Keep Calm and Homeschool On: Recent Episodes
Rebecca Spooner
Homeschool help, homeschool resources, homeschool encouragement, homeschool curriculum reviews, parenting advice, Christian encouragement and more from my chaos to yours!
You know the popular saying, Ignorance is bliss ? So often in our lives it is easier to just pretend everything is okay and allow ourselves to be like a rubber dingy in the ocean, tossed around by the waves of what life brings. But this isn t what we were called to. You and I have been called to be rooted, to stand firm, to suit up, and to be on guard. We all talk about spring cleaning our houses, but what about spring cleaning our hearts? As quickly as our kids bedrooms can be destroyed, our perspective can be tainted by the lies we believe and the license we give ourselves to be entitled to our feelings. Come join me for a podcast about taking your thoughts (and feelings) captive and how important it is to be on guard for those little foxes (Song of Solomon 2:14-16).
Easy Time Code GuideGrab your Bible to use along with the episode, if possible00:10 Welcome
01:06 Gather Round Retreat– Rebecca talks about what to expect and how it is an event for the ENTIRE family.
3:50 Intro
5:30 Are you bound?
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. - Galatians 5:1
7:32 How do we begin to recognize and break free from the yoke of slavery that we may be under?
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:32
16:50 Limitations, lies, and fear of rejection
25:30 Standing firm requires effort
26:18 Earthly examples (Making decisions out of fear and anxiety)
- Homeschool
- Vaccinations
- Spooner Vacation
34:15 Obedience trumps convictions
36:05 We don t answer to the world. Base your decisions on obedience to God and not on what others say.
Rebecca mentions this podcast: https://homeschoolon.com/podcast/gather-round/5-confidence/
39:27 Closing prayer
The post #9: Freedom appeared first on Homeschool On.
What are you taking ownership of? We’ve talked about taking our thoughts captive, but what happens when we don’t? Today we’ll be talking about some practical tools to get up and fight and teach our children. If you’ve been speaking “I am, I have, I’m not, I can’t, I don’t . . . ” it’s time to test them against the Word. Are they true? Are they life? If not . . . they’re about to get an eviction notice. This one’s a doozy!
Easy Time Code GuideGrab your Bible to use along with the episode, if possible00:13 Intro to episode3:20 Prayer5:18 Taking ownership of our words6:40 Healing9:09 We can never fathom all the things of God15:15 Continue to ask and believe even when we don t see it17:10 Trust and give it to God17:52 Choosing our words based on what God says and not what the world says (I have, I am, I m not )23:55 What God says about our words:* Proverbs 18:21 * Ephesians 4:29 * Proverbs 12:18 * Matthew 12:36 * Proverbs 16:24 * Proverbs 13:3 * John 17:17 * James 3:5 * Psalm 141:3
29:40 We are in a spiritual battle31:40 Equip our children with God s Word for battle33:34 We have to equip ourselves before we can help prepare our children36:40 Rebecca share s a personal story about our son40:22 Speak God s Word* 1 John 4:4 * Philippians 4:8
43:05 Closing thoughts/PrayerThe post #8: Ownership appeared first on Homeschool On.
Today s podcast episode is all about the heart: The power of a heart that has been unraveled and is weak so that He can be strong. Whether you are walking through a season of being undone or just feeling desensitized and not even realizing how hard you have become, God seems to be highlighting to be a recurring theme of the heart. Hear some real stories of the power of compassion and gentleness as Rebecca shares some of her victories and failures, and walk away with hope in the midst of your storm, or a call to action to rise up and engage in the battle that you are most assuredly in whether you are engaging in it or not. Be strong and very courageous, it s time to fight!
Easy Time Code GuideGrab your Bible to use along with the episode, if possible00:25 Intro
1:05 How do I get down to the softness in my heart?
3:25 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
4:10 Love comes from a soft heart
7:15 Point #1 A gentle answer turns away wrath. Proverbs 15:1
17:20 Point #2 When you are in a season of being undone, there is humility. Hebrews 12:6 (discipline) and Romans 2:4 (repentance)
22:22 Point #3 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34 (compassion)
- 23:29 Being undone allows us to relate to others and be compassionate. Jesus was compelled to action because of His love.
- 24:30 Rebecca shares about a difficult season and the power of love and compassion that only comes from God.
28:18 Is God allowing you to experience something because He wants to redeem it in your life? There is victory and life abundantly and God wants to bring you through the battle.
31:50 Prayer
The post #7: Undone appeared first on Homeschool On.
