Tried and True Homeschooling

If you are listening outside my website, head over to clarified.life for workshops, courses, lesson plans, and more. ✨Are you worried that your messy, imperfect life will get in the way of homeschooling?Today's guest tells reassures us that it’s not perfect conditions, but teaching strength of character and responsibility, that shapes strong, capable adults.Let’s dive into the extraordinary story of Von, a homeschooling dad six and grandfather to 25, who, alongside his wife, educated their kids in remote African mission fields. Facing challenges like delayed curricula shipments, his wife’s illnesses, and raising kids in a high-stakes, sometime dangerous environments, Von prioritized character and practical skills. His approach—rooted in obedience, great books, and real-world responsibility—produced six successful adults, all now homeschooling their own kids or thriving in careers like programming and running their own construction companies.🖋️His Key Advice to Homeschooling Parents👉Focus on Character First: Teach obedience and responsibility early to manage chaos and build lifelong resilience.👉Use Great Books for Critical Thinking: Read classics together, discuss values, and spark curiosity to teach kids how to learn.In this episode, you’ll learn👇* Homeschooling in Crisis: How Von’s family kept learning during his wife’s bed rest by training kids to manage the household.* Raising Responsible Kids: Strategies like “two-year-old obedience” and “hierarchical obedience” to handle large families.* Building Work-Ready Teens: Why early jobs (like dairy work at 14) created resumes that outshine college degrees.* Using Classic Books for Values: How discussions around Little Britches and other stories shaped character and critical thinking.* Language Learning Regrets and Tips: Why bilingualism matters and how to use free resources and cooking shows to teach Spanish effectively.PS: Don’t miss the last 10 minutes when Von gives practical advice on teaching kids a 2nd language!Von inspired me to think more deeply about the importance of raising responsible children with high character. His approach my not be for everyone, but I encourage you to listen with an open heart. As Aristotle says it is the mark of “an educated person to consider an idea without immediately accepting or rejecting it.”Favorite Quote: “You’re not a grade, you’re a person.”If you’d like to connect with Von, you can find him at his website.Disclaimer: These stories are shared without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or approach—my goal is to present real families and their experiences. For my personal advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life.Know someone who would benefit from hearing this podcast? Please share! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

✨Overwhelmed by Homeschooling? This Mom’s Peaceful Approach Will Recenter YouToday’s guest, Brooke Z, homeschooled her two sons for 15 years—then watched them transition seamlessly into private high school, earn scholarships, and thrive. Her approach? Relaxed, but purposeful. She built a joyful home where curiosity ruled, independence grew, and learning happened everywhere—from picture books to science centers.Brooke’s biggest advice👇✨Trust your gut. No one knows your kids better than you.✨Have a plan—but stay flexible. A missed day isn’t a failure. It’s life.This episode is a breath of fresh air if you’re feeling the pressure of high school, transcripts, or “keeping up.” You’ll leave encouraged, grounded, and reminded that homeschooling really does work.Favorite Quote: “You’ll get there. Day by day, you’ll get there.”✨If you want to connect with Brooke, check out her substack The Pondering Scottie and stay tuned for Friday’s guest post!If you are new to homeschooling, you might like my You Can Homeschool Course and workshops like Socratic Method for Beginners.Become a paid subscriber to get access to courses, workshops, masterpiece lesson plans, and detailed post. The annual membership is on SALE for the summer $5/month — cheaper than one (1!) Frappuccino. Disclaimer: Tried and True Homeschooling shares real parents stories without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or approach presented in these discussions—my goal is to present real families and their experiences so you can decide what’ best for your children. For my personal advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life.~Dr. Claire Honeycutt♥️Know anyone who’d like this, please share! It’d an incredible way to support the podcast and my work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

Listen above or on Apple, Spotify, or Pocketcasts✨Do you worry you’re not enough to give your kids a great education? Today's guest, Melissa, homeschooled her four kids through unthinkable challenges. A single mom, she earned her master's degree while homeschooling, she teaches online and recently bought her own business. Yet somehow she also managed to give her kids an exceptional education and her oldest is currently attending West Point. Melissa is living proof that you don't need perfect conditions to give your kids a powerful education. She shares honest, practical wisdom on juggling work, fostering independence, and trusting your instincts even when the odds are stacked against you. Melissa’s story is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and trusting your instincts as a parent.On a personal note, it was a blog by a single homeschool mom that convinced me that I could do this. And I hope Melissa's story does the same for you. 🌸In This Episode, You’ll Learn:* How to Homeschool as a Working Mom: How Melissa juggled full-time tech jobs and homeschooling.* Raising Academic Kids: What does it take academically to help your kids into one of the most rigorous institutions in the country.* Navigating College Admissions: Tips for tackling transcripts and why the PSAT was a game-changer for scholarships and military academies.* Making It Work on a Budget: How the public library became their classroom and HSLDA grants saved the day.* Balancing Discipline and Love: Melissa’s approach to raising teens who are respectful and resilient. Favorite Tip: Go to the library, pick one history & one science book every week and watch their knowledge explode!Connect with Melissa: Find her on X at @MelissaAmaya32 If you are new to homeschooling, you might like my You Can Homeschool Course and workshops like Socratic Method for Beginners.Become a paid subscriber to get access to courses, workshops, masterpiece lesson plans, and detailed post. The annual membership is on SALE for the summer $5/month — cheaper than one (1!) Frappuccino. Disclaimer: These stories are shared without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or approach—my goal is simply to present real families and their experiences. For my own advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life.Know anyone who’d like this, please share! It helps us grow and support more families. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

Explore the world of homeschooling unique learners, from ADHD to gifted children. Discover how personalized education shaped each of Cornelia's four kids, revealing their strengths. Learn practical strategies for adapting teaching methods and rethinking college prep with innovative approaches. Embrace mindfulness and joy in the learning journey, while celebrating each child's unique achievements. This insightful discussion encourages parents to let go of fear and focus on the present moments that matter most.

✨Wondering how to homeschool with limited resources and still raise confident, capable adults? Today, we'll learn from a pioneer homeschool mom who has made it work through creativity and community. I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Dawnita Fogleman. She navigated significant challenges, such as raising six children, managing chronic illness, and facing natural disasters like wildfires, all while homeschooling in rural Oklahoma. Despite feeling like she failed at times, her success lies in raising independent, capable, and grounded adults who pursue their passions and maintain a strong faith and character.Disclaimer: These stories are shared without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or outcome—my goal is simply to present real families and their experiences. For my personal advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life.A heartfelt thank you to the paid subscribers who make this podcast possible.Your support fuels everything I create—conversations, resources, and tools to help parents. If this podcast (or anything I share) has been valuable to you, please become a paid subscriber to support my work. If you are interested in supporting the podcast and picking up some great benefits along the way, head over to clarified.life This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

✨Introducing Tried & True Homeschooling: Real Parents, Real Stories, Real Results. What happens after homeschooling? This podcast goes beyond the day-to-day to explore how real families made it work—and how it all turned out. Hosted by Dr. Claire Honeycutt, a former professor turned homeschool mom, Tried & True Homeschooling features honest conversations with veteran parents who’ve successfully graduated their kids.Each episode offers practical strategies, mindset shifts, and lessons learned from years of experience—so you can homeschool with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Discover how different homeschooling philosophies shape adult outcomes—from college and careers to family, faith, and fulfillment. Subscribe now to get the wisdom you wish you had from the start—and walk away inspired, equipped, and reassured that you can do this. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.clarified.lifeDid you know that Language Arts is not one, not two, but SEVEN distinct subjects! Lucky for us, they can generally be split into Reading and Writing. Today we’ll tackle the 3 subjects of Reading → Learning to Read, Literature, and Vocabulary. Today’s Workshop Will Teach You👇* When to Start Teaching Reading? (Hint: Not When You Think!)* The BEST Way to Teach Reading (There IS a wrong way!)* How to Raise Kids Who Love to Read* The 3 Must-Read Book Types for Kids* Making the Leap from Reading to Literature* How to Really Read a Book (More Than Finishing the Words)* Are Formal Vocabulary Lessons Worth It?* My Top Picks for Reading Curriculum & ResourcesAfter This Workshop, You’ll Want to Go Deeper Here 👇Reading To Your Children Isn't EnoughCurating Children's Character with Classic Literature (Includes Socratic Discussion)I Read Orwell To My Elementary Kids (More advanced Socratic Discussion)You're Teaching Vocabulary Wrong8 Year Olds Can Learn ShakespeareWhy Teaching Handwriting Matters in the Digital Age5 Reasons You Should Read Classic Literature to Your Kids WORKSHOP: Socratic Method for Beginners: Unlock Logical ThinkingThis is part of my You Can Homeschool series—short, sweet videos tailored for new homeschool parents or anyone that feels uncertain about helping their child succeed in their education.Subscribe below for access.No More Uncertainty, Just Thriving Kids♥️

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.clarified.lifeThere are few subjects that strike fear in a parent’s heart like math. In this video, I break down everything you need to know to teach math with confidence. After this workshop, you will know👇* The best way to teach math* The progression from kindergarten to 12th grade* How to handle math anxiety & resistance* How much testing and assessment is necessary and when to do it* How to pick the right curriculum (and the ones I recommend)* Simple ways to make math come alive with creative supplementsThis is part of my new You Can Homeschool series—quick, focused videos to take the uncertainty out of homeschooling.My newsletter will remain DEEP dives into the nitty-gritty of education but these short, sweet videos are tailored for new homeschool parents or anyone that feels uncertain about helping their child succeed in their education.Subscribe below for access.After this workshop, you’ll want to go deeper here 👇Math Struggles Start With Math Facts - Here’s How to Fix ItDo You Want Your Kids to Understand Math or Just Appear That They Do? Your Kids’ Math Program Won’t Be EnoughGame ON: Teach the ENTIRE Kindergarten Math Curriculum Using Only GamesNo More Uncertainty, Just Thriving Kids♥️~Dr. Claire Honeycutt

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.clarified.lifeHistory isn’t just a subject—it’s the story of humanity. It’s the foundation upon which we understand who we are, how we got here, and where we might go.It’s critical that you connect your child to this story, grounding them in a deep, interconnected understanding of time, culture, and the best of humanity. It sparks curiosity, builds critical thinking, and equips them to see the world with clarity and purpose.When taught properly, history doesn’t just inform—it transforms.This Workshop Will Cover👇* Why History is Still Important* The Best Way to Teach History (Memorizing facts ISN’T teaching history)* The Subject That MUST Be Taught With History* Do Elementary Kids Need History & What to do in High School* How to Read Through History - aka The Great Books* Why & how to use original sources* My Personal Curriculum & Resource RecommendationsAfter This Workshop, You’ll Want to Go Deeper With These👇Memorizing Dates Isn’t Learning History: How To Create A Mental Model of Time InsteadThe Secret to Teaching History Kids Will Remember for LifeGoogle Maps Can't Teach Your Kids ThisWORKSHOP: How to Use Virtual Field Trips to Make History, Science, Art, & Music Come ALIVEHelp Your Kids Create Their Own Luck: A Lesson with the Man That Saved a Million LivesThis is part of my You Can Homeschool series—short, sweet videos tailored for new homeschool parents or anyone that feels uncertain about helping their child succeed in their education.Subscribe below for access.No More Uncertainty, Just Thriving Kids♥️~Dr. Claire Honeycutt

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.clarified.lifeI was a practicing university scientist for nearly 2 decades. I LOVE science, but I know it’s not everyone’s most comfortable subject. In this post, I help you teach your kids science with confidence. After this workshop, you will know👇* The point of teaching science* The best way to teach science* Science from kindergarten to 12th grade* How to teach experiments - the right way* When & how to assess science knowledge* What to do if its too hard or too messy* My personal curriculum recommendationsThis is part of my You Can Homeschool series—quick, focused videos to take the uncertainty out of homeschooling.While my newsletter is DEEP dives into the nitty-gritty of education, these short, sweet videos are tailored for new homeschool parents or anyone that feels uncertain about helping their child succeed in their education.Subscribe below for access.Other Science Posts You Might Enjoy 👇How & Why You Should Teach Your 7 year old AstrophysicsScience Without Experiments Isn't ScienceTeach Your 6 Year Old Middle School Science🔬How to Teach Your 9 year old to Think Like EinsteinNo More Uncertainty, Just Thriving Kids♥️~Dr. Claire Honeycutt