Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill shares four practical tips that will help you move from feeling overwhelmed to prepared; ensuring your homeschooling days are filled with curiosity, excitement, and wonder. Whether it’s planning amazing field trips, following your kids' interests with a Wonder Wall, or incorporating morning basket time into your routine, this episode has you covered.Listen in for practical tips on selecting the best resources, making your homeschool both orderly and enriching, and creating an environment tailored to the interests of your children. Let's step out of the overwhelm and into the joy of learning together!Key Resources:Order and Wonder courseYMB PlusHalliburton's MarvelsHomeschool Better Together CommunityKey Takeaways:Discover the structured approach to choosing curriculum as the fourth step in homeschooling planning, detailing the prior steps including reviewing the homeschool vision and setting specific student goals.Learn how to incorporate wonder into your homeschool planning, focusing on creating opportunities for children to wonder about the world rather than only experiencing big, awe-inspiring moments.Understand the importance of intentionality in your homeschool vision and goals, specifically how setting specific aims for introducing wonder can transform your educational environment.Explore practical scheduling strategies to include wonder regularly, whether through field trips, weekly or biweekly wonder activities, or daily morning basket routines.Get insights on following your children's interests by creating a Wonder Wall, allowing them to contribute topics they are curious about and using this input to plan engaging studies.Hear suggestions for preparing ahead to gather the best resources, such as highly-recommended books, videos, and games, ensuring these materials are enriching and inspiring for your children.Learn about the benefits of leveraging the Homeschool Better Together community to crowdsource recommendations, helping you find high-quality educational tools and foster a collaborative learning experience.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt7To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome back to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast. In today's episode, host Pam Barnhill and guest Amie Gardner dive into the intricacies of homeschool planning and the tools that can make it all more manageable. Amie shares her experience using Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot, which has been a game-changer in balancing lesson plans for her family and creating a confident, structured homeschooling environment. We'll also hear about Amie's journey from feeling overwhelmed with curriculum to finding flexibility and peace of mind. Pam and Amie reflect on the pressures of finding the perfect curriculum and fostering a love for learning in children. This episode is packed with valuable insights, practical tips, and heartfelt discussion aimed at helping you navigate your homeschooling journey with confidence and ease.Resource and Links:Homeschool PlanetAll About ReadingTapestry of GraceSonlight CurriculumPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotNavigating High SchoolHomeschooling Better Together CommunityKey Takeaways:Discover how Amie Gardner uses Put Your Year on Autopilot and Plan Your Year to simplify homeschool planning, providing a checks and balances system for her lesson planningUnderstand the benefits of online homeschool planners in tracking and shifting dates, helping to create an organized education plan within a short timeframe.Explore the flexibility and customization offered by Plan Your Year, making it adaptable for any homeschool approach and reducing chaos in daily schedules.Hear Amie's journey from starting homeschooling due to her oldest child's struggles in public school, to finding the right resources that helped her develop a confident and effective homeschool routine.Learn the advantages and potential challenges of the buffet curriculum approach, and the importance of making decisions ahead of time to avoid decision fatigue.Gain insights into the benefits of structured yet flexible planning processes that provide a sense of direction, reduce overwhelm, and ensure comprehensive subject coverage.Reflect on the balance between finding the perfect curriculum and fostering a love for learning, understanding the pressure on curriculum providers and the value of scripted homeschool curriculums.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt6To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Discover strategies to simplify homeschool lesson planning with tips like lesson plan lists, loop scheduling, and procedure lists. Learn how to create a flexible plan that adapts to your family's needs and eliminates decision fatigue, allowing you to enjoy the homeschool journey more.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we journey through the challenging yet rewarding world of homeschooling as a community. In today's episode, you'll discover how strategic planning frameworks can relieve the overwhelm of daily decision-making, turning any curriculum into a seamless, open-and-go experience. Whether you're like "Best Intention Becky," who loves to plan but tends to overdo it or "Carefree Cathy," who thrives on spontaneity but struggles to cover the core subjects, this episode offers flexible planning techniques like lesson plan lists and magic number scheduling that could be perfect for you. Pam candidly discusses her own struggles with maintaining spontaneity while keeping up with homeschooling demands and introduces flexible planning approaches that can offer peace and predictability amidst life's uncertainties. Tune in for real stories, practical tips, and empowering resources to make your homeschooling journey more joyful and less stressful. Let's make homeschooling better, together!Links and Resources:Which Kind of Homeschool Mom Are You? Part 1Homeschool Better Together CommunityPut Your Year on AutopilotPlan Your YearKey Takeaways:Learn how structuring your homeschooling approach with lists rather than rigid schedules can provide the flexibility to accommodate life's uncertainties and spontaneous learning moments.Understand the role of a vision statement in creating an effective homeschool plan, allowing parents to test their decisions against their long-term educational goals and stay disciplined.Explore the concept of lesson plan lists without specific dates, combined with magic number scheduling as techniques to maintain educational progression without the stress of constant replanning.Gain insights into reducing stress and decision fatigue by using flexible planning frameworks that turn any curriculum into an open-and-go format, improving the overall homeschooling experience.Recognize the importance of periodic reviews to calmly assess the effectiveness of your homeschool plan, ensuring it remains adaptable and aligned with your family's needs and goals.Discover how autopilot planning can help families stay on track with homeschooling even in the face of unexpected events, like Alicia Brooklands did after hurricane Michael.Hear Pam's reflections on homeschooling year-round, managing seasonal breaks, and the impact of flexible planning on maintaining a joyful and balanced learning environment for her family.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt4To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill shares insights and practical tips for determining what's "enough" for your family.Pam breaks down four homeschool mom personality types - Carefree Cathy, Best Intention Becky, Strategic Susan, and Overwhelmed Olivia. You'll find out which type resonates with you and gain valuable advice for overcoming the unique struggles each type faces.Tune in to discover that while each personality type has its struggles, there are practical solutions and encouragement to help you homeschool better. So grab your favorite drink, take a break, and get ready to be empowered to step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder of homeschooling better together. Links and Resources:Which Kind of Homeschool Mom Are You? Part 2Homeschool Better Together CommunityPut Your Year on Autopilot Plan Your YearKey Takeaways:Reflect on the concept of "enough" in homeschooling and the process of defining what "enough" means for your family.Explore the importance of creating a vision for your homeschool and how it helps in determining what is "enough" for your family.Delve into the personality types of homeschool moms, including Carefree Cathy, Homeschooler Best Intention Becky, Strategic Susan, and Overwhelmed Olivia.Understand the struggles and challenges faced by each homeschool mom personality type in their homeschooling journey.Recognize that it's okay to enjoy the homeschool planning process, even if you don't get to implement every single plan.Acknowledge the impact of unexpected life events on homeschool plans and the need to adapt and adjust to challenges.Learn about joining the free homeschool community and share insights about the identified homeschool mom personality type.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt3To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.