDShomeschooling, kids, homeschool, teach, people, question, child, thinking, public school, year, podcast, boys, coffee, friends, picture, fletch, homeschoolers, school, high school, multi-sensory approachThe post Special Replay: HomeschoolingIRL Episode 6: I’m Thinking About Homeschooling, But… appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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224:Integrating Technology in Literature StudiesThis episode discusses integrating technology in literature studies to help provide students with a richer experience as they read novels.

The websites and ideas mentioned are:

1. Book Adventure: book quizzes, reading logs, graphic organizers etc
2. Vocabulary.com: vocabulary lists for specific books.
3. Crashcourse Literature
4. Virtual museum tours
5. Google Streetview
6. Apps and websites relating to content eg Skyview app when studying Greek Mythology
7. Litcharts: Mentioned on the episode Apps for High School Sttudents
8. Digital Projects: websites mentioned Powtoon and Canva
9. ChatGPT
10. FundaFunda Academy’s English 1, English Honors and Jane Austen classes

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Incredible Meal Planning Tips for Homeschoolers: Have Fun and Save Time with the Organize It! Planner for AprilAs a homeschooling parent, you have a lot on your plate – literally and figuratively! In addition to managing your child’s education, you also have to think about meals for the day. With busy days and multiple responsibilities, it can be challenging to plan and prepare healthy, nutritious meals that everyone will enjoy. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, meal planning can be made easier and more manageable.Here are some tips for meal planning while homeschooling:1. Plan your meals ahead of timePlanning your meals ahead of time is one of the most effective strategies for meal planning. Take some time at the beginning of each week to plan out your meals for the coming days. This can help you save time and reduce stress during the week, as you’ll already know what you need to prepare for each meal.2. Involve your children in meal planningInvolving your children in meal planning can be a fun and educational activity. Ask your children for their input on what they would like to eat, and encourage them to help plan meals for the week. This can help your children develop an appreciation for healthy foods and encourage them to try new things.3. Keep it simpleWhen planning meals, it’s important to keep it simple. Choose recipes that are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients. This can help you save time and reduce stress during the week.4. Make a shopping listMaking a shopping list is an essential part of meal planning. Once you have planned your meals for the week, make a list of all the ingredients you will need. This can help you stay organized and ensure that you have everything you need when it’s time to prepare your meals.5. Batch cookBatch cooking is a great way to save time and ensure that you always have healthy, nutritious meals on hand. Choose a day of the week to prepare several meals in advance, and store them in the fridge or freezer for later in the week.6. Use a slow cookerA slow cooker can be a lifesaver for busy homeschooling parents. Simply add your ingredients in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal ready to serve. This can help you save time and reduce stress during the day.7. Don’t forget about snacksSnacks are an important part of any homeschooler’s day. Make sure to plan for healthy, nutritious snacks throughout the day to keep everyone fueled and focused.8. Grab our newest Organize It! PrintableWith doable advice from a homeschooling mom of a large family, along with her mom who loves to plan, organize, and cook, this printable is actually helpful! Download the planner today.Sign Up Here:Get convenient links to all the latest homeschool podcasts each week- PLUS new printables every month! A free gift from the author, Felice Gerwitz, Ultimate Homeschool Radio owner and podcaster at Vintage Homeschool Moms!

Some Parting Ideas for Meal PlanningHonestly, meal planning while homeschooling can be a challenge, but with these tips, it can become a manageable and even enjoyable part of your routine. Planning ahead, involving your children, keeping it simple, making a shopping list, batch cooking, using a slow cooker, and incorporating healthy snacks can help you stay organized, save time, and ensure that your family is eating nutritious meals throughout the day.It’s also important to remember that meal planning doesn’t have to be perfect. Sometimes life happens, and you may need to make adjustments to your plan. Don’t stress if you miss a meal or need to make a last-minute change – just do your best and focus on providing healthy, nourishing food for your family.Finally, don’t forget to make mealtime a family affair. Eating together as a family can be a great way to connect and bond, and it can also help reinforce healthy eating habits for your children. Make mealtime a priority, and enjoy the time together as a family.In conclusion, meal planning while homeschooling can be a challenge, but with a little bit of planning and preparation, it can become a manageable and even enjoyable part of your routine. By involving your children, keeping it simple, using a slow cooker, batch cooking, and making healthy snacks a priority, you can ensure that your family is eating nutritious meals throughout the day. Don’t forget to make mealtime a family affair, and enjoy the time together as a family.Check Out These Planning Podcasts* Household, Meals, Shopping and Bill Lists * Homeschooling Secrets * Get Organized The Easy Way

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Do you long for more freedom in your homeschool? More of the peace and joy you thought you’d have as you taught your children at home? If so, this episode of The Homeschool Sanity Show is for you. In our time together, I’ll share why a grace-based approach to home education may be just what you’re looking for.

Hey, homeschoolers! Today’s episode is about what homeschooling looks like when we seek a truly customized approach to home learning. I am passionate about this topic but I didn’t have a label for what I believed until I joined a scrapbooking community this summer. I’ll tell you about it after this message from my sponsor: CTC Math.

SponsorFinding a math curriculum that works for your family can be a challenge! With CTCMath, all of your kids from K-12 can learn at their own pace with one family subscription. That’s right! With a CTCMath membership, you have access to all grades and lessons, which means your children can work at whatever level is best for them. Whether your kid needs to catch up, keep up, or move ahead, with CTCMath they can finally understand math and work at their own pace. CTCMath is offering listeners a half-price discount plus a bonus 6 months when you register for a 12-month membership. Yep. That means you have access to a complete online homeschool math curriculum for all your kids for 18 months!

The Idea Behind Homeschool Your WayIf you once scrapbooked but have given it up, you may be as surprised as I was to learn that there is still an active community of women pursuing the hobby. This particular community’s leader, Jennifer Wilson, is also the author of The New Rules of Scrapbooking. In her book and messages, Jennifer communicates that it is more than okay to let go of scrapbooking rules. Scrapbookers know the old rules well–like having to start with your current photos and then get caught up; feeling pressure to create beautiful, artistic pages; or needing to choose between paper and digital scrapbooking. With her support for tailoring the hobby to meet individual goals and preferences, members are finding a renewed passion for their craft.

The parallels to homeschooling were clear to me. As with scrapbooking, rules can steal the joy of home educating, leading to burnout, and eventually to giving up.

It is not my contention that every scrapbooker must continue her craft, nor is it my belief that every homeschooler must continue to teach every child through high school. But I am convinced that homeschooling parents will enjoy teaching at home more if they pursue the occupation in a way uniquely suited to them and their children in this season of their lives.

Encouragement to Homeschool Your WayThe blessings of teaching my six children at home have been more than I could have asked for or imagined. I started because I believed God wanted me to homeschool. And though reluctant and thoroughly unprepared, I ended up loving it. I love:

• Having the time to teach my kids about God in depth
• Learning alongside my kids
• Watching my kids grow and make discoveries
• The flexibility of a homeschool schedule
• The closeness of our family relationships

I could go on, but these things I share with you to remind you of the some of the reasons you started homeschooling.

Obstacles to Homeschooling Your WayI had enough obstacles in the way of homeschool success without adding unnecessary rules. Extra, homeschooler-created rules weren’t an issue when I started teaching my oldest son more than 20 years ago. But more and more I hear rules homeschoolers are following like:

• “You shouldn’t use textbooks as a homeschooler.”
• “You can’t use state curriculum if you want to be a real homeschooler.”
• “You can’t use any curriculum if you’re an unschooler.”
• “You need to teach Shakespeare if you’re a Charlotte Mason homeschooler.”
• “You can’t use creation science curriculum if you want your child to go to college.”

I’m sure that together we could come up with a long list of homeschool rules that have been developed as homeschooling has become more popular. This propensity to create more rules reminds me of the Israelites, who were set free from the slavery of Egypt, only to enslave themselves by adding hundreds of laws to the ten commandments.

This rule-making behavior is obviously part of our human nature. When we have been set free from so many rules around education as homeschoolers, why do we create more than what we are required to follow in our state?

First, I believe we create homeschool rules because of fear. Rules and a dedication to following them can provide structure, order, and security. If we follow the rules that our homeschool organization, our curriculum provider, or our favorite homeschool influencer gives us, we can feel confident that we aren’t going to ruin our kids’ lives.

That makes sense. When we are just starting our homeschool journey, we don’t know what to teach, how to teach it, or for how long. So we gladly accept the rules as we establish our school at home. I read a lot about homeschooling in my state and what various leaders said we had to do to comply with the law, so I could feel confident. I was afraid of having Division of Family Services knocking on my door and following rules calmed me down.

But there’s a problem with this fear-based approach to rules. Some of the people involved in your homeschool organization, curriculum, or social media feed have their own fears that may not be appropriate for you and your family. For example, a leader in a homeschool organization may have met with a family who had family services visit. Although the visit had nothing to do with homeschool documentation, this leader adopts stringent documentation rules to allay fears. However, an influencer in a state with no documentation laws and no fear of state interference may promote not keeping records when that wouldn’t be wise in your state.

A second reason we create unnecessary homeschool rules is because of pride. Although at first I didn’t want to homeschool and had no idea how to go about it, I became proud and comfortable with what we were doing. I thought every Christian parent should homeschool and definitely shouldn’t use boring textbooks! I quickly found other homeschoolers who held up other rules for me to consider–rules around which subjects to teach, which books we should and shouldn’t read, and what we had to do for our kids to be accepted into college. Add in a bunch of rules around parenting, socializing, and technology, and we were overwhelmed.

I don’t think these rules get developed only from arrogance. Homeschoolers (like all people) look for the root causes of success and failure so they can get the best results for their kids. But successes and failures almost always have multiple causes. We like to think we have control over all the variables, but the Bible tells us that God is the One who grants success. Here is just one example from 1 Samuel 18:14:

And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him.

