Homeschool Made Simple

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 st...

Are you looking to understand the Homeschool Made Simple method in a nutshell? In this episode, 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 interests und...

Are you looking to enrich your family’s movie nights with classic films? Join us for a fabulous list of timeless cinematic masterpieces that captivate, educate, and inspire your children.  Carole Joy Seid shares her “must-see” list of classic films. From the captivating storytelling of legendary director Frank Capra to the timeless appeal of films like "Mister Smith Goes to Washington" and "T...

There are fabulous books whose characters come alive for our children, and in essence, become their best friends. Carole’s favorite illustrator and author, Lois Lenski is one of the most important in children’s literature! In this episode from the archives, Carole share the delight that is in Lois Lenski’s books. RESOURCES Shop for Lois Lenski books from our friends at Yellow House Story Shoppe Or...

In this episode from our archive, Carole Joy Seid shares the best children’s books to build your home library.  Many families have asked Carole to help them find out how to systematically build a library of books they actually want to keep. The books she shares in this episode are from her own bookshelves, and they are the ones you don't want to let your children leave home without reading. W...

Are you looking for peace in homeschooling? Quieting the voices, listening to the research, and following a plan that works for your family is the path to peace in homeschooling. Another way to gain peace is by hearing the stories of those who have gone before us. Learning from the experiences of others is one of the great benefits of homeschooling-what worked and what didn't!  Carole speaks...

In this episode Carole Joy Seid is joined by Greta Eskridge, a homeschooling mom of four and author of two books, "Adventuring Together" and "100 Days of Adventure." Greta shares her personal experiences of how spending time in nature has transformed her relationship with her children, her faith, and her family as a whole. They discuss the impact of Christian camping, personal...

Are you looking for some great movie recommendations for your family's next movie night? Look no further! Carole Joy Seid shares a treasure trove of timeless and fun movie suggestions for family movie nights, catering to all age groups from young children to teens. Carole talks about the importance of choosing movies that are not only entertaining but also possess redemptive and character-bui...

Do you ever wonder what's on Carole's nightstand? In this episode, Carole Joy Seid shares a wealth of book recommendations for building your family library, including Church History resources, American History books, and a collection of captivating picture books. She highlights the children’s church history books by Luke H Davis, a comprehensive book on American History by Wilfred M McCl...

If you want to raise spiritually deep, physically strong, and relationally connected kids, this episode is for you. In this episode, we’re hearing from two teens who went to Coldwater over the last two summers. Thomas and Caroline frykman share their experience and how they benefited from their time at Coldwater. *As of February 2024, Coldwater still has some openings in their trips for older stud...

As parents we often wonder how to best prepare our kids for real life. They won’t always be under our roof, so how do give them the tools and courage they need to go out into the world in strength? One of the keys ways we have seen kids develop incredible fortitude and spiritual depth is through outdoor experiences. Our friends at the Coldwater Foundation provide wilderness journeys for kids 12 an...

Have you ever considered how a simple conversation could ignite a journey of faith and transformation? In this episode, Carole talks with Dr. Jerry Root on the topic of evangelism. Dr. Jerry Root shares his early days of faith-sharing, the unavoidable mistakes made along the way, and the profound realization that love and forgiveness are at the core of the Christian message. His personal anecdotes...

Does history have to be stuffy and staunch or could it actually be enjoyable?!  We are revisiting an episode from earlier in the podcast, because everyone needs to be freshly inspired to enjoy homeschooling! Laura Baker, a veteran homeschool mom, shares how the literature she read with her two kids sparked their creativity and brought history to life!  In this episode, you'll hear about:  How...

In our milestone 200th episode, Carole Joy Seid is joined by her son, J.J. Seid. They talk about how they'd answer the question "Why homeschool?"  In this episode, you'll hear:  why homeschooling is a good idea the place of reading and boredom in homeschooling the joy of outdoor exploration teaching children the importance of nature why work is essential to a great education ho...

Do you ever wonder what's on Carole's nightstand?! In this episode, Carole shares what she's been reading lately which includes a lot of WWII, immigrant experiences, and more.  RESOURCES Looking for a book mentioned in this episode? Find the full list on our website . Listen to more nightstand episodes here . Hear more about Lois Lenski in episode 153. Get our FREE book list . Get C...

A lot of families are looking for great movies when they have that time set apart for a family movie night. You might not be aware of some of the beautiful films that will imprint your children with the very best stories! In this episode, Carole shares 19 family-friendly movies based on great books. Your family is going to love these! Have a idea or question you want to hear about on the podcast?...

In this episode, Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester talk to their pilates instructor, Lauren Wilson, about how to create a culture of wellness in our homes. Lauren shares her expertise in removing the overwhelm of health with her virtual workouts so that we can focus on what matters most.  You'll hear about:  Taking care of mom so she can take care of everyone else The problem with aesthet...

What does it look like to meet with God in the morning?  In this episode, Carole shares her own pattern for spending time each morning reading the Bible and in prayer.  We hope this becomes something you do yourself each day and teach your children to do as well. You'll hear about:  A prayer to pray before reading the Bible Write down the scriptures to meditate on them throughout the day  The...

When Carole was a brand new Christian, one of her pastors taught her, "Don't let your feet touch the ground in the morning before you have met with God!" Over the years she's tried different ways of having a quiet time, and in this episode she shares the tools that help her most.  We hope to help you have your own practice of meeting with God each day! You'll hear about: ...

In this episode, we are returning to part two of Carole’s conversation with Dan and Kara Beck. If you missed part one, be sure to go back and listen to that. The Becks share encouragement for homeschooling for the long haul. You'll hear about:  The character development the Becks see in their children Different resources Kara used to teach her children the Bible Two trends Carole sees in larg...

In this episode, Carole talks with Dan and Kara Beck, parents to eight children. They’ve graduated half of their children with three left to go. They share the challenges that come with the long homeschooling journey, and how they’re working to finish well. You'll hear about:  How a liturgical lifestyle sustains them  What's different about when they started homeschooling and what motiva...

We have a special read aloud treat for you today! Every so often, Carole likes to share a favorite book with listeners. As Christmas fast approaches, Carole reads a very special story: Papa Panov's Special Day. Gather your children around, make some hot cocoa, and enjoy this beautiful story! RESOURCES Get our FREE book list to help you build your family's home library 9 Great Christmas Books for C...

Great books have the power to change the course of our lives, but it isn't always easy to find the very best books! Our friend at the Yellow House Story Shoppe is working to change that!  Chelsea Jacobs and her husband, Mark, attended and hosted many Dallas seminars over the last decade as they homeschooled their children. In the last few years, Chelsea opened a book shop offering timeless ta...

In this episode, Carole talks again with Betsy Hake of Jericho Ministries. If you missed part one of this conversation be sure to go back to episode 189. We hope your faith is strengthened by hearing Betsy’s story! If you enjoy hearing from Betsy, be sure to connect with her at jerichoministries.org . You can learn more about the ministry, sponsor a child, and even get Betsy’s book!  RESOURCE...

As we thought about what to share with you around Thanksgiving, we wanted to bring back a guest who has been on the podcast before. Carole interviewed her friend Betsy Hake back in episodes 17 and 18 about her ministry in Honduras called Jericho Ministries. Betsy is back to share an update on Jericho and encourage us with how God has carried her through difficult tests over the last few years. Cli...