Struggling to keep your homeschooling engaging and effective? I’ve got you covered! In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, Laney Homan and I chat about the benefits of unit studies. I share memories of my early homeschooling days, filled with unit studies that made learning come alive for my kids.

Laney, a busy mom of eight, brings her real-life experiences to the table. She shares tips on integrating unit studies into a busy homeschool schedule. Laney explains how unit studies can simplify planning, foster closer family relationships, and make learning together more enjoyable.

Resources and Links:

• HSBT Community

Key Ideas: 

• Discover the components of the Wonder Studies program, including Little Explorers for early education, Explorations for the arts, and Voyages for content subjects like history and science.
• Learn how the program is designed to accommodate children of varying ages, with tasks tailored to the child's age and skill level, including differentiated written and oral narrations for older children.
• Explore the benefits of unit studies, including making connections across different subjects, creating consistency in learning, and reducing burnout for both children and parents.
• Understand how the Explorations approach integrates natural connections across subjects, avoiding contrived links, and provides flexibility by not adhering strictly to a historical timeline.
• Hear insights from Laney Homan on using themed morning time explorations, how it has helped her children make better connections in history, and enhanced their overall subject understanding.
• Recognize the challenges of homeschooling, the importance of perseverance, and the value of finding a homeschooling method that works uniquely for each family.
• Learn about the mentorship opportunities provided through the Wonder Studies membership, including 15-minute calls with Laney Homan to guide parents and create a supportive homeschooling community.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt13

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Advent Plans

Feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of homeschooling methods? You're not alone! In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, I explore the diverse world of homeschooling options, from classical education to unschooling. I share my personal journey of “uschooling” and highlight the importance of creating a personalized education plan that fits your family’s unique needs.

You'll find practical advice on researching and implementing different homeschooling methods, along with valuable resources like a downloadable cheat sheet and interviews with moms who use various methods.

Tune in to learn how to step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder of homeschooling, finding a method that brings joy and effectiveness to your educational journey.

Resources and Links:

• Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot
• Pam's Homeschool Methods Blog Post with FREE Methods Reference Sheet
• HSBT Community
• For the Children's Sake by Susan Shaffer McCauley
• Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book Of Homeschooling by John Holt
• In Vital Harmony: Charlotte Mason and the Natural Laws of Education by Karen Glass

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the benefits of the autopilot planning process, making homeschool planning easier and more efficient, even if you start late in the summer.
• Understand the concept of "uschooling," focusing on creating a homeschool experience unique to your family’s needs rather than strictly adhering to any single method.
• Learn about various homeschooling methods, including classical education, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, and unit studies, and their foundational views on children’s education.
• Access resources like interviews with homeschooling parents to gain insights into different teaching methods and how they are applied in various family settings.
• Recognize that while understanding different homeschooling methods can be beneficial, it’s crucial to prioritize what works best for your family over strict adherence to any method.
• Explore the potential pitfalls of over-committing to a particular method, such as causing stress and dissatisfaction within the family dynamic.
• Get recommendations for approachable reading materials to better understand and incorporate different educational philosophies without becoming overwhelmed.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt12

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Advent Plans

Are you ready to make civics a fun and engaging part of your homeschool? Pam Barnhill and Meg Angelino discuss the new "Citizenship Together" curriculum, designed to bring government and citizenship concepts to life through detailed, engaging lessons. Meg, with her extensive background in history and education, shares practical tips for seamlessly integrating this curriculum into your homeschool, making planning easier and more efficient.

In this episode, Pam and Meg tackle the challenges of creating unbiased educational materials and explain how "Citizenship Together" can help your family have respectful political discussions. They highlight the importance of teaching kids about government functions, election processes, and their impact on everyday life. Tune in to learn how to foster closer family relationships while making learning about civics enjoyable and relevant for your children.