Pride can also lead to more rules because we assume other homeschoolers are like us. If we’ve had great success doing school in the morning, throwing out the textbooks, or doing nature study instead of experiments, we think everyone else could benefit too. But the Bible tells us that we are all different parts of the same body. 1 Corinthians 12:17-19 reads:

If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?

Where would homeschooling be if we were all doing things the same way? The beauty of it is that we are all unique homeschoolers just as God wants us to be. Does that mean we can’t grow and improve? The body does and so can we.

When we trust God to train us up in the way we should go in our homeschooling and recognize that our journey isn’t exactly like anyone else’s, we can experience freedom and joy.

Principles for Homeschooling Your WayThe silliest thing I could do right now is tell you exactly HOW to homeschool your way. But I can share some principles that have helped me find freedom in my own homeschooling journey.

The first principle you might not expect. That is to follow the spirit of the law for homeschooling in your state, if not the letter. In Titus 3:1 and elsewhere, God tells us to obey our authorities because He has established authority for good. That doesn’t mean we can’t work to create more freedom with homeschooling in our state. We should! But while the law is in place, we can have peace of mind by following it. Then we don’t have to live in fear of the authorities knocking on our door. But note that I said the spirit of the law. If you’re supposed to provide 600 hours of education in core subjects a year, I’m not suggesting you have the stopwatch out, stopping it every time junior needs to use the bathroom. I mean to look at the number of days you are learning and the percentage of time you are studying core subjects like language arts, history, science, and math vs. drawing, listening to music, and shooting hoops. If your curriculum plan will provide that number of core hours without a major, unexpected event, I consider you to be following the spirit of the law. While your requirements will vary, I think it’s a good practice to be obedient without being legalistic.

The next way to homeschool your way, in my opinion, is to try it. Trying new schedules, new approaches, and even a new educational lifestyle is how we learn what works for us in this season of our homeschooling. I say “this season” because as soon as you find a good rhythm, something will change. It takes energy and time to keep forging ahead, but these changes are also what makes homeschooling so engaging. If it was the same-old, same old, we would probably want to quit.

We obviously don’t want to try something immoral or downright dangerous. But even if our experiments put us behind on our educational plan, I think that experimentation is worth it. Years ago, I met a blogger at a conference who intended to homeschool her kindergartener with an all-day video curriculum. I don’t think I said what I was thinking: That’s crazy! But I shouldn’t have said it anyway, even though that plan was highly unlikely to work for her. The discovery of the limits of her daughter’s attention span needed to be hers. She may have discovered that some aspects of the video curriculum she was interested in were captivating and a perfect fit for her daughter. If I had given her my opinion, she would miss those lessons.

I have spoken before about my fondness for eclectic homeschooling–taking aspects of many different approaches and curricula to create your own approach. But here’s what I’ve realized lately: Your way may be using one approach strictly. You may be loving your weekly Classical Conversations group, your Instagram-worthy Wild & Free days, or your boxed curriculum. That isn’t wrong. In fact, it’s an amazing blessing that you have the freedom to do what works for you!

But if something isn’t working as well as you’d like, I urge you to try something new for as long as you like. Write down how you and your students feel about it and why, so you can track your progress. This is the process I used to significantly improve my productivity. I write about it in A Year of Living Productively.

My third encouragement to you is trust God when you don’t see a clear path ahead. I’ve written about the lessons I learned sending my oldest to public school for his last two years of high school. Those lessons were so valuable for both of us that I would make the same decision again. But if it had been a bad experience, we could have easily changed directions. Many parents take their kids in and out of school and put them back again without their lives being ruined.

I shared recently that I initially planned to have my kids do college while they were in high school. That plan changed except that they attend community college as juniors and seniors. My daughter also wanted to attend public high school. I didn’t want her to, but I approach homeschooling with an open hand. I see it as a gift the Lord gave me and can retrieve at will. I prayed about it and she changed her mind. My kids’ career plans have also changed with time. My son who wanted to be a lawyer works for an IT staffing company. My son who wanted to be a physical therapist is in PA school. My daughter who has wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl just messaged me that she wants to be a nurse instead.

ConclusionThe beauty of homeschooling is that it’s not a destination. It truly is a journey that prepares you and your children for obstacles and changes that will come. No one has a straight path to success. There are a few straight paths to failure, but you’re not likely to to be on them if you’re listening to this episode.

If you trust God to guide and direct you and your children, you don’t have to be afraid of the unschooling police busting you for buying curriculum. You don’t have to force your kids outside for six hours a day to please Charlotte Mason. And you don’t even have to keep homeschooling to stay on God’s path.

Thanks again to CTC Math for their sponsorship. Have a happy homeschool week!

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Principle ApproachChristian Education – Max Lyons

Principle Approach Max Lyons of the Foundation for American Christian Education (FACE) talks with Israel Wayne about the philosophy of the Principle Approach and how to teach Providential History. The Principle Approach was developed by Verna Hall & Rosalie Slater and has prepared many Christian school teachers and homeschoolers with a Biblical philosophy of education.

Dr. Max Lyons serves as Director of Teaching Services at FACE. He is a teacher, curriculum writer, and conference speaker, specializing in the areas of Bible, history, government, law, economics, and Biblical worldview. He has taught a Biblical worldview adult Sunday school class for two decades and served as teacher and administrator in three Christian schools since 1979. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Virginia Wesleyan College, a Masters in Christian School Administration from Regent University, and a Ph.D. in Christian Education from Whitefield Theological Seminary. Max and Margie have four children and seven grandchildren and they attend Kempsville Presbyterian Church.

Government Takes All…What’s Left for Me?

In this well-researched yet easy to read book, Dr. Lyons logically presents the case for limited government and free-market economics. https://www.facebookstore.net/product_p/gta.htm

Sons & Daughters: Walking in Truth

Your children are your priceless treasures! Learn the Biblical reasons to educate them in a thoroughly Christian program. This defense of Biblical Christian education presents ten compelling reasons for parents to equip their children with the Biblical worldview, ensuring that they walk in God’s truth (II John 4). This booklet is an apologetic for Biblical Christian education, most appropriate for high school and older. https://www.facebookstore.net/product_p/sdwt.htm

Celebrate Our Christian Holidays Like You Were There

Celebrate seventeen American holidays with the depth of their Biblical traditions and true history.
https://www.facebookstore.net/product_p/coch.htm

Website: https://www.Face.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-lyons-593b422b/

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To Learn more about Israel Wayne and Family Renewal, LLC visit https://www.ChristianWorldview.net

& https://www.FamilyRenewal.org

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Homeschool HQ App

Homeschool HQ App. Episode #40 – Do you ever wish you could find all the homeschool resources you need all in one place? Look no further than the HomeschoolHQ App, created by a military spouse and her husband after they began homeschooling during the Covid pandemic.

Homeschool HQ App. According to new Census data, there are currently five million homeschooled students across the United States. With the rise of new homeschoolers comes a greater need for resources and tools for families. HomeschoolHQ is an innovative homeschool resource app developed specifically with the needs of new and veteran homeschoolers in mind.

On this episode, Crystal chats with Lauren Bordeaux, Chief Marketing Officer for Homeschool HQ, who shares about this fantastic resource for homeschooling families created by homeschooling families. This app provides families with secure sign-in and will not sell your information to anybody. It’s easy to navigate with resources at your fingertips; you can even create your own events. Listen in to learn more!

Guest Bio:

Lauren Bordeaux is a homeschooling mom of three children, ages 3, 6, and 7. She grew up in an Air Force family, moving to multiple bases across the U.S. Her husband, André, is a former Marine and is currently an officer in the Naval reserves. Their family enjoys exploring their new home of Tennessee after a career of living in and traveling Europe with the State Department. Lauren and André are the co-founders of HomeschoolHQ, a new app for homeschooling families.

The HomeschoolHQ app is a user-populated homeschool resource platform. It was built by homeschoolers for homeschoolers to find learning opportunities and community! Users can add resources in multiple categories like co-ops, activities, camps, conventions, and field trip ideas. There is also a discount section for exclusive user discounts! Built-in location services enable homeschoolers to find nearby resources that suit their family’s needs. Lauren, André, and their team are thrilled to share this needed resource with the homeschooling community!

Resources:

HomeschoolHQ

Join Crystal and her guests each week as they bring relevant information to equip you, stories to encourage you, and content to inspire you. You don’t have to go it alone; tune in to the Military Homeschool Podcast and be energized in your military homeschooling journey!

How to listen:

1. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or Stitcher
2. Subscribe on your favorite podcast listening app
3. Or listen right here (just scroll down)

Got questions, comments, or show topic ideas? Contact Crystal via email at militaryhomeschoolpodcast@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Please subscribe, follow, and share with all of your military homeschooling friends!

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Cozy Mystery English OnlineIn “Cozy Mystery English Online,” Episode, #183, Laura Nolette & Meredith Curtis discuss Meredith’s Who Dun It high school English course online at True North Homeschooling Academy. Writing a novel in high school and creating Who Dun It high school English course has been a win-win for their teens. Who Dun It is fun in a co-op and online classes where students read and write cozy mysteries. This out-of-the-box high school English course is a blessing to many homeschool families who want to experience the adventure of clues, red herrings, plot twists, creating suspects, and leading their detective on a merry chase until the murderer is apprehended.

Powerline Productions, Inc.Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show NotesOur experience with novel writing in high school and eventually writing a who-dun-it.

