Help for parents who are considering homeschooling a struggling learner!

Do you have a child who works hard yet still struggles with reading, comprehension, spelling, letter reversals, or focus? You are not alone. Many Christian homeschool families face the quiet frustration of watching an intelligent child fall behind or lose confidence.

In this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, I sit down with an old friend, Steve Shapiro of The Learning Connection. Years ago I heard him speak on a Christian radio station. I was so excited I pulled over to a safe spot, called him from my phone, and ordered his learning kit for my own struggling learner. Later I introduced him to the leaders at the Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) conference in Orlando, where I had spoken for many years. Steve quickly became a favorite speaker among homeschool parents.

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Steve Shapiro. I first called him over twenty-five years ago! Later I met him in person and I was able to give a glowing recommendation for his home kit. Steve is now semi-retired, yet he still believes so strongly in the tools God has given him that he wants to share them with a new generation of parents.

Steve is a specialized learning disability therapist and educator with more than 40 years of experience helping thousands of children and teens who struggle with reading and learning difficulties. He holds a master’s degree in education with undergraduate work in special education. Early in his career, he discovered that the typical academic approaches were not enough. The underlying root problems were not being addressed.

He has written two books: The Learning Connection and Falling Through the Cracks: Why Intelligent Students Struggle in School. He has spoken extensively across the country, including at FPEA and many other homeschool gatherings.

Steve later met Dr. Guthrie, an optometrist in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who spent his career researching why so many bright students fail to achieve. In many cases, the root issue was not a need for glasses but an underlying vision processing weakness. These children could not properly process what they read. When the two eyes do not work together to process visual information, the brain cannot retain it well. This often shows up as:

Together Steve and Dr. Guthrie developed what is now The Learning Connection—a therapy program designed to overcome reading and learning difficulties at the root. Most recently Steve created a home computer therapy kit that includes the same tools he used in his office practice for over 40 years. He offers a free home evaluation and a free, no-obligation phone consultation for any family.

Website: thelearningconnection.myshopify.com

These questions open the door to practical hope. Steve explains why traditional methods often miss the mark and how addressing vision processing and related foundational skills can change a child’s trajectory—especially in the flexible, one-on-one setting of a Christian home.

Homeschooling gives us the freedom to slow down, observe carefully, and meet a child exactly where he or she is. When a child struggles, the first step is often identifying whether the difficulty is purely academic or rooted in how the brain processes information. Steve’s work reminds us that intelligent children can still fall through the cracks when underlying processing weaknesses go unaddressed.

The free evaluation and phone consultation make it possible for families anywhere to explore whether this approach might help. The home therapy kit brings professional-level tools into the living room so parents can work with their children at a sustainable pace.

If this conversation encourages you, continue with these related episodes:

While you strengthen foundational learning skills, consider these practical tools from the Media Angels store:

Browse more at MediaAngels.com/store.

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You are not alone. With prayer, careful observation, and the right tools, many struggling learners begin to thrive. Steve Shapiro’s decades of experience and heart for families offer a clear next step for any parent who wants to understand the root of the struggle and move forward with confidence.

*This link is an Amazon affiliate link and I may earn a small commission through your purchase.

This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

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The post Homeschooling a Struggling Learner: Real Help When Nothing’s Working appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Updated for the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse. This episode first aired around an earlier eclipse, and the wonder is just as real today. On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will pass over Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, while families across the northern United States (from Alaska to North Carolina) will see a partial eclipse—so plan for safe viewing rather than totality here at home. For a full family viewing guide with eye-safety tips and a simple pinhole-projector activity, see our Solar Eclipse 2026 homeschool guide.

Every day is the best day, or it can be if you have the mindset that you are looking for miracles in your life. In 2026, a total solar eclipse is just one of the exciting things happening in your world. How can we keep the momentum going? In this podcast, Felice shares the idea of finding the gems in your life and celebrating them with your family.

Visit Mediaangels.com for immediate downloads such as Character Planners,  Checklist Planners, and, coming soon, the entire set of Organize-IT planners.

So, is this going to be your best year ever? If you said, “Yes!” that is great, but if you said, “No.” then Why not? Take a moment to consider your answer.

I think we can make this the best year. Even if you’re listening to this in January in March, or maybe even in December, you can begin each day anew. The first thing is our mindset. And, it is catching. If we are enthusiastic, our kids will be enthusiastic. (Tell 1/2 sheet of paper and a pencil – pop quiz).

So, our attitude is important, but so is our ability to find those gems in our lives that are often overlooked. It doesn’t take money, but it does take research. This year, there are some awe-inspiring events. However, we will focus on one that is sure to catch the headlines, and that is the Solar Eclipse.

What is a Solar Eclipse:

A total solar eclipse is something that happens very rarely, and when it does happen, it is something many people will be excited about seeing, some traveling to the locations where they can get the best view. A total solar eclipse is when the moon passes over the sun in such a way and angle that it blocks the sunlight from our view.  First, let me warn as as you already know (and please let your children know) that it is always dangerous to look at the sun. Never look at the sun!

The solar eclipse will not happen again for another twenty years, so it’s really exciting to be aware of this one. The solar eclipse or the total solar eclipse is going to happen on August 12, 2026, and the next one won’t happen until August 23, 2044.

The shielding of the sun by the moon moving, what looks like over the top, will show the outer part of the sun, which is called the corona.

That is what I wanted to know, and I learned that during an annular eclipse, it is only safe to view it with protective glasses because you can still see a portion of the sun, and looking at the sun, as we’ve already established, is dangerous. So, you can see a ring of the sun around the moon. However, a total eclipse means that the moon completely covers the sun (totally) and hides the sun from view so just the corona or outer edges show.

You will want to:

It is fun to study things that are happening in our world.

Resources for Solar Eclipse:

Eclipses in 2026

Interactive Map for the eclipse of 2026 here.

This is a wonderful opportunity to study the stars and add it to your homeschool curriculum. And, as Psalm 19: summarizes so beautifully – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Amen! enjoy.

Bring more wonder to your homeschool

New to the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network? Grab our free Christian Homeschool Starter Kit for encouragement and practical help, then tune in to Vintage Homeschool Moms for faith-filled inspiration each week.

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The post Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Turn It Into an Unforgettable Homeschool Lesson appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

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Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Teach science with confidence using hands-on experiments your kids will remember.

Replay Notice: This episode originally aired several years ago and is being shared again because the teaching is still relevant. Please note that any promotional offers, coupon codes, pricing, websites, or product availability mentioned during the episode may no longer be valid in 2026.

If the thought of teaching homeschool science feels intimidating, you’re not alone. Many homeschool parents worry most about high school science, especially labs and experiments.

The good news? You don’t need to be a scientist to raise curious learners.

In this replay, Felice Gurwitz shares practical strategies for making science engaging, hands-on, and enjoyable—from kindergarten through high school. Drawing from decades of homeschooling five children, she explains why science isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about encouraging observation, curiosity, and critical thinking.

Whether you’re teaching elementary science or preparing your teen for biology or chemistry, these tried-and-true ideas will help you build confidence.

You’ll discover:

Science isn’t simply a collection of facts. It’s learning to ask questions, observe carefully, research possibilities, test ideas, and draw conclusions.

Children learn science best when they’re encouraged to investigate rather than simply memorize.

Felice recommends focusing on five essentials:

Many useful science tools can be collected over time, including:

Organizing these supplies into labeled bins makes experiments much easier to complete.

One of the biggest misconceptions about science is that every experiment should “work.”

Sometimes the greatest learning happens when results are unexpected. Those moments teach children how real scientists think, troubleshoot, and revise ideas.

One of Felice’s favorite stories is about her daughter attempting to stabilize hydrogen peroxide for a science fair project.

Instead of dismissing the idea, she allowed her daughter to investigate—and the experience became a lesson in creativity, persistence, and scientific thinking.

Sometimes our children’s curiosity takes them farther than we imagine.

Every homeschool family learns differently.

Some families thrive with textbooks.

Others enjoy unit studies, experiments, projects, and discussion.

The goal isn’t choosing the “perfect” curriculum—it’s helping your children understand how science works and encouraging them to think critically.

Field trips, museums, nature studies, experiments, dissections, and cooperative science labs all give students opportunities to connect concepts with real-world experiences.

Those experiences often become the lessons children remember for years.

Yes. Curiosity, preparation, and a willingness to learn alongside your children are often more valuable than having formal science training.

Hands-on experiences strengthen understanding and help students retain concepts. Many labs can be completed at home with inexpensive materials.

Virtual labs can be helpful, especially when budget or logistics make hands-on work difficult. Many homeschool families combine both virtual and physical experiments.

The best curriculum is one your family will consistently use. Some families prefer textbooks, while others learn best through unit studies and experiments.

The scientific method teaches observation, logical thinking, problem-solving, and how to evaluate evidence—skills that extend well beyond science.

Teaching science at home doesn’t require a laboratory or an advanced degree.

With curiosity, simple materials, and a willingness to learn alongside your children, science can become one of the most rewarding subjects in your homeschool.

Sometimes the best lessons don’t happen when an experiment goes exactly as planned—they happen when your children begin asking better questions.

Author and publisher, Felice Gerwitz of Media Angels, Inc. will discuss tried and true science labs to incorporate science labs within the home – this presentation is taken from her book, Teaching Science and Having Fun.

The post Science Labs That Actually Work at Home appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

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VINTAGE HOMESCHOOL MOMS  •  EPISODE 435

Math the Easy Way: 7 Tips for Teaching Math to Kids of All Ages

with guest Pat Murray of CTC Math  |  Hosted by Felice Gurwitz

About This Episode

Does your child love math or dread it? In this episode, Felice Gurwitz sits down with Pat Murray — a math teacher and coach of more than 36 years and the founder of CTC Math — to share seven practical, doable tips for teaching math to children of every age. From short, clear explanations and the power of rote learning to smart lesson sequencing and avoiding frustration, Pat unpacks what actually works after decades in the classroom and at home. He also serves up a couple of memory “magic tricks” (including a clever way to keep circle formulas straight) that make math genuinely fun.

Whether you have a struggling learner or a strong one who just needs reinforcement, these are ideas you can put to work right away.

Pat Murray has been a math teacher and coach for more than 36 years. The programs and courses he and his company have developed have helped students and families in the tens and hundreds of thousands across more than 72 countries. Pat is the founder of CTC Math, which offers self-paced online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning math. Pat and his wife, Mari, live in Sydney, Australia, and have 10 children and seven grandchildren (soon to be eight).

Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum?

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!

The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly.

Visit ctcmath.com today to start your free trial.

The post 7 Tips for Teaching Math to Kids of All Ages appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

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How can you teach children the ideals of freedom and economics in a way they will remember? Join your host, Felice Gerwitz, and Daniel Harmon, the Creator and Showrunner of the Tuttle Twins TV Show.

How often do you get a chance to talk to the creator of a television show? Well, today, I sat down with Daniel Harmon, a homeschooled dad of seven. Daniel is the creator and executive producer of the Tuttle Twins TV show. He is the co-founder of Harmon Brothers and Angel Studios. I’m sure many of you recognize that name. It is the studio that produces a favorite among many, The Chosen. Daniel is the father of seven and says the show for them and what he would have wanted as a kid. He claims his kids are his in-house focus group!

As a fan of the Tuttle Twins novels, I purchased several sets for family and friends; it was my pleasure to bring you this interview.

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Freedom and Economics Points discussed:

Many believe economics is reserved for someone else to teach. Or it is up to the kids to learn it in higher level learning like college. Yet with the Tuttle Twins, both the book series and the TV show it is something that kids can actually understand. It is put in the context of the principles of freedom of your rights, and it’s not as complicated as it’s made out to be. They overcomplicate it in a way that does a lot of destruction to our economy, but it is not nearly as complicated as some like to make it out to be.

Rights:

You start from a basis. We all have rights, rights to life, to liberty, to property. The things that are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and in the Constitution. Those rights are defined by economist Frederick Bastia, who wrote the book The Law. These rights are inherent, God-given rights. Kids instinctively know this is true. If they have something that they’ve worked for, you can’t go and take that away from them. That’s unfair, right? That’s their property. 

Freedom of Life:

If someone tries to hurt or kill a person, that is not fair. That’s my right to my life. You can’t take away someone’s life; this does not allow a person to have liberty, the ability to make their own decisions and to pursue their own dreams and passions and things like that. And people can’t also get in the way of that. Then, when you understand that, add economics.

Economics:

A high-level principle is putting policies into place that are beneficial. The policy needs to benefit more than one group. Not only in the short term but needs to benefit all groups in the long term. And kids get that as well. The policy needs to be something that’s not just favoring a given industry or corporation or something similar; it needs to be something that really creates a fair playing field for everyone. 

Freedom, Economics, and Business:

More points discussed:

The post Teaching Kids About Money and Freedom with the Tuttle Twins appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

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In today’s episode, “Stress Free Summer Learning,” I’ll share easy, flexible tips to keep your kids learning without the stress. From unit studies to outdoor adventures, get ready for a fun, low-key summer of growth!

Summer is a time for relaxation and family memories, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to keep your children’s learning on track. In this episode, I’ll share streamlined homeschool schedules that maintain educational momentum without overwhelming you or your kids. If you’ve listened to this podcast before, welcome back, and you know I only share practical tips that don’t break the bank! If you are new, welcome friend (or soon-to-be friend), and I hope you enjoy some ideas for short lesson plans, including unit studies, outdoor learning, and simple yet impactful activities.

Whether you’re a year-round homeschooler or just sprinkling in some summer learning when the kids are acting bored, this podcast is for you.

Thanks to our sponsor! CTCMath.com

Summer can be a balancing act with vacations and family events. However, research shows that students can lose 20-25% of their reading and math gains over the summer, known as the “summer slide.” A flexible, streamlined schedule keeps kids’ brains engaged without turning summer into a grind.

The key? Flexibility. Short, meaningful activities that fit your family’s rhythm make learning feel like a refreshing summer breeze. Here’s how to make it happen.

Check out this related podcast for more summer inspiration.

Unit studies are a fantastic way to streamline summer learning by diving deep into one topic, for example, oceans, dinosaurs, or space, while covering multiple subjects. For example, an ocean unit study might include:

It can even be hands-on and practical. Playing in a pool or tub with items that sink or float, talking about air bubbles and compression, and asking if anyone is SCUBA certified for a hands-on lesson, or visiting a dive shop.

Unit studies are flexible, interest-driven, and low-prep, making them ideal for summer. They’re perfect for multi-age homeschooling, allowing everyone to learn at their level, and they align well with Christian principles for faith-based learning.

Unit studies make learning feel like an adventure, keeping both you and your kids stress-free!

Outdoor activities boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve focus, according to studies. Nature is a free, open classroom ready for exploration.

Explore our Kids’ Planner for more outdoor activity ideas.

Short activities fit busy summer days and keep kids engaged without feeling overwhelmed. They also leave room for spiritual growth.

These quick bursts keep skills sharp while preserving summer’s joy.

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive. Try these free resources:

Spend a few minutes bookmarking resources at the start of summer. Our Homeschool Success Planner helps organize your ideas.

Streamlined summer learning is about keeping things lightweight and enjoyable. Embrace unit studies, outdoor adventures, short activities, and free resources to maintain momentum without stress. You’ve got this!

Share your favorite summer learning tips in the Vintage Homeschool Moms Facebook group or at ultimateradioshow.com/blog. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your podcast app to help other homeschool families find us.

Thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode. Until next time, keep homeschooling with joy and confidence. This is Felice Gerwitz, take care, God bless, and I’ll talk to you soon!

Resources from Media Angels: Go deeper with the complete Creation Science for Homeschoolers guide — or explore the Creation Geology Study Guide.

The post Stress-Free Summer Learning: Keep Kids Sharp Without the Fight appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

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Show: Vintage Homeschool Moms

Constitutional attorney KrisAnne Hall joins Felice Gerwitz to show homeschool moms how to raise liberty-minded kids, why she walked away from a paycheck to teach the Constitution, and what every parent should know about Common Core and school choice. A timeless replay, updated for 2026.

In this fan-favorite conversation, host Felice Gerwitz sits down with constitutional attorney and homeschool mom KrisAnne Hall. KrisAnne shares the powerful story of how she chose to keep teaching the Constitution even when it cost her a $60,000-a-year government job, and how God provided for her family every step of the way.

Together they talk about why liberty is a Judeo-Christian inheritance worth passing on, why most Americans can’t name the five freedoms in the First Amendment, and how parents — not the government — hold the real responsibility for raising the next generation. KrisAnne also answers listener questions about Common Core, charter and virtual schools, vouchers, and the best way for parents to get up to speed on the Constitution so they can teach it to their kids.

It’s encouraging, challenging, and packed with the kind of “I never thought about it that way” moments KrisAnne is known for.

This episode first aired in 2014, when “Common Core” was the education debate at every co-op meeting and kitchen table. The heart of KrisAnne’s message — that liberty is a gift we steward for our children — hasn’t aged a day. But a few of the headlines have changed, so here’s a quick update so you’re listening with 2026 eyes:

Common Core has largely faded — but the framework lingers. Several states formally repealed and renamed the standards, and roughly two dozen have revised or rebranded them. Here in Florida, Governor DeSantis signed an executive order to eliminate Common Core and replaced it with the B.E.S.T. Standards (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking), phased in beginning the 2021–22 school year, which notably weave civics and the U.S. Constitution through every grade. That said, education analysts point out that many “new” state standards still carry Common Core’s DNA — so KrisAnne’s underlying point about who controls curriculum (and who funds it) is as relevant as ever.

School choice exploded. When this aired, KrisAnne urged caution about vouchers and warned that “where government pays, they will dictate.” Since 2021, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) have become the dominant model, and as of 2026 around 18–19 states offer universal eligibility. Florida now has universal school choice; Louisiana launched its LA GATOR program in 2025; and Texas’s $1 billion ESA program — the largest initial funding cap in history — launches for the 2026–27 school year. As you listen, it’s worth weighing KrisAnne’s “strings attached” caution against the new landscape and deciding where you land for your own family.

Where to find KrisAnne now. She is the founder and president of Liberty First University (online courses from about $20/month at libertyfirstsociety.com), still writes and teaches, and hosts The KrisAnne Hall Show. Her books referenced in this episode — Not a Living, Breathing Document, Bedtime Stories for Budding Patriots, and Essential Stories for Junior Patriots — are still available, along with newer titles like Sovereign Duty and Liberty First: The Path to Restoring America.

(Approximate — adjust the timestamps to match your final audio file.)

“The God that gave us life gave us liberty.” — KrisAnne paraphrasing Thomas Jefferson

“Every liberty that you have, you have to keep. And if you do not know what your liberties are, you don’t even know when they’re gone.”

“The government hasn’t intruded itself into our school system. We’ve invited it.”

“Liberty is not a gift that you purchase for yourself… We purchase liberty for our children.”

“Where government pays, they will dictate.” — KrisAnne on vouchers

KrisAnne Hall

From Media Angels & the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Scripture referenced: 2 Timothy 1:7 · Matthew 6 · the Book of Esther

KrisAnne Hall, JD, is a former state prosecutor and constitutional attorney who left her position rather than stop teaching the original intent of the Constitution. A disabled war veteran, attorney, wife of a pastor, and homeschool mom, she now travels the country teaching the history and application of the Constitution and serves as founder and president of Liberty First University. She is the author of multiple books on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and host of The KrisAnne Hall Show.

Vintage Homeschool Moms, hosted by author and publisher Felice Gerwitz, encourages, educates, and inspires moms with answers to their most pressing questions — from homeschooling and marriage to parenting and faith — because every moment counts. It’s a production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a homeschool mom who needs to hear it, and leave a review — it helps other families find the show. Visit VintageHomeschoolMoms.com and MediaAngels.com for more.

Disclaimer: Guests share their own views and resources. Felice vets her guests but does not necessarily endorse every statement made by show hosts or guests across the network.

The post How to Raise Kids Who Love the Constitution (with KrisAnne Hall) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

Try CTCMath →

Homeschooling can be a wonderful experience, and in this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, we discuss the best homeschool tips. We surveyed our listeners. Join me to find out what they advised.

Thanks to our sponsor CTC Math. CTC is a highly rated math curriculum for homeschooled students for grades K-12. The family math package makes it ideal for large families at one low price. Visit the website for more information.

Last week I shared a milestone episode, 500, and the topic was Homeschool Do Overs; this episode is a continuation with a twist; I selected some of the best advice for homeschool moms who answered our survey. While the question centered on the idea of a homeschool do-over, I found that their advice better fit the category of “The Best Homeschool Tips.”

Check out Homeschool Do-OVER here.

During my years of homeschooling, I’ve received the most encouragement from like-minded families. I still consider my past homeschool friends to be among my closest, the reason. They experienced what I experienced; they put aside their goals and aspirations to focus on their relationship with God, their spouse, their children, their home, and their homeschool.

These ladies were faithful, and most continued the homeschool journey throughout high school. Everyone did what was best for their family; my friends are wonderful news. Keep your eyes on what you and your family think is important, and ignore the rest.

I learned that extended family might be well-meaning – yet, we have to decide what is best, which is a good place to start. If you have not taken the time to decide on your family goals, begin there.

As a synopsis of the pages of recommendations and suggestions, I’ve placed them in categories; Faith, Family, Homeschool. I have edited the comments to make them easier to read on-air and kept the names anonymous! If you hear a comment you made on the survey and want to share your name, visit the podcast page at Vintage Homeschool Moms, look for episode 501, Best Homeschool Tips, and leave your comment there!

See if any of these ideas resonate with you!

Faith Tips:

Homeschool Tips:

Family:

There were so many more great ideas; I invite you to listen to episode 500 if you have not already, and I want to thank you for joining me today.

The post The Best Homeschool Tips for a Calmer, More Confident Year appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

Try CTCMath →

From the Vintage Homeschool Moms show with Felice Gerwitz

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

I’ll be honest: I never liked cleaning. For years I got no pleasure out of it at all. I still remember my mother-in-law saying, “Doesn’t everything just look so great after you clean?” and thinking, yes — but by the time I got there I was too worn out to enjoy it. So when I tell you I’ve come a long way on cleaning, and on cleaning with my kids, I mean it. Here’s how it happened, and what I’ve learned along the way.

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Our first home was about 1,200 square feet. My mother sweetly called it a dollhouse — her positive spin on tiny bedrooms. It turned out to be the perfect place to learn how to clean and clean well. There simply wasn’t room for junk to pile up. I’m a big fan of shelving, so I had my husband put shelves up in the living room and down the hall, and that helped tremendously. The real lesson took me years to absorb: you need a place for everything. Back then, when company was coming, we’d just dump everything into the spare bedroom and shut the door. That is not a system.

When we moved into our current home, we jumped from 1,200 to 2,800 square feet. I looked at all that cabinet space under the bathroom sinks and thought, I will never fill this up. Of course I did. More room actually made the house junkier, because there was always somewhere to set things down. Around that time I started a publishing business, which gave me the perfect excuse to finally hire a cleaning lady. It freed me to work — but I still kept the family picking up, and my kids still had chores.

Years later we added on again so my father could move in with us. By then the house had grown to seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, and two stories — far too much to pay someone else to clean. So my husband sat down and divided up the work. I’d been married to this man for many years and couldn’t recall him ever volunteering to clean, so I was curious what he had in mind. “I’ll do all the floors,” he said — and if you knew how much tile we have, you’d know that’s no small offer.

Going room by room, we discovered something useful: every room can be divided into age-appropriate jobs. There are things the little ones can do, things the older kids handle, and things that belong to Mom and Dad. Over time everyone settled into the tasks they actually enjoy, and it’s remarkable how that works out. One of my daughters loves to pop in her earplugs and run the floors — that’s her thing. The boys are happiest on the lawn mower, weed-eating, and taking care of the pool. One liked setting the table, another emptying the dishwasher. Nobody likes dishes — except my husband, who actually enjoys them. And we all love to cook. The point is, when people get to lean into what they like, the work stops feeling like a battle.

The big “don’t” is harsh chemicals. We’re serious about non-toxic in our house, so I don’t buy many cleaners — most we make ourselves or buy from gentler companies. I do keep some bleach, but I never hand bleach or ammonia to a child; those are far too harsh. For years we made our own mild homemade window cleaner, and the kids loved it, because what kids really love is a spray bottle. Honestly, you can fill one with plain water and they’ll be just as thrilled.

Good jobs for little ones: dusting with a cloth, sweeping with a smaller adjustable handle, and using one of those lightweight battery-powered swivel sweepers. Ours started out costing around $99 when they first appeared and now go for about $15. They don’t last forever, but they’re perfect for small hands, and during the years we had them our floors were spotless because everyone wanted a turn. Heavier vacuums are usually too much for a little one, but a vacuum wand can work.

Why ask kids to clean at all — especially someone like me, who avoided it for years? Because it builds genuine character. Even when we could afford help, I never let the cleaning lady do my children’s rooms top to bottom. The kids still straightened their rooms, stripped their own sheets, put away their clothes, and helped fold laundry. I didn’t want them to feel entitled. And I always kept the little ones nearby while they worked — in the same room or close enough that I could keep an eye on them.

My braver daughter lets her kids clean the toilet under close supervision; I never have. She still laughs about the day one of her children proudly dragged a dripping toilet brush through the house to show her — doubling the work, since now the floors needed sanitizing too. My rule was simple: Mom does the toilet, tub, tile, and showers. The kids handle floors, faucets, sink bowls, and mirrors. My favorite trick for little ones is a magic eraser on the baseboards and doors — the spots I always neglected because I hated bending down. Our big white baseboards show every fingerprint, and those erasers clean them beautifully. Long-handled scrub brushes on the sinks are another winner; kids love to scrub.

The children help strip their sheets, and with supervision they love loading the washer — though I always say, “only Mommy does the soap.” We dust weekly and de-junk as we go. If a stray Lego or little toy turns up, I ask them to put it back where it belongs before it gets broken. I keep dresser tops clear, and we tackle just one or two drawers a week. Do that consistently and the whole dresser stays organized — and because the kids helped, they keep it neater.

Every few months we pull the beds from the wall to vacuum behind them, and once a year, usually in summer, we do the heavy lifting: everything comes off the shelves, gets dusted well, and goes back. It’s a process, not an overnight project. Right now we’re in the middle of converting our schoolroom for high school, swapping out two wobbly desks we’d tightened and repaired for fifteen years — and even mid-project, the tidied-up space is finally giving me that good feeling my mother-in-law described.

A magic eraser is wonderful here too, depending on your appliances. We have all stainless now, and while I love the look, I found the old white porcelain easier to clean — and stainless products tend to be harsher, so I only let the older kids use them. I always teach the same spraying habit: spray into the cloth, or stand back so you don’t catch the overspray in your face. With little ones, I clean and they buff afterward. They love the gadgets, so I tease my grandkids when they walk in — “We’re going to clean!” — and they cheer.

We too often skip letting little ones help because we assume it’ll be more work, but my mother-in-law eventually went from wishing the kids would get out of the way to wondering how she’d ever manage without their help. That’s exactly where I am now. Baseboards stay a favorite little-kid job. On granite counters I use warm, soapy sponge water and reseal occasionally. Wood cabinets are a Mom job — grease can ruin the finish if you let it build up — but kids can handle knobs, faucets, and doorknobs.

Living room. We try to keep it picked up nightly. If blankets come out in the evening — yes, even in Florida, where the kids crank the AC and then bundle up — I want them folded and put away before bed so the room looks nice. I keep boxes of toys under the coffee table for the grandkids, and we rotate them so nobody gets bored; when they do, we raid the stash upstairs or toss what’s broken. With tile floors, our furniture slides easily, so the kids have learned to check under cushions and chairs. Reclining chairs especially hide treasure — we always found loose change in my dad’s chair growing up, and now my kids never miss a chance to look.

That’s a snapshot of how we clean together. Things change, and you simply adapt for your family. I’ve watched two older children grow up and my daughter marry and move away, and now I’m near the end of the journey again with the younger ones — it goes so fast. I’ve never been a neatness fanatic; I’d rather take my time and enjoy the work alongside my kids. My husband is the tidy one, and he’s learned that pitching in beats complaining. After thirty-five years of marriage, I can tell you it was a work in progress — there were hurt feelings along the way — but we got there.

I didn’t grow up pitching in much. My parents ran a restaurant for most of my childhood and did everything together; our big cleans happened on Mondays while we were at school. Without that early training, I grew up with a bit of an entitled streak — and that’s exactly what I didn’t want for my own children, even in the years we could afford help. All of my kids are capable now, and honestly none of them would mind if I hired a cleaning lady tomorrow. But the way we do it works best for our family, and that’s really the whole point: look at what fits yours, and do that.

I hope this has been helpful. You can find my books and curriculum at MediaAngels.com, and plenty of encouraging shows on The Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. Thanks so much, and God bless.

The post Teaching Kids to Clean: Chore Systems That Actually Stick appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

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Hey kids! Have you ever wondered about time capsules? What about a just for kids time capsule? Time Capsules are treasure boxes filled with pieces of today that you can open years from now. Imagine digging up a box from the past and seeing what life was like for someone just like you! In this fun Just For Kids episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, we’ll explore what a time capsule is and get your ideas flowing for one you can make at home.

Just For Kids– Fun Faith-Filled Memory Activity for Kids

A time capsule is a special container you fill with items, notes, drawings, or small treasures that capture a moment in your life. You seal it up and place it somewhere you won’t be tempted to look at it! Give it to your parents or place it somewhere that is out of reach. It would be fun to bury it in the backyard or somewhere that is clearly marked (with permission!). When you open it later, those things become memories that tell a story about who you were, what you loved, and what was happening in your world.

Think about stories you’ve read or shows you’ve watched where explorers find old coins, letters, or toys from long ago. Those discoveries spark excitement and help us learn about the people who came before us. Your own time capsule can do the same thing for your future self or even your children one day!

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Do you ever think, “I’m sure to remember this!” and then forget? That happens to all of us. We have a great day at an event like a county fair or a birthday party. Think about one thing you ate or something you purchased or won? Maybe you are part of a band or play sports. Did you get a ribbon or special honor? One time, my children played baseball (and my daughter played softball). When they received the “King’s Award,” it showed godly character and good sportsmanship. They knew I thought that was the best award, even better than getting “Most Valuable Player.” (Of course, a mom would think that is the best!)

What is important to you? What hobbies do you have? What is a favorite book or book series that you read? A homeschool time capsule helps preserve these special moments and reminds us of God’s blessings in our daily lives.

You can put almost anything in your time capsule—as long as it’s safe and won’t spoil. Here are some original ideas to spark your creativity:

What would you put in? My recommendation is to use something waterproof or place it in a waterproof container if you are storing it outside. Something like a plastic container with a tight lid, or even a giant mason jar. Decorate the outside to make it look special. Write the date on it and when you plan to open it—maybe in five years, ten years, or when you turn eighteen!

Scripture to Remember “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20).

I hope your time capsule reminds you of what is important to you and how our lives are always changing. What is important today isn’t always important in the future, and a time capsule is a snapshot of time that demonstrates this to us in a real way.

Listen to the full episode for even more ideas, questions to ask each other, and ways to make this a meaningful family project.

Recommended Resources from Media Angels Store

The post Just For Kids Time Capsule appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.