Chattin' With CHAP

Join CHAP's own Stephen LaSpina as he speaks with Dr. Roger and Jan Smith on the inaugural episode of CHAP Unscripted! This short conversation offers so much wisdom on marriage and homeschooling. Are you feeling like you're in the trenches? Do you need grace for the moment? Perhaps you're nearing the home stretch in your homeschooling journey. Whatever the season, be informed and encou...

Standardized testing is often a source of anxiety and confusion. It doesn't have to be that way! Join Ro as she interviews Jean Burk of College Prep Genius in a conversation that dispels the myths surrounding standardized testing and discusses pathways toward college scholarship opportunities. This episode brings clarity to the what and how of standardized test prep, as well as the WHY—whether...

Memories bring joy to our hearts, a smile to our faces, and sometimes a tear to our eyes. Join Ginger and Sara as they chat about some of their homeschool memories, but also encourage you in training your children for the future. What we're doing as homeschool parents is Kingdom work, and it is the most important thing you will ever do! Chattin' with CHAP is a series of informational podca...

Today Ro sits down with homeschool veteran Joyce Burges, author of Teach Me How to Teach My Child and co-founder of National Black Home Educators. You won't want to miss the straightforward, time-tested wisdom, grit, and clarity that shine through this heartfelt conversation. Whether you're beginning your homeschooling journey, finding your footing in the messy middle of life, or passing o...

Today is a special episode! Mary Ann Eagleson, former CHAP board member and friend and mentor to Ginger is on the show. Together they discuss homeschool freedom in the state of Pennsylvania and how CHAP was created and grew in response to the need of homeschoolers throughout the early years of legal homeschooling. They recall that those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it and encour...

Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs), school vouchers, tax credits—if you've heard these terms tossed around but aren't quite sure what they mean for your family, you're not alone. As school choice programs continue to expand across the country, many homeschooling families are wondering how these options work, who qualifies, and what accepting funding could mean for their educational fr...

Today is law review day! Tune in for an explanation about all the homeschool law paperwork. Ginger covers it all: affidavits, unsworn declarations, objectives, medical/dental/immunizations, AND compulsory age information. If you're unsure about the paperwork to start homeschooling in PA, this is your episode! Listen in and share it with all your friends who have the same questions! Chattin&#39...

For many homeschooling parents, some of the hardest decisions aren’t about curriculum—they’re about calling. How do you balance preparing your children for college, careers, athletics, and other opportunities while keeping their hearts focused on what matters most for eternity? In this conversation, Ralph shares lessons from his own formative years, reflects on the cultural and legal battles he wi...

AI is everywhere. You can't avoid it. Many of us are using it and don't even realize it. And it's not going to go away. How do we approach AI in our everyday living? In homeschool? Join Ginger and Nancy Manos as they discuss AI and consider how homeschool families should approach this tool. Gain insight and guidance in developing your own philosophy toward AI and how you can discuss it...

Is Latin really worth your time—or is it an outdated subject with little practical value in today’s world? In this episode, Ro takes an honest look at one of the most debated topics in education. From the claim that Latin is a “dead language” to the argument that it’s one of the most powerful tools for developing strong thinkers, we unpack both sides. We also address the real concerns—time, releva...

Get the Law Low-down: Withdrawing from public school, relocating to a new district, & understanding the private tutor law plus reminders about graduation and planning for senior year. Chattin' with CHAP is a series of informational podcasts designed to equip and encourage families on their homeschooling journeys. CHAP is the Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania and has provided...

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the conversation around freedom, education, and parental rights has never been more important. In this powerful episode, Zan Tyler, one of the nation's pioneering homeschool advocates, explores the cultural, legal, and educational battles taking place behind the scenes—many of which families may not fully see or understand. Zan shares the remarkable...

Part of being a citizen is understanding your role and fulfilling it. Today, Ginger chats with Joyelle Stoltzfus, wife and mother in one of the families that filed a lawsuit against the ELANCO school district last year. Joyelle has a message to share: be prepared as a citizen, stand up for your rights, and model this behavior for your children so they know what to do in the future. You're not...