Writing a Cozy Mystery* Cozy -no gore, clean, focus on solving a puzzle * Create detective, sidekick, friends, and suspects (characterization) * Create a scene-by-scene plot * Suspect’s Motives * Clues/Red Herrings * Setting/Tone/Mood/Christian Worldview * Plot Twists * Logic – Wrapping It Up

Who Dun It At Home* Read “Golden Age” Mystery Novels & Short Stories * Discuss Novels & Short Stories * Write a Short Story first semester * Write Novel second semester * Create Well-Rounded Characters/Introduce to Family * Read Sections of Short Story & Novel Aloud to Family * Get Input from Family * Watch Cozy Mysteries & Discuss with Parents

Who Dun It in Homeschool Co-op* Read “Golden Age” Mystery Novels & Short Stories * Discuss Novels & Short Stories * Write a Short Story first semester * Write Novel second semester * Create Well-Rounded Characters/Introduce in Class * Read Sections of Short Story & Novel Aloud * Peer Review Writing Club Style * Watch Cozy Mysteries & Discuss

Who Dun It Online

• Read “Golden Age” Mystery Novels & Short Stories
• Discuss Novels & Short Stories
• Write a Short Story first semester
• Write Novel second semester
• Create Well-Rounded Characters/Introduce in Class
• Read Sections of Short Story & Novel Aloud
• Peer Review Writing Club Style
• Watch Cozy Mysteries & Discuss

Who Dun It at True North Homeschool AcademyLiterature & Composition: Who Dun It

Sign up for our NewsletterSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

Literature ResourcesOur curriculum works great at home; or in church, homeschool co-ops, and online classes, too!

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Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Does Colloidal Silver and Homeopathy Work Together? Learn about Argentum Nitricum

This week on Homeopathy for Mommies – Colloidal Silver – to use or not to use? This is a HOT Topic. A few years ago I wrote a blog post on the topic and it is one of the most shared blog posts of all time from the website. It is often confused as being homeopathic for those who are new to homeopathy.

The million-dollar question is: When do I know if I should use Colloidal Silver?

The truth is, Colloidal Silver is a gift. It does kill bacteria very quickly; however – the wonderful, quick acting, efficient Colloidal Silver, will act as a suppressant.

Take the example of treating a skin burn: When the silver is used, it acts as cauterizer to the natural healing processes. When you suppress the skin, it drives the issue inward toward the lungs. That is why many children who are given Silver for their eczema or severe burns, will develop sudden asthma, or chronic cough.

For any skin situation, Either St. John’s Wart and or Calendula tincture will work to heal, or Lavender to kill bacteria without suppressing and to soothe…and then the correct homeopathic remedy or remedies, will take care of any wound, ulcer, wart, eczema, growth or burn situation.

Colloidal Silver should only be used in emergency situations; when the proper homeopathic remedy has failed to be found, when the patient is too weak to recover readily on his own, when time is a factor (and this must be seriously considered for the good of the patient, not the caregiver becoming impatient) or some other unforeseen reason.

I say emergency, because when you use the Silver to kill the invading bacterial intruder, what happens is this: you interrupt the very delicate process of healing.

I do want to take this opportunity to share the homeopathic remedy made from Colloidal Silver – Argentum Nitricum – and all it’s wonderful, non-suppressive benefits!

Want a handouts for this podcast? Join the Members Corner and access over 50 premium mini-trainings and a growing resource library with over 100 digital resources, join a live Q&A on Zoom with Sue each month to ask your questions, and access to her private forum, and members only private podcast feed? SO many benefits for a small monthly fee – you can join here and cancel anytime: https://members.homeopathyformommies.com

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The content of the Homeopathy for Mommies Radio post or page, including text, graphics, images, or information contained in text or audio, or other content, is offered on an informational basis only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice and guidance of a qualified health professional before: Changing or making any adjustment to any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.

Stopping any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.
Starting any new medication or treatment protocol, whether or not it was discussed on the Homeopathy For Mommies Radio show, page or post on this website.
Information on this site is informational and not as specifically applicable to any individual’s medical problem(s), concerns and/or needs.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat or prevent disease.
In each audio remedies are recommended. We are not claiming that the product will cure any of these problems or disorders. We are merely reporting that people have used the product to aid these conditions.

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Faith and HomeschoolingEpisode # 262

Faith and homeschooling, how do these two things work together? Is faith and homeschooling a part of your life, or are faith and homeschooling compartmentalized?

In this episode, we explore why our faith should be an integral part of our homeschool day and integrated into our lives. Our children learn best by example, and what better way to show our children than through the experiences in a well-rounded homeschool curriculum.

Show Notes: Faith and HomeschoolingHomeschooling is a lifestyle with learning coming easily into our daily experiences. In this way, my children recognize the opportunities presented to them as part of what we do but also part of their school experience.

Quick Tips for incorporating faith into you homeschool:Let’s get started.

Incorporate Bible into your daily homeschooling routine.Kids watch us; are we praying? Do you use a journal in prayer? Do you study the Bible? I created the course, Homeschooling with Proverbs– because I wanted a family Bible course with all of us on the same page. Homeschooling and faith in our family are intertwined, although it didn’t begin that way. Listen to the audio as I share my beginning of the homeschool journey.

Make prayer a large part of your day – faith in practice.We pray as a family and still do this today, even with grown kids in the house, kids home from college, and kids who work and live at home. Daily prayer keeps our family focused on the real meaning of life – a life with God. Prayer has been answered in abundance in our home by keeping God first in our lives.

Use a Curriculum that is Christian faith-focused.Do you use a curriculum devoid of faith or one that encourages your faith journey? My daughter and I wrote a series of Creation based novels that are still popular today. You can find them on MediaAngels.com or on Amazon: Novel 1- Missing Link Found, Novel 2- Dinosaur Quest at Diamond Peak, Novel 3- Keys to the Past Unlocked, along with study guides. These novels have a Christian focus, and the children are homeschooled (of course!). We also studied the creation vs. evolution discussion and studied a series I also wrote on the topic.

How do you incorporate faith in your homeschool? My kids have gone on to college and be able, successfully, to present scientific evidence for creationism in the college classroom and with professors in private. This came from years of homeschooling and study.

Additional Tips for Introducing Faith into Your Homeschool1. Celebrate feast days; make it part of your homeschooling curriculum. I love to celebrate the names of my children and the days on a religious calendar. You can find information here 2. Visit places that are notable, churches and shrines. I share a testimonial about doing this as a child with my family in Italy when I toured the Vatican and Sistine Chapel in Rome as well as a friend who came to know God through the churches in Europe.

Media Angels Creation BundleDo you believe that God created all … what about the world? Do you think HE could have created the world as stated in the Book of Genesis? This series will answer those questions and so much more!

No boring science here! Great hands-on activities that children love, and they’ll actually remember what they’ve learned long after the books are closed. Read great books, demonstrate theories with activities, and learn the joy of knowing our universe was created by an amazing God.

Completely re-edited with many pages added, including lesson plans!

This is written for all grade levels integrating all subjects. This includes outlines, activities, experiments, vocabulary, reading lists, math ideas, book reviews, reproducible sheets, and much more. Get yours here.

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Moms Fill UP Your Tank ~ Episode 492When moms are empty, there is nothing to give; in this episode, we discuss how to fill up your tank so that you can pour out the best to your family. Join Felice as she shares her struggles and victories as a busy mom, business owner, and homeschooler.

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com – we are pleased for their continued excellence in education and dedication to the homeschool community. It is due to sponsorships that our programs continue to come to you without cost. Please visit the website and check out their curriculum.

Each of us measures success differently. Maybe success is getting the laundry washed, dried, folded, and put away all in one day. For someone else, success is getting through the day without spills and serving sibling squabbles. For another, it might mean figuring out a pesky Algebra problem. For me, success means accomplishing something no matter what I do.

I invite you to visit my website for a selection of Character Planners here for your kids, just in time for any season.

Years ago, I would not have created a podcast on this topic because I am what I would call a mommy martyr. What is the definition of a mommy martyr? That is someone who doesn’t think they need any help and can do everything on their own!

I struggled with thinking I needed any time for myself. I thought it was selfish if I wanted a few minutes to regroup, change my clothes, or even use the restroom without an audience. Any mom with kids under five totally understands what I am saying. So, it is no wonder that we sag at the end of the day and are greet our spouses with lackluster enthusiasm. As a young mom, my wonderful and caring mother-in-law shared a book with me that caused me to laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes.

It spoke of being showered, dressed and ready at the end of each day to greet your spouse. To be fair, I don’t go anywhere without some eye makeup on – that is just me. I don’t like to look like I am dragging, and it is amazing what a little mascara and a light coating of eyeliner can do to make my eyes pop! Not that it is the same for everyone. But if we look good, even for ourselves, it is a blessing to others. Of course, the lady on the cover wore heels, no less. She considered this the guide to being a good mother and housewife. But nowhere within the pages was this lady a homeschool mom – and that friend makes us unique. As homeschool moms, we don’t get that daily break of having kids at school, but even parents whose kids go to school find their days filled with all types of activities, many family-focused.

How can we divide our day to give ourselves a break? A good friend shared that she would switch off time with another homeschool parent. Maybe they had craft days during this time, but instead of using her time grocery shopping or cleaning, she spent the time at the park praising God or praying in some way. She said that filled her up with the love of God to the point that she was ready to tackle the rest of the week. For me, that time of prayer was in the morning during my first cup of coffee. I had a chair in my bedroom and had instructed my little ones to wait until I was done for breakfast and prayer time with them. My husband left early in the morning, and I used the time after he went to work to pray. The kids learned early on that if they interrupted me with something unnecessary, in their words, “Mommy was grouchy all day.”

What is helpful to you? If you have little ones, the answer might be just getting them down for naps or sleeping all night. It is different for each of us, depending on the stage of life we are in. However, filling up the time that we have can take minutes. Here are some helpful ideas, and please use this as a jumping-off point. We moms are great multi-taskers! Perhaps doing one of these things while doing something else will be useful. Playing music while folding laundry. Listening to a favorite podcast while emptying or filling the dishwasher. These small things can be so helpful! One mom told me she and her children listened to my podcasts while painting a room. I have specific podcasts that I call the “Just for Kids Series,” and these are available as well. Whatever that is, it may take some planning, but it is helpful.

