Homeschool Made Simple
Education & Explainer
About
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.
Episodes
- 315: Trusting God and Homeschooling Through Unexpected Difficulites
In this episode, Rachel Winchester and Becca Goodpaster discuss homeschooling through unexpected difficulties such as unemployment and transition. They share their family's journey, focusing on prioritizing family, leaning on faith, and se…
- 314: Great Books to Relearn American History as a Parent
In this episode, Rachel Winchester shares her method for relearning American history by reading various books. She highlights the importance of engaging stories and biographies in making history enjoyable and enriching for parents.
- 313: Thriving Teen Boys: Homeschooling with Strong Parent-Child Relationships
This episode features Rachel Winchester and David Arroyo discussing the benefits of homeschooling teen boys. They explore creating a distraction-free environment, nurturing strong parent-child relationships, and fostering a love of reading…
- 312: Transitioning Your Teenaged Girls From Childhood to Adulthood
Rachel Winchester and Chelsea Jacobs discuss navigating the teen years with flexibility and supporting emotional needs in homeschooling teen girls. They explore balancing academics, work, and service, and maintaining family traditions.
- 311: Older Children and the Power of the Family with Dr. Sears, Part 2
In this episode, Carole Joy Seid and Dr. William Sears discuss the evolving nature of attachment in older children, the importance of family culture, healthy discipline, and the role of grandparents. They also cover spiritual development,…
- 310: Attachment from the Womb: Dr. Sears’ Advice for Young Families, Part 1
Carole Joy Seid and Dr. William Sears discuss attachment parenting. They cover the science of attachment from the womb to toddlerhood, including practices like talking to unborn children, "the golden hour," and babywearing.
- 309: Managing Large Homeschool Families with Joy and Flexibility
This episode features Rachel's conversation with seasoned homeschool parents, Jason and Bre Kemp. They discuss strategies for managing a large homeschool family, prioritizing family dinners, finding community, and building lasting memories.
- 308: Fostering a Grace-Filled Educational Balance Through Work, Study, and Service
Rachel Winchester welcomes Jason and Bre Kemp, experienced homeschool parents, to Homeschool Made Simple. They discuss their family’s approach to homeschooling through work, study, and service, and how these experiences instill discipline…
- 307: Building a Love for Reading in Our Children
In this episode, JJ Seid discusses why a home filled with books is important for children's future. He provides research and encouragement for busy parents, highlighting reading as a powerful act of resistance in a screen-heavy world.
- 306: “I Read More Books in One Year Than My Entire Life”
Justin and Sissi Little discuss their journey to homeschooling, including their initial concerns and the benefits they found with the Homeschool Made Simple method. They also address the importance of community and outdoor activities for t…
- 305: Don’t Outsource High School! Build a Biblical Foundation and Launch Strong (Part 5 of 5)
This episode explores homeschooling high school, focusing on the parental role in shaping education, maintaining influence, and building a biblical foundation. It also covers preparing for college and navigating advanced courses.
- 304: Shaping Character and Faith During the Transitional Middle School Years (Part 4 of 5)
Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester discuss the transitional middle school years, focusing on shaping character and faith. They emphasize understanding developmental needs and fostering an environment that balances childhood and emerging…
- 303: When and How to Turn Up Academic Rigor- Homeschooling Elementary Children (Part 3 of 5)
Carole and Rachel discuss how to gradually introduce academic rigor to elementary-aged homeschoolers. They emphasize a "better late than early" approach, focusing on phonics, real-life math, handwriting, and reading aloud to build a love f…
- 302: Is There Such a Thing as Too Early? Homeschooling Preschool-Aged Children (Part 2 of 5)
This episode of Homeschool Made Simple discusses homeschooling preschool-aged children. It focuses on viewing preschool as a time for bonding, laying foundations for future success, and fostering a love for learning through work, service,…
- 301: What Exactly Is The Homeschool Made Simple Approach? (Part 1 of 5)
This episode explores the Homeschool Made Simple method, focusing on its research-based, interest-led, and literature-rich approach to homeschooling. It covers creating a customized curriculum and fostering a holistic educational environme…
- 300: Homeschooling to Higher Education: A Success Story
This episode celebrates 300 episodes with a success story from homeschool graduate, Sienna DeMoss, who discusses her educational experience from homeschooling to graduating from Liberty University. She shares insights on preparing children…
- 299: Confident Kids, Critical Thinkers: How Homeschooling Transformed the Cavin Family
The Cavin family discusses their transition from public school to homeschooling. They share their experiences, including what prompted the change, how they selected their homeschooling approach, and the positive effects observed in their c…
- 298: Is There A “Right” Way to Homeschool?
