The Modern Homeschool

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm here for a quick chat about why we take the month of December off homeschooling and why I think you should too!! I want to encourage you and give you a few tips on how to build this into your schedule. You will never regret this time with your kids, most holiday activities naturally have academic components and rest is necessary and the perfect way to end the year. Enjoy festive days with your kids without huge crowds and without all the stress of cramming in too much into too little of time. S...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing some winter meal ideas and recipes we love! From savory casseroles and soups, to juicing, smoothies and sourdough, this podcast has all of our favorites right now. Some topics covered in this episode and related links are: Sourdough: Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Recipe: https://www.farmhouseonboone.com/sourdough-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-topping/ Sourdough Bagels: https://www.farmhouseonboone.com/homemade-sourdough-bagels/ Chicken Noodle Soup:https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/chicken-noodle-soup/ ( I like to add cayenne pepper) Veggie Pasta Soup: https://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/MealPlan19_Lisa1.pdf (Use what you have on hand to alter the veggie soup recipe) Tacos b...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm here for a quick chat about homeschooling the early grades kinder through second grade. This is truly the golden age with your children and I just want to encourage you to be confident and fully enjoy this time with your kids! Some topics covered in this episode and related links are: Curriculum: Learn why I recommend starting with TGTB: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-good-and-the-beautiful-curriculum-is-perfect-for-starting-your-homeschool-journey/ Art Supplies find my favorites here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/art-supplies-for-kids/ Homeschooling Kinder: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/starting-kindergarten-homeschooling-is-a-magical-option/ Kinder Schedule: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/homeschool-schedule-for-kindergarten/ Kinder Curriculum Ideas: https://t...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing all of my favorite curriculum and gear, items I truly think are worth the investment for homeschooling. You may find my style and options pretty simple but I think simplifying homeschool often leads to the best outcomes. Topics covered in this episode include: Curriculum: TGTB Math, Science, History. Lightning Literature. Building writers, Handwriting without tears: Cursive success. Mr.D Math. Learn why I recommend TGTB: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-good-and-the-beautiful-curriculum-is-perfect-for-starting-your-homeschool-journey/ Art Supplies, find my favorites here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/art-supplies-for-kids/ Products: Legos, Microscopes, Cameras, Osmo, Storage, card games and board games. T...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing how you can homeschool in around two hours a day. Of course, homeschooling timing is widely varied and depends on the individual child's needs and family's schedule. Some days simply take longer than others and some grades require more or less time. I discuss it all in this episode. Topics covered in this episode include: How you can homeschool in just 2 hours or less for most grades Why it is feasible that homeschooling is so much more efficient than traditional school settings. Need help getting organized? Check out this episode and free c...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing the reality of the myths surrounding socialization of homeschoolers. Homeschoolers are smart, conversational and some of the most social kids you'll ever be around. In fact, it seems that homeschooled children tend to converse better than their counterpart as they are used to speaking to multiple different age groups. Topics covered in this episode include: 1. How modern homeschoolers don't fit the stigma of weird and isolated anymore 2. Things homeschoolers can get involved with in their community 3. Ideas and the truth surrounding modern homeschooling and why socialization is not the problem it once u...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing all my thoughts on the pros and cons of online homeschool classes. The truth, how they work and what to watch out for, its all in this episode! Want to learn more about documentation for homeschooling? listen to this episode: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/documentation-for-homeschoolers/ Learn about homeschooling high school here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/homeschooling-high-school/ Check out our curriculum picks for 25/26 here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/curriculum-picks-for-3rd-7th-9th-grades/ The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com More on how I plan here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/t...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, we're discussing different homeschooling styles. I don't fit the mold for any one homeschooling style and I don't think you should either; however, it' s great to understand different homeschooling philosophies out there. Here are a few topics covered in this episode: Charlotte Mason Homeschooling- Structured lessons in nature, art, reading, oral narration, writing, scripture, and Latin coupled with traditional subjects. A whole child education with a large variety of learning opportunities. Montessori Homeschooling- Child led, Adult guided, learning that fosters independence, self-direction and hands-on learning. Classical Homeschooling- This style builds yearly on different p...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing a quick Fall Homeschool Update! What we've been up to lately and how our Fall homeschool is going so far. Topics covered in this episode include: My episode: What we are ditching this year in our homeschool: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/what-we-are-ditching-in-our-homeschool-this-year/ My episode: Curricula picks for 3rd, 7th & 9th grades: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/curriculum-picks-for-3rd-7th-9th-grades/ Amys Art Table: my art site for free and paid Art curriculum options! https://amysarttable.com Making holidays and special occasions special in simple ways. For some more ideas check out this episode: h...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing how to create a positive home environment for your homeschoolers! You don't have to own a farm or a big house or even have a homeschooling room. What matters most is how you make your home loving, kind and fun for your kids! Topics covered in this episode include: Start with a clean slate! Get your house clean and organized! For more information on how to organize your homeschool check out this episode: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/learn-how-to-organize-your-homeschool-quick/ and this one: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/getting-organized-for-next-school-year/ Limit screentime!! For our screentime family r...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing a few things we are ditching this homeschool year. Now, entering year six of homeschooling and having kids in junior high and high school, times are changing and some things need to be reworked and put away. Find out what we're ditching this year and join in on the convo! Topics covered today include: Homeschool days that are too long! To find out more about how I plan listen here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/ Slowing down the pace of our read alouds. For more information on creating your own book s...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing all the reality about the tougher side of homeschooling. The side that requires determination, grit and the will to succeed. In this episode I will share what I believe are the hardest aspects of homeschooling and some tips on how I handle them. I hope you will join in on the conversation and can grab a few tips from my experience. Topics discussed on todays episode include: The feeling of not having a break and how to build in some time for yourself Balancing "it all" work, school, sports, friendships, marriage etc. C...

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing 10 easy homeschool hacks that might make your life and homeschool run smoother. Listen in as I share things I have learned that help my homeschool and family run smoother each week. Homeschool earlier in the day Set timers as needed Break up projects, For more info on large homeschool projects check out this episode: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/large-homeschool-projects-that-are-fun/ Focus on problem areas through one on one learning. For more info about struggling students check out this episode: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/how-to-help-a-struggling-reader-at-home/ Weekly chores Planning meals & curriculum on the weekends, for m...

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/