Today on the podcast I am joined by my good friend Colleen Kessler who is a homeschooling mom of four and a gifted education specialist. Colleen and I chat about the benefits of a Morning Basket for your gifted kids as well as some of the challenges that moms of gifted and twice exceptional children might face when it comes to getting everyone on the same page for group learning. Colleen gives us practical tips for discussion, activities, and what to do for kids who struggle to hold still and focus. Full of ideas and encouragement, this episode has something for everyone! For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb81.

YMB #81 Morning Time with Gifted Kids: A Conversation with Colleen Kessler

Are you ready for homeschooling to feel joyful again? Do you need support as you learn alongside your kids? Welcome to Homeschool Better Together. Hosted by Pam Barnhill, this podcast shares how to stop questioning if you are doing enough and create a homeschool experience that fits your family.

Each Tuesday, we break down the big ideas into manageable chunks to give you the confidence and resources you need to finally step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder. Homeschool stories and practical tips are delivered straight to your earbuds full of inspiration and encouragement. They are perfect to listen to while running errands or folding a load of laundry. No matter what homeschool method you use,  you’ll learn how to remove the overwhelm from your homeschool so you can focus on building relationships. To stay connected and learn even more about the Homeschooling Better Together resources, join the free community: https://pambarnhill.com/homeschool-better-together-podcast/

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In this episode of Your Morning Basket, host Pam Barnhill welcomes Jennifer Pepito, the host of the Restoration Home podcast, to chat about creating a sacred home environment. They dive into the inspiration behind Jennifer's newest book, "Habits for a Sacred Home," which draws from the monastery movement and the impact of spiritual disciplines on history. The conversation covers the specific practices that are essential for nurturing a literature-based homeschool and the role of daily prayer in creating a peaceful and connected community within the home. Pam and Jennifer talk about the importance of a rule of life, which helps families identify their core values and live according to those values. To make it practical, the book includes different rules from St. Benedict paired with biographical sketches of women in history who exemplified those rules. The book also offers a study guide, recipe, prayer, scripture verses, and a pre-order offer with additional resources. This episode is a treasure trove for homeschooling parents looking to infuse their homes with meaningful practices and spiritual disciplines. To get access to the resources and the pre-order offer, you can visit habitsforasacredhome.com. Key Takeaways:Understand the concept of a rule of life or a mission statement for homeschooling, and how it can provide a vision and direction for the education of children, as well as decision-making about curriculum and activities.Experience the joys and benefits of incorporating daily prayer and poetry recitation into the homeschool routine, fostering a sense of spirituality and connection within the family.Explore the idea of stewardship within the home, including the importance of teaching children responsibility through daily chores and room care, and the impact of cultivating inner calm through quiet time practices.Learn about the historical significance of the monastery movement and see how this can inspire mothers to create a sense of community and stability within their homes, especially in turbulent times.Embrace the freedom and peace that comes from living according to the values and disciplines of a sacred home, and how this approach can help mothers and families weather the challenges of our culture while living out their faith and values.
Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Morning Time PlansMothering by the Book: The Power of Reading Aloud to Overcome Fear and Recapture Joy by Jennifer PepitoHabits for a Sacred Home book by Jennifer PepitoRestoration Home PodcastThe Peaceful PressThe Peaceful Press Curriculum1000 Hours Outside PodcastAt Home with Sally PodcastThe Read Aloud Revival Atomic Habits by James Clear<a href="https://amzn.to/3w8Vrwn"...

YMB #152 Five Habits for a Sacred Home With Jennifer Pepito

In this episode of Your Morning Basket, host Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Dawn Garrett and Laney Homan share insightful strategies for incorporating picture study into your homeschooling routine. This episode discusses the benefits of picture study, such as creating a mental gallery of paintings for children to enjoy as well as highlighting that it's not about learning art history, but rather about observing and appreciating the details in a painting.  Gain practical insights on how to conduct picture study sessions, including the basic method of observing a painting, discussing it with your children, and prompting them to think about and offer their own titles for the artwork. Whether you're new to picture study or looking for fresh ideas to invigorate your homeschooling curriculum, this episode has something for every homeschooling parent. Key Takeaways:Emphasize the value of setting a timer for 5 minutes to draw a painting as an exercise in attention, not about recreating the style of the artist.Highlight the importance of dividing a painting into thirds and showing each part to children, focusing on details like colors, brushstrokes, light, and texture. Discuss the process of telling a story about a picture to engage with the painting, emphasizing the use of details in the painting to guide the story.Encourage the community to share more ideas for picture study and other activities in a free homeschool portal.Stress the significance of building the habit of attention through picture study and other activities like nature study, music, and poetry.Recommend not revealing the title of the painting initially to encourage critical thinking, and suggest asking questions to prompt children to think about the painting and offer their own titles.
Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Morning Time PlansArtistic Pursuits curriculumThe belated Party on Mansfield Mountain by Jerome B. Thompson"Impression Sunrise" by Claude MonetAngelica KauffmanJ.M.W. Turner
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb151 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