To the overwhelmed…I see you. I see the weight that seems to be pressing in on all sides. I know what it is to feel like you can t breathe, to feel like you are failing on all sides. But I also know that the enemy of your soul wants you to believe it and stay stuck there and that is NOT what God has for you. Even in the midst of the storm, He has peace. Even in the midst of the pressure, He has joy. If you have been feeling crushed, come refocus your perspective so that you can remind yourself of what is true and start walking in victory. Come on and take my hand, and let s walk out of this pit together . . .
Easy Time Code GuideGrab your Bible to use along with the episode, if possible00:05 Intro1:00 What is the definition of overwhelmed?3:23 What does it mean to be overwhelmed? Check out @GatherRoundHomeschool on Instagram for a special post from Rebecca5:39 Signs and symptoms of being overwhelmed* 6:21 Stagnant and not making progress * 7:00 Unable to breathe and restless * 8:09 Chronic anger
9:29 Overwhelmed due to our own emotions15:30 Why are you overwhelmed?20:20 Choose to be in the moment with your family and do what God sets before you to do24:30 Making plans but giving God permission to have His way in our day26:04 How can I respond to being overwhelmed?* 26:53 Remember where we are (John 16:33) * 28:39 Remember who God is (Matt. 19:26) * 29:09 Remember what we have been given (1 John 5:4) * 30:10 Obey God s voice (Deuteronomy 28:1-2) * 31:45 Remember who God is (Isaiah 43:1-21)
36:11 The power of our words40:35 Wrap-up and prayerThe post #6: To the Overwhelmed appeared first on Homeschool On.
Do you struggle with confidence? Do you feel like a wave blown and tossed by the winds of the many different opinions and perspectives that you are faced with? Are you often uncertain or plagued with doubt and insecurity? In this episode, Rebecca shares her life passage and the invitation she feels we have as Christians to rise up and walk in maturity to stop looking to the world for affirmation, confirmation, or qualification, and start learning how to hear God s voice and discern for ourselves. Whether you are insecure about your homeschool decisions, your theology, your marriage, your parenting, or anything else, this one s for you!
Easy Time Code Guide00:20 Intro
1:00 Insecurities, doubt and lies from the enemy
2:50 Rebecca shares her testimony and walk with Jesus in various stages of life
6:14 There s got to be more than this
8:00 Wrestling with who I am and who the world says I am
9:40 How do we walk in confidence in every aspect of our lives?
11:50 Rebecca shares some life verses (1 Timothy 4:12 and Hebrews 5:11-6:1)
14:25 How to grow in confidence #1: Hear His voice and discern
17:00 God delights in using the unexpected
19:50 None of us are without faults
24:00 Don t walk in fear (Pray, read, talk, and grow)
26:47 How to grow in confidence #2: Know who you are in Him
29:09 Rebecca shares a story of how God spoke to her through the story of the tortoise and the hare
31:53 How to grow in confidence #3: Grow roots and stand firm
34:44 God is calling us to rise up
38:00 Prayer
39:20 Rebecca gives some details for the Gather Round Canadian Retreat on Oct. 21-22, 2022 and the US Gather Round Retreat information (April 20-23, 2023). You can find out more details on these and other conventions that Rebecca will be at here.
The post #5: Confidence appeared first on Homeschool On.
Staying soft and flexible despite hurt and disappointment is not easy. It takes intentionality, it takes practice and purpose. Like a shield around us, we put up walls, distance ourselves, or become more rigid and set in our ways determined that we are right and only those who agree with us can stay. In today’s episode, Rebecca shares a picture God gave her of how we can stay soft and flexible even amidst the hurt and disappointment. It is much harder, but it brings freedom. Come sit at the table and let’s talk about it!
Easy Time Code Guide00:40 Intro (Rebecca will share stories and experiences throughout this episode)
1:33 What does stay soft mean?
4:00 Humility is key/learning through parenting
8:25 Confidence in homeschooling
12:45 Staying soft vs. staying flexible
15:20 Repentance is for all of us and should be a regular occurrence
16:45 Stable temperatures
19:53 Warming-up
23:00 In His presence/surrender
25:00 Sealing up the cracks/forgiveness
27:05 Ezekiel 36:26
29:45 Despite attacks, negativity or discouragement stay soft
32:18 Closing prayer
The post #4: Stay Soft appeared first on Homeschool On.
Are you hungry for true community and discipleship in your life or is God laying on your heart the desire to be that for someone else? Let s talk about it–what it can look like, what it definitely does not look like, and what she sees as some of the core problems. God is bringing healing and restoration to His body, and one of the ways He is doing this is through family and community. It is time for the older to teach the younger, for the mothers and fathers to rise up and speak life, and for us to lean on one another as the body of Christ.
Easy Time Code Guide00:15 Intro to the podcast
1:00 What is true discipleship?
2:40 Who can you trust to be a true spiritual mentor?
