Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

Oh, my goodness! Starting a new homeschool year can feel like a rollercoaster with its ups and downs. In this episode, I share my favorite strategies to make this transition smoother and more enjoyable. We talk about dealing with that first-week exhaustion and finding the right balance between excitement and routine.Curious about my secrets for a smoother start? Tune in to hear how small changes, handy reminders, and a bit of night-before prep can make a big difference.Join our free community at pambarnhill.com/freecommunity for more tips and support from fellow homeschoolers. Share this episode with other homeschooling families to help them have a great start to the new school year.Key Takeaways:Strategies for easing into the new school year.Balancing excitement with routine.Sneak peek at tips involving small changes, reminders, and night-before prep.Invitation to join our supportive community for more ideas and support.Key Resources and Links:Homeschool Better Together CommunityHomeschool Planning ToolsHomeschool Lesson Planning Made SimpleMorning Time PlansFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt16To 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

As summer winds down, our family loves to kick off the school year with a special back-to-school tradition. For the past few years, we've visited the donut shop, and it's become a cherished ritual for us. From picking out donuts to snapping a photo outside the shop, this simple tradition brings us joy and wonderful memories.In this episode, I share why having a back-to-school tradition is important and how it can strengthen family bonds. I also offer tips on starting your own tradition, whether it's big or small, and emphasize keeping it simple and meaningful.Join me as I reflect on our tradition and encourage you to create your own special back-to-school memories. For more ideas and support, join our free community at pambarnhill.com.Key Points:The joy and importance of back-to-school traditions.Our family's donut shop tradition.Tips for starting your own back-to-school tradition.Encouragement to keep traditions simple and meaningful.Invitation to join our supportive community at pambarnhill.com.Resources and Link: Homeschool Better Together CommunityMorning Time PlansHomeschool Planning ResourcesFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt15To 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

In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Korte, a seasoned homeschool mom of 10, to discuss the joys and challenges of homeschooling a large family. Lindsay shares her journey of 15 years of homeschooling, starting from the early days of teaching multiple young children together, to adjusting her approach as her kids grew older.We dive into the importance of family learning and how Lindsay uses resources like our Morning Time Explorations to create a rich, enjoyable homeschool experience for all her kids, from preschoolers to teens. She also shares insights on balancing the chaos of homeschooling with a large family, the benefits of learning together, and how our Wonder Studies have played a key role in her homeschool.Tune in for practical tips, heartwarming stories, and a peek into how Lindsay keeps the wonder alive in her homeschool.Key Takeaways:Lindsay’s 15-year homeschooling journey with 10 kids.The value of family learning and using Morning Time Explorations.How Wonder Studies enriches homeschooling for all ages.Balancing the chaos and joy of homeschooling a large family.Resources and Links:Wonder StudiesHSBT CommunityLittle Explorers MaterialsMorning Time Journal and PlannerFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt14To 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

I’m excited to announce that Your Morning Basket Plus is now Wonder Studies! This new name reflects our expanded focus, which still includes your favorite Morning Time Explorations and Little Explorers programs but now also offers Voyages—unit studies that make it easier for your entire family to integrate learning across all subjects.We’re offering a special bonus to celebrate: join as an annual member by August 16, 2024, and receive a free Morning Time Journal and Planner!Tune in for all the details, and feel free to reach out with any questions!Links and Resources:Wonder StudiesHomeschool Better Together CommunityKey Ideas:Your Morning Basket Plus is now Wonder Studies.Wonder Studies includes the original Morning Time Explorations and Little Explorers programs, plus new Voyages—unit studies that cover various subjects for the whole family.Join as an annual member by August 16th and receive a free Morning Time Journal and Planner.Wonder Studies helps integrate learning across all ages, making homeschooling more cohesive and enjoyable.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

Laney Homan, a busy mom of eight with real-life homeschooling experience, shares her journey integrating unit studies into her family's education. She highlights how this flexible method fosters connections between subjects and enhances learning for all ages. Listeners can discover tips on simplifying planning and making education enjoyable, while also hearing about the Wonder Studies program’s components designed for various skill levels. Laney emphasizes the benefits of collaboration, family bonding, and maintaining enthusiasm in a homeschool setting.

Feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of homeschooling methods? You're not alone! In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, I explore the diverse world of homeschooling options, from classical education to unschooling. I share my personal journey of “uschooling” and highlight the importance of creating a personalized education plan that fits your family’s unique needs.You'll find practical advice on researching and implementing different homeschooling methods, along with valuable resources like a downloadable cheat sheet and interviews with moms who use various methods. Tune in to learn how to step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder of homeschooling, finding a method that brings joy and effectiveness to your educational journey.Resources and Links:Put Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotPam's Homeschool Methods Blog Post with FREE Methods Reference SheetHSBT CommunityFor the Children's Sake by Susan Shaffer McCauleyTeach Your Own: The John Holt Book Of Homeschooling by John HoltIn Vital Harmony: Charlotte Mason and the Natural Laws of Education by Karen GlassKey Takeaways:Discover the benefits of the autopilot planning process, making homeschool planning easier and more efficient, even if you start late in the summer.Understand the concept of "uschooling," focusing on creating a homeschool experience unique to your family’s needs rather than strictly adhering to any single method.Learn about various homeschooling methods, including classical education, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, and unit studies, and their foundational views on children’s education.Access resources like interviews with homeschooling parents to gain insights into different teaching methods and how they are applied in various family settings.Recognize that while understanding different homeschooling methods can be beneficial, it’s crucial to prioritize what works best for your family over strict adherence to any method.Explore the potential pitfalls of over-committing to a particular method, such as causing stress and dissatisfaction within the family dynamic.Get recommendations for approachable reading materials to better understand and incorporate different educational philosophies without becoming overwhelmed.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt12To 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 make civics a fun and engaging part of your homeschool? Pam Barnhill and Meg Angelino discuss the new "Citizenship Together" curriculum, designed to bring government and citizenship concepts to life through detailed, engaging lessons. Meg, with her extensive background in history and education, shares practical tips for seamlessly integrating this curriculum into your homeschool, making planning easier and more efficient.In this episode, Pam and Meg tackle the challenges of creating unbiased educational materials and explain how "Citizenship Together" can help your family have respectful political discussions. They highlight the importance of teaching kids about government functions, election processes, and their impact on everyday life. Tune in to learn how to foster closer family relationships while making learning about civics enjoyable and relevant for your children.Resources and Links: Citizenship Together CurriculumHSBT CommunityFor Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters by Jeff FosterKey Takeaways:Discover the benefits of teaching citizenship and civics through a curriculum designed to be inclusive and manageable for homeschool families, reinforcing children's understanding of their roles and responsibilities in society.Learn about discerning accurate information on social media and the internet, and the importance of teaching young people to critically evaluate sources and understand government-related topics.Engage children in respectful political discussions, helping them understand that divergent opinions can be discussed civilly, and the importance of these discussions in fostering a healthy understanding of democratic processes.Explore the comprehensive unit that covers various aspects of government and elections, from the presidency to local elections, branches of government, special interest groups, and the supreme court, emphasizing their interconnectedness.Understand the significance of integrating primary sources like the Constitution and Bill of Rights into the curriculum, and how discussions and activities around these documents can deepen children's understanding of US government principles.Hear about practical ways to involve children in the political process, such as taking them to vote, visiting polling places, and participating in local community activities, making the experience educational and memorable.Recognize the importance of making learning feel personal and relatable by using the term "citizenship" over "civics," and how this approach helps children connect more deeply with the subject matter and their role in the community.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt11To 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

Education consultant Colleen Kessler shares insights on tailoring homeschooling to kids' strengths and passions. She emphasizes a personalized approach, unit studies, and avoiding overspending. Colleen encourages parents to embrace flexibility, nurture interests, and empower confidence in homeschooling.

Feeling overwhelmed with language arts education in your homeschool? Join hosts Pam Barnhill, Meg Angelino, and Laney Homan, in episode nine of Homeschool Better Together, as they discuss how literature-based learning can revolutionize language arts education for your family. Discover the transformative power of integrating grammar, writing style, literary analysis, and vocabulary activities through high-quality literature, all within one flexible program.Explore the hosts' personal experiences and insights as they discuss the benefits of using literature to teach grammar, the adaptability of the program for children with different ages and abilities, and the positive impact it has had on their own read-aloud sessions with their kids. Gain a deeper understanding of how this holistic approach to language arts offers an enriching and enjoyable learning experience, without the tedium of traditional grammar programs.Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that will bring clarity and inspiration to your language arts journey. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode is for you! Links and Resources:Language Arts Together Bundle Two- SPECIAL Presale price of $34 through July 16!Tarantula in My Purse by Jean Craighead GeorgeAdventures with Waffles by Maria ParrA Place to Hang the Moon by Kate AlbusA Single Shard by Linda Sue ParkAnne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. LewisBecause of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamilloFarmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder The Trumpet of The Swan by E.B. WhiteLittle House in The Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder Language Arts Together Bundle 1Homeschool Better Together Community Key Takeaways:Discover the benefits of using literature to teach grammar, emphasizing a deeper understanding of grammar through actual writing.Learn how unintentional learning occurs for younger children when participating in discussions or activities targeted at older kids.Explore the structured yet adaptable nature of the program, with solid pedagogical practices like narration, copywork, dictation, and vocabulary study.Understand the flexibility and independence the program allows, including space for independent exploration, with minimal preparation required.Hear about the ease of incorporating the language arts program into homeschooling, emphasizing the lack of added stress and friction.Gain insight into the program's approach to teaching grammar through literature, preserving the pleasure of the story while providing structure without being overly rigid.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt9To 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

Discover different types of homeschool curriculum, from scripted to buffet, and how each can benefit your homeschooling journey. Learn how scripted curriculum provides structure, open-and-go offers convenience, fixed grid prevents overwhelm, buffet allows flexibility, and whole-family learning encourages unity. Gain insights on how to navigate these curriculum types to create a joyful and successful homeschooling experience.