Resources and Links: 

• Citizenship Together Curriculum
• HSBT Community
• For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters by Jeff Foster

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the benefits of teaching citizenship and civics through a curriculum designed to be inclusive and manageable for homeschool families, reinforcing children's understanding of their roles and responsibilities in society.
• Learn about discerning accurate information on social media and the internet, and the importance of teaching young people to critically evaluate sources and understand government-related topics.
• Engage children in respectful political discussions, helping them understand that divergent opinions can be discussed civilly, and the importance of these discussions in fostering a healthy understanding of democratic processes.
• Explore the comprehensive unit that covers various aspects of government and elections, from the presidency to local elections, branches of government, special interest groups, and the supreme court, emphasizing their interconnectedness.
• Understand the significance of integrating primary sources like the Constitution and Bill of Rights into the curriculum, and how discussions and activities around these documents can deepen children's understanding of US government principles.
• Hear about practical ways to involve children in the political process, such as taking them to vote, visiting polling places, and participating in local community activities, making the experience educational and memorable.
• Recognize the importance of making learning feel personal and relatable by using the term "citizenship" over "civics," and how this approach helps children connect more deeply with the subject matter and their role in the community.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt11

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Advent Plans

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Colleen Kessler, an education consultant with a master's degree in gifted education, homeschool mom, podcast host, and author. We'll be discussing Colleen's latest book, "The Homeschool Advantage," which highlights how to leverage children's strengths and passions in the homeschooling environment.

Colleen shares invaluable insights on adopting a strength-based approach to education, emphasizing the importance of knowing your children's interests and goals to craft a personalized and engaging learning experience. She also advises against investing too much money on new activities initially, allowing kids to naturally develop their interests.

We’ll touch on practical strategies like using unit studies to incorporate various subjects and discuss the beauty of flexibility in homeschooling—adapting to children's changing interests and needs as they grow. Colleen offers heartfelt encouragement that any parent who loves their child can successfully homeschool, providing practical tips and wisdom gleaned from her experiences.

Join us as we explore how to create a well-rounded and tailored educational experience for your children, step out of overwhelm, and step into wonder on this episode of Homeschool Better Together Podcast.

Links and Resources:

• The Homeschool Advantage Pre-Order Page
• Colleen's Website 
• Raising Lifelong Learners Community
• Homeschool Better Together Community
• Raising Creative Kids: A Collection of Creativity Prompts for Children by Colleen Kessler
• Raising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family by Colleen Kessler

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the benefits of a strength-based approach to education by focusing on kids' strengths and passions to enhance their homeschooling experience.
• Understand the importance of knowing your child’s interests and integrating those interests into their education to create a more engaging and personalized learning environment.
• Learn practical advice on introducing new activities without spending a lot initially, allowing children to develop their interests organically and showing initiative.
• Hear about Colleen Kessler's experiences in tailoring education to her children's strengths and passions, including using alternative methods like online simulations for subjects they are less enthusiastic about.
• Explore the unit study approach to homeschooling, incorporating various subjects around a child's interest to create a well-rounded and flexible curriculum.
• Gain insights on managing homeschooling for multiple children by combining interests and subjects, particularly when they are younger and more controllable.
• Delve into the balance of offering children autonomy in their education while ensuring they acquire essential knowledge to become contributing members of society.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt10

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Advent Plans

Feeling overwhelmed with language arts education in your homeschool? Join hosts Pam Barnhill, Meg Angelino, and Laney Homan, in episode nine of Homeschool Better Together, as they discuss how literature-based learning can revolutionize language arts education for your family. Discover the transformative power of integrating grammar, writing style, literary analysis, and vocabulary activities through high-quality literature, all within one flexible program.

Explore the hosts' personal experiences and insights as they discuss the benefits of using literature to teach grammar, the adaptability of the program for children with different ages and abilities, and the positive impact it has had on their own read-aloud sessions with their kids. Gain a deeper understanding of how this holistic approach to language arts offers an enriching and enjoyable learning experience, without the tedium of traditional grammar programs.

Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that will bring clarity and inspiration to your language arts journey. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode is for you! 

Links and Resources:

• Language Arts Together Bundle Two- SPECIAL Presale price of $34 through July 16!
• Tarantula in My Purse by Jean Craighead George
• Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr
• A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
• A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
• Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
• The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson 
• The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
• Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
• Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• The Trumpet of The Swan by E.B. White
• Little House in The Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Language Arts Together Bundle 1
• Homeschool Better Together Community

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the benefits of using literature to teach grammar, emphasizing a deeper understanding of grammar through actual writing.
• Learn how unintentional learning occurs for younger children when participating in discussions or activities targeted at older kids.
• Explore the structured yet adaptable nature of the program, with solid pedagogical practices like narration, copywork, dictation, and vocabulary study.
• Understand the flexibility and independence the program allows, including space for independent exploration, with minimal preparation required.
• Hear about the ease of incorporating the language arts program into homeschooling, emphasizing the lack of added stress and friction.
• Gain insight into the program's approach to teaching grammar through literature, preserving the pleasure of the story while providing structure without being overly rigid.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt9

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Advent Plans

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill explores five different types of curriculum—scripted, open-and-go, fixed grid, buffet, and whole-family learning—and discusses how each one can meet the unique needs of your homeschool journey. 

