Homeschool Made Simple

Homeschool Made Simple
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Oct 29, 2025 • 23min

289: Homeschooling Q&A: Dad Participation, Little Kid Distractions, and Navigating Screens

In this episode from the archive, Rachel Winchester and Carole Joy Seid answer some of the most common questions from homeschooling families. They give practical ways to involve dads in family read-aloud time, including strategies for dads who may not feel confident about reading. Carole shares creative tips for keeping younger children occupied while homeschooling older siblings, such as using special toys, snacks, and outdoor play. And Carole shares a fresh perspective on putting the need for screens off as long as possible for our teenagers. Join us for lots of practical ideas!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 DiscountTeach Me To Pray From Crossway
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Oct 22, 2025 • 28min

288: When 'I'm Bored' Becomes a Good Thing

In this episode from the archives we get practical! Rachel Winchester and Carole Joy Seid dive into the challenges of unplugging kids in a world dominated by screens and constant noise. Carole and Rachel discuss the benefits and the how-to’s for unplugging your family, how to teach children to practice silence and solitude, and having a daily rest time that benefits everyone! But as always they advocate for flexible, grace-filled parenting and the long-term rewards of raising children who are articulate, calm, and creative because they were bored (in the good way!) Join us!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:Teach Me To Pray From CrosswayTry CTCMath-Half Price Discount
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Oct 15, 2025 • 27min

287: Reading the Classics with Christian Eyes in Our Modern World

Rachel Winchester talks with author Nadya Williams about her new book, Christians Reading Classics. We discuss the importance of studying ancient Greco-Roman literature which can enrich our conversations in our families and our perspectives of the modern world. Nadya shares that she wrote this book to be “training-wheels” to reading the classics in order to make them feel less intimidating. Join us!RESOURCES+Christians Reading Classics by Nadya Williams+Nadya Williams: Classicist, Historian, Author +Nadya Williams | Substack +For a full list of the books listed in this episode, click this link!+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:10 Questions Series From CrosswayTry CTCMath-Half Price Discount
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Oct 8, 2025 • 23min

286: Why Author Elizabeth Goudge Belongs on Your Family Bookshelf

Discover the enchanting world of Elizabeth Goudge in this encore episode of Homeschool Made Simple. Carole Joy Seid discusses why Goudge’s books are must-haves! Carole shares personal favorites like The Little White Horse, the Elliott Trilogy, and The Dean’s Watch, exploring how Goudge’s deeply spiritual and uplifting stories can inspire both parents and children.RESOURCES+Click here for a full list of 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:Try CTCMath-Half Price DiscountThe Biggest Story Advent From Crossway
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Oct 1, 2025 • 18min

285: Building Community and Contentment: Wendell Berry’s Books

Drawing from Wendell Berry’s novels, essays, and poetry, Carole shares how Berry’s deep love for the rural life, community, and contentment can leave an indelible mark on our lives. He paints a vivid picture of rural America and it’s values through Berry’s fictional Port William, Kentucky.If you have never read one of his books, now is the time to find yourself a Wendell Berry book!RESOURCES+For a complete list of books listed in this episode, click here+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: Lives of Faith and Grace Series from CrosswayTry CTCMath-Half Price Discount
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Sep 24, 2025 • 27min

284: Building Strong Memories Through Shared Bedtime Stories

Today, we are talking about the power of reading together as a family and some practical tips for how you can start to make that change in your family life. Rachel sits down with her husband Jesse, their family’s main bedtime narrator, to talk about what reading together as a family looks like in their home and to share some of their favorite books with you.Listen in!RESOURCES+Click here for a list of all 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: Lives of Faith and Grace Series from CrosswayTry CTCMath-Half Price Discount
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Sep 17, 2025 • 33min

283: The Impact of AI on Learning and Literature: Concerns and Guardrails for Families

Rachel Reeves, a homeschooling mom and independent journalist, dives into the complexities of AI's role in education and its impact on children's literacy. They discuss the need for parental guidance as AI technology evolves, highlighting the lessons learned from social media's side effects. The conversation covers the risks of AI in learning, including its implications for critical thinking and democratic engagement. Rachel also shares insights into her kid-friendly newsletter, which promotes civic literacy for younger audiences.
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Sep 10, 2025 • 29min

282: Must-Read Books for Boys and Equipping Books For Their Parents

Finding engaging books for boys can be a real challenge for parents. But after listening to this episode, you'll have a treasure trove of recommendations to explore! J.J. Seid shares more than 20 book suggestions that captured his imagination as a child and continue to captivate his own sons today. Beyond entertainment, he also discusses his favorite resources on raising boys with Biblical principles of masculinity in mind. J.J. reveals his top four parenting books and offers thoughtful recommendations on navigating topics of gender and sexuality with children.Whether you choose to read just one book from his list or dive into several, both you and your family will benefit!RESOURCES+For a full list of the books mentioned, go to this week’s 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:The Sing! Hymnal from CrosswayTry CTCMath-Half Price Discount
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Sep 3, 2025 • 26min

281: The Miraculous Power and Science of Reading Aloud

One of our core values at Homeschool Made simple is to help families make their children lovers of books. In this episode from the archive, Carole shares about a book called The Enchanted Hour which is written by Wall Street Journal columnist, Megan Cox-Gurdon. Megan writes about the scientific research of the impact of screens versus picture books. Carole discusses how intentional family read-alouds shape children’s brains, foster lasting connections, and give your homeschool a serious academic edge. Join us and be encouraged!RESOURCES+The Enchanted Hour https://www.meghancoxgurdon.com/+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:Learn More about CTCMathThe Sing! Hymnal from Crossway
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Aug 27, 2025 • 34min

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 Discount

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