Is December feeling rushed, busy, or chaotic in your homeschool? In this episode, we’re talking about “Christmas School”—a restful, simple approach to homeschooling during the holiday season that focuses on connection, picture books, and meaningful family traditions (instead of checking boxes or pushing through curriculum).

You'll hear:

✨ What Christmas School actually is

If you’ve been craving a gentler pace, more snuggly read-alouds, and space to enjoy Advent with your kids, this episode will help you design a December that feels calm, connected, and joy-filled.

Perfect for: Christian homeschool moms, large families, Charlotte Mason leaners, and any mama who wants a peaceful, Christ-centered homeschool during the holidays.

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In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Jeffrey, the voice behind the Phonics Rules for Kids podcast. Melanie shares her journey from classroom teacher to phonics coach, explaining how she built a structured, sequential phonics-based curriculum to teach young children (and even struggling readers) to decode, blend, and read confidently.

We cover:

The core phonics rules every parent and educator should know

How to model phonemic awareness and blending at home

Common roadblocks in early reading — and how to overcome them

Proven intervention techniques for children who struggle with reading

Why structured literacy is essential — even in a homeschool setting

Melanie’s best tips for building a daily reading routine that actually works

If you’re a homeschool mom, teacher, or parent who’s ever felt overwhelmed by phonics curriculum or unsure where to start, this conversation delivers clarity, actionable strategies, and encouragement. Join us to discover how simple phonics skills, when modeled and practiced correctly, can turn your child into a confident and fluent reader.

Connect with Melanie

Podcast Phonics Rules for Kids 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ToCIOUooqU9fXd9Q3dZG9

Website: https://phonicsrulesforkids.com

Email: [email protected] 

FREEBIE: 7-STEP HOMESCHOOL KINDERGARTEN PHONICS GUIDE! https://phonics-rules-for-kids-2.kit.com/251782068d

📬 Mentioned in this episode:

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In this episode, we explore how homeschooling a large family isn’t just a curriculum choice—it’s a profound opportunity to build family culture, deepen your walk with God, and give your children gifts that last a lifetime. We’ll unpack the five key gifts of homeschooling—time, relationship, spiritual formation—and show you how to lean into these in your home filled with many children, many ages and many rhythms.

You’ll hear:

Why time matters most in a large-family homeschool and how you can reclaim it purposefully.

How homeschooling gives you the priceless gift of relationship—with each child, as mother, and as a family unit.

Ways to integrate spiritual formation into daily life so faith becomes woven into your home culture.

What learning together looks like in a homeschool environment and how that benefits your large family dynamic.

How you can build a family culture through intentional homeschooling, traditions and faith-based routines.

If you are a Christian homeschool mom navigating multiple grades, littles and bigs, longing to build faith-filled routines and a home culture of connection, this episode is for you. Let’s dig into the gifts and move from overwhelm to intentional joy.

📬 Mentioned in this episode:

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Today's episode is a sit down conversation about my homeschooling plans for November. You will hear all about the books I am planning to read and a little update on how things are going for us these days. 

Grab a cup of coffee and get ready to put some books on hold from your library. 

Don't forget to sign up for my Newsletter.  You will receive the Free November Book List as well as weekly encouragement straight to your inbox. 

Free November Book List

📬 Mentioned in this episode:

Burned out already? 4 Grace-Filled way to rekindle Joy in your Homeschool

Rest is Possible for Homeschool moms

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Do you ever feel like all you do is correct and redirect your kids all day long?

In this honest and grace-filled episode, I share how God opened my eyes to the heart behind overcorrection and what was really standing in the way of connection with my kids.

Together we’ll talk about:

If you’re a Christian homeschool mom longing for a more peaceful, joy-filled home — this conversation will help you trade control for connection and remind you that God’s mercy is new every morning.

📬 Mentioned in this episode:

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Are your homeschool days ruled by checklist, schedules, and never-ending-to dos? What if there's a better way? One that prioritizes connection over completion. In this episode, we explore, what it really looks like to build a homeschool day around relationships instead of rigid routines. 

You'll hear practical ideas for creating a heart-centered homeschool rhythm, how to balance structure with spontaneity, and why deep connection with your kids is the foundation for learning and discipleship. Whether you are new to homeschooling or feeling burned out by the pressure to "do it all," this episode will help you shift from stress to presence without sacrificing progress. 

💬 If you want to go deeper or talk through your homeschool in a personal way, stay tuned — I'm opening up one-on-one coaching calls soon!

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Feeling homeschool burnout? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing. In this encouraging episode, I share 4 simple and effective ways to overcome homeschool burnout and rekindle joy in your daily rhythm. Whether you're homeschooling multiple ages, feeling stretched thin, or just need permission to slow down, these practical tips will help.

You’ll learn how to:

This episode is for Christian homeschool moms—especially those with large families—who are longing for a more peaceful, sustainable homeschool life rooted in joy, not overwhelm.

🎧 Press play and let’s breathe some fresh hope into your homeschool week.

💬 If you want to go deeper or talk through your homeschool in a personal way, stay tuned — I'm opening up one-on-one coaching calls soon!

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If you've ever dreamed of creating a homeschool centered on great books and peaceful rhythms—but felt overwhelmed by rigid curricula or too many moving parts—this episode is for you.

I'm sharing 4 simple, real-life ways we've built a literature-rich homeschool in a house full of kids (and noise, and mess, and real life). Whether you're new to Charlotte Mason-style learning or just looking to simplify your homeschool days, these tips will help you make space for meaningful reading, connection, and Christ-centered rhythms—no perfection required.

You'll hear about:

Choosing (or modifying) a curriculum that values living books

Anchoring read-alouds in your natural routine

Seasonal reading that builds family memories

Including a mix of book types for multi-age learning

Grab a cozy drink and let’s talk about building a home where books and peace go hand in hand.

✨ Mentioned Resources:

Honey for a Child’s Heart

The Read-Aloud Family

Give Your Child the World

The Peaceful Press, The Good and the Beautiful, Ambleside Online, and more

💬 If you want to go deeper or talk through your homeschool in a personal way, stay tuned — I'm opening up one-on-one coaching calls soon!

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Some of our most meaningful homeschool days haven’t been the ones where we checked every box, but the ones where we slowed down, gathered on the couch, and got lost in a story. In this heartfelt episode, I’m sharing the why behind our literature-rich homeschool and how stories have shaped not only our learning but our family culture, faith, and connection.

Whether you’re new to homeschooling or simply needing a reminder of the beauty in this journey, this episode is a gentle encouragement to choose wonder over rush, and connection over perfection.

We’re not diving into the practicals just yet—those are coming soon—but today is about remembering the power of a well-told tale and the life it brings to our homes.

Resources & Links:

Fellowship of the ring 

Gandalf "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you."

Miss Rumphius

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

👉 Want help building a routine that works for YOUR family? Book a 1:1 coaching call with me at [email protected]

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Feeling rushed as the fall season kicks off? In this episode, we're slowing down to talk about simple, life-giving fall traditions that you can implement — without adding more to your to-do list.

Whether you're a busy Christian homeschool mom juggling toddlers and teens or just starting your homeschool journey, you'll walk away with easy, meaningful ways to bring rhythm, joy, and peace into your fall days. 

These fall homeschool ideas aren't about doing more — they're about doing what matters most.

👉 Mentioned in this episode: our few favorite fall picture books, family traditions, and how to build a peaceful seasonal rhythm for your homeschool.

Resources & Links:

👉 Want help building a routine that works for YOUR family? Book a 1:1 coaching call with me at [email protected]

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