4:45 The disconnect with true discipleship in the church and community
5:40 The BIG problem
7:00 The early church vs today
8:35 Looking to those in the spotlight
11:00 Examples from the Bible
12:50 What discipleship is NOT
14:50 Rebecca shares a real life example from her childhood (discipleship isn t suppose to be exhausting)
20:40 Discipleship and community are interlinked
22:10 We are called to disciple our children but what happens as they get older? And what about parents with young children?
26:00 The game of life
29:15 God is not finished with you yet
30:30 How do we fix the lack of discipleship and community in our life?
36:25 What does this look like for me?
39:55 Join in prayer together for restoration, healing, and unity in the body of Christ
The post #3: True Discipleship appeared first on Homeschool On.
Join Rebecca in her morning devotions as she shares from Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We’ll be talking about the difference between judgement and condemnation, the problem with extremism in the body of Christ, and how we can walk with discernment rather than judgement, being led by the Holy Spirit rather than our own self-righteousness. This is a dig deep, pull out your Bible, and “search me and know me” kind of episode . . . it ain’t no milk. If you’re hungry for a little bit of “spiritual solid food”, this one’s for you.
Easy Time Code Guide00:39 Intro to this episode (concept of condemnation)
3:28 How can we walk as Christians?
5:54 How can we walk without compromise?
8:11 Romans 8:1
9:35 John 8:1-11 Jesus does not condemn us
11:25 Judgment vs. Condemnation
13:55 Romans 2:4 His kindness leads us to repentance
15:25 Do people see us as following God s example? Do they see love?
17:37 Judgment within our families, friends, or others we may be close to
20:00 The need for close community, discipleship, mentorship
21:15 Speaking into others based on Holy Spirit
24:30 Judge not/Condemn not (Matt. 7:1, Luke 6:37, James 4:12)
27:55 Biblical truths vs what people say (balance)
30:50 God is bigger than we are and that s okay
32:25 When you aren t sure
33:44 Discernment and being rooted in the Bible
37:00 Trusting God to do what only He can do
39:33 Prayer & preview for the next episode
The post #2: No Condemnation appeared first on Homeschool On.
For the first official episode of the brand new podcast Gather ‘Round with Rebecca Spooner we’re talking all about sustainable rhythms! For anyone who knows Rebecca, this may cause you to spit out your coffee in a fit of laughter, she is anything but sustainable. But join her as she shares her struggles, her burnout, her low points, and her failures and the calling God is laying on her heart to slow down and find some peace in the midst of the storms of life. Sometimes you can’t stop the doing life goes on, kids need you, businesses don’t “slow down” when you want them to but like Jesus, we can sleep in the bow of the boat, unconcerned. Like Peter, we can step out onto the water. Or maybe just like the disciples, we can only manage to cry out “Master! Save us!” No matter where we are at in our relationship with God, let’s stop trying to bail out the water on our own strength and take a minute to seek what God has for us instead. Join Rebecca in the midst of her storms and let’s have a tea party on the waves. From practical tips to real life, you’re about to get a front row seat to reality.
Easy Time Code Guide00:50 Intro
1:35 How to navigate these podcast
Real examples from Rebecca s Life
2:55 Rebecca s backstory
3:50 Gather Round beginnings and how things have changed through the years
5:55 Where Rebecca is currently (loss of motivation, follow-through, and excitement for new things)
Distractions
7:20 Seeking out distractions without even realizing it
10:10 Attempts at trying to come up with some sustainable rhythms this year
11:35 The tortoise and the hare
14:00 Approaching burnout
16:40 How do I find joy without drowning in the storms? Expectations vs. Reality
Your Rhythms
18:55 Know your rhythms of life
20:00 Cyclical Rhythms (daily, weekly, seasonal)
21:15 Cyclical Rhythms (Biblical-weekly)
24:45 Cyclical Rhythms (Biblical-yearly)
Time Blocking
27:20 Get all the ideas out of your head
28:50 Realistic time blocking
30:10 The mom hat
32:00 Implementing the basics so we can avoid burnout and find success in the process
35:55 Prayer
The post #1: Sustainable Rhythms appeared first on Homeschool On.
Who is Rebecca Spooner? What is this podcast about? In this intro, hear how Rebecca hopes to use this podcast to talk freely about whatever God is laying on her heart. Come walk alongside Rebecca for encouragement as God uses her journey and imperfections to point everything back to Him.
The post Gather Round with Rebecca Spooner (Intro) appeared first on Homeschool On.
This past week I have been wrestling. Wrestling with my Christian response to everything that is happening right now in our government, in our country, in our province. God, when do I stand, when do I wait? The biggest thing I am personally feeling (and I do believe we all have to go to God […] The post What Should We Do? appeared first on Homeschool On.
