Setting the Spark: Recent Episodes
settingthespark
Podcast for homeschooling moms of little-ones who are looking for a place to find answers and meaning in your everyday. With Hosts Lorien Magnus and Destiny Kosarick
In this week's episode, we chat with Cindy Robinson from The Kid Factory to discuss the importance of talking about and being aware of mental health in our kids from a young age. We discuss statistics and how mental health and illness is affecting the current generation and the importance of talking about these topics from a young age. Cindy explains her "5 essential elements of mental health" philosophy and how that guides her parenting to taking care of her child holistically. We also talk about ways to discuss mental health with all ages of kids and many wonderful resources to help you on your parenting journey! Make sure to follow Cindy on Instagram @the_kid_factory and on her website www.thekidfactory.com.
Resources:
It's So Amazing by Robie Harris
Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
The Carpenter and The Gardener by Alison Gopnik
How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims
www.protectyoungeyes.com
We were so delighted to be back with Audrey Albright and catch up on her latest art ventures and hobbies! We discuss how Audrey finds time to nurture her own creativity as well as hobbies her family shares together. Audrey also gives us the exciting details of her new art subscription box which is the perfect asset to any homeschool curriculum.
Artkeyology Resources:
https://www.artkeyologybox.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/artkeyology https://www.instagram.com/artkeyologybox/
We were so delighted to talk with Sarah Collins, a homeschool mom and Occupational Therapist, about what it looks like to incorporate extra help and OT services in a homeschool day. Sarah works with homeschool parents helping them to trouble shoot issues they’re having on a daily basis as well as with other OTs on how to work with homeschool families in an office setting. Make sure to check her out on Instagram @homeschoolot. She also has an incredibly helpful blog as well as running the Facebook group Homeschool Therapy Ideas!
Other resources mentioned:
HSLDAhttps://hslda.org/
SPED homeschoolers podcast
It was such an honor to talk with Amber Johnston about the importance of recognizing and celebrating heritage. In this conversation, we talk about the importance of having a diverse curricula, what it is like to be a person of color in the homeschool community, how to find (or start!) an inclusive homeschool group, as well as the importance of learning about and celebrating YOUR specific heritage. There is just so much goodness in this episode you don't want to miss! Make sure you follow Amber on Instagram @heritagemomblog and her website at www.heritagemom.com
Like what you hear!? We'd love it if you left us a 5 star review! It helps other listeners find us and builds our community.
References:
For the Children's Sake
Amber's Book Recommendations
Heritage Packs
Give Your Child the World
Charlotte Mason City Living
The Parallel Narrative
Reshelving Alexandria
Redeemed Reader
We are happy to give you the conclusion to our conversation with Jack! Jack shares so much wisdom on parenting, practical tips, homeschooling through a crisis and so much more that we decided to break it up into 2 parts! Make sure to check Jack out on Instagram @daddyhomeschools, his YouTube channel and his Daddyhomeschools podcast.
We were delighted to have single-parent and homeschooling Dad Jack Stewart back on the show! Jack shares so much wisdom on parenting, practical tips, homeschooling through a crisis and so much more that we decided to break it up into 2 parts! Make sure to check Jack out on Instagram @daddyhomeschools, his YouTube channel and his Daddyhomeschools podcast.
In this weeks episode we talk all about our beloved book club for kids. We talk about why we started the bookclub and how we execute it. Make sure to check out our stories on Instagram (@setting.the.spark.podcast) for pictures from each event!
As homeschool parents, we often get the comment, "oh I could never do that! I don't have the patience!". In this weeks episode, we discuss the nitty gritty when it comes to what it looks like to have patience as a parent as well as how to help our kids in this area.
Like what you're hearing? Make sure you go and leave us a 5 star review! It helps others in the community to find us and spread the homeschool love. Also, make sure to follow us on Instagram @setting.the.spark.podcast and check us out online at www.settingthespark.com.
We can’t believe we are already at the end of season TWO of this podcast! For our season finale we thought it’d be fun to discuss some common misconceptions people have of homeschooling and give our take on the issues. Continue to follow us on Instagram @setting.the.spark.podcast and make sure to SUBSCRIBE so you’re first to know when we begin season 3!
