Every time I tried to create a homeschool calendar for our upcoming year I ended up frustrated. I had read about various scheduling models to create a homeschool calendar, but none of them work for us.

Finally, I had two epiphanies that allowed me to let go of the rules and think outside the box so I could create a homeschool calendar that actually worked for our life instead of trying to fit our life into a school calendar. After all, that’s one of the blessings we love about homeschooling—the flexibility it offers us. 

In this episode, I'll explain how I create our homeschool calendar. You'll learn:

• About homeschool calendar options.
• How to break your school year into terms.
• Factors to consider when determining your homeschool calendar.
• How to create your homeschool calendar.
• Tips for adjusting to a non-traditional school calendar.

See the full show notes:  https://www.triumphantlearning.com/how-to-create-a-homeschool-calendar-that-works-for-your-life/

© Triumphant Learning, LLC

The use of virtual meetings has skyrocketed! 

And no wonder. Virtual meetings allow us to connect with others literally all around the globe. You can practice speaking Spanish with someone in South America, play a game with a friend in Europe, and participate in a book club with friends from many different states.

But how you can use virtual meetings in your homeschool? Beyond the obvious answer of taking an online class, there are lots of fun and creative ways you can utilize this technology.

And the best part is that it doesn’t have to be complicated at all! You can keep it simple. 

Or, if you are feeling a little more tech-savvy and want to get even more creative, the sky’s the limit. 

This might even spark a lifelong interest in technology-related endeavors for one of your children.

In this episode, we'll discuss these 10 ways to use virtual meetings in your homeschool

1. Invite a grandparent to class
2. Host a book club
3. Learn about geography or nature of where a friend lives
4. Practice a foreign language
5. Take a class
6. Create a living history of a grandparent or older friend
7. Watch science experiment demonstrations
8. Have your child read to a grandparent
9. Host a recitation night
10. Have them narrate to a grandparent

See the full show notes:  https://www.triumphantlearning.com/10-fun-and-creative-ways-to-use-virtual-meetings-in-your-homeschool/

© Triumphant Learning, LLC

Just because you are stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t socialize and connect with others.

It does mean you need to get a little creative though!

You won’t need a bunch of supplies or tons of time to prepare. These suggestions are meant to be quick and easy ways you can connect with others from home.

We’ve used these suggestions when 

• We had a premie baby at home and needed to stay home to keep her healthy.
• Someone was sick and we couldn’t leave the house.
• We’ve been on an extended trip.
• Bad weather or other circumstances canceled events and gatherings.

Regardless of why you are stuck at home, these suggestions can help you stay connected with those you love.

In this episode, you'll learn

• The definition of socialized, and how knowing that definition changes our perspective of how we can socialize.
• How to focus on communication within your family and with others.
• Ways you can spend time together as a family. 
• Old-fashioned skills you could teach your children

See the full show notes:  https://www.triumphantlearning.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-homeschool-socialization/#049

© Triumphant Learning, LLC

Do you remember when you were first considering homeschooling?

I do! My husband and I had so many questions! 

SO.MANY!

Thankfully, we found websites and books we could read and currently homeschooling parents to whom we could ask questions. I am so grateful for how patient and grace-filled they were in answering our myriad of questions.

Now, the tables are turned. After homeschooling for 10 years, we have been privileged to answer many questions from parents who are considering homeschooling and trying to decide if it’s a good fit for their family. 

And I’ve learned a few things.

1. Sometimes I think the answer to a question is obvious because I have knowledge about the situation they don’t have. Their question is a legitimate question, and I need to be careful to answer it in a way that they feel heard and valued.
2. Homeschooling is not a good fit for every family. As much as it has blessed my family, some families benefit from a different education option. And that’s okay!
3. Every homeschool is unique so there is no one right answer for how families should approach homeschooling. It’s okay if they decide to do something a little different in their homeschool than we do. That’s the beauty of homeschooling.

In this episode of the podcast, my goal is to equip you so you can answer questions parents might have about homeschooling.

In this episode, we'll discuss

• How to answer the questions families have when they are deciding if homeschooling would be a good fit for them.
• Why you should be patient. Remember that you once asked very similar questions!
• How to help them customize their homeschool.
• Why homeschooling is not a good fit for every family.
• The first step they need to take is to join HSLDA!

See the full show notes:  https://www.triumphantlearning.com/how-you-can-help-parents-decide-if-homeschooling-is-a-good-fit-for-their-family/

© Triumphant Learning, LLC

If you homeschool for any length of time you will hear, "So, why do you homeschool?"

In this episode, I share my homeschool story and the mission of Triumphant Learning. You'll also learn what my husband thought about homeschooling in the beginning.

