Homeschool Made Simple

Rachel Winchester and David Arroyo, a seasoned homeschool dad and board member, discuss the benefits of homeschooling teen boys, providing an environment free from distractions such as technology and negative peer influence. David shares his family's experiences, including how homeschooling helped his sons develop a genuine love of reading and how it strengthened their family relationships. David...

Are you homeschooling a teen girl? Rachel Winchester sits down with Chelsea Jacobs, a homeschool mom of three girls, to discuss how to navigate the teen years with flexibility. They explore how they balance academics, work, and service to help their teen girls thrive in whatever they do. Chelsea shares how she supports their emotional needs, encourages their unique passions, and maintains meaningf...

Carole Joy Seid continues to talk with her longtime friend and renowned pediatrician Dr William Sears, in part 2 of our three-part series. They discuss the evolving nature of attachment as children grow, the importance of family culture, healthy discipline, and the unique role grandparents can play in supporting both parents and grandchildren. Other topics they discuss: + investing time in the ear...

In part one of this special three-part series, Carole Joy Seid sits down with her longtime friend and author, Dr. William Sears, a leading voice in attachment parenting. They discuss the science and heart behind attachment—from the earliest days in the womb to toddlerhood and beyond. Learn how talking, singing, and even humming to your unborn child lays a foundation for lifelong bonding, and why p...

Today, in part two of Rachel’s conversation with seasoned homeschool parents, Jason and Bre Kemp unpack the real-life strategies behind managing their family of 7. You’ll hear how they prioritize meaningful family dinners, find community both inside and outside the homeschool world, and intentionally build lasting memories through serving and working together. Perfect for parents seeking practical...

Rachel Winchester welcomes Jason and Bre Kemp, experienced homeschool parents from California, to share their family’s journey with their five children. The conversation centers on fostering a balanced approach to education through the “three-legged stool” concept: work, study, and service. Jason and Bre discuss how they incorporate daily work and service into their children’s routines, including...

“The chores aren’t done…Should I really sit down to read?” In this excerpt from one of our in-person workshops, JJ Seid explains why a home filled with books matters more than wealth or degrees for your kids’ future. He discusses research and encouragement for busy parents, showing that reading is a powerful act of resistance in a screen-heavy world. Reading aloud, surrounding your kids with books...

The story of Justin and Sissi Little is sure to encourage you as you consider homeschooling. They share their paths of coming from divorced homes and public school to recognizing their need for Jesus then jumping into homeschooling. The Littles discuss their initial worries, their desire for their children to be outside, the role of community and seminars, and the freedom the Homeschool Made Simpl...

Are you homeschooling a high schooler or planning to? In this episode from the archive, 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, maintaining hands-on discipleship and influence while preparing your...

The 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 middle schoolers' developmental needs. Cultivating an environment where children are free to embrace both their lingering childhood tendencies and the emerging traits of independence and r...

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 slowly. Academics should build over time to prevent academic burnout. Carole and Rachel discuss integrating study, work, and service by...

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 s...

Are you looking to understand the Homeschool Made Simple method in a nutshell? In this episode from the archive, we explore the research-based, interest-led, and literature-rich approach to homeschooling. Learn how to create a customized curriculum that fits your family's unique needs. Embrace a holistic view of education that nurtures warm, loving homes and allows your children to pursue their in...

300 Episodes! We are celebrating you, our faithful listeners and homeschool community, for coming alongside us on this wonderful journey. In honor of 300, we want to celebrate a homeschool graduate! We love to hear from students who were homeschooled using our methods, because they are the most amazing people you will ever meet! In this archived episode, Carole sits with Sienna DeMoss who recently...

In this episode from the archives, The Cavins were your typical public school family until their oldest daughter started to experience difficulty in her math classes. After homeschooling now for four years, they share a few of the things they've learned and experienced in making this switch for their family. In this episode, you'll hear about: what prompted the Cavins to start homeschooling how th...

Do you ever find yourself looking for the ”right way to homeschool?” Sometimes we get swept up in doing what others are doing and then find ourselves frustrated with the results. But how do we develop confidence to do what's right for our family, even if it isn't what everyone else is doing? In this episode from the archive, Carole sits down with her long-time friend, Kristina, to talk about their...

In this episode from the archive, Dr. Jerry Root shares with Carole stories about his college days and finding faith by reading C.S. Lewis, the “author who opens more than wardrobe doors.” As we read Lewis, he leads us into portals of many other authors and books, especially old books. This week, we're discussing how reading Lewis's work spiritually forms us. Dr. Root also shares how he helps othe...

Grab a blanket and some hot chocolate for a Christmas read aloud with Carole and Papa Panov! Today Carole reads a very special story: Papa Panov's Special Day. RESOURCES + 9 Great Christmas Books for Children and Families + Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping! +Grab our FREE family library book list here + FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education +Attend one of...

In this episode from the archive, Carole sits down with Kara Beck, a veteran homeschool mom of eight, who shares her honest journey through decades of homeschooling. They discuss the real-life challenges and victories of homeschooling a large family. You'll hear how Kara Beck tailored education for each child, what she gleaned from her mentoring relationship with Carole, and how she taught her kid...

One of our favorite parts of the Advent and Christmas seasons is bringing out our favorite books to share as a family. It is so special to read these stories year after year and discover new books with themes of love, compassion, and light. We love how excited our kids get when they see their old friends once again. If you're looking for Christmas books, this episode is for you. RESOURCES + Click...

Biographies may be just what your child needs to learn how to live out their faith in Jesus in real life! In this episode from the archive Carole Joy Seid sits down with acclaimed author and historian Dr. Lyle W Dorsett. He discusses the role biographies can have as a supplement to the stories in the Bible, in deepening your walk. Join us! RESOURCES + Click here for a complete list of the biograph...

As we inch toward Thanksgiving and Christmas, life begins to ramp up a bit. You might be wondering if you have to stick your usual homeschool routines amidst all the activity of the holidays. In today’s episode, Carole talks with Sonya Manson about what their family of ten has done over the years of homeschooling during the holidays. Sonya shares how they focus on what matters most to their family...

Today, Rachel Winchester, Carole and J. J. Seid share some exciting news about the next phase of our ministry. We explain what this change means for our mission to serve and equip parents, but now with additional opportunities—more accessible resources, expanded seminars, and a succession plan that protects the heart of what we do. We’d love to have you join us! RESOURCES + https://homeschoolmades...

Rachel Winchester sits down to share with us how she MAKES time for reading enjoyable books for herself in spite of all the to-do’s that happen each day. She shares her daily routine of creating space in her day for reading plus some tips on how to resist the urge to pick up her phone. She also gives some great book recommendations that feed her curiosity and give her encouragement as a stay-at-ho...

In this episode from the archive, Rachel Winchester and Carole Joy Seid answer some of the most common questions from homeschooling families. They give practical ways to involve dads in family read-aloud time, including strategies for dads who may not feel confident about reading. Carole shares creative tips for keeping younger children occupied while homeschooling older siblings, such as using sp...