In episode 217, Amanda and Melanie discuss how food can be a natural part of homeschooling, from geography and cooking to math, reading directions, and even chemistry. They also look ahead to Season 6 of The Homeschool Show, including topics for the whole family and the importance of communication within a homeschooling household.

They also talk about NCHE activities and resources around North Carolina, including cultural and educational outings, the new music and arts network, and Capitol Fest. They share ways families can stay informed through NCHE’s weekly email and learn about member benefits, including mentor sessions and discounts.

Homeschool Happenings

• Season 6 of The Homeschool Show

• The Nutcracker at the Charlotte Ballet

• Candle Tea at Old Salem

• Transportation museum airplane program

• Charlotte Museum 250 years of America exhibit

• NCHE music and arts network

• Capitol Fest

In Episode 216 of The Homeschool Show, Michael Farris joins Matthew McDill for a conversation about parental rights, homeschooling freedom, and the challenges families may face as they make educational decisions. They discuss government funding, the importance of understanding and exercising parental rights, and why preserving the freedom to direct a child's education matters.

The conversation also explores practical encouragement for homeschooling families, including adapting education to each child's gifts and interests, strengthening marriage throughout the homeschooling years, the spiritual influence of mothers, and meaningful ways fathers can support both their children and their spouses. Michael also shares why homeschool conferences can encourage families in every season of the journey.

In Episode 215 of The Homeschool Show, Amanda talks with Nikki Cooper ([email protected])  about homeschooling children with special needs, offering practical encouragement for families who are just getting started or are looking for additional support. Their conversation covers common questions about IEPs, choosing curriculum, finding community, and giving yourself permission to adjust your approach as your child's needs change. Nikki also shares how families can connect with NCHE's special needs support resources.

Melanie also talks with Katherine Marker from the North Carolina Educational Assistance Authority to explain the ESA Plus Scholarship for students with disabilities. They discuss who may qualify, how eligibility is determined through the public school evaluation process, what the application timeline looks like, and how homeschool families can prepare before applying.

Helpful Links: 

•  ECAC Parent Center
• ESA+ Overview
• Documentation Requirements

Thinking about homeschooling for the first time? In episode 214 of The Homeschool Show, Amanda and Melanie sit down with Stephen and Jean-Marie Lee to hear how their family came to homeschooling, why they chose to continue year after year, and how attending Thrive! helped shape their homeschool journey. They also discuss practical encouragement for families who are considering homeschooling and share why understanding your family's "why" can provide direction through every season.

The conversation continues with guidance for parents who are opening a homeschool for the first time, including where to find free NCHE resources and what to expect during the process. Amanda and Melanie also talk about the transition into high school: recordkeeping, transcripts, and helping students prepare for life after graduation. They wrap up by introducing NCHE's updated mentor page and explaining how families can connect with experienced homeschool mentors for support in every stage of homeschooling.

NCHE News

• Connecticut homeschool background check law

• NCHE Homeschool Freedom Campaign  

• Support for NCHE legislative efforts

In this revisited episode of The Homeschool Show, Amanda and Melanie kick off Season 5 with the first installment of a series focused on homeschool dads. Through conversations with Matthew McDill and Tom Gurganus, they explore how fathers contribute to homeschooling in different seasons of family life, the importance of spiritual leadership, supporting a homeschooling spouse, and the lasting impact of simply being present with their children.

Amanda and Melanie also share a simple art activity that helps children build creativity using everyday objects and their imagination.

Resources 

NCHE Dads Community

In episode 212 of The Homeschool Show, Amanda and Melanie revisit some of the most common questions homeschool families ask, especially those finishing their first year or preparing to begin. They discuss annual testing requirements, when children need to be tested, options for standardized testing, and what families should know about filing a notice of intent in North Carolina.

They also talk about accredited curriculum, how much time young children typically spend on schoolwork, reading readiness, and why learning timelines can vary widely from child to child. Along the way, they offer practical perspectives on reducing pressure and helping children learn at a pace that fits their development.

Resources

Thrive! 2026 Recordings

Amanda and Melanie talk about navigating hormones during the homeschool years, from puberty to perimenopause, and the ways emotional and physical changes can affect both parents and children. They share personal experiences, discuss the importance of communication and recognizing what may be happening beneath behavioral changes, and encourage families to approach these seasons with understanding and grace.

The conversation also includes practical Thrive! conference tips for both first-time and returning attendees, including planning workshop schedules, preparing for the vendor hall, building in breaks, staying hydrated, and making connections with other homeschool families. Amanda and Melanie also reflect on the end of the show’s fifth season and look ahead to what’s coming next.

News and Upcoming Events

• Thrive! Homeschool Conference 

• Thrive! conference app 

In Episode 210 of The Homeschool Show, Amanda and Melanie answer common homeschool questions from parents navigating everything from early elementary struggles to high school graduation planning. They discuss feeling unprepared to homeschool, managing multiple children at different grade levels, homeschooling students with ADHD, and how to create a positive learning environment when both parent and child feel overwhelmed.

They also explain what North Carolina homeschool law actually requires regarding school schedules and graduation, share practical encouragement for new homeschoolers, and talk through what families need to know if a student wants to pursue NCAA college athletics. In addition, the episode highlights the upcoming Thrive! Conference and recognizes several North Carolina homeschool students for excellence in academics and writing.

News and Upcoming Events

In Episode 209 of The Homeschool Show, Amanda and Melanie talk about social media etiquette and online safety as part of their Real World Readiness series. They share practical guidance for families on setting boundaries, teaching empathy, protecting personal information, and helping teens think carefully about what they post. They also emphasize the importance of parents leading by example and staying actively involved in their children’s digital lives.

They also walk through key end-of-year homeschool responsibilities, including standardized testing, graduation options, transcripts, and updating information with the Division of Non-Public Education. In addition, they discuss how families can transition into summer while maintaining learning rhythms and preparing for the next school year.

Resources Mentioned

• NCHE testing information page

• NCHE high school transcript template

• DNPE homeschool portal

• LearningRx homeschool partnership

News and Upcoming Events

• Thrive! Conference preregistration

Matthew talks with Juan Guadalupe about his family’s homeschool journey, the faith and sacrifice involved in choosing home education, and why homeschooling is more than school at home. Juan shares how his family began homeschooling while building a small business and how God provided along the way.

Amanda and Melanie reflect on the importance of dads catching the vision for homeschooling as a lifestyle and invite fathers to attend the dads gathering at Thrive! The episode also includes a simple homemade paint activity for families and a look at the College and Trades Fair at Thrive!

News and Upcoming Events

• Thrive! dads gathering 

• College and Trades Fair 

• Thrive! Conference