Join host Pam Barnhill and homeschooling mom Angela Britt in this episode as Angela reveals the transformative impact of embracing consistency in her homeschooling journey. From shifting her mindset to achieving accountability, Angela shares valuable insights and practical tips for finding balance and building trust with her children.Tune in to gain inspiring perspectives and actionable strategies for enhancing your homeschooling experience through intentional consistency.You won't want to miss Angela's journey and the powerful difference that consistency can make in your homeschool.Key TakeawaysConsistency in homeschooling is crucial for success, but it can be challenging to maintain, especially for large families with varying age groups.Homeschooling accountability and community support can significantly impact a parent's ability to stay consistent and dedicated to the homeschooling routine.The Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp focuses on prioritizing homeschooling as a job and committing to a minimum viable day, which helps instill consistency and build trust with children.Overcoming perfectionism and the urge for novel experiences can increase consistency and focus in homeschooling.Establishing consistent routines, such as prioritizing adequate sleep and setting reminders, can positively impact a parent's ability to stay consistent and disciplined in homeschooling.A consistent homeschooling routine diminishes the need for negotiation with children about whether school will happen each day, fostering a smoother, more productive learning environment.Links and ResourcesNight ZookeeperHomeschool Consistency Boot CampMeals on AutopilotSleepytime Calculator

In this episode of "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," host Pam Barnhill shares her struggle with homeschool consistency, revealing her journey from feelings of overwhelm to finding solutions. She candidly discusses her early challenges with perfectionism and its impact on her homeschool routine, offering relatable insights for parents facing similar struggles.Listeners will gain valuable tips and mindset shifts that helped Pam overcome her consistency struggles, leading to positive changes in her homeschool experience. By addressing the impact of inconsistent homeschooling on her children's learning and attitudes, she offers practical strategies that have worked for her and hundreds of other homeschoolers.Tune in to gain inspiration, practical advice, and the reassurance that you are not alone in your homeschool consistency journey. Join Pam in transforming your homeschool experience one tip at a time.Key Takeaways:Many homeschooling parents have struggled with maintaining homeschooling consistency, feeling alone in their struggle. Inconsistency in homeschooling can impact children's learning and hinder the identification of potential learning struggles or disabilities due to a lack of routine and consistent practice.Pam identified perfectionism as a significant factor contributing to her inconsistency, realizing her struggle was not rooted in laziness, but in her striving for perfection.Creating a routine and adding an accountability system was crucial in establishing better consistency and improved attitudes within her homeschool.By utilizing mindset shifts, tools, and strategies, Pam successfully overcame her struggle with consistency, ultimately leading her to help other homeschooling parents through the Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp.Pam encourages homeschooling parents struggling with consistency to seek support, emphasizing the presence of hundreds of others facing similar challenges and the benefits of joining an accountability group.Links and ResourcesNight ZookeeperHomeschool Consistency BootcampFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh85.To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Host Pam Barnhill welcomes Ginny Yurich, the founder of 1000 Hours Outside, a global movement highlighting the transformational impact of outdoor play. Ginny shares her journey as a homeschooling mother of five, describing her challenges and initial struggles in parenting. She reveals how her pursuit of finding joy and tranquility led her to the concept of spending 1000 hours outside with her children, igniting a passion for the outdoors that has since resonated with families worldwide.Ginny imparts invaluable insights into the benefits of nature-based play, underscoring its contribution to children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. She emphasizes the importance of providing unstructured outdoor time for children, fostering resilience, creativity, risk-taking, and emotional and social skills. Ginny also discusses the value of balancing the allure of screen time with the enriching experiences of real-life interactions and hands-on activities.Find out more about shares Ginny's practical resources, including her book Until the Streetlights Come On, an app for tracking outdoor time, and the "1000 Hours Outside" podcast. She encourages families to consider the movement's approach as a foundation for homeschooling, offering flexibility in adjusting outdoor time based on different seasons and individual family dynamics.This episode delivers insightful perspectives on promoting a lifestyle that unites families and nature, offering encouraging and practical strategies for enhancing the homeschooling experience through intentional outdoor play.Links and Resources From Today’s ShowThe Night Zookeeper1000 Hours Outside1000 Hours Outside- Activities to Match Screen Time with Green TimeMy 1000 Hours Outside Journey1000 Hours OutdoorsiGen by Jean TwengeKey Takeaways:Spending time outside can benefit both parents and kids, and it's okay to aim for 1000 hours outside, but the ultimate goal is to enjoy the benefits of outdoor time. The 1000 Hours Outside movement is about reclaiming childhood and focuses on allowing kids to play freely outside to support their overall development. The movement doesn't restrict activities to the outdoors and aims to create a balance between outdoor play and screen time in children's lives. The benefits of outdoor play include children's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development, as well as promoting resilience, risk-taking, and creativity. Parents can use the free tracker sheets to model balance in life and encourage their kids to fill their time with activities they enjoy before turning to screens. The movement is flexible and acknowledges that it's okay even if families don't reach 1000 hours, as any intentional outdoor time is beneficial. Setting aside structured activities and leaving behind the stress of mess inside the house can create a more present and joyous experience for parents and children.Ginny's book, Until the Streetlights Come On, emphasizes preparing children for the rapidly changing world by allowing for unstructured play and downtime. For full show notes and a...

Today's episode is all about preparing for those unexpected, challenging days. Having those not-so-perfect days is a normal part of homeschooling; we all have them. The question is how can we prepare for them? We'll discuss practical, easy-to-implement strategies like engaging educational videos and creative strewing techniques to keep learning on track, even when the day doesn't go as planned. Discover how to make the most of challenging days by turning them into opportunities for adaptable, stress-free learning. Join us as we share insights and tips to help you stay prepared and maintain a positive homeschool environment, no matter what the day brings."Key Takeaways:Expect and Accept Bad Days: Understand that bad days are a normal part of homeschooling and come with the territory.Have a Plan: Keep a 'Bad Day Plan' with activities that are low-effort but still educational, to help navigate through tough days.Use Strewing: Implement the strategy of 'strewing', which involves laying out interesting educational materials to encourage self-guided learning.Involving Older Children in Teaching: Leverage the help of older children in teaching younger ones, which can benefit both age groups.Be Flexible and Adapt: Flexibility is critical; be ready to adapt your plans and expectations based on the day's circumstances.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh83To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

We are so excited about this coming year!In 2024, we will help you solve the lack of motivation, interest, and effectiveness in your homeschool. We know you struggle with these areas (because we have too).And instead of just helping you feel like a better homeschool teacher, we will help you become a better homeschool teacher.Confidence comes with improved ability, not just feeling like you're doing enough.Today, we are opening the doors to Elevate All Access. This year-long program includes the tools and support you need to become the teacher your kids deserve.The one that will help them learn.Elevate All Access includes the programs that will help you succeed in your homeschool all year. It includes:Ten monthly masterclasses exploring how students learn, how kids can be motivated, and how you can be a more effective homeschool teacher. We'll be using Why Don't Students Like School as our guide. Each class will have a discussion, an extension of the material, and actionable steps and challenges to help you make an immediate difference in your homeschool.The spring and fall sessions of the Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp will help you build the consistency muscle that will revolutionize your homeschool.Access to our monthly (weekly in the summer) Finisher's Club so you can be in regular contact with mentors to help you troubleshoot issues with planning, curriculum choice, lessons, and more. These sessions allow you to regularly carve out time to work on your homeschool so homeschool tasks don't get lost.Our All-Day and Half-Day planning sessions so you can start each semester prepared for whatever life throws at you.The program's value is $400, but we are pricing it at only $190. And if you buy it before December 31, you can get it for only $165. (A payment plan is available.)For about the price of a takeout pizza each month, you get homeschooling support and actionable coaching all year.Sign up by December 31 and use the code ELEVATE24 for $25 off! Doors close on January 5.

