Homeschool Made Simple

In part 2 of our episode from the archive, we continue hearing from Missionary Betsy Hake. The conversation explores healing, leadership, and God’s work through the Jericho ministry in Honduras. Betsy shares how her illness led to deeper surrender, honest reflection, and a willingness to empower gifted leaders. She also tells the remarkable story behind her book, The Road to Jericho , and offers p...

Suffering and pain can be such a challenge in our lives. How do we approach the Lord when we face this? In this episode from our archive, Betsy Hake of Jericho Ministries shares how her trust in the Lord was strengthened through cancer treatments and God’s financial provision to pay for them. The little miracles along the way were signposts that God was using it for His purposes. Her daily relianc...

We haven’t heard what Carole has been reading in quite some time! She shares what she’s reading, including Irish fiction, a biography about Audrey Hepburn, Christian nonfiction, and books she enjoys with her grandchildren. She discusses books like This Is Happiness , The Anxious Generation , Shaking the Nickel Bush , and The End of the Affair , with reflections on family reading, faith, resilience...

What gives parents the right to homeschool, and are those rights permanent? The discussion today with HSLDA Lawyer Amy Buchmeyer explores the legal history of homeschooling, recent threats to our homeschooling freedom, and simple ways families can get involved. Learn how to check your state’s requirements, track legislation, and get support through HSLDA. Join us to learn why advocating for homesc...

History is everywhere, but children don’t have to learn it as a dry timeline. Rachel’s conversation with Kendyll Keene offers a thoughtful look at homeschooling with history through stories, museums, historical fiction, family traditions, and the experiences of ordinary people. Kendyll’s shares why she loves history so deeply and they talk about historical nuance, asking better questions, consider...

What does a homeschool graduate appreciate about their upbringing? Rachel Winchester sits down with Kendall Keene’s to hear about her experiences being homeschooled from third grade through high school. Homeschooling gave her freedom to pursue ballet, teaching, reading, cooking, and travel while allowing her siblings to develop their own interests. Kendall describes how daily life together strengt...

Does the atmosphere in our home have a long-term impact on our children? In this episode from our archive, Mellany Zepelak continues the conversation with Carole Joy Seid about cultivating an encouraging atmosphere in the home through intentional words and actions. Parents play a powerful role in modeling kindness and blessing, which children then emulate among themselves. Children often view thei...

Homeschooling and family life can drain the life out of us. How do we maintain a right attitude and perspective in our families for the long haul? In an episode from the archive, Carol talks with consulting client Mellany Zepelak about how learning to create margin in her life and receive God's love has transformed her family life. They discuss how adding personal downtime, encouraging a positive...

Rachel Winchester returns, joined by Kara Beck and Linda Sarna, in this episode to discuss the role of reading in their journeys as homeschooling moms. They share how their love of literature evolved through different seasons of motherhood and affirm the deep value that fiction and narrative hold in their personal growth. They get practical by sharing ways to choose books, whether through planning...

In this episode, Rachel Winchester sits down with Kara Beck and Linda Sarna to discuss their experiences with being in a “Well-Read Mom” group. They discuss some of the highs and lows of the books they read this year from the theme “The Year of the Teacher.” To hear more about the concept of the Well-Read Mom book groups, listen to Episode 262. Between the snacks, good conversations, and lots of i...

Do you want your kids to love music (and make joyful memories together)? In this episode from the archive, Carole shares relaxed and creative ways to add classical music to your homeschool—no stuffy lessons or stress required! This episode is chock-full of resources and easy tips for composer study, favorite books, sing-alongs, bible verses set to music, and a balanced idea of when to start formal...

Do you want your child to develop a love of art? This episode from the archive shares doable ways to make art a natural part of your homeschool routine. The discussion explores how to spot good art, some must-have book picks, and why quality matters—even when you’re on a budget. Learn about resources from classic children’s art books to tips for visiting museums and setting up a creative space at...

