10 Minutes to a Better Homeschool

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In this episode of "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," host Pam Barnhill and guest Denise Gaskins, veteran homeschool mom and author of a dozen playful math books like, Let's Play Math, How Families Can Learn Together and Enjoy It, and Math You Can Play delve into the world of homeschool math education. Denise shares five essential tips to transform math lessons without the need for a complete overhaul of the curriculum. 

The episode covers the vital role of fostering mathematical thinking and reasoning in children, rather than solely focusing on right answers. Denise emphasizes the importance o...

In this episode of "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," Pam Barnhill welcomes Durenda Wilson, a seasoned homeschooler and author of the book, "Raising Boys to Men." The conversation revolves around the unique aspects of homeschooling boys, advice for moms navigating the challenges, and the importance of an unhurried approach to learning. Durenda shares insights into the differences between educating boys and girls, emphasizing the need for more hands-on and active learning experiences for boys. She also highlights the significance of understanding and respecting the natural inclinations and developmental pace of boys, emphasizing an open and flexible approach.

In this episode of "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," guest host Dawn Garrett introduces an insightful excerpt from the Navigating High School Course. This excerpt features an interview with Dr. Kristin Moon, founder of kristenmoonscience.com, a former scientist who homeschools her children and shares with homeschool families her passion for teaching high school science. 

Dr. Moon discusses the importance of hands-on experiences in learning and she offers practical tips for parents who are considering teaching lab sciences to their high schoolers. Listeners will gain valuable information and resources for providing a quality science education at h...

Welcome back to "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool." In this episode, host Pam Barnhill gives you a sneak peek of the upcoming course, "Navigating High School, A Guide to Confident Homeschooling." In this excerpt, Pam shares a candid conversation with guest speakers and homeschool moms Laney Homan, Dawn Garrett, and Heather Tully. 

Homeschooling high school isn't merely about checking off boxes on an academic syllabus but it’s about nurturing a well-rounded, capable individual ready to face the world beyond high school. As parents and educators, we must equip them not just with knowledge, but with con...

Does the thought of homeschooling high school stop you in your tracks? Do you have concerns that it, “won’t be enough,” or, “how can I possibly plan all of this?” If so, you’re in the right place! In this episode of, "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," host Pam Barnhill is talking about all things homeschooling through high school. 

From life skills, flexibility, and building a supportive community – there are so many great reasons to stick with homeschooling through high school. The high school years present a unique opportunity to not only witness but actively participate in...

Join host Pam Barnhill and homeschooling mom Angela Britt in this episode as Angela reveals the transformative impact of embracing consistency in her homeschooling journey. From shifting her mindset to achieving accountability, Angela shares valuable insights and practical tips for finding balance and building trust with her children.

Tune in to gain inspiring perspectives and actionable strategies for enhancing your homeschooling experience through intentional consistency.

You won't want to miss Angela's journey and the powerful difference that consistency can make in your homeschool.

Key Takeaways

In this episode of "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," host Pam Barnhill shares her struggle with homeschool consistency, revealing her journey from feelings of overwhelm to finding solutions. She candidly discusses her early challenges with perfectionism and its impact on her homeschool routine, offering relatable insights for parents facing similar struggles.

Listeners will gain valuable tips and mindset shifts that helped Pam overcome her consistency struggles, leading to positive changes in her homeschool experience. By addressing the impact of inconsistent homeschooling on her children's learning and attitudes, she offers practical strategies that have worked for her...

Host Pam Barnhill welcomes Ginny Yurich, the founder of 1000 Hours Outside, a global movement highlighting the transformational impact of outdoor play. Ginny shares her journey as a homeschooling mother of five, describing her challenges and initial struggles in parenting. She reveals how her pursuit of finding joy and tranquility led her to the concept of spending 1000 hours outside with her children, igniting a passion for the outdoors that has since resonated with families worldwide.

Ginny imparts invaluable insights into the benefits of nature-based play, underscoring its contribution to children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. She emphasizes the...

Today's episode is all about preparing for those unexpected, challenging days. Having those not-so-perfect days is a normal part of homeschooling; we all have them. The question is how can we prepare for them? We'll discuss practical, easy-to-implement strategies like engaging educational videos and creative strewing techniques to keep learning on track, even when the day doesn't go as planned. 

