The Modern Homeschool

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing our preliminary picks for homeschooling 3rd, 7th and 9th grades. Though we are still enjoying our Summer, our homeschool is set to gradually start next month. We'll be easing in with some new books, fresh pencils and of course wonderful new studies! So far here are my curriculum picks: For my 3rd Grader: Building Writers E, Wordly Wise 4, Cursive Without Tears, Lightning Literature Level 3/4, The Good The Beautiful Handwriting level 4, The Good The Beautiful Math 3/4, Singapore Dimensions Math 4A/4B, Marine Biology (TGTB), US History Studies, California History Studies, Spanish Club, Soaring w...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I’m sharing a fun look into a regular DITL during our crazy Summer break! From traveling to lazy days at home, I’ll be giving the inside scoop. On this bonus episode, there is also info on a giveaway I have going on right now on instagram! The Modern Homeschool WebsiteContinue reading "Summer Day in the Life of a Homeschool Family"

Happy Summer everyone! Today will be my last episode for awhile as we head off into Summer break! It has been a pleasure talking homeschool with you this year and I hope to be back this Fall with some new episodes. In the meantime, here are some awesome Summer ideas for family fun and togetherness. I hope you have a blessed Summer and follow The Modern Homeschool Instagram for updates and two bonus Summer episodes! The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for All...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm discussing all about how we plan to start homeschooling high school in the Fall. As we make this big leap in homeschooling come along to hear our plans and how we made them! Keep in mind that all students will have different plans based on their career and college goals but here are a few different ideas. The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool L...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing eight things I would do if I were to restart my homeschooling journey. Simple changes in thought process can go a long way and I want to encourage you in your homeschool or if you are considering starting homeschooling. You've got this and I'll explain why! The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool Link to my episode: A Literature Based Approach to Homeschooling: h...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm discussing how I prep in early Summer for next school year. Yep, I am already planning for Fall because I want to have a stress free (mostly) unstructured Summer break. Listen in for a few ideas to get your plans for Fall underway. Some things to consider now in May/June: -Choosing Curriculum for your kiddos for Fall: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/4-things-to-consider-when-selecting-curriculum-for-your-children/ -Checking out my planning printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/ -How I plan here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/ -Link to my episode: A Literature Based Approach to Homeschooling: https://t...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing some fun kinder curriculum ideas. Whether you want to build your own curriculum, an open and go curriculum, or no curriculum at all this episode is for you! I will share my best tips and tricks for homeschooling kinder and how I homeschooled my son in kinder and my daughters in the early elementary school ages. Some Homeschool Kindergarten Ideas: Kindergarten Magical days playing outdoors, imagination, reading together, playdough and art. My Favorite Art Supplies: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/art-supplies-for-kids/ Simple Curricula we used and loved: The Good and Beautiful, handwriting, Lightning L...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing practical and some creative ways homeschoolers or parents in general can make extra income. Listen in for all of my favorite ideas to date and a few that I have experience with. The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool Link to my episode: A Literature Based Approach to Homeschooling: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/a-literature-based-approach-to-homeschooling/ Link to my planning printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/ M...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, let's chat about goals for moms! How do you incorporate time for yourself and your goals while mothering and homeschooling? Well, good news, there are ways. Listen in for all of my thoughts on this subject I've been living through the past 15 years. Ideas for Cultivating Goals: Carve out an hour a day: Start with an hour a day for yourself. Workout, read, journal, get.a coffee. The hour you give yourself can be the beginning of reaching your goals. Wake up early: If you have no other time in the day or if y...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, the discussion is all about how to incorporate Christ into our day to day homeschooling. I will give you a few simple ideas and resources to help guide your homeschool in easy ways. Links: (DISCLOSURE: Please note that some links on TheModernHomeschool.com are affiliate links. We may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click through our links and make a purchase from one of our partners.) Our Favorite Christian Books: I Am: 40 Bible Stories, Devotions, and Prayers About the Names of God: https://amzn.to/3E78CSq Jesus Ca...