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.

HSP 074 Emily Cook: A Structured Approach to Interest-Led Learning

Pop in your earbuds and get ready to be inspired. Veteran homeschool mom and podcast host of the Your Morning Basket Podcast, Pam Barnhill unpacks how to have a better homeschool 10 minutes at a time. 

Full of practical tips, stories, interviews, and inspiration 10 Minutes to a Better Homeschool is your home learning go-to show for quick, helpful information.

*Formerly the Homeschool Snapshots Podcast

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Education for Kids

In this episode of "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," host Pam Barnhill and guest Denise Gaskins, veteran homeschool mom and author of a dozen playful math books like, Let's Play Math, How Families Can Learn Together and Enjoy It, and Math You Can Play delve into the world of homeschool math education. Denise shares five essential tips to transform math lessons without the need for a complete overhaul of the curriculum.  The episode covers the vital role of fostering mathematical thinking and reasoning in children, rather than solely focusing on right answers. Denise emphasizes the importance of shifting the goal of math education from achieving correct answers to encouraging children to think critically about math concepts. If you’re seeking actionable advice to enhance your child's math learning experience at home, then tune in for this informational and empowering episode.  Key Takeaways:Focus on the thinking process in math rather than just getting the right answers, to help children make sense of math and reduce frustration.Encourage children to think creatively and resourcefully about math problems, rather than telling them what to do, to engage their problem-solving skills and natural creativity.Utilize stories to build understanding in math, as they help children visualize and comprehend abstract number calculations, making math concepts more relatable and understandable.Empower parents to make decisions about math curriculum and resources, and emphasize the importance of exploring different areas of math based on children's interests and readiness, rather than feeling constrained by a linear progression.Emphasize the use of math games to engage children in practicing and applying math skills, promoting strategic thinking rather than just rote memorization, to make math enjoyable and enhance learning.
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/how-to-transform-math-lessons-without-changing-your-curriculum-with-denise-gaskins/ To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

TMBH 91: How to Transform Math Lessons without Changing your Curriculum with Denise Gaskins

In this episode of "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," Pam Barnhill welcomes Durenda Wilson, a seasoned homeschooler and author of the book, "Raising Boys to Men." The conversation revolves around the unique aspects of homeschooling boys, advice for moms navigating the challenges, and the importance of an unhurried approach to learning. Durenda shares insights into the differences between educating boys and girls, emphasizing the need for more hands-on and active learning experiences for boys. She also highlights the significance of understanding and respecting the natural inclinations and developmental pace of boys, emphasizing an open and flexible approach. The episode delves into the cultural messages surrounding masculinity and the challenges moms may encounter in setting boundaries and maintaining authority over their teen boys. Durenda's advice on maintaining respect and honor while allowing boys to take on responsibilities provides valuable insights for parents. Listeners will find practical tips and strategies for homeschooling boys, addressing the societal influences impacting masculinity and the benefits of an unhurried approach to learning. Pam and Durenda's discussion offers an enlightening and informative resource for parents navigating the homeschooling journey of raising boys. Key TakeawaysBoys and girls have different learning styles and needs when it comes to education; understanding and accommodating these differences is crucial for effective homeschooling.Homeschooling boys often involves a more hands-on and physical approach, with the need for frequent breaks and an unhurried pace to accommodate their development.Boys tend to be more logic-oriented and may struggle with writing, requiring alternative methods such as narration and creative communication to cultivate their skills without causing stress.The societal narrative around gender and masculinity presents challenges for homeschooling moms, requiring a return to foundational principles and a biblical perspective to guide boys into healthy manhood.Dealing with boys in their preteen and teen years involves understanding their need for autonomy and providing them with responsibilities while maintaining authority and respect, with guidance and input from fathers being crucial.Taking an unhurried approach to homeschooling boys allows them to respond better to learning, fosters a love for learning, and dispels the misconception that starting early gives an advantage, as studies have shown the opposite to be true.The importance of recognizing and leveraging alternative methods of learning outside traditional approaches, including reading aloud, games, audiobooks, and podcasts, to engage boys effectively.
Links and ResourcesNight ZookeeperDurenda's websiteSimply Unhurried PodcastRaising Boys to MenThe 4 Hour School DayThe Unhurried HomeschoolerUnhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to <a href="https://pambarnhill.com/homeschooling-boys-with-durenda-wilson/" rel="noopener...