In this episode of "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," host Pam Barnhill discusses the concept of having a guilt-free Christmas in homeschooling. As homeschoolers, we often feel pressured to make the Christmas season special by incorporating Christmas unit studies and activities into our already busy schedules. However, Pam shares her insights on how to navigate this dilemma without feeling overwhelmed or guilty. Whether you fully embrace Christmas schooling, stick to your regular academic routine, or keep it simple with a few Christmas-themed activities, Pam provides helpful advice for finding a balance that works for your family. Join her as she encourages homeschool moms to enjoy the holiday season without the unnecessary pressure.Key Takeaways:Recognize that you have options: Choose to fully embrace Christmas schooling, stick to your regular academics, or keep it simple with a few Christmas-themed activities.Let go of guilt: Understand that whatever approach you choose is valid and should not be a source of guilt.Embrace the idea of Christmas schooling: If you decide to set aside regular academics, lean into the Christmas spirit and make learning fun and festive.Stick to your regular routine: If the idea of incorporating Christmas activities feels overwhelming or doesn't align with your family's preferences, stick to your regular academic routine.Keep it simple: If you choose to do some Christmas-themed activities, remember that it doesn't have to be over the top. Select a few activities that your family enjoys and incorporate them into your routine without feeling the need to do it all.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh82To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Dive into a special episode of our podcast where we bring you exciting details about the upcoming We Gather Together Beach Retreat from January 25 to 28, 2004, on Alabama's picturesque Gulf Coast. Expect mild temperatures, warm sands, and an enriching environment perfect for homeschooling parents and enthusiasts. Our guest, Lucy Duggar, a devoted mom and retreat alumni, shares her invaluable experiences from last year's gathering and her anticipation for the next. With a focus on educational philosophy, morning basket routines, and the essence of homeschooling, this retreat promises to be a nurturing getaway. Discover mentorship, relaxation, and community while enjoying the beach's serene backdrop. Sign up by November 30 at pambarnhill.com/retreat, and for questions, email info@pambarnhill.com. Don't miss out on this rejuvenating and educational retreat experience!

In this episode, Pam Barnhill interviews Robin Ludwig, a homeschooling parent who has discovered the beauty of setting up her homeschool year according to seasons. Robin shares her journey and how she incorporated classical, Charlotte Mason, and unit study approaches into different seasons of the year. Listeners will gain insights into the benefits of seasonal homeschooling and how it can bring joy and simplicity to their own homeschooling experience.Key Takeaways:The simplicity of setting up a homeschool year according to seasonal routines.How to prioritize different homeschooling approaches based on the seasons.The importance of establishing critical routines for success.Leverage unit studies and nature study during specific seasons for maximum engagement.Embrace interest-led learning during the summer months.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh81To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In today's episode, we have a very special guest, Olivia Barnhill, who joins her mom to talk about an exciting project they have been working on together called the Wonder World Podcast. Join us as Pam and Olivia share all the details about this fun and educational podcast, designed specifically for children. They discuss the format of the show, its kid-friendly content, and the various topics they cover, from history to food to jokes. Whether you're looking for a podcast to incorporate into your homeschool morning time or to spice up your car rides, the Wonder World Podcast is sure to delight both children and parents alike. So, tune in and discover how this podcast can bring joy and learning to your homeschool journey.Key Takeaways:The Wonder World Podcast episodes are around 15 minutes long and cover a range of topics, including history and fun facts.The podcast aims to be a neutral, safe, and agenda-free podcast for children and their families.The target age range for the show is approximately 5 to 13 years old, although anyone can listen to it.Listening to the podcast can be a great addition to morning time or as a fun activity during lunch or car rides.Homeschool families can benefit from the Wonder World Podcast as it adds a touch of fun and engagement to their homeschooling routine.The podcast provides interesting facts and topics that can spark conversations and deepen knowledge outside of the episodes.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh80To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, Pam breaks down the mystery of deschooling for new homeschoolers. She shares some common misunderstandings and explains why it's a crucial step in your homeschooling journey. There are also many handy tips on how to glide through this phase with your kiddos while keeping the peace at home. Tune in to learn more about deschooling and how it can smooth out the homeschooling ride for you and your family!Key Takeaways:Deschooling is an important and often misunderstood part of the homeschooling process. It is the process of transitioning from a traditional educational approach to a more relaxed mindset of learning. During deschooling, it is essential to take time to discover your own natural learning rhythms and explore your own interests. Deschooling is not a vacation or a break from academic work but a shift in mindset towards self-directed learning. Spending time at the library and reading books aloud as a family and individually is vital to deschooling. Watching educational YouTube videos together can also be a valuable activity during the deschooling period. Deschooling is not the same as unschooling, a specific homeschooling method based on self-directed learning without a set curriculum. Deschooling is not only for the student but also for the parent, who may need to unlearn preconceived notions about education. The length of the deschooling period varies for each child and may not necessarily follow the "one month for every year in school" rule of thumb. Deschooling is worth the time it takes to understand the true meaning of education and help reprogram a child away from traditional school mindsets.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh79To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, we're discussing a topic many homeschoolers ask about: "Can I succeed at homeschooling?" Joining me is Damore Jensen, a homeschooling mom of three. She shares her transformative experience with our Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp, which reopens this month. Together, we unpack the importance of consistency, addressing misconceptions and highlighting its pivotal role, even above curriculum or method choices. This episode is a must-listen if you've ever doubted your homeschool journey or craved more stability and consistency. Key Takeaways:It's possible to feel secure and effective in your homeschooling journey.The right curriculum is great, but staying consistent in your approach is even more crucial.Damore Jensen, a graduate of the Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp, shows that with the right guidance and persistence, homeschooling can be transformed.Utilizing resources, like the Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp, can provide much-needed structure and support.It's natural to feel like you're on a homeschooling rollercoaster. However, with the right tools and mindset, you can find stability.Connect with others on the same journey to share experiences, advice, and encouragement.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh78To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, host Pam Barnhill chats with Stephen Souders, Mr. Mytek from Mytek Labs. Stephen runs an online school where kids can take courses in programming and technology. They discuss the importance of teaching kids to be producers of technology, not just consumers, and debunk some misconceptions parents may have about their children's relationship with technology. If you've ever wondered how to inspire your kids to use tech creatively and confidently, this conversation is for you. Stay tuned for an insightful and engaging discussion with Steven Souders, aka Mr. MytekKey Takeaways:The podcast episode discusses the difference between kids being consumers and producers of technology. It highlights the importance of teaching kids to be producers, as many kids may only know how to use technology but not understand how it works behind the scenes.Stephen Souders runs an online school called Mytek Labs, where kids can take programming, technology, and 3D modeling courses. The focus is on teaching kids the fundamentals of various topics in technology.Many parents assume that because their kids are digital natives and constantly using devices, they understand technology. However, there is often a disconnect between their usage and understanding of technology. Souders aims to bridge this gap by teaching kids to problem-solve and use technology confidently.The online platform of Mytek Labs provides an excellent opportunity for homeschooling parents who may not have the technical knowledge to teach their children these subjects. Even parents who work in technology may find teaching their kids specific topics challenging.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh77To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, Pam tackles listener questions about sibling dynamics within the homeschooling setting. Are you perplexed about what happens when a younger child surpasses an older sibling in skills like math or reading? Or you're trying to navigate the challenge of keeping an older child engaged in learning while younger siblings are at play. Pam offers a deep dive into these challenges, drawing from personal experience and providing actionable strategies. She emphasizes recognizing individual strengths, considering unique curriculums, and establishing clear boundaries between siblings. Whether you're a homeschooling veteran or just starting, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement. Key Takeaways:It's not uncommon for younger siblings to catch up or surpass their older siblings in subjects like math or reading.Rather than emphasizing areas of competition, highlight each child's unique skills and talents, whether in academics, arts, or other fields.Using different curriculums for siblings can prevent direct comparison, which can alleviate potential tensions.Programs without grade levels or ones labeled with non-specific markers (e.g., alpha, beta) can reduce comparison opportunities.Speak to the child who's excelling about being sensitive to their sibling's feelings.While older siblings might have more responsibilities, they should also be given unique privileges or perks to compensate.Especially for younger kids, short lessons can be more effective and engaging. The emphasis should be on the quality of time spent, not the quantity.Homeschooling, with its challenges, inherently builds character. Recognize that even the simple act of completing a lesson contributes to this.Morning Time is an effective tool for combining lessons and can be tailored to suit multiple age groups, offering both structured and freeform learning opportunities.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh76To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, I rethink traditional views by categorizing school subjects into two essential groups: skill-oriented and content-oriented subjects.Skill-oriented subjects, including mathematics and phonics, follow a logical progression, fostering essential abilities, while content-oriented subjects like history and science allow the flexibility to delve into personal passions.Be sure to catch this unique look at developing a well-rounded and tailored curriculum, taking advantage of the distinct difference between both kinds of subjects in organizing your homeschool schedule.A significant mindset shift is needed in homeschooling, emphasizing the division of subjects into two distinct categories: skill-based and content-based.Skill-Based Subjects like mathematics, phonics, and spelling follow a sequential pattern to learning, and each student can work at their individual pace.Content-Based Subjects such as history, science, literature, and arts don't require a set starting point and offer more flexibility, allowing alignment with a child's interests.In skill-based subjects, consistency over duration is key; short, consistent efforts are more effective than long, drawn-out lessons, especially with young learners.Embracing Interests is encouraged; parents can deep dive into topics their children are passionate about rather than strictly following a set curriculum.There's no need to adhere to a year-long curriculum in content area subjects every year, giving more freedom to explore various interests.Allowing breaks from subjects like science or history during demanding times is acceptable, and focus can shift to enjoyable reading and other forms of learning.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh75To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Join me on this episode of Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool, where we dive into the power of the fluency approach to language learning with our guest Adelaide Olguin. Drawing from her experiences teaching her own children three languages, she shares the transformative benefits of fluency-focused instruction at home.Adelaide discusses how this approach not only boosts the learning of individual words but promotes a deep understanding of a language as a living, communicative tool. This method ensures you and your children can start speaking and comprehending a new language from day one, creating an immersive, engaging, and positive learning environment.We'll also delve into the importance of choosing the right language for your family, using natural language progression techniques, and much more. Listen in to discover how adopting a fluency approach can enhance the language learning experience for your homeschool family.Key Takeaways:Parents are the most successful language teachers in the world, teaching babies and toddlers to speak at a native level.Learning a new language should be fun and enjoyable, even for non-native speakers. Learning a new language becomes a joyful experience for both parents and kids, and children can witness their parents learning alongside them, creating a strong connection. Just like toddlers extract different full sentences and combine them to express their thoughts, our brains are naturally good at extraction. It starts with individual words but extends beyond that. Creating a positive environment for language learning can make it easier and heal past language learning trauma.Fluency is the ability to speak a language accurately and easily, without relying on translation or grammar rules.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh74To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