Have you ever faced a season in your life where you just feel lost in a sea of mud? Maybe you are facing judgement and condemnation, maybe you are feeling pressured or rejected, maybe you are busy and overwhelmed. Whatever the situation is, the idea of running your race can feel downright daunting. In today’s […] The post #75 Put on Your Blinders… appeared first on Homeschool On.
Today’s episode is all about the tongue. In our reading through the rest of 1 Samuel this week and David’s psalms and praises, I have been so struck by the power of our words. From declaring who God is, to declaring to our soul, to speaking truth, to being for peace… it can be incredibly […] The post #74 The Power of Life and Death appeared first on Homeschool On.
In our Bible reading plan (which you can download for free by the way) we have been reading about David, who was known as being a man after God’s own heart. And it made me ponder why. Why was he called that? Who were the “greats” in the Bible, the fierce women in the Bible, […] The post #73 A Woman After God’s Own Heart appeared first on Homeschool On.
I actually recorded this podcast last week but have been so busy I never got around to posting it. For anyone wanting the most instantaneous podcast updates, I am now posting them first in my free app: Gather ‘Round Homeschool as soon as they are done simply because I don’t have to write a blog […] The post #72 He Is Close appeared first on Homeschool On.
It’s been a long time guys. I’m tired: 3 launches this month and 2 next, online conventions and the insanity of covid-19. I edit, I write, I pray, I homeschool, I don’t cook very often these days so I send Jonathan out to buy food, a lot. Then it starts all over again the next […] The post #71 Why I Think Our View of Education is Broken appeared first on Homeschool On.
Even in the storm, he is good. Even in caronavirus, he is good. Today’s episode is a bit different than some of my others. We talk about the current situation that is impacting everyone everywhere in this completely new way and my thoughts on it. I tie in what I’ve been learning in Job and […] The post #70 And Yet… God is Good appeared first on Homeschool On.
Welcome to our first podcast about our Read Through the Bible in a Year plan! I am fascinated by Genesis. Beginnings are telling, are they not? We get a glimpse not just at a different time period, but of a different set of rules. A set of rules where there was no sickness, where the […] The post #69 Awe and Wonder appeared first on Homeschool On.
Spiritual authority: what does that mean and what does it look like? Do you ever feel tired of praying for something and feeling like your prayers aren’t powerful? Today’s episode is my musings on spiritual authority and what I feel God has taught me about this topic. It isn’t about praying a certain way or […] The post #68 Spiritual Authority appeared first on Homeschool On.
Today I am so incredibly excited to be announcing the release of the completely free chronological bible reading plan that I created. This has been something God laid on my heart a few months ago that I put on the shelf but I have felt really strongly that this is supposed to happen so here it […] The post #67 GODCAST: Read through the Bible with Me appeared first on Homeschool On.
Today I talked about everything, just processing all the changes, all the things I think God is calling me into for this blog, podcast, page, group, etc. and where that all came from. I talk about my testimony, I share my heart for why worldview matters, I talked about my speaking schedule, the plan for […] The post #66 New Direction appeared first on Homeschool On.
I got nothing, no fancy blog post, no fancy pictures. But I figure I can post this episode or I can wait until I have time to blog about it. In today’s episode I interview my 6 year old daughter, and then I finish it off with my thoughts on our interview. If you are […] The post #65 Homeschooling in the Early Years appeared first on Homeschool On.
From the earliest I can remember, I was a “Christian”. The word itself grades on me. I feel like it doesn’t mean what it should mean, I feel like it doesn’t accurately portray my relationship with God. You see, I am not a go to church on Sunday, pray when life is hard, ask God […] The post #64 Godcast: Intimacy with God appeared first on Homeschool On.
Someone, somewhere out there, is going to be offended by my title. And if you are offended by my title, you will MOST definitely be offended by my examples in today’s podcast episode. Addicted to curriculum, something we laugh about and yet something that can have serious damaging effects on our homeschool journey: discontent, lack […] The post #63 Confessions of a Curriculum Junkie appeared first on Homeschool On.
Earlier this week I posted a podcast episode where I promised a mid-week special. It is late, but it is here! Today’s podcast is a Godcast… it’s all about Him. I hardly mention the word homeschooling so I want to make sure that everyone knows I’m going deep and wide today and am not staying […] The post #62 Godcast: Dream and Plod appeared first on Homeschool On.
I am hesitating. It is 9am, hours after my podcast normally goes live and here I sit convincing myself that this one should just sit on the bench. But somewhere along the way, I have learned that it is often these posts, these videos, these podcasts that I don’t want to post, that I doubt… […] The post #61 Homeschool Joy appeared first on Homeschool On.
