Uncategorized Archives - Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network: Recent Episodes
Uncategorized Archives - Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network
The stories our families watch shape us more than we realize. A great film can spark a conversation about courage, forgiveness, or faith that lingers long after the credits roll—and a careless one can quietly plant ideas we never intended. As a homeschool parent, you already know discipleship doesn’t stop when the school books close. Family media is one more place to be intentional, and the good news is there has never been more genuinely wonderful Christian and family-friendly content to choose from. This guide will help you choose it well, watch it together, and turn movie night into something that draws your family closer—to each other and to the Lord.
Why Family Media Matters More Than You ThinkStories are how human hearts learn. Long before a child can follow a theological argument, they can feel the weight of a hero’s sacrifice or the joy of a prodigal’s return. That’s why the movies and shows your family watches aren’t “just entertainment”—they’re formation. When you choose media with intention, you’re not being restrictive; you’re being a good steward of the imaginations God gave your children. And when you watch together and talk about what you saw, ordinary screen time becomes an open door for the conversations that matter most.
How to Choose Christian and Family-Friendly MoviesDiscernment isn’t about a checklist of “safe” and “unsafe” titles—it’s about learning to ask good questions. Before (and after) you press play, consider:
- What does it love? Every story celebrates something. Does this one honor what your family honors—courage, truth, kindness, faith?
- What does it call good or evil? Notice whether the story’s moral compass points the same direction yours does.
- Is it right for this child? A film that’s perfect for your teen may be too much for your six-year-old.
- Will it spark a conversation worth having? Some of the best films aren’t perfect—they’re the ones that give you something to talk about.
For a deeper look at teaching this skill to your kids, don’t miss Summer Movies and Christian Discernment.
The Best Christian Movies for Your FamilyWhen you want films that openly celebrate faith—stories of redemption, missionaries, biblical accounts, and modern testimonies—start here. We’ve gathered our favorites, with notes on ages and themes, in 50 Best Christian Films for Families and Homeschoolers. It’s the perfect place to find your next meaningful movie night.
Kid-Friendly Movies for Family Movie NightNot every family film has to be overtly Christian to be good, true, and beautiful. Plenty of clean, wonderfully made movies reinforce the values you’re teaching. Our list of 50 Best Kid-Friendly Movies for Family Movie Night is full of options the whole family can enjoy together—no previewing anxiety required.
Make Movie Night MeaningfulThe magic isn’t only in what you watch—it’s in how. A little intention turns a passive evening into a memory and a discipleship moment. Learn how to turn movie night into a faith-building adventure with simple ideas for discussion, themed snacks, and follow-up activities that make the story stick.
Seasonal and Holiday PicksCertain times of year practically beg for a family film. At Christmas, gather everyone for one of our top ten movies for Christmas—a cozy tradition that keeps the season’s true meaning front and center. Watch for our seasonal round-ups throughout the year, from Easter to summer break.
Raising Discerning Media ConsumersYour goal isn’t to shelter your children from every imperfect story forever—it’s to raise adults who can think biblically about everything they watch, long after they leave your home. That happens gradually, through years of watching together, pausing to ask “what do you think about that?”, and modeling your own thoughtful choices. The same wisdom applies to screens of every kind; if technology and screen time are a struggle in your home, our guide to using technology in your homeschool offers practical, grace-filled boundaries.
Beyond Movies: Shows, Books, and AudioMovies are just the beginning. Faith-filled audio dramas, wholesome series, and rich read-aloud stories all shape your family’s imagination in the same way—and they often invite more creativity than a screen does. Mix them in freely, and let great storytelling in every form become part of your family’s culture.
Explore more guides in the Homeschool Help Hub →
🛒 Need curriculum or resources? Shop Christian homeschool books, science, and unit studies from Media Angels.Shop Media Angels →Build a family culture of great stories
New here? Grab our free Christian Homeschool Starter Kit for encouragement and practical help, then tune in to Vintage Homeschool Moms for faith-filled inspiration for your whole family.
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The post Christian Movies and Family Media: A Homeschool Guide appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Technology can feel like both a gift and a battle in the homeschool. Used with intention, it opens doors your family could never walk through otherwise—virtual visits to world-class museums, a patient math helper that never tires, an AI assistant that turns your idea into a lesson in seconds. Used carelessly, it becomes one more thing to manage. This guide is here to help you land firmly in the first camp: to use technology as a tool that serves your homeschool, on your terms and in line with your family’s values.
Below you’ll find a simple way to decide what’s worth using, the best tools sorted by what you actually want to accomplish, an honest look at AI, and practical guardrails for keeping screens in their place.
Should You Use Technology in Your Homeschool?Short answer: yes—thoughtfully. Technology isn’t a replacement for you, the parent who knows your child better than any app ever will. But it is a remarkable force multiplier. The right tool can free you from busywork, meet a struggling learner where they are, and spark curiosity in a child who has decided a subject is “boring.” The goal isn’t more screens; it’s better learning with less friction. You stay the guide—technology just carries some of the load.
How to Choose the Right Tech: A Simple FrameworkBefore you add any app, site, or device to your homeschool, run it through four quick questions:
- Purpose: What specific job is this doing? “Helps my son practice multiplication facts” is a purpose. “It’s educational” is not.
- Age fit: Is it truly right for your child’s stage, or just impressive? Too advanced creates frustration; too young creates boredom.