On this episode of the podcast, host Pam Barnhill welcomes special guest Betsy Cypress, a highly active member of their supportive homeschool community. Betsy shares her personal experience of facing unexpected disruptions in her homeschool year and offers valuable insights on how to plan for such situations. The episode highlights the importance of having a vision statement and a structured plan to make homeschooling smoother and save money. Pam and Betsy also discuss the benefits of being part of a positive online community that provides support and resources.Key Takeaways:1. Having a clear vision statement for your homeschool can help save money by evaluating if new ideas align with your goals.2. Being part of a supportive homeschool community can provide valuable support and resources.3. Planning and preparedness are key in navigating unexpected disruptions in homeschooling.4. Establishing a rhythm and routine can help bring stability and structure to your homeschool.5. Finding planning systems that work for you can greatly enhance your homeschooling experience.6. Support from family, friends, and faith can make a significant difference during challenging times.7. Sometimes, reaching out for help and support is necessary, especially when facing unique situations or challenges.8. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial in homeschooling, as plans may not always work out perfectly.9. Creating happy memories and addressing difficult experiences can promote a positive homeschool environment.10. Being open to new ideas and perspectives can lead to valuable insights and growth in your homeschool journey.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh73To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, I'm excited to introduce you to Kristelle Larson, a remarkable mom from our homeschooling community who’s been implementing my program "Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot" since the beginning. Kristelle's approach helps her handle her busy homeschool year efficiently while maintaining her sanity. We discuss her strategies, balancing multiple kids' educational needs, and how she streamlined her homeschool planning process. If you're curious about homeschooling or looking for practical advice, I promise this episode is a treasure trove.Key Takeaways:Advanced planning of the homeschooling year can greatly reduce stress and workload during the academic year itself.Implementing the "Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot" system can be particularly beneficial, especially for parents with young children.A homeschooling vision or educational philosophy can serve as a guiding light for homeschooling families, helping them stay focused and prevent overwhelm from the myriad of educational options available.Homeschooling should adapt to the unique needs, strengths, and interests of each child. For example, incorporating arts and crafts for children who show a strong inclination towards art.Trusting your instincts as a homeschooling parent is crucial. Knowing when to say yes and when to say no can help balance a child's learning journey.Being involved in supportive homeschool communities can provide helpful insights and tips, while also reinforcing that you're not alone in this homeschooling journey.Making use of AI tools like Chat GPT can facilitate the planning process, for instance, in creating a homeschooling vision, thereby saving valuable time and effort.Find out more about Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot at pambarnhill.com/autopilot.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh72To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Heather Tully about the challenges we face when homeschooling multiple children. We delved into the ever-changing seasons of motherhood and the struggle of finding balance between the needs of younger and older kids. As a special bonus for purchasers of Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot, Heather will be hosting a workshop on managing multiple kids using our proven FLOCK method of homeschool planning.Join us in this enlightening episode as we navigate the challenges and joys of homeschooling multiple children. Together, we can create a fulfilling homeschool experience for the entire family.Key Takeaways:Motherhood is constantly shifting, and it can be a big challenge to manage the demands of homeschooling multiple children, especially when they have different needs.Mom guilt is a pervasive issue for many homeschooling mothers, particularly those with larger families and multiple children to manage.Autopilot can aid homeschooling mothers in streamlining their homeschool year planning and learning how to manage multiple children effectively.Adapting to change is crucial for homeschooling multiple children, and it is important to remember that motherhood is not always perfect.Parenthood is a constantly evolving and challenging journey, and it is essential to embrace the changing seasons and seasons of motherhood.It is common for many homeschooling mothers to feel guilty that they aren't doing enough, even though it can be challenging to manage homeschooling multiple children with different needs.Resources:Gather: Exploring the Wonder, Wisdom, and Worship of Learning at HomeHeather Tully PhotographyPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotFree Homeschool Better Together CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh71To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, I am joined by homeschool mom Courtney Guarnieri to explore the dynamic balance between structured and unstructured activities in homeschooling. This is the first in a series of interviews featuring real homeschool moms discussing their planning processes. Courtney shares insights into the nuances of homeschooling in New York, including the challenges and perception of homeschooling in this state. We'll also discuss our favorite personal tips for planning out your homeschool year and discuss various methods of scheduling, such as the "magic number" and periodic break weeks. Through this episode, we emphasize the importance of planning ahead for a successful homeschooling experience. So, let's get started!Key Takeaways:Homeschool planning helps in creating a structured yet flexible learning environment.Planning allows for open-ended exploration and a delightful childhood experience.Utilize creative scheduling to design your homeschool year effectively.Balancing structure and flexibility is crucial for successful homeschooling.Keep records of your homeschooling journey, especially for compliance purposes.Planning helps you stay on track, ensuring you cover all desired subjects and activities.Start planning early to avoid running out of ideas or resources during the school year.Implementing a planning system saves time and reduces stress.Find a schedule method that works for you, such as the magic number or term schooling.Regular reviews and periodic planning sessions help adjust and refine your homeschool plan.Get Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot! https://pambarnhill.com/autopilotThe bonus period ends June 30, 2023.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh70To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of the Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool podcast, host Pam Barnhill talks with Katie Kimball, the National Voice of Healthy Kids Cooking and founder of the Kids Cook Real Food e-course, about the LifeSkills Summer Camp. This free online camp offers families the opportunity to learn life skills from a team of experts, including workshops on cooking, gardening, financial independence, communication, coping skills, stress management, and more. Kimball discusses the importance of teaching kids life skills and how parents can make the most of their summertime to teach these skills. She emphasizes that the online format of the camp allows families to learn from experts they might not have access to otherwise and provides a great opportunity for both parents and children to learn together.Save your spot for the FREE Life Skills Now Camp.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh69To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Feeling disappointed after spending countless hours searching for the perfect homeschool curriculum only to find out it's not working as you hoped? Don't worry; we've got you covered in this episode of the 10 Minutes to a Better Homeschool podcast.Pam shares tips on how to salvage that curriculum and make it work for your child. From breaking down overwhelming material into smaller chunks to using real-life examples and switching up teaching methods, she has got some great ideas to help you and your child succeed.So grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and tune in to this episode. And don't forget to head over to Pam's website for some awesome homeschool planning pages to help you create a plan for your school year. Happy homeschooling!For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh67Download our free homeschool planning pages.To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, host Pam Barnhill talks about the rise of homeschooling in the US and why more and more families are choosing to homeschool their children. From customized education to flexible scheduling, safety concerns to religious beliefs, homeschooling offers many benefits to families and their children.But what are some of the reasons why families are choosing to homeschool? And how can you create a personalized education that works best for your child? Tune in to find out.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh67To sign up for the Homeschool Better Together Extravaganza click here.To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of The 10 Minutes to a Better Homeschool Podcast, Pam Barnhill speaks with Alicia Hutchinson, the founder of Learning Well Community and Learning Well Journal, about the importance of print magazines in today's digital age. Alicia shares her two-fold mission behind the quarterly print magazine, which covers four topics: home, homeschool, faith, and family. She also explains how each issue is themed around a verse in scripture and contains a mix of practical advice, inspirational articles, and fun projects. Throughout the conversation, Pam and Alicia emphasize the importance of enjoying the homeschooling journey, persevering through the challenging times, and being faithful in everyday tasks.Key Takeaways:Print magazines are becoming a lost art in today's digital age, but they offer a tangible and in-person experience that can be enjoyed by moms, kids, and families.The Learning Well Journal is a quarterly print magazine that covers four topics: home, homeschool, faith, and family.Each issue is themed around a verse in scripture and contains a mix of practical advice, inspirational articles, and fun projects.The Learning Well Journal's mission is to help moms love their life at home, including homeschooling their kids, taking care of their homes, and growing in their faith lives.Persevering through the everyday tasks of homeschooling can be challenging, but it is worth it to see the amazing human beings our children become.The Learning Well Journal can be found on Alicia Hutchinson's website or Instagram page.Resources:Learning Well Journal: https://aliciahutchinson.com/magazine/Alicia Hutchinson's website: https://aliciahutchinson.com/Learning Well on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningwell/Alicia Hutchinson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciashutchinson/For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh66To subscribe to the Learning Well Journal click here.To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Nature groups can provide an enriching communal experience for homeschoolers, offering the opportunity to cultivate relationships with like-minded peers. That's why our friend Joy Cherrick is here today to talk about how she started her group and how it helped her to grow and find support as a homeschool mom. By creating a nature group (or any other kind of group), homeschoolers can build a supportive community that enriches their growth and understanding of the world. Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh65