Unqualified. It’s just a word, but it is also a judgement based on someone’s opinion. What qualifies you to teach your children or walk in your ministry or help anyone with anything? If we are always looking to someone to qualify us, stamp us with their seal of approval, our qualifications are fickle and in […] The post #60 Unqualified appeared first on Homeschool On.
What is a real life homeschool day in your home? If you’re anything like me, it doesn’t mimic the YouTube videos we see with the cutesy little music and the smiling mom with the pristine house. Maybe you are homeschooling crammed around your kitchen table with crumbs on your books, or maybe you are working […] The post # 59 The Real Homeschoolers of North America appeared first on Homeschool On.
True story, I am 100% loading this without writing just to get it up for you guys. I also didn’t really mention any links but I will come back and write a bit before I share it tomorrow socially. In case you come here before I get to that though… this episode is me talking […] The post #58 Being a Homeschooled Child appeared first on Homeschool On.
How did a girl who got married when she was 19, had no college or university degree and greatest desire was to just be a mom and homeschool her kids get where I am today? How did I write books and start writing Bible curriculum? How did I start a blog and grow it to […] The post #57 My Story appeared first on Homeschool On.
It’s like the unspoken thought settling uncomfortably in the back of our heads: the one we push back when our kids hate their school. It’s the elephant in the room when we feel overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated, angry, and disappointed with homeschooling. Everyone talked about it like it was so great, it looks somehow more beautiful […] The post #56 I Thought It Would Be Better appeared first on Homeschool On.
This week I received an e-mail from Lindsey and her question was so good I decided to do a podcast episode about it! Her question was: “You talk a lot about accepting your kids where they are and removing heavy burdens and expectations that they live up to the long list of requirements that public […] The post #55 What I Want My Homeschool To Be… appeared first on Homeschool On.
I am sitting in my trailer, the rain pitter-pattering on the roof and my kids strewn haphazardly on their bunks in our 29′ trailer. There is sand on the floor, all of our clothes are soaked, there’s a weird smell coming from the fridge and we are beyond exhausted… all the signs and symptoms of […] The post #54 The Conversation Episode appeared first on Homeschool On.
I get asked all the time what I do and how I do it. What is my homeschool style? What does a typical day look like? Today’s podcast episode is a glimpse into reality. What happens when you get sick and summer is in full swing and you have a lazy day? How can you […] The post #53 My Homeschool Style appeared first on Homeschool On.
Talking about my marriage isn’t easy for me. It is Monday afternoon, hours after my podcast usually goes live and yet I am hesitating pushing the publish button. Some of the things we are sharing in today’s podcast episode are things we haven’t really shared with even our own families and friends before. As I […] The post #52 The Marriage Episode appeared first on Homeschool On.
I asked what your biggest homeschool challenges were and was inundated with answers! In today's podcast episode I address some of the top ones with some practical solutions... The post #51 Your Homeschool Challenges–My Solutions appeared first on Homeschool On.
Sometimes I feel like my brain is just not organized enough for what I do. There are so many thoughts jumbling around in my head it is difficult to focus on just one thing… for any length of time. After staring at my computer for a good 15 minutes going over ideas for this weeks […] The post #50 The Rabbit Trail Episode appeared first on Homeschool On.
Dear kids, I am tired. Tired of being the bad guy. Tired of pushing you to do what you don’t want to do and trying to convince you why you need to. I get it, I don’t like doing what people tell me either, especially when I don’t understand why. So I’m raising the white […] The post #49 Dear Kids: Your Time is Yours appeared first on Homeschool On.
Homeschooling is so much harder than I ever imagined it could be. Nothing could have prepared me for the amount of stretching and pressing that would occur in this homeschool environment. It is both the most challenging and most rewarding experience of my life–a wild ride. In my line of work I get a TON […] The post #48 The Problem with Homeschooling appeared first on Homeschool On.
Brave Writer is so much more than just a homeschool language arts curriculum, it is a way of life! I’ll never forget the day we stumbled upon one of Julie’s videos. Her words resonated with me deeply, her approach seemed so unique, could it really be that simple? Could I really teach my children the […] The post #47 Brave Writer in a Nutshell appeared first on Homeschool On.
Today’s podcast episode is a little bit different than my regular deal because I invited my hubby to join me. I had so many good ideas for today’s podcast and couldn’t decide so we ended up doing it Q&A style and tackling a few different topics in one episode. This post is your resource for […] The post #46 Homeschooling Q&A appeared first on Homeschool On.
Planning speaking engagements and presentations, writing curriculum and books, blog posts, live videos, responding to comments and emails, creating courses… this is my life. This is what I do into the wee hours of the morning, this is what I do when my kids are sleeping or playing outside. This is what I do instead […] The post #45 Balancing Work and Homeschool appeared first on Homeschool On.