You know we say “better late than early” in our method. In this episode, Carole and Rachel focus on why it’s actually better to delay formal handwriting work, especially for boys, and how following your child’s developmental cues can make learning much more enjoyable. One concept discussed was using fun, hands-on activities and a simple, artistic approach, like the Getty-Dubay Italic method, to bu...

Not sure how to make math work in your homeschool? This episode is packed with down-to-earth advice for keeping math simple, not starting too early, and helping your kids enjoy it! Several points were raised, including using games and daily routines to build math skills naturally, plus an honest look at popular programs like CTC Math and Right Start Math. If you want your kids to love math—and you...

Psalty has been a staple in some Christian families for decades. Carole and Rachel discuss the depth that the Psalty albums provide for growing our children’s faith for the long haul. They discuss the themes in each album and other music that have shaped JJ and her grandchildren. They talk about practical ways that encourage kids to reach for Psalty. Your young child will be enchanted by Psalty, s...

In part 2 of Rachel’s conversation with homeschool mom of 4, Hanni Go shares her journey of breaking free from the pressure of following other homeschooling families. She has chosen to value relationships and nurturing her children over the academic rigor that others might expect. Carole’s proven teaching methods and the example of the many families who have used them have encouraged Hanni to ditc...

In this episode from the archive, Rachel Winchester talks with Hanni Go, a homeschooling mom of 4, about searching for a fresh homeschool perspective that helped revitalize their family dynamic. Hanni talks us through the balancing act between nurturing relationships and academic pursuits. Though it took some time for her to fully buy into the Homeschool Made Simple method, she now sees the benefi...

In the second part of our conversation with Lovely Bits Magazine writer and homeschool mom, Nicole Brignolle, we discuss the value of curiosity, connecting with local history, and seeing beauty in everyday life—not just chasing big, expensive adventures. We discuss the importance of rereading trusted classics, resisting performance-driven schooling, and nurturing each child’s uniqueness. Plus, we...

In this episode, we talk with Nicole Brignolle, a former New Yorker now homeschooling in rural Tuscany. Her family's unexpected relocation led to a refreshing shift away from over-scheduled days and performance-based learning. They found freedom in using our literature-based approach by prioritizing margin, creativity, and following the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This episode is filled with helpful m...

In the last of our series with Dr. Sears, he shares lots of practical ways to work wellness into your family life for raising healthy, resilient teenagers through intentional nutrition, sleep, and screen habits. Dr. William Sears shares insights into the science of sleep for brain health and the revolutionary concept of Neuro-Theology—how faith and neuroscience work together for each person's well...

We welcome back Chelsea Jacobs from Yellow House Story Shop to discuss the realities and rewards of homeschooling a child with special needs. Chelsea honestly shares her family’s journey, including the adoption of her son Gabe from Rwanda, his cerebral palsy diagnosis, and the everyday joys and challenges of homeschooling alongside complex medical needs and other neurotypical children. With 14 yea...

Part 2 of 2: Some families feel like they need to supplement with more academic work as they also use the Homeschool Made Simple’s method. But Carole’s conversation with Chris and Anna Clont can encourage you to settle in and watch the fruit appear using this simple method. Begin with the end in mind! The Clonts share how attending Carole’s seminars not only recalibrates and inspires them each yea...

Part 1 of 2: Some families feel like they need to supplement with more academic work as they also use the Homeschool Made Simple’s method. But Carole’s conversation with Chris and Anna Clont can encourage you to settle in and watch the fruit appear using this simple method. Begin with the end in mind! The Clonts share how attending Carole’s seminars not only recalibrates and inspires them each yea...

How do you continue homeschooling when life gets hard? Rachel Winchester sits down with Becca Goodpaster to share her family’s journey through unemployment and transition. They prioritized family, leaned on the Lord, and were willing to share their struggles with their community, who helped tremendously. If you’re experiencing a crisis or change, this episode offers hope and practical wisdom for r...

Are you a homeschool parent feeling unsure about teaching history because you don’t know as much about it as you would like? In this episode, Rachel Winchester shares how she began re-learning American history on her own by reading great books. She discusses the importance of approaching history through engaging stories and biographies, and that learning history can be enjoyable and deeply enrichi...