This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Tisha Calhoun from North Carolina. Tisha shares her experience facilitating different educational paths for her kids, including public school, private school, and homeschooling, and she emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and customizing education to fit each child's unique needs. We discuss the flexibility homeschooling offers, especially during the high school years, and the benefits homeschooling can offer to both parents and children in terms of quality time and tailored learning experiences. Tisha offers valuable resources and advice for parents considering homeschooling, and she stresses the importance of asking questions and being involved in a child’s education, regardless of the education route people choose to take.

Resources
Blue Tent
Derek Owens
IEW

Books
The Awakened Brain
Limitless
Little Britches
The Seven Silly Eaters 

This Golden Hour

In this episode, host Timmy Eaton discusses the common homeschool topic of deschooling. Deschooling is the transition to homeschooling that parents and their children undergo as they move away from the conventional schools and ways of learning. He explains that sometimes it is necessary to deconstruct before one can reconstruct. For some homeschool families, deschooling seems to be natural and smooth. For others, however, deschooling is challenging and uncomfortable because it requires significant changes in thinking and being. Regardless of a family's level of comfort with deschooling, Timmy encourages all homeschoolers to regularly deschool so they remain deliberate and proactive about their education and living.

Resources
Deschooling Society

This Golden Hour

In this episode, we get to spend time with Cori Dean from Bradford, Ontario. Cori is a veteran homeschool mother, author, speaker, and owner of Learning House and Maple Tree Publications. She loves books, dark chocolate, and tea! Cori shares about her extensive experience in homeschooling her four children and the role of faith in education. In our conversation, we explore the value of community support, the significance of parent-led education, and practical tips for new homeschooling families. Cori's journey from skepticism to embracing homeschooling, and the growth she has undergone in business, give us a view of the possibilities and challenges of homeschooling families.

Connect with Cori
learninghouse.ca

Books
A Charlotte Mason Companion
For the Children's Sake
Modern Miss Mason

Resources
Simply Charlotte Mason

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Mary Wilson from Raleigh, North Carolina. Mary shares her unique and inspiring journey of homeschooling her four distinctively different children, and she emphasizes tailoring education to each child's individual learning style. From the challenges of accommodating a variety of interests and academic needs to the joys of shared learning experiences, Mary opens up about the evolution of her homeschooling methods, including the pivotal role graphic novels played in engaging her children in reading and learning. She describes her creation of 'Celebrate a Book', a platform and methodology that brings books to life through themed book clubs, engaging discussions, and activities that enrich students' understanding and enjoyment of literature. Mary's insights into managing high school education, electives, and the transition to college for homeschoolers provide valuable guidance for parents navigating the homeschooling journey. Her approach to education, focused on the love of learning and flexibility to adapt teaching methods to each child's needs, offers a fresh perspective on homeschool education.

Connect with Mary
Celebrate a Book

Books
Poppy by Avi
Crossover
A Night Divided
The Martian

Resources
Mr. D Math
Enneagram
Brave Writer<

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Tania Johnson from Edmonton Alberta. Tania is a registered psychologist and co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology. She shares her journey from growing up in South Africa to becoming a leader in child psychology and play therapy in Canada. She discusses the importance of play therapy, strategies for raising resilient children, and the crucial role of parental relationships in child development. Our conversation also explores the challenges and developments in mental health for children, the impact of neurodivergence, and the significance of creating nurturing environments. We delve into the critical aspects of intentional parenting, offering insights into how parents can navigate the complex landscape of raising children in today's world.

Connect With Tania
The Institute of Child Psychology
The Child Psych App

Tania's Books
The Parenting Handbook
myparentinghandbook.com

Books
Hold on to Your Kids
Anatomy of Peace

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Millie Florence, a prodigious young author from Illinois whose passion for storytelling and delight-directed learning has carved a unique path through the world of middle-grade fiction. From the early whispers of stories under the covers to becoming an influential voice in homeschooling circles and the literary world, Millie's journey is a testament to the power of nurturing creativity and following one’s calling. Join us as Millie shares her experiences with homeschooling, self-publishing her first book at the age of 13, and the serendipitous encounter that led to her partnership with Sarah Mackenzie. Prepare to be inspired by Millie's insight into the delights and challenges of being a homeschooled entrepreneur, author, and lifelong learner.


Connect With Millie
millieflorence.com

Books by Millie
The Balter of Ashton Harper
Honey Butter
Beyond Mulberry Glen

Books
The Secret Garden
A Little Princess
Anne of Green Gables
Warrior Cats

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with S.D. Smith from West Virginia, author of The Green Ember Series, Mooses with Bazookas, and co-author with his son, Josiah, of Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key. Best known for The Green Ember Series, Smith opens up about his creative process, the foundations of his storytelling, and his journey from being a homeschool father sharing stories with his kids to becoming a globally recognized author. The discussion spans a variety of intriguing topics, including Smith's unique background, the roots of his imagination, and his insights into homeschooling. Whether you're an avid fan of S. D. Smith, an aspiring writer, or someone interested in the values and virtues of homeschooling, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and wisdom.

Connect with S. D. Smith
StoryWarren

S. D. Smith's Books
Mooses with Bazookas
Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key
S. D. Smith Store
The Green Ember Series

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Katharine Gordon, the passionate founder of Gnomes and Acorns, an online business dedicated to providing Waldorf-inspired toys, games, and resources for homeschooling families and others. Katharine, a seasoned educator and mother of three, shares her journey from a university student intrigued by the Waldorf education philosophy to an entrepreneur cultivating a community of like-minded families. We delve into the importance of high-quality, sustainable educational resources, the value of nurturing creativity and a connection to nature in children, and how Katharine's personal and business ethos promotes a lifestyle of learning and sustainability.

Connect with Katharine
Gnomes and Acorns

Resources
Rudolf Steiner
Mercurius

This Golden Hour

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Deani Van Pelt, Kerri Forney, and Kathryn Avery from the Charlotte Mason Institute (CMI). Our conversation emphasized Charlotte Mason’s philosophy about relational education and developing relationships with God, people, the universe, and self. We addressed the challenges of homeschooling, including tailoring education for different children, transitioning from a conventional school setting, and maintaining social connections. This episode equips listeners not only with helpful suggestions for resources and materials available through CMI, but also many insights and gems of wisdom about how to homeschool peacefully and meaningfully.

Connect With Deani, Kerri, and Kathryn
Charlotte Mason Institute

Books
For the Children's Sake

Resources
Alveary Curriculum
the Story of the World
Daniel Allers: History Plus

This Golden Hour