Teach Them Diligently
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Teach Them Diligently episodes

  • How to Reset Your Homeschool: Fixing What Didn’t Work Last Year

    Don’t repeat last year’s struggles! In this practical Back-to-Homeschool conversation, David andLeslie Nunnery will walk you through a simple reflection and reset process to fix what didn’t workand build a mission-driven plan for this school year.

    Show Notes:

    In this episode, you’ll discover how to:

    • Reflect on last year to identify wins & struggles
    • Make small, strategic changes for a smoother year
    • Build a homeschool that focuses on connection and discipleship
    • Resources Mentioned:

      • Teach Them Diligently 365 Membership
      • Heart School: How Amazing Parents Become Excellent Home Educators
      • Connect With Us:

        • Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently
        • Facebook: Teach Them Diligently
        • YouTube: Teach Them Diligently Channel
        • Subscribe + Share: If this episode helped you, take a minute to subscribe, rate, and share with another homeschool family. We sure would be grateful!

          25 min
        • The Next 30 Days: Setting the Spiritual and Academic Tone for Your Homeschool Year

          Your homeschool year’s success is largely determined by how you start. In this episode of the Teach Them Diligently Podcast, David and Leslie Nunnery walk you through the 3 most important priorities for the first 30 days of your homeschool—whether you’re just starting or already a few weeks in.

          Plus, they share practical, real-life examples from their own homeschool journey—and why “homeschooling” is not a plan in itself.

          Show Notes:

          You’ll discover:

          • How to set a sustainable rhythm for family devotions and Bible time.
          • Why defining expectations now saves you frustration later.
          • The power of a “rolling start” to build habits without overwhelm.
          • 3 major pitfalls to avoid at the start of the year (and how to dodge them).
          • Why margin is your best friend in building relationships and discipling your kids.
          • Resources Mentioned:

            • Teach Them Diligently 365 Membership
            • Psalms Devotional: 80 Days in the Psalms
              • Enter the Back to Homeschool Giveaway
              • Download the 5 Homeschool Planning Questions Printable
              • Heart School: How Amazing Parents Become Excellent Home Educators
              • Connect With Us:

                • Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently
                • Facebook: Teach Them Diligently
                • YouTube: Teach Them Diligently Channel
                • Subscribe + Share: If this episode helped you, take a minute to subscribe, rate, and share with another homeschool family. We sure would be grateful!

                  30 min
                • Plan Your Homeschool Year with Purpose: 5 Vision-Defining Questions for Families

                  Kick off your homeschool year with clarity and confidence! In this episode of the Teach Them Diligently podcast, David and Leslie Nunnery walk through five mission-driven questions every Christian homeschool family should answer to align their year with God’s call. Discover how to plan intentionally, focus spiritually, eliminate distractions, and build rhythms that grow your family’s heart and mind. Plus, hear more about the $250 Back to Homeschool giveaway and how you can get involved!

                  Show Notes:

                  Episode Highlights:

                  • The 5 powerful questions to ask before diving into curriculum and calendars
                  • How to align your homeschool vision with God’s call on your family
                  • The importance of spiritual goals—and how to pray more intentionally for your children
                  • Identifying the distractions that derail discipleship (and what to do about them)
                  • Encouragement for fathers: how men can lead and support the homeschool mission
                  • Building rhythms that foster academic, emotional, and spiritual growth
                  • Defining success beyond checklists and grade levels
                  • A special $250 Back to Homeschool giveaway + printable resource download
                  • Resources Mentioned:

                    • Enter the Back to Homeschool Giveaway
                    • Download the 5 Homeschool Planning Questions Printable
                    • Heart School: How Amazing Parents Become Excellent Home Educators
                      • How to Create A Legacy Bible Book
                      • Connect With Us:

                        • Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently
                        • Facebook: Teach Them Diligently
                        • YouTube: Teach Them Diligently Channel
                        • Subscribe + Share: If this episode helped you, take a minute to subscribe, rate, and share with another homeschool family. We sure would be grateful!