In our final episode of our Managing Multiple Kids series we are chatting with homeschool mom of ten Heather Tully. Heather has taken the popular concept of a loop schedule in a new direction -- instead of looping her subjects, Heather loops her kids! In this episode we break down why she teaches this way, how she plans the loops, and the results she gets in this unique method of managing multiple kids and levels. Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh64

Charlotte Mason homeschooling mom Jeanette Pasqua has found success using her strict 10-minute increment schedule to manage the activities of her four children, ages five to 12. She builds in buffers like snack time and restroom breaks and adjusts the schedule if they start late to ensure each lesson receives its allotted time. Time blocking is an effective time management strategy to help adults and children alike break the day into specific blocks of time and learn time management skills. On her blog, Jeanette shares her tips and advice for parents with multiple children. Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh63

This content provides tips on effectively managing homeschooling multiple kids, utilizing curriculum, and creating a routine. By combining subject areas, having a plan in place, and utilizing spiral notebooks, curriculum, and busy work ideas, parents can better manage and provide an engaging learning environment for their kids.

Today I am joined by my good friend, homeschool mom, and author Sarah Mackenzie. Sarah is the host of The Read Aloud Revival podcast, and she is also a brand new children's book author. On today's episode, we talk about Sarah's dream of writing a picture book, how she got the idea for her first book A Little More Beautiful, and her adventures in starting her own boutique publishing house Waxwing Books. This was a fun episode to record. Enjoy! For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh61

One of the trickiest part of the homeschool day is the transition -- this is the time when you are changing from one activity to another in your homeschool. It is also the time you are most likely to lose a kid and have a hard time getting people back on track. You can set yourself up for success by thinking proactively about where you might have problems and actively seek out solutions. For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh60

Mystie and Sweep and Smile and how will it help you Podcast Intro/Show Notes With the high standards of 'perfection' presented by popular media, such as HGTV and Pinterest, it is almost impossible to attain true satisfaction in house cleaning. Instead, it is more important to maintain realistic expectations and create manageable routines. Mystie Winckler is on today's show to talk about how subtle shifts in our attitude and the stories we tell ourselves can make all the difference in how we keep our homes.  Join Mystie Winckler's Sweep and Smile program by clicking here (affiliate link).  For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh59 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In last week's episode, I promised you that I would give you the lowdown on how I keep my house clean in the second part of our cleaning series. If you like to peel back the curtain and see how other people do things, this episode is for you. I must say that I mostly feel like I do house cleaning poorly. My baseboards are usually dirty. Come learn Pam's favorite housekeeping habits and routines.  Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh58  

Homeschooling and housekeeping can be difficult to juggle. Hiring help, prioritizing tasks, and utilizing systems such as the Fly Lady and Clean Mama systems can be helpful when trying to keep your house clean while homeschooling. In this episode Pam breaks down some of the popular systems and offers tips for asking for help and knowing what to prioritize.

Homeschooling can be difficult due to the distraction of cellphones. Pam offers a number of tips on how to eliminate distraction while still be available to people who need you and while honoring the fact that sometimes you just want to have a little fun on your phone -- without guilt. With discipline and organization it is possible to stay focused while still having some freedoms and applying these techniques to the homeschooling environment is key to success.

It is important for parents to be consistent in their homeschooling efforts to ensure the process runs smoothly. One way we can do this is by using a concept Pam coined called "Honoring Your School Day." Pam breaks down the concept, tells why it's important, and gives some tips for making it happen in this episode of the podcast. With Pam's help, parents can overcome any struggles they have with homeschooling to create a successful learning environment.

Pam Barnhill is here to tell homeschoolers that the answer to their homeschool problems is not a perfect curriculum or the best homeschool method. Instead, an effective homeschool depends on consistency - doing the work each day and showing up regularly. Consistency makes it easier to tweak what doesn’t work, and makes homeschooling easier with less pushback. However, this can be hard to achieve due to perfectionism, and it is critical to let go of the idea that every day must be perfect in order to see progress. Starting January 31, Pam is offering her Elevate Your Homeschool Coaching Program to provide live coaching, accountability, and a proven solution to consistency issues. For links and more info visit https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh54

How do you choose the best curriculum? Cathy Duffy is a well know curriculum expert who homeschooled her own three sons through high school. She has since researched and written about curricula for home education since the 1980s. Since Cathy is an absolute legend in the homeschooling community, I asked for her thoughts on selecting the very best curriculum. 

The Holiday Season is a great time for slowing things down a bit in your homeschool and enjoying the season. These tips and tricks will help you get rid of overwhelm and really enjoy the holidays with your family. 

A sure way to identify a homeschooler in the wild is the slight hesitation when you ask them what grade they are in. It's not that they aren't smart enough to know, but it's that they don't care. Arbitrary grade levels mean very little in their lives and even when told what grade level they would be in if they went to school, they often don't use the knowledge often enough to remember it. So if homeschoolers don't care about grade levels, how do they measure progress? That is what this podcast is all about. 