TMBH 90 Homeschooling Boys with Durenda Wilson

In this episode of "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," guest host Dawn Garrett introduces an insightful excerpt from the Navigating High School Course. This excerpt features an interview with Dr. Kristin Moon, founder of kristenmoonscience.com, a former scientist who homeschools her children and shares with homeschool families her passion for teaching high school science.  Dr. Moon discusses the importance of hands-on experiences in learning and she offers practical tips for parents who are considering teaching lab sciences to their high schoolers. Listeners will gain valuable information and resources for providing a quality science education at home, making this episode an essential listen for homeschooling parents seeking guidance on science education. Key Takeaways:Lab sciences in high school provide a hands-on experience that helps students connect abstract concepts to real-world applications, making the material more understandable and memorable.Lab sciences also foster resilience, problem-solving skills, a sense of wonder, and the ability to handle experiments that don't work as expected.While outsourcing lab sciences to science educators is an option, there are also online resources and self-paced courses available for parents who choose to teach lab sciences at home.Dr. Kristin Moon offers self-paced high school biology and chemistry courses, designed to work with various science textbooks, providing resources and materials for conducting experiments at home.Parents can find Dr. Kristin Moon at Kristin Moon Science on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and can access her curriculum and valuable science teaching resources on her website at kristinmoonscience.com.
Links and ResourcesNight ZookeeperNavigating High SchoolDr Moon's WebsiteDr Moon's YouTubeHome Science Tools
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh89 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

TMBH 89 What About Lab Sciences? with Dr. Kristin Moon

Welcome back to "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool." In this episode, host Pam Barnhill gives you a sneak peek of the upcoming course, "Navigating High School, A Guide to Confident Homeschooling." In this excerpt, Pam shares a candid conversation with guest speakers and homeschool moms Laney Homan, Dawn Garrett, and Heather Tully.  Homeschooling high school isn't merely about checking off boxes on an academic syllabus but it’s about nurturing a well-rounded, capable individual ready to face the world beyond high school. As parents and educators, we must equip them not just with knowledge, but with confidence, resilience, and adaptability. Tune in for some practical advice and wisdom on how to prepare your high schoolers for success. Key Takeaways:Recognize that it's okay not to teach everything. Parents can't prepare them for every possible scenario.It’s essential to focus on cultivating a well-rounded education.Shift the mindset from a checklist approach to understanding that knowledge is not just a collection of information but also includes life skills, communication abilities, and the capacity to adapt to new environments.Emphasize the importance of engaging in conversations and building relationships with high schoolers to understand their individual strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations, which can help guide their education.Advocate for a supportive approach that involves coaching high schoolers through practical experiences, allowing them to learn the skills needed for the next stage of their journey, whether it's college, work, or other endeavors.
Links and Resources:Night ZookeeperNavigating High School, A Guide to Confident HomeschoolingHomeschool Better Together Portal
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh88 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

TMBH 88 Can I Teach Everything My High Schooler Needs to Know?

Does the thought of homeschooling high school stop you in your tracks? Do you have concerns that it, “won’t be enough,” or, “how can I possibly plan all of this?” If so, you’re in the right place! In this episode of, "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," host Pam Barnhill is talking about all things homeschooling through high school.  From life skills, flexibility, and building a supportive community – there are so many great reasons to stick with homeschooling through high school. The high school years present a unique opportunity to not only witness but actively participate in your teen's growth and learning. Whether you're seeking reassurance or advice on intimidating subjects and finding affordable high school options, this episode has you covered. Tune in for insightful discussion and helpful resources, including our brand new course called, Navigating High School.  Key Takeaways:Homeschooling high school provides flexibility to customize your teen's education based on their interests, and future plans without sacrificing academic process.Homeschooling offers additional time, allowing teens to pursue internships, volunteer work, and dual enrollment opportunities without the constraints of a traditional school schedule.With a multitude of available resources, you're the facilitator of your child's education. The homeschooling community is incredibly supportive to growing teens, offering diverse social activities and various groups for high school students.Homeschooling in high school is not only academic learning but also life preparation. Your child can work on life skills, such as, budgeting, cooking, time management.Embracing the journey of homeschooling through high school allows for learning and growth, not just for your teen, but also for you as a parent. Parents don't have to have high school all figured out at the beginning.
Links and ResourcesNight Zookeeper Mr. D MathIEW for high schoolTeens on TrackRaising Lifelong Learners Homeschool Better Together Portal
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh87 To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

HSP 074 Emily Cook: A Structured Approach to Interest-Led Learning

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