Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

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/hsbt36Mentioned in this episode:Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.Shop

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/hsbt35Mentioned in this episode:Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.Shop

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.Mentioned in this episode:Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.Shop

Homeschooling high school can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, our community manager, Dawn Garrett, steps in as host to chat with homeschool mom Elizabeth Overcash about her experience navigating these crucial years. Elizabeth, a retired military wife, shares her unique perspective—having one child who graduated from a traditional school while homeschooling her younger two.She talks about shifting from a hands-on teaching style to more of a coaching role, balancing structure with flexibility, and helping her teens take ownership of their education. She also discusses how she integrates out-of-the-box learning, like film studies and Scouting, while ensuring her kids meet high school requirements.Key Takeaways:The transition to homeschooling high school doesn’t have to be scary—it’s about adjusting your role from teacher to guide.Structure matters, but so does allowing flexibility for real-life learning.Giving teens ownership over their curriculum choices boosts motivation and engagement.Planning tools like Navigating High School and Plan Your Year can make the process smoother.Homeschooling high school is about preparing kids for life, not just checking academic boxes.Links and Resources:Homeschool Better Together PodcastNavigating High SchoolPut Your Year AutopilotHomeschool Better Together CommunityCure the Fear of Homeschooling High School by Anne KarakoAndrew Pudewa's Structure and Style programCollege Prep GeniusSarah MacKenzie Read-Aloud Revival PodcastFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt(33)Mentioned in this episode:Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.Shop

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.Mentioned in this episode:Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.Shop

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.Mentioned in this episode:Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.Shop

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.Mentioned in this episode:Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.Shop

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.Mentioned in this episode:Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.Shop

This episode of Homeschool Better Together dives into the concept of choosing a word of the year and how it can add intentionality and focus to your homeschool journey. I’m joined by Dawn Garrett, our community manager, as we share our personal experiences, thoughts, and even some fun quirks about selecting and living out our yearly words.From the practical to the reflective, we talk about how a word of the year can shape your mindset, guide your decisions, and create a more purposeful year ahead. Whether you’ve been hesitant or are a seasoned word chooser, there’s something here for you, including tips on avoiding perfectionism and embracing the process. We also introduce our upcoming workshop, where we’ll help you choose your word and explore ways to live it fully.Key Takeaways:Words of the year as tools for personal growth and homeschool focus.The difference between setting goals and choosing a guiding word.How to reflect on, engage with, and incorporate your word into daily life.Details about our Align Workshop and how it ties into Elevate Homeschool 2025.Resource List:Homeschool Better Together CommunityHomeschool Better Together PodcastElevate 2025For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt28To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.Shop

This episode of the Homeschool Better Together Podcast features a delightful conversation with Sarah Mackenzie from the Read Aloud Revival. Sarah and I chat about rekindling the joy of reading for ourselves as moms. We explore the power of quitting books that don’t spark joy, the fun of keeping a reading log, and how to find books that truly resonate with you. Plus, we dive into reading challenges—are they motivating or just another checklist? Spoiler: we both have strong opinions!We also talk about Sarah’s exciting projects with Waxwing Books, including a middle-grade fantasy novel perfect for family read-alouds. If your reading life needs a little inspiration or you're searching for the perfect book list, this episode is packed with ideas and encouragement to get you turning pages again.Key Takeaways:Rekindle your love for reading by giving yourself permission to quit books that don’t excite you.A simple reading log can help you reflect on and savor what you’ve read.Waxwing Books’ upcoming middle-grade fantasy, Beyond Mulberry Glen, is an excellent family read-aloud.Reading challenges can be fun if approached with flexibility—don’t let them feel like a burden.Key Resources:Homeschool Better Together PodcastReadAloudRevival.comRead-Aloud Revival PodcastWaxwing Books"Dear Duck, Please Come" by Sarah Mackenzie"Beyond Mulberry Glen" by Millie Florence"The Myth Makers, The Remarkable Fellowship of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien" by John Hendricks"The Lively Art of Writing" by Lucille Van Paine"84 Charing Cross Road" by Helene Hanff"West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge"The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown"The Women" by Kristin Hannah"4:50 from Paddington: A Miss Marple Mystery" by Agatha Christie"The Wishing Game" by Meg Shaffer"Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundle"Only the Beautiful" by Susan Meissner"All It Takes is a Goal" by John AcuffFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt27To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:Spring Curriculum Showcase – Fresh Deals Every Week at PamBarnhill.com!Say goodbye to overwhelm and hello to joyful learning! The Spring Curriculum Showcase at PamBarnhill.com/shop is live, featuring weekly spotlights on our most-loved and brand-new resources for the 2025–2026 school year. Discover open-and-go language arts bundles, brand-new middle school resources, geography notebooks, a new photography course for teens, and more! Each week brings a new special you won't want to miss—shop now and find flexible, family-friendly curriculum that fits your real life.Shop