As busy homeschoolers it is so easy to get caught up in checking the boxes of those ever-important skill subjects. When we do that, though, we are missing out on the opportunity to enrich our kids learning in a variety of ways. My guest Rachel Figg explains how adding enrichment subjects enhances skill subjects enhances the skill subjects and easy ways to add them to our days -- even if we don't know which end of the paintbrush to use ourselves. 

Do you ever feel like you can't measure up to all the other homeschool moms on social media? Their kids say the funniest things. Their houses are so lovely. They always do the coolest science experiments. Meanwhile your kids just fight and you still haven't taken the shrink wrap off the science curriculum. Social media can be a comparison trap for homeschoolers that only makes us feel bad about ourselves. In this episode Pam reminds us how everything we see is edited and gives four tips for heathier social media use. 

One of the hardest things about homeschooling your kids is having to feed everyone three meals a day (Plus snacks! Oh the snacks!) day after day after day. The hunger never stops and making all the meals can easily overwhelm. In this episode Pam has three tips for helping you take control of the meals in your home so that no one goes hungry and you stay sane. 

What if you have kids who have a particular creative talent? How do you go about nurturing that talent or just creativity in general in your kids? Today I'm joined by beloved children's author S.D. Smith to chat about the keys to encouraging creativity in our homeschool students. We touch on your role as a parent and also tips for what you can do if you don't feel like a creative person yourself. 

For the mom who struggles with her own ADHD, she may wonder is it even possible to homeschool my own kids? Fortunately there are resources available that make it very possible. Today I am joined by ADHD coach Patricia Sung who has a few actionable tips and ideas to help ALL moms pull it together and be successful at homeschooling. Enjoy! 

Want your kids to become independent learners? It's totally possible, but you won't get there overnight. Today I am joined by Dennis DeNoia from Mr. D. Math and author of the book Teach: Creating Independently Responsible Learners. Mr. D breaks down two of the steps we can take to move our kids towards greater independence in our homeschools and the world beyond. 

One question we get often from moms: Is homeschooling a child with special needs possible? Can it work for my family or should I just stick with the system? In this episode of the podcast I am joined by Shawna Wingert from Different by Design Learning. She has two special needs kiddos (one current college sophomore) and has encouragement and tips for making it happen. 

Just 8 spots left!! We are heading to the beach this January for our first ever We Gather Together Morning Time Retreat. Join me, Gather author Heather Tully, Dawn Garrett and the team as we do Morning Time together, relax on the beach, and share a ton of encouragement and ideas for your homeschool Morning Time. In this special episode of the podcast we discuss all the retreat details. Register and read more at https://pambarnhill.com/retreat.

What if you always intended for your kids to go into a public or private school and somehow God called you to do something different in your home? That is exactly what happened to Ashlee Williams and her husband. Hear about how this is called to homeschool mama made the decision to bring her kids home and has never looked back. She has some awesome advice for all homeschool moms in this episode. 

It can be one of the most exciting times of your homeschool career, and the most intimidating -- starting kindergarten! How do you know what to teach? How do you not mess this up? Take a deep breath and listen on -- we've got all the info you need right here. 

What if there were a way to make a homeschooling schedule that you could actually follow? Well there is! We start by scheduling time and not content. Then we move on to a scheduling hack that can change the course of your homeschool forever. Don't miss listening to this one! 

Homeschool burnout happens to all of us. I'm joined today by mom of 10 Heather Tully to chat about why burnout happens, how to recognize the signs, and some tips for preventing it in our homeschools. 

You have lots of kids and not a lot of time. How can you create a more efficient homeschool so that you can get more things done and still have a little sanity in your day? In today's podcast I have three different tools that you need to do exactly that. 

Teaching my kids to read was something I worried about before we started homeschool. I had been a high school English teacher but the idea of taking someone who can't read and helping them to make sense of what is on a page seemed mysterious and complicated. Okay, maybe it sill is mysterious, bit it totally isn't complicated. With the right set of expectations and an incremental reading program that breaks it down step-by-step, you can totally do this! 

How do you work from home and homeschool if you have a set schedule that you need to follow and actually have to be on at specific times? Is it even possible to get things done for work and be available to your kids at the same time? Jen McKinnon is back on the podcast today with five very practical strategies that work at home, moms can use them to help them accomplish what they need to do for their job and homeschool their kids successfully all in the same day. 

Let's get real. We all worry about our kids and if we are adequately preparing them for the real world. But you know what? Parents who send their kids to school also wonder if there kids are going to be adequately prepared for the real world. This isn't just a homeschool worry, but a universal parent worry. The good news is, there are some ways that homeschoolers are uniquely prepared for the real world. Take hear mom and dad -- it's going to be ok.  To access the show notes please visit:  https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh35

This is the information I wish I had when I started homeschooling preschool over 11 years ago. It's a helpful bit of what you need, but more importantly paying attention to what you don't need to have a fulfilling preschool experience for your kids. 

This is a special snippet from our Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot co-working session is a peek at how making realistic goals can shape your priorities in your homeschool. Join Pam, veteran mentor Laney Holman, and the planning moms for a sneak peek at how group planning sessions run and find out more about the importance of goals. 

Our time as humans is finite. Sorry to be the one to break that to you. That means there are so many hours in a week to get the homemaking, the homeschooling, and all the other things (including a job if you have one!) done. In this episode of the podcast Pam talks about the myth of balance and the single mindset shift you can make that might just save your sanity as you do all the things. 

I have a bone to pick with "planning from behind" and this show is where I'm going to do it. Find out why planning from behind isn't actually planning at all, what it REALLY is, why it's valuable (sure it is), and what real, helpful planning actually looks like for your homeschool don't miss this episode. 

I have known Dawn Garret for about seven years now. She has worked with me for so long helping moms create homeschool plans that I had long forgotten that once upon a time she considered herself "not a planning person. It wasn't until she realized that here frustrations were coming from not having a path to follow that she started taking steps to create a plan that would bring sanity to her homeschool. Listen on to find out why she was skeptical about planning and how it ended up helping her anyway. 

I hear it all the time -- there is no need for me to plan, I won't be able to follow the plan anyway. If you can do that and not be frustrated by the resulting school year, then great. I say don't mess with what's working. But if you don't feel like you can plan but you DO feel like you need some structure to keep from dissolving into chaos, then this episode is for you. Even if you feel like homeschool planning never worked for you before, I give you three reasons why you might want to try again. 

Summertime. Where the living is easier (and summer homeschooling is easier too). These are my top tips for making this summer in your homeschool the best yet! 

When people begin homeschooling, the very first question they often ask is, "How do I choose a curriculum?" These three tips will help you get started!  Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh27

I have been reading homeschool books for over 10 years now. Some have been forgettable, but so many have helped to shape the way I school my kids. Today I am sharing a number of my favorites and telling you why I think they are important reads. Check these out! 

Sometimes simple is better. Kids need to make observations about the world around them. Further science ability depends on being able to look closely, to see the details, and record them. I love that nature study (free and readily available in your backyard) is the perfect way to hone those skills. Find out more in this episode of the podcast. 

Homeschoolers worry, "What happens if I don't finish our curriculum before the end of the year?' The answer isn't as cut and dried and you might think. Some curriculum resources are never meant to be finished 100 percent (really!) and those can be closed and left until the following year. Watch or listen for ideas on what to do when the curriculum doesn't get done and how to prioritize what's important. 

Do you suspect that your child has ADHD? Have you wondered what that means for your homeschool journey? Should you have him or here tested? Can you even do homeschooling properly with an ADHD child? I am joined on this episode of the podcast by Colleen Kessler, a former teacher and expert on gifted and twice-exceptional kids (plus a homeschool mom to more than one with ADHD) to answer those questions and more. 

Is it even possible to homeschool cheaply without buying tons of expensive curriculum? What about homeschooling almost totally for free without buying curriculum at all? Whit a few handy tools and some extra time in your budget there are some things you can do to substantially reduce the amount of money you spend on homeschooling your kids. Find out all the details here. 

Teaching to your kid's learning styles is a huge buzzword in homeschool circles, but on today's episode of the podcast we are talking about why it doesn't matter nearly as much as you might think and even how it can be detrimental to your kid's education. Have a listen and let me know what you think !

