Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

In this episode of the Homeschool Better Together podcast, I’m giving you a bit of a pep talk. I’ve been there—staring at the clock, realizing the day is slipping away and thinking, “If I can’t follow my perfect plan, I might as well do nothing.” Sound familiar? Well, I discovered that my problem wasn’t laziness—it was perfectionism. And that perfectionism was sabotaging my ability to be consistent with homeschooling.I talk about how embracing imperfection helped me break through the inconsistency in our homeschool. I realized that half-hearted school days and not following the plan exactly were still valuable. The key is to show up and do something, even if it’s not perfect. I also share how creating a “minimum viable day” helped me focus on the most important subjects and stay consistent, even on the craziest days.If you’re feeling stuck because things aren’t going perfectly, I encourage you to give yourself some grace. Consistency over perfection is what will make a huge difference in your homeschool.Key Takeaways:Perfectionism can sabotage your homeschool consistency.Even imperfect school days can be effective.The “minimum viable day” approach helps focus on essential subjects.Consistency, not perfection, builds long-term homeschool success.Links and Resources:Homeschool Consistency Boot CampHomeschool Better Together free communityPam Barnhill's websiteTo join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt21

In this episode of the Homeschool Better Together podcast, I’m sharing an overview of our curriculum choices for the 2024-2025 school year. With both a senior and a 9th grader, our homeschool routine is a bit different, and I’m excited to walk you through our approach.We start each day with a focused morning time that sets the tone for learning, followed by individual subjects tailored to each child’s needs and interests. I’ll also share tips on how we keep our homeschool organized and why staying flexible is key to a successful year.Key TakeawaysOverview of our curriculum choices for a senior and 9th grader.The importance of a focused morning time.Tips for staying organized and flexible in homeschool.Resources and Links:Homeschool Better Together Free CommunityPut Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot courseThe World from A to Z with Carl AzuzHallow appWhatever Happened to Penny Candy (Uncle Eric) by Richard J. MayberryThe Amazing Dr. Ransom's Bestiary of Adorable Fallacies by Douglas WilsonThe Silver Chair by C.S. LewisEnder's Game by Orson Scott CardTo Kill A Mockingbird by Harper LeeThe Odyssey by Homer Student Planner Pages (from Homeschool Better Together)Fix It Grammar from IEWConsumer Math with Mr. D MathThe Lively Art of Writing by Lucille Van PeltWorkbook for The Lively Art of Writing (found on the Well-Trained Mind Forum)The Writing Revolution: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades by Judith C. Hochman and Natalie WexlerKhan Academy (Biology course)The Illustrated Guide to Home Biology Experiments (book and lab kit from the Home Scientist)Elemental Science's high school biology PDF (labs scheduling)Japanese tutorMr. D GeometryLanguage Arts TogetherWonder StudiesFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt20To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, I share a hard-learned lesson: as homeschooling moms, we shouldn't be the ones working the hardest! I used to think every lesson had to be fun and engaging, but it turns out, simplicity and consistency are key.I talk about the importance of short, manageable lessons and meeting our kids where they are—focusing on what really matters. Morning time routines have also been a game changer, bringing our family together and making our homeschool days more joyful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember to simplify, breathe, and focus on building those meaningful relationships.Key Takeaways:Simplify lessons and keep them short.Focus on consistency rather than perfection.Meet your kids where they are and consider their preferences.Incorporate a morning time routine for structure and joy.Resources & Links:Morning Time PlansHomeschool Better Together Community Homeschool Better Together Planning ResourcesSimplify Your Homeschool With These Five Curriculum TypesWonder Studies For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt19To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, I'm tackling something we all face—the way that initial excitement of a new homeschool year can quickly fade. Trust me, I’ve been there too. So, let's chat about what happens when that "honeymoon period" ends and how to handle it without the guilt.I’ll share how I’ve learned to go with the natural ups and downs of homeschooling instead of forcing the same energy all year long. It's about finding what works for your family and allowing yourself those slower days.I’ll also walk you through some simple strategies like tracking your homeschool patterns, making adjustments when needed, and not beating yourself up when things don’t go perfectly. Plus, I’ll talk about the importance of connecting with other homeschool moms, because we’re all in this together.Key Takeaways:It's normal for the excitement of the new homeschool year to fade.Track your homeschool patterns to plan better.Embrace productive times and allow for rest during slower periods.Give yourself grace; perfection isn’t the goal.Connect with other homeschoolers for support and encouragement.Resources and Links:Homeschool Better Together CommunityMorning Time PlansJoin Wonder StudiesEpisode with Robin Ludwig on Seasonal HomeschoolingFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt18To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Starting a new homeschool year is exciting but can also feel overwhelming. In this episode, I share some of the common challenges we face, like kids resisting lessons or forgetting things over the break. I offer practical tips to ease the transition, like involving your kids in planning, starting with subjects they enjoy, and reviewing key skills before diving into new material.I also talk about managing that overwhelming feeling by setting a flexible schedule, prioritizing homeschooling, and getting kids involved in household chores. Remember, feeling overwhelmed shows how much you care about your kids' education—and you’ve got this!Key Takeaways:Involve kids in planning to reduce resistance.Start with enjoyable subjects and gradually extend lesson time.Review key skills forgotten over the summer before moving forward.Set a flexible schedule around homeschooling and prioritize it.Get kids involved in age-appropriate chores to help manage the household.Resources and Links:Homeschool Better Together CommunityMath-U-SeeMorning Time PlansFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt17To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.