Homeschool Made Simple

As Carole continues her conversation (see Episode 255) with homeschooling parents David and Audrey Ryan, she learns about their journey into doing life screen-free and how they initially struggled to unplug their children. However, they have seen real benefits in their children’s attitudes and behavior, such as improved family bonding and less conflict among their children. They love their new environment where children can explore and entertain themselves without the need for constant entertainment.RESOURCES+ Eps 139 - Better Late Than Early+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:Donate to our homeschooling ministryFree Reading List for ParentsFree Reading List for Parents

Does homeschooling work for a child with special needs or learning differences? Carole sits down with David and Audrey Ryan to talk about their experiences with public school and their transition to homeschooling. They share how they have moved past standardized tests and rigid benchmarks, to create a custom, nurturing educational environment tailored to their child’s unique needs. Join us for this encouraging episode!RESOURCES+The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley+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:Free Reading List for ParentsFree Reading List for ParentsHMS Essentials-Everything you need to jump in!HMS Essentials BundleDonate to our homeschooling ministry

The thing about being home all day with your family is that your house gets a lot of use and that can be a challenge. Rachel and Carole discuss homemaking and the importance of passing the skills on to our kids. They discuss focus, “baking therapy,” hospitality, and the whys behind shifting our attitudes about home-keeping. Join us!RESOURCES+Home Comforts: The Art and Comfort of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson+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:Donate to our homeschooling ministrySimply Food Prep!Get our free nutrition bundle to ease the burden of making meals. Nutrition BundleJoin us for an in-person seminar.HMS 2025 Seminars

Some states require state testing to happen every year for homeschooling families. In this episode, Carole and Rachel address families' concerns about standardized testing, especially in states where it is mandatory, and offer practical advice for preparing children without inducing anxiety. And reading to your children is a game-changer for doing well on those tests! Carole encourages parents to approach test days positively and gives tips on preparing older children for the SAT and ACT. We hope this gives you a good perspective on testing and how to approach them stress-free.RESOURCES+Free Reading List for Homeschooling Parents+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 BundleFree Reading List for ParentsFree Reading List for ParentsDonate to our homeschooling ministry

In this second conversation with Eryn Lynum of the Nat Theo Podcast, we discuss how to be outside in nature with our children. Is better to be in awe without much guidance or to point out all kinds of things in our natural world?Eryn encourages new naturalists with some helpful tips to take your first few experiences into nature. She offers practical ideas like setting up bird habitats, utilizing your local library for nature books, and using simple tools like microscopes to make science come alive. Join us!RESOURCES+Nature book list +ErynLynum.com+Nat Theo Podcast-Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible+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:Unplugged Children BundleGive your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!Unplugged Children BundleDonate to our homeschooling ministry

Rachel Winchester speaks with Eryn Lynum, naturalist and podcast host of the Nat Theo show, about how nature points us to our creator God. They discuss the origins of modern scientific thought and how we as homeschool parents struggle with “teaching” or over-explaining nature. This first of a two-part conversation gives you the whys behind Eryn’s focus on nature. Next week, we’ll dive into the how-to’s of nature exploration. Join us!RESOURCES+Nature book list +Check out the Nat Theo Podcast!+Get Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder+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 | PinterestEryn Lynum | Website | Nat Theo Podcast | InstagramMentioned in this episode:Donate to our homeschooling ministryUnplugged Children BundleGive your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!Unplugged Children Bundle

What a joy to be celebrating our 250th episode of Homeschool Made Simple with you. We so appreciate our listeners and our families! In this episode, Carole reminds us of that guiding our children to be people of good character and to follow the Lord is the foundation of the HMS method. Character is grown by being consistent in parenting, and encouraging families to be low-tech and nature-rich. More inspiration is here…listen in!RESOURCES+David Arroyo episodes: 102: God Calls a Father's Heart HomeTo hear more from the Arroyo family, tune in to episodes 103, 173, 176 and 177.+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!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:HMS Essentials-Everything you need to jump in!HMS Essentials BundleDonate to our homeschooling ministry

As our culture shifts and time goes on, it can be tough to find the great books we most love. Prepare yourself for a wonderful resource: Private Lending Libraries!Carole and Kathleen Seeger from Madison, Wisconsin, discuss how these affordable treasure troves are assisting our homeschooling efforts with carefully curated collections of quality books (and many out-of-print books.) With budget-friendly memberships and quality-focused selections, they're becoming the smart parent's secret weapon for enriched learning.RESOURCES+ Kathleen’s Library, Living Education Library Facebook Page+See if there’s a private library near you.+Another list of private libraries.+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!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Book Lover's Bundle! Use coupon code PODCAST for 15% offBook Lover's BundleFree Book ListDonate to our homeschooling ministry

Are you feeling full of regret because of your curriculum choices this year? Carole and Rachel discuss this common scenario for us as homeschoolers. It’s time to cut your losses and carefully consider why the curriculum doesn’t work. Carole believes that not giving in to FOMO and taking a longer look at the curriculum before hitting the BUY button are good strategies for not repeating the mid-year curriculum blues. This is a must listen!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!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Join us for an in-person seminar.HMS 2025 SeminarsGrab our free E-book today!EbookDonate to our homeschooling ministry

In part 2 of Rachel’s conversation with homeschool mom of 4, Hanni Go shares her journey of breaking free from the pressure of following other homeschooling families. She has chosen to value relationships and nurturing her children over the academic rigor that others might expect. Carole’s proven teaching methods and the example of the many families who have used them have encouraged Hanni to ditch the comparison trap to see her children be who God made them to be.RESOURCES+Download your own copy of the Truths to Remember list Hanni shared about in this episode. +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!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Donate to our homeschooling ministryEbook