This episode features a discussion between Carole and Kristina about their experiences homeschooling. They talk about different homeschooling methods, trusting intuition, and the impact of selecting appropriate books for learning.
- 297: Spiritual Formation and Intellectual Curiosity- Lessons from C.S. Lewis
In this episode, Dr. Jerry Root shares stories about finding faith through reading C.S. Lewis. He discusses how Lewis's work contributes to spiritual formation and encourages fanning the flame of a child's curiosity through engaging with l…
- 296: Snuggle In for a Family Read-Aloud, Papa Panov’s Special Day
Carole presents a Christmas read-aloud of "Papa Panov's Special Day." The episode focuses on this special story for families.
- 295: Having a Mentor Can Make All the Difference in Homeschooling
Carole and veteran homeschool mom Kara Beck discuss the challenges and victories of homeschooling a large family. They explore tailoring education for each child and the insights gained from a mentoring relationship.
- 294: Cozy Up with Carole’s Christmas Classics
This episode of Homeschool Made Simple explores favorite Christmas books for families. It highlights the joy of reading stories with themes of love, compassion, and light during the Advent and Christmas seasons.
- 293: Discovering Jesus Through the Lives of Christians Who Came Before Us with Dr. Lyle Dorsett
In this episode, Dr. Lyle Dorsett and Carole Joy Seid discuss the role of biographies in helping children learn to live out their Christian faith.
- 292: Make Christmas Richer with Books, Experiences, and Service
Carole and Sonya Manson discuss homeschooling during the holidays. They cover adjusting routines, Advent traditions, Christmas books, and cultivating service with children.
- 291: Homeschool Made Simple’s Next Chapter
Rachel Winchester, Carole, and J. J. Seid share news about the next phase of their ministry, focusing on new opportunities and resources for parents. They discuss what this evolution means for their mission to serve and equip parents, incl…
- 290: Homeschool Moms CAN Make Time to Read For Themselves Every Day
Rachel Winchester talks about making time to read daily. She shares her routine for creating reading space, tips to avoid phone distractions, and book recommendations for stay-at-home moms.
- 289: Homeschooling Q&A: Dad Participation, Little Kid Distractions, and Navigating Screens
This episode from the archive features Rachel Winchester and Carole Joy Seid answering common homeschooling questions. They discuss practical ways for dads to participate, creative tips for distracting younger children, and a fresh perspec…
- 288: When 'I'm Bored' Becomes a Good Thing
This episode of Homeschool Made Simple explores the benefits of unplugging children from screens and fostering skills like silence, solitude, and creative engagement. The discussion includes practical advice on implementing family rest tim…
- 287: Reading the Classics with Christian Eyes in Our Modern World
Rachel Winchester and author Nadya Williams discuss her book, "Christians Reading Classics." They talk about the importance of studying ancient Greco-Roman literature and making classics less intimidating.
- 286: Why Author Elizabeth Goudge Belongs on Your Family Bookshelf
In this episode of Homeschool Made Simple, Carole Joy Seid discusses why Elizabeth Goudge’s books, such as "The Little White Horse" and "The Dean’s Watch," are recommended for family bookshelves due to their spiritual and uplifting stories.
- 285: Building Community and Contentment: Wendell Berry’s Books
This episode explores Wendell Berry's writings, including his novels, essays, and poetry. The discussion highlights Berry's themes of rural life, community, and contentment, particularly as portrayed in his fictional Port William, Kentucky.