YMB #151 Five Ways to Do a Picture Study

In this episode of “Your Morning Basket,” host Pam Barnhill and co-host Heather Tully, a mom of ten and a veteran morning time homeschooler, discuss the enriching experience of nature study. Parents will discover the benefits of incorporating nature study into their homeschool routine, learning how it can foster observation skills, connect children with science in a vivid and approachable way, and significantly benefit mental wellness by encouraging outdoor time. This episode covers practical tips for making nature study a seamless part of morning time, including building drawing and watercoloring skills as well as choosing specific topics for deeper exploration. Listen in for inspiring strategies to bring the wonders of the natural world into your homeschool. Key Takeaways:Nature study in homeschooling encourages children to observe and connect with science in a tangible and engaging way.Integrating nature study into morning time can be achieved through skill-building activities like drawing and watercoloring, and by focusing on thematic studies such as rocks or evergreens.Even without venturing outdoors, nature study can be effectively conducted at the table with resources like nature lore books and magnifying glasses for closer observation.Consistency in nature study can be fostered by forming groups for regular nature walks, thereby making the practice a communal and anticipated event.Nature study not only deepens child's understanding of the natural world but also promotes mental well-being by encouraging them to spend time outside, observing and appreciating their surroundings.
Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Gather: Exploring the Wonder, Wisdom & Worship of Learning at HomeHeather Tully PhotographyEyes and No Eyes: Volume 1Among the Meadow PeopleThe Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir LawsCircle of Seasons; The Journal of a Naturalist's YearSimply Charlotte Mason
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb150 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

YMB #150 Let's Gather for Nature Study with Heather Tully

If you're a homeschooling parent looking for meaningful ways to engage with your high schoolers and bring joy to your homeschool routine, this episode of Your Morning Basket is for you. Join host Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Laney Homan and Dawn Garrett, as they discuss incorporating Morning Time for high schoolers and the importance of Morning Time, plans that cater to the whole family. Laney Homan shares her experience of using Morning Time plans with her senior high schooler and her 7-year-old, emphasizing the value of not making high school plans and engaging in enjoyable learning together. Dawn Garrett discusses making Morning Time count for high schoolers and provides insight into incorporating it into their daily routine. Discover how morning time plans offer valuable learning experiences for children of different ages, including high schoolers. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that will inspire and guide you in making Morning Time work for your high schoolers! Key Takeaways:Morning time plans for homeschooling high schoolers can be varied and flexible, incorporating activities that cater to different subjects and interests.Morning time plans include diverse activities, videos, picture study, poetry, and level-up activities suitable for older students.High schoolers can engage with morning time plans through activities like math, which includes advanced concepts suitable for their age and ability.Discover how morning time plans can benefit high schoolers and the whole family
Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Month of Morning TimePicture Books Aren't Just for Preschoolers
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb149 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

YMB #149 Why We Don't Make High School Morning Time Plans

If you're a homeschooling mom looking for ways to incorporate current events into your homeschool, episode 148 of Your Morning Basket is a must-listen! Join host Pam Barnhill and returning guest, Carl Azuz the host and executive producer of The World From A to Z as they delve into the world of news and media literacy. Pam and Carl discuss the importance of engaging kids in meaningful conversations about global events and navigating the complex landscape of media and news consumption. Carl shares his experience as a news presenter for CNN and his reasons behind creating, "The World From A to Z," a nonpartisan news show designed to provide a well-rounded look at international events, cultures, and stories for students. Discover how "The World From A to Z" can help bring current issues to your homeschool in a family-friendly manner. Key Takeaways:Learn how, The World From A to Z provides a well-rounded perspective on news and culture.As homeschoolers, we have a unique opportunity to engage our kids in critical thinking conversations about what's happening in the world. Carl shares his journey from CNN to creating The World From A to Z, a family friendly news outlet for students.Carl encourages multiple perspectives and fact-checking in an ever growing digital age. Learn how discussing news and current events can help our children think critically and have meaningful discussions.Encourage our children to have well-rounded perspectives, especially on controversial topics. Encourage our children to bridge disagreement and polarization within their communities with factual news information. The World From A to Z runs a fresh, nine minute episode each weekday.
Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket PlusThe World From A to ZCarl Azuz's YouTube channelCarl Azuz on Your Morning BasketPoynter InstituteSonlight Homeschool Curriculum
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb148 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

YMB #81 Morning Time with Gifted Kids: A Conversation with Colleen Kessler

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