>>>>>>>>Book a free coaching call with Erika here: https://theintentionalhomeschooler.com/schedule-appointment<<<<<<<<

Feeling overwhelmed by history—or worried your kids think it’s boring? In today’s episode, Erika breaks down a simple, adaptable framework you can use from elementary through high school. You’ll learn how to teach history with confidence, keep it Christ-centered, and avoid the pressure of “covering everything.” Grab your notebook and breathe easy—history is about to become one of the most meaningful (and enjoyable!) parts of your homeschool.

1. Why History Feels Overwhelming (and Why It Doesn’t Have To)

Most homeschool moms don’t struggle because history is hard—they struggle because it feels limitless. Erika explains how a mindset shift can bring peace and clarity to your planning.

2. The Foundation: History Is God’s Story Unfolding

You’ll hear how reframing history as the story of God’s faithfulness frees you from perfectionism and helps your kids see purpose, patterns, and character lessons in every time period.

3. The Three Layers of History Framework

An easy structure you can use in every grade:

1. The Story Layer – What Happened?
   The main narrative or timeline.
2. The People Layer – Who Lived It?
   Biographies, character lessons, heroes, and villains.
3. The Connection Layer – Why Does It Matter?
   Worldview, faith, virtue, cause and effect.

4. How to Teach History in Elementary School

A gentle, joyful, story-centered approach:

• Choose a time period or a 4-year cycle
• Read a narrative spine 1–3 days/week
• Add one biography each month
• Do hands-on activities sparingly and intentionally
• Enjoy documentaries and audiobooks
• End with a simple project or presentation

Elementary goal: Help them love history and see God’s hand across generations.

5. How to Teach History in Middle School

This stage focuses on strengthening thinking skills without overwhelming your child:

• 2 days reading or video lessons
• 1 day narration, discussion, or writing
• 1 day maps, timelines, or projects
• Optional historical novels

Recommended resources:

Middle school goal: Teach critical thinking, not memorization.

6. How to Teach History in High School

High schoolers are ready to analyze, evaluate, and compare worldviews:

Weekly structure:

• Short video lessons or readings
• Primary source excerpts
• Weekly written response or discussion
• 1 long-term project each semester

Recommended resources:

• Dave Raymond’s History (Compass Classroom)
• Notgrass High School
• Sonlight (literature-rich)

High school goal: Teach them to interpret events through a Christian worldview and discern patterns of human nature.

7. The Overwhelm-Free Method (Erika’s Rules for Peaceful Homeschooling)

1. You don’t need to cover everything.
   Pick a lane and walk it faithfully.
2. Discussion matters more than projects.
   Talk more; stress less.
3. Consistency beats intensity.
   Twenty minutes a day goes further than two hours once a week.
4. Follow curiosity.
   Their questions are invitations into deeper learning.
5. Keep the end in mind.
   You’re shaping discernment and wisdom, not teaching trivia.

Key Takeaways

• History becomes manageable when you keep it Christ-centered and focused on the big picture.
• The Three Layers Framework gives structure without overwhelm.
• Each stage—elementary, middle, and high school—has a simple, doable rhythm.
• You are fully capable of teaching history with confidence and intention.

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>>>>>>>>Book a free coaching call with Erika here: https://theintentionalhomeschooler.com/schedule-appointment<<<<<<<<

If you’ve ever found yourself repeating the same math problem again and again… or wondering why your child is fidgeting, staring out the window, or talking nonstop instead of focusing… You are not alone. And it may not be a discipline issue—or even a curriculum problem. It might simply be a learning style issue.

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking how to understand the unique way God designed your child to learn, and how noticing their natural tendencies can bring more peace, confidence, and joy into your homeschool.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Why learning styles matter more in homeschooling than in traditional classrooms
• How to observe your child’s natural tendencies without overthinking it
• The most common learning styles—and the key traits of each
• Simple tweaks you can make to support auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners
• Why you shouldn’t “box in” your child once you identify a learning style
• How your own learning style may be influencing how you teach
• Encouragement to follow your child’s design rather than force a system that doesn’t fit

Personal Stories You’ll Hear

• How Erika discovered one child needed to move to listen well
• How another child processed everything through talking it out
• Why recognizing these differences transformed the whole rhythm of learning in their home

Practical Tools & Takeaways

• Ways to help a kinesthetic learner stay engaged
• Visual supports that build confidence and independence
• Auditory strategies that help kids process and retain information
• How to balance honoring your child’s strengths with stretching their growth

A Gentle Reminder

Learning styles are a tool—not a box. They help you teach more intentionally, but they don’t define your child or limit what they can do. Start with observation, make small adjustments, and give yourself grace as you grow alongside your child.

Listen If…

• Your homeschool feels harder than it should
• Your child struggles to focus or retain information
• You’re curious how to personalize learning without adding pressure
• You want a calmer, more connected homeschool experience

To carry on the conversation, join my Facebook Page:

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Homeschool mom, are you feeling weighed down by all the things you can’t control? From your child’s unique learning style to outside criticism, to the daily interruptions that derail your plans—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated.

But here’s the truth: while some things are out of your hands, there are always steps you can take. And in the middle of it all, God offers peace, courage, and wisdom.

In this episode of The Intentional Homeschooler Podcast, Erika Sagert unpacks the serenity prayer and applies it directly to the heart of homeschooling moms. Through personal stories, scripture, and practical steps, you’ll discover how to:

✨ Rest in God’s sovereignty and let go of what you cannot change
 ✨ Step out in courage to make the changes you can
✨ Seek God’s wisdom daily to discern the difference
✨ Use the serenity prayer as a daily reset on tough homeschool days

Whether you’re navigating curriculum choices, struggling with confidence, or simply trying to stay encouraged in the day-to-day, this episode will remind you that you don’t walk this road alone.

Try my FREE, personalized, interactive self-assessment tool to answer the question, "Can I Really Homeschool?"

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>https://theintentionalhomeschooler.com/free-self-assessment<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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     Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of starting homeschooling? You’re not alone. In this episode, I walk you through the exact steps you need to take—from legal requirements to setting a realistic routine—as you begin your homeschool journey. I’m also sharing a personal story about the moment I almost gave up before I even began (spoiler: I had two babies and a preschooler at the time!). If you’re asking, “Where do I even start?”—this episode is for you.

     What You'll Learn:

• How to legally begin homeschooling (Washington State example)
• Why casting a vision is more critical than choosing a curriculum right away
• The best way to ease into homeschooling without burning out
• Tips for finding your rhythm, your space, and your support system
• The two most common pitfalls new homeschoolers face—and how to avoid them
• Encouragement to take the first step even when it feels scary

Try my FREE, personalized, interactive self-assessment tool to answer the question, "Can I Really Homeschool?"

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>https://theintentionalhomeschooler.com/free-self-assessment<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

To carry on the conversation, join my Facebook Page:

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Feeling overwhelmed by all the homeschool curriculum options out there? You’re not alone! In this episode of The Intentional Homeschooler Podcast, Erika Sagert shares practical, faith-centered guidance to help you choose curriculum with confidence — not fear.

Erika walks you through the most important factors to consider (learning style, teaching style, worldview, and budget), mistakes to avoid, and how to know when to stick with a curriculum versus when it’s time to switch. She also shares personal stories from her own homeschool journey — including how a catalog from a friend changed everything, and why listening to your child’s preferences can be the key to long-term success.

Whether you’re just starting out or reevaluating your plans for the year, this episode will give you clarity, peace, and a practical roadmap to make smart curriculum decisions.

What you'll learn:

Why curriculum is just a tool — not your master

The four big-picture factors that matter most when choosing curriculum

Common mistakes homeschool moms make (and how to avoid them)

How to include your child’s learning style and preferences in the decision

When it’s time to switch curriculum — and when to stick it out

The 5 key questions to ask before you buy anything

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Rainbow Resource Center – Comprehensive homeschool catalog and reviews
• Cathy Duffy Reviews – In-depth curriculum reviews from a Christian perspective

Try my FREE, personalized, interactive self-assessment tool to answer the question, "Can I Really Homeschool?"

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>https://theintentionalhomeschooler.com/free-self-assessment<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

To carry on the conversation, join my Facebook Page:

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Do your kids struggle to take you seriously as their homeschool teacher?

You’re not alone. Many moms wrestle with the question: “How can I be both mom and teacher—and still be respected?”

In this episode of The Intentional Homeschooler Podcast, I’m unpacking why this dynamic happens, what you can do about it, and how to confidently lead your homeschool—even when you feel like you’re winging it.

You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, set clear boundaries, and step into your God-given role as both nurturer and instructor. Whether you’re homeschooling toddlers or teens, this episode offers practical tools and spiritual encouragement to help your kids see you as the teacher God called you to be.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why kids often resist their mom-as-teacher — and how to respond
• The power of consistent routines in setting the tone for school time
• How to teach with confident humility (even if you’re unsure)
• Why structure matters—but flexibility builds connection
• When to give your child independence (and how to do it well)
• How a morning routine can refocus your mindset and mission
• What Scripture says about your calling as your child’s teacher

Scriptures Mentioned:

• Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go…”
• Ephesians 6:4 – “Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
• Deuteronomy 6 – “Impress these commands on your children…”Episode Takeaways:
• Set school time boundaries to help define roles
• Use strong, honest language—model confidence and humility
• Stick to a structure, but know when to reset (every 10 weeks is a great rhythm)
• Encourage independence as your kids mature.
• Start your day rooted in prayer and purpose.
• Remember: God called and equipped you for this work.

Try my FREE, personalized, interactive self-assessment tool to answer the question, "Can I Really Homeschool?" 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>https://theintentionalhomeschooler.com/free-self-assessment<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

To carry on the conversation, join my Facebook Page:

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Is your homeschool day constantly interrupted by “What’s for lunch?” or a mess left in every room? What if those very interruptions could actually become part of your homeschool plan? In this episode of The Intentional Homeschooler Podcast, Erika Sagert shows you how to transform everyday chores into powerful homeschool lessons that teach character, life skills, and even academic concepts.

Whether you're a new homeschool mom or a seasoned veteran, this episode will help you reframe your mindset and find practical ways to weave learning into the natural rhythms of home life—without adding more to your plate.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why chores matter in homeschooling—and how they build life skills, character, and even academics
• Creative ways to turn chores like cooking, grocery shopping, and gardening into educational moments
• How to incorporate chores intentionally into your homeschool routine
• Encouragement for shifting your mindset from “chores are in the way” to “chores are part of the way”
• A simple weekly challenge that can lighten your load and strengthen your child’s responsibility

Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

 Homeschooling isn’t about checking every box—it’s about living intentionally. You’re not falling behind. You’re living school. You’re discipling your kids. You’ve got this, Mom.

Book a FREE 15-minute 1:1 planning session with me!

                            >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>https://theintentionalhomeschooler.com/schedule-appointment<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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     Every homeschool journey starts with a single, honest question: “Can I really do this?” In this heartfelt episode, Erika shares her personal story of being told she wasn’t capable of attending college because of her learning disability — and how pushing through that planted the seeds of determination that still fuel her homeschooling today.
     If you're doubting yourself, this episode offers both encouragement and practical action steps to help you move forward with confidence, even if you don’t feel perfectly equipped.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

- Erika’s personal story of overcoming discouragement
 - Why self-doubt actually signals that you care deeply
 - The truth about what your children need most from you
 - Practical action steps to confidently start homeschooling
 - Encouragement for when others don’t support your decision

Action Steps You Can Take Today

- Start simple and don’t overcomplicate your first steps
 - Pray often — ask God to guide your homeschool journey
 - Give yourself grace as you figure things out
 - Put in the hours: research, study, learn, and prepare
 - Be willing to dig deep, work hard, and adjust along the way
 - Trust that daily faithfulness will bear fruit over time

Erika’s Encouragement

"You don’t need to be perfect to homeschool — you just need to be present. You can do this, and you don’t have to do it alone."

Sign up for my FREE info session where I'll answer the top three homeschooling questions: 1) How do I fit homeschooling into my life? 2) Will I mess my kids up?  3) What about socialization? And, I'll have a Q&A session!  I can't wait to see you there!
                                          >>>>>>>>>>>>>>https://theintentionalhomeschooler.com/info-session<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Book a FREE 15-minute 1:1 planning session with me!

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Do your kids ever just follow math steps without truly getting it? Or maybe they understand the concept but struggle with calculations? This episode is your roadmap! Building on last week's discussion of conceptual vs. procedural math, we're diving deep into the "how" – offering concrete, actionable strategies and real-world examples to help your homeschooler not just do math, but truly understand and master it. We'll explore how to foster both deep conceptual understanding and essential procedural fluency, turning frustrating math moments into "aha!" breakthroughs.

Listen in to discover:

• The crucial connection between conceptual understanding and procedural fluency in building a strong mathematical foundation. (If you missed last week's episode, go back and listen first for the full context!)
• Practical, real-world examples of how to teach challenging math concepts like addition with regrouping, fractions, and long division, moving beyond rote memorization to true comprehension. 
  • Addition with Regrouping: See how manipulatives like base ten blocks can transform "carrying over" from a mysterious rule into a logical grouping of tens.
  • Understanding Fractions: Learn how visual representations (like pizza!) can demystify equivalent fractions and the "why" behind common denominators.
  • Long Division: Break down this intimidating algorithm into an understandable process of sharing and grouping.
• Overarching strategies to integrate conceptual understanding and procedural practice into your homeschool math lessons: 
  • Don't be afraid to slow down and prioritize deep understanding.
  • Ask open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking, not just right answers.
  • Embrace mistakes as opportunities for deeper learning and error analysis.
  • Leverage game-based learning to make math engaging and low-pressure.
  • Start with story problems and real-life scenarios to make math relevant.
  • Vary practice to solidify understanding and build flexibility.

Key Takeaways:

• True math mastery comes from a harmonious blend of knowing what to do (procedural fluency) and why it works (conceptual understanding).
• By focusing on the "why" first, you empower your children to tackle complex problems and develop a genuine appreciation for mathematics.
• Slow down, ask questions, and use real-world examples to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and practical application.

Sign up for my FREE info session where I'll answer the top three homeschooling questions: 1) How do I fit homeschooling into my life? 2) Will I mess my kids up?  3) What about socialization? And, I'll have a Q&A session! Choose from April 18 or May 2nd. Click here to sign up! I can't wait to see you there!
                                          >>>>>>>>>>>>>>https://theintentionalhomeschooler.com/info-session<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Book a FREE 15-minute 1:1 planning session with me!

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Today, we're diving into a fundamental aspect of math education: the crucial difference between conceptual and procedural math.

• We've all experienced the initial win of a child getting the right answer by following steps. But does this indicate true comprehension?
• This episode will explore the power of understanding the "why" behind math (conceptual) versus simply knowing the "how-to" (procedural).
• We'll discuss strategies to cultivate both types of understanding for a stronger, more adaptable mathematical foundation in our children.
• (Brief mention of the story about students at the LC passing the math competency, perhaps as an example of procedural success vs. deeper understanding)

What is Procedural Math?

• Think of it like following a recipe step-by-step. You can get a good result without fully understanding the purpose of each ingredient or technique.
• In math, procedural knowledge involves memorizing rules, formulas, and algorithms – the specific steps to solve a problem.
• While essential for efficiency, a sole focus on procedures can make math feel like a series of arbitrary steps, lacking deeper meaning.

What is Conceptual Math?

• Conceptual math emphasizes understanding the underlying reasons, relationships between numbers, and the logic behind mathematical operations.
• It's about building a robust mental model of how numbers and mathematical systems work.
• It answers the "why" behind the "how."

The Danger of Over-Reliance on Procedural Math:

• While it can lead to correct answers in the short term, understanding can be fragile.
• Students may struggle when problems vary slightly or when new concepts are introduced.
• Without the "why," they may ask "Which rule do I apply here?" instead of thinking critically about the problem.
• Example: Understanding long division as breaking a number into equal groups versus just memorizing "divide, multiply, subtract, bring down."

Strategies to Cultivate Conceptual Understanding:

• Focus on the "Why" Before the "How": Explore the underlying concept using manipulatives, stories, and visuals before introducing procedures. 
  • Example: Using repeated addition and arrays to understand multiplication before teaching the standard algorithm.
• Encourage Exploration and Discovery: Present problems that allow children to discover mathematical relationships independently.
• Connect Math to Real-World Contexts: Make math tangible and meaningful by showing its application in everyday life.
• Use Visual Models and Representations: Encourage drawings, diagrams, and other visual tools to represent mathematical thinking.
• Emphasize Mathematical Reasoning and Communication: Ask open-ended questions that encourage explanation of thinking and focus on the process, not just the answer.
• Don't Rush to Abstraction: Allow ample time with concrete materials and visuals before moving to abstract symbols.
• Integrate Procedural Practice Meaningfully: Introduce and practice procedures after a solid conceptual foundation is established. Procedures will be more meaningful and easier to remember.

Conclusion:

• The goal is a harmonious blend of conceptual understanding and procedural fluency.
• We want children to not only know how to solve problems but also why the methods work.
• This deeper understanding empowers them to tackle complex problems, think critically, and appreciate the logic of mathematics.
• Let's shift our focus from simply teaching steps to unlocking the "why" behind the numbers for our children.

Sign up for my FREE info session where I'll answer the top three homeschooling questions: 1) How do I fit homeschooling into my life? 2) Will I mess my kids up?  3) What about socialization? And, I'll have a Q&A session! Choose from April 18 or May 2nd. Click here to sign up! I can't wait to see you there!
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