If you follow me on Instagram you have probably heard the melody of change. Something new is on the horizon and I am in the middle of processing what it is and what it looks like. I feel a calling, a stirring deep within, to step out of the shallows of homeschooling into deeper waters. […] The post #44 Can You Homeschool Without Curriculum? appeared first on Homeschool On.
Homeschooling is one of the most challenging journeys I have ever embarked upon. I have been tested and stretched and pulled and tried beyond what I thought I could handle. I have learned that many of my perceived limits only exist in my mind. I have grown as a person. In the midst of the […] The post #43 Why Homeschooling is Worth It appeared first on Homeschool On.
Whining, fussing, crying, and general bad attitudes can be like a pin to the bubble of your homeschool day. No matter how much enthusiasm and planning you bring to the table, if your kids aren’t on board it can pop even the best of plans in no time! Today’s episode is your lifejacket in the […] The post #42 When they Don’t Want to do School appeared first on Homeschool On.
Featuring Julie Bogart from Brave Writer: learn more about her amazing new book, a free 90 page resource PLUS some practical tips to help you go beyond homeschool survival and make homeschooling more than you even imagined it could be! The post #41: More than Homeschool Survival appeared first on Homeschool On.
Have you ever felt angry? Frustrated? Impatient? Irritated? DONE with homeschooling? Parenting is hard enough on its own but with the mounting pressures and responsibilities of homeschooling, it can be a volcano waiting to erupt. Some days are harder than others, some are easier. Sometimes you have a good strong streak and all of a […] The post #40 Dealing with Homeschool Anger appeared first on Homeschool On.
How do I know it’s enough? Should I add more? What if I miss something? What are kids learning at this age? The questions swirl in our minds and instead of walking forward in confidence that we know our children best, we are frozen with insecurity. Homeschool doubt is a real thing and today’s podcast […] The post #39 Dealing with Homeschool Doubt appeared first on Homeschool On.
I have seen the posts: What homeschoolers wish their friends knew, 5 things homeschoolers want you to know, etc. etc. But I have never seen one from a mom to her homeschooled child and that needs to change. I mean, I don’t really care what my friends or acquaintances think but I DO care (a […] The post #38 10 Things Homeschoolers Wish Their Kids Knew appeared first on Homeschool On.
Some days I come to sit at my computer with no agenda. In the past when I didn’t know what to talk about I would walk past my podcast mic. Each week I watched the dust settle and each week the emails trickled in, “Where was I?” This year I am attempting to go for […] The post #37 Real Life Homeschool Chat appeared first on Homeschool On.
Welcome to season 5! I know, it’s been a while, but that is why my very first episode of the season is all about being in a rut. Today’s episode is for the mom who doesn’t feel motivated. Or maybe she feels like her kids aren’t motivated. Whether you are starting off homeschooling for the […] The post #36 When You’re In a Homeschool Rut appeared first on Homeschool On.
I love lists, when I am writing out all the things I need to do and getting my brain on paper. Those lists mean something to me, they have context and a purpose. Spelling lists on the other hand are purposeful boredom. I get the strategy behind them, but let’s face it, if our generation […] The post #35 How We Do Spelling Out of the Box appeared first on Homeschool On.
Homeschool Math curriculum has never ceased to amaze me, both in good and bad ways. There is SO. MUCH. OUT. THERE. At my most recent flip through of homeschool books I even saw a math curriculum built around horses (say what?!?!?! don’t ask me what it was, I don’t remember, but it exists!). I get […] The post #34 What We Are Using for Homeschool Math Curriculum appeared first on Homeschool On.
Truth bomb: not every child learns at the same rate. Individual development, interests, learning challenges, and personality all play in to the pace that learning happens! Society takes the highs and lows of our children’s intelligence and draws an arbitrary line in the middle that is “normal”. But it really isn’t normal for anyone, it’s […] The post #33 When They Are Behind Part 2 appeared first on Homeschool On.
I love fall, I love the start of school, I love the smell of new books and the neatly organized books on the shelves. It is a blank slate of possibilities, another chance to do things differently. And yet this year as I look in my sty of a school room, where books are haphazardly […] The post #32 Help! I’m Not Ready! appeared first on Homeschool On.
Minimalist homeschooling is a term that can have such a range of meaning that we’re going to, for the sake of time and sanity, consider it a rabbit hole. For one person it might mean cutting back for another it might mean using no curriculum at all! There are extremes and endless variances, but that […] The post #31 Minimalist Homeschooling (Part 1) appeared first on Homeschool On.