- Cost vs. value: Free is wonderful, but your time is the real currency. A paid tool that saves you five hours a week may be the best money you spend.
- Screen balance: Does it replace a screen-heavy activity or add to one? Aim for tech that earns its screen time.
If a tool passes all four, it’s a keeper. If it stumbles on even one, it can probably wait.
The Best Homeschool Tech Tools, by PurposeInstead of a giant list of apps, here is what works—organized by what you are trying to get done.
Planning & OrganizationThe fastest win technology offers most homeschool parents is simply getting organized. Digital planners, shared calendars, and visual boards keep everyone on the same page. A free tool like Padlet is perfect for mapping out a week, a unit, or a whole season—see how in Design Your Summer with Padlet, or build a simple progress tracker your kids can own.
Reading, Writing & Language ArtsScreens can make the mechanical parts of language arts genuinely fun. Vocabulary sticks better through play—these free online vocabulary games are a favorite—and reluctant writers often light up when they get to write their own choose-your-own-adventure story.
Math, Logic & Life SkillsGames are one of the best-kept secrets in homeschool math. Real-world skills like budgeting and trade come alive when kids learn economics through online games, and a well-made interactive game can teach logic and consequences without a worksheet in sight.
Science, History & Virtual Field TripsThis is where technology truly shines: you can take your children places a field-trip budget never could. Wander world-class museums and landmarks through Google Arts and Culture, or turn a history lesson into a hands-on project by creating a custom map.
Creativity & DesignGive a child the right creative tool and watch them work harder than any assignment could make them. Kids can design, film, and share—like putting together a video book recommendation—building real communication and digital-literacy skills along the way.
Games That Actually TeachNot all screen time is created equal. Purposeful games reinforce real learning while feeling like a reward. Build a trivia game to review any subject, or gather everyone for fun group games you can play online.
Using AI as a Homeschool HelperArtificial intelligence is the biggest shift to hit home education in years, and it is worth approaching with both openness and wisdom. Used well, an AI assistant can draft a custom spelling list, explain a tricky concept three different ways, generate discussion questions for a novel, or plan a unit study in minutes—handing you back hours each week.
The key is to keep AI in the helper seat, never the teacher seat, and to always review what it produces. For a grounded, values-first way to bring it into your home, start with A Sane Approach to AI in Your Homeschool. Then try something practical and low-stakes, like letting your kids use AI to plan a family trip—a surprisingly rich lesson in research, budgeting, and asking good questions.
Screen Time & Healthy BoundariesNone of this works without guardrails. Technology should serve your family’s rhythm, not run it. A few principles keep screens in their proper place:
- Purpose before pixels. Screens come on for a reason and go off when the reason is done.
- Create before you consume. Favor tools that let kids make something over ones that only entertain.
- Keep it in the open. Shared spaces and open conversations do more for online safety than any filter.
- Protect the analog. Real books, outdoor time, and face-to-face conversation are still the foundation—technology is the accent, not the meal.
Technology by Age and StageWhat is wise at sixteen isn’t wise at six. In the early years, keep tech minimal and hands-on—short, purposeful, and always alongside you. In the elementary and middle years, introduce creative and skill-building tools plus supervised research. By high school, technology becomes essential preparation for college and career. If you are teaching teens, our Homeschool High School podcast digs into using tech well for transcripts, college prep, and beyond.
Getting Started: A One-Week Plan1. Day 1: Pick one pain point—planning, a struggling subject, or a bored kid. 2. Day 2: Choose a single tool from this guide that targets it. Just one. 3. Day 3–4: Try it together, low-pressure. Watch what works. 4. Day 5: Keep it, tweak it, or drop it—no guilt either way.
Add tools one at a time, and technology stays a help instead of becoming a to-do list.
Fun Tech Projects to Try This WeekWant a ready-made way to dive in? Our Summer Tech Challenge series is a collection of simple, screen-smart projects the whole family can do together:
- Plan a trip with AI
- Create a trivia game
- Explore Google Arts & Culture
- Design your week with Padlet
- Make a custom map
- Write a choose-your-own-adventure story
- Film a video recommendation
Related reading: Screens aren’t only for lessons—see our guide to Christian movies and family media for choosing what your family watches with wisdom.
Explore more guides in the Homeschool Help Hub →
🛒 Need curriculum or resources? Shop Christian homeschool books, science, and unit studies from Media Angels.Shop Media Angels →Bring more confident tech into your homeschool
New here? Grab our free Christian Homeschool Starter Kit for practical help and encouragement, then subscribe to Homeschooling with Technology for fresh, faith-friendly tech tips every week.
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The post How to Use Technology in Your Homeschool: Tools, Apps, and AI appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
378: Summer Tech Challenge #5 – Design Your Summer with PadletSummer is the perfect time to experiment with new technology without the pressure of a full school schedule. In this fifth installment of the Summer Tech Challenge, Meryl introduces one of her favorite educational tools: Padlet.
Whether you want to plan summer adventures, organize projects, create a travel journal, or build a digital portfolio, Padlet offers an easy and flexible way to collect ideas, photos, videos, documents, and more in one place.
This week’s challenge is simple: create a Padlet and discover how it could become one of your favorite tools for homeschooling.
