The Homeschool Perspective

Did we do enough this year? It’s the question homeschool moms ask on repeat this time of year. The planner pages are worn. The workbooks have taken a beating. Somewhere between co-op performances, nature walks, and math meltdowns, the whole year feels like a blur. But maybe there’s a better question to ask at the end of a homeschool year: What would be in your homeschool highlight reel? Why Checkb...

As parents, we want to raise kids who can sift through the noise, recognize bias, and think for themselves. But where do we even begin? Teaching critical thinking isn’t about handing kids a set of opinions—it’s about giving them the tools to analyze, question, and reason their way through complex issues. Thankfully, there are fantastic resources to help guide us in this process, and today, we’re d...

In today’s world, we have access to more information than ever before—but that doesn’t mean we’re more informed. Between headlines designed to provoke, social media soundbites, and a constant flood of opinions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, confused, and even manipulated. As homeschool parents, one of our greatest responsibilities is to raise kids who can think critically, ask strong questions, a...

We’re diving into a topic that goes far beyond the kitchen in this episode—it's about building confidence, nurturing curiosity, and giving our kids the life skills they need to thrive. This week we introduce Katie Kimball, a powerhouse mom of four, two-time TEDx speaker, and creator of the Kids Cook Real Food e-course—named the best online cooking class for kids by none other than The Wall Street...

Shortcut? As we've already discussed in a previous episode, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to the realms of science fiction . It’s woven into our everyday lives, from our cars and home assistants to search engines and even homeschool curricula. But as AI becomes more sophisticated, homeschool families face a pressing question: Is AI a powerful tool to enhance learning, or is it...

AI & Homeschooling: A New Era of Learning or a Dangerous Shortcut? Artificial Intelligence is no longer the futuristic dream of sci-fi movies—it’s here, shaping the way we live, work, and even homeschool. From voice assistants that help with conversions while cooking to AI-powered writing tools, it’s clear that this technology is woven into our daily lives in ways both subtle and transformative. B...

Sickness is inevitable in every family, but for homeschooling moms, it brings a unique set of challenges. How do you juggle the responsibilities of educating your kids, managing a household, and taking care of yourself when illness hits? Whether it’s a short-term bug or a long-term health condition, we're sharing practical tips and encouragement to keep your homeschool running—even when life feels...

A Homeschool Renaissance: Embracing the Opportunities of 2025 As 2025 begins, homeschooling families everywhere are taking a collective deep breath and looking forward to what this year might hold. The rapid growth of homeschooling in recent years has brought innovation, transformation, and no small amount of chaos. But as the dust settles, this year is shaping up to be one of intention, connectio...

The holiday season often brings a mix of joy, nostalgia, and (let’s be real here) overwhelm . For homeschooling families, the challenges of gift-giving can sometimes feel as complex as planning next semester’s curriculum. How do we balance meaningful gifting with the reality of cluttered homes and overstimulated children? On this episode of The Homeschool Perspective , Lisa, Rachel, and Ally share...

As the holiday season approaches, many homeschooling families know that conversations with relatives can quickly turn to questions about their education choices. So, how do we respond when someone just doesn’t understand why we homeschool? We’ve all been there. In the early years, every sideways comment or unsolicited opinion can feel like a personal smackdown. Now, with more years of experience,...

When you think of “play,” do you imagine toddlers stacking blocks or children running around a playground? While those are classic examples, play is much more than a childhood pastime. It’s an essential, lifelong tool for learning, connection, and growth. Whether your child is exploring the world as a toddler or preparing to graduate, play is a cornerstone of their development—and, surprisingly, a...

The holidays are around the corner, and with them comes a mix of magic and mayhem, especially when you’re homeschooling. Between the holiday traditions, family gatherings, and that undeniable urge to make memories that will last, it’s easy to wonder: how do you keep your homeschool rhythm alive while fully embracing the season? Homeschooling through December doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. It’s...

