Homeschool Hints Podcast

How do homeschoolers spend all that time with their kids? 😉 Krystal Evensen, a mom of 13, discusses her strategies and experiences raising many children in a small space and finding joy along the way, even if life doesn't always go as planned!

-How Krystal started homeschooling [1:05]

-Making a schedule to plan the day, including times to rest and recharge [3:15]

-Other tips and coping strategies e.g. outside walks, different activities [4:50]

-Different schedules for different seasons, e.g. more flexibility for teenagers vs. littles [6:01]

-Misconception of 6-hour homeschool days, like a traditional classroom - homeschooling can be done sometimes in a few hours, especially in elementary years [7:07]

-How to give children space and time for pretend play, self-directed learning, etc. [8:00]

-When to take a break [10:30]

-Mindset of “doing life together” vs. “everyone separated by age, doing their own thing” [11:49]

-What about “alone time” or “quiet time”? [14:20]

-How to deal with sibling rivalry [16:35]

-Setting boundaries and sticking to them; finding help from spouses and/or friends [20:00]

Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/homeschool-morning-routine/ (Creating the best homeschool morning routine for your family)

Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/teaching-methods-finland-homeschooling/ (How teaching methods in Finland apply to homeschooling)

Continue the conversation!

Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkc

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/

Some events coming up for October include the following:

* Next graduation meeting for the Class of 2024 will be Monday, Oct. 9.

* The Crown Center Homeschool Week will take place Oct. 9-14.

* Shawnee Town 1929 is offering a Homeschool Day on Friday, Oct. 13.

* The free online Homeschool Parenting 2.0 Summit is taking place Oct. 16-21.

In a previous episode, Angelena Stowell discussed planning and organizing your homeschool year. Today we’ll discuss how to build your homeschool community and different ways to do so, from homeschool co-ops and small groups to enrichment programs and more!

-What are co-ops, groups, and enrichment programs? What are the differences? [1:00]

-Building community not just among your children, but also among moms and parents [2:30]

-Other extracurricular activities and opportunities / homeschool enrichment days [3:45]

-Researching homeschool groups [5:00]

-MPE events and mentoring moms [5:55]

-Finding your own “busy” [7:00]

-Tackling the whole homeschool socialization question! [7:58]

-Mom 2 Mom coffee gatherings [9:00]

-GROW homeschool workshops [11:17]

-How to start small [12:30]

Resource #1 - KC-area list of co-ops, enrichment programs, activities and more: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/homeschool-enrichment-co-op-athletic-programs/ 

Resource #2 - GROW homeschool workshops: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/grow-back-homeschool-workshop/ 

Continue the conversation!

Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkc

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/

Some events MPE has planned for September:

* Today (Aug. 25) is the last day to register for our Sept. 1 Homeschool Day at the K! Tailgating starts at 4 p.m. It includes Food, Music, Games and Fellowship. Game against the Red Sox starts at 7:10 p.m. Look out for a drone show at the end!

* The first graduation meeting for our Class of 2024 will be Monday, Sept. 11, at Garrett Chapel at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe. Each graduate helps shape the ceremony by participating in a committee. There are specific requirements for eligibility, committee participation, and standards to follow to participate. These requirements will also be explained in full at the September graduation meeting.

* Our Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks are Sept. 17-29. These are fantastic for kicking off the school year and making memories with your family. I’m quoting from Bethany, “We enjoyed our first time at great wolf lodge! We have never been because it was too expensive for our family of 5. We were also able to celebrate 2 of our kids’ birthdays while there. Thank you!”

* Registration is open for our PSAT testing opportunity in October. Taking the PSAT can qualify high school juniors for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships, which can help with college funding and academic honors.

Learn how homeschool families organize and plan for their school year - across a wide range of learning spaces. Angelena Stowell, a KC-area homeschool mom, discusses her best tips for organization and planning - including favorites like Japanese chalk and metal bins!