By understanding the different kinds of curricula available and how each can fit your family's needs, you'll be well-equipped to make decisions that reduce stress and enhance your homeschooling adventure. So, grab your notepad, maybe a smoothie, and let's step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder of homeschooling better together.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about different types of curriculum, including scripted, open and go, fixed grid, buffet, and whole-family learning, to find what works best for your homeschool style and needs.
• Understand the advantages of scripted curriculum for new homeschooling parents and how it can provide a structured yet flexible learning experience.
• Explore the concept of open and go curriculum and how balancing it with other types can simplify your homeschool year and reduce planning fatigue.
• Gain insight into fixed grid curriculum and the snaking loop schedule as a method to avoid overwhelm and ensure a balanced approach to using comprehensive resources.
• Get tips on effectively using buffet curriculum by setting specific goals, prioritizing materials, and making decisions in advance to avoid decision fatigue.
• Appreciate the value of whole-family learning curriculum, with a realistic approach to age range, to foster family unity and efficient multi-age education.

Resources and Links: 

• All About Reading
• All About Spelling
• Guest Hallow
• Tapestry of Grace
• Layers of Learning
• Book Shark
• Memoria Press
• Five In A Row
• Simply Charlotte Mason
• Homeschool Better Together Community
• Homeschool Better Together Citizenship Together
• Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot
• Task Card Master Class

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt8

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Advent Plans

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill shares four practical tips that will help you move from feeling overwhelmed to prepared; ensuring your homeschooling days are filled with curiosity, excitement, and wonder. Whether it’s planning amazing field trips, following your kids' interests with a Wonder Wall, or incorporating morning basket time into your routine, this episode has you covered.

Listen in for practical tips on selecting the best resources, making your homeschool both orderly and enriching, and creating an environment tailored to the interests of your children. Let's step out of the overwhelm and into the joy of learning together!

Key Resources:

• Order and Wonder course
• YMB Plus
• Halliburton's Marvels
• Homeschool Better Together Community

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the structured approach to choosing curriculum as the fourth step in homeschooling planning, detailing the prior steps including reviewing the homeschool vision and setting specific student goals.
• Learn how to incorporate wonder into your homeschool planning, focusing on creating opportunities for children to wonder about the world rather than only experiencing big, awe-inspiring moments.
• Understand the importance of intentionality in your homeschool vision and goals, specifically how setting specific aims for introducing wonder can transform your educational environment.
• Explore practical scheduling strategies to include wonder regularly, whether through field trips, weekly or biweekly wonder activities, or daily morning basket routines.
• Get insights on following your children's interests by creating a Wonder Wall, allowing them to contribute topics they are curious about and using this input to plan engaging studies.
• Hear suggestions for preparing ahead to gather the best resources, such as highly-recommended books, videos, and games, ensuring these materials are enriching and inspiring for your children.
• Learn about the benefits of leveraging the Homeschool Better Together community to crowdsource recommendations, helping you find high-quality educational tools and foster a collaborative learning experience.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt7

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Advent Plans

Welcome back to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast. In today's episode, host Pam Barnhill and guest Amie Gardner dive into the intricacies of homeschool planning and the tools that can make it all more manageable. Amie shares her experience using Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot, which has been a game-changer in balancing lesson plans for her family and creating a confident, structured homeschooling environment. 

We'll also hear about Amie's journey from feeling overwhelmed with curriculum to finding flexibility and peace of mind. Pam and Amie reflect on the pressures of finding the perfect curriculum and fostering a love for learning in children. 

This episode is packed with valuable insights, practical tips, and heartfelt discussion aimed at helping you navigate your homeschooling journey with confidence and ease.