Gathering the whole family for learning can sound like a big challenge, but as Pam Barnhill, award-winning educator and homeschool mom of three, explains, it doesn’t have to be. In a recent chat on *The Homeschool Perspective* podcast, Pam shared her journey from public school teacher to homeschool mom and how her approach to family learning grew out of necessity—and a little bit of trial and erro...

In the ever-expanding world of homeschooling, one topic continues to spark both interest and debate—funding. With a growing number of families choosing non-traditional education paths, the availability of public funds, such as through online charter programs or Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), has opened new doors. But along with these new opportunities comes a set of important questions and pot...

The beginning of a new homeschool year is full of excitement—fresh curriculum, eager kids, and high energy. But what happens when the "honeymoon phase" starts to fade? In this episode, we dive into how to navigate the ups and downs of homeschooling once the initial excitement wears off. We share practical tips on avoiding burnout, from scheduling intentional breaks to building strong connections w...

As homeschooling options expand, so do the types of materials available. Should you stick to one path, or is it okay to mix and match? Join Ally, Lisa, and Rachel as they unpack how to define secular and faith-neutral resources, explore whether secular curriculum is truly neutral, and discuss how to raise critical thinkers by exposing children to a variety of perspectives. Whether you're new to ho...

Is there a right way to homeschool? Join us in this enlightening episode of The Homeschool Perspective as we dive into one of the most debated topics in the homeschooling community—do you really need to pick a specific homeschooling method or style to be successful? We discuss popular methods like Charlotte Mason, Classical, Montessori, and unschooling, and explore whether you can mix and match to...

In this episode of The Homeschool Perspective, Lisa, Ally, and Rachel tackle an issue parents have long debated: should kids be well-rounded or specialize in their passions? Drawing from personal experiences, they discuss the pros and cons of both approaches, with some very different perspectives coming out. From sports to academics and the arts, they explore if it\'s possible to support children\...

Get ready to dive into a fresh episode of The Homeschool Perspective that will make you rethink everything about setting goals for your homeschool year. Are you the meticulous planner or do you roll with the punches? Join us as we uncover the magic behind setting meaningful, stress-free goals with your kids. From hilarious family moments to practical tips, we’ll show you how to create a growth-ori...

Many homeschooling parents worry about their ability to teach math, especially if they had negative experiences with the subject themselves. In our latest episode of The Homeschool Perspective, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jessica Kaminski, an expert in Singapore Math with over 16 years of experience. Jessica\'s impressive background includes contributing to key math resources and trai...

In this episode of The Homeschool Perspective, Ally, Rachel, and Lisa reveal their must-have homeschool supplies that transform everyday teaching into an exciting adventure. From essential items to unexpected gems, they share their secrets for a smoother, more enjoyable homeschool experience. Plus, discover creative ways to make learning fun with tools like sidewalk chalk and board games that snea...

Morning Baskets are something many homeschool families love...but they may not be right for your homeschool. Join us as we dive into how this flexible, enriching homeschool practice and explore if indeed it can fit any family\'s routine. Listen to your hosts and explore how you may want to approach this potential addition to your homeschool routine and how to determine if it\'s a good fit for you.

Struggling with how to plan your homeschool year? Wondering if you really need a meticulously detailed plan to succeed? In our latest episode of The Homeschool Perspective, we dive into the art and science of homeschool planning, revealing a spectrum of strategies that cater to different needs and personalities.

Welcome to an exciting episode of The Homeschool Perspective! In this special installment, your hosts welcome their very first guest, the amazing Colleen Kessler! Colleen is a veteran homeschooling mom, author, speaker, and the creator of The Learner\'s Lab, a vibrant community dedicated to supporting bright and quirky kids. In this episode, Colleen shares her inspiring journey from being a gifted...

Ever wondered what true freedom in education looks like? In this Independence Day special of The Homeschool Perspective, hosts Rachel Figg, Lisa Yvonne, and Ally Adair-Chung reveal the liberating power of homeschooling. From the joy of designing flexible schedules that fit your family’s unique rhythm to the deep bonds formed through personalized learning experiences, discover how homeschooling off...