In this episode* Why summer is a great time to explore new technology * What Padlet is and why it’s one of Meryl’s favorite educational tools * How Padlet works as a collaborative digital bulletin board * Ideas for creating a summer activity brainstorming board * Using Kanban boards to organize projects and tasks * Creating a visual travel journal or photo collection * Using Padlet as a digital student portfolio * How to get started with Padlet’s templates, Gallery, and Learn section * Tips for collaborating with family members or homeschool groups
This Week’s ChallengeCreate a free Padlet and use it to document or plan part of your summer. Some ideas include:
- Brainstorm summer activities
- Organize a family project
- Create a vacation photo board
- Track books you’ve read
- Build a simple digital portfolio
- Plan goals or hobbies for the rest of the summer
Then share a screenshot or describe what you created on one of FundaFunda Academy’s social media posts about this episode for a chance to win.
GiveawayEach week, one participant will be randomly selected to win a FundaFunda Academy Unit Study of their choice.
At the end of the Summer Tech Challenge, one grand prize winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
Resources Mentioned* Padlet – https://padlet.com * Padlet Learn – https://padlet.com/learn * Padlet Gallery – https://padlet.com/gallery
Entering 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.
Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!
The post Summer Tech Challenge # 5: Design Your Summer appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
374: Summer Tech Challenge #1: AI Trip PlanningThis summer, Homeschooling with Technology is launching a fun nine-week Summer Tech Challenge designed to help homeschool families explore technology together. Each Wednesday in June and July, you’ll receive a short challenge focused on building practical tech skills through hands-on activities.
The first challenge explores AI-powered trip planning. Families will use multiple AI tools to create and compare travel itineraries while developing research, critical thinking, evaluation, geography, and digital literacy skills.
The ChallengeStep 1: Choose a Trip ThemeSelect a travel theme that interests your family, such as:
- Tennessee history road trip
- Civil War sites
- National Parks Adventure
- STEM attractions tour
- Budget family getaway
- International dream vacation
- Food-focused travel experience
Step 2: Use at Least Three AI ToolsPossible tools include:
- ChatGPT
- Gemini
- Perplexity
- Claude
- Copilot
- Google Maps AI features
Create a detailed prompt that includes:
- Destination or theme
- Length of trip
- Number of travelers
- Ages of children
- Budget
- Starting location
Example:
“Plan a three-day Tennessee history-themed family trip for a family of four with two teens and a budget under $600 starting in Nashville.”
Step 3: Verify the ResultsCheck:
- Travel times and distances
- Attraction operating status
- Admission prices
- Route feasibility
- Accuracy of recommendations
Also conduct your own Google search to see whether you can discover attractions or ideas the AI tools missed.
Step 4: Compare the ResultsDiscuss:
- Which AI created the best itinerary?
- Which provided the most unique recommendations?
- Which stayed closest to budget?
- Which made mistakes or hallucinated information?
- Which best matched your chosen theme?
- Did your own research uncover better options?
How to EnterShare something you learned from the challenge, such as:
- Your favorite recommendation
- Which AI tool performed best
- A surprising discovery
- A screenshot of your results
Submit entries by:
- Commenting on the related Instagram or Facebook post
- Posting your own social media post and tagging @FundaFundaEducation
- Posting in one of the Facebook groups:
- Homeschooling with Technology
- Homeschooling Middle School
- Homeschooling College-Bound Teens
- Emailing meryl@fundafunda.com if you do not use social media to share it for you.
PrizesWeekly Prize
- One winner each week receives a FundaFunda Academy unit study of their choice.
Grand Prize
- One participant will win a $50 Amazon gift card at the end of the summer.
Resources* Sponsor: FundaFunda Academy * Instagram: @fundafundaeducation * Facebook: FundaFundaEducation
Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!
The post Summer Tech Challenge #1: AI Trip Planning appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
372: 4 Digital Tasks Before Summer Break: Homeschool Digital Organization TipsBefore summer break begins, take time to organize the digital side of your homeschool life. In this episode, Meryl shares four important homeschool digital organization tasks that can save time, reduce stress, and help you keep better records for high school, college applications, and family memories. Learn how to track activities and volunteer hours, organize student work, digitize physical projects, and create shared summer calendars that keep the whole family coordinated.
Topics Covered1. Create a Master Activities SpreadsheetKeep track of:
- Volunteer hours
- Camps and training programs
- Contests and competitions
- Awards and achievements
- Extracurricular activities
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Books read independently
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Organize Student Digital WorkUse tools like:
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Google Drive
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Shared folders
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Digitize Physical Projects and Handwritten WorkIdeas include:
-
Photographing projects
- Uploading files into digital portfolios
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Using tools such as:
- Padlet
- Seesaw
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Set Up a Shared Summer CalendarUse a shared digital calendar to coordinate:
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Camps
- Sleepovers
- Appointments
- Sports practices
- Family transportation
- College student schedules
Shared calendars can help reduce confusion and make summer logistics much easier for the whole family.
Summer Podcast Challenge Series AnnouncementThis summer, the podcast will feature short weekly tech challenges designed for homeschool families. Each challenge will:
- Take approximately 30–60 minutes
- Introduce useful digital tools or skills
- Include a way to participate online
Listeners can share completed projects on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win:
- A FundaFunda Academy unit study each week
- A grand prize $50 Amazon gift card at the end of summer
If you use any of these ideas, come join the conversation in the Homeschooling with Technology Community on Facebook and let us know which ones your family enjoyed most!
Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!
The post 4 Digital Tasks Before Summer Break appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Jumpstart Your Enocrine SystemIn this podcast, Sue will talk about jump starting the endocrine system. Join her as she talks about what the endocrine system is, what it does and how it works. We are exposed to different things that our body doesn’t like and the endocrine system is supposed to be the response system. Sue talks about what you can do if there is stress in your life that may be compromising your health.
Homeopathy for Mommies is part of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network, where homeschool families find practical help, encouragement, and trusted resources for everyday life. From natural health and parenting to homeschooling tips and high school guidance, UHPN brings together podcasts designed to support families in every stage of the homeschool journey.
CLICK HERE to purchase the Endocrine Diet Plan Sue talked about in the podcast.
Get the show handout by clicking the image below:
Disclaimer:
This audio is for educational purposes and is not intended in any way to be a replacement for, or as a substitute to qualified medical advice. If you think you are suffering from a medical condition consult your doctor or other qualified persons.
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.
The post Special Replay: Jump Start Your Endocrine System with Homeopathy appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Hey, homeschoolers! If you’ve been discouraged lately, know that I can relate. I’ve been through a season that has diminished my courage to keep podcasting, writing, and building relationships. I went through similar seasons while homeschooling.
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Sponsor: NIV Application BibleThere are three lies the enemy tells us that can deflate us and three responses that can get us homeschooling courageously again. Before I share them I want to thank the NIV Application Bible for sponsoring the podcast.
I am taking the three lies from a biblical account that is well known to you if you’re familiar with Scripture. In Luke 4:1-12, we read that Jesus fasted for 40 days and was hungry. Hungry seems like an understatement, but I like the word for our purposes. We are often hungry for things in our homeschooling: hungry for order and organization, hungry for our children’s hearts to be turned toward us and the Lord, hungry for our husbands to be our partners in every sense of the word. We can be hungry for so many other desires that have gone unsatisfied–a return to health for us or our family members, financial provision, healing in relationships.
Lie #1: There is no help.When we are hungry, the devil comes calling. To Jesus, the devil said, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” I’ve read excellent theological commentaries on this statement, but when the devil tempts me this way, he is saying, “There is no help. Meet this need yourself. God hasn’t provided and He won’t. It’s time for you to do something.” And with my classic “If it is to be, it’s up to me” attitude, that’s what I so often do.
I research. I consult. I buy books, courses, supplements. And when I remain hungry, I spend even more time trying to find the answer to my need. Never mind the fact that most of the time the food that will fill this aching need of mine is not what I’m shopping for. The food that fills me comes from the Lord often unexpectedly, subtley, gradually.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with looking for the equivalent of bread when we’re hungry, Jesus tells the devil that we need more than what’s available in this world to live. In fact, it’s been when I have stopped trying to fill my own gnawing need that it seems my needs are attended to as they were for Jesus.
The devil says to us: “Meet your own need because God won’t.” Our response can be to repeat to ourselves Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
A book that has helped me so much in waiting on the Lord is Hind Feet for High Places. I have read a chapter a day and it feels like I am journeying with the main character Much-Afraid every step of the way.
Lie #2: There is no Holy One.When we are in a discouraging season, the devil comes back with lie number 2. There is no Holy One. The devil shows Jesus the kingdoms of the world and says, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” In this, the devil shares a partial truth. The Bible calls him the prince of this world with some power and control. That is true.
In times of vulnerability, we can start to believe that he’s the ultimate authority. Worldly steps to success may seem better than waiting on God to meet our family’s needs in homeschooling or our personal needs. The worldly way can seem like a sure thing–Door #1 that’s open to reveal what’s inside versus Door #3 that holds an unknown future.
Most of us when tempted in this way don’t become atheists. Instead, we make some compromises. We give a little here and a little there because maybe God isn’t as good as we thought. That’s why Jesus’ response is so powerful. He says, ““It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”
I pray most days for a nation using the Operation World app. One of the most common descriptions of a nation with a church in crisis is that its believers have mixed aspects of their pagan religion into their theology. Whenever I’m tempted to judge, I realize how well this describes our own culture. We can compromise and justify a little bit every day until we are nearly indistinguishable from our unbelieving neighbors.
When the devil says, “There is no Holy One,” we can answer with 1 Samuel 2:2: “There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.” Although the devil has some power, he is certainly not holy. If you need a reminder of that and you’ve been off the grid for a long time, read the news for just one day. Otherwise, I advise reading a Christian hero’s biography. One of my favorites is If I Perish by Esther Kim.
Lie #3: There is no hope.For the final temptation the devil took Jesus to the top of the temple. He said, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here…” Because the devil also tells him that God and the angels will protect Him if He jumps, I didn’t realize that he was suggesting Jesus kill himself. This is the final lie the devil tells us in a season of discouragement: There is no hope.
Hopelessness is not just a symptom of depression but a warning sign that the depression is severe. We are more likely to be hopeless when we have tried to help ourselves and we have tried worldly prescriptions for getting what we need to no avail. Jesus hadn’t bought the devil’s first two lies and so answered with more truth: ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’
As discouraged believers we don’t put God to the test by jumping off a tall building, but we might be giving Him ultimatums: If this tutor doesn’t help; if my husband doesn’t get this job; if this medication doesn’t work… The unspoken end to that sentence is I am giving up hope.
