Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

What happens when your homeschool plan goes on the road—literally? Today, I’m joined by second-generation homeschooler and seasoned moving pro, Adrienne Denison, to talk about schooling through cross-country moves, starting over in a new place, and making sure your curriculum doesn’t get lost between boxes of Legos and winter coats.Adrienne unpacks (pun absolutely intended) the lessons she’s learned navigating three major moves in just six months, transitioning her four kids through pivotal school years—and why she’s so passionate about not letting perfect get in the way of done. As a CC (Classical Conversations) family and longtime Autopilot user, Adrienne shares her best tactical tips for planning, packing, downsizing, and keeping your school system humming even when life’s upside down.If you’ve ever wondered how to homeschool when your schedule and address are both a moving target, this episode is full of honest encouragement, practical hacks, and permission to let some things go so you can say yes to connection, community, and new beginnings (even if it means doing math on the trampoline).What You'll Learn About Homeschooling While MovingHow Adrienne survived three “mini-moves” in one big cross-country adventureHer secret for never losing track of curriculum (even with boxes everywhere)What to toss, keep, or give away—and why purging was actually a blessingWhy Adrienne doesn’t mind letting academics take a back seat after a big moveHow using Homeschool on Autopilot helped her keep everyone on track (and sane)Tips for banking “school days” early and freeing up time for finding new friendsWhy supporting your family’s emotional needs is just as critical as checking boxes—and yes, you have permission to lamentAdrienne’s best hack for organizing books, prepping for high school, and making your next move smoother (even if it’s just down the street)Links and Resources From Today’s ShowPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotConsistency BootcampClassical ConversationsMagic Number SchoolingDark Clouds, Deep Mercy (book on lamenting)Homeschool Better Together CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt38

It’s curriculum season, and you know what that means: a flood of shiny programs, glowing reviews, and unboxing videos that make everything look like the answer to your homeschool stress. But here’s my honest take—it only counts if it actually works for your own real-life family, not just the influencer on YouTube.Today, I’m flying solo to give you my six best questions to ask yourself BEFORE you hit “add to cart” on that next curriculum (plus a bonus one at the end). This is all about helping you dodge curriculum regret, stop chasing endless FOMO, and make smart, confident choices—even when everything looks “perfect” out there.Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned vet with a closet full of half-used programs, you’ll find practical strategies, real talk, and permission to pivot without guilt. I’ll share my own wins (hello, DIY Shakespeare lessons) and fails (science experiments we never actually did) so you can learn from my messy middle.Links and Resources From Today’s ShowThe Lively Art of Writing (classic writing instruction)All About Reading / All About Spelling (for phonics and hand-holding)Language Arts Together plansMr. D MathTeens on TrackOur free homeschool community (join and ask your questions!)What You'll Learn About Choosing CurriculumAre you making your curriculum choice based on your season of life—or wishful thinking?How to ditch the comparison spiral and stop second-guessing yourselfThe ONE thing every curriculum that “works” has in common (spoiler: it isn’t expensive flashcards or pretty boxes)Concrete examples to help you decide if you need hand-holding—or can wing it like a proWhy you don’t NEED to die on every homeschool hill (goodbye, busywork battles!)Sneaky ways life seasons—from new babies to job changes—should guide your curriculum decisionsFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt37.

Let’s get brutally honest: no single curriculum is ever going to save your homeschool, fix your child’s attitude, or turn your kitchen into one of those magical, Instagram-perfect learning havens. If you’re looking for the “unicorn curriculum,” keep dreaming (or better yet, listen up—because we’re about to set you free).In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, I sat down with the queen of curriculum experimentation, Laney Homan—our Community Success Manager, veteran homeschool mom of eight, and half-marathon runner (yes, we’re still impressed!). Together, we pull back the curtain on what really makes curriculum work in a real-life homeschool, how to shop smarter (hello, shelves full of unused programs), and the hard truth about independence and motivation—for kids and parents alike.What You'll Learn About Homeschool CurriculumWhat happens when you stop endlessly chasing “the perfect” and start shopping for curriculum that fits your real goals (and real kids)How shifting your curriculum approach can lead to better results, fewer tears, and way less guilt-shoppingWhy independence can’t be bought (no matter how “open-and-go” something claims to be)The exact way Laney pivots when a program stops working (hint: it’s not about “fancy” or new, it’s about needs)How curriculum is really a TOOL, not a magic wand, and how to think like a confident homeschool parent who’s in the driver’s seatThe value of togetherness and why our “Together” curriculum line is saving the sanity of big families and moms with laundry piles as tall as their teensLinks and Resources From Today’s ShowAll About ReadingPhonics Museum (Veritas Press)Homeschool Consistency BootcampWonder Studies and Together Curriculum LineTeens on TrackTeen Task Card MasterClassPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotHomeschool Better Together CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt36