Discover how to make the most of challenging days by turning them into opportunities for adaptable, stress-free learning. Join us as we share insights and tips to help you stay prepared and maintain a positive homeschool environment, n...

We are so excited about this coming year!

In 2024, we will help you solve the lack of motivation, interest, and effectiveness in your homeschool. We know you struggle with these areas (because we have too).

And instead of just helping you feel like a better homeschool teacher, we will help you become a better homeschool teacher.

Confidence comes with improved ability, not just feeling like you're doing enough.

Today, we are opening the doors to Elevate All Access. This year-long program includes the tools and support you need to become the teacher...

In this episode of "Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool," host Pam Barnhill discusses the concept of having a guilt-free Christmas in homeschooling. As homeschoolers, we often feel pressured to make the Christmas season special by incorporating Christmas unit studies and activities into our already busy schedules. However, Pam shares her insights on how to navigate this dilemma without feeling overwhelmed or guilty. 

Whether you fully embrace Christmas schooling, stick to your regular academic routine, or keep it simple with a few Christmas-themed activities, Pam provides helpful advice for finding a balance that works for your family. J...

Dive into a special episode of our podcast where we bring you exciting details about the upcoming We Gather Together Beach Retreat from January 25 to 28, 2004, on Alabama's picturesque Gulf Coast. Expect mild temperatures, warm sands, and an enriching environment perfect for homeschooling parents and enthusiasts.

Our guest, Lucy Duggar, a devoted mom and retreat alumni, shares her invaluable experiences from last year's gathering and her anticipation for the next. With a focus on educational philosophy, morning basket routines, and the essence of homeschooling, this retreat promises to be a nurturing getaway. Discover mentorship, relaxation, and community while...

In this episode, Pam Barnhill interviews Robin Ludwig, a homeschooling parent who has discovered the beauty of setting up her homeschool year according to seasons. Robin shares her journey and how she incorporated classical, Charlotte Mason, and unit study approaches into different seasons of the year. Listeners will gain insights into the benefits of seasonal homeschooling and how it can bring joy and simplicity to their own homeschooling experience.

Key Takeaways:

In today's episode, we have a very special guest, Olivia Barnhill, who joins her mom to talk about an exciting project they have been working on together called the Wonder World Podcast. Join us as Pam and Olivia share all the details about this fun and educational podcast, designed specifically for children. They discuss the format of the show, its kid-friendly content, and the various topics they cover, from history to food to jokes. 

Whether you're looking for a podcast to incorporate into your homeschool morning time or to spice up your car rides, the Wonder World P...

In this episode, Pam breaks down the mystery of deschooling for new homeschoolers. She shares some common misunderstandings and explains why it's a crucial step in your homeschooling journey. There are also many handy tips on how to glide through this phase with your kiddos while keeping the peace at home. Tune in to learn more about deschooling and how it can smooth out the homeschooling ride for you and your family!

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, we're discussing a topic many homeschoolers ask about: "Can I succeed at homeschooling?" Joining me is Damore Jensen, a homeschooling mom of three. She shares her transformative experience with our Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp, which reopens this month. Together, we unpack the importance of consistency, addressing misconceptions and highlighting its pivotal role, even above curriculum or method choices. This episode is a must-listen if you've ever doubted your homeschool journey or craved more stability and consistency. 

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, host Pam Barnhill chats with Stephen Souders, Mr. Mytek from Mytek Labs. Stephen runs an online school where kids can take courses in programming and technology. They discuss the importance of teaching kids to be producers of technology, not just consumers, and debunk some misconceptions parents may have about their children's relationship with technology. If you've ever wondered how to inspire your kids to use tech creatively and confidently, this conversation is for you. Stay tuned for an insightful and engaging discussion with Steven Souders, aka Mr. Mytek

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, Pam tackles listener questions about sibling dynamics within the homeschooling setting. Are you perplexed about what happens when a younger child surpasses an older sibling in skills like math or reading? Or you're trying to navigate the challenge of keeping an older child engaged in learning while younger siblings are at play. 

Pam offers a deep dive into these challenges, drawing from personal experience and providing actionable strategies. She emphasizes recognizing individual strengths, considering unique curriculums, and establishing clear boundaries between siblings. Whether you're a homeschooling veteran or just starting, this episode is packed w...

In this episode, I rethink traditional views by categorizing school subjects into two essential groups: skill-oriented and content-oriented subjects.