When you have a child that is struggling you can sometimes feel a little helpless. What are they really capable of? How can I help them to succeed? What if they never learn what they need to? Our guest today is Marianne Sunderland from Homeschooling with Dyslexia. She is here to help us recognize when our kids might be having an issue and what first steps we can take to begin to solve the problem. 

Homeschooling preschool can seem daunting to first-time parents, not because it its difficult, but instead because this is the first chance to really buck the system and do something different that everyone else. At the end of the day, we feel like now we have to prove that this homeschooling thing is going to work. So what do we do? Usually too much. In this episode Pam breaks down the most important things to do in your homeschool preschool and how we can help. 

It's my favorite time of year -- time for the homeschool convention. I will be speaking at all five of the regional GHC conventions this year and I think you should attend! In this episode of the podcast I am breaking down three reasons why attending a convention can be beneficial. Will I see you there? 

These days homeschooling is such a common occurrence that when most people ask "Is it legal?" what they really mean is "What do you need to do legally homeschool?" The answer to that is complicated because it varies widely depending on where you live. In today's podcast Pam breaks down where the laws come from, ow you can find out more about them, and what it means to homeschool within the law. 

Teaching to your kids' learning styles is a huge buzzword in homeschool circles, but on today's episode of the podcast we are talking about why it doesn't matter nearly as much as you might think and how it can even be detrimental to your kids' education. Have a listen and let me know what you think! 

  If you homeschool you have probably been asked about socialization. While I have no fear that your kids (or mine) are going to be especially socially awkward, there are some extra things that homeschool moms have to consider when it comes to helping their kids to make friends. I am joined by Mary Wilson today to talk about how we can make sure we are serving our kids well in this area.

The great thing about homeschooling is that we really don't have to do all of the education or our children by ourselves. There are so many opportunities out there to outsource some of the kid's learning. In this episode of the podcast we will talk about why you might want to outsource, some examples of outsourcing, and the benefits and drawbacks of doing so. 

If you have been around homeschooling circles you may have heard the term "deschooling." This podcast answers the questions what is deschooling, how long you might want to do it, as well as some practical suggestions for deschooling-type activities. Pam also talks about if people have always homeschooled need to deschool. Enjoy! 

So many parents now are trying to work and homeschool. Some are working inside the home and some are even working outside the home. The good news is, it totally can be done and my guest today has done it. If your are working for yourself or someone else, inside the home or out, this episode has some actionable tips you can use to make homeschooling happen while you work. Don't miss it! 

Homeschool moms have a tendency to be just a little bit tough on themselves and quite honestly it isn't the most helpful trait we have. Today I am joined by my good friend Mystie Winckler to talk about why we do this and how God uses our homeschools to draw us closer to Him. This all ties into Mystie's new book The Convivial Homeschool. Listen on to find out more. 

I find it sad when families homeschool up until high school and then stop -- not because they don't desire to homeschool further but instead because they think they can't. On our episode today I am here to tell you YES you can, and my special guest Ann Karako knows how -- she's graduated five kids from her homeschool! Ann and I talk about everything from how to do it, is college possible, and increasing responsibility for your high school student. 

Middle school will bring changes to your homeschool and not all of them will be good. But some will. Just like anything there are life-situations that are difficult, but hey, everyone can read now -- which can be a game-changer for homeschooling. Now is the time to nudge your kids into burgeoning independence (but check up on them often!). We give you all the tips you need to homeschool middle school successfully in this episode! Enjoy. 

Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of most homeschooling parents more than teaching their kids math. What if instead of fear we could approach math with curiosity? What if instead of dread, we instead looked at ways we could play?  Today I am joined on the podcast by Mark Hendrickson, the developer of the Math Playground at Beast Academy. Mark chats about how we can look at math differently and model wonder for our kids and he shares some resources we can use to do just that. For the blog post that accompanies this podcast visit https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh09

Homeschooling in the upper elementary years is all about burgeoning independence, but probably not as much as you were hoping for. How can we encourage our kids to take charge of more, while make sure that skills still get covered? And how to we make the all-important leap from learning to read to reading for information? Give this episode a listen to find out. 

Money is often a tough topic for parents to talk about with kids. Maybe this is because many of us have been raised to believe that it is taboo to talk about money. Maybe it's because nobody ever had these conversations with us, so we flounder over what to say. Maybe we just don't want to give bad advice.  Whatever our reluctance to chat about money, it is an important topic we need to address. On this episode of the podcast I am joined by Matt Matheson who talks about the five areas we need to discuss with our kids and how we can work simple money lessons into our everyday lives by taking advantage of teachable moments.  For more information visit https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh07

When you are starting out homeschooling the early years you have a tendency to want to do all the things. The good news is -- you don't need to! Instead early elementary is a time for building habits, following interests, and cementing those important basic skills. In this episode of the podcast I dive deep into what you need to do for early elementary homeschooling.  For the show notes and resources visit: https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh06

It's the age-old questing that is asked often: what do I do when my child just  refuses to do his or her schoolwork? The answer might just surprise you because it has less to do with your child and more to do with you, the homeschooling parent After we rule out that the kid is having a bad day and the refusal is bigger than that, there there are two areas that we need to address as parents to solve the issue. Listen onto find out how. 

A good homeschool day often comes down to a good start. The momentum of getting everyone started in the morning can't guarantee that the day will end well, but days rarely end well that never begin in the first place. Right? So in this episode Pam chats about the importance of getting the day off to a good start -- no matter what time that is -- and some tips for how to make that happen.  For more information visit https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh04

Homeschooling work out way better than what you expected? Maybe now, given the choice, homeschooling is something that you have decided to make a permanent fixture for your family. Welcome to the club! In this podcast episode Pam talks about what changes you can make now that you are a long-haul homeschooler and five resources you can use to begin redefining what learning looks like in your home. 

It wasn't what you wanted to do, but because of mandates or other issues, you once again find yourself homeschooling for the new school year. If you are making this change, what are the things that you can do to move closer to a homeschooling lifestyle and enjoy being with your kids more?   In this episode we talk about the difference between homeschooling and virtual schooling, the first steps to meeting your kid's needs, and how to go about finding curriculum for your shiny new homeschool. Hope we can help.   For the show notes for this episode visit https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh02

So often when we begin thinking about homeschooling our kids we form a picture in our heads of what we want it to be like. Unfortunately for many of us, the idyllic vision we create in our heads is not exactly what comes to pass when we actually begin homeschooling.  Does this mean we have to give up the complete vision we created and just settle for checking boxes and getting things done? Not at all. Instead we can find the virtue between the two vices and create a homeschool that will serve the very real people in our real homes. In this episode we talk bout the struggle and how to address the solution. 

We are totally rebranding and reviving the Homeschool Snapshots. Introducing 10 Minutes to a Better Homeschool where we bring you short, actionable episodes each week to help you make the most of your homeschool days. Good for veterans and newbies alike, join veteran homeschool mom and podcast host Pam Barnhill (and sometimes a guest) as we talk all things homeschooling.

When Emily Cook couldn't find the homeschool curriculum she wanted, she made her own! Emily shares how Build Your Library, her literature-based secular curriculum, got started and how it helps families provide a structured approach to interest-led learning using unit studies and more.

Virginia Lee Rogers, a contributor to Charlotte Mason IRL, shares the story of this lovely Instagram account. Discover the purpose behind these practical, inspirational, & authentic glimpses into real life CM families. And find out how Virginia Lee strives to apply these practices in her homeschool.

As co-host of Homeschool Unrefined, a podcast about all things homeschooling, Maren Goerss delights in lifting up other homeschoolers along their journey. From to-do lists to self care, Maren's reminders and encouragement provide the inspiration to enjoy the everyday and beyond.

You don't have to be a homeschool purist. You can find ways to use different parts of different approaches to help your homeschool flourish. Elsie Iudicello shares her secrets for creating a beautiful blend of Classical and Charlotte Mason homeschooling. Be refreshed with her creative ideas and lovely inspiration!