Truly friends, sometimes it takes seeing a short list of ideas to spark our own. It really boils down to planning your time wisely. If we do this, we can easily increase the time in our day. Our checklist planners and our current free offering, our “Organize IT” monthly planners, are designed to help moms as well. These are available on the MediaAngels.com website or to our subscribers of this network. You can sign up here for our weekly eZine and planners.

Quick Ideas For Moms

1. Take time in the early morning for yourself, whether that is a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite drink. A prayer meditation on an app, or the Bible, something that fills you with joy, is helpful.
2. Music – do you have a playlist of favorite songs? When you need that, pick up and listen to one!
3. Use an essential oil diffuser – it is amazing how a little bit of lavender goes a long way, or whatever your favorite scent.
4. Changing out of your PJs – I know we like to be comfortable. But either make the day jammies day, and the entire family can sit around in loungewear or change after breakfast. I always feel better when I start the day fresh.
5. Put on light makeup. This does wonders for me. Once, I tried going without eyeliner, and everyone kept telling me I looked tired when I was not! Try looking your best for yourself!

If you have a little extra time, here are some things I enjoy that may be helpful; again, remember to make up your own list of things, even if it is a wish list at this point in time.

Longer Ideas for Moms

1. Read a good book. Sure, it may take a month to get through to the end, but at least you have something to look forward to at the end of the day.
2. Listen to an audiobook; I have a subscription to an audiobook service and listen in the car while doing errands. The public library has free services.
3. Plan a date night. Even if it is in the home after the kids are in bed, it is something to look forward to! My husband and I take turns asking each other out via text. It really lifts my mood during the day. One of my friends trades off with her husband, and each week one of them plans an outing for the other.
4. Downtime. Go to the park or just out for a drive alone if you need time for solitude. As one mom shared, “I wish someone would put me in my room for time out!” If you can’t get away, allow your kids movie time and retreat to your room for some quiet time alone. When I suggested this to a friend, she looked at me as if I was brilliant; the thought had never occurred to her.
5. Sitting outdoors and observing nature. This is so soothing to me. It is not in my nature to sit and enjoy my surroundings but when I do I am so blessed. The other day a red cardinal sat on our backyard fence singing, which was so beautiful — but instead of just enjoying it I had to find my phone and snap a picture. Trying to slow down and fill up does not come easy, but when we do, we will be happy we did.

I so wish we were in a room chatting to share ideas, but I hope some of these were helpful or, at the least, gave you ideas of your own. We, moms, are unique. We give our time and efforts to our kids, and it is a thankless job but something we would do all over again and again. We signed up for this, and I pray you are blessed in your own journey and living the dream!

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Games that TeachDo you have a homeschooler who loves to have fun and learn at the same time? You’re in luck! With an array of entertaining and educational games for your homeschool, you can find something for every learning level and interest.

From the classics like Scrabble and Monopoly to the latest apps and online learning tools, these games provide an engaging and rewarding experience for you and your young learners. In this article, we’ll show you how games can provide an interactive way to teach important life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. You’ll also learn about the best games for homeschoolers and how you can use them to build a fun learning environment in your home. So, get ready to have some fun and unleash your kid’s potential with games that teach and bring fun into your homeschool!

By Felice GerwitzMy children tease me by saying “You can take a teacher out of the classroom, but you can’t take the teacher out of my Mom!” And they are correct…I find “education” everywhere. A simple trip to the supermarket can have us looking for foods that have a space theme… “Milky Way” bars, “Star” shaped cereal, “Crater” cheese (Swiss), and other silly as well as practical ways to refresh their memory of a topic we study. You can use grocery store trips in any number of ways.

Fun Ways to Incorporate Games That TeachAnother fun (or not so fun), depending on your perspective, is to hand your child a calculator and have them tally your groceries and see how close they come to the check-out price. Difficult to do if you are using coupons or there are discounts, such as buy one get one free. You can allow for some margin of error, and no matter what the outcome, praise is always important.

Mapping a grocery store is always fun as well. Tell the children ahead of time you are going to ask them to draw a map of the grocery store when you get home. You can have them bring paper and a pencil if you desire. Make sure they note the order of the isles and have them jot down categories instead of specifics. Teaching the children to use order, larger to smaller, and categorize are all good skills. I know it will take longer to get through the store. This might be good exercise for a time when you have light shopping.

Treat and RewardsDon’t forget the treats. I can’t tell you how far we’ve made a bag of candy M&M’s go! You can use them for counting; you can use them for rewards; you can use them to sort, etc. They are by far a favorite of the Gerwitz household, with or without the academic incentives!

Games that Teach On the GoRiding in the car? How about naming every noun you see? Or, you can ask little ones to count all of the blue cars or all of the trucks you see on the road. Live out in the country? No problem; after teaching the children about specific types of trees, you can ask them to find these trees on your journey. Or use birds, animals, fence posts, whatever you find that there are a lot of.

How about taking turns naming store names and signs in alphabetical order? We call it the ABC game. My all-time is finding the state license plates. Here in Florida, the winter months bring the flurry of winter visitors from up North with license plates from all over. And surprisingly, many of our visitors drive. Would you believe we have seen license plates from Alaska? So we keep a photocopy of a map outline of all 50 states, and the children place marks on the states viewed and tally them once a month.

Quick Games Do TeachThese games do not take long to prepare and can transform a day of the same old thing into a fun time for all. I am compiling a book of fun activities our family play; if you have some you’d like to share, email me anytime! I’ve got to run. My kids want to play “big-step-little-step.”

Felice Gerwitz is a wife and mother and the owner of Media Angels Publishing and the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Visit her online at http://www.MediaAngels.com

Check out these Podcasts on Games That TeachDigital Games That Teach Problem-Solving

Games That Teach, part 1

Games That Teach, part 2

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223: Online Classes and Neurodiversity: Building Independence and Social Skills at HomeGuest Lindsay Leiviska talks to us about Online Classes and Neurodiversity. You can find Lindsay online at A Heart For All Students. Her podcast is also called “A Heart for All Students”.

Be sure to listen to the previous episodes 125 and 126 where Lindsay explains how to modify online curriculum for special needs students

These are the topics Lindsay covers in this episode

1. The Why Behind Online or Digital Classes

• Screen-based learning can give them the independence they need to learn more effectively
• Support your child by “removing the audience” and giving them agency
• Outsourcing classes can alleviate stress on the parent-child relationship

2. At What Age?

• Completely dependent on the child
• Consider anxiety level
• Consider executive functioning level

3. Asynchronous vs Synchronous

• Again, completely dependent on the child’s executive function and anxiety level

• How much support from parents?

• Social Time

• Use online platforms like Outschool for social time

Bonus Tip: Allow Gaming as a way to createrelationships

You can find Lindsay at

A Heart for all Students

Facebook: @aheartforallstudents
Pinterest: @aheartforallstudents
Instagram: @aheartforallstudents

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Do you have a high school student who struggles with grammar? Or do you have a soon-to-be high school student and no idea how to approach grammar at this stage? This is the Homeschool Sanity Show, the episode where I share a sane approach to teaching grammar in high school.

Hey, homeschoolers! If you’ve struggled to help your high schooler use correct grammar in writing or if the thought of teaching it in the high school years gives you the heebie geebies, I have good news.

The high school years are the perfect time to learn grammar.First, high school students have the abstract reasoning ability required to truly understand and implement grammar. As I’ve explained to parents of elementary students many times, these younger students simply aren’t developmentally prepared to master the abstraction of grammar. It’s similar to the abstract reasoning ability required to master algebra. Sure, some students develop this reasoning ability earlier, but most don’t. Up until this point in their development, they were working hard to decode and pronounce words and determine the meaning of words given the context of the sentence. Asking them to determine the role of the word in a sentence as well is extra challenging.

That’s why I made Grammar Galaxy a fun, confidence-building introduction to grammar and other language arts in the elementary years. I didn’t want them avoiding grammar once the were developmentally ready to use it in their writing.

The second reason high school is the perfect time to learn grammar is because they have begun to care about it. When students are in classes with other students and sharing in speech or writing, they will want to avoid the embarrassment of poor grammar. I capitalized on this peer pressure with my own kids with great results. In the English classes I taught, students read their writing aloud and passed it to a friend to read aloud. This performance pressure rapidly improved my students’ grammar and spelling. High school students also begin to use messaging and email and do not want to have poor grammar and spelling for their friends to see. Some of them will be interested in learning grammar for the first time as a result.

Finally, high school is a great time to teach grammar because these students can learn independently. With the developmental ability and new motivation, students can use grammar curriculum to learn more quickly than they could have in elementary school. With instruction, they will learn to make better use of automatic editors like Grammarly. Like all writers, they will still require another human editor–whether that’s you, an outside instructor, or a friend with good grammar. I have found high school students learn from this editing feedback very quickly.

I hope I’ve convinced you that your teen isn’t behind or incapable of growing as a writer if they still need to master grammar.

But now the question becomes how to teach it.The first step is to encourage your student to continue reading for pleasure. Studies indicate that high school students tend to spend more time with friends than reading as much as they did in their earlier years. They also tend to use reading time for study instead of leisure. But reading for enjoyment is the key to developing your student’s vocabulary, grammar, and writing. Invest time helping your student find enjoyable books and making time to read them in their schedule.

The next step in teaching high school grammar is to reinforce the purpose of it. Reluctant students want to know why they should care. Using prescreened, funny grammar memes and examples is a great way to do this. Because I write grammar curriculum, my high school student loves pointing out grammar errors he finds. You can have fun with this, too. Consider having a competition to find grammar errors.