Homeschooling can be daunting, overwhelming, challenging, and wonderful all at the same time. Sometimes we become so bogged down (especially this time of year) with curriculum that we neglect to plan out how that is going to look in practise. In today’s podcast episode, we dive into your homeschool day. I share 6 practical tips […] The post #30 How to Actually Like Homeschooling appeared first on Homeschool On.
It never ceases to amaze me how we view ourselves through the lens of the labels affixed to us. Over time, perhaps a combination of repetition and acceptance, we limit the scope of who we are. We begin to believe that how we are viewed and described or what we DO defines us. And while […] The post JUST a Homeschool Mom appeared first on Homeschool On.
Have you noticed that people don’t like to talk about their homeschool struggles? It’s like somehow it makes us look weak or not-sufficient or it gives homeschooling a bad name. We all sit in our houses trying to do our best and it can be pretty lonely if you don’t have someone that you can […] The post My Biggest Homeschool Struggle appeared first on Homeschool On.
It’s curriculum buying season and the number one question on everybody’s mind is: “What should I choose?” I talk a lot about curriculum on my blog but today I wanted to specifically address what we need to know and how we can create a brief, big-picture “plan” of our days to help us identify, before […] The post What You Need to Know Before Buying Curriculum appeared first on Homeschool On.
Falling behind… this is a little bit of an undercurrent in the homeschool world. It exists, but it is clearly not talked about. There are supposed to be three camps in homeschooling: the gifted children, the struggling children, and the average children. Clearly the average children are still above average because of the simple fact […] The post When They’re Falling Behind… appeared first on Homeschool On.
Planning is one of my favourite topics to write about because I LOVE LOVE LOVE planning. I love pulling out my planner (together with it’s partner in crime, coffee), the feel of the soft leather in my hands and the weight of all my dreams and vision and goals carried within the pages. I love […] The post Planning Your Homeschool Year appeared first on Homeschool On.
Curious to know the kind of chaos that exists behind the doors of this blog? What does my personal life look like? How do I fit it all in? Well, or starters, you’re going to have a pretty good idea when I introduce my podcast episode with my OLD title instead of my new one. […] The post A Day in the Life of a Blogging Homeschool Mom appeared first on Homeschool On.
Curriculum problems are a real thing. The kind of thing that drives you batty and makes you want to give up homeschooling all together. If you curriculum isn’t working then likely your kids aren’t enjoying homeschooling, you aren’t enjoying homeschooling and it may all stem from one simple change. Before we even begin today’s episode, […] The post When Your Curriculum Isn’t Working… appeared first on Homeschool On.
What’s the deal with pajamas? Or the fact that we only dress up if we are going somewhere? What about our addiction to school supplies or how hard we are on ourselves? In this episode I talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to homeschool life. I’ll share a few […] The post 10 Things Only a Homeschooler Understands appeared first on Homeschool On.
When I was homeschooled, you could pretty much assume that any other homeschooler was a Christian family–it just went along with the territory. However in the past 25 years things look drastically different than they once did. With a large movement of secular homeschoolers joining the ranks (yay!), it can be difficult to find your […] The post 5 Realities of a Modern Day Christian Homeschooler appeared first on Homeschool On.
We are half way through the homeschool year and I am still inundated with emails from people who are unhappy with their curriculum. They feel stuck with something that isn’t working for them or their children. Whether you are looking at homeschooling for the first time or have been doing it for years… curriculum is […] The post Choosing Curriculum that Works appeared first on Homeschool On.
Homeschooling teens can be a huge challenge. Your kids are ready for more of a challenge, their interests and passions become more integral to their performance. They need more sleep and are more interested in getting social and involved. School is very likely the last thing on their minds. So how do you keep your […] The post Motivating Your Teens appeared first on Homeschool On.
Who are we kidding, juggling every aspect of homeschooling and family is one of the biggest challenges we face! If you work from home, it adds a whole new dynamic and another priority you are constantly having to cater to. One of the most common questions I am asked is how I balance it all. […] The post How I Homeschool, Run a Business, Manage my Home and Stay Happy appeared first on Homeschool On.
Being an introvert has never been so prevalent in the forefront of my mind until recently. With the spotlight of the online world drawing attention to the social tendencies of our nature, I have been forced to consider where I fit. I have always rebelled from labels, especially when I feel like we aren’t so […] The post Confessions of an Introverted Homeschool Mom appeared first on Homeschool On.
I don’t have it all together, scratch that… I sometimes downright suck at this whole thing. I have whole season where I SUCK at homeschooling or being fun mom or cleaning the house or making a home-cooked dinner. I am stretched thin you guys and it is apparent in the state of my home if […] The post S2E8: The Imperfect Homeschool appeared first on Homeschool On.