Are you hesitant to homeschool? You're not alone! In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, host Pam Barnhill chats with Mandy McArthur and Jessica Solis Carpinelli, authors of "Hesitant to Homeschool: Answers to 20 Common Questions." Mandy and Jessica share practical insights and encouragement for parents considering homeschooling but feeling apprehensive. Discover how a strong support system and the right resources make all the difference. They tackle common fears like socialization concerns and not knowing enough to teach, revealing that homeschooling is more about teaching children how to learn than being an expert in every subject. Jessica explains, “We aren’t expected to be experts in everything... we’re trying to teach our kids how to learn.” Meanwhile, Mandy emphasizes the importance of community, advising parents to connect and say “yes” to building relationships with other homeschoolers. Listen in for inspirational stories that might just help you take the leap with confidence.Key Takeaways:Homeschooling is about teaching kids how to learn, not teaching every subject.Build a supportive community by saying yes to opportunities and events.Socialization through homeschooling is different but equally impactful.Adjusting to homeschooling involves embracing flexibility and redefining structure.Many colleges welcome homeschooled students, often appreciating their unique educational perspectives.Links and Resources:Hesitant to Homeschool: Answers to 20 Common Questions by Mandi McArthur and Jessica Solis CarpinelliThe Coop Homeschool Homeschool Better Together WebsiteHomeschool Better Together PodcastHomeschool Better Together CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt35

Homeschooling high school feels like a big shift. Suddenly, you’re looking at advanced subjects, keeping transcripts, and preparing your teen for what comes next. In this episode, I sit down with Meg Angelino, our operations manager and curriculum editor, to talk about what happens when you start outsourcing classes while still juggling motherhood. We discuss our journeys toward more organized homeschools, and the vital role our online community plays in offering encouragement and fresh ideas. Listen in to gain practical insights on the changing roles as a parent, keeping students motivated, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with transitioning to high school. Key Takeaways:Outsourcing reduces stress while ensuring a solid education.Feeling overwhelmed? Consider online courses, co-ops, or dual enrollment.Stay involved—check assignments, discuss lessons, and help with deadlines.Options include live/self-paced online courses, hybrid programs, co-ops, and community college classes.Teens need independence but still require guidance.Keep core traditions like Morning Time, read-alouds, and discussions to maintain your homeschool’s values.Links and Resources:Homeschool Better Together PodcastPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotMere Motherhood by Cindy RollinsNavigating High SchoolAndrew Pudewa's Institute for Excellence in WritingColleen Kessler Raising Lifelong Learners Kristin Moons ScienceMr. D MathHomeschool Better Together Free CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt34To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Elizabeth Overcash, a seasoned homeschooling mom and retired military wife, shares her journey navigating high school education with her kids. She discusses the shift from teaching to coaching, emphasizing the balance of structure and flexibility in learning. Elizabeth offers insights on empowering teens to take ownership of their education, integrating activities like film studies and Scouting. She highlights the importance of planning tools and building confidence, showing that homeschooling can prepare kids for life beyond academics.