Skill-oriented subjects, including mathematics and phonics, follow a logical progression, fostering essential abilities, while content-oriented subjects like history and science allow the flexibility to delve into personal passions.

Be sure to catch this unique look at developing a well-rounded and tailored curriculum, taking advantage of the distinct difference between both kinds of subjects in organizing your homeschool schedule.

Join me on this episode of Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool, where we dive into the power of the fluency approach to language learning with our guest Adelaide Olguin. Drawing from her experiences teaching her own children three languages, she shares the transformative benefits of fluency-focused instruction at home.

Adelaide discusses how this approach not only boosts the learning of individual words but promotes a deep understanding of a language as a living, communicative tool. This method ensures you and your children can start speaking and comprehending a new language from day one, creating an immersive...

On this episode of the podcast, host Pam Barnhill welcomes special guest Betsy Cypress, a highly active member of their supportive homeschool community. Betsy shares her personal experience of facing unexpected disruptions in her homeschool year and offers valuable insights on how to plan for such situations. 

The episode highlights the importance of having a vision statement and a structured plan to make homeschooling smoother and save money. Pam and Betsy also discuss the benefits of being part of a positive online community that provides support and resources.

Key Takeaways:

1. Having a clear v...

In this episode, I'm excited to introduce you to Kristelle Larson, a remarkable mom from our homeschooling community who’s been implementing my program "Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot" since the beginning. Kristelle's approach helps her handle her busy homeschool year efficiently while maintaining her sanity. 

We discuss her strategies, balancing multiple kids' educational needs, and how she streamlined her homeschool planning process. If you're curious about homeschooling or looking for practical advice, I promise this episode is a treasure trove.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Heather Tully about the challenges we face when homeschooling multiple children. We delved into the ever-changing seasons of motherhood and the struggle of finding balance between the needs of younger and older kids. As a special bonus for purchasers of Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot, Heather will be hosting a workshop on managing multiple kids using our proven FLOCK method of homeschool planning.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we navigate the challenges and joys of homeschooling multiple children. Together, we can create a fulfilling...

In this episode, I am joined by homeschool mom Courtney Guarnieri to explore the dynamic balance between structured and unstructured activities in homeschooling. This is the first in a series of interviews featuring real homeschool moms discussing their planning processes. Courtney shares insights into the nuances of homeschooling in New York, including the challenges and perception of homeschooling in this state. We'll also discuss our favorite personal tips for planning out your homeschool year and discuss various methods of scheduling, such as the "magic number" and periodic break weeks. Through this episode, we emphasize the importance of planning ahead...

In this episode of the Ten Minutes to a Better Homeschool podcast, host Pam Barnhill talks with Katie Kimball, the National Voice of Healthy Kids Cooking and founder of the Kids Cook Real Food e-course, about the LifeSkills Summer Camp. This free online camp offers families the opportunity to learn life skills from a team of experts, including workshops on cooking, gardening, financial independence, communication, coping skills, stress management, and more. Kimball discusses the importance of teaching kids life skills and how parents can make the most of their summertime to teach these skills. She emphasizes that the online...

Feeling disappointed after spending countless hours searching for the perfect homeschool curriculum only to find out it's not working as you hoped? Don't worry; we've got you covered in this episode of the 10 Minutes to a Better Homeschool podcast.

Pam shares tips on how to salvage that curriculum and make it work for your child. From breaking down overwhelming material into smaller chunks to using real-life examples and switching up teaching methods, she has got some great ideas to help you and your child succeed.

So grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and tune...

In this episode, host Pam Barnhill talks about the rise of homeschooling in the US and why more and more families are choosing to homeschool their children. From customized education to flexible scheduling, safety concerns to religious beliefs, homeschooling offers many benefits to families and their children.

But what are some of the reasons why families are choosing to homeschool? And how can you create a personalized education that works best for your child? Tune in to find out.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pam...

In this episode of The 10 Minutes to a Better Homeschool Podcast, Pam Barnhill speaks with Alicia Hutchinson, the founder of Learning Well Community and Learning Well Journal, about the importance of print magazines in today's digital age. Alicia shares her two-fold mission behind the quarterly print magazine, which covers four topics: home, homeschool, faith, and family. She also explains how each issue is themed around a verse in scripture and contains a mix of practical advice, inspirational articles, and fun projects.