Many of the principles of teaching high school grammar are the same as teaching younger students.

• • First, keep grammar instruction short. I think of grammar like a tennis drill. When I take a tennis lesson, I enjoy doing a short drill on volleys. But doing an hour of it without playing the game would be a buzz kill.
• • Make grammar memorable. When grammar concepts are taught using relevant humor, multimedia, games, and with adequate repetition, students will remember it. (Grammar teaching podcast).
• • Limit the corrections to a student’s writing. Correcting all the grammar and spelling mistakes at once can be demoralizing for a budding writer. Tell your student ahead of time which grammar issues you’ll be looking for. Consider limiting your first review to the content. Give as much positive feedback as possible. Then go over the specific grammar skills you’re working on. If your student asks for more feedback, then give it. But otherwise limit your editing to those skills.

How to Choose a Grammar Curriculum for High SchoolWhen choosing a grammar curriculum for high school, you haven’t had many options. There are worksheet drills indistinguishable from elementary and middle school curriculum. There are the thoroughly dry English curricula that have sentences unrelated to story or to teens’ lives. And then there are brief reviews that are optional. My students didn’t learn anything from these.

The number one request I get from Grammar Galaxy booth visitors at Great Homeschool Conventions is a curriculum for high school. I knew that the Grammar Galaxy story line wasn’t well suited to older teens, so I created a new fictional curriculum. Kirk English, the programming whiz kid in Grammar Galaxy, has developed a program to deal the failure of autocorrect. His Fast Grammar training is for human autocorrectors. These trainees will get to know clients’ intentions so they can correct their grammar in real time through the power of science fiction.

The client in the training is a high school student who has typical teen troubles as well as high school writing assignments. Students who use Fast Grammar correct the client’s grammar while learning it themselves. Trainees will look forward to getting the client’s updates in each lesson.

Fast Grammar is a supplemental, secular curriculum that can be used with any high school literature or writing program. The brief lessons can be completed in one sitting or preferentially, spread out over the week. Like Grammar Galaxy, much of the lesson can be completed with a highlighter. Homophone graphics are included each week because choosing the wrong homophone is a common and embarrassing problem for writers.

The curriculum is completely independent, with the solutions at the back of the student book. At the end of each unit, teachers can administer a test that is available in a separate PDF download. The solutions will help you score the test and give a grade that can contribute to the English grade for the year.

Click here to download a complete lesson. If you’ll be joining me at the Great Homeschool Conventions this year, you can see it in person. The week of this broadcast, the curriculum is 20% off in print or digital.

Whether you try Fast Grammar or not, I hope I’ve given you hope that high school can be the time that your student grasps grammar. Give some of these strategies a try, and I feel confident that you’ll see your high schooler’s writing improve.

Have a happy homeschool week!

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How to Plan Language Arts for Homeschool High School, a Special Replay.

How to Plan Language Arts for Homeschool High SchoolEnglish/Language Arts credits are a huge part of the high school process. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to cover and when. Join Sabrina and Kym for some helpful guidelines for covering ELA in homeschool high school!

First off: remember, there’s not ONE right way to homeschool high school! So remember, these are guidelines. You know what your unique teens need.

How can you know what to plan for when organizing your materials for your teens’ homeschool high school English/Language Arts credits.

• Reading (Literature)
• Writing
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Public Speaking

ReadingThere’s not one right way to choose books for homeschool high school. For students with learning disabilities or career-bound teens they may need more practical reading and/or audiobooks. Think at least one book per month with a literature study guide (follow guidelines for ability level usage in each 7SistersHomeschool.com’s Literature Study Guides). Then fill out the list with Bible reading, magazines, poetry, etc that interests them. Discuss this with you supervisory advisor for exactly what can be counted.

For students who are college bound, you will want to invest in more reading and probably more literature analysis (in the form of study guides). That’s the cool thing about homeschooling high school: you do what is best for your teens!

If you would like an in-depth look at how many books each teen should cover in each year of high school, here is a comprehensive look at how many books by level and by grade. (Remember, these are guidelines, not rules.)

WritingWriting is as important as reading. Everyone needs to be able to write efficiently. Here are some very basic guidelines.

• 1 research paper (think about over the 4 years of high school: 1 APA paper, 1 MLA paper, 1 Chicago paper and repeat one of them for the 4th year). Lengths of the paper vary by ability, interest and grade.
• 4 5-paragraph essays
• 4 other kind of writing (business, poetry, short story, etc)
• Check 7Sisters’ writing guides for no-busywork, user-friendly, success-oriented writing curriculum!

Of course, if your teen has special needs or other challenges because life happens, adjust this to make it work for your family.

And if your teen is college bound or wants rigorous writing, check out this post on how many papers teens should write (by level and year).

GrammarGrammar is necessary for homeschool high school. However, teens who have a practical mastery of grammar rules may find that editing their papers is enough grammar (proof that they understand grammar usage). If your teen is good with simply editing, it might be helpful to have a simple checklist of grammar rules to refer to. We suggest Grammar Granules.

VocabularyVocabulary is part of being well prepared for life. All homeschool high schoolers need some vocabulary study each year. However, teens who are headed to college need to lean heavily into vocabulary. 7Sisters literature study guides include vocabulary and more can be added with specific courses or online games like FreeRice.com.

Public SpeakingPublic Speaking needs to be part of your homeschool high schooler’s yearly experience. It can be as simply as prayer at a large family gathering. However, for teens who are willing to stretch, they can do a full-year course or a speech team or any variant of that. 7SistersHomeschool.com has a speech curriculum that is popular with speech teams, co-ops and group classes. (Also, free lesson plans for the teachers in co-ops or group classes.)

Join Sabrina and Kym for fun and encouragement about planning high school English/Language Arts!

For more on English/Language Arts for your high school planning:* Authoritative Guide to Literature for Homeschool High School * Public Speaking for High School (An Authoritative Guide) * Authoritative Guide to Writing Requirements for Homeschool High School * What’s a Good High School Literature Course of Study? * How to Help Teens Get Their Research Papers Done

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our iTunes page. 2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes 3. This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

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Homeschool Secret Weapon ~ Episode 491The homeschool secret weapon is not the perfect curriculum, perfectly run home, or peaceful household. While all of those things are great, the true secret lies in the little-known information, and once you get it right, the rest falls into place. Join veteran homeschooling mom Felice Gerwitz as she shares her homeschool experience with you.

Visit the updated MediaAngels.com website for classes, books, and planners to help you on your homeschool journey.

If you missed my last podcast, Homeschooling Secrets, check it out here.

So…it’s time to dig deep, and I need your full attention. Sure, homeschool moms are great multi-taskers. You may be driving, folding clothes, or perhaps even painting a wall with your kids. (I’ve received emails telling me the favorite activities of my listeners.) But, seriously, I need your attention today because the information I am sharing with you will take some convincing.

It is not that my information is incorrect or that it is flawed in some way; the issue at hand is that humility may get in the way.

I’m not trying to be vague if you have listened to any of my past 490 podcasts a ridiculous number, I know, and I’m still at it; I normally get right to the point.

The Real Secret WeaponThe truth is the secret weapon is you, mom, or dad. Not to put pressure on you more than you possibly put on yourself, but the simple fact is you are it! You are the head of your home, classroom, discipline, and organization in your family, the head honcho, or whatever title you give yourself. Who gives the final word on what happens in your child’s education? You. In regard to your child’s physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being in the palm of your hand. Literally.

How did I come to this conclusion? Carefully. Over the years, I placed blame on various sources, entities, and even my own shoulders for what I considered academic or character struggles my children went through in their life. The curriculum was easy – if my child didn’t “get” Algebra using one book, no worries – we purchased another. Character struggles were the result of a young age (they are too young to get it), too little knowledge (we haven’t covered that yet) or lack of information (we are working on that). But at some point, I had to stop and say, “I can’t blame their teacher because I am their teacher.”

Instead of that statement being a burden, I embraced it. I realized that I could not address the issue without acknowledging my shortcomings. If my child was misbehaving, I had many options, but I had to do something to correct that behavior, or I’d see it again and again. I’d turn into the nagging, repeating parent.

Word on the StreetAt every convention I attended, I found the next best thing. Yet, upon implementation, I found that this next-best thing was not what I was looking for, whether it was a book, workbook, video, game, or even a book on scheduling and organization. I discovered that I needed to be “all in” in order to embrace what we were learning and be there to support my child in the process. As homeschoolers, we tend to want to set it and forget it. Give your child a book and walk away and then become frustrated when they walk away from the table and never come back, lose their book, or fail to complete an assignment. This all happened in the course of my 32 years of homeschooling.

My discovery came from many discussions with my husband, homeschool friends, and children. First, my husband shared information he learned from listening to a homeschooled dad of a large family, a Catholic Psychologist he listened to on the radio. He loved this man and his advice, especially to dads. His advice was that moms hold so much power in their hands. They can determine if the child receives privileges. It is up to them. That is not novel advice, but in the context of homeschooling it becomes powerful. We are with our children 24/7, and our children know what buttons to push; they know when we are tired, or they conquer and divide, tell mom or dad that the other parent gave permission when this isn’t true. Or, they blur the lines of exactly what it means when you ask, “Did you complete your assignment?”

Homeschool Secret Weapons Tool Box:Having the tools to get the results you need is in your tool chest of homeschool secret weapons. And what are these?

1. You have the power of yes or no.
2. You can remove distractions.
3. You can set boundaries.
4. You can decide if a child forgoes a snack or a treat.
5. You can give permission or take it away.