When we are tempted by this lie, we can say Romans 5:5: “…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Why would our loving God who lives in our hearts disappoint us? When I am wondering why God isn’t giving me what I ask, I remember Matthew 7:11, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” The only reasons we refuse to give gifts to our children is because the thing they’ve asked for is not good or we have something better in mind.
When we are tempted to give up hope, we can list the unanswered prayers we are grateful for. This current prayer of ours may one day be added to the list. As we wait, we can know for certain that God will either answer our prayer as requested or He will give us the grace to accept His will. I love the song “Sometimes He Calms the Storm” for reassurance of this.
ConclusionIn conclusion, I want to point out that Luke Chapter 4 begins this way: “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil.” If you’re in a season of temptation to discouragement and you’ve been tempted with the lies of there is no help, Holy One, or hope, it is not punishment but preparation. You cannot guide your children through a similar season if you have not been in the wilderness. You cannot mentor other homeschool moms in the future as I am now doing if you have not been in the wilderness. I don’t think we can even fully serve God if we have not been in the wildnerness. Another favorite book I want to commend to you for this season is Sidetracked in the Wilderness by Michael Wells.
If this podcast encouraged you, please share it with others. Have a happy homeschool week!
The post Homeschooling Through A Season Of Discouragement appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
This is a replay of episode 187. Go to that episode for the show notes.
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Show Notes: LifeSkills101 Podcast – “Teaching Strategies for Kids Who Don’t Like to Read or Write”This episode addresses a common challenge: teaching kids who resist reading and writing. We explore strategies to engage these learners and foster a love for literacy.
First, understand each child’s interests.Use these topics to spark their curiosity in reading and writing. Tailored content can transform reluctance into eagerness.
Introduce a variety of formats.Comics, graphic novels, and audiobooks offer alternative pathways to literacy. They make reading more accessible and enjoyable.
Incorporate technology.Apps and interactive ebooks can make reading and writing more engaging. Technology bridges the gap for reluctant learners.
Create a comfortable reading environment.A cozy corner with a selection of books invites exploration. Make this space inviting and stress-free.
Encourage reading and writing in daily activities.Grocery lists, menus, and simple letters incorporate literacy into everyday life. These practical experiences show the value of reading and writing.
Use games to teach literacy skills.Board games, word games, and online games can improve vocabulary and spelling. Learning through play is effective and fun.
Set aside dedicated time for reading and writing.Regular practice helps improve skills and confidence. Make this time flexible and pressure-free.
Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Recognition boosts motivation and self-esteem. Celebrate every step forward in their literacy journey.
Incorporate storytelling into your teaching. Encourage kids to create their own stories. This activity builds writing skills and unleashes creativity.
Lastly, be patient and persistent.Progress may be slow, but with consistent support, kids can develop a love for literacy.
To conclude, teaching kids who don’t like to read or write requires creativity and patience. By making literacy relevant, engaging, and fun, we can open doors to a world of knowledge and imagination.
Join us next time on LifeSkills101 for more educational insights and strategies. Together, we can overcome challenges and inspire a love for learning in all children.
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.
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VA 411 Podcast – Trailer: Launching and Growing a Virtual Assistant Business Amid Homemaking, Homeschooling, and Motherhood (Highlight Reel)Hey there! I’m Gina Steffy and I’m Jenn Hamrick, and we’re thrilled to welcome you to the trailer episode of the VA 411 Podcast. We’ll share our stories, how we got into virtual assistance, and how we’ve balanced work with being homemakers, homeschoolers, and mothers.
Show Notes for VA 411:In this episode, we want to give you a taste of what’s to come on the VA 411 Podcast. We focus on helping folks interested in being successful VAs while managing home life. We’ll share practical tips, and stories, and invite experts to shed light on launching and growing a VA business.
Key Points Covered:1. Meet Gina and Jenn: We’ll share our personal journeys and how we got into the VA industry.
2. Our Podcast’s Vision: We aim to help you navigate the world of virtual assistance while handling household responsibilities.
3. Balancing Act: We’ll talk about the challenges and rewards of juggling a VA business with family life.
4. What’s Coming: Expect episodes on setting up a home office, time management, getting clients, tools for VAs, and more.
5. Guest Speakers: We’ve got an awesome lineup of experts lined up to share their insights.
Thinking About Becoming a Virtual Assistant?We’re so excited for this journey and can’t wait for you to join us on upcoming episodes! Stay tuned for advice, inspiration, and support if you’re keen on virtual assistance while managing a bustling household.
Call to Action:
If you’re keen, share the podcast with others interested in starting or growing a VA business while handling homemaking, homeschooling, and motherhood.
Be sure to visit us for your free resource at VirtualAssistant411.com
Check Out These Podcasts on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network:* Is a Virtual Assistant Business Right for a Homeschool Mom? * 3 Tips to Develop a Wholehearted Business Mindset * How to Stop the Hustle and Find Your Purpose
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Introduction: In this episode, we’re addressing a common challenge among homeschoolers: homeschooling strong-willed children. While strong-willed kids have potential to be world changers, homeschooling them can be overwhelming. Tune in to discover three key strategies to maintain your sanity while homeschooling strong-willed kids. Watch on YouTube This episode is sponsored by the Route 60 movie. […]
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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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Raising a special needs child brings its own unique set of challenges, and teaching them at home can seem daunting. However, science doesn’t have to be one of them. With a little creativity, patience, and a few helpful tips, you can successfully make science learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both you and your child. In this article, you will learn about the tips and ideas for teaching science to a special needs child at home, including how to make the subject accessible and engaging, how to tailor activities to your child’s specific needs, and how to make the learning fun. With these simple strategies, you can help foster a lifelong love of science in your special needs child.