Throughout the conversation, Pam and Alicia emphasize the importance of enjoying the homeschooling journey, persevering through...

Nature groups can provide an enriching communal experience for homeschoolers, offering the opportunity to cultivate relationships with like-minded peers. That's why our friend Joy Cherrick is here today to talk about how she started her group and how it helped her to grow and find support as a homeschool mom. By creating a nature group (or any other kind of group), homeschoolers can build a supportive community that enriches their growth and understanding of the world.

Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh65

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In our final episode of our Managing Multiple Kids series we are chatting with homeschool mom of ten Heather Tully. Heather has taken the popular concept of a loop schedule in a new direction -- instead of looping her subjects, Heather loops her kids! In this episode we break down why she teaches this way, how she plans the loops, and the results she gets in this unique method of managing multiple kids and levels.

Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh64

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Charlotte Mason homeschooling mom Jeanette Pasqua has found success using her strict 10-minute increment schedule to manage the activities of her four children, ages five to 12. She builds in buffers like snack time and restroom breaks and adjusts the schedule if they start late to ensure each lesson receives its allotted time. Time blocking is an effective time management strategy to help adults and children alike break the day into specific blocks of time and learn time management skills. On her blog, Jeanette shares her tips and advice for parents with multiple children.

Find the show notes...

This content provides tips on effectively managing homeschooling multiple kids, utilizing curriculum, and creating a routine. By combining subject areas, having a plan in place, and utilizing spiral notebooks, curriculum, and busy work ideas, parents can better manage and provide an engaging learning environment for their kids.

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Join the Independence Equation Workshop Today!

Independence Workshop

Today I am joined by my good friend, homeschool mom, and author Sarah Mackenzie. Sarah is the host of The Read Aloud Revival podcast, and she is also a brand new children's book author.

On today's episode, we talk about Sarah's dream of writing a picture book, how she got the idea for her first book A Little More Beautiful, and her adventures in starting her own boutique publishing house Waxwing Books. This was a fun episode to record. Enjoy!

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tm...

One of the trickiest part of the homeschool day is the transition -- this is the time when you are changing from one activity to another in your homeschool. It is also the time you are most likely to lose a kid and have a hard time getting people back on track. You can set yourself up for success by thinking proactively about where you might have problems and actively seek out solutions.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/tmbh60

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Mystie and Sweep and Smile and how will it help you Podcast Intro/Show Notes With the high standards of 'perfection' presented by popular media, such as HGTV and Pinterest, it is almost impossible to attain true satisfaction in house cleaning. Instead, it is more important to maintain realistic expectations and create manageable routines. Mystie Winckler is on today's show to talk about how subtle shifts in our attitude and the stories we tell ourselves can make all the difference in how we keep our homes. 

Join Mystie Winckler's Sweep and Smile program by clicking here (affiliate l...

In last week's episode, I promised you that I would give you the lowdown on how I keep my house clean in the second part of our cleaning series. If you like to peel back the curtain and see how other people do things, this episode is for you. I must say that I mostly feel like I do house cleaning poorly. My baseboards are usually dirty. Come learn Pam's favorite housekeeping habits and routines. 

Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/tmbh58

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Joi...

Homeschooling and housekeeping can be difficult to juggle. Hiring help, prioritizing tasks, and utilizing systems such as the Fly Lady and Clean Mama systems can be helpful when trying to keep your house clean while homeschooling. In this episode Pam breaks down some of the popular systems and offers tips for asking for help and knowing what to prioritize.

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Join the Independence Equation Workshop Today!

Independence Workshop

Homeschooling can be difficult due to the distraction of cellphones. Pam offers a number of tips on how to eliminate distraction while still be available to people who need you and while honoring the fact that sometimes you just want to have a little fun on your phone -- without guilt. With discipline and organization it is possible to stay focused while still having some freedoms and applying these techniques to the homeschooling environment is key to success.

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Join the Independence Equation Workshop Today!

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It is important for parents to be consistent in their homeschooling efforts to ensure the process runs smoothly. One way we can do this is by using a concept Pam coined called "Honoring Your School Day." Pam breaks down the concept, tells why it's important, and gives some tips for making it happen in this episode of the podcast. With Pam's help, parents can overcome any struggles they have with homeschooling to create a successful learning environment.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Independence Equation Workshop Today!

Independence Workshop