The Homeschool Feast

The Homeschool Feast

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The Homeschool Feast episodes

  • #75: You Don’t Have to Homeschool Alone

    What if instead of striving harder, you simply rested in the truth that you’re not homeschooling alone? Even when it feels like it’s all on your shoulders, you're infinitely supported—and this episode is your reminder to breathe, release the pressure, and let the help in.


    In this heartfelt and empowering episode, Julie invites you to shift your mindset around homeschooling by embracing the Divine Helper—yes, even in grammar lessons! She unpacks how striving, overscheduling, and trying to control every detail can actually block the help that’s available to you. You’ll explore how to recognize support (both external and internal), how to stop doing it all yourself, and how to invite more peace, trust, and joy into your homeschool journey.

    This isn’t about doing more—it’s about letting go of fear, honoring your child’s learning process, and discovering how deeply supported you already are.

    Key Takeaways:

    • You are not homeschooling alone.
      You are supported—spiritually, emotionally, and practically—even when you can’t see it yet. Let that truth sink in.

    • Let go of pressure and trust the process.
      Education is not about stuffing facts into your child—it’s about nourishing their minds with ideas and allowing space for growth.

    • Avoid the temptation to overschedule.
      Imagination and independent thinking need margin. Solitude isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for your child’s development (and yours too).

    • Ditch the lecture.
      Your kids don’t need you to be the fountain of all knowledge. Your job is to prepare the feast—not serve every bite with a side of explanation.

    • Respect your child’s narration.
      Let them process and share in their own voice. It’s a powerful act of trust and a gift that builds confidence and critical thinking.

    • Get honest about your fears.
      Fear-based homeschooling leads to control and disconnection. Naming your fears helps you release them and step into trust.

    • Recognize and receive help.
      Whether it’s a curriculum like A Gentle Feast, a friend, a co-op, or simply your own strengths—support is already around you. You just have to say yes to it.

    • Ask better questions.
      Instead of “How do I fix this?”, ask: Who or what could support me in this? The answer might surprise you.

    • You don’t need to earn rest.
      Doing it all by yourself doesn’t make you more valuable. You are worthy of support and rest simply because you are.

    • Resources Mentioned:

      Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/75 for additional resources and links

      A Gentle Feast Curriculum 

      Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto



      Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

      Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

      Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

       

      Connect with Us:

      • Website: A Gentle Feast
      • Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
      • Instagram: @agentlefeast
      • Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife
      •  

        Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

        Share This Episode:
        If this episode helped lift the weight from your shoulders, share it with a friend who needs the reminder: she doesn’t have to homeschool alone either.

        42 min
      • #74: Reclaiming Quiet with Sarah Clarkson


        Do you ever feel like the noise of life is stealing your peace? Join Julie Ross on The Feast Life as she sits down with Sarah Clarkson, author of Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention, to explore how even in a loud, busy world—especially as a homeschooling mom—you can rediscover the power of quiet. With heartfelt stories, practical advice, and spiritual wisdom, this episode is an invitation to embrace the gift of quiet in the midst of life’s chaos.

        Key Takeaways:

        1. Quiet as an Invitation, Not a Reward: Quiet isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift that’s always available. Sarah reframes quiet as a homecoming where we meet God in the midst of our ordinary lives.
        2. Morning and Evening Anchors: Simple rituals like a brief prayer or reflection can frame your day, bringing intentionality and peace to even the busiest seasons of life.
        3. The Power of Imagination for Adults and Kids: Unhurried, spacious time fosters creativity and hope, essential for both children and adults. Sarah shares how her homeschooling upbringing cultivated her imagination and how it continues to shape her life.
        4. Facing Ourselves in Quiet: Quiet often brings us face-to-face with our fears and struggles, but it’s also where we find healing and God’s love. Sarah encourages listeners to embrace the discomfort as part of growth.
        5. Motherhood and the Tension of Self-Gift: Motherhood involves a kind of death to self, but it also expands us, creating fertile soil for personal growth and deeper love.
        6. Halcyon Days and Rest: Inspired by ancient myths and her own journey, Sarah emphasizes the importance of creating intentional spaces for rest as a reflection of faith and trust in God.
        7. Practical Steps to Start Finding Quiet: Start small: two minutes of focused prayer in the morning and evening can profoundly impact your sense of peace and purpose.
        8.  