My daughter brought home some friends when she attended a local university. One girl went on and on about how she was now an adult. I asked what age constituted adulthood and, secondly, when she turned said age. She answered eighteen and that her birthday had been a few months prior. So, I concluded you had been an adult for three months? She saw where I was going with it, and my daughter just laughed and rolled her eyes. This friend then proceeded to tell me that she and my daughter had had quite a few conversations, and she considered my interest in her life excessive. (She wasn’t quite blatant, but I knew what she meant.)

I explained, “Well, this household is not a republic or a democracy. It is a monarchy, and I am the Queen.” My daughter had a smile on her face, thankfully because she had heard it before, but this girl was appalled. So I went on to explain further.

You Are The QueenBeing the head of your household and reigning as Queen means caring for those in your charge (your spouse, your children), laying down your life for your kingdom (your family), and providing the best within your means. A responsibility, yes, but a privilege as well. It is a weighty responsibility; we need to refill our tanks occasionally. (I have an upcoming podcast on the topic). Being the Queen is also a thankless job. We do it because we are born into this and thrive if it is done well.

The homeschool secret weapon is our attitude and our outlook on our homeschool journey. It is placing things in perspective and not stressing the small stuff (guilty of both). Honestly, I had to pull away from the homeschool community at large for a time. I had to pull back and reexamine my focus on my spouse and children and regroup. I founded this Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Community out of a need to celebrate what was good in homeschooling with people I knew (the majority of the people on this network are those I know personally or have met in real life). You can trust these podcasters as having your best interest in giving homeschool advice.

Next StepFriends, you are the homeschool secret weapon, and the question is, what are you going to do about it? Are you going to realize the power you have and use it wisely? I pray that this information has been helpful and you can use it to benefit your children and your family life. We undervalue our service to our family, or at best; we are too humble to appreciate it — that is why I asked for your full attention at the beginning of this podcast. I know your hearts are good, and you want what is best for your children, and when there are frustrations or difficulties, it is easy to blame others or even your children for their lack of cooperation. Knowing we have the tools at our disposal is a good start.

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222: More Online Geography GamesIn this episode I share more online geography games – find the first episode on this topic here (episode 16). Also be sure to listen to episode 129 where I talk about a variety of digital resources for learning geography – I include some games that I don’t mention in the current episode.

Online Geography games mentioned in this episode:

• Worldle and the Earthle app both are discussed in more detail in the episode on Daily Online Puzzle Games
• Globle – find versions at https://globle-game.com/game or https://globle.org/
• Mappuzzle
• Geoquiz
• Carmen Sandiego on Google Earth
• Google Arts and Culture game : Where is Hopper?
• Geo Artwork – especially the “Places” option
• Geogeek AR

Games like these are used in show sponsor FundaFunda’s web-based Geography unit studies and their high school online Geography class.

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Homeschool Grad Becomes Entrepreneur, Interview with Suzanna Fitzgerald.

Homeschool Grad Becomes Entrepreneur, Interview with Suzanna FitzgeraldOne of our favorite things to do is interview homeschool graduates to see what they are doing with life in the post-high-school world. Join us for a fun interview with entrepreneur Suzanna Fitzgerald!

As parents of a homeschooler, it can be nerve-wracking to watch your child graduate and have to step out into the world on their own. While there is no one answer to the question of what will become of your brilliant kiddo, one bright possibility is that they could choose to become a homeschool entrepreneur.

With the right support and guidance, your soon-to-be homeschool grad can use their unique experience to create something totally new and go down a path that could lead to long-term success as a homeschool-grad-becomes-entrepreneur!

One example of a homeschool entrepreneur is Suzanna Fitzgerald with Fitz’n’Jammer Marketing By Listening. She has always been a driven and ambitious person, so it just made sense that after graduating homeschool high school at the age of sixteen, she chose to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship. Now, at the age of twenty, she is running a successful business alongside her sister and inspiring others with her story.

In this exclusive interview with Suzanna, we explore her journey from homeschool graduate to successful entrepreneur!

About Suzanna FitzgeraldCurrently residing in Colorado, Suzanna runs a marketing business with her younger sister, Leia Joy. They connect all over the world online and, despite people telling them that they would not even know how to stand in line because they were homeschooled, they managed things anyway – better, even. Not only can these two sisters stand in line with proper posture, they can also run a business after being homeschool graduates.

Their story is a little bit different than most people’s. Their parents were Arizona ranchers, and they lived miles outside of town on a dirt road, far from any local schools or communities. Although her mother held a teaching degree, after moving to Arizona to become a rancher, she no longer taught anymore.

At least, not in an institutional fashion.

Instead, she continued to use her teaching skills on her children with their homeschool education.

Homeschool LifeSuzanna recalls the days when they would gather around the dining room table to do schoolwork. She never spent one day in a ‘regular’ classroom. Instead, she was homeschooled from K through 12.

However, Suzanna and her siblings grew up around business people. When she could independently homeschool herself, she taught herself her business, such as copywriting, marketing, writing, and everything. She is a life-long learner, with a perpetual homeschooling lifestyle: always learning with no beginning or ending.

Suzanna believes all of life is education if we allow it to be. She implores everyone to just keep growing and learning, no matter their age. She adopted this from her mother, who was an awesome teacher because she made learning so much fun.

From the stories she told to the things they have heard from her family, her mom was the kind of teacher that made learning fun for a classroom of thirty students or a homeschool room of three kids. That was due to the fact that she was extremely hands-on and focused. Suzanna credits everything to her mother, who really encouraged them to pursue their dreams and pushed them to excel.

Discovering the Internet and Founding A BusinessAnd then, all of a sudden, the internet happened. And the next thing you know, Suzanna was making a living online, even though she’s never been on a computer previously.

One year, she was asking what a blog and email was. And then the next year, she and her sister were founding an online marketing business. The whole world seemed to open up for them, which was both scary and exciting.

Breaking Into MarketingSuzanna was initially trying to be a fantasy novelist. When she was seventeen, she had a book published. Then she realized she did not know how to sell nor how to market anything. This became a high priority for her, especially if she wanted to be a successful writer and not a starving writer.

Although Suzanna tried to pursue her marketing education at a community college, it turned out to not be a good fit due to health limitations. However, she found an advertisement from a company called American Writers and Artists out of Florida who taught copywriting and online marketing, among other things. Their ad fit the homeschool model since you can pay for the courses and do it at home at your own speed. Suzanna figured she could learn about marketing for a while and then go back to writing books.

However, she discovered that she loved marketing just as much as she loved writing books.

(BTW- Suzanna’s creative writing and marketing experiences make excellent electives for the homeschool transcript.)

Sisterly Business PartnershipHer sister, Leia, started working with Suzanna when she graduated homeschool high school, turning into a homeschool-grad-becomes-entrepreneur too, just like her sister.

Their business partnership began with a job that was supposed to only be a summer job that turned into a year-long job, which eventually led to their business partnership. This turned Leia into a homeschool entrepreneur as well. And now she makes custom graphics and custom logos, high-end video editing projects and creative, detailed work for clients. (BTW- more great Career Exploration elective credits!)

Both sisters have different skillsets that dovetail well together for their business. By learning to work together during their homeschooling adventures, it transpired into working well in ‘real life.’

Suzanna’s Advice About Homeschooling High SchoolFor Suzanna, the best part of her high school years was when she became more independent. In about sixth or seventh grade, her amazing mom allowed her to pick lots of elements of her own homeschool curriculum. Her mom would show her the magazine she was ordering from. Then they would discuss each type of program, such as which type of grammar she wanted to do and what was next for math.

When Suzanna started homeschooling high school, she was pursuing her writing dreams, so her mom allowed Suzanna to set her own schedule. And as long as she got the work done on time, her mom did not care when she did it. Suzanna learned excellent goal setting and time management in a hands-on way.

Her time in high school was such an adventure. She was able to choose courses and curriculum that helped pursue her dreams and discover what she wanted out of life. For example, Suzanna chose high-end writing courses instead of more science courses.

Suzanna’s best part of homeschooling as well as her best tip for all parents of homeschool high schoolers and possible homeschool entrepreneur is:

Just try to fulfill the needs that your children have instead of trying to fulfill something from your past.

The best part of her homeschooling was when that was true. On the other hand, the worst part was when, sometimes, it would feel like she was trying to live up to her parents’ expectations from long ago.

One of the beauties of homeschooling is all the flexibility. Do what is best for your kids.

Fitz’n’Jammer Marketing By ListeningThe reason Suzanna fell in love with marketing is because it is such an important key to success. One that many people often overlook. You might tend to think of it as something you can just do in your spare time. After all, there are a lucky few who do luck out with a natural gift for marketing that works for them right off the bat.

However, to the remaining most of us, we really struggle with marketing because it costs so much time, effort and energy. Unfortunately, it can make you think it is just sucking the life out of you, causing you to learn to hate your business and hate what you wanted to do and learn to hate your skills.

Either you know what you are doing or you work with somebody who knows what they are doing and who is trained to do it right. When you find the right fit (on your own work or marketing with an expert) you will look forward to working in your business. You will see money coming in and you will have communication going out.

And that’s the whole reason for Fitz’n’Jammer Marketing By Listening brand. They try to teach people how to genuinely connect with their audiences and listen to what consumers are saying. They help you do marketing the easy way instead of the hard way!

You have to create loyal customers. It is such a wonderful feeling when you have the right message going out and the right customers coming in. Listening is such a high value.

Connect with Suzanna at Fitz’n’Jammer Marketing By ListeningYou can find Suzanna on her Fitz’n’Jammer Marketing website at fitsnjammer.com and connect with her on their contact page. Or you can email her at suzannafitznjammer.com. She is also on LinkedIn as Susanna the Challenge Queen Fitzgerald.

Ending tip from Suzanna:

Homeschooling is not perfect, but it is the most perfect thing you are going to find in an imperfect world. It is the best option that you can have for your kids, and it is the best way to build a relationship with them in the future.

