Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show

By Felice GerwitzEducation Parenting Kids & Family

Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show episodes

October 12Ep 4: Read Aloud Longer Than You Think You Should
Ep 4: Read Aloud Longer Than You Think You Should
Most parents stop reading aloud the moment a child can read alone. It is almost exactly the wrong moment to stop.
This is part of 13 Things We’d Tell a Brand-New Homeschool Mom — thirteen short episodes marking thirteen years of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
In this episode
Why listening comprehension runs years ahead of reading ability
The three things a child who hates reading is usually telling you
How to tell whether it is still physically hard
Why comics, repeats and audiobooks all count
What to do when reading has become a daily fight
Go deeper on the network
Late Reader? When To Wait And When Not To
Our Sweet 13 sponsors
This show is part of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network — homeschool podcasters who have been doing this on the air for thirteen years. Whatever you are walking through, somebody on this network has an episode about it.
This episode is sponsored. We only take sponsors we would point our own families to.
It is our 13th birthday all month long.
More than $1,500 in prizes across four October drawings, and everyone who enters gets Sweet Treats, a free collection of resources from the hosts across the network. One entry puts you in all four.
Enter the Sweet 13 Giveaway
The post Ep 4: Read Aloud Longer Than You Think You Should appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
8 min
October 10Ep 3: Buy Less Curriculum Than You Think
How Much Curriculum Should I Buy?
Here is a sentence that may save you several hundred dollars this year: you do not need a curriculum for every subject. You need one for the subjects that build in a strict order.
This is part of 13 Things We’d Tell a Brand-New Homeschool Mom — thirteen short episodes marking thirteen years of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
In this episode
The two subjects worth real money, and why
Where your library genuinely covers it
Three questions to ask before you buy anything
Why you should ask what a program needs from you on a bad week, not a good one
Permission to stop using something that is not working
Go deeper on the network
Questions You Should Ask When Choosing Curriculum
Our Sweet 13 sponsors
Thanks to CTCMath for supporting this show. Every lesson is taught on video, so you are not the one explaining long division at eight in the morning. One membership covers every child in your house at every grade level.
This episode is sponsored. We only take sponsors we would point our own families to.
It is our 13th birthday all month long.
More than $1,500 in prizes across four October drawings, and everyone who enters gets Sweet Treats, a free collection of resources from the hosts across the network. One entry puts you in all four.
Enter the Sweet 13 Giveaway
The post Ep 3: Buy Less Curriculum Than You Think appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
9 min
October 08Ep 2: The Day Is Shorter Than You Think
Your six-year-old finished everything in ninety minutes and you are standing in your kitchen feeling like a fraud. That feeling is the most common feeling in a first-year homeschool, and it is aimed at completely the wrong thing.
This is part of 13 Things We’d Tell a Brand-New Homeschool Mom — thirteen short episodes marking thirteen years of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
In this episode
Why a six-hour school day was never six hours of teaching
Rough hours by age, from early elementary through high school
Why one-on-one instruction is so much denser than a classroom
The real risk: stretching a good twenty-minute lesson into an argument
What to do with the rest of the day, and why it may be the most educational part
Go deeper on the network
Teaching English Doesn’t Have To Take All Day
Our Sweet 13 sponsors
This episode is sponsored by Eden’s Table — Biblical herbalism for the elementary grades. One plant a week, with science, history, art, reading and handwriting running through it as a single unit study. Open and go, no prep the night before. The first nine weeks are $39.
This episode is sponsored. We only take sponsors we would point our own families to.
It is our 13th birthday all month long.
More than $1,500 in prizes across four October drawings, and everyone who enters gets Sweet Treats, a free collection of resources from the hosts across the network. One entry puts you in all four.
Enter the Sweet 13 Giveaway
The post Ep 2: The Day Is Shorter Than You Think appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
11 min
October 05School at Home Doesn’t Work (And What To Do Instead)
Thirteen years ago, on the very first episode of this show, Felice Gerwitz said something out loud that most people would have edited out: “When I had this idea to create this radio network, I had no idea if it would even work.”
Within three weeks, the shows launched anyway. HomeschoolingIRL on September 13th. The Homeschool Sanity Show on the 14th. Vintage Homeschool Moms on the 17th. Two more by the 25th. Every one of those episodes is still on this website.
So it worked. And to mark thirteen years, we’re doing thirteen short episodes — thirteen things we’d tell a brand-new homeschool mom.
This is the first one, and it’s the mistake nearly all of us made.
We tried to build a school in the dining room. Desks. A bell schedule. A wall calendar with somebody else’s year printed on it. And it lasts about three weeks — then one Tuesday nobody comes to the table, and you sit down certain you’ve failed.
You haven’t failed at homeschooling. You’ve failed at being a school, which was never the assignment.
In this episode:
Why a school is an answer to a problem you don’t actually have — one adult, thirty children, a building, a bus schedule, a fire code
How much of what looks like “school” is really crowd management
Why copying that form into your house makes everything feel so heavy
The difference between structure (good, necessary) and institutional machinery (not yours to carry)
The one question to answer in writing today:
what problem are we actually solving?
Why you give yourself a one-year trial with a date on the calendar — and why week three is when everybody wants to quit
Timestamps
00:54 — Felice Gerwitz, August 2013, on the first episode of this show
01:50 — The three weeks in September 2013 when the network actually launched
02:14 — Why thirteen short episodes instead of a retrospective
02:47 — The mistake: building a school in the dining room
03:26 — A word from Eden’s Table
04:21 — A school is an answer to a problem you don’t have
05:30 — Structure is good. It just comes from your family.
06:06 — Write down the problem you’re actually solving
06:49 — Give yourself one year, then judge it
07:11 — Why week three is the worst of it
07:59 — Next time: the day is shorter than you think
Go deeper on the network
Before you commit to a year, listen to Should You Consider Homeschooling? — it walks through the decision honestly, including the reasons not to.
It’s our 13th birthday
More than $1,500 in prizes across four October drawings, and a free Sweet Treats resource bundle for everyone who enters. One entry puts you in all four.
Enter the Sweet 13 Giveaway
Our Sweet 13 sponsors
This series is sponsored by Eden’s Table, CTCMath, True North Academy, and the podcasters of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
This episode’s sponsor is Eden’s Table — Biblical herbalism for the elementary grades. One plant a week, with science, history, art, reading and handwriting running through it as a single unit study. Open and go, no prep the night before. The first nine weeks are $39 at edeninstitute.health/homeschool.
This episode is sponsored. We only take sponsors we’d point our own families to.
The post School at Home Doesn’t Work (And What To Do Instead) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
9 min
April 03How to Handle Homeschool Backlash from Family and Friends
📚 Part of our guide: How to Start Homeschooling
How to Handle Homeschool Backlash from Family and Friends
A Homeschool Foundations replay from Talking Mom to Mom, now airing on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show.
What do you do when family, friends, or even strangers question your decision to homeschool?
If you’ve ever felt caught off guard by skeptical comments, awkward questions, or criticism about your homeschool, you’re not alone. For many moms, one of the hardest parts of homeschooling isn’t curriculum or scheduling—it’s learning how to respond when other people don’t understand what you’re doing.
In this Homeschool Foundations replay, we’re talking about how to handle homeschool backlash from family and friends with confidence, humility, and grace.
Sponsored by CTCMath.com
Can You Handle Homeschool Criticism Without Losing Your Peace?
Yes—you absolutely can.
The best way to handle homeschool backlash is to stay grounded in your reasons for homeschooling, respond with calm confidence, and avoid getting pulled into unnecessary arguments. Not every question is an attack, but not every conversation deserves your energy either.
The longer you homeschool, the more confidence you’ll build. But even in the beginning, you can learn how to answer hard questions without feeling shaken.
Why People Question Homeschooling
Sometimes criticism comes from a negative place. But many times, it simply comes from misunderstanding.
Homeschooling still feels unfamiliar to a lot of people, even though it has become far more common over the years. Family members, neighbors, or acquaintances may ask questions because they genuinely don’t understand how homeschooling works.
They may wonder:
What curriculum do you use?
Is homeschooling legal?
What about socialization?
Do you need a teaching degree?
How do you know your child is learning enough?
And if we’re being honest, many homeschooling parents have asked some of those same questions themselves.
That’s why it helps to remember: not every question is criticism. Some people are curious. Some are cautious. Some are skeptical. And some simply don’t know what homeschooling actually looks like in real life.
Common Homeschool Questions You May Hear
If you’ve been homeschooling for any length of time, you’ve probably heard at least a few of these:
“What about socialization?”
This is probably the most common homeschool question of all.
“Are you even allowed to teach that?”
Some people assume the state tightly controls homeschool curriculum.
“How do you know they’re on track?”
This question usually comes from concern about academics or future readiness.
“Wouldn’t your child rather be in school?”
This one can feel especially frustrating—especially when it’s directed at your child instead of you.
“Do you have a teaching degree?”
Many people assume formal teaching credentials are required to educate a child at home.
These questions can feel exhausting, especially if they come up repeatedly. But having a few grounded responses ready can help you feel more prepared and less defensive.
How to Respond to Homeschool Criticism with Grace
One of the best reminders for homeschool moms is this:
You do not have to prove yourself to everyone.
That doesn’t mean you should be rude. It simply means you are not required to defend every educational choice to every person who has an opinion.
Here are a few ways to respond well.
Start with a Calm, Confident Answer
A simple, steady response often says more than a long explanation.
You might say:
“That’s a great question.”
“We’ve put a lot of thought into this.”
“This is the best fit for our family right now.”
“We’ve found a rhythm that’s working really well for us.”
Confidence matters. People often take their cues from how certain—or uncertain—you sound.
If you respond like you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, they may feel invited to keep pushing. But if you respond with peace and clarity, the conversation often softens quickly.
Remember That Humility and Confidence Can Coexist
You don’t have to act like you know everything.
In fact, one of the best ways to respond to sincere questions is with humility.
You can say:
“Honestly, we had some of those same questions when we started homeschooling.”
That kind of answer lowers the tension immediately. It reminds the other person that you didn’t make this decision lightly or blindly. You’ve thought through the concerns, learned along the way, and are continuing to grow.
Confidence does not mean pretending homeschooling is always easy.
It means trusting that this is the right path for your family, even while you’re still learning.
Know the Difference Between Curiosity and Combativeness
This is such an important distinction.
Some people are truly asking because they care. Others are asking because they want to challenge your choice.
Those are not the same conversation.
A sincere question usually feels open and respectful.
A combative question often feels like:
a jab
a test
a setup
a criticism disguised as curiosity
When that happens, you don’t need to over-explain.
Sometimes the wisest answer is a short one.
You can simply say:
“I appreciate your concern.”
“We’re confident in our decision.”
“This is what works best for our family.”
“We’ve thought this through carefully.”
And then move on.
What If the Criticism Comes from Family?
This can be the hardest kind of homeschool backlash.
It’s one thing to brush off a stranger at the grocery store. It’s another thing when the criticism comes from grandparents, siblings, in-laws, or extended family members you love.
When family questions your homeschool, it can feel personal—even if they mean well.
In those situations, it helps to remember this:
You do not need family-wide agreement in order to homeschool faithfully.
If the conversation is healthy and respectful, it can be worth having. Some family members just need time, exposure, and reassurance.
But if the same topic turns into tension every time you’re together, it may be time to set a gentle boundary.
You might say:
“I know you care about the kids, and I appreciate that. But this is a decision we’ve made carefully as a family, and I’d rather not keep debating it.”
That is not disrespectful. That is mature boundary-setting.
If It’s an In-Law Issue, Let Your Spouse Help
If the criticism is coming from your spouse’s family, it can help for your spouse to take the lead in those conversations when appropriate.
That doesn’t mean you can’t speak for yourself. It simply means some family dynamics are better handled from within the family line.
If your mother-in-law, father-in-law, or sibling-in-law keeps pushing the issue, your spouse may be the best person to say:
“This is our family’s decision, and we’re asking for support even if you wouldn’t choose the same thing.”
That can prevent resentment and reduce unnecessary friction.
What If Strangers or Acquaintances Say Something?
This is a different category entirely.
Sometimes homeschool moms get comments from:
neighbors
store clerks
medical staff
church acquaintances
random adults who notice kids are “out during school hours”
And honestly? You do not owe every curious stranger a 20-minute explanation in the middle of Target.
You can be kind without being available for interrogation.
Simple responses work well here:
“We homeschool.”
“This is part of our school day.”
“We have a flexible schedule.”
“They’re learning a lot, thank you.”
And if the person gets pushy or inappropriate, it is completely okay to end the conversation.
You can simply say:
“Excuse us—we need to get going. Have a great day.”
That is polite. That is enough.
What If Someone Questions Your Child?
This can feel especially upsetting.
It’s one thing when people question you. It’s another when they quiz your child, make assumptions, or ask leading questions like:
“Wouldn’t you rather be in school?”
“Do you even learn anything at home?”
“Are you behind?”
That kind of interaction can be uncomfortable for kids, especially if they’re younger.
This is where your response matters even more—because your child is learning from how you handle it.
When you stay calm, confident, and gracious, you model emotional maturity and self-respect.
That doesn’t mean you have to allow rude behavior. It simply means you can protect your child without becoming combative.
A simple response might be:
“We’re happy with how things are going, thanks.”
Then redirect and move on.
A Christian Response to Homeschool Backlash
If you are homeschooling from a faith-based perspective, this part matters deeply.
Because while it may feel satisfying in the moment to come back with something sharp or sarcastic, that rarely produces peace—or fruit.
One of the most helpful verses for hard conversations is:
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
— Proverbs 15:1
That doesn’t mean you have to be passive.
It doesn’t mean you have to agree.
And it definitely doesn’t mean you have to stay in unhealthy conversations.
But it does mean your response can reflect Christ even when the other person’s attitude does not.
You can be gracious and still be firm.
You can be humble and still be confident.
You can be kind and still have boundaries.
That combination is powerful.
What If You’re Still Building Confidence Yourself?
This is important too.
Sometimes criticism hurts so much because it lands on a part of you that already feels uncertain.
If you’re still early in your homeschool journey, you may still be asking some of the same questions other people are asking.
That doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you’re growing.
One of the best things you can do if you’re feeling shaky is to strengthen your own foundation.
That may look like:
talking with experienced homeschool moms
reading trusted homeschool books
listening to encouraging podcast episodes
learning more about your state laws
building a support system that reminds you why you started
Confidence often doesn’t come all at once. It grows over time.
And often, the longer you homeschool, the less outside opinions will rattle you.
Encouragement for the Mom Who Feels Judged
If you’ve been hurt by criticism, questioned by family, or made to feel like your homeschool choice is irresponsible or strange, here’s what I want to remind you of:
You are allowed to choose a different path for your family.
You are allowed to educate your children thoughtfully, intentionally, and differently.
You are allowed to grow into this role.
And you are allowed to protect your peace while you do it.
Not everyone will understand your homeschool.
Not everyone needs to.
But your children don’t need everyone’s approval.
They need your steady leadership.
And that matters more than outside noise.
Key Takeaways for Handling Homeschool Backlash
Not every question about homeschooling is an attack
Some people criticize homeschooling simply because they don’t understand it
You do not have to justify every homeschool decision
Calm confidence is often your best response
Grace and boundaries can coexist
Your homeschool does not require public approval to be valid
Listen to the Full Episode
This episode originally aired on Talking Mom to Mom and is now featured as part of our Homeschool Foundations series on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show.
If you’ve ever struggled with outside opinions, awkward homeschool questions, or criticism from family and friends, this conversation will encourage you.
Listen to more Homeschool Foundations episodes here:
https://ultimateradioshow.com/ultimate-homeschool-radio-show/
You Might Also Enjoy These Episodes
What To Do When Your Day Is A Dumpster Fire
Renew Your Homeschooling
What I Wish I Knew When I Began Homeschooling
Navigating the Homeschooling Journey with the All-in-One SchoolhouseTeachers Platform
FAQ: Handling Homeschool Criticism
Why do family members criticize homeschooling?
Often, family members criticize homeschooling because they don’t fully understand it. Their concerns may come from unfamiliarity, fear, or assumptions about what education should look like.
How should I respond when people question homeschooling?
Respond calmly and confidently. If the question is sincere, answer kindly. If the conversation becomes combative, it’s okay to set a boundary and move on.
What if grandparents don’t support homeschooling?
If grandparents or extended family are critical, it helps to stay respectful but firm. You can appreciate their concern without allowing them to control your family’s education decisions.
Is it normal to feel insecure when people question homeschooling?
Yes. Many homeschool moms feel uncertain at first. Confidence usually grows with time, experience, and seeing your children thrive.
What does the Bible say about responding to criticism?
A helpful verse is Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Responding with humility and grace can help difficult conversations stay calmer.
The post How to Handle Homeschool Backlash from Family and Friends appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
39 min
March 04Thinking About Homeschooling? | Homeschool Foundations Series
📚 Part of our guide: How to Start Homeschooling
If you’re thinking about homeschooling, you’re not alone. Many parents wonder whether they are qualified to teach their children, how much time homeschooling requires, and whether their kids will still have friends and social opportunities. In this episode of Homeschooling IRL, part of the Homeschool Foundations Series on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show, we talk honestly about the most common fears parents have when considering homeschooling—and why those concerns might not be as scary as they seem.
Thinking about homeschooling? Have a friend who is?
In this episode, originally aired on Homeschooling IRL, we tackle some of the most common questions parents ask when they begin considering homeschooling.
You may have wondered things like:
Will my kids have to raise their hands to go to the bathroom?
What about prom?
Who gets to be the lunch lady?
Okay… maybe not exactly like that.
But the truth is, many parents do have real concerns when they first think about homeschooling.
For this episode, we polled moms and dads who are considering homeschooling and asked them what worries them most. Their answers were honest, unfiltered, and incredibly relatable.
Parents shared fears about:
Burnout
Academic gaps
Whether their kids will turn out “weird”
Their own ability to teach difficult subjects
We respond with honesty, transparency, and a little humor—because homeschooling in real life isn’t perfect, but it can be incredibly rewarding.
If you’re wondering whether homeschooling might be right for your family, this conversation will encourage you and help answer some of your biggest questions.
This episode is part of the Homeschool Foundations Series on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show.
Episode Highlights
0:00 – Sponsor Message: CTC Math
1:19 – Introduction to Homeschooling in Real Life
6:25 – The Time and Commitment Required for Homeschooling
11:50 – The Reality of Homeschooling in Everyday Life
21:06 – “I Don’t Know If I Can Do This Right”
23:30 – Why Science Can Feel Difficult to Homeschool
29:27 – Q&A with Candy
34:00 – What Do We Really Mean by Socialization?
39:52 – Bringing Faith into Your Homeschool
Sponsor: CTC Math
Are you looking for a math curriculum that makes learning easier for your homeschool student?
CTC Math provides online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning and has been favorably reviewed in Kathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and by the Old Schoolhouse Crew Review.
Lessons are short, clear, and easy to follow—helping students break down math concepts step by step.
Each lesson is taught by internationally acclaimed teacher Pat Murray, who explains math concepts in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
With engaging graphics, clear instruction, and practical assessments, students who once struggled with math are seeing fantastic results.
Homeschool families can try CTC Math for free, and listeners receive half-price after the free trial.
Visit CTCmath.com to get started today.
Loved Thinking About Homeschooling? Try These Recommended Podcasts
Find a Math Curriculum That Works
How Do I Make Homeschooling Fun?
Best of Homeschooling IRL: I Love Homeschooling, But I Hate Teaching Writing
SUMMARY KEYWORDS
homeschooling, kids, homeschool, teach, people, question, child, thinking, public school, year, podcast, boys, coffee, friends, picture, fletch, homeschoolers, school, high school, multi-sensory approach
The post Thinking About Homeschooling? | Homeschool Foundations Series appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
29 min
August 11, 2025 Creation Science Podcast: Radioisotopes, Revelation, and a Younger Earth — A Chat with Dr. Jay Wile
📚 Part of our guide: Homeschool Science
Show Notes- Radioisotopes, Revelation, and a Younger Earth — A Chat with Dr. Jay Wile
What’s New in Creation Science News
This episode formerly aired as part of the Homeschool Expo. Listen to additional Creation Science Podcast episodes.
Every year, new scientific discoveries are made. More often than not, those discoveries have little bearing on the creation/evolution or age-of-the-earth debates. However, every now and then, a new discovery relates to one or both of those controversial topics. In this talk, Dr. Wile discusses the recent scientific discoveries that are directly related to these subjects and shows how they generally support the young-earth creationist view.
Meet Dr. Jay Wile
Dr. Jay L. Wile is a nuclear chemist and prominent figure in the homeschool community, renowned for his science curricula that integrate a Christian worldview. He holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Chemistry and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Rochester, and has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching.
Educational Philosophy
Dr. Wile advocates for a chronological approach to teaching science, integrating historical context to enhance understanding. He believes that science and Christianity are complementary, encouraging students to explore scientific concepts as a means to appreciate the intricacies of God’s creation.
Personal Background
Dr. Wile and his wife, Kathleen, homeschooled their adopted daughter, Dawn, through high school. Their personal experience has informed his commitment to providing quality science education resources for the homeschool community.
For more information on Dr. Wile’s work and resources, you can visit Berean Builders or his Facebook page.
Thank you to our Sponsor, CTC Math.com
The post Creation Science Podcast: Radioisotopes, Revelation, and a Younger Earth — A Chat with Dr. Jay Wile appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
1 hr 14 min
June 26, 2025Helping Our Kids Have Resiliency with Lisa Nehring (Replay)
Helping Our Kids Have Resiliency
“We’re not just raising kids, we’re raising resilient adults. We’re raising spiritual beings.”
Join Lisa Nehring on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Thank you to our Network Sponsor: CTC Math
In a world where people easily crumble like delicate snowflakes and take offense at the drop of a hat, it’s high time we pondered this vital question: Are our children truly growing in resiliency?
Are they emerging as fearless warriors, fortified with unyielding character and an indomitable spirit? Let me tell you, this remarkable gift of resiliency will serve as their secret weapon in navigating an increasingly secular world.
So join me on this resilience adventure as we explore the importance of resilience and why it’s high time we raise a generation of tenacious individuals who can conquer any challenge that comes their way. Trust me, it’ll be one heck of a ride.
Get Intentional!
In her excellent book, appropriately titled, Grit, Angela Duckworth takes on the task of developing the idea of resilience in our children. She advocates for making resilience development a part of kids’ life skills curriculum.
I couldn’t agree more. Our kids need resilience. It’s what allows them to go out and compete, take risks, fail, and try again.
Key Ingredients for Developing Resilience
Practice– Practice is what lets us learn as we go. To practice and develop well, we must get assessments and feedback.
Purpose– Resilience is not always about pursuing those things that we might have a natural inclination toward. Students should consider pursuing something that they can develop an interest in over the long term.
Hope– This is tied to trying and failing. Failure is a huge part of developing resilience. We need to teach our kids that success does not come without failure. Winners keep pursuing goals despite setbacks.
Time– We need to set aside time to practice with deliberation, fail, and succeed.
Create Some Resilience Goals
Angela Duckworth has some practical recommendations for bestowing the remarkable gift of resilience to your children:
Choose something that requires deliberate daily practice.
Commit to doing this activity for 2 years.
Finish what you’ve started for a specified interval.
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
After Action Your Homeschool Year
Find Lisa at the Life Skills 101 Podcast on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Top Podcast Episodes on Life Skills 101, formerly Soft Skills 101
Getting Started with Elementary Homeschool Education
The Cost of Parental Ignorance: Unveiling the True Price of Education
Learning Styles & Online Education
Check out True North Homeschool Academy
Our mission at True North Homeschool Academy is centered around the Compass, and that’s by design. It’s the heart of what we do, because we are heading True North with the Christian conviction that together our homeschools should transmit a culture of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, as we are headed True North, rooted in Christ.
True North Homeschool Academy is a virtual online learning experience with a small class size, and dynamic teaching from world-class teachers, with a focus on creating a one-of-a-kind educational experience families will love.
Thank you to our sponsor for the Birthday Celebration: CTC Math.
The post Helping Our Kids Have Resiliency with Lisa Nehring (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
20 min
March 24, 2025Neuroplasticity – Rewiring The Brain
Neuroplasticity – Rewiring The Brain with Dr. Jan Bedell
Podcast #19
Sponsored by NOW Programs.
Neuroplasticity and rewiring the brain? Hmm? Do we really have to use such an unfamiliar word? Yes, to describe the amazing gift that God has given us we can start with a big word and break it down. It really is quite simple – “neuro” is having to do with the brain and “plasticity” is the ability to change. Our brains are changing all the time. This is really good news when you have a struggling learner or a child with a label like dyslexia, ADD, ADHD or autism. The key is knowing how to fuel the brain with the right kind of stimulation so it builds new pathways. From these new pathways, the brain can receive, organize, process and store information well enough to bring it out and use it in everyday life. With the right kind of stimulation, your brain can take little developmental steps to achieve giant strides in academics and overall function. That is what happens when you use the products and services of Little Giant Steps.
In this episode, you will hear the experience of a teacher that had taught first grade for 17 years before using The NeuroDevelopmental Approach in her classroom in year 18.
It made a huge difference for her students and can make a difference for you and your family as well. Applying just a little information can make all the difference in your child’s future. We shouldn’t leave out the adults either! It is never too late to change the brain. Two ladies in their 50’s, one a reading tutor and the other a Montessori teacher who had always struggled with reading comprehension, raised their reading comprehension score by 3 ½ years in only four months’ time. And guess what? They didn’t do any specific reading program. All it took was organization and specific stimulation to the brain and their abilities radically changed.

Visit our sponsor Little Giant Steps for information about
Free auditory processing kit – here
Help for math facts – here
Brain boosting products – here

The post Neuroplasticity – Rewiring The Brain appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
22 min
October 18, 2024Helping Our Kids Have Resiliency with Lisa Nehring
Helping Our Kids Have Resiliency
“We’re not just raising kids, we’re raising resilient adults. We’re raising spiritual beings.”
Join Lisa Nehring on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show in celebration of our 10th Birthday Celebration!
Episode Sponsored by the 11th Birthday Celebration Sponsors, CTC Math & More on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network
In a world where people easily crumble like delicate snowflakes and take offense at the drop of a hat, it’s high time we pondered this vital question: Are our children truly growing in resiliency?
Are they emerging as fearless warriors, fortified with unyielding character and an indomitable spirit? Let me tell you, this remarkable gift of resiliency will serve as their secret weapon in navigating an increasingly secular world.
So join me on this resilience adventure as we explore the importance of resilience and why it’s high time we raise a generation of tenacious individuals who can conquer any challenge that comes their way. Trust me, it’ll be one heck of a ride.
Get Intentional!
In her excellent book, appropriately titled, Grit, Angela Duckworth takes on the task of developing the idea of resilience in our children. She advocates for making resilience development a part of kids’ life skills curriculum.
I couldn’t agree more. Our kids need resilience. It’s what allows them to go out and compete, take risks, fail, and try again.
Key Ingredients for Developing Resilience
Practice– Practice is what lets us learn as we go. To practice and develop well, we must get assessments and feedback.
Purpose– Resilience is not always about pursuing those things that we might have a natural inclination toward. Students should consider pursuing something that they can develop an interest in over the long term.
Hope– This is tied to trying and failing. Failure is a huge part of developing resilience. We need to teach our kids that success does not come without failure. Winners keep pursuing goals despite setbacks.
Time– We need to set aside time to practice with deliberation, fail, and succeed.
Create Some Resilience Goals
Angela Duckworth has some practical recommendations for bestowing the remarkable gift of resilience to your children:
Choose something that requires deliberate daily practice.
Commit to doing this activity for 2 years.
Finish what you’ve started for a specified interval.
Resources Mentioned in the Podcast
After Action Your Homeschool Year
Find Lisa at the Life Skills 101 Podcast on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Top Podcast Episodes on Life Skills 101, formerly Soft Skills 101
Getting Started with Elementary Homeschool Education
The Cost of Parental Ignorance: Unveiling the True Price of Education
Learning Styles & Online Education
Check out True North Homeschool Academy
Our mission at True North Homeschool Academy is centered around the Compass, and that’s by design. It’s the heart of what we do, because we are heading True North with the Christian conviction that together our homeschools should transmit a culture of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, as we are headed True North, rooted in Christ.
True North Homeschool Academy is a virtual online learning experience with a small class size, and dynamic teaching from world-class teachers, with a focus on creating a one-of-a-kind educational experience families will love.
Thank you to our sponsor for the Birthday Celebration: CTC Math.
The post Helping Our Kids Have Resiliency with Lisa Nehring appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
20 min

About Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show

From the publisher's feed

Join your host, Felice Gerwitz as she takes a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of special guests as well as the Show Hosts of the Ultimate Homeschool Network.