          About Our Guest:

          • Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention by Sarah Clarkson
          • Sarah’s website: sarahclarkson.com
          • Instagram: @sarahwanders
          • Sarah’s Substack: sarahclarkson.substack.com
          •  

            Resources Mentioned:

            Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/74 for additional resources and links

            Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

            Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

            Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

             

            Connect with Us:

            • Website: A Gentle Feast
            • Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
            • Instagram: @agentlefeast
            • Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife
            •  

              Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

              55 min
            • #73: It's Time To Think About Education Differently

              Are you unknowingly trying to mold your homeschool to a system that was never meant to honor your child’s individuality? It’s time to break free from the pressure, fear, and factory-style mindset that’s holding you back—and embrace a radical, life-giving approach to learning that respects both you and your child as persons.

              In this powerful episode, Julie Ross—creator of A Gentle Feast and veteran educator with 30 years of experience—shares her eye-opening journey from traditional classrooms to homeschooling her own five children. Drawing on Charlotte Mason’s revolutionary philosophy, Julie helps us rethink what education should be and why it’s so vital to separate ourselves from the industrialized mindset that dominates modern schooling.

              Through stories, historical insights, and personal reflections, Julie invites us to slow down, breathe, and reconsider what it really means to educate a person. This episode is a must-listen for any homeschool mom who feels like they’re “falling behind,” stuck in comparison, or wrestling with fear-based thoughts about their child’s future.

              Key Takeaways:
              • Education is not a product—your child is not a project. Charlotte Mason’s philosophy affirms that children are born persons with infinite potential, not empty vessels to be filled or molds to be shaped.

              • We’re still affected by the school system—even when we’ve left it. Julie shares how deeply ingrained beliefs from institutional schooling can still quietly shape our homeschool in unhelpful ways.

              • The industrial model was never meant for wholeness. Quoting Woodrow Wilson and contrasting it with Charlotte Mason’s words, Julie reveals how the roots of our current system were built for utility, not humanity.

              • Pressure stifles growth. A powerful personal story about Julie’s son illustrates the beauty that unfolds when we release fear and honor each child’s pace of learning.

              • You’re growing too. Just like our children, we’re works in progress. Homeschooling is as much about your growth as a mother as it is about your child’s education.

              • Joy lives in the present. Fear and overthinking rob us of the simple joys of homeschooling. Re-centering our thoughts helps us show up with calm and confidence.

              • Mindset matters. When we think “we’re behind,” we act from anxiety. When we believe “we’re growing,” we respond with trust and grace.

              • Resources Mentioned:

                Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/71 for additional resources and links

                A Gentle Feast Curriculum

                Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

                Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

                Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

                 

                Connect with Us:

                • Website: A Gentle Feast
                • Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
                • Instagram: @agentlefeast
                • Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife
                •  

                  Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

                  42 min
                • #72: A Joy-Filled Journey Through Black American Culture with Amber O’Neal Johnston

                  What if the books we read could do more than entertain—what if they could shape identity, build bridges, and spark joy? In today’s episode of The Feast Life podcast, I sit down with the incredible Amber O’Neal Johnston—better known as Heritage Mom—to talk about her newest book, Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture. Amber shares how this book goes beyond a simple book list, offering a deep and meaningful exploration of Black history, literature, and culture—wrapped in the joy of storytelling.

                  What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

                  • How to Choose Books That Build Connection – Amber shares why it’s so important to include stories that reflect a wide range of experiences, not just historical hardship but also the beauty, creativity, and resilience of Black culture. Whether you're homeschooling or simply looking to enrich your family’s reading life, Soul School is filled with book recommendations that help kids see themselves and others in new ways.

                  • How to Have Meaningful Conversations About Books – We discuss how parents can use discussion questions that go beyond comprehension to build deeper connections with their kids. Learn how to ask open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking, empathy, and personal reflection—without having to pre-read every book yourself!

                  • Using Books to Spark Curiosity and Rabbit Trails – Amber encourages parents to slow down and let their kids explore books more deeply. Instead of rushing through a checklist of required reading, she shares ideas for how to extend a book’s impact through related stories, hands-on activities, and real-world connections.