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing an updated Spring day in the life of our homeschool family. From busy sports, studies and music to our downtime and meetings, listen in to hear what a real homeschool family does during the week. Things we are enjoying right now! Links: (DISCLOSURE: Please note that some links on TheModernHomeschool.com are affiliate links. We may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click through our links and make a purchase from one of our partners.) TGTB Health and the Physical Body Study: https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/collections/he...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing our favorite field trip ideas for California!! We have traveled quite a lot and I am happy to share some of the best places we have been and a few tips and tricks we've learned along the way! Our Favorite Field Trip Ideas: Sequoia National Park: General Sherman walk, The Lodgepole Grill/Market at Sequoia, Camping, Morro Rock, Crystal Cave Lake Tahoe: Sand Harbor, Camp Richardson, Pope Beach, Al Tahoe Recreation/Park, Kings Beach, Bijou Pines, Emerald Bay, Heavenly, Rainbow Trail at Taylor Creek Carlsbad: The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center, LegoLand, D...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm chatting all about how to plan and carry-out large homeschool projects. In this episode, I will give you some easy tips on how you can create studies, science, geography and art projects like a pro with your kids. Large Homeschool Project Checklist: Pre-planning: Gather information and brainstorm a loose timeline for the project or unit study in mind. (Usually 4-6wks) Planning/Brainstorming with the kids: Talk with your kids about the project and take them to gather materials, supplies and good research if necessary. Work: Allow kids focused 'project' time in which t...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm chatting all about ways to celebrate St. Patricks Day with your homeschool friends and family. I'll be sharing our favorite crafts, activities and food on this episode all about having a happy St. Patricks Day with those you care the most about! St. Pattys Day Ideas: Build a Leprechaun Trap: https://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2023/03/leprechaun-trap-ideas.html Clover, Green or Rainbow Scavenger Hunt: https://healthyhappyimpactful.com/st-patricks-day-scavenger-hunt/ Minute to Win it Games for older kids: https://healthyhappyimpactful.com/candy-dice-game/ https://toughcookiemommy.com/2015/02/st-patricks-day-game-gold-coin-minute-to-win-it.html https://feelslikehomeblog.com/st-patricks-day-minute-win-games-kids-families/ Green Sensory Bins, Ideas here: https://c...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I want to share the gift of gardening with your kids. Plus I'll give you all of my favorite gifts for a kids garden and everything you need to get started. Gardening has truly been a great part of my life with my kids and I can't wait to encourage you to take on a garden for your own family. Kids Garden Tips/Ideas: Start small, consider a trough garden bed style to begin with Plant easy vegetables like tomatoes, pumpkins, mint or other herbs Watering cans, containers, potting table can all usually be f...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, let's chat about what to do when winter burnout of the homeschool year sets in. Take a few action steps to help reset your homeschool when you are feeling unmotivated, burned out or just plain tired. Gather new inspiration and ideas from this episode. -Tidy & Declutter: Change your environment by getting rid of unused items and get organized. Get out of a winter rut by doing a deep clean and reset on your home. -Set New Goals: Think about how you want to finish your homeschool year on a high note. What will it t...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm chatting all about sensory play for littles. We absolutely had a blast with this idea paired with nature play and art when my kiddos were younger. Today on the Pod I am discussing some of my favorite sensory activities but I'll also share a few follow up ideas and links here. Sensory and nature play as well as art activities are so beneficial to young children. They encourage outdoor activity, thinking, imagination, problem solving, creativity, fine motor skills, they encourage long periods of calm, focused play without screens. Best Sensory activities for ages 2...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'll be discussing how to create a kinder schedule or daily rhythm in your homeschool. I think most of us can agree that the kinder age is a magical one that does not require intensive rigidity but one that thrives on a simple daily flow. I hope you'll join in to hear about a few ideas if you have a young homeschooler! Things I loved to focus on with my young homeschoolers: ABC's (letter recognition), handwriting, writing a sentence, lots of read alouds, sensory, nature and outdoor play, art, simple maths. A sample schedule c...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm chatting all about ways to celebrate Valentines Day with your homeschool friends and family. I'll be sharing our favorite crafts, activities and foods on this episode all about having a happy Valentines Day with those you care the most about! Valentines Day Ideas: My Art Site: https://amysarttable.com/2022/02/01/valentines-art-projects/ My Art Videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/amysarttable for lots of DIY art projects!