If you want to be friends with your kids when they are in their twenties and thirties and later, if you want to know your grandkids, if you want to know that your kids are going to have your values or any values, if you want to know that they can continue learning as human beings, no matter what unpredictable course their life takes, homeschooling is the best thing you can do for your kids. So definitely, definitely do it. It is worth the effort. It is worth the sacrifice. And it is a lot of fun.

Join Vicki and Suzanna for an encouraging discussion on homeschooling and her journey to entrepreneurship.

For more on entrepreneurship for teens, check out these podcast episodes:* Homeschool Highschool Podcast interview with Samantha Shank: How to be a Homeschool High School Entrepreneur * Skills 101 Podcast: Entrepreneurship as a Lifestyle for Your Kids * Vintage Homeschool Moms: Fun Summer Projects: Family Business and Entrepreneurship

Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. 2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source” 3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page. 4. Click SUBSCRIBE. 5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) 6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone 2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen 3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast 4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon 5. Tap Subscribe 6. Please tap Ratings and Review

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Hey, homeschoolers!

Does grammar get groans at your house? That’s how grammar lessons taught in the traditional way are usually greeted. And we can’t blame our kids for dreading grammar. It can be dry and tedious.

Skipping it isn’t a good option, however. Grammar is important because it comprises a significant part of college entrance exams. It also determines how our kids will be viewed by peers and potential employers.

Fortunately, there’s another way. Grammar can be fun! When it is, it helps make grammar lessons stick. I have six easy steps for making grammar engaging in a minute.

But first, I’d like to thank my sponsor for this episode, BookShark.

Visit My SponsorBookShark homeschool curriculum is literature-based, 4-day, and faith-neutral.

Amber Reed Davis, a busy homeschool mom, says,

“We can’t say enough good stuff about BookShark. We’re doing Levels 3 and 5 this year. My kids are hooked. Through the amazing books, we’ve traveled to fascinating places and learned so much! And we’re only on week 13! Who knew a middle schooler would ask if we could still do school on our 5th day because he wanted to find out what happens next in the books we’re reading? Also, I’ve been amazed at how much I’ve learned through reading along with them. Oh, and the 4-day schedule is perfect. We use our 5th day to catch up or just for fun field trips, experiments, and messy art projects.”

Amber is right! BookShark’s fully planned, 4-day homeschool curriculum flexes to match your busy lifestyle. The detailed Instructor’s Guides lay everything out so clearly that you are prepared to teach in mere minutes each day—open your guide, gather your resources (which are all included in your package), and go! Curriculum for ages 4-16 is available in All-Subject Packages or by individual academic areas: Reading with History, Language Arts, Science, and Math. WithBookShark’s literature-rich programs, your children will read (or have read to them) 35-50 engaging books each year! Visit BookShark to browse curriculum, download samples, or request a catalog.

Resources for Making Grammar FunGrammar Galaxy

Free sample of Grammar Galaxy

Grammar Galaxy Scope and Sequence

Read the blog post

Students perceive they are learning more from instructors who are humorous.

They can involve movement and should, especially if you’re teaching younger boys.

free grammar games I mentioned

Even though grammar is important, it isn’t as important as reading for pleasure.

We can build the fun of anticipation into our grammar teaching by having students edit a continuing story line by line or by teaching grammar within the context of a continuing story.

Do you have more ideas for making grammar fun? Comment with them below.

The post Special Replay: How To Make Grammar Fun Regardless Of Your Curriculum appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Homeschooling a Rebellious Child with Deborah WuehlerEpisode #39 – As homeschool parents, there are days when we struggle to get our children to concentrate on their studies and do their best. However, what if a child fights against us in nearly everything? Is it even possible to homeschool a rebellious child?

Special guest Deborah Wuehler was excited to start homeschooling her children and knew they belonged at home with her. She had seen the fruit of homeschooling in the lives of other children and wanted that for her own.

However, her middle child was strong-willed, and every day was a struggle. But Deborah, with the Lord’s help, discovered ways to work with her daughter through her rebellion and home-educate her. As a result, her daughter is now a well-adjusted, happy, godly young woman, and they are blessed to have a close relationship. In today’s episode, Deborah shares how we, too, can homeschool a rebel.

Guest Bio:

Deborah Wuehler is the Senior Editor and Director of Production of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. She is wife to Richard and has been homeschooling their eight children since the birth of their firstborn 32 years ago. They have graduated seven children so far and have one high school student. Deborah is an author, speaker, and devotional leader. Her most popular workshop is Homeschooling the Rebel.

She has written several Bible reading plans for the Bible App on YouVersion.com called Homeschool Moms Teach the Psalms and writes regularly for The Homeschool Minute. Her editorials are on Crosswalk.com, Homeschool Compass, and many state homeschool newsletters. Deborah’s passion is to encourage homeschool families to keep their focus on Christ and His Word and to let them know they are making the best educational choice possible when they choose to keep their children Home, Where They Belong.

Resources:

• The Old Schoolhouse®
• Homeschool Moms Teach the Psalms
• The Homeschool Minute
• Crosswalk.com
• Youth With A Mission Biographies

TWO FREE eBooks:

• Homeschooling the Rebel, Part 1 (Homeschooling the Rebel, Part 1 – The Old Schoolhouse®)
• and Homeschooling the Rebel Part 2, (Homeschooling the Rebel, Part 2 – The Old Schoolhouse®)

Join Crystal and her guests each week as they bring relevant information to equip you, stories to encourage you, and content to inspire you. You don’t have to go alone; tune in to the Military Homeschool Podcast and be energized in your military homeschooling journey!

How to listen:

1. Subscribe to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or Stitcher
2. Subscribe to your favorite podcast listening app
3. Or listen right here (scroll down)

Got questions, comments, or show topic ideas? Contact Crystal via email at militaryhomeschoolpodcast@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Please subscribe, follow, and share with all of your military homeschooling friends!

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20th Century World History Fun OnlineIn “20th Century World History Fun Online,” Episode, #181, Laura Nolette & Meredith Curtis talk about Meredith’s 20th Century World History Class online at True North Homeschooling Academy. First, they talk about history co-oping and how they ended up leading a co-op and teaching online. They discuss history labs (design an amusement park, diaromas, acting out battles, radio shows, commercials) and how they add depth and fun to history studies.

Powerline Productions, Inc.Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show NotesOur experience history co-oping and teaching online

History Classes In Person – Co-op* All ages together for history lab * Separate classes for discussing history material * Archaeological Dig * “Olympic Games” * Quill Pens & Berry Ink * Tin Punching * Act Out Stagecoach Robbery * Underground Railroad Game (similar to capture the flag)

History Labs in the 20th Century* Games through the Century * DIY Miniature Gold * Diaroma of Battlefield – Trench Warfare * War II Poster * Listen to Music from each Decade * Radio Show – Truthful Reporting from Vietnam * Create an Airplane Company & Make Commercial * Plan a Trip on Route 66 * Design an Amusement Park * Mapping * Family Trees * Much more!

Why Teaching the 20th Century Is Needed* So much of history is being rewritten * 20th Century impacts 21st Century * Socialism/Communism needs to be understood * Wars/Terrorism/Civil Rights Movement/Eugenics/ * Set them up for success in the more formal years

World History 20th Century* Online classes at True North Homeschool Academy * 2 Classes – Middle School & High School * Textbook & Workbook at Home * Powerpoint, Videos, Project Sharing, and Discussion online

Benefits of Online History Fun* Teen LIKE history * Teens learn with other teens * Just one hour a week for 15 weeks/semester * Pleasant, wholesome atmosphere

20th Century World History at True North Homeschool Academy* World History of the 20th Century for High Schoolers

• Twentieth Century History Modern World for Jr. High Students

Sign up for our NewsletterSign up for our updates and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks FREE. Sign up here.

History ResourcesOur curriculum works great at home; or in church, homeschool co-ops, and online classes, too!

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Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Easter Traditions ~ Episode 464What are those special Easter Traditions you share as a family? In this episode, with Felice Gerwitz and Crystal Niehoff, you will learn that many Christian families have a diversity of ideas on how to celebrate this holiest day of our Lord’s resurrection.

Welcome to Crystal Niehoff who along with her husband, Kevin, an Army Chaplain hosts the History For Christian Teens podcast on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. Be sure to subscribe to their wonderful show for teens (and tweens can listen in as well!).

What makes Easter special? Remembering the time of the life, death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ! This is a day of celebration for many families and it is more than cute Easter bunnies and chocolate. What makes Easter special in your family? If you have not given it thought think about this, and brainstorm with your family.

• Some Easter Traditions:
• Lent (celebrated by Felice’s family 40 days before Easter).
• Resurrection Eggs – Tokens with the remembrance of Easter for children. Plastic eggs contain a symbol the depiction of something that represents Easter with a guidebook.
• Good Friday – suffering, and death of Christ.
  • Felice’s family fasts from all meat on Fridays leading up to Easter. We also attend church on Thursday and Friday before Easter.
• Sunrise Service. Crystal’s family attends (her husband officiates)
• Easter Vigil – Saturday evening before Easter. Evening service with Scripture readings from Genesis to the Resurrection.
• The best Resource is the Bible
  • Four Gospels have a different perspective
  • Older teens can read the Gospels and compare the Bible account
• Thankfulness is not just for Thanksgiving – Easter is a great time to be thankful.
• Easter is the eternal lesson for celebrating the gifts of the sacrificial love of Christ.

Easter Traditions do not need to take much money (See Easter on the Cheap, last week’s Vintage Homeschool Moms episode). The most important thing to remember is the time we spend with our family can not be replaced.

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Here’s a remedy that you won’t want to go on vacation without – Chlorum – The Chlorine Remedy! If you have trouble swimming in Chlorine water or often get sick after swimming with cold symptoms, this remedy is for you. James Tyler Kent talks about Chlorine as the most toxic element on the planet during his day. It’s amazing how much we are exposed to Chlorine in our day to day life, listen in on how this remedy can help.