                  • Making Thoughtful Book Choices for Teens – Finding high-quality books for older kids can be challenging, especially when it comes to balancing values with what’s available in the market. Amber shares how Soul School helps parents navigate this stage with confidence, offering age-appropriate recommendations that honor both academic rigor and family values.

                  • How to Build a Family Culture Around Storytelling – It’s not just about what kids read, but how those stories shape your home. Amber talks about how to create a literary culture that fosters deep discussions, strengthens family bonds, and inspires lifelong learning—all while making reading an adventure.

                  • Final Encouragement:
                    Amber reminds us: “Don’t be afraid to read expansively. You never know what treasure might be waiting for you.”

                     

                    About Our Guest:

                    • Website: heritagemom.com
                    • Instagram: @heritagemomblog
                    • Learn More About Soul School: soulschoolbook.com
                    • Get Your Copy of Soul School: Available now 

                       

                      Resources Mentioned:

                      Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/72 for additional resources and links

                      Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

                      Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

                      Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

                      Connect with Us:

                      • Website: A Gentle Feast
                      • Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
                      • Instagram: @agentlefeast
                      • Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife
                      • Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

                        42 min
                      • #71: Breaking Down Charlotte Mason

                        In this episode of The Feast Life, I’m sharing a recent conversation I had on The Education Breakdown podcast with host Sarah. We dive into the timeless and transformative ideas of Charlotte Mason—ideas that are just as relevant today as they were over a century ago.

                        We talk about what it means to truly educate the whole child through rich literature, meaningful narration, and real-world experiences. I explain the power of living books and how they spark curiosity and deep thinking in a way textbooks simply can’t. We also explore how narration develops higher-order thinking skills and why hands-on learning—like nature walks and science experiments—is essential for helping children make lasting connections with what they’re learning.

                        If you’ve ever wondered what makes the Charlotte Mason philosophy so life-giving, this conversation will inspire you to slow down, savor learning, and bring more wonder into your homeschool days.

                        5 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

                        1. Children are born persons – Charlotte Mason believed all children are capable of deep learning when given the right opportunities.

                        2. Living books > textbooks – Engaging, narrative-rich books spark curiosity and lasting understanding.

                        3. Narration builds thinking skills – Having kids retell what they’ve learned helps them process and retain information naturally.

                        4. Learning should be hands-on – Kids need real experiences in nature and science to develop wonder and connection.

                        5. Gentle doesn’t mean light – A Charlotte Mason education is rich, rigorous, and respectful of the child.
                        6. Resources Mentioned:

                          Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/71 for additional resources and links

                          Listen to The Educational Breakdown Podcast

                          Check out The Educational Breakdown website

                           

                          Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

                          Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

                          Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

                           

                          Connect with Us:

                          • Website: A Gentle Feast
                          • Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
                          • Instagram: @agentlefeast
                          • Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife
                          •  

                            Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

                            58 min
                          • #70: Decluttering Made Simple: Small Wins for a Peaceful, Organized Home

                            Feeling overwhelmed by clutter but don’t know where to start? You're not alone! In this episode, we break down the decluttering process into simple, actionable steps that will help you create a home that feels peaceful and stress-free. Plus, discover the 15 everyday habits that will keep clutter from creeping back in—no massive overhaul required!

                            Key Takeaways:

                             

                            • Decluttering is a Mindset Shift: Instead of viewing decluttering as overwhelming or exhausting, reframe it as an empowering step toward creating a peaceful, organized home that aligns with your vision.
                            •  

                              •  Start Small to Build Momentum: Begin with a simple task—like decluttering your junk drawer—before tackling bigger projects. Small wins lead to lasting motivation and success.
                              • Use the Four-Box Method: When decluttering, sort items into four categories—keep, donate, trash, and store—to make decisions easier and prevent unnecessary clutter from creeping back in
                              • Adopt Simple Daily Habits: Small habits, like making your bed, sorting mail over the trash, and keeping kitchen counters clear, prevent clutter from accumulating and keep your home feeling fresh.
                              • Be Intentional About What You Keep: Ask yourself key questions, like "Does this item serve my current season of life?" and "Is it costing me more in stress than it’s worth?" If it doesn’t fit your vision, let it go!
                              • Bonus Tip: Set a realistic project goal and take one small action step this week to move forward!