                          35 min
                        • Belief Impacts Behavior: Why What You Believe Shapes How You Parent and Teach

                          What you believe at your core doesn’t just affect your theology—it impacts every decision you make in parenting and homeschooling. In this episode, David and Leslie Nunnery challenge families to consider the real source of their behavior: their beliefs. Are you living out what you say you believe? Or have you unintentionally allowed urgency and outside influences to shape your family culture?

                          This is a must-listen for every homeschool parent heading into a new year with a fresh calendar—and a deep desire to disciple their children faithfully.

                          In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

                          • How your core beliefs silently direct your parenting
                          • The “believe → think → feel → do” framework and how to realign it
                          • Why trying to “do” before grounding yourself in belief leads to burnout
                          • How spiritual habits like daily Bible reading shape your home
                          • Ways your kids actually learn what you believe (it’s not what you say)
                          • Practical rhythms to show your faith through priorities
                          • Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

                            • [2:00] What your beliefs say about your parenting goals and legacy
                            • [5:15] Why we often jump to “what do I do?” without examining belief
                            • [7:35] “You don’t teach what you know. You reproduce who you are.”
                            • [10:00] The biblical model: how the Gospels → Acts mirror belief → behavior
                            • [12:30] Why morning devotions make a bigger impact than you think
                            • [17:00] What your kids learn when they see you worship
                            • [18:15] The tension between modern busyness and biblical priorities
                            • [19:45] How holidays, habits, and rules all reflect your beliefs
                            • [22:00] Challenge: Let your belief inform how you plan your homeschool year
                            • Resources & Links Mentioned:

                              • Get your free back2homeschool devotional ebook.
                              • Join TTD365 Community
                              • Teach Them Diligently Events
                              • Free Mini-Course: Heart Schooling Essentials
                              • Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Teach Them Diligently Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute and leave a quick rating and review of the show on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform. It will help us to continue to deliver encouraging and transformational information for you every week.

                                If this episode was helpful, please share with your friends! Use hashtag #ttdpodcast and tag us @teachdiligently.

                                If you’d rather watch the video of this week’s episode, you can find it and others on our You Tube channel.

                                26 min
                              • Staying on Mission: 3 Simple Shifts to Transform Your Parenting and Homeschool Journey | 348

                                Do you know your family’s mission—but find yourself constantly knocked off track by the demands of daily life? You’re not alone. In this episode, David and Leslie unpack the 3 foundational shifts that will keep your family focused on discipleship, help you build a home where faith flourishes, and remind you why what you do matters more than you think. Discover how to safeguard your family’s mission, streamline your approach, and create a home that embodies your most profound aspirations.

                                 

                                If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or distracted in your parenting or homeschooling journey, this episode will encourage you, ground you, and give you practical steps to move forward with joy and clarity.

                                Key Takeaways:
                                • Realigning your thinking can reduce family chaos.
                                • A clear family mission provides structure to daily life.
                                • Commitment to discipleship is essential for effective parenting.
                                • Parents are active participants in their children’s spiritual journey.
                                • What you do as a parent truly matters.
                                • Discipleship is about life-on-life interactions.
                                • Investing in relationships strengthens family bonds.
                                • Simplification helps maintain focus on the mission.
                                • Your home is the starting point for the gospel work.
                                • Intentional living leads to a more fulfilling family life.
                                • https://youtu.be/sh7b8YP8Y2w

                                  Additional Resources:
                                  • Download the 7 Attributes of a Successful Homeschooler workshop and resources.
                                  • Subscribe to the Homeschool Subjects weekly newsletter.
                                  • Apply to join the Summer 2025 Heart School Parenting Intensive.
                                  • Pick up a copy of the Heart School Book.
                                  • 25 min
                                  • Unlocking the Science of Reading | 347

                                    Ever feel overwhelmed trying to figure out the right way to teach your child to read? You’re not alone—and this week’s episode is here to bring you clarity and encouragement.

                                    Leslie Nunnery sits down with Melissa Jenkins, founder of Little Shoes Academy, to talk about the science of reading—what it is, why it matters, and how you can confidently use it in your homeschool.

                                    Melissa brings wisdom, practical tips, and a heart for helping families succeed. If you’re teaching little ones at home—or planning to—you don’t want to miss this one.

