
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 10, 2024 • 25min
222: Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Homeschool Year
How do you set realistic expectations for the school year? In this episode, Rachel Winchester and J. J. Seid discuss the common struggle parents face in balancing the desire to provide a robust education for their children without overwhelming themselves and their kids. They talk about creating a flexible and sustainable plan, focusing on cultivating curiosity, and embracing a long-term view of education. If you've ever struggled with the question of whether you're doing enough for your children through homeschooling, this episode is for you.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 in 2024!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | 2024 Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinteresSend us a Text Message. What do you love about the Homeschool Made Simple Podcast?Help us share the message of Homeschool Made Simple with others by leaving a rating and review on this podcast player. Thank you for helping us get the word out!Mentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

Jul 3, 2024 • 21min
221: Deschooling: Breaking Free of the School-at-Home Model
Are you considering bringing your child home from traditional school? Deschooling is the first thing we suggest you do! In this episode, we discuss what deschooling is and encourage you to break free from the "school at home" model. Give your kids the freedom to explore their interests under parental guidance. Carole shares her expertise, encouraging parents to consider emotional and practical aspects, such as travel, life skills, and real-life experiences. Tune in to discover how deschooling can reignite your child's love for learning and growth.RESOURCES-Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto-The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education by Grace Llewellyn+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 in 2024!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | 2024 Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestSend us a Text Message. What do you love about the Homeschool Made Simple Podcast?Help us share the message of Homeschool Made Simple with others by leaving a rating and review on this podcast player. Thank you for helping us get the word out!Mentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

Jun 26, 2024 • 20min
220: Unschooling, Co-ops, and Community Q&A
Today, Rachel and Carol respond to listener questions about unschooling, co-ops, and community in homeschooling. Carol clarifies the differences between her approach and unschooling, emphasizing the importance of balance and parental involvement in their method. She also shares her thoughts on co-ops, providing valuable insights on how to leverage community connections in the homeschooling journey without compromising educational integrity. Tune in as they address these questions and offer valuable guidance on navigating the homeschooling landscape with wisdom and intentionality.RESOURCESBook: Hold On to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld+Be the first to know about our summer sale! Sign Up 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 in 2024!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | 2024 Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestSend us a Text Message. What do you love about the Homeschool Made Simple Podcast?Help us share the message of Homeschool Made Simple with others by leaving a rating and review on this podcast player. Thank you for helping us get the word out!Mentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

Jun 19, 2024 • 29min
219: Creating Restful Rhythms for Homeschooling Families With A Sabbath
Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester dive into the topic of restful rhythms for homeschooling families. They discuss the significance of Sabbath as a gift and a blessing, and how it can provide much-needed rest in the midst of the busyness of daily life. Carole and Rachel share practical tips and examples of how different families observe Sabbath. They emphasizing the importance of preparing for the day of rest, engaging in activities that bring joy and life, and creating a sense of continuity and tradition for the entire family. From preparing special meals to unplugging from the daily grind, this episode provides invaluable advice for homeschool families seeking a more peaceful, balanced lifestyle.RESOURCESThe Rest of God by Mark BuchananThe Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Whitmel EarleyCelebrate the Feasts by Martha ZimmermanThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Homer+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 in 2024!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | 2024 Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestSend us a Text Message. What do you love about the Homeschool Made Simple Podcast?Help us share the message of Homeschool Made Simple with others by leaving a rating and review on this podcast player. Thank you for helping us get the word out!Mentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

Jun 12, 2024 • 25min
218: Getting on the Same Page: Navigating Educational Decisions with Your Spouse
Rachel Winchester and JJ Seid tackle the topic of getting on the same page with your spouse when it comes to homeschooling. They share practical insights and strategies for navigating the challenges of conveying the benefits of homeschooling to a reluctant spouse. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of understanding each other's perspectives, engaging in curiosity-driven conversations, and speaking to the best in your spouse. Tune in for wisdom and encouragement for couples striving to gain a shared educational vision for their family.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 in 2024!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | 2024 Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestSend us a Text Message. What do you love about the Homeschool Made Simple Podcast?Help us share the message of Homeschool Made Simple with others by leaving a rating and review on this podcast player. Thank you for helping us get the word out!Mentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