-How Angelena started her homeschool journey [1:01] 

-Tips for organizing and planning the homeschool year: cleaning, decluttering, meal planning, etc. [6:00]

-Ideas for researching curriculum and tailoring learning to each child [8:30]

-Advice and ideas for organizing curriculum, finding cheap and free resources [9:55]

-Homeschool planners and finding the one that best fits your family [14:10]

-Some resources to help with planning and organization [18:00]

-Tailoring the school year’s goals and supplies to each of your children’s needs [20:45]

-Odds and ends, or homeschool supplies you may have never heard before but need to know! [23:30]

Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/graduation/

Resource #2: Peaceful Press Homeschool Planner - https://www.thepeacefulpreschool.com/the-homeschool-planner

Resource #3: Plan Your Year: Homeschool Planning for Purpose and Peace by Pam Barnhill - https://www.amazon.com/Plan-Your-Year-Homeschool-Planning/dp/0999742124 

Continue the conversation!

Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkc

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/

July is one of the most exciting times of the year for homeschool families! Some events MPE has planned for the upcoming school year:

* “How to Homeschool in KS or MO” live webinar, 3-4 p.m. July 18. We’ll help you set expectations, meet legal requirements, tailor curriculum, and choose educational methods for your unique family. You will leave with resources and confidence to begin or continue your homeschool journey.

* GROW workshop for homeschool moms, 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 25. Our speaker will discuss mapping and planning your homeschool year; creating a workable rhythm, or schedule; choosing the best curriculum for your family’s unique needs; and knowing when to switch curriculum if/when needed. Come enjoy fellowship while sharing a light sandwich dinner (included in registration)!

* Homeschool Day at the K, starting 4 p.m. Sept. 1. What better way to meet other homeschoolers and just have a good time than a KC Royals game! Tailgating starts at 4 p.m. It includes food, music, games and fellowship. Game starts at 7:10 p.m. Since it is a Friday, it should have fireworks at the end!

* Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks, Sept. 17-29. Celebrate the start of the school year with these fantastic deals where excitement abounds and it’s always 84 degrees!

Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/how-to-homeschool-webinar/ (Homeschool Webinar)

Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/grow-back-homeschool-workshop/ (GROW Workshop)

Resource #3: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-day-k/ (Homeschool Day at the K)

Resource #4: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/great-wolf-lodge-homeschool-week/ (Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks)

Continue the conversation!

Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkc

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/

Meet Marissa Hitt, who graduated with MPE's Class of 2023! She's also an artist and business owner through Melane & Co. She credits her homeschool experience with giving her the ability to pursue her interests from an early age and jumpstart her entrepreneurship skills, partly because of the strong support and encouragement from her parents.

-Graduating with MPE and fellow homeschool students [1:01] 

-Her homeschool journey and how it helped her [1:40]

-Some challenges Marissa encountered along the way [3:50]

-How her business developed and stretched her as an entrepreneur [7:15]

-Business mentoring, resources, and other tips for young homeschool students [10:40]

-How to pursue your interests and look for key themes in your life [15:20]

Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/graduation/

Resource #2: Melane & Co.’s Website: melaneandco.com & Email: [email protected]

Social Media: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/melaneandco/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/melaneandco), Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/melaneandco/)

Marissa Hitt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissa_hitt/

Marissa Hitt’s Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marissa_hitt/

Continue the conversation!

Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkc

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/

Field trips can be the homeschool family's "secret weapon" to make learning fun! Annette Vaughn is a homeschool mom to three boys and organizes regular outings for a group of 20+ families in the Kansas City area. She shares strategies for planning your next field trip, including cost-cutting strategies, research, and catering to different ages and grades.

-Different categories or options for field trips [1:20] 

-Some challenges to consider: children’s ages, realistic expectations, etc. [3:25]

-Helpful ways to keep field trips to a budget - how to save money, cut costs, and plan ahead. [5:20]

-Setting a reasonable field trip budget for your family. [9:45] 

-Handy tips when considering how to organize and plan for field trips: tools for signing up, etc. [11:30]

-Pros and cons of going with a group vs. on your own [18:43]

-Advice for new or first-time “accidental” homeschoolers who may feel overwhelmed about field trips [21:42]

Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/field-trips/

Resource #2: https://kidsskatefree.com/ (Kids Skate Free Program)

Resource #3: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/ (Kids Bowl Free Program)