                                    Meet the Guest:

                                    Melissa Jenkins holds a Masters Degree in education and is currently working with children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing in a public school district. She spent years at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in the College of Education, focusing on teaching future educators. She has homeschooled her own children, who are now grown, and is dediyto helping the next generation of early learners.

                                    Key Takeaways:
                                    • The science of reading is crucial for effective literacy education.
                                    • Phonemic awareness is as important as phonics in early reading.
                                    • The Mississippi Miracle showcases the success of the science of reading.95% of children require explicit instruction to learn to read.
                                    • The five pillars of reading include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
                                    • Balanced literacy methods are often ineffective for teaching reading.
                                    • Parents can support reading education through systematic and explicit teaching.
                                    • Playing sound games can enhance children’s phonemic awareness.
                                    • Little Shoes Academy offers valuable resources for early learners.
                                    • Homeschooling parents have the heart and intention to teach effectively.
                                    •  

                                      https://youtu.be/t6RIdpzxCSU

                                      Additional Resources:

                                      Click HERE to find out more about Little Shoes Academy 

                                      Find out more about TTD365 and find encouragement all year long!

                                      30 min
                                    • Using Music as a Discipleship Tool: How Music Can Help Your Family Memorize and Meditate on Scripture | 346

                                      Music is one of the most powerful discipleship tools available to Christian families.  In this new episode, Leslie Nunnery and guest Janis Dalrymple explore how incorporating Scripture-based music into your home can transform the way your children memorize, meditate on, and love God’s Word. 

                                      Whether you’re musically trained or not, this conversation offers actionable steps and encouragement for parents who want to make Scripture a natural part of their family culture.

                                      Meet the Guest:

                                      Janice Dalrymple grew up in South Florida, where faith was more social than scriptural—until, at 16, she heard the true gospel for the first time and joyfully gave her life to Christ. That life-changing moment sparked a passion for God’s Word and a desire to serve, leading her to Bible college, where she discovered her love for teaching children.

                                      Though she never had formal music training, Janice taught herself guitar after becoming a Christian so she could sing the songs she was learning in youth Bible study. Her love for music and Scripture soon blended into a unique ministry focus.

                                      Janice and her husband settled in Atlanta, raised four children, and are now proud grandparents to (almost) eight grandsons. Her heart for family, music, and biblical truth continues to shape her calling today.

                                      Key Takeaways:
                                      • Music was created by God for worship.
                                      • Introducing music at an early age helps children learn.
                                      • Memorizing scripture is not the end goal; applying it is.
                                      • Children can learn scripture more easily through music.
                                      • Creating memorable tunes is essential for engagement.
                                      • Parents should model excitement about music.
                                      • https://youtu.be/nb8Xfsbcbc0

                                        Additional Resources:
                                        • Find out more about His Word in Me HERE
                                        • Email [email protected] to be entered to win a digital download bundle from His Word in Me. The first TWO people to email will be the winners.
                                        • 27 min
                                        • Building a Parallel Economy for Christian Voices : The Cross Current Digital Story | 345

                                          Join us for a conversation between Leslie Nunnery and Clayton Butcher, the visionary behind Cross Current Digital. In this episode, Clayton shares the compelling journey of creating Cross Current Digital, a vital platform dedicated to providing Christian audiobooks and e-books. They delve into the significant challenges faced by Christian content creators due to increasing censorship on major online platforms like Amazon. 

                                          Leslie and Clayton discuss the critical importance of actively supporting Christian businesses and fostering a parallel economy that firmly aligns with biblical values. Clayton offers personal anecdotes and profound insights into heeding God’s call, even when resources are limited. He emphasizes the necessity of being intentional in our choices, particularly when it comes to supporting resources that uphold our faith. Discover why complacency in the current cultural climate can be detrimental and how platforms like Cross Current Digital offer a safe and accessible space for biblically sound content. 