Resources mentioned:
Harvard Article
Socialization podcast episode
Traditional school to homeschool podcast episode
The Brave Learner
Hlsda.org
Whether you’re an avid poetry reader or feel intimated at the mere mention of the word, this episode is for you! British mama of 4 Leah Boden talks with us about how to make poetry accessible (for you and your kids!), why it’s important to add to your homeschool, and some of her favorite poetry resources for adults and kids alike! We may be biased but we think this is just a delightful episode and will uplift your mood and your day! Make sure to check Leah out online at www.leahboden.com as well as on Instagram (@leahvboden and @modernmissmason).
Resources mentioned:
Child’s garden of verses
A A Milne
Emily Dickinson
Christina Rosetti
Content not appropriate for Children Greta Eskridge is one of our ultimate mom-heroes, so getting to talk to her was such a privilege. Greta has such a heart for protecting today's children from the evils of pornography and we learned so much from her. In the episode, Greta explains why pornography use is so harmful while empowering us parents in how to fight back and protect our kids. From conversation starters, to books, to words of encouragement, this is a must listen for all parents! Make sure to find Greta online at www.gretaeskridge.com and follow her on instagram to check out her Fight Porn highlights at @maandpamodern.
Resources:
Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr.
Good Pictures Bad Pictures
How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography
Fight the New Drug
Exodus Cry
We were thrilled to have unschooling mom Audrey Albright back on the show talking about how different types of technology enhances her homeschool. From apps and websites to video games and podcasts, it’s a great episode!
Resources:
YouTube
Abc mouse
PBS kids
Teach your monster to read
Prodigy
Minecraft
Earth Rangers
Wow in the world
Stop motion studio
Barbie Website
The Waldock Way has become synonymous in the homeschool community with unit study curriculums like Passport to Adventures" and "Waldock's Wizards and Wands” and we were thrilled to talk to Jessica about all of it! This episode is packed FULL of so much homeschool goodness. From unit studies, morning baskets, and strewing, to educational board games (gameschooling), and quality family time, Jessica Waldock covers it all! Make sure to check her out on IG at @thewalkdockway, her blog (www.thewaldockway.com), and her YouTube channel.
In this weeks episode, we chat with Bestowing the Brush host Dallas Nachtigall about how she uses painting and art in her homeschool. Dallas shares how she gets her kids involved and how art has truly become a form of mother culture in her Charlotte Mason homeschool. Make sure to check her out on Instagram (@bestowingthebrush), her podcast, and her YouTube channel!
Chelsea Lanese is the creative mind behind the Let’s Play School products (find all of there stuff at letsplayschoolblog.com and follow her on Instagram at @letsplayschool). We were so excited to talk with Chelsea all about her homeschool style, inspiration, and motherhood. With her energy and infectious personality, Chelsea inspired us to continue on in this journey of loving our families and schooling at home.
Not appropriate for children In this week’s episode we talk with homeschooling mom and medical doctor Dr. Kimberly Mason about the latest developments in the Coronavirus epidemic. We discuss the origins of the virus, steps to take now to protect our community, how the virus appears to affect children and pregnant women, as well as how your homeschool may be impacted (whether you’re a veteran or new to schooling at home). You’ve got this mama- we’re in this together!
Homeschool families come in all different configurations and sizes and today we wanted to take some time to talk about what it looks like to have an only child at home. We explore the beauty and challenges of homeschooling one with boy mom Jillian Graham. It’s a great episode no matter how many kids are in your family!
Mom of three and Charlotte Mason educating Mama Kim Mason sat down with us this week to talk about one of the tenants of a CM education- nature study. Kim shares how nature study differs from simply playing outdoors, as well as how to implement and even create your own nature study curriculum in your homeschool!
Resources:
The Handbook of Nature Study
Exploring Nature with Children
Backyard Bird Song Guide
Merlin Bird App
Star Walk App
A Nature Study Guide
Biology for Every Kid
Nature Anatomy
Play the Forest School Way
Field Trips
Nature Crafts
A Delectable Education episode with John Muir Laws
Sabbath Mood Homeschool
Ambleside Online
We were delighted to talk with Mary Prather of Squilt Music and Homegrown Learners! Mary is a homeschooling mom herself who has made adding music to your homeschool enjoyable, fun, and easy!
SQUILT Music Homegrown Learners Christian Sands (artist) Listen to "Flight of the Bumblebee" Can You Hear It? book and cd
You may remember Christa Thomas from our Importance of the Outdoors episode (if you haven’t listened to it check it out now!). What you may not know is Christa used to teach in both public and private schools. Her sons also attended private and public school for a time. In this episode, Christa shares what it was like for her as a teacher to transition to homeschooling, as well as the (wonderful) difference she’s seen in her sons since bringing them home.