See the full show notes: https://www.triumphantlearning.com/why-we-homeschool/

© Triumphant Learning, LLC

Sometimes it feels more like you are living in survival mode than thriving. Hear how Robin learned to find joy and peace during a challenging season. She shares tips for surviving and encouragement that good comes after the struggle.

What we talked about

• The challenges and difficulties of learning how to slow down and focus on your family. And the joys and benefits of doing so.
• The need to let go of expectations and accept a new view of what it means to homeschool during different seasons. And how learning to appreciate the mundane helped Robin find joy in the moment.
• The importance of finding joy at the end of a difficult season and what Robin did to find the joy.

© Triumphant Learning, LLC

I'll be the first to admit that I am often​ the limiting factor in us actually doing nature study. It is one of the first subjects I cut when we get busy. And if it's cold, hot, windy, buggy... Well, you get the idea. But I know how valuable nature study is for my children so I made it a priority when they were little.

The past couple of years we have not studied nature as consistently because our schedule has gotten busier, and my children's other subjects have consumed more of our day. But after my interview with Cindy West, I am convinced I need to add nature study back into our homeschool. And even though I know it is best for us to get outside to study nature, I am excited that we now have another option to learn about nature via live classes.

If you are hesitant to add nature study to your homeschool because you don't know what to study or you don't want to get outside, this episode is packed with helpful suggestions and ideas for the brand new nature study newbie.

If you are a nature study veteran, there are tips for you too!

What we talked about

• The benefits of adding nature study to your homeschool. You may be surprised at some of these benefits. I was!
• How nature study lays a foundation for high school science and the simple and fun activities you can do on a nature walk to help lay that foundation.
• How to motivate your children on a nature walk.
• Alternatives to a nature walk if you cannot get outside.

Links mentioned

• Nature Study Lesson Ideas
• 7 Easy Steps to Start a Nature Club
• NaturExplorer Books
•  100+ Creative Nature Walks
•  No Sweat Nature Study LIVE
• Connect with Cindy

See the full show notes: https://www.triumphantlearning.com/spice-up-homeschool-lessons/

© Triumphant Learning, LLC

Children were wired to create! We simply need to provide our children space, tools, and freedom to express their creativity. These practical suggestions will help you let go of preconceived notions of what art lessons should be so you can allow your child's inner artist to shine through. Start enriching your homeschool by adding art in these simple and fun ways.

What we talked about

• How art enriches your homeschool and how it complements and builds on what you are already studying.
• The freedom art provides students and how it can help a struggling student.
• Simple ways to incorporate into your homeschool routine and how to handle the mess.
• Ways to involve your whole family and tips for helping children of all ages enjoy art time.

Links mentioned

• Chalk Pastel courses and tutorials
• Connect with Tricia

See the full show notes: https://www.triumphantlearning.com/spice-up-homeschool-lessons/

© Triumphant Learning, LLC

You don't have to be afraid to add poetry to your homeschool! It can be fun and enjoyable for the whole family. Join Crystin Morris and me as we share what poetry looks like in our homeschools. This episode is full of practical tips about how you can add poetry and recitation to your homeschool in as little as five minutes a day!

What we talked about

• Why you should include poetry and recitation in your homeschools, and how you can fit it into your school schedules without it being overwhelming.
• Different options for implementing poetry, and why it's okay to break the rules.
• What recitation is and is not, and how it is connected to poetry.
• Our favorite resources for poetry and recitation, including how you can host a recitation night with minimal planning!

Links mentioned

• Ambleside Online Poetry Schedule
• The Complete Nonsense Book by Edward Lear
• Silver in the Sun by Grace Noll Crowell (or anything by this poet)
• “Recitation: The Children’s Art” by Arthur Burrell
• Connect with Crystin

See the full show notes: https://www.triumphantlearning.com/spice-up-homeschool-lessons/

© Triumphant Learning, LLC

Adding music to your homeschool can be intimidating if you do not have a background in music. But it doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming! I love all the practical tips Melissa Kamm provides to help us find simple and fun ways to enjoy music regardless of your musical background.

What we talked about

• How music in your homeschool benefits your children. And it's not all academic.
• Ways to cultivate an appreciation for music for children of all ages and varying interests.
• Suggestions for how to simply add music to your homeschool in only 5-10 minutes a day!

Links mentioned

• Connect with Melissa: Website |  Facebook
• Maestro Classics
• Classical Kids
• Ambleside Online Composers
• 31 Days of Musical Activities

See the full show notes: https://www.triumphantlearning.com/spice-up-homeschool-lessons/

© Triumphant Learning, LLC