                                          Meet the Guest:

                                          A former worship leader/music pastor and audiobook narrator, Claton is also the founder of multiple successful audiobook publishing companies. His companies have published or produced audiobooks of authors to the likes of John Stonestreet (The Colson Center), Janette Oke (When Calls the Heart), The Babylon Bee, Joel C. Rosenberg, Senator Josh Hawley, Jonathan Cahn (Return of the Gods), etc.; and have worked with nearly every major Christian publishing company and many conservative publishers. The latest calling of the Lord on his life is his current role as the Founder and President of CrossCurrent Digital. He lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with his beautiful family – his wife and two daughters. 

                                          Key Takeaways:

                                           

                                          • The Genesis of Cross Current Digital: Learn about Clayton Butcher’s motivation to create a dedicated platform for Christian audiobooks, stemming from a desire to see faith-based content readily available.
                                          • From Calling to Creation: Discover the inspiring story of Two Words Publishing and its evolution into Cross Current Digital, driven by a clear calling from God and a reliance on faith despite limited initial resources.
                                          • The Reality of Censorship: Understand the significant hurdles Christian content faces on major platforms like Amazon, highlighting the urgent need for alternative spaces.
                                          • A Sanctuary for Biblical Content: Explore how the transition to Cross Current Digital was a deliberate move to establish a secure and uncensored environment for Christian audiobooks and e-books.
                                          • The Imperative of a Parallel Economy: Grasp the vital concept of building a parallel economy to directly support Christian businesses and reinforce biblical values in the marketplace.
                                          • Combating Complacency: Hear a powerful reminder about the dangers of becoming complacent and the importance of actively engaging in supporting our values in the current cultural landscape.
                                          • Introducing Cross Current Digital: Learn about the subscription model offered by Cross Current Digital, providing access to a rich library of Christian audiobooks and e-books.
                                          • https://youtu.be/Ms4yoGm-eL4

                                            Additional Resources:
                                            • Find out more about Cross Current and how you can enjoy one month for FREE!
                                            • Find out about more subscription options with Cross Current HERE
                                            • Join Cross Current at TTD Pigeon Forge. Sign up HERE
                                            • Podcast Sponsor:

                                              BaseCampEd – Your Homeschool & Education Community!

                                              Looking for local homeschool families, teachers, and resources? Check out the new BaseCampEd app! Connect with parents for co-ops and playdates, find tutors and extracurriculars, and soon browse local educational businesses. Stay organized with their calendar. Founded by a homeschooling mom to help you build your village. Download BaseCampEd for FREE today at www.Basecamped.com and follow @Basecampedapp on social media. Homeschooling takes a village – build yours with BaseCampEd!

                                               

                                              34 min
                                            • Navigating Important Choices for a Christ-Centered Home: A Look at a Missional Health Sharing Solution | 344

                                              We talk a lot around here about parenting with purpose, discipling our children, and homeschooling with excellence. But all of that takes place within the context of family life—and that means that even the practical, everyday decisions we make matter deeply.  

                                              In this episode of the Teach Them Diligently Podcast, Leslie Nunnery sits down with Wes Humble of Liberty HealthShare to explore a topic that touches every family—healthcare. But this isn’t just a discussion about plans and pricing; it’s about mission, stewardship, and building a community of care among believers. 

                                              Wes shares his personal journey from pastoring churches to becoming the staff pastor for Liberty HealthShare, where he ministers not only to staff but also to members across the nation.

                                              Meet the Guest:

                                              Wes Humble served in ministry for more than 31 years before coming to Liberty HealthShare in 2018, where he serves as Executive Director of Ministry, Community Relations, and Events. Wes also serves Bridge City Church, in Newark, Ohio in Ministry Development and Leadership Support. He has pastored churches in Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. 

                                              Topics Covered in Podcast:
                                              • What healthcare sharing ministries are and how they work 
                                              • Why Liberty HealthShare is uniquely equipped to serve Christian homeschool families 
                                              • How families can take charge of both their children’s education and their healthcare 
                                              • Real-life examples of how Liberty helps members steward their medical expenses 
                                              • The mission behind the ministry and how it’s changing lives 
                                              • https://youtu.be/sSmI-zKYorQ

                                                Additional Resources:
                                                • Liberty HealthShare Website 
                                                  • Learn more at upcoming Teach Them Diligently events in Pigeon Forge, Branson, and at Liberty University! 
                                                  • Podcast Sponsor:

                                                    Liberty HealthShare is a non-profit, charitable organization and a Christian medical cost-sharing ministry.