Resource #4: https://kansascity.momcollective.com/guide-best-parks-kansas-city/ (KC Mom Collective – Guide to the Best Parks in KC)

Resource #5: https://ifamilykc.com/blog/things-to-do/indoor-play-places-areas/ (List of Indoor Play Areas in KC)

Resource #6: https://ifamilykc.com/blog/guide/kid-friendly-hiking-trails-kansas-city/ (Kid Friendly Outdoor Hiking in KC)

Resource #7: https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm (Every Kid Outdoors – Pass for Fourth Graders and their Families)

Resource #8: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/forts/kidsandeducation.htm (Kids and Education – Visiting Forts from the National Parks Service)

Resource #9: https://museums4all.org/ (Museums for All Program (Free and reduced museum entry for those with SNAP food assistance)

Resource #10: https://www.homeworksbyprecept.com/Annette-Vaughn (Annette Vaughn's bio as a BJU Press Homeschool Consultant)

Continue the conversation!

Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkc

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/

Our 2023 Women’s Encouragement Day featured Abbie Halberstadt, author of the book “M is for Mama.” Abbie is also a fitness instructor, homeschool teacher, and mama of ten children, including two sets of identical twins! Here are some highlights from a Q&A with Abbie, using questions submitted by the homeschool moms in the audience.

-How do you deal with people saying you’re always with your children? [0:30]

-How do you talk with husbands who may not be as supportive of homeschooling as you are? [2:40]

-How to deal with creative, easily bored and distracted children? [4:50]

-How to deal with adult siblings who aren’t believers and say things you aren’t comfortable with, in front of your children? [7:39]

-Sharing among children, and setting boundaries for times when we get angry and overwhelmed [9:26]

-Teens and high school [12:05]

-Have you ever done a gap year in homeschooling? [16:30]

-How can we “vote” with our spending? [17:25]

-Boys and homeschooling [20:00]

-Ideas for family devotions? [21:30]

-Toddlers and homeschooling [24:50]

-ADHD? [28:00]

-Resources for middle school: Social media practices and other tips, including “Grace Girl” groups [29:30] 

-Preparing for the end of the school year - any form of testing? [37:50]

-Practical ways for homeschool husbands and wives to build unity [39:50]

-How can moms find a homeschool mentor? [43:50]

-How to find the balance between emphasizing academics and just learning from nature [47:08]

-Resources on setting boundaries, and homeschool styles [48:20]

-Are extracurricular activities necessary? [50:40]

-How do you remind yourself of grace when you’re always “doing” daily tasks? [54:03]

-Finding joy in everyday life while processing trauma and other challenges? [55:39]

-Time management in homeschooling [58:10]

Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/mpe-sisterhood-group/ (Mentoring Moms - MPE Sisterhood Group)

Resource #2: https://misformama.net/ (M is for Mama)

Continue the conversation!

Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkc

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/

What are government-funded Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and how do they relate to homeschooling? Scott Woodruff, HSLDA attorney, discusses these and the "ugly baggage" that can come with ESA Statutes from his experience in other states. Look for Scott as one of our speakers at the March 31-April 1 homeschool conference and curriculum fair at the KCI Expo Center!

-HSLDA’s position on the current ESA legislation in Kansas [0:40]

-ESA bills in general and what’s happening across the nation [1:35]

-Reasons why government-funded money does not help homeschool families: 1) creates government dependence [5:50] and 2) creates a “quid pro quo” mentality toward the government [6:40]

-“Slow-moving train wreck” eroding homeschool freedoms over time as political parties change [8:50]

-Homeschool critics can use ESAs as a platform to attack all homeschooling in general, demand more regulations [14:20]

-Update on Kansas ESA legislation [17:50]

-ESA legislation in other states around the nation [23:40]

-Q&A: What is an ESA as it relates to public school  funding legislation? [26:06]

-Q&A: What are the risks to homeschooling if a student becomes an ESA student? [27:07]

-Q&A: What would be your response to someone who opposes this bill because the public schools will get stuck with all the special-needs kids without the resources to properly educate them? [28:03]

-Q&A: What about Missouri? [30:00]

-Q&A: Any advice to a friend who is enrolled in private school? [33:25]