Homeschool Made Simple

As our culture shifts and time goes on, it can be tough to find the great books we most love. Prepare yourself for a wonderful resource: Private Lending Libraries! Carole and Kathleen Seeger from Madison, Wisconsin, discuss how these affordable treasure troves are assisting our homeschooling efforts with carefully curated collections of quality books (and many out-of-print books.) With budget-frie...

Are you feeling full of regret because of your curriculum choices this year? Carole and Rachel discuss this common scenario for us as homeschoolers. It’s time to cut your losses and carefully consider why the curriculum doesn’t work. Carole believes that not giving in to FOMO and taking a longer look at the curriculum before hitting the BUY button are good strategies for not repeating the mid-year...

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...

Today, Rachel talks with Hanni Go, a homeschooling mom of 4. Hanni talks us through the balancing act between nurturing relationships and academic pursuits. They discuss Hanni’s takeaways from one of Carole’s seminars she attended for a fresh perspective on homeschooling. We know you will relate to Hanni, and we hope this gives you the fuel to press on! RESOURCES +Build Your Family’s Library: Grab...

Carole Joy Seid and her son J. J. Seid continue their conversation about how dads, as servant leaders, play a vital role in setting the tone for the family. J.J. shares some wonderful stories and practical ideas about teaching kids to appreciate nature regularly, tackle hard work with enthusiasm, and build character through outdoor adventures. Fathers, let this episode inspire and guide you on how...

Oftentimes we think of homeschooling as mom's gig, which is really unfortunate. It is so important for dads to be on board and for both husband and wife to have a shared vision for their children's education. In this episode, we discuss the variety of roles that dads can play in support of mom and as a model for our children. Share this episode with every homeschooling father you know! RESOURCES T...

Carole Joy Seid welcomes Cindy Reynas, a mom who went to public school and now is a firm believer in homeschooling. She shares her interesting journey of embracing simplicity and interest-led education for each of her four children. Cindy and her husband Joseph, a tattoo artist-turned-policeman, are all in on the Homeschool Made Simple method, and their story is a testament to the freedom and fulf...

In the second of this 2-part interview, Homeschool Made Simple board members and lawyers Arnold and Claudia Barba discuss the sacrifice and rewards of homeschooling. The Barbas discuss work as a key part of homeschooling, along with academics and service, and how homeschooling allows us to model life skills and values to our children. We hope listening to families that have walked through this met...

In this 2-part interview, Homeschool Made Simple board members and lawyers, Arnold and Claudia Barba talk with Carole about their journey to our method. They went from being unbelievers to homeschoolers and haven’t looked back. Hear how Arnold and Claudia handled homeschooling through the years and where their young adults are now. Let this be an encouragement to you for your kids' long journey to...

In the second part of Carole’s conversation with Rylee and Ben Applebee, they share how this method has captured the children’s heart as they have developed a love of books. Their routines are a necessity for this family of 11 children and reading nightly has really bonded them together over the characters in the books that Ben reads. They touch on the value of motherhood and how best to foster a...

Yes! You really can homeschool your 11 children! Carole sits down with Rylee and Ben Applebee to unpack how they do this with their growing family. They talk about adoption, how they started to homeschool "the Carole Way," how they manage with such a span of ages, and how both parents participate in their children’s education. This is a fun episode! Be sure to listen to Part 2 next week. RESOURCES...

In this replay episode, Carole and her son, J. J. discuss social media exposure for children amidst the digital age, drawing thoughts from Andy Crouch's "The Tech Wise Family." He recommends several books for parents to read and some as a family to develop your children’s discernment and your teen's Christian ethics about today’s culture. For a full list of resources mentioned in this episode, cli...

Parental discretion is advised in this replay episode as we discuss gender identity. We want our kids to be a peaceful presence, proclaiming the gospel with their lives despite growing up in this divided age. They need to be confident enough in their own hearts, and settled in their convictions. J. J. Seid sits down with Carole Joy Seid to talk about important books that will help us, as parents,...

In this replay episode, we will be covering gender and transgender issues. Listener discretion is advised. As LGBTQ+ advocacy groups push for full inclusion and affirmation, how do we best care for youth and teenagers who find themselves confused in the midst of these times? Student Pastor in Wheaton, IL, Will Chester shares his expertise on gender dysphoria and navigating these issues with teenag...

In this replay episode, Carole talks to Jani Ortlund, author of the book, A Child’s First Book About Marriage: God’s Way is Always Best . Amidst so much turmoil and confusion over marriage and sexuality in our day, parents needed a tool to talk with their children about God’s design for marriage. Jani Ortlund has provided that tool! Jani shares her heart and vision of this book, and even reads an...

In this replