10 Minutes to a Better Homeschool

In this episode, I'm excited to introduce you to Kristelle Larson, a remarkable mom from our homeschooling community who’s been implementing my program "Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot" since the beginning. Kristelle's approach helps her handle her busy homeschool year efficiently while maintaining her sanity. We discuss her strategies, balancing multiple kids' educational needs, and how she streamlined her homeschool planning process. If you're curious about homeschooling or looking for practical advice, I promise this episode is a treasure trove.Key Takeaways:Advanced planning of the homeschooling year can greatly reduce stress and workload during the academic year itself.Implementing the "Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot" system can be particularly beneficial, especially for parents with young children.A homeschooling vision or educational philosophy can serve as a guiding light for homeschooling families, helping them stay focused and prevent overwhelm from the myriad of educational options available.Homeschooling should adapt to the unique needs, strengths, and interests of each child. For example, incorporating arts and crafts for children who show a strong inclination towards art.Trusting your instincts as a homeschooling parent is crucial. Knowing when to say yes and when to say no can help balance a child's learning journey.Being involved in supportive homeschool communities can provide helpful insights and tips, while also reinforcing that you're not alone in this homeschooling journey.Making use of AI tools like Chat GPT can facilitate the planning process, for instance, in creating a homeschooling vision, thereby saving valuable time and effort.Find out more about Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot at pambarnhill.com/autopilot.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh72To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:We are Now Podcasting at Homeschool Better TogetherSearch your podcast app for Homeschool Better Together or head to hsbtpodcast.com to subscribe to the new feed PLUS join our free community. See you there!Homeschool Better Together

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Heather Tully about the challenges we face when homeschooling multiple children. We delved into the ever-changing seasons of motherhood and the struggle of finding balance between the needs of younger and older kids. As a special bonus for purchasers of Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot, Heather will be hosting a workshop on managing multiple kids using our proven FLOCK method of homeschool planning.Join us in this enlightening episode as we navigate the challenges and joys of homeschooling multiple children. Together, we can create a fulfilling homeschool experience for the entire family.Key Takeaways:Motherhood is constantly shifting, and it can be a big challenge to manage the demands of homeschooling multiple children, especially when they have different needs.Mom guilt is a pervasive issue for many homeschooling mothers, particularly those with larger families and multiple children to manage.Autopilot can aid homeschooling mothers in streamlining their homeschool year planning and learning how to manage multiple children effectively.Adapting to change is crucial for homeschooling multiple children, and it is important to remember that motherhood is not always perfect.Parenthood is a constantly evolving and challenging journey, and it is essential to embrace the changing seasons and seasons of motherhood.It is common for many homeschooling mothers to feel guilty that they aren't doing enough, even though it can be challenging to manage homeschooling multiple children with different needs.Resources:Gather: Exploring the Wonder, Wisdom, and Worship of Learning at HomeHeather Tully PhotographyPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotFree Homeschool Better Together CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh71To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:We are Now Podcasting at Homeschool Better TogetherSearch your podcast app for Homeschool Better Together or head to hsbtpodcast.com to subscribe to the new feed PLUS join our free community. See you there!Homeschool Better Together

In this episode, I am joined by homeschool mom Courtney Guarnieri to explore the dynamic balance between structured and unstructured activities in homeschooling. This is the first in a series of interviews featuring real homeschool moms discussing their planning processes. Courtney shares insights into the nuances of homeschooling in New York, including the challenges and perception of homeschooling in this state. We'll also discuss our favorite personal tips for planning out your homeschool year and discuss various methods of scheduling, such as the "magic number" and periodic break weeks. Through this episode, we emphasize the importance of planning ahead for a successful homeschooling experience. So, let's get started!Key Takeaways:Homeschool planning helps in creating a structured yet flexible learning environment.Planning allows for open-ended exploration and a delightful childhood experience.Utilize creative scheduling to design your homeschool year effectively.Balancing structure and flexibility is crucial for successful homeschooling.Keep records of your homeschooling journey, especially for compliance purposes.Planning helps you stay on track, ensuring you cover all desired subjects and activities.Start planning early to avoid running out of ideas or resources during the school year.Implementing a planning system saves time and reduces stress.Find a schedule method that works for you, such as the magic number or term schooling.Regular reviews and periodic planning sessions help adjust and refine your homeschool plan.Get Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot! https://pambarnhill.com/autopilotThe bonus period ends June 30, 2023.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh70To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:We are Now Podcasting at Homeschool Better TogetherSearch your podcast app for Homeschool Better Together or head to hsbtpodcast.com to subscribe to the new feed PLUS join our free community. See you there!Homeschool Better Together

In this episode of the Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool podcast, host Pam Barnhill talks with Katie Kimball, the National Voice of Healthy Kids Cooking and founder of the Kids Cook Real Food e-course, about the LifeSkills Summer Camp. This free online camp offers families the opportunity to learn life skills from a team of experts, including workshops on cooking, gardening, financial independence, communication, coping skills, stress management, and more. Kimball discusses the importance of teaching kids life skills and how parents can make the most of their summertime to teach these skills. She emphasizes that the online format of the camp allows families to learn from experts they might not have access to otherwise and provides a great opportunity for both parents and children to learn together.Save your spot for the FREE Life Skills Now Camp.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh69To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:We are Now Podcasting at Homeschool Better TogetherSearch your podcast app for Homeschool Better Together or head to hsbtpodcast.com to subscribe to the new feed PLUS join our free community. See you there!Homeschool Better Together

Feeling disappointed after spending countless hours searching for the perfect homeschool curriculum only to find out it's not working as you hoped? Don't worry; we've got you covered in this episode of the 10 Minutes to a Better Homeschool podcast.Pam shares tips on how to salvage that curriculum and make it work for your child. From breaking down overwhelming material into smaller chunks to using real-life examples and switching up teaching methods, she has got some great ideas to help you and your child succeed.So grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and tune in to this episode. And don't forget to head over to Pam's website for some awesome homeschool planning pages to help you create a plan for your school year. Happy homeschooling!For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh67Download our free homeschool planning pages.To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:We are Now Podcasting at Homeschool Better TogetherSearch your podcast app for Homeschool Better Together or head to hsbtpodcast.com to subscribe to the new feed PLUS join our free community. See you there!Homeschool Better Together

In this episode, host Pam Barnhill talks about the rise of homeschooling in the US and why more and more families are choosing to homeschool their children. From customized education to flexible scheduling, safety concerns to religious beliefs, homeschooling offers many benefits to families and their children.But what are some of the reasons why families are choosing to homeschool? And how can you create a personalized education that works best for your child? Tune in to find out.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh67To sign up for the Homeschool Better Together Extravaganza click here.To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:We are Now Podcasting at Homeschool Better TogetherSearch your podcast app for Homeschool Better Together or head to hsbtpodcast.com to subscribe to the new feed PLUS join our free community. See you there!Homeschool Better Together

In this episode of The 10 Minutes to a Better Homeschool Podcast, Pam Barnhill speaks with Alicia Hutchinson, the founder of Learning Well Community and Learning Well Journal, about the importance of print magazines in today's digital age. Alicia shares her two-fold mission behind the quarterly print magazine, which covers four topics: home, homeschool, faith, and family. She also explains how each issue is themed around a verse in scripture and contains a mix of practical advice, inspirational articles, and fun projects. Throughout the conversation, Pam and Alicia emphasize the importance of enjoying the homeschooling journey, persevering through the challenging times, and being faithful in everyday tasks.Key Takeaways:Print magazines are becoming a lost art in today's digital age, but they offer a tangible and in-person experience that can be enjoyed by moms, kids, and families.The Learning Well Journal is a quarterly print magazine that covers four topics: home, homeschool, faith, and family.Each issue is themed around a verse in scripture and contains a mix of practical advice, inspirational articles, and fun projects.The Learning Well Journal's mission is to help moms love their life at home, including homeschooling their kids, taking care of their homes, and growing in their faith lives.Persevering through the everyday tasks of homeschooling can be challenging, but it is worth it to see the amazing human beings our children become.The Learning Well Journal can be found on Alicia Hutchinson's website or Instagram page.Resources:Learning Well Journal: https://aliciahutchinson.com/magazine/Alicia Hutchinson's website: https://aliciahutchinson.com/Learning Well on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningwell/Alicia Hutchinson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciashutchinson/For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh66To subscribe to the Learning Well Journal click here.To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:We are Now Podcasting at Homeschool Better TogetherSearch your podcast app for Homeschool Better Together or head to hsbtpodcast.com to subscribe to the new feed PLUS join our free community. See you there!Homeschool Better Together

Nature groups can provide an enriching communal experience for homeschoolers, offering the opportunity to cultivate relationships with like-minded peers. That's why our friend Joy Cherrick is here today to talk about how she started her group and how it helped her to grow and find support as a homeschool mom. By creating a nature group (or any other kind of group), homeschoolers can build a supportive community that enriches their growth and understanding of the world. Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh65Mentioned in this episode:We are Now Podcasting at Homeschool Better TogetherSearch your podcast app for Homeschool Better Together or head to hsbtpodcast.com to subscribe to the new feed PLUS join our free community. See you there!Homeschool Better Together

In our final episode of our Managing Multiple Kids series we are chatting with homeschool mom of ten Heather Tully. Heather has taken the popular concept of a loop schedule in a new direction -- instead of looping her subjects, Heather loops her kids! In this episode we break down why she teaches this way, how she plans the loops, and the results she gets in this unique method of managing multiple kids and levels. Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh64Mentioned in this episode:We are Now Podcasting at Homeschool Better TogetherSearch your podcast app for Homeschool Better Together or head to hsbtpodcast.com to subscribe to the new feed PLUS join our free community. See you there!Homeschool Better Together

Charlotte Mason homeschooling mom Jeanette Pasqua has found success using her strict 10-minute increment schedule to manage the activities of her four children, ages five to 12. She builds in buffers like snack time and restroom breaks and adjusts the schedule if they start late to ensure each lesson receives its allotted time. Time blocking is an effective time management strategy to help adults and children alike break the day into specific blocks of time and learn time management skills. On her blog, Jeanette shares her tips and advice for parents with multiple children. Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh63Mentioned in this episode:We are Now Podcasting at Homeschool Better TogetherSearch your podcast app for Homeschool Better Together or head to hsbtpodcast.com to subscribe to the new feed PLUS join our free community. See you there!Homeschool Better Together