

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

Oct 8, 2025 • 25min
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:Register for our live webinar!Reading Deep DiveTry CTCMath-Half Price DiscountThe Biggest Story Advent

Oct 1, 2025 • 19min
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 DiscountRegister for our live webinar!Reading Deep Dive

Sep 24, 2025 • 28min
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 DiscountRegister for our live webinar!Reading Deep Dive

9 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 34min
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.

Sep 10, 2025 • 30min
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:Register for our live webinar!Reading Deep DiveThe Sing! Hymnal from CrosswayTry CTCMath-Half Price Discount

Sep 3, 2025 • 27min
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 CrosswayRegister for our live webinar!Reading Deep Dive

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:Register for our live webinar!Reading Deep DiveWe Sing From CrosswayTry CTCMath-Half Price Discount

Aug 20, 2025 • 29min
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 CTCMathRegister for our live webinar!Reading Deep Dive