                                                    Its mission is to spread the gospel through care and encouragement. Like-minded individuals and families who share Christian values of stewardship and healthy living come together to support one another. Members across the United States share the burden of carrying medical expenses while uplifting each other through prayer and encouragement.  

                                                    This year, Liberty HealthShare is celebrating its 30th anniversary and has introduced a new Charitable Fund, the Sharing Hearts Fund for Pediatric Wellness. This fund aims to help children in Stark County, Ohio, where the sharing ministry is based—get access to important wellness procedures that they may have missed due to financial constraints. 

                                                    29 min
                                                  • Digital Safety for Kids: Practical Steps to Protect Your Children Online | 343

                                                    Are you concerned about your child’s safety in the digital age? In this important Teach Them Diligently podcast episode, Leslie Nunnery and Kevin Cronister offer practical, actionable advice for parents. Learn how to establish open communication, set boundaries for online friendships, and monitor your child’s activities while respecting their privacy. Kevin shares crucial insights on recognizing grooming tactics and provides a step-by-step guide on what to do if your child is victimized online, including preserving evidence, reporting procedures, and the vital need for emotional support. This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the complexities of raising children in today’s digital world.

                                                    Meet the Guest:

                                                    Kevin Cronister is a 15-year law enforcement veteran. He currently serves as a Detective with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in the Kansas City Metro Area. 

                                                    He’s a Squad Leader, as well as a Ballistic Shield Operator and Firearms Instructor for SWAT. Kevin earned his master’s degree in forensic psychology and holds numerous certifications, such as Advanced Interview & Interrogation through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) certified for responding to issues with those in mental health crises, and Advanced Digital Forensic Analysis for the iOS and Android operating system. 

                                                    He is a certified Force Science Analyst and currently serves on the Use of Force Review Board for his agency. Kevin is currently enrolled in the McAfee Institute’s Certified Expert in Cyber Crime Investigation (CECI) program. 

                                                    He trains mixed martial arts and obtained his brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from UFC veteran Trey Ogden at Marathon MMA in Overland Park, Kansas. Kevin is the Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of Guardian Training Solutions, LLC., a law enforcement education and training company teaching tactical and investigative courses both in-person and online. 

                                                    Key Takeaways:
                                                    • Understand Online Dangers & Grooming: Parents must be aware of the specific threats children face online, including the manipulative tactics of grooming.
                                                    • Foster Open Communication: Creating a safe space for children to talk about their online experiences is crucial for early intervention and support.
                                                    • Establish Clear Online Rules & Boundaries: Setting guidelines for online friendships, interactions, and screen time is essential for safety.
                                                    • Monitor Responsibly & Respect Privacy: Parents should oversee online activity while fostering trust and respecting their child’s appropriate boundaries.
                                                    • Respond Calmly & Preserve Evidence: If victimization occurs, a calm parental response and proper preservation of digital evidence are vital first steps.
                                                    • Prioritize Reporting & Seek Support: Timely reporting to law enforcement and providing emotional support are essential for the child’s well-being and accountability.
                                                    • https://youtu.be/ESkT6N1j1aQ

                                                      Podcast Sponsor:

                                                      For years, Action Bible resources have helped homeschool kids better understand the Bible and grow their faith in Jesus. Bestselling Action Bible illustrated books, Bibles, and games can be purchased wherever books are sold. Click HERE to purchase your copies today.

                                                      Additional Resources:
                                                      • Find out more about Kids Digital Health HERE
                                                      • Find out more about Guardian Training Solutions HERE
                                                      •  

                                                        44 min

                                                      About Teach Them Diligently

                                                      From the publisher's feed

                                                      You want to raise children who know and love Jesus—and you know that doesn’t happen by accident. The Teach Them Diligently Podcast gives Christian parents practical, biblical help for homeschooling,…