Katie Kimball chats about the benefits of teaching your kids to cook real food. She shares her tips and tricks on enjoying time in the kitchen with your kids, as well as using this special time to connect.

With lots of laughs and a few tears, Jennifer Brockman shares the challenges, as well as the blessings, of homeschooling a child with down syndrome. Her experiences and tips come from a humble heart and offer inspiration and encouragement to families in similar situations. Jennifer also gives us a sneak peek into large family homeschool life on a cranberry farm.

Misty Bailey has a flair for homeschooling with joy. Despite a busy work-at-home schedule, Misty uses her faith to remain positive on her homeschool journey. She shares her experiences and tips to help other homeschool moms keep the joy in homeschool life.

As your kids get older, the idea of homeschooling high school can feel intimidating. Lisa Nehring, head of True North Homeschool Academy, shares her experiences and tips from homeschooling her five children. She also explains how you can make the most out of homeschool high school years and how online homeschooling can be just the help you need.

STEAM-Based learning is such a hot topic in the world of education! Karyn Tripp of Teach Beside Me shares her best tips and experiences for boosting your homeschool with creative activities. Discover the benefits of STEAM-based learning and how it can help all homeschoolers.

Tricia Goyer shares her myriad of experiences homeschooling her 10 kids. She knows what it's like to homeschool from the beginning, as well as helping her adopted kids transition from public school to homeschool. Tricia's faith shines through as she reveals how she balances her busy life as a wife, mom, homeschooler, prolific writer and speaker. Find inspiration & delight as she chats about homeschool basics & staying motivated.

Wonder what life is like while homeschooling overseas? Katie Hornor shares her experiences as a working homeschool mom living in Mexico with her family. Find out how this second generation missionary lives with intention and praise as she rocks her homeschool.

Does the thought of homeschooling the teen years & beyond keep you up at night? Many homeschoolers wonder how to handle more rigorous academics, busy schedules, & raging hormones. Connie Albers shares her experiences & wisdom with wonderful encouragement & insightful tips. Sit back & be reassured that you can survive & thrive homeschooling middle school, high school, & beyond!

Does the thought of nature study make you cringe a bit? Don't worry-you're not alone! In this episode of the podcast, Amy chats with Holly Giles who shares her tips and tricks for customizing nature study for your family. Holly talks about how nature study has helped her home educate her special needs child and strengthen her homeschool. She also shares creative ways to incorporate nature study into your everyday life. Get inspiration to get outdoors and experience nature with your kids!

Meet Selena Robinson, a second generation homeschooler with ADD who is homeschooling kids with ADD and ADHD. She shares her tips, tricks, and resources for successfully homeschooling with attention deficit disorder.

Nadine Dyer talks to Amy about her experiences with life as a secular homeschool living in Canada. She provides tips and resources for a secular approach to homeschool. Also, if you are a homeschool mom who struggles with anxiety, you won't want to miss Nadine's personal story and how she continues to make homeschool happen.

Homeschool life can be busy. It's easy to feel like a not-so-fun mom. Would you like to become a more playful mom? Christy Thomas shares her secrets for building connections with kids through play. Don't miss her valuable tips & awesome resource for helping moms relax & enjoy their homeschooling adventures.

Are you an on-the-go homeschooling mom? Rarely ever home between your kids' sporting commitments? You're not alone. Today, Colleen talks to Amy Milcic, sports mom supreme, who gives tips and tricks for manging it all while injecting loads of fun and family-building into your homeschool life. Make sure you listen to this one, folks. There are a few fun announcements coming your way!

Homeschooling a profoundly gifted child can bring lots of challenges others may not completely understand. Want to take a peek into the world of homeschooling gifted kids? Don't miss this conversation with Gina Munsey -- second generation homeschooler and mom to the brilliantly asynchronous Aveline.

So many homeschoolers start down this alternate education path to break free from the traditional schooling mode, then find themselves recreating school-at-home and getting frustrated with themselves and their kids. Cait Curley has the answer for you, and she and Colleen talk all about gameschooling for fun AND learning this week. You don't want to miss this episode!

Homeschooling can be a challenge for the most organized mama, throw in some extra schedules and running around, and it's easy to see how one can get lost in all the details, forgetting to get math in for the day. Today Colleen talks to an inspirational homeschool mom who not only juggles her family activities with homeschooling, but fosters to adopt medically fragile kiddos, taking on all the therapies and visits that go along with special needs.

It's easy to feel alone and discouraged when you're homeschooling in the trenches day in and day out. This week, Colleen talks to Mary Jo Dean, a homeschool mom who made it her mission and life's work to encourage moms around the country in their homeschooling journeys by founding the Great Homeschool Conventions. Join us and be encouraged.

We're talking with Mark Tilsher, serial entrepreneur and founder of the Junior Money Makers podcast all about helping kids have a heart for building businesses and lives they can love. Join us to find out how you can inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators, too.

Homeschooling with toddlers and preschoolers underfoot can be tough. This week Colleen talks to Sara McClure who has a new book out all about how to keep those little ones occupied, engaged, and learning while you focus on homeschooling the bigger kiddos. Join us as we learn all about busy bags.

The question of balance comes up often -- especially when a homeschooling mom is a working mom, too. In this episode, the first with a special new guest host, we turn the tables on Pam and hear HER methods for staying on top of it all... homeschooling, podcasting, blogging, raising a family, and staying sane. This is a fun one!

Today we are talking about one of Pam's favorite topics -- getting organized. Kristi Clover is here to talk to us about her systems for homeschool organization and how they might work for you. We are getting things filed away and even cutting the binding off books!! Join us to find out what this madness is all about.

The only thing that might come close to a good book is having a friend who loves to talk about good books. That's Sara Masarik. She loves to read and talk about reading -- for her and for kids. And she's passionate about helping others get together to talk about reading too. In this episode of the podcast Sara and I chat about books (of course!), her homeschool, and how she is helping people connect with books and reading communities online. Enjoy!

We have been asked numerous times to interview a teen for the Homeschool Snapshots show and it's about time we deliver. Today we are talking to 14-year-old Aria Maher about what it's like to be homeschooled, her favorite reading material, and how she found time to write a novel. Enjoy!

Preschool is a time to play and enjoy your little one. Sometimes, though, we get mired down in the details of how to make a great preschool experience for our kids and still enjoy it. This week I am joined by Jennifer Pepito, author of the lovely Peaceful Preschool curriculum to talk about exactly that. Jennifer is a mom of seven kids she has homeschooled since the beginning including three graduates, so in addition to the preschool we cover the gamut of homeschool topics from A to Z. Enjoy! Jennifer is a mom of seven kids she has homeschooled since the beginning including three graduates, so in addition to the preschool we cover the gamut of homeschool topics from A to Z. Enjoy!

Yvette and Garritt Hampton are one adventurous couple. No everyone has the guts to step out in faith, sell everything, and travel the country in an RV while filming a full-length documentary about homeschooling. This week I chat with the couple about homeschooling in a very small space, big changes, and their vision for Schoolhouse Rocked. Enjoy! This week I chat with the couple about homeschooling in a very small space, big changes, and their vision for Schoolhouse Rocked. Enjoy!

Camille Kirksey is joining us today in response to a couple of listener requests for a guest who spoke specifically about what it is like to homeschool as an African-American. How is homeschooling viewed in that community and what are some of the challenges? Camille is a wonderful and vivacious guest. Comfortable on air (don't miss her YouTube channel), she has insights on the title topic and a ton of other homeschool information. This is a fun one.

It's been a long-time coming but we finally have an interview with a dad who is the primary homeschool parent! Chris Tilley did not go back to work after a layoff a few years ago, but his wife did. That left him home to be the house husband and homeschool dad. It's a fun interview with a look at what it's like to homeschool from the dad's side.

It's an age-old question that keeps homeschool moms up at night -- how do you homeschool and get the housework done too? For the most part, you can't do it all. If you do a great job with homeschooling and housework then you really won't have time for anything else -- like a life. As homeschool moms we have to learn the hard lesson of letting our standards down a bit.Having said that, there are strategies we can use to make things easier. Tonia Lyons has figured out a few of those strategies and is here to share them with us today. From kitchens, to bathrooms, to laundry let's find a few ways to keep on top of the chaos.