In this episode, I sit down with Denise Gaskins, math educator and author, to talk about how we can transform math from a dreaded subject into something joyful and engaging. Denise shares why so many homeschoolers struggle with math and how shifting our approach can make a huge difference.She encourages parents to make math playful through games, storytelling, and real-life problem-solving. Whether you have a math-loving child or one who resists every lesson, Denise’s insights will help you bring curiosity and creativity into your homeschool math routine.Tune in for practical strategies to build math confidence and make learning more enjoyable for the whole family!Key Takeaways:Math Should Be Playful – Learning math through games, puzzles, and real-life applications makes it more engaging and less intimidating for kids.Ditch the Memorization-Only Approach – Understanding why math works is more valuable than rote memorization. Encourage exploration instead of just drilling facts.Use Stories to Teach Math – Turning math problems into narratives or real-world situations makes them more meaningful and relatable for kids.Encourage Mathematical Thinking – Instead of giving answers right away, ask your kids questions like “What do you think?” or “How else could we solve this?”It’s Okay to Change Your Approach – If a curriculum isn’t working, try something new! Hands-on learning, different resources, or adjusting your teaching style can make a big difference.Focus on Confidence, Not Just Correct Answers – Helping kids feel comfortable making mistakes and thinking through problems builds long-term math success.Math Doesn’t Have to Be a Daily Battle – Shift the focus from completing worksheets to fostering curiosity and discovery.Links and Resources: Homeschool Better Together Free CommunityDenise Gaskins WebsiteDenise Gaskins' BlogDenise Gaskins Playful Math StoreThe "If Not Methods" blog SeriesMy Math Journaling Adventures KickstarterFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt32To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Consistency in homeschooling can be a game-changer, and today I’m joined by Krystal Joslin, a military homeschooling mom and graduate of the Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp. Krystal shares how she went from a go-with-the-flow approach to building a structured, consistent homeschool routine that works—despite frequent moves and unpredictable schedules.She opens up about the challenges she faced, the small changes that made the biggest difference, and how consistency has transformed her homeschool (and her confidence as a mom!). If you're struggling to find a rhythm, Krystal’s story will encourage you that small changes lead to big results.Key Takeaways:Small, consistent habits build a strong homeschool foundation.Clear expectations reduce resistance from kids.A simple daily routine can keep learning on track.Self-reflection and small tweaks lead to long-term success.Homeschooling confidence grows with consistency.Links and Resources: Homeschool Better Together CommunityHomeschool Consistency Boot CampRead-Aloud Revival with Sarah McKenzieThe Long Winter by Laura Ingalls WilderThe Magician's Nephew by C.S. LewisFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt31To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Are you ready to tackle consistency in your homeschool? In this episode, I’m joined by Dawn Garrett to talk about one of my favorite tools: the Minimum Viable Day (MVD). We share how this simple concept helped us overcome perfectionism and establish daily momentum in our homeschools. Learn how to identify what truly matters for your family, create a flexible fallback plan, and build trust with your kids—all while simplifying your homeschool days.Key Takeaways:What a Minimum Viable Day is and why it’s a game-changer for consistency.How MVD evolves with your homeschool season and supports your unique needs.Practical tips for creating your own MVD and sticking to it.Key Resources:Homeschool Better Together PodcastHomeschool Consistency Boot CampTo Kill A Mockingbird by Harper LeeEverything Sad is Untrue by Daniel NayiriHow the States Got Their ShapesMagic School BusZoboomafooLiberty's KidsWhere in the World is Carmen Sandiego? by Rebecca TinkerAtomic Habits by James ClearFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt30To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

It’s time to make 2025 the year of intentional progress! In this episode, I’m joined by Laney Homan, our member success manager, to talk about goal setting that works for busy homeschool moms. Laney and I discuss the difference between planning and goal setting, the power of starting small, and how to craft goals that fit your life’s current season.We share personal stories—like Laney’s inspiring journey to tackle health and fitness goals (she climbed a literal mountain!)—and I reflect on finding meaningful ways to reclaim my evenings. Whether you're climbing your own mountain or simply figuring out the next right step, this episode is full of practical advice to help you move toward growth in your homeschool and beyond.Key Takeaways:The distinction between planning tasks and setting intentional goals.Breaking goals into tiny, achievable steps to build momentum.Why it's essential to align goals with your family’s needs and current life season.How tools like goal cards and habit tracking can help keep you on course.Resources and Links: Elevate 2025 ProgramHomeschool Better Together CommunityFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt29To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.