Jun 5, 2024 • 22min
217: Simplify Food Prep with Batch Cooking
Discover how batch cooking can help you save time, money, and stress in the kitchen, and how it allows you to enjoy nutritionally dense meals without the daily hassle of cooking. In this episode, Laura Tabbut, a batch-cooking genius, explains the art of simplifying food prep for families. From planning and shopping to cooking and freezing meals, Laura and Carole break down key steps they followed for successful batch cooking and share practical advice on organizing, labeling, and storing the prepared meals, along with ideas for breakfast, main dishes, and salads. Whether you're a busy parent, a homeschooling educator, or simply someone looking to work smarter, not harder in the kitchen, this episode is just for you.RESOURCESCook Once, Eat All Week by: Cassy Joy GarciaGet our free Batch Cooking Bundle!Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list hereGet our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.Attend one of our upcoming seminars in 2024!Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | 2024 Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestSend us a Text Message. What do you love about the Homeschool Made Simple Podcast?Help us share the message of Homeschool Made Simple with others by leaving a rating and review on this podcast player. Thank you for helping us get the word out!Mentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

May 29, 2024 • 23min
216: Homeschooling High Schoolers: Building a Biblical Worldview for Life
Are you homeschooling a high schooler or planning to? In this episode, we delve into the “golden years” of homeschooling, exploring the crucial role of parents in shaping your children's education during this impactful stage. We talk about the importance of keeping your teenagers close during this pivotal stage, maintain hands-on discipleship and influence while preparing your children for college and beyond.Discover how to maintain a strong relationship while navigating high-level courses, dual enrollment, and preparing for the future by instilling a biblical worldview through meaningful and insightful discussions. Join us as we provide practical tips for homeschooling high schoolers, including work, volunteering, and apprenticing opportunities.RESOURCESBuild Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list hereGet our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.Attend one of our upcoming seminars in 2024!Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | 2024 Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestSend us a Text Message. What do you love about the Homeschool Made Simple Podcast?Help us share the message of Homeschool Made Simple with others by leaving a rating and review on this podcast player. Thank you for helping us get the word out!Mentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

May 22, 2024 • 26min
215: Homeschooling Middle Schoolers: Our Philosophy on Growing Independent Learners
As we continue our journey through the various stages of a child's education, we wanted to take a closer look at a crucial phase of homeschooling: middle school. Homeschooling middle schoolers is a topic we are often asked about as parents wonder how to approach these years.This transitional period between childhood and adolescence can be daunting. However, it is also key to shaping their spiritual growth.Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester discuss the importance of understanding the developmental needs of middle schoolers. Cultivating an environment where children are given the freedom to embrace both their lingering childhood tendencies and the emerging traits of independence and responsibility is key. This episode will encourage you to savor the middle school years with your child, helping you navigate this transitional period with confidence and joy. Homeschooling middle schoolers can be enjoyable!RESOURCESMinding Your Own Business by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy MooreBuild Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list hereGet our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.Attend one of our upcoming seminars in 2024!Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | 2024 Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestSend us a Text Message. What do you love about the Homeschool Made Simple Podcast?Help us share the message of Homeschool Made Simple with others by leaving a rating and review on this podcast player. Thank you for helping us get the word out!Mentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

May 15, 2024 • 23min
214: Homeschooling Elementary-Aged Children: A Better Late than Early Philosophy of Education
Today, we explore homeschooling elementary-aged children.Oftentimes, parents begin to add pressure on children with formal academics before it is actually developmentally appropriate. In this episode, Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester discuss how to ease the pressure of formal academics when homeschooling elementary-aged children. These years are when the "better late than early" approach is so important as parents prepare their elementary-aged kids for a gradual transition to more serious studies in middle and high school. When homeschooling elementary-aged children, we want to take things slow. Academics should build over time so as to prevent academic burnout.Carole and Rachel discuss integrating study, work, and service by doing short, concrete lessons in phonics, real-life math, and handwriting. And of course, they encourage reading out loud to develop a love for reading!RESOURCESBuild Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list hereGet our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.Attend one of our upcoming seminars in 2024!Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | 2024 Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestSend us a Text Message. What do you love about the Homeschool Made Simple Podcast?Help us share the message of Homeschool Made Simple with others by leaving a rating and review on this podcast player. Thank you for helping us get the word out!Mentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars

May 8, 2024 • 23min
213: Homeschooling Preschool-Aged Children: Our Philosophy of Education
Have you wondered what the best approach to educating your preschooler is? In this episode we delve into the crucial preschool years and the essential aspects that lay the foundation for educational success.Rachel and Carole emphasize the importance of viewing preschool as a time for bonding, laying the foundation for future success, and fostering a love for learning through work, service, and study. They recommend focusing on life skills, character development, and nurturing attachment and bonding with children during these early years, rather than early academics. Join us as we encourage parents to listen to their intuition, and to enjoy these sweet and formative years.RESOURCESBuild Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list hereGet our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.Attend one of our upcoming seminars in 2024!Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | 2024 Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestSend us a Text Message. What do you love about the Homeschool Made Simple Podcast?Help us share the message of Homeschool Made Simple with others by leaving a rating and review on this podcast player. Thank you for helping us get the word out!Mentioned in this episode: Franklin, TN Seminar is August 2, 2025The Year's Seminars