Science and Special Needs ChildrenBy Felice Gerwitz
Are you interested in action, adventure, mystery, intrigue, and discovery? Well, science contains all these elements and many more! I can just see you shaking your head in denial. Yes, I am using those adjectives in the same breath as science… and adding the word “Special Needs” to the mix. Very few people know my oldest child had some serious learning difficulties, and no matter what I used, he didn’t seem to grasp the concepts.
A Diagnosis of Special NeedsI had never planned to homeschool my child. I was an educator who had taken a break, or so I thought, to raise my children until they entered school. Well, all of that changed when I began to notice that my precious baby was delayed in so many of the normal milestones. I didn’t receive a diagnosis until he was four years old, and when I did, it hit me with a ton of bricks. My child had a form of Downs Syndrome, Trisomy 21. This abnormality was little know in the day, and what I do know now is that he is very high functioning with an IQ at the norm.
Still, the books for our first year of homeschooling did not measure up. My child was having difficulty with some of the books. He just wasn’t showing the same enthusiasm he did when we went to the library and checked out non-fiction books. I also noticed strange things, such as the fact that he couldn’t wait until a rainstorm ended.
You see, we live in Florida in an area once known as the Cypress Slough. [Translation for those of you not from this area it floods during the summer rainy season!] Both of my two older children loved to wear big rubber boots and carry their treasures in a red wagon, which they towed along. They asked so many questions, such as, “Mom, what do frogs eat?” Or “Mom, how can you identify a poisonous snake is it red on black or black on red?” Yikes! It’s time to get out the books.
If they found new pets, they spent more time researching and categorizing, and learning than I could ever get them to do with my hand-picked curriculum.
Seeking the Lord for Direction in Our HomeschoolAs I began to pray, the Lord opened my eyes to see that, gosh, they really like science, and they are doing all this learning on their own with a little encouragement. I could really teach them so much. As an aside here, by planning your curriculum ask the Lord to help you. It is amazing how he will! So, slowly my curriculum began to look a bit different, incorporating many hands-on activities.
Science in Our (Special Needs Sensitive) HomeschoolI believe science is the study of the wonderful world God has given us. You can learn so much with so little. You don’t need expensive lab equipment, to begin with, or even at all. Teaching Science is important for many reasons. It utilizes all of the senses; it encompasses reading, comprehension, writing, spelling, mathematics, history, and critical thinking. Science is not cut and dry. It requires research and hands-on activities.
There is a natural overlapping of subjects if you are doing hands-on science, especially in the younger grades. I found I was covering most of what was “required” for the year just by enjoying Nature Studies. In fact, we covered two years of science in one without realizing how many concepts were included.
Best of all, with science, there is a discovery process that takes place. The child must seek and look for the answers. Special needs children, especially those that enjoy being outdoors, really gravitate to this type of focus.
Science Tip: Enjoy the Outdoors with Your ChildrenA friend of mine owns an equestrian center, and often horses are used with special needs children with great success. Look for those little thoughts of gems in your area and find a place that encourages special needs kids, to attend.
My children both had fun with horses at a young age. Their mother, however (me), is deathly afraid of horses. I did ride a horse once on a nature trail. And I think my children enjoyed the outing more because they could see me on a horse!
Enjoy the outdoors with your family. If you live in the city, there are parks you can frequent, small potted plants you can grow easily with very little space, and learn all about the wonders of science from a child’s perspective.
Speaking of Unit StudiesThis tends to happen, especially if you are doing unit studies. You usually tend to delve into a topic in detail much further than you would in a textbook.
If you have considered unit studies yet are concerned about missing something academically for the year, you may want to invest in a scope and sequence, which gives information about what a child should be covering in each grade level. (My book contains a science scope and sequence.)
Learn to Love ScienceNo matter what your approach to teaching science is, I feel most children will love science if given half a chance. I believe half of the battle in homeschooling is attitude. If you love it, they’ll love it if you don’t, well, they won’t either.
Remember that even if you don’t love science, it is a required subject. They have to learn it sometime. I would hate to think that many children would be introduced to it at the high school level without enjoying all the exploration, experimentation, and fascination that can come when they are younger.
Make a promise to teach science this year on a regular basis. I know it’s easier said than done. If needed, make a sign and hang it up, reminding yourself that you made a promise to teach science. Many public school systems are using science and technology schools to lure students into less desirable neighborhoods.
Yet, most public schools spend less than 1 hour per week on science in K-3 and around 3 hours per week in grades 4-6. In surveying a group of my personal friends, I found that most left science out of their elementary curriculum and were more interested in learning the 3-Rs (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic). Many left science for the end if they had extra time. Translated? This means they are not teaching science at all. Who, as a homeschooler, has an abundance of time?
Parents Are Equipped to Teach Science, Especially to Their Special Needs Child at Home Did you know that the number one reason parents put their child back into high school (after playing sports) is that they don’t want to teach or don’t feel qualified to teach high school science? Well, how many parents are qualified to teach reading, spelling, or any of the 3-R’s? Many have said they learned along with their children. Why should teaching science be any different?
