

Homeschool Made Simple
Homeschool Made Simple
For the young parents, the veteran homeschoolers, or anyone navigating the waters of homeschool options, nationally-known speaker and educational consultant, Carole Joy Seid, helps you homeschool simply, inexpensively, and enjoyably with a Bible, math curriculum, and library card. Great books have the power to build godly family culture and give educational success! If you need a weekly shot of encouragement and support to continue on with confident joy in your homeschooling journey, listen in.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2025 • 35min
280: Why Outdoor Play and Strength Challenges Are Both Needed to Grow Strong Kids
We regularly talk about getting our kids outside to play but do you know the benefits of regular strength training for our kids? How can we encourage this without it becoming a chore? Carole and Rachel sit down with Pilates instructor and homeschool mom, Lauren Wilson, to discuss what inspired her to create the OTP Kids Strength Challenge program which offers opportunities for kids to build balance, coordination, and strength beyond just outdoor play or sports. Join us!RESOURCES+Kids Strength Challenge Program by Olive Tree Pilates & WellnessEnter HMS for 20% off of the kids program+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:We Sing From CrosswayTry CTCMath-Half Price DiscountJoin us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!HMS 2025 Seminars

Aug 20, 2025 • 28min
279: Treasures of the Snow and Beyond: The Gift of Patricia St. John's Stories
Discover the enchanting world of Patricia St. John, a beloved Christian children's author whose stories inspire faith and hope. Hear about her adventurous upbringing and impactful nursing career that shaped her writing. Uncover gems like 'Treasures of the Snow' and 'Star of Light,' highlighting their themes of survival and forgiveness. Explore how her enchanting tales nurture children's spiritual growth while preserving the essence of original literature. A delightful journey into faith through storytelling!

Aug 13, 2025 • 25min
278: Simple, Affordable Nature and Life Skill Projects with Curiosity Untamed’s Badge System
Kerry Cordy, the innovative founder of Curiosity Untamed, Frontier Girls, and Quest Clubs, shares her journey from traditional scouting to creating engaging badge-based learning programs for homeschoolers. She discusses the flexibility of her customizable badge system that encourages hands-on exploration and character development. Kerry also highlights interconnected nature projects that allow families to earn multiple badges through related activities. Tune in for insights on making learning interactive, affordable, and tailored to individual family needs!

Aug 6, 2025 • 28min
277: What’s On My Nightstand: Inspiring Books For You and Your Family
Need a fresh stack for your family’s read-alouds and personal reading time? In this episode, host Carole Joy Seid shares her current reading stack and other related, trusted favorites. Discover beautiful books for yourself, from novels like "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson and "Cry, the Beloved Country" by Alan Paton, to classic children’s series like "Little Britches." As always, grab our free book list with another 150 recommended books for all ages at http://homeschoolmadesimple.net/booklist. Listen in and get reading!RESOURCES+Click HERE for a complete list of books listed in this episode+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:
Dream Keeper from CrosswayLearn More about CTCMathJoin us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!HMS 2025 Seminars

Jul 30, 2025 • 30min
276: Why Your Family Needs Your Local Church to Be a Priority
Our spiritual development cannot thrive apart from our involvement in the local church. Unfortunately, other commitments often compete for many families time these days. In this episode from the archives, Carole and Pastor Dean Inserra discuss why active participation in a church community is crucial—not only for your children’s godly development but for the health of the entire family.In this episode, you'll hear about:Ways to encourage your children to be in a youth groupHow we can support and encourage our pastorsTips for picking a church that fits your familyThe detriments to “unchurched spirituality”RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Try CTCMath-Half Price DiscountUnplugged Children BundleGive your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!Unplugged Children BundleJoin us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!HMS 2025 Seminars

Jul 23, 2025 • 26min
275: Encouraging Work, Reading Widely, and Other FAQs
In this episode from our archive, Carole and J.J. share some of the important questions they’ve been asked in their seminars. These are questions that many parents have as they are learning about Homeschool Made Simple’s method. Some of the questions addressed:using HMS method in a single parent householdthe purposes around the our methodaligning your schedule to fit the method in your family lifenavigating your child’s narrow reading interestJoin us and be encouraged!RESOURCES+Click here for a list of the books mentioned in this episode+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:HMS Essentials-Everything you need to jump in!HMS Essentials BundleTry CTCMath-Half Price DiscountJoin us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!HMS 2025 Seminars

Jul 16, 2025 • 25min
274: Starting to Homeschool? Practical Steps to Planning Your Year & Daily Routine
So you’ve got decided it's time to start homeschooling and you've learned a lot from the podcast or seminars. But you're wondering what this looks like in your everyday life. How do you plan a school year? Today, in this episode from the archive, we talk practicalities from the rhythms of the year to a family’s daily routine. From history’s yearly spine to quiet times…and everything in between. This will help you to prepare! RESOURCES+Unplugging Kids for Daily Rest Time+The Child’s Story Bible by Catherine F Vos+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Join us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!HMS 2025 SeminarsHMS Essentials-Everything you need to jump in!HMS Essentials BundleLearn More about CTCMath

Jul 9, 2025 • 22min
273: How Dorothy Moore’s Practical Approach Transforms Homeschooling for Families
In this archive episode, Carole Joy Seid reflects on the remarkable wisdom of Dorothy Moore, wife of Dr. Raymond Moore, two pioneers often referred to as the grandparents of American homeschooling. Carole shares Dorothy’s practical strategies—like building a strong daily routine and focusing young learners on Bible, nature, and hands-on work—became the foundation to her own approach as a homeschool mentor. You will hear stories of Dorothy’s discipline, frugality, Christian faith, and quiet confidence. Book recommendations and fun stories are also included!For a list of books mentioned in this episode, click here!RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Join us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!HMS 2025 SeminarsEarly Education BundleLay a firm foundation for raising children for the kingdom of God!Early Education BundleTry CTCMath-Half Price Discount

Jul 2, 2025 • 30min
272: Why Do You Homeschool? The Real Benefits For Your Family
In this episode from the archives, Carole sits down with her son J.J. to discuss knowing the “why” behind your decision to homeschool. Whether you're considering homeschooling or you're two decades into this adventure, today we're talking about what would cause you to educate your kids at home, and what will sustain you through the years. This episode will help you refresh your memory and give fuel to your fire to press on!RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Join us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!HMS 2025 SeminarsUnplugged Children BundleGive your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!Unplugged Children BundleLearn More about CTCMath

Jun 25, 2025 • 19min
271: Transforming Your Home with a Loving Presence and Encouraging Words
If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of our conversation with Mellany Zepelak, start there! This episode begins with Mellany sharing the fruit of speaking blessings and encouragement to her children and her husband, noting how these efforts have shifted the tone of her household toward encouragement and empathy. Parents play a powerful role in modeling God’s love to their children. Join us!RESOURCES+The Blessing Seminar+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Get God's Good Design GuideGod's Good Design GuideTry CTCMath-Half Price DiscountJoin us at our Dallas Texas Seminar on Sept 13!HMS 2025 Seminars