Welcome back to a new season of the Homeschool Snapshots Podcast! We are kicking off with an interview with Cindy West from Our Journey Westward and Shining Dawn Books. While Cindy is known for homeschool nature study, she is also passionately interested in using a process called Brain Training in her homeschool with some of her wiggly boys. She heard about the techniques years ago and has studied them and how she can implement them into her homeschoolOn this episode of the podcast she shares more about her homeschool, how she got interested in brain training, and some of the techniques she uses with her kids.

Our last episode of the season features Kristen Hochhalter, a secular homeschooler. Kristen never thought she would homeschool, but as soon as some common misconceptions were blown out of the water, the doors of homeschooling possibilities began to open.Kristen talks about all she has learned from homeschooling, secular homeschooling, and finding community. We get real for a bit as we admit failures, talk about asking for forgiveness, and being your kids' first role model.Join us and be encouraged to find community wherever it is you are. Remember, we're all in this together.

At your request, today we are talking to Sue Umezaki about what it is like to homeschool in another culture. An interest in an exotic language led Sue to Japan as a teacher. There she met her husband and the rest is history. She has lived in Japan for 22 years and has homeschooled her four children from the beginning.With one daughter graduated, and three more at home, Sue has her feet on both sides of the homeschooling threshold. She talks about the freedom she experiences with homeschooling, finding homeschooling support, unique opportunities and struggles, living in small spaces, and simply everyday life.

Ever feel like what you do doesn't matter? Do you ever wonder if the sacrifice you made to stay home and teach your children is in vain? Join us for this episode of Homeschool Snapshots Podcast as Diane Lockman encourages us with what really matters.Diane reminds us to let go of subjects and give our children the skills now to learn the content they need for their callings later. She reminds us that the most important thing we can do is teach our children, how to read, write, think, and speak well, equipping them to seek their passions and find their place in the world.But most of all, Diane helps us to see that when moms are equipped through prayer and education then the whole family benefits.Just a quick note on the sound quality of this episode; it isn't great. We do apologize for the fuzzy sounds and want you to know that this is not the norm. It only affects Pam's side of the interview so we decided to run it anyway because Diane is just wonderful! 

In this episode of the Homeschool Snapshots podcast we chat with Charlotte Gleason, a homeschool mom of three, who loves food, literature, and teaching college-level classes.Charlotte began homeschooling because she wanted her children to be able to run and play as well as have time to read. She encourages us to make literature and grammar an integral part of our homeschool as a way to prepare our children for success in college.With a genuine love for teaching that shines through every book recommendation, Charlotte challenges us to find something that energizes us separate from our homeschool. For her it is teaching. What is it for you?

On this episode of Homeschool Snapshots, we enjoy a delightful conversation with Claire Stewart. Claire thoroughly enjoys spending time with her children as they learn through the huge feast she sets before them. She even admits to being the biggest kid of all!Come and listen how Claire tailors each child's education to fit their needs without making herself crazy. She also shares a little bit about her family's homeschooling journey while she was sick with cancer.I had so much fun talking with Claire and hope you will enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

Kortney Garrison has had many adventures. Besides being married for 17 years, which is an adventure in itself sometimes, she has lived in South America, studied in London, and spent a summer in Guadalajara. These adventures have fostered in her a desire for simplicity and contemplation in her homeschool.Kortney offers a down to earth look at homeschooling. Relax, go for the long haul, keep the end in view, and remember that a DIY education requires you to participate with your children as you take life in stride.

Ainsley Arment is the founder of Wild and Free, a community to help homeschool parents connect with others who share the mindset that childhood is an important stage, not just something to grow out of. Noticing the light of wonder going out of her sons eyes, she became a homeschooling mom six years ago and hasn't looked back.Come and be encouraged to trust yourself and your children in your homeschooling adventure by allowing the process of learning to take place naturally.

Missy Andrews is a homeschool mother of six and co-author of Teaching the Classics. She regularly shares her love of literature on the CenterforLit podcast, BiblioFiles, along with her husband Adam, son Ian, and daughter-in-law Emily.Join us as Missy talks about the real goal of homeschooling, the proper place for academics, and most importantly, how to get to the nitty-gritty of a book through a great conversation with your children.

Welcome back to a new season of the Homeschool Snapshots Podcast! We are kicking off with an interview with Lesli Richards, a self proclaimed accidental homeschooler and the author of The Homegrown Preschooler.Lesli shares with us things she wish she had known at the beginning of her homeschooling journey. With one daughter in college and a special needs son, she talks about the important things that made their homeschool successful.With warmth, humor, and down-to-earth truth, Lesli is the perfect encouragement to get your year off to a great start. Enjoy!

We are wrapping up this season of the podcast with an interview from a real homeschool legend: Jane Lambert. Jane is a veteran homeschool mom who is now cheering on her daughters as they in turn homeschool her grandchildren.Jane shares how she used excellent books and simple materials to open up the world to her children. She also tells the story of the birth of her much-loved literature-based curriculum, Five in a Row.After more than 30 years in the homeschooling world, Jane is able to speak with warmth and wisdom about the big picture of home education. Enjoy!

Amy Roberts is a homeschooling mom with a houseful of kids ranging from teens to tots. She joins us on this episode of the podcast to give a sneak peek into the life of a large homeschooling family.Amy shares some great toddler-wrangling tips, strategies for staying organized, and some wisdom for homeschooling through grief and other difficult times. Her warmth and humor make this an interview not to be missed!

Dawn Garrett is a homeschooling mother of three and a long-time blogger at Ladydusk, where she is celebrating her 15th anniversary of blogging.Over the years at her blog, she has chronicled precious family memories, significant learning milestones, her own reflections, hopes, and plans, and much more.

Heidi Scovel is a classical homeschooler and book lover who blogs at Mt. Hope Chronicles. She joins us on this episode of the podcast to give us a peek into what school likes like at her house with four extroverted, book-loving kids and a relaxed classical approach to learning.Heidi tells how she spreads a feast for her children by keeping copious numbers of rich books around the house, and she even shares some secrets for how she carves out time for her own reading. Enjoy!

Durenda Wilson is a seasoned homeschooler with eight children who currently range from young adults down to an 11 year old. She is the author of a new book, The Unhurried Homeschooler,  a short little gem all about slowing down and letting go of the burdensome expectations and pressures we often saddle ourselves with as parents.Her message is a much-needed tonic for the burnout and harried pace we sometimes fall into as busy homeschoolers. Durenda joins us on this episode of the podcast to share a little bit about her own story and to tell how and why the "unhurried" philosophy became so important to her. Enjoy!

Marianne Sunderland is a long-time homeschooler who has graduated 3 (soon to be 4) of her 8 children. She joins us on this episode of the podcast to discuss just the tip of the iceberg of what she has learned in over 20 years of homeschooling, about dyslexia, helping kids set goals and pursue big dreams, and more.Her family's journey is an exciting one and listening to Marianne share her wisdom and personal experiences is a treat. Enjoy!

MacKenzie Monroe is a homeschooling mother of four and the host of the Cultivating the Lovely podcast and morning show on Periscope. She tries to savor the beauty in the day-to-day routines of mom life and is on a mission to help other women do the same.On this episode of the podcast, MacKenzie explains how she endeavors to foster beauty in her homeschool through practices like Morning Time, reading and talking about great books, and utilizing traveler's notebooks. Enjoy!

Tsh Oxenreider is a world-traveler, entrepreneur and a homeschool mom. Did I mention she was also a ton of fun to talk to? Founder of the Simple Living Media Network and author of three books, Tsh and husband Kyle homeschool their three kids.Last year they took the entire show on the road for a year as they traveled the world as a family. Get the scoop on the best and worst parts of word-schooling on this episode of the podcast.

Mary Prather is a homeschool mom with a heart for other homeschool moms. She was mentored by friends in her early homeschooling days and now strives to pay that mentorship forward by encouraging and equipping other moms. Her calm demeanor will set you at ease, so pull up a chair for this episode of the podcast.