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'll be discussing Documentation and Record Keeping for homeschoolers. I know this can be a source of stress for some families but I truly believe we as homeschoolers should be prepared with proper documentation of our homeschool journey. This only serves to help both you and your child progress in your homeschool goals. Record Keeping is required in many states, so I thought it would be a good idea to touch on here. The best thing to do when starting to homeschool is to look into the laws and requirements of your state specifically. O...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm chatting all about amazing FREE resources you can use to homeschool your kids. There are almost endless options on free ways to homeschool, you'll want to jot some of these ideas down! Grab a cup of coffee, a notepad, pen and a cozy spot, you won't want to miss these ideas! Free Resources for Homeschooling: My Free Printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/freebies/ My News Articles: https://themodernhomeschool.com/news/ My Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ModernHomeschool/ My Art Videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/amysarttable The Good and Beautiful Language Arts: Absolutely phenomenal th...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing Winter books for the whole family! All ages (including moms)! You'll want to add a few of these to your Winter book list; grab a cup of coffee or tea and join me this morning is we chat Winter books that are snuggly, fun and maybe even juicy. Favorite Winter Books List: The Bears on Hemlock Mountain: https://amzn.to/3ZeK7dZ The Long Winter: https://amzn.to/414x53Q The Little House on the Prairie Set: https://amzn.to/3UYAJsr Snowflake Bentley: https://amzn.to/3V1uWlZ The Mitten: https://amzn.t...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing a deep dive mini class I have put together especially for you! It is called "Organize My Homeschool" and I made it with the intention of helping all my homeschool friends get their homeschool organized- QUICK! I love to be ultra organized since I am super super busy with not only homeschooling but my home, my children's activities, and working!! Here are all of my best tips and tricks on tackling the overall organization of our homeschool and bonus--I have put together slides!! To see the whole mini class go here: https://y...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I want to tell you all about The Good and The Beautiful Curricula by Jenny Phillips. I will share why I think it is the perfect entry level curricula for new homeschoolers and why it is now a staple in our homeschool to this day. We adore this curriculum and I want to chat all about it! Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join me as we talk TGTB this morning! The Good and The Beautiful Website: https://www.goodandbeautiful.com The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com C...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing all of my favorite art supplies for kids from my years of teaching art classes! There are lots of items on this list that will make perfect Christmas & birthday gifts for your favorite students. Grab a cup of coffee and tea and jot down a few items to look for this holiday season! My Favorite Art Supplies List: Watercolor Paper: https://amzn.to/3YWHFr6 https://amzn.to/4fNl9Ig https://amzn.to/4fSNahm Watercolor Sets: https://amzn.to/40Spe9L https://amzn.to/4eGqvnm https://amzn.to/3YSsIq2 Brushes: https://amzn.to/3Z...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing fun Christmas traditions from my family to yours! Grab a cup of coffee or tea and jot down a few of our fun traditions that you might love this Christmas! Dried Orange Garland Tutorial: https://athomeontheprairie.com/how-to-make-orange-garland/ Wreath Making Tutorial: https://www.apieceofrainbow.com/how-to-make-wreath/ Simmer Pots DIY: https://www.flavourandsavour.com/make-your-own-simmering-holiday-potpourri/ Candles DIY: https://livesimply.me/diy-homemade-candles-natural-lavender-rosemary-scent/ Chocolates DIY: https://www.alphafoodie.com/3-ingredient-healthy-coconut-bliss-balls/ Cinnamon Ornaments DIY: https://amysarttable.com/2013/12/11/diy-cinnamon-ornaments/ Ultimate Christmas Movie List:https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-holiday-movies-for-kids Salt Dough Ornaments DIY: https://www.thepurposefulyou.com/b...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'll be sharing all of our favorite Christmas books!! It is the most wonderful time of the year and a perfect time to slow down, snuggle up and read some wonderful stories. I will also be sharing our December plans for a homeschooling slow down. Get the free Christmas Books List: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/christmas-books-for-all-ages/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss hybrid homeschooling programs. These programs have existed for years but are just now gaining major mainstream traction throughout the United States as alternative education models. Hybrid homeschooling models typically work in conjunction with a privately ran smaller school to provide support and resources to homeschool families. Hybrid Homeschool Programs: Are popular because they provide social support, classroom settings, a less stressful schedule (typically two days of instruction per week), instruction from teachers, networks for children and parents, cohesive curriculum plans, field trips, community events, no homework, private school style setting, high standards f...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss how charter schools in California work and the pros and cons of using a charter school program alongside your homeschool. Personally, I find that the pro's of charter school homeschool programs far outweigh the cons. We have benefitted greatly from the access to resources our charter has made available to our family and community. Join in and hear all about it. Charter School Homeschooling Programs: Pros: Provide a credentialed teacher as a resource, field trips, classes, in person and online options, transcripts, report cards, documentation of work, funding, planning services, no PSA, s...