Article Mentioned:
Kindergarten Teachers Speak out for Children’s Happiness
Waldorf Inspired mama Jen Grant is back sharing all of the cozy and wonderful things her family enjoys about winter. Jen gives some great examples of indoor activities for families as well as winter inspired handicrafts to enrich your homeschool day.
Resources Mentioned:
Rat a Tat Cat
Uno
Clue Guess Who
Catan Jr.
Hedbandz Jr.
Lavenders Blue Homeschool
The Artful Year
Earthways
The Brambly Hedge Series- Winter Story
Sun Bread
Owl Moon
Crab Moon
Snack Snooze Skedaddle
In today’s episode we talk with mom of 5 Naomi about how she uses traditions from her childhood with her children today. We also discuss what it’s like working with Spanish speaking homeschoolers and some Spanish resources!
Resources from this episode:
La Edad De Oro by Jose Marti
Pio Peep! Traditional Spanish
Arco Iris de Poesia
De Colores and other Latin American folk songs for children
In Part 2 of our Hero series, we talk with Maria Nelson about the importance of heroes in the lives of children. From stories of fictional heroes or biographies of great men and women in history, we dive into the (sometimes murky) water of learning from those who have gone before us. We also discuss character building books and stories as a part of a living education.
Resources:
Wing Feather Saga
Green Ember Series
Little Britches Series
Understood Betsy
Anne of Green Gables
Chronicles of Narnia
Children's Book of Heroes
Lord of the Rings
The Hobbit
Landmark Biographies
Wind in the Willows
Henry Huggins Series
Your Morning Basket: The Truth About Myth (podcast)
Your Morning Basket: Why Fairy Tales are not Optional (podcast)
In Part 1 of our Hero series, we talk with Maria Nelson about the importance of heroes in the lives of children. From stories of fictional heroes or biographies of great men and women in history, we dive into the (sometimes murky) water of learning from those who have gone before us. We also discuss character building books and stories as a part of a living education.
Resources:
Wing Feather Saga
Green Ember Series
Little Britches Series
Understood Betsy
Anne of Green Gables
Chronicles of Narnia
Children's Book of Heroes
Lord of the Rings
The Hobbit
Landmark Biographies
Wind in the Willows
Henry Huggins Series
Your Morning Basket: The Truth About Myth (podcast)
Your Morning Basket: Why Fairy Tales are not Optional (podcast)
We love homeschooling and marriage so we were so excited when Paula Cutrona came up with the idea to do an episode on how one affects the other. In this episode we discuss so many important topics like practical ways we can use time management to ensure we have energy to put into marriage after a day full of homeschooling, how we communicate to our children the importance of their parents' marriage, our spouses favorite thing about homeschooling, ways that homeschooling can put strain on a marriage and more!
Like what you're hearing? Give us a review! It helps others in the community to find us. Also make sure to check us out on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and online at www.settingthespark.com.
While every unschooling family’s schedule will look differently, Audrey walks us through what a typical rhythm and schedule looks like for her family. Audrey also shares her views on subjects such as math and spelling, and how she approaches child led learning in their home.
Like what you're hearing? Give us a review! It helps others in the community to find us. Also make sure to check us out on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and online at www.settingthespark.com.
It's so normal to have expectations about things- especially of how your homeschool day is going to look. We get so excited and have so much fun planning that it can often be discouraging when our reality doesn't meet with those visions. In this episode, your co-hosts discuss how their expectations have been met or challenged during the beginning of their homeschool journey.
Like what you're hearing? Give us a review! It helps others in the community to find us. Also make sure to check us out on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and online at www.settingthespark.com.
There has been a recent influx in information lately about how important it is to get your kids outside more often. In today’s episode, Christa Thomas goes into more specifics as to why this outdoor time is so important for kids developmentally, socially and physically. She discusses the benefits from a scientific perspective and gives great ideas on to how outdoor time into your routine.
Resources Mentioned:
Vitamin N and Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louve
Peter Gray- Free to Learn
Balanced and Barefoot by Angela Hanscom
When you're doing something you love it is often easy to overlook the signs that you're pushing yourself too hard and working in a way that is not sustainable. In this episode, mother of three, Molly, talks with us about her personal experience with burnout. We explore the signs of impending burnout and how to identify them in your life, ways to prevent burnout, as well as ways to recover. This is a very important and encouraging episode for all parents!