When I tell people I was a homeschooled child, most people are full of questions. The regular world is shocked, because it isn’t something they ever expected. They seem to think that if you were homeschooled, they will be able to pick you out of a crowd. You’ll be weird, socially awkward, different. The homeschool […] The post S2E7: I Was Homeschooled appeared first on Homeschool On.
Homeschooling is never EVER perfect. It is chaotic, messy, fun, frustrating, overwhelming, exciting and outright adventurous every. single. day. There are no two days that are exactly alike and there is no magic formula. There is no perfect curriculum, no perfect routine, no perfect approach. Sometimes we try SO hard to get it all right, […] The post S2E6: 10 Steps to the PERFECT Homeschool Day! appeared first on Homeschool On.
Our homeschool day is kind of like a living organism. I have to tend it, I have to be gentle and careful with it, I have to change and adapt and move with it. I can’t create a one-size-fits-all routine or schedule because it never fits for very long. I don’t have all the answers […] The post S2E5: Our Typical Homeschool Day appeared first on Homeschool On.
I have a confession, I am a curriculum hoarder. Ask my husband, he’s ready to lose his mind over the amount of books I have in my basement. But I have (what I feel is) a valid excuse… I am also a curriculum reviewer. Companies send me curriculum to try with my kids and review […] The post S2E4: What I am using for curriculum this year appeared first on Homeschool On.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, homeschooling is hard! It is, in fact, one of the greatest challenges I have ever faced: more challenging than cleaning my house or doing a huge work project or even changing my husband’s mind (as if THAT were possible). So many mom’s I talk to feel like […] The post S2E3: Homeschool Failures: Turning our Struggles into Wins appeared first on Homeschool On.
Curious to know more about a morning basket? In today’s podcast episode I’ll share with you what a morning basket is, what it can look like and an example of what kind of books I have in mine. The idea is very Charlotte Mason in it’s approach, with reading and discussion being the primary point. It […] The post S2E2: What is a Morning Basket? appeared first on Homeschool On.
I don’t know how I can be such an avid planner in one sense and yet in another be so terrible at sticking with said plans. But I have learned over the years that making no plan at all often gives me permission to do nothing at all. We are much more effective when I […] The post S2E1: Planning Your Homeschool Week appeared first on Homeschool On.
Here’s the truth, we all work so hard to make sure that we “appear” that we have it all together. When we have a friend coming over, we clean our house and have a shower and straighten our hair and put on makeup. By the time company has arrived, we have spent the whole day […] The post S1E8: My Top 10 Mommy Confessions appeared first on Homeschool On.
I’m busy, you’re busy, we’re all just trying to do our darndest to fit everything in. We all want the very best for our children, but let’s face it, we’re really just trying to survive right now! So I approach you from the trenches of survival, I yell across the battlefield of our respective homeschools […] The post S1E7: The Busy Mom’s Math appeared first on Homeschool On.
Unschooling gets a bad rep and it kind of drives me nuts. I am not an unschooler but I love the philosophy behind it and I am working towards finding the freedom and flexibility to adopt this homeschool style. It has the potential to offer our kids so much more of a tailored education, to […] The post S1E6: An Inside Look at Unschooling appeared first on Homeschool On.
Traditional homeschooling is a style of education that closely resembles the school system. In homeschool circles, it is often referred to as “playing school” because you try to mimic the look, feel, and rhythm of a regular school day in your home. It can work wonderfully for some moms and children, but for a good […] The post S1E5: Is Traditional Homeschooling Right for Me? appeared first on Homeschool On.
Join me in a series about the different homeschool styles! In today's podcast we'll talk about the Charlotte Mason Method and what that looks like! The post S1E4: What the Charlotte Mason Method Looks Like in Action appeared first on Homeschool On.
In today’s podcast episode, I managed to drag my (very tired) husband down to my studio in the wee hours of the morning to interview him. Because he was educated in the traditional sense (through the public school) and I was educated at home, trying to blend our styles and preconceived notions about our family […] The post S1E3: Homeschooling from a Dad’s Point of View appeared first on Homeschool On.
Homeschool mom’s wear a lot of hats and trying to get everything done is exhausting and sometimes just entirely out of reach. One of the most common questions I get asked is “How do you do it all?” I realized that people see pictures and videos of us homeschooling, they see my very obvious presence […] The post S1E2: How I Do it All appeared first on Homeschool On.
One of the things that I learned about homeschooling language arts is how we run around doing SO MUCH and yet accomplishing very little. We have a quantity approach and yet I think we need a quality approach. Language Arts is infused into everything we do, every subject we teach, every part of our day. […] The post S1E1: Homeschooling Language Arts appeared first on Homeschool On.