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I am answering a listeners questions on where to start if you think your child may be dyslexic. Every child's journey with dyslexia is different and knowing how and where to start understanding is the beginning. I share how I knew my daughter was dyslexic and how we have been addressing her dyslexia over the past five years. Links: (DISCLOSURE: Please note that some links on TheModernHomeschool.com are affiliate links. We may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click through our links and make a purchase from one of...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss a very busy week in our lives! With Halloween, sports, homeschooling, meals, my daughters birthday and all the regular life stuff, here's what a busy week looks like for us! Join along in the discussion on balancing all the needs of a homeschool family of five. Handy Links: My Schedules (Editable): https://themodernhomeschool.com/editable-planners/ More Planning Help: https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/ Healthy Snack Ideas: https://themodernhomeschool.com/healthy-snack-printable/ Pumpkin & Halloween Ideas (Scroll toward Bottom): https://themodernhomeschool.com/freebies/ Did you know the homeschooling is currently the fastest growing form of education...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss how we are navigating homeschooling junior high school with my two daughters. One is in eighth grade and one is in sixth grade so we are definitely in our middle school era. Last year, I homeschooled seventh grade and I learned a lot. Today, I am going to share what I learned about homeschooling through the middle grades and how you can create a path to high school and college that works for your child. Link to my FREE Living Book list here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/living-books/ Check out my new book h...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss the basics of setting up a literature based homeschool. Choosing what to read and then starting to collect books that your children will love is the cornerstone to starting a literature based homeschool. Sharing stories and great literature is both educational and really fun. Great books make great memories for your children. 3 steps to starting a literature based homeschool are as follows: 1. Collecting books that you see out and about while on trips, at books stores, libraries, thrift stores and souvenir shops. 2. Thinking of books to incorporate throughout childhood that you once lo...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I’ll be discussing the most magical age of homeschooling and why I highly recommend homeschooling kindergarten! The precious time spent with your kids in their early years will be a memory you treasure forever. Join me as I discuss kindergarten ideas and the easy breezy days of early childhood education. Some Homeschool Kindergarten Ideas: Kindergarten Magical days playing outdoors, imagination, reading together Simple Curricula we used and loved: The Good and Beautiful, handwriting, Lightning Literature Books we LOVE (contains affiliate links): Frog & Toad Little Critters Ramona Owl at Home Link to Stanford Study on...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I’ll be discussing how thrifting can be a great hobby for homeschoolers, how you can find awesome products for your homeschool and cut costs all while enhancing sustainability practices in your homes. Be sure to download my FREE Thrifting List Today we'll discuss: Why thrifting is fun! How thrifting can help your homeschool with cost and make it magical! Why thrifting makes sense while homeschooling. Items we love to look for while thrifting. How to use thrifting to create wonderful holidays and unique gifts. Link to my FREE thrifting list: https://themodernhomeschool.com/thr...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'll be discussing how I homeschool my three children in multiple grades. It can be challenging to homeschool three distinct grades but it also can create opportunity to learn and grow side by side and foster independence. Let's chat all about how our family does this and I'll give you a few helpful tips for your homeschool! Some Tips for Homeschooling Multiple Grades: Overlapping our studies Fostering Independence Making time to work one-on-one with each child Encouraging togetherness Having downtime activities on hand, especially art supplies Link to my planning printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/h...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'll be discussing block scheduling and how it can help your week to run smoothly! Here are a few steps to creating a stress-free block schedule for your weeks ahead. Give this episode a listen for all the details. Creating a Block Schedule that works: Determine your blocks (non-negotiables) per day Arranging your blocks per day (roughly two hour blocks) Goals for each block per day (as detailed as you want) Flexibility and grace within your accomplishments per day Overall weekly audit of the blocks and your goals per day, consider adding in meals...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I am diving into a topic that is near and dear to my heart and that is how to help a struggling reader. I'll share how my daughter and I are working together and have been for years, to overcome her reading challenges. While there is no cure for dyslexia, and I am not a clinician, I can offer you suggestions about what i truly believe is working for our family. Suggestions for helping your struggling reader at home: 1. Commit to using the program Lexia, for 15-20 minutes daily. https://www.lexialearning.com/core5 2. E...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss things kids can do outside at all ages. I will share things that have worked with my kids from the toddler years through now, the teenage years. Encouraging children to stay active, healthy and to get as much vitamin D as possible is what this episode is all about.

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss all of my Fall favorites for homeschooling and there are a lot! From baking, cooking, and reading to crafting, painting, and playing I try to cover it all. Fall is one of my favorite times of year for homeschooling. I love to start the new year with intentional, fun activities that the kids love and make our home feel cozy and comfy! Today I share some of the things that make Fall so special in our home. Did you know that homeschooling is currently the fastest growing form of education? With nearly...