“Our Constitution was not designed to erase religion from American life; it was designed to ensure ‘respect and tolerance.’” – Justice Gorsuch, Concurring Opinion in Shurtleff v. City of Boston (2022) Join Ro as she explores and celebrates our Constitutional rights with Hal Shurtleff, founder of Camp Constitution and plaintiff in the Supreme Court case Shurtleff v. City of Boston. In this episode...

Today Ginger chats with Rep. Tom Jones about Pennsylvania and how we can preserve the vital and important Keystone state. Their conversation meanders all around, encompassing many questions including: What is a republic?, How to we preserve it?, and What is the role of the regular person in maintaining this amazing state with which God blessed all of us through William Penn? Join Ginger and Tom fo...

Join this energetic conversation as Ro and former homeschooler and Mandarin teacher Rudi Laoshi explore the benefits of learning Mandarin. We’ll unpack why it matters, how it supports cognitive growth and global readiness, and simple ways to begin integrating it into your child’s learning journey. Whether you’re just curious or already teaching Mandarin at home, you’ll leave encouraged, equipped,...

Join Ginger & Ro as they unpack everything from this year's homeschool convention! From inspiring keynote sessions and meaningful conversations with fellow homeschool families to exciting curriculum discoveries and emerging trends, we're sharing our biggest takeaways and favorite moments. Whether you attended the convention or couldn't make it this year, you'll come away with f...

Join Ginger as she reviews summertime deadlines for end-of-year evaluation paperwork and new school year filing. You don't want to miss these important insights as you wrap up your school year and prepare for the next. Looking for the sample objectives Ginger mentioned in this video? Access them and so much more at https://homeschoolpennsylvania.org/index.php/knowledgebase/objectives/ Chattin&...

Today Ginger and Sara reflect on Romans 12:12, this year's convention theme. Life is full of opportunities to Rejoice in Hope, Be Patient in Affliction, and Persistent in Prayer. Homeschooling is not for the faint of heart, but there is a whole community of homeschoolers out there just waiting to support you in your journey! Listen in for encouragement, a touch of "I'm not the only on...

Join Sara as she brings you the last Convention Corner 2026. We are ONE WEEK AWAY from Convention and feeling excited! Check out these last minute reminders about the Used Curriculum Sale, volunteering opportunities, and registration at the door. We hope to see you there! Learn more at https://conv.chaponline.com/ Find valuable resources at https://www.chaponline.com Donate to support CHAP in the...

What is thrift schooling? What about homesteading? Join Ro as she talks to Heather Vogler, a thrift schooling homesteading mom with a heart for sharing her experiences and teaching others to thrive. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting to explore, this discussion is packed with real-life insights, practical ideas, and encouragement. We talk about how to create a rich learnin...

Join Sara as she brings you Convention Corner 2026 episode #9! Convention is almost here, and in this episode Sara shares important reminders. Check it out and get excited about all the awesome opportunities to learn and connect at this year's Convention! Want to know more about Convention? https://conv.chaponline.com/ Register for Convention at https://brushfire.com/chaponline/2026convention/...

Today's convention corner is all about the Used Curriculum Sale! This is one of the most popular parts of the CHAP convention each year. Tune in for information on how to be a seller and what the schedule will be for buyers (volunteers get first dibs!). For more information and to register for the convention, go to: https://conv.chaponline.com/ Donate to support CHAP in the endeavor to encoura...

Today Ginger has chats with special friends from the homeschool leadership community, Dr. Roger and Jan Smith. Roger and Jan will be speaking at the CHAP convention in June, focusing on their passion of marriage and parenting. Listen in to their deeply heart-felt message for the homeschool family, including dads: the all-important glue of the homeschool family. For more information and to register...

Thinking about attending a homeschool convention but not sure if it’s worth the time, travel, and cost? In this episode, Ro breaks down the real benefits of these gatherings—from hands-on curriculum exploration and exclusive discounts to workshops that equip parents and inspire fresh ideas. We’ll also dive into the power of community and connection, how conventions can energize your homeschool jou...