Get the show notes for all the podcasts inside Sue’s Members Corner! You can join here: members.homeopathyformommies.com

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The content of the Homeopathy for Mommies Radio post or page, including text, graphics, images, or information contained in text or audio, or other content, is offered on an informational basis only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice and guidance of a qualified health professional before: Changing or making any adjustment to any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.

Stopping any medication or treatment protocol you are currently using.
Starting any new medication or treatment protocol, whether or not it was discussed on the Homeopathy For Mommies Radio show, page or post on this website.
Information on this site is informational and not as specifically applicable to any individual’s medical problem(s), concerns and/or needs.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat or prevent disease.
In each audio remedies are recommended. We are not claiming that the product will cure any of these problems or disorders. We are merely reporting that people have used the product to aid these conditions.

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Every day we’re bombarded with scientific data and facts. From climate change to quantum physics, we’re told to just trust the science and believe – no questions asked. But the reality is that interpretation of scientific information is far more nuanced than that and is colored by each person’s worldview and preconceived biases, and yes- even as a creation scientist.

According to a study conducted by the National Science Foundation, 82% of Americans have difficulty understanding the meaning of scientific information. This means that despite our best efforts, many of us are unconsciously misinterpreting scientific data – and even coming to incorrect conclusions.

In this article, you’ll learn why we often misunderstand science, how different personalities interpret scientific information differently, and how to work around our own biases to draw accurate conclusions from scientific data.

A Preconceived MindsetBy Christina Gerwitz Moss

The interpretation of scientific information is not as clear-cut as many would like to assume. An individual’s disposition or preconceived mindset can make it challenging to accurately interpret scientific information, data, and facts.

As a believer in Creation Science, when I encounter scientific information, I immediately see it with the eyes of a Christian. In the same way, an evolutionist, looking at the same scientific information, will immediately see and interpret that data through different eyes.

Being Aware of Biases Although biases are never favorable, being aware of your predisposition, whether creation or evolution, can be a starting point to more objectively analyze information. This, of course, does not mean that you must forsake or squash your beliefs. Instead, objectivity allows others to see the creditability of your research and better understand your interpretation of the material. It should be noted that both creation and evolution are belief systems.

Logic Here’s the logic—no one was there at the beginning of life (until it happened!), and we have not been able to duplicate the origins of life through experimentation scientifically—therefore, scientifically speaking, neither viewpoint is “provable” instead each must be accepted by faith—we were either created by a loving God or through the evolutionary process of death.

Making the Data FitIn the third novel, Keys to the Past: Unlocked, we had several opportunities to present characters that were oblivious to their biases. When the characters enter into discussions, the perceived mindset of an individual was quickly brought to light. Yet, often the characters did not see their own prejudices. (This is often the case with many individuals today.) When Dr. Foster (the scientist in the novel) interpreted the data he recovered, he looked at the information assuming that evolution was the mechanism by which life started. By doing this, he was no longer truly looking at the information or data but instead simply attempting to make the data fit into a model he had already constructed and believed to be true.

Scientific AssumptionsOften a creationist is looked down upon by evolutionists because they assume scientific information is only analyzed by a creationist as long as it meshes with the model and time periods explained in Genesis. This, however, is not the case. Any good scientist will analyze all of the information and then come to a nonbiased conclusion; at least, this is what we hope for.

Scientific ScrutinyBecause creationism has been so scrutinized by the secular scientific community, I feel that in many cases, creationists are more aware of their personal disposition and need for objectivity. On the other hand, many, though not all, secular evolutionists have raised themselves above creationists—deeming themselves unbiased.

This is because many secular (as well as some Christian) scientists believe that evolution is a proven fact. The National Science Standards (which you can find online) state that teaching evolution is mandatory for all students. They specifically address the issue of the “problem” with creation.

They point out that creation is a “religion,” yet evolution is a scientific fact. This illustrates that there appears to be a trap some scientists and educators fall into: they are unaware of their own preconceived viewpoint (or choose to ignore it). Overcoming a biased opinion or interpretation of data can only fully happen when you admit you have one.

GenesisCreationists wholeheartedly admit to believing in the first eleven chapters of Genesis—which lays out the Creation story. They realize their potential for approaching scientific data with a perceived mindset—thus, they are able to move past it onto the information.

Most evolutionists, however, claim to be unbiased. This blindness makes them all the more venerable to the problem of incorrectly interpreting scientific information. By arguing they are not biased, they are, in fact, closing themselves off from overcoming—their evolutionist disposition.

Bias as Human FactBiases are an undeniable fact, for we are all human—having said this, they should be considered when conducting research or interpreting data. Creationists have such an awesome opportunity to share their faith and the truths about creation science with the entire scientific community.

It is important to analyze the content of a scientific paper and the author of the work. One way to do this is to read a biography of the author or of the research institution. Personally, I feel confident with the information I find on websites such as The Institute for Creation Research or Creation Studies Institute.

Being aware of personal biases is important to each of us. Understanding this issue will go a long way in preparing you and your children for the onslaught of evolutionary claims found in the general media.

The Good NewsThe good news is there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that is the truth found in the Word of God!

Christina (Gerwitz) Moss was home-educated from K-12 and enjoyed the opportunity to learn at her own pace. She developed a love for diverse activities such as writing, reading the classics, teaching and working with the youth at church, participating in Archaeological and Paleontological digs, and SCUBA diving. Christina graduated in 2004 with honors from FGCU as a Communications Major with a minor in Anthropology. She received a scholarship to attend an archeological study group on the Island of Rotund, off the Honduras coast. She has been published in the FPEA Almanac, the FGCU student newspaper, and various other publications. Christina is married to William Moss, and they have nine children. Christina is homeschooling her children, and therefore, she no longer accepts personal emails. To contact Christina, please send an email with a reference for her to: felice@mediaangels.com

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221: Virtual Music Lessons with Sean-David McGoranSean-David McGoran from The Tuned In Academy is the guest on today’s episode and we discuss virtual music lessons.

These are the questions he answers:

1. What are some key reasons children should learn music?
2. What if my child doesn’t want to play an instrument, should they still learn music?
3. How is music education beneficial for long-range educational/career goals?
4. How do virtual music lessons work?
5. What benefits are there to virtual instruction vs in person?
6. Does virtual work for all instruments?
7. Does it work for all ages? All proficiency levels?
8. Music tuition online programs/videos vs live instruction? Pros and cons

You can find Sean-David at

• The Tuned In Academy which offers both in person and virtual music lessons
• Instagram: @thetunedinacademy
• Facebook: thetunedinacademy

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

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Hey homeschoolers! This week I had a reader question about curriculum that I just had to respond to with a podcast episode. It was essentially this. I have so many curriculum options. How do I choose which to use this year? We’re going to chat about that in just a bit!

Read the blog post If you are interested in a fun language arts curriculum for your elementary students, I would love to have you follow me on Facebook in the grammar guardians group or on Instagram at Grammar Galaxy Books. I occasionally share language arts helps on both platforms and guardians share their mission progress. It’s so much fun and can be motivating to your kids. I choose a guardian of the month from those who share in the group, who tag Grammar Galaxy Books, or who use the hashtag #grammargalaxy. I send them exclusive motivational stickers, writing instruments, and bookmarks.

Teaching Tip of the WeekWatch a video review to make decisions on curriculum. When I started using Periscope two years ago, I found the video reviews on the platform so helpful. If I watched live, I could not only see inside the books or online program, but I could ask questions of experienced users. Since then, I have been doing my own curriculum reviews on Facebook Live at my Psychowith6: Homeschool Sanity Facebook page. I would love to have you join me each week for these reviews and other tips you can use regardless of the curriculum you’re using. You can also search for video reviews on YouTube. If you have a question that hasn’t been asked, comment and you’ll get the information you need to make a decision.

This week (August 15th at 4 E/3C/2M/1P) I will be reviewing Grammar Galaxy live on the Free Homeschooling 101 Facebook page. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and to win a copy for free! The review will be added to YouTube and I am happy to answer your questions after the live video is over.

Links About Curriculum ParalysisIf your main struggle is curriculum addiction, you’ll want to listen to the podcast I did on the topic

I also did an episode on the questions you should ask when choosing curriculum.

Refuse to Choose by Barbara Sher

Classical Conversations

Grammar Galaxy

Loop Scheduling workshopWall Schedule linkKids Cook Real Food coursemusic appreciation courseHave a happy homeschool week!The post SPECIAL REPLAY: Curriculum Paralysis: How to Decide Which Curriculum to Teach This Year appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Assigning Grades for Homeschool High School Transcripts.

Assigning Grades for Homeschool High School TranscriptsHomeschooling gets serious when our teens hit high school! No more simply learning for the love of learning. Rather, our high schoolers can still love learning but there must definitely be grades because there must also be a transcript!

Many of us homeschooling moms never assigned grades in elementary or middle school. We wanted our kids to learn to love education and not be pressured by grades. However, in homeschool high school, we need to doing some special training:

• For perfectionistic teens on what a stopping point is. What is GOOD ENOUGH…and learn to stop there!
• Also, for teens who do not care at all about grades: learning to discipline themselves. What is GOOD ENOUGH for them? (Then work on school assignments until reaching good enough.)
• Us moms who are too soft or too hard on their teens how to stick to guidelines. Assigning grades helps both our teens and ourselves develop self-discipline!
  • Self-discipline is the key for successful grading.
  • AND self-discipline is a necessary life skill.

SO, grading is serious but it is also helpful! How can we homeschool moms manage grading homeschool high schoolers? In this episode, we share some thoughts about assigning grades for homeschool high schoolers.