Resource and Links:

• Homeschool Planet
• All About Reading
• Tapestry of Grace
• Sonlight Curriculum
• Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot
• Navigating High School
• Homeschooling Better Together Community

Key Takeaways:

• Discover how Amie Gardner uses Put Your Year on Autopilot and Plan Your Year to simplify homeschool planning, providing a checks and balances system for her lesson planning
• Understand the benefits of online homeschool planners in tracking and shifting dates, helping to create an organized education plan within a short timeframe.
• Explore the flexibility and customization offered by Plan Your Year, making it adaptable for any homeschool approach and reducing chaos in daily schedules.
• Hear Amie's journey from starting homeschooling due to her oldest child's struggles in public school, to finding the right resources that helped her develop a confident and effective homeschool routine.
• Learn the advantages and potential challenges of the buffet curriculum approach, and the importance of making decisions ahead of time to avoid decision fatigue.
• Gain insights into the benefits of structured yet flexible planning processes that provide a sense of direction, reduce overwhelm, and ensure comprehensive subject coverage.
• Reflect on the balance between finding the perfect curriculum and fostering a love for learning, understanding the pressure on curriculum providers and the value of scripted homeschool curriculums.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt6

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Advent Plans

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill provides actionable tips to help make your homeschool planning simpler and more flexible. Pam tackles some common struggles, such as, when life happens and your perfectly laid plans fall apart. Listen in for practical solutions like lesson plan lists, loop schedules, and procedure lists that will help you stay organized without the stress of rigid grids.

These tips are designed to help you create a homeschool plan that adapts to your family's needs, eliminates decision fatigue, and lets you enjoy the journey more. These strategies have been lifesavers for many fellow homeschoolers.

If you're ready to bring joy back into your homeschooling, don’t miss today’s episode. Let's step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder together!

Key Takeaways:

• Simplify homeschool planning by using lesson plan lists, where lessons are ordered by subject rather than assigning specific activities to specific days, creating flexibility in case of unexpected interruptions.
• Adopt loop scheduling to balance subjects and avoid falling behind in one area while getting too far ahead in another, ensuring consistent progress across all subjects.
• Utilize procedure lists to streamline the curriculum, specifying the steps needed to meet educational goals, thus making the daily execution of lessons straightforward and manageable.
• Consider focusing more on the joy and wonder of learning rather than strictly adhering to rigid plans, to alleviate the feeling of failure when plans don't go as expected.
• Create an efficient homeschooling record-keeping method by annotating completed lessons with dates on your lists, eliminating the need for post-hoc filling of grids or records.
• Enhance engagement through varied activities, such as incorporating books, videos, and interactive tasks, tailored to meet your educational objectives in an enjoyable way for kids.
• Explore available courses, such as the autopilot planning course, which provide detailed guidance and tools for more effective homeschool planning and execution.

Resources and Links:

Homeschool Better Together Podcast

Wonder World Podcast

Put Your Homeschool On Autopilot

Innovative Loop Schedule

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt5

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Advent Plans

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we journey through the challenging yet rewarding world of homeschooling as a community. In today's episode, you'll discover how strategic planning frameworks can relieve the overwhelm of daily decision-making, turning any curriculum into a seamless, open-and-go experience.

Whether you're like "Best Intention Becky," who loves to plan but tends to overdo it or "Carefree Cathy," who thrives on spontaneity but struggles to cover the core subjects, this episode offers flexible planning techniques like lesson plan lists and magic number scheduling that could be perfect for you. Pam candidly discusses her own struggles with maintaining spontaneity while keeping up with homeschooling demands and introduces flexible planning approaches that can offer peace and predictability amidst life's uncertainties. 

Tune in for real stories, practical tips, and empowering resources to make your homeschooling journey more joyful and less stressful. Let's make homeschooling better, together!

Links and Resources:

• Which Kind of Homeschool Mom Are You? Part 1
• Homeschool Better Together Community
• Put Your Year on Autopilot
• Plan Your Year

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how structuring your homeschooling approach with lists rather than rigid schedules can provide the flexibility to accommodate life's uncertainties and spontaneous learning moments.
• Understand the role of a vision statement in creating an effective homeschool plan, allowing parents to test their decisions against their long-term educational goals and stay disciplined.
• Explore the concept of lesson plan lists without specific dates, combined with magic number scheduling as techniques to maintain educational progression without the stress of constant replanning.
• Gain insights into reducing stress and decision fatigue by using flexible planning frameworks that turn any curriculum into an open-and-go format, improving the overall homeschooling experience.
• Recognize the importance of periodic reviews to calmly assess the effectiveness of your homeschool plan, ensuring it remains adaptable and aligned with your family's needs and goals.
• Discover how autopilot planning can help families stay on track with homeschooling even in the face of unexpected events, like Alicia Brooklands did after hurricane Michael.
• Hear Pam's reflections on homeschooling year-round, managing seasonal breaks, and the impact of flexible planning on maintaining a joyful and balanced learning environment for her family.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt4

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Advent Plans