Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool

Hey there! In today's solo voice note episode, I dive into the concept of backwards planning—starting with your end goals and planning backwards to ensure success. Whether you're planning for a day, week, or the entire school year, this approach helps keep you focused and on track. I'll walk you through my process of visioning the end of the school year and how it guides me in making curriculum de...

Join my conversation with Janelle, a dynamic homeschool mom of three young children. Discover her unique approach to homeschooling using a hybrid model that combines in-person schooling with home education. Janelle shares her family's routine, organizational tips, and secrets for balancing homeschooling with multiple part-time jobs. We also talked about the importance of socialization, forming sup...

In this episode, I talk about the unique challenges and reflections from my first year of homeschooling with a kindergartner and an infant who eventually grew into a curious toddler. Despite moving homes and the inevitable chaos of juggling a newborn and homeschooling, I share practical tips and strategies that helped us navigate this journey. From the ease of homeschooling with a three-month-old...

[FREE] Join the Summer Prep Series Hey there! Welcome back to Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool. This super quick bonus episode was recorded from my bed, and I'm racing the clock before the baby wakes up! Tomorrow is the beginning of my summer prep series, and if you need to get ready for the school year like I do, join me! I'll be diving into organizing, curriculum planning, and setting u...

In this episode of Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool Podcast, I'm thrilled to chat with Erica Johns, a seasoned homeschool mom who has homeschooled her six children for 24 years. Erica shares her journey from starting homeschooling in the late '90s to managing a busy household with six children, including times of crisis and shifting educational paths. We discuss important topics like eval...

In this voice note, I explore the role of state or local education departments in providing support to homeschooling families. Based on responses from Facebook groups, I discuss the mandatory reviews required in our state to ensure educational standards and the community's mixed feelings on whether the government should offer additional support, such as funding or workshops. I delve into the pros...

🧮 Grab your copy of Math With Confidence Welcome back to Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool! In this episode, I share my experiences and thoughts on using the Kindergarten Math with Confidence curriculum during our school year and summer learning. I share why we stuck with it for a whole year and highlight the curriculum's strengths. I also discuss how the curriculum uses engagement method...

✅ Grab my free Weekly Planning checklist ! 📚Start Planning using my Homeschool For Freedom Planner ! Welcome back to Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool, recorded on the go as I share my opinion about the importance of planning in homeschooling! As a former principal and teacher, planning is second nature to me. In this episode I talk about why I plan our homeschool schedule, the benefits...

In this episode of Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool, I share a personal story about teaching my five-year-old son how to swim, which led me to reflect on broader teaching principles. I recount his initial struggles and fears with swimming lessons and how he eventually overcame them with the right support and tools. This experience reminded me of the importance of taking things slow, givin...

In this voice note from a morning walk, I discuss the recent assessment my son took, why I chose to have him take it, and how he performed. As a former principal and teacher, I shared my opinion on the importance of familiarizing my son with tests for his future education and ensuring he's on track with his skills. I chose the NWEA MAP test for its adaptability and comprehensive reports. Despite t...

In this voice note, I discuss how I balance homeschooling my boys and managing a freelance project management business. I outline my typical weekly routine, which involves dedicating Tuesdays to client meetings with the help of a babysitter, and fitting work around homeschooling and family time on other days. Today, our babysitter couldn't come, so I adapted by using screen time and a new hack and...

In this voicenote, I share insights into our summer homeschool approach, which I call 'light learning,' to combat summer slide by focusing on reading, writing, and math. I outline the resources and methods we use, like Hooked on Phonics and Handwriting Without Tears, and emphasize maintaining a balance between educational activities and outdoor fun. I conclude by inviting you to share your summer...

📓 Grab my Homeschool For Freedom planner to start planning your homeschool goals for the next school year. In this episode of 'Voice Notes from The Organized Homeschool,' I discuss my reflections during the second week of the 75 Hard Challenge. I share my experience with the challenge's requirements and my decision to prioritize lifestyle changes over perfect adherence to the rules. The book 'Be...

✅ Grab my FREE Weekly Planning Checklist - https://stan.store/theorganizedhomeschool/p/get-my-free-weekly-planning-checklist-now Introduction to Voicenotes from the Organized Homeschool with Erica Harrell In this inaugural episode, Erica Harrell introduces herself and her new homeschooling podcast. She shares her background as a former teacher and principal, her journey into homeschooling her two...