                                Your Weekly Challenge:
                                -Pick one small project to declutter and organize—starting with your junk drawer!
                                -Take one action step toward a bigger home project you've been putting off
                                -Share your before-and-after progress for accountability and inspiration

                                Resources Mentioned:

                                Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/70 for additional resources and links

                                15 Declutter Habits

                                Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

                                Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

                                Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

                                 

                                Connect with Us:

                                • Website: A Gentle Feast
                                • Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
                                • Instagram: @agentlefeast
                                • Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife
                                •  

                                  Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

                                  41 min
                                • #69: It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn with Greta Eskridge

                                   Talking to our kids about pornography might feel overwhelming, but avoiding the conversation doesn’t make the issue disappear. In today’s powerful episode, I sit down with Greta Eskridge—writer, speaker, and Instagram’s Ma and Pa Modern—to discuss her new book, It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn. Greta shares her deeply personal journey, why this conversation is so urgent, and how parents can prepare their kids to navigate a world saturated with explicit content. This isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment, wisdom, and hope.

                                  In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

                                  1. Why waiting to talk about pornography until your child is older can leave them vulnerable.
                                  2. How today’s pornified culture is shaping kids’ views of sex, relationships, and self-worth.
                                  3. Practical strategies for starting age-appropriate conversations early.
                                  4. How to respond with grace and wisdom if your child has already been exposed.
                                  5. Why a tech-only solution (filters, parental controls) isn’t enough—and what else parents need to do.
                                  6. Key Takeaways:

                                    1. Be Proactive, Not Reactive – The best time to talk to your kids about pornography is before they encounter it, equipping them with a plan for when they do.
                                    2. Shame Thrives in Silence – If your child has been exposed to porn, don’t respond with anger or shame. Create a safe, open space for honest conversations.
                                    3. Porn Culture is Everywhere – Kids don’t need a smartphone to be exposed; they can see inappropriate content through peers, social media, and even school environments.
                                    4. Parent with Hope, Not Fear – God is bigger than pornography. Our job isn’t to shield kids from everything but to prepare them with wisdom and discernment.
                                    5. We’re Not Alone in This Fight – Moms, let’s link arms, shed the shame, and start talking. We’re stronger together, and our kids need us to be bold.
                                    6. Connect with Greta Eskridge:

                                      • Get her book, It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn
                                      • Follow on Instagram- @maandpamodern  
                                      • Visit her website gretaeskridge.com.
                                      • Listen to her podcast The Greta Eskridge Podcast 
                                      • Resources Mentioned:

                                        Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/69 for additional resources and links

                                        Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

                                        Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

                                        Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

                                         

                                        Connect with Us:

                                        • Website: A Gentle Feast
                                        • Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
                                        • Instagram: @agentlefeast
                                        • Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife
                                        •  

                                          Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

                                          42 min
                                        • #68: Breaking Free from the College Myth with Hannah Maruyama

                                          What if everything you believed about college being the only pathway to success was a myth? On today’s episode, we’re diving into a radical, yet refreshing perspective with Hannah Maruyama of Degree Free. Whether you’re a homeschool mom worried about preparing your child for the future or someone questioning the value of higher education, this episode will leave you empowered and ready to rethink traditional norms.

                                          Key Takeaways

                                          • College ≠ Success: Only 7.7% of U.S. jobs legally require a degree, yet society pushes the narrative that higher education is mandatory for success.
                                          • Think Outside the System: Homeschooling parents already challenge the status quo. Extending that mindset to post-high school plans opens doors to unique and viable opportunities.
                                          • The Power of Vocational Creativity: Teach kids to think critically about the vast array of careers—beyond the few options schools present.
                                          • Build Skills, Not Debt: Certifications, apprenticeships, and skill-based training often outperform degrees in terms of ROI and career readiness.
                                          • Redefining Success: Focus on creating a full and meaningful life for your child, not on meeting societal expectations like a college acceptance letter.
                                          • Connect with Hannah Maruyama:

                                            • Get her book, The Degree Free Way
                                            • Listen to her podcast for more insights: Degree Free Podcast 
                                            • Learn about the Launch Program for personalized career guidance: Launch Program
                                            • Instagram: @degreefree 
                                            • Resources Mentioned:

                                              Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/68 for additional resources and links

                                              Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

                                              Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

                                              Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

                                               

                                              Connect with Us:

                                              • Website: A Gentle Feast
                                              • Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
                                              • Instagram: @agentlefeast
                                              • Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife

                                              • Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

                                                1 hr 18 min
                                              • #67: Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess – Managing Emotions for a More Peaceful Home

                                                You can have the most beautifully organized home, the most efficient schedule, and all the best systems in place—but if your mind is in chaos, it will eventually spill into every area of your life. In this episode, we dive into the power of emotions—what they are, how they shape our actions, and why resisting or numbing them only makes things worse.. However you tend to buffer your feelings, you’ll learn how to shift into emotional adulthood—where you can respond rather than react and create a more peaceful, empowered life.

                                                Key Takeaways:

                                                • Emotions Are Energy in Motion: Understanding that emotions are meant to move through us rather than be suppressed or feared.
                                                • The Creation Cycle: How our thoughts shape our feelings, which then drive our actions and ultimately determine our results.
                                                • Breaking the Three B’s: The dangers of bottling (suppressing), brooding (overthinking), and buffering (numbing) our emotions—and what to do instead.
                                                • Emotional Childhood vs. Adulthood: Learning to take responsibility for your emotions rather than blaming circumstances or other people.
                                                • Practical Steps to Process Emotions: Strategies like identifying feelings, allowing them to move through you, and choosing empowering emotions that align with the life you want to create.
                                                • Resources Mentioned:

                                                  Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/67 for additional resources and links

                                                  Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

                                                  Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

                                                  Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

                                                   

                                                  Connect with Us:

                                                  • Website: A Gentle Feast
                                                  • Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
                                                  • Instagram: @agentlefeast
                                                  • Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife

                                                  • Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

                                                    40 min
                                                  • #66: Fairy Tales, Faith, and Preparing Your Child for Freshman English with Melody Trowell

                                                    In this enchanting episode of The Feast Life Podcast, host Julie Ross interviews Melody Trowell, professor at Dallas Christian College and author of a new children’s book. Together, they explore the timeless magic of fairy tales and their pivotal role in fostering creativity and childlike wonder. Melody shares her insights on how storytelling shapes moral understanding, builds resilience, and inspires imaginative thinking. The conversation also delves into the importance of creating educational environments where children can explore ideas freely without fear of failure. Tune in for practical tips on incorporating wonder into your homeschool and hear Melody’s thoughts on balancing technology, like AI, with human expression in education.

                                                    5 Key Takeaways:

                                                    1. Fairy Tales Foster Creativity: Melody shares how fairy tales inspire children to think imaginatively and develop creative solutions to problems by engaging with symbolic and fantastical elements.
                                                    2. Childlike Wonder Is Essential: Maintaining a sense of wonder isn’t just for children. It’s a mindset that enriches education, creativity, and personal growth for learners of all ages.
                                                    3. The Power of Storytelling: Stories shape how children see the world and themselves. Fairy tales, in particular, teach lessons about resilience, hope, and morality in ways that resonate deeply.
                                                    4. Education Beyond the Box: Melody discusses the importance of giving students space to explore ideas freely, make mistakes, and find their own voices without the fear of failure.
                                                    5. Balancing AI and Human Expression: While AI tools can be helpful, Melody emphasizes the need to focus on developing students’ critical thinking and personal expression to preserve the human element in education.
                                                    6. Connect with Melody Trowell:

                                                      • Website
                                                      • Instagram 
                                                      • The Girl Whose Frown Shook the Ground Book 
                                                      •  

                                                        Resources Mentioned:

                                                        Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/66 for additional resources and links

                                                        Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

                                                        Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

                                                        Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

                                                         

                                                        Connect with Us:

                                                        • Website: A Gentle Feast
                                                        • Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community
                                                        • Instagram: @agentlefeast
                                                        • Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife
                                                        •  

                                                          Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

                                                          39 min

                                                        About The Homeschool Feast

                                                        From the publisher's feed

                                                        Welcome to 'The Homeschool Feast' podcast, where we empower modern moms to design a life and homeschool they truly love. Join us as we explore the art of creating a lifestyle founded on the values of…

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