Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

Everyone knows that we should focus our educational efforts on teaching kids skills they can actually use in real life, right? Except maybe that is not the best path to the most practical education after all. Yes, a classical education can build virtue, but it also creates the best employees for the modern world.Need convincing? Then you are going to enjoy this interview with Martin Cothran of Memoria Press. You may learn something new about the term "liberal arts" and might just walk away convinced that STEM is not necessarily where we should focus. Enjoy!For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb86.

A new year can be both daunting and exciting at the same time. It is a fresh start and a time for change, but that doesn't excuse the need to be realistic about what you can actually do amid the uncertainties of homeschool mom life (everyday is different, yes?)So today community manager Dawn Garrett and I are here with some real talk and best tips for setting goals, getting mornings started well (note: I didn't say early.), choosing a word for the year and so much more. Enjoy!For more information and the show notes for this episode visit: https://pambarnhill.com/ymb85

Continuing with our November theme of celebrating Advent this year, I am joined on today's show by the Your Morning Basket Plus music specialist Genie Shaw. We are talking all about Advent music, what makes it different from Christmas music and why you might want to add some of these pieces to your holiday playlist. We give you ideas for which pieces to start with and how to add celebrating these to your holiday season.For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb84.

Today on the show I am joined by author and mom Tsh Oxenreider to chat about her new book Shadow and Light: A Journey Into Advent. In this episode Tsh and I chat about what Advent is and how Tsh came to celebrate it. We also talk about what the season has to offer all Christians -- not just those who attend liturgical churches.With tons of ideas for families and an enlightening conversation about why 2020 may be the best year ever to lean into Advent, I think this is a show you will enjoy.For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb83.

On today's podcast I am joined by the very punny host of CNN10, Carl Azuz. With balanced news coverage, wonderful explanations, and a winning host, the 10-minute news show has become a favorite part of our family's Morning Basket. It's the way we love to cover current events.On this podcast Carl and I chat about how he got his start in journalism, how he ended up doing student news, and the process he uses to produce an objective journalism show for his audience. Enjoy!For downloads and show notes visit https://pambarnhill.com/ymb82

Today on the podcast I am joined by my good friend Colleen Kessler who is a homeschooling mom of four and a gifted education specialist.Colleen and I chat about the benefits of a Morning Basket for your gifted kids as well as some of the challenges that moms of gifted and twice exceptional children might face when it comes to getting everyone on the same page for group learning. Colleen gives us practical tips for discussion, activities, and what to do for kids who struggle to hold still and focus.Full of ideas and encouragement, this episode has something for everyone!For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb81.

Today I am joined my Missy Andrews from the Center for Lit to talk about her book My Divine Comedy: A Mother’s Homeschooling Journey.I can't explain how encouraged I was by today's episode. No spoilers, but there is one nugget that Missy lays down that is going to have lasting change on how I view myself as a homeschool mom and how I view the work I am doing with my children.We also chat about the definition of education, homeschool disillusionment, and the dangers of tying our identities to the success of our homeschool. I think you will be encouraged.For shownotes and episode downloads, visit https://pambarnhill.com/ymb80.

The theme of this episode of the podcast is all about making Morning Time work for your family. I am joined by Jessica Waldock, host of the Morning Baskets and more Facebook community to talk about how using themes saved her Morning Basket. Jessica homeschools an only-child who likes to deep-dive into topics, so a themed Morning Basket is a perfect fit.In the show we also talk about the difference between themed Morning Time and unit studies, where Jessica gets her theme ideas, and how Morning Baskets can work in a single-child homeschool.For show notes and episode downloads, visit: https://pambarnhill.com/ymb79

Professor and homeschool mom Jill Hummer joins me on this episode of the podcast to talk all about teaching civics and current events in your Morning Time. We chat about what Civics is, exactly, as well as the best ways to bring a living knowledge of citizenship to your kids. We also discuss age-appropriate ways to include civics, what to do about current events, and how you can make citizenship a natural part of your homeschool and family. For show notes and episode downloads, visit: https://pambarnhill.com/ymb78

On today's episode of the podcast I welcome Sally Clarkson, author and homeschool mom, to chat about her soon-to-be-released book Awaking Wonder. Education does not have to be difficult or stifling. Find out how homeschool families can create delightful learning based on good books and beautiful experiences.For show notes and episode downloads, visit: https://pambarnhill.com/ymb77