I never took High School chemistry or physics in school didn’t learn how to teach it as an educator, yet I was able to teach these topics to my children. Arrange labs with a brave group of her friends!
I have found the resources to help us; that is how it should be for you too. One of the best tools you can give your child is the ability to research questions they have. A high school teacher with the answers isn’t going to follow your child around for life and answer their most pressing questions. And yes, my child has been accepted to a university for further study after high school.
Learn to Schedule and Become OrganizedThis is not a talk on organization, but I have learned that with organization, you will lower the frustration of every member of your family! How do you get organized? It has literally taken me 12 years of homeschooling to learn how to schedule my homeschool/ business/ household chores/, and my husband’s business, and I‘m not done yet! Organizing under construction… Life has gone on much smoother with planning.
Plan on Scheduling Science InHow do you schedule science? a. Once a week? b. Every day c. Every other day. The choice is yours…d.
Never is not an option.
One of the simplest ways to schedule is to take several calendars and look at them. I use two together, first a yearly calendar, as I begin by mapping out the approximate no. On days I plan to do formal school, I use a monthly calendar with holidays and other scheduled events as far in advance as possible. I then coordinate the two, blocking out no school days.
Look at the number of days you plan to school. Look at the curriculum you are planning to use if your book has lessons. You may do one a day, so that’s easy to plan. If your curriculum has chapters try to approximate how long it will take you to complete. One week or two? If you are doing a unit study, the rule of thumb is 6-8 weeks.
Another important part of any schedule is to have a formal daily plan. You do many of the same things daily without thinking about it… yet formalizing it in writing may show you areas with wasted blocks of time.
For example, I found I was doing laundry every day. With five children, that may seem normal, but if we all pitch in and work hard, we can narrow it down to once a week. This leaves free time for other things. If you learn to schedule the entire day (ahead of time), your weeks, months, and years will go so much better. It is amazing how much you will get done, and with that comes a sense of accomplishment and that “YES!” This is the way it should be.
Setting Goals and Establishing Follow ThroughWhy don’t we set goals and follow through? Because it takes work and time we don’t have, it seems insurmountable on the surface. I believe that some people are naturally organized. The Lord has blessed me with many things but skipped the organizational gene. I had to learn the hard way: Or the way many of you have learned. First, I read some books to glean some information: translated (with children), which means a book that should take several days to read and take weeks. Then, you put the book aside, procrastinate for a few months, and when things come to a boiling point you decide to do something about it.
Here are some goals I have made in my science program through the years. 1. Exploring and Discovering: (I tend to say this is for younger children, but if you have never done “science” before, you can start this at any age.) Give them opportunities I gave my 3-year-old bubbles when he took a bath. He soon learned that bubbles only form when he blew gently, then he learned bubbles could be blown again without dipping the wand into the jar by catching another bubble and gently blowing. He learned that bubbles stuck to some surfaces and popped when they encountered another he may not understand the physics of a bubble, but this is the beginning of learning. Slowly you can add some structure as they begin to explore and discover. The key here is to expose them to many opportunities. 2. Learning Concepts: Beginning with the Scientific Method, which is: observation, collecting and classifying, prediction and finding answers, proving a conclusion, evaluating and interpreting findings, and discussing results. 3. Applying Knowledge: The goal is to be able to apply what they have learned in new situations. This can be as simple as using the principles of heat to boil water or as complicated as using the study of carbon dioxide production in yeast to make bread.
Science is Important, Especially for Your Special Needs Child I pray that I’ve convinced you that science is important, and with scheduling, you can find time to include it in your curriculum. Now, how will you keep a record of all the exciting things you will do? You may consider having your children make a record of what they observe or discover.
So, whether you are using a textbook, unit studies, or winging it, there are some ways to make your year really fun and learn in the progress Don’t limit yourself to these ideas. I hope this will spur you on to think of many more ideas!
About Felice GerwitzAuthor and speaker, Felice Gerwitz, is an outside-of-the-box thinker. Her books reflect a love of learning and education with an eye toward retention.
She is a graduate of Florida Southern College and a former teacher with a degree in Elementary Education, Learning Disabilities, and Early Childhood Education. She began Media Angels Publishing in 1994.
Eight of Felice’s titles have been selected by noted book reviewer Cathy Duffy in both her 100-Top and 101-Top Homeschool Curriculum Picks. Her science fair book was selected as book of the month by God’s World Publishing.
There are no coincidences in life, so Felice believes it is by Divine Intervention that she publishes curriculum with a Biblical Creation focus and many other educational products.
Felice owns and podcasts at the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network and the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. Her podcast topics include homeschooling, parenting, spiritual life, and a podcast for aspiring authors and podcasters.
She is an Author-Consultant and sought-after conference speaker. In her spare time, you can find Felice whipping up a batch of cookies, spending time with family and friends, or jetting off to exotic baseball and softball fields to watch her college kids play!
One More Child (Book & Podcast)One More Child follows the author’s struggles following the couple’s decision to have a vasectomy after their first child was diagnosed with Mosaicism, a rare genetic disorder. This decision was not made lightly, but twelve years later, they opted to have a reversal. During the ensuing years, questions poured in from well-meaning friends, especially after three more children were added to their family–such as“How old are you?” and “Why is there such a gap between your children?” Through their example, however, other couples began to rethink their own decisions, and some opted for reversals as well. The author hopes that One More Child will encourage families to consider that “happily ever after” can happen in real life—even with surprising twists and turns. The author hopes that One More Child will encourage families to consider that “happily ever after” can happen in real life—even with surprising twists and turns.