- 284: Building Strong Memories Through Shared Bedtime Stories
This episode explores the impact of shared bedtime stories on family bonding, offering practical advice and book recommendations. Rachel and Jesse share their family's approach to reading together, aiming to help others incorporate this tr…
- 283: The Impact of AI on Learning and Literature: Concerns and Guardrails for Families
This episode of Homeschool Made Simple explores the impact of AI on learning and literature. Rachel Winchester and Rachel Reeves discuss how parents can navigate the integration of AI into their children's education, focusing on concerns a…
- 282: Must-Read Books for Boys and Equipping Books For Their Parents
J.J. Seid shares over 20 book recommendations that captivated him as a child and continue to captivate his sons. He also discusses his favorite resources on raising boys with Biblical principles of masculinity, including four parenting boo…
- 281: The Miraculous Power and Science of Reading Aloud
Carole discusses the scientific research on reading aloud and its impact on children's brain development and academic advantages for homeschooling families. She references "The Enchanted Hour" by Megan Cox-Gurdon, which explores the effect…
- 280: Why Outdoor Play and Strength Challenges Are Both Needed to Grow Strong Kids
This episode of Homeschool Made Simple explores the combination of outdoor play and strength training for children's development. The discussion includes the Olive Tree Pilates & Wellness Kids Strength Challenge program by Lauren Wilson.
- 279: Treasures of the Snow and Beyond: The Gift of Patricia St. John's Stories
This episode from Homeschool Made Simple features Patricia St. John, a Christian children's author. It includes a biographical sketch and recommendations for her books, such as "Treasures of the Snow" and "Star of Light."
- 278: Simple, Affordable Nature and Life Skill Projects with Curiosity Untamed’s Badge System
Kerry Cordy, founder of Curiosity Untamed, Frontier Girls, and Quest Clubs, joins Carole Joy Seid to discuss her badge-based, interest-led learning programs. These programs focus on hands-on discovery, outdoor activities, and character dev…
- 277: What’s On My Nightstand: Inspiring Books For You and Your Family
In this episode, host Carole Joy Seid discusses her current reading list, offering inspirations for both family read-alouds and individual reading. She highlights titles such as "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson and "Cry, the…
- 276: Why Your Family Needs Your Local Church to Be a Priority
Carole and Pastor Dean Inserra discuss the importance of local church involvement for families. They cover topics such as encouraging youth group participation, supporting pastors, and choosing a church community.
- 275: Encouraging Work, Reading Widely, and Other FAQs
Carole and J.J. answer common questions from their seminars regarding the Homeschool Made Simple method. They discuss topics such as using the method in single-parent households and aligning schedules.
- 274: Starting to Homeschool? Practical Steps to Planning Your Year & Daily Routine
This episode discusses practical steps for new homeschooling families, covering how to plan a school year and establish a daily routine. It also touches on various educational resources and tips for daily rest time.
- 273: How Dorothy Moore’s Practical Approach Transforms Homeschooling for Families
This episode features Carole Joy Seid reflecting on Dorothy Moore, a pioneer in American homeschooling. Seid discusses Moore’s practical strategies, such as building a strong daily routine and focusing on Bible, nature, and hands-on work,…
- 272: Why Do You Homeschool? The Real Benefits For Your Family
Carole and J.J. discuss the motivations and sustaining factors for homeschooling. They examine the “why” behind the decision to homeschool, for both new and experienced homeschooling families.
- 271: Transforming Your Home with a Loving Presence and Encouraging Words
Mellany Zepelak shares her experiences on how she transformed her home environment through speaking blessings and encouragement to her family, fostering a tone of empathy and encouragement.
- 270: The Gift of Margin When Life Feels Like Chaos
In this episode, Mellany Zepelak shares her experience with creating margin in homeschooling and family life. She discusses how downtime, a positive home environment, and embracing one's identity can improve family dynamics.
- 269: Home Anchors a Preschool Child’s Growth Through Intentional Rhythms
This episode discusses how a home environment can support a preschool child's development. The hosts share practical rhythms such as meaningful work, daily nature walks, and read-aloud time to nurture curiosity, habits, and character in yo…
- 268: Homeschooling with Books Really Works with Veteran Jennifer Stowe
Jennifer Stowe, a veteran homeschool mom with 27 years of experience, shares her journey and offers practical tips for homeschooling with books, embracing time outdoors, and documenting daily activities.
- 267: Embrace Simplicity to Build Strong Families
This episode of Homeschool Made Simple features Leila Lawler discussing practical approaches to building strong family bonds. Topics include managing holidays, finding rest, and prioritizing family connections.
- 266: "Tradition is a Bridge to the Past, a Foundation for the Future.” With Leila Lawler
In this episode, Leila Lawler discusses the importance of building family traditions and values. She shares how her experiences influenced her writings and explores the concept of collective memory within the home.