Like what you're hearing? Give us a review! It helps others in the community to find us. Also make sure to check us out on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and online at www.settingthespark.com.
Are you a parent who is interested in homeschooling but not ready to fully commit? Do you know someone who feels like traditional schooling is better for their child but still wants to implement certain homeschool principles or philosophies? In this episode, we talk with curricula researcher and philosophy lover Lauren Litton about the inspiration she has taken from homeschooling resources and applied them to her (currently non-homeschooling) family life.
Resources:
-The Alveary https://charlottemasoninstitute.org/alveary-membership/
-A Gentle Feast (Family-style CM history) https://agentlefeast.com/
-Ambleside Online http://amblesideonline.org/
-Simply Charlotte Mason https://simplycharlottemason.com/
-A Mind in the Light (Blend of classical and CM elements) https://www.amindinthelight.com/
-Mater Amabilis (Catholic) http://materamabilis.org/ma/
-A Modern Charlotte Mason https://a-modern-charlotte-mason.myshopify.com/
-Ani ve Ami (Jewish) http://ani-ve-ami.com/
- Higher Up and Further In http://www.charlottemasonhelp.com/p/free-curriculum.html?m=1
-Wildwood (Secular) https://wildwoodcurriculum.org/
General CM resources:
-CM's own volumes (available in print from Living Books Press, Simply Charlotte Mason, etc.). Available for free online here: http://amblesideonline.org/CM/toc.html -CM Unboxed course from Modern Miss Mason:
https://coursecraft.net/courses/z9Yfe/splash
-CM 101: A Proper Introduction course from Charlotte Mason Soiree
https://app.schoology.com/assignment/1320295131/info
Planning Your CM Homeschool manual from Simply Charlotte Mason
https://simplycharlottemason.com/store/planning-your-charlotte-mason-education/
-A Delectable Education consultation
https://www.adelectableeducation.com/consulting/
-Commonplace Quarterly magazine
https://commonplacequarterly.com/
- Information on starting a CM Community
http://www.charlottemasonincommunity.com/start-a-community.html
-Charlotte Mason’s volumes, especially Home Education and A Philosophy of Education
-Habits book by Deborah Taylor-Hough (available on Amazon), see also “The Outdoor Lives of Children” and “Ideas and Books” by her (These are very short books that summarize one mother’s thoughts and some key quotes from CM)
-The Introverted Mom by Jamie C. Martin
-Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie
-A Delectable Education podcast episode on Charlotte Mason principles for traditional school families
http://www.adelectableeducation.com/2018/04/episode-122-cm-non-homeschoolers/
Lauren's favorite books for parents whose kids are pre-school age:
Charlotte Mason’s Home Education book (covers ages 0-6)
The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson
Jodi Mockabee’s “Whole Families” magazine (out of print, however she said she's working on a new version that will be cheaper and available directly from her so stayed tuned!)
General vision in parenting:
-The Mother by Cardinal Joseph Mindszenty (Catholic perspective).
-The Lifegiving Parent by Sally & Clay Clarkson (Protestant Christian perspective)
-Different by Sally Clarkson (Protestant Christian perspective)
-Wild + Free bundles & podcast (secular perspective)
https://members.bewildandfree.org/
Home Library & Booklist inspiration:
-Reshelving Alexandria booklists
https://reshelvingalexandria.com/
-Read Aloud Revival booklists
https://readaloudrevival.com/
There are lots of parents out there who want to homeschool but feel intimidated by having so many young children at home. Kara Hill is the mom of 3 with one on the way. She's here to share some tips and insight into how she does schools and runs her home with (soon to be) 4 children under 5.
Like what you're hearing? Give us a review! It helps others in the community to find us. Also make sure to check us out on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and online at www.settingthespark.com.
Resources mentioned:
The Miracle Morning
Smitten Kitchen
Minimalist Baker
This is my Home, This is my School
Oh how we love good books around here! Maria Nelson, Charlotte Mason mom of 4, is back this week giving us the low down on some of the best in quality literature for all ages! We had such a great time recording and so much good info we decided to break it into 2 parts! If you haven't had a chance to listen to last weeks episode (part 1) make sure to check it out, too!
Like what you're hearing? Give us a review! It helps others in the community to find us. Also make sure to check us out on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and online at www.settingthespark.com.
Oh how we love good books around here! Maria Nelson, Charlotte Mason mom of 4, is back this week giving us the low down on some of the best in quality literature for all ages! We had such a great time recording and so much good info we decided to break it into 2 parts! Make sure to head back next week for part 2!
Like what you're hearing? Give us a review! It helps others in the community to find us. Also make sure to check us out on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and online at www.settingthespark.com.
As many homeschool parents will attest, homeschooling and parenting go hand in hand and "educator" and "parent" are not two separate roles but often one in the same at any given moment. In this episode we talk with Alisa Wright, Charlotte Mason inspired mom of 3 discusses how Charlotte Mason's philosophies have also influenced her parenting.
Enjoying the podcast? We would love it if you'd leave us a review! It helps others find the podcast and share in the encouragement and community. We'd also love if you followed us on Instagram @setting.the.spark.podcast. We have lots of encouraging posts as well as other great info! Thanks for listening!
There are so many wonderful options available to homeschool parents. Sometimes the sheer amount of good and worthwhile opportunities can feel overwhelming. Have no fear! In today's episode, mom of 2 Paula Cutrona, our resident "Researcher Mom" shares some of her tricks for researching the latest curricula, trends, philosophies, etc. as well as how she's able to determine what works and doesn't work for her family. Lots of great info in this one!
Enjoying the podcast? We would love it if you'd leave us a review! It helps others find the podcast and share in the encouragement and community. We'd also love if you followed us on Instagram @setting.the.spark.podcast. We have lots of encouraging posts as well as other great info! Thanks for listening!
Resources mentioned:
Brave Writer
Keep Calm and Homeschool On
Wild and Free
Toto version of Africa
Dax Shepard version of Africa
Simply Charlotte Mason
A Waldorf Journey
Exploring Nature with Children
Master Books
Gather Round
The Good and the Beautiful
Life of Fred
Wikki Sticks
We are so excited to be back for Season Two! In this first episode we are talking with Audrey Albright about the importance of slowing down her school days and routine. In choosing to intentionally slow down their schedule, we learn the practical ways this has had an impact on her family. As an unschooler, Audrey also discusses unschool co-ops and democratic schools as a way to engage with other unschoolers.
Enjoying the podcast? We would love it if you'd leave us a review! It helps others find the podcast and share in the encouragement and community. We'd also love if you followed us on Instagram @setting.the.spark.podcast. We have lots of encouraging posts as well as other great info! Thanks for listening!
In Season One's season finale, Lorien talks with Ashley Guthas, a classical homeschooling mom about her faith, motherhood, marriage and all things homeschool. We hope you enjoy the episode and tune back in in the Fall of 2019 for Season Two!
Have you ever felt like you had homeschool encouragement to share with other moms? Our guests this week, Maria and Naomi are two homeschool alumna as well as current homeschooling moms who have a passion to pass on this love of learning at home with the next generation of moms. Hear the details and how to's of conference planning as well as a glimpse into their heart behind homeschooling and minority populations and homeschool statistics.
For information on the Home Education Georgia conference:
Follow on instagram at: @homeeducation_ga
On Facebook: Home Education Ga
Email: homeeducationga@gmail.com
Details:
Saturday June 22, 2019
237 Rope Mill Rd. Woodstock, Ga 30188
8:30am-4:00pm. Lunch Provided!
Unschooling graduate and mother Audrey Albright shares how she uses her degree in Art Education in her unschooling of her children as well as the importance of art in homeschool.
Who else is ready for summer?! In this episode, we explore the exciting world of BOAT SCHOOLING! Mom of 2 Lyndy Atkinson shares about her family's experience living and schooling on the open sea, what they do when they dock in port, and some of their favorite adventures.
http://www.homeschoolahoy.com/
In doing research about a Charlotte Mason education (as well as following tons of people on IG) the topic of picture and composer study kept coming up, but I had no idea what that practically looked like. Thankfully, CM mom Kerri Cummings shed some light on what this looks like in her home as well as the importance and "why" behind the practice. Pull up a chair to our table and lets have a chat!
We are back with Part 2 of our Waldorf Deep Dive with Paula Curtrona! Make sure you check out Part 1 for lots of great information and resources.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Children's Book of Heroes
Waldorf 100 Film
Mom of two Paula Cutrona discusses her experience with multiple different tools and educational philosophies and how she has come to Waldorf. Paula shares so much great insight about Waldorf methodologies with older children as well as the developmental psychology behind the Waldorf principles we've broken it up into two episodes! Make sure you join us next week for Part 2!
Resources mentioned:
Waldorf Essentials
Waldorf Education: Celebrating 100 years
Christopherus Homeschool Resources
Stuff Waldorf Kids Say Parody Video
Every parent out there knows what its like to have a bad day, both personally and with your children. In this episode, we chat with Unschooling mom Audrey Albright about ways she combats challenging days and attitudes during their homeschooling. In an episode of solidarity one parent to another, this is an episode that will help you feel a little less alone in your daily struggles!
This was such a fun episode to record! We hope you enjoy getting to know a little bit more about us, your hosts (Lorien and Destiny) in a fun, impromptu round of 20 questions!
Setting the Spark Husbands Joey and Adam were thrilled to chat with full time homeschooling British dad Jack Stewart. Jack shares his wisdom as a second generation homeschooler raising 3 kids in England and what it is like to be a father and the full time home educating parent. Follow along with Jack's homeschool adventures on instagram @daddyhomeschools.
Homeschooling parents can often be intimated by teaching science and math as their children progress in their schooling. Medical Doctor and homeschooling mom of 3, Kim Mason, shares with us the Charlotte Mason approach to science and math and the practical ways she implements this in her family. Kim also gives insight into the use of technology into today's homeschool and some of the ways she utilizes different technologies to suit her family's Charlotte Mason lifestyle. There's lots of goodness and resources in the episode you don't want to miss!
Resources mentioned:
Salsa Spanish Videos
Tommy Smith's Animals
A Bunch of Wild Flowers for Children
Animal Life in Field and Garden
The Mystery of the Periodic Table
Seterra Geography App (full)
Sabbath Mood Homeschool
For the Children's Sake
As homeschooling moms, we often get asked, "but what about socialization?!?". In this episode, you will hear from Lorien, Destiny, and Jen about how they answer that (sometimes dreaded) question, as well as their thoughts behind how our culture views socialization. We also discuss the various ways our homeschooled kids get social time and how we prioritize that. One of the most personal episodes yet as we share some of our own experiences with "socialization".
Find us on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and don't forget to enter our IG challenge for a chance to win a monthly prize! Also check out our website at www.settingthespark.com to learn more about your hosts and our panel of moms along with amazing resources and community connections.
Books mentioned:
The Lifegiving Home
The Lifegiving Table
Different
Girls Club
We couldn't get enough of the globe trotting adventures of world schoolers so we were so excited when another world schooling mom agreed to come on the show! Catherine Olson, mother to four children seven and under, adopts a schooling philosophy that combines unschooling with worldschooling. She and her husband, Gabriel, both struggled with the limiting confines that public education offers. After nearly failing to graduate high school, Catherine discovered the immense possibilities of autonomous learning and went on to earn three bachelor’s degrees in English, Philosophy and Psychology. She operates by Aristotle and Einstein’s philosophy that the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know; and the belief that there is no such thing as a complete education. She has encouraged learning in their family from a very young age, believing that children can’t be prevented from discovery and connecting logic and theory. Worldschooling for Catherine includes taking advantage of every opportunity and absorbing the world with a hands on approach through culture, food, experience, customs and our relationship to all those concepts. With a home base in Utah, their worldschooling journey has taken them through 5 continents, 4 oceans, over 20 countries, countless cities and a myriad of cultures. Follow along with their adventures all over the web at Diapers on a Plane.
Find us on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and don't forget to enter our IG challenge for a chance to win a monthly prize! Also check out our website at www.settingthespark.com to learn more about your hosts and our panel of moms along with amazing resources and community connections.
Homeschooling doesn’t have to break the bank. Join us as unschooling mom Audrey Albright shares her tips and tricks for homeschooling on a budget.
Find us on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and don't forget to enter our IG challenge for a chance to win a monthly prize! Also check out our website at www.settingthespark.com to learn more about your hosts and our panel of moms along with amazing resources and community connections
The Same Page Podcast
Wow in the World
We were so excited to talk to Kaleena Amuchastegui, author of The 5-Hour School Week to learn all about what world schooling looks like for her family. Kaleena shares with us about the major life shift that happened for her and her husband 3 years ago when they both stopped working 50+ hour weeks, pulled their children out of private school, and started traveling the world. Kaleena is engaging and her enthusiasm for travel and adventure is contagious. Make sure you check her book out on Amazon as well as her website/blog http://fivehourschoolweek.com/
For a little bit more about Kaleena, here is her bio:
A self declared “anti homeschool mama” Kaleena left her busy Real Estate career to step into a role she could have never dreamed of! Educating and traveling the globe with her 4 little humans; Maddie 11, Charlotte 9, Isabel 8 and Brax 3 with husband of 12 years Aaron!
Often referred to as a worldschooler, homeschooler or unschooler, Kaleena and her husband simply embrace living their very best lives and learning alongside their children. With the belief that if we want our children to be world changers, they need to actually experience the world. They choose adventures and educational opportunities that expose their entire family to unfamiliar lands and different cultures. Fully believing that learning is a lifelong journey, they find their education in living life together, embracing the uncomfortable and adding important and often skipped over curriculum to their daily studies, such as emotional intelligence and financial literacy.
With the release of their Amazon best selling book The 5 Hour School Week, An Inspirational Guide to Leaving the Classroom to Embrace Learning in a Way You Never Imagined, Kaleena feels inspired to share her journey with parents who already feel the traditional education system is not the right fit. Once feeling trapped and discouraged that the school got the best of her kids and she was was stuck with the “leftovers” Kaleena now finds great joy in slow mornings, beautiful adventures and experiencing life alongside the people she loves most.
The thought of preparing our children for college can often come with a lot of questions and some anxieties. In this episode, we chat with Classical Conversations Director Ashley Guthas about the Challenge Program and all of the college prep that entails. We also learn about how college students compare to the national average when it comes to standardized testing and college acceptance. We also share how any homeschool parent can print out transcripts to send to colleges and other helpful resources to help you prepare for the end of your homeschool journey.
Find us on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and don't forget to enter our IG challenge for a chance to win a monthly prize! Also check out our website at www.settingthespark.com to learn more about your hosts and our panel of moms along with amazing resources and community connections!
While Destiny is away this week, Co-Host Lorien Magnus shares some of her personal background including her experience with mental health as both a client in therapy and then as a therapist. Lorien discusses some of the stigmas of mental health and counseling within motherhood, especially when it comes to post-partum issues. Lorien and husband Joey also discuss the relationship of healthy community in creating a positive support system.
Find us on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and don'tforget to enter our IG challenge for a chance to win a monthly prize! Also check out our website at www.settingthespark.com to learn more about your hosts and our panel of moms along with amazing resources and community connections!
Resources mentioned:
StrengthsFinder 2.0
Girls Club by Sally Clarkson
Life Giving Table by Sally Clarkson
Feelings Wheel
We were so excited to talk to Roadschooling mom Trisha Martinez on this weeks episode. Trisha shares how she and her family do school and life while traveling all over the country in their RV along with some tips for the road and some of their favorite locations so far. This episode is sure to encourage and inspire wisdom all homeschooling moms.
A little about our guest: Trisha Martinez, the daughter of a public and private school educator, swore as a teen she would never be a teacher. In His providence, God had other plans! It didn’t take long for Joe, her husband of 17 years, and Trisha to be convinced that homeschooling was the best way to teach their four children to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. After nine years of home educating, God gave their family a new vision, and opened doors for them to roadschool full time. Now, they travel the United States, seeing places they had only read about before! This past summer, they explored the Lewis and Clark Trail, from St.Louis, MO, all the way to the Pacific Coast. Now, they are planning their next educational adventure. Their goal: to inspire others to embrace the life-long adventure of learning! You can follow along on their adventures by visiting their YouTube Channel and website, both entitled, Doing Life Deliberately.
Find us on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and don'tforget to enter our IG challenge for a chance to win a monthly prize! Also check out our website at www.settingthespark.com to learn more about your hosts and our panel of moms along with amazing resources and community connections!
How to find Trisha:
www.doinglifedeliberately.com
Doing Life Deliberately on YouTube
This week we are talking all things Mother Culture with Charlotte Mason mom Kerri Cummings. Kerri gives us a little background into what led her to Charlotte Mason education as well as what a typical day looks like in her household. In discussing the "laying of the feast" we chat about how important that is for mothers as well and what mother culture looks like in her life with two young kids.
Find us on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and don'tforget to enter our IG challenge for a chance to win a monthly prize! Also check out our website at www.settingthespark.com to learn more about your hosts and our panel of moms along with amazing resources and community connections!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
A Delectable Education
Simply Charlotte Mason
Ambleside Online's Charlotte Mason Series of writings
In this episode we are talking with Waldorf homeschool mom Jen Grant about how she ties in the practice of rhythms into her homeschool day. Jen also shares lots of practical ideas and resources to bring calm,beauty and warmth into your homeschool day.
Find us on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast and don'tforget to enter our IG challenge for a chance to win a monthly prize! Also check out our website at www.settingthespark.com to learn more about your hosts and our panel of moms along with amazing resources and community connections!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Yoga Pretzels
Mindful Kids Cards
Breathe Like a Bear
Earthways: Simple Environmental Activities for Young Children
Tell Me a Story
Brambly Hedge Books
Jan Brett Booklist
Tanglewood Hollow
Wild and Free homeschool community
Peaceful Preschool
Exploring Nature with Children
The cold and rainy winter can bring unique challenges for homeschooling families. In this episode, we talk with unschooling mom of 2 Audrey Albright about some of her favorite cold weather activities and how she continues to set the spark no matter the weather or season. Audrey also discusses some of her favorite resources helping us add to our invaluable list of homeschool books and supplies. Join us at the table and lets have a chat!
Resources mentioned:
How Children Learn, 50th anniversary edition (A Merloyd Lawrence Book) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738220086/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6cwnCbYZMACR7
How Children Fail (Classics in Child Development) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0201484021/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_udwnCbG8N6XJK
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book Of Homeschooling https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738206946/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7dwnCbG6V5A6B http://happinessishereblog.com https://unschoolingmom2mom.com
The Pencil Grip Kwik Stix Solid Tempera Paint, Super Quick Drying, 12 Pack (TPG-602) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013HO4OR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_QfwnCbB9DQ5YW https://artfulparent.com https://tinkerlab.com
In this episode, we talk to Classical Conversations Director and mama of 2, Ashley Guthas about her journey thus far in the world of classical education. We explore the different stages and trivium that are hallmarks of classical education as well as some of the fun ways Ashley implements this style of learning in her home.
In today's episode, co-host Lorien Magnus gives an introduction to the Charlotte Mason educational philosophy. Lorien discusses some of the major tenants of the Charlotte Mason method such as habit training, living books, nature study, short lessons and a couple different CM curriculums. She also discusses how she incorporates some of these practices into her homeschool day. Other topics include the discussion of morning time/a morning basket, ways Lorien is not a CM purist, and lots and lots of discussions of books.
Find us on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast. Don't forget to enter our IG challenge for a chance to win a monthly prize!
Also check out our website at http://settingthespark.com/ for more infomation on the hosts, mom panel, and lots of great resources!
Resources mentioned in this show:
Schole Sisters discussion on living books: Listen to their podcast here
Schole Sisters discussion on twaddle: Listen to their podcast here
Cindy Rollins in The Mason Jar: Find the podcast here
Your Morning Basket podcast: Listen here
A Delectable Education podcast: Listen here
In this weeks episode, we have a homeschool husbands hijack! Joey Magnus and Adam Kosarick (husbands to Lorien and Destiny respectively) talk about their experiences growing up in public school, their initial reactions to homeschooling and how that has shifted to their current perspective and excitment over home education. We hope you enjoy this unique segment and the chance to hear from the other half of our podcast team!
Follow us on instagram @setting.the.spark.podcast.
In today's episode, we have a wonderful introduction to Waldorf methodologies with Jen Grant. Jen walked us through what a day in the life with her two kids looks like as she homeschools from a Waldorf perspective. Jen also provides insight into some of the more "unknown" concepts of Waldorf including celebrations and festivals, toys, and their view of child development and parenting.
Find us on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast. Don't forget to enter our IG challenge for a chance to win a monthly prize!
Resources mentioned:
ABC Poster
Waldorf Alphabet Books
Bellaluna Toys
Welcome to our first episode. We're so glad you're here. In today's episode, we discuss our first homeschooling methodology "unschooling" with experienced mother and second generation unschooler Audrey Albright. We explore some of the misconceptions of unschooling and what a homeschool day looks like in the Albright family.
Find us on instagram at @setting.the.spark.podcast. Don't forget to enter our IG challenge for a chance to win a monthly prize!
Products and books discussed in the show:
Raddish Kids Subscription
The Read Aloud Family
The Read Aloud Handbook