Order the E-Book from Media Angels.
Order the Physical Copy from Amazon.com
Listen to the Podcast on the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.
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Make Your Homeschool Merry | a Helpful Holiday RoundupOne of the best things about homeschooling is the ability to create a family schedule that works in your real life. So, if you’re not homeschooling through the holidays, I hope you spend quality time doing what’s best for your family. If you homeschool through the holidays, I’d love to hear your best tips for staying on top of it all!
This Round-Up is helpful regardless of your plans. To make the most of December, be sure and grab our free December Checklist Printable. It has all.the.goodies.
Okay, here we go!
Helpful Holiday Blog PostsI’ve done the research for you to come up with Christmas or Holiday themed blog posts that will inspire you or encourage you.
- Best Christmas … Ever!
- 12 of the Best Christmas Unit Studies
- Christmas Homeschooling
- How to Homeschool Through the Holidays
- How to Count Christmas Preparation as Life Skills Credit
- The Worst Christmas Ever
- My Christmas Memories
- Christmas Picture Books Your Children Will Love
Holiday Resources for Homeschooling FamiliesHomeschool moms love great resources! Here are some from our own podcasters!
- A Christ-Centered Christmas
- Christmas Memories Unit Study
- Advent Keepsake
Helpful Holiday PodcastsMake yourself a cup of cocoa and dig into this mega list of homeschool holiday podcasts!
- Taking Holiday Photos with Storytelling in Mind
- Great Gifts Kids Can Make
- Christmas Around the World
- Special Replay | Best of HIRL Christmas Series: Jesus vs. Santa
- Faith Comes In Small Packages
- Christmas Countdown To Faith
- A Materialistic Christmas
- Christmas Is Real
- Christmas Blessings
- Last Minute Christmas Gifts
- Celebrate Jesus on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
- Digital Christmas Cards
- Christmas Traditions Under Ten Dollars
- STEM Christmas Gifts
- Christmas Season Ministry – Special Replay
- Grace for Holiday Family Gatherings
- Special Replay: Handling Difficult People During the Holidays
- Holiday Stress – and What We Do About It! – MBFLP 271
- Holidays: Off the Shelf
Holiday Movies for Your FamilyWhile not all Christmas movies, why not use the holiday break to cuddle up on the coach with the family and a bucket of popcorn and dig into these binge-worthy lists of family movies?
- Why We Love Hallmark Christmas Movies
- 25 Movies Families Can Watch Together
- Top 50 Kid Friendly Movies
(Thank you to our Sponsor, 5,000 Blankets) Coming to PureFlix January 9th, 2023)The post Make Your Homeschool Merry | a Helpful Holiday Roundup appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
It’s one thing when you’re homeschooling a child with a chronic illness – sometimes that’s the only way they’ll get an education! But what if Mom’s the one who’s struggling? What if you’re a parent with health issues, but you’re convinced that homeschooling is the best for your kids? How can you manage your days, […]
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What is a Brain Based ? A brain based diagnosis is a broad category of disorders, which can vary in symptoms and can include any condition that affects your brain.
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Off the Shelf: Summer Mom Reads Episode 101 In this episode we talk about on of our favorite things – books. More specifically, we discuss our some of our recent and future books just for you mom! Books and Authors Mentioned on Show Sharon’s list: Christy Barritt Lynn Shannon Dani Pettrey Susan May Warren […]
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Do you and your spouse disagree on discipline? If so, you’re normal, but your homeschool happiness is at risk. A sweet couple came to my booth at the Great Homeschool Convention and asked me what to do when they didn’t agree on discipline in the moment, as in, in front of the kids. I shared […]
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In this episode, we talk about Rhythm. Does your family have a rhythm? What is rhythm? What if your Rhythm is off? Can you reset your rhythm?
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Do you want to teach your children the Bible? Today my guest is the publisher of the Bible Crate, from Good and True Media, Mr. Brian Gallager. He will share with you the importance of storytelling and how the impact of teaching children at a young age about the glory of God is a wonderful addition to any child's education.
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With all of the distractions that surround our families, it’s easy to gravitate toward zoning out. Often this takes the form of electronics, television, or gaming. But, do these things afford your homeschool kids time to think? Let’s explore ways we can encourage directing our children toward deeper thinking, and see what benefits that reaps. […]
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I’m So Overwhelmed– Episode 99 Every mom has experienced it at some point or another! The feeling of being overwhelmed. Points Discussed on the Show Remove ⁃ Step away ⁃ Go outside ⁃ Kids feel it too ⁃ Take a break Reflect ⁃ In the moment ⁃ Is […]
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Why All The Drama: Embracing Creativity– Episode 98 Help your kids find their passion in creativity. Sometimes, you accidentally fall into your passion! Encourage your kids to try new things, it just might be something they love! “Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.” — […]
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Summer Reading List: 2021 Edition– Episode 97 Summer is the perfect time to settle in with a good book. We have some great suggestions for your kids and you! Because reading is not just for kids! Grab a book, a bottle sunblock and head out to the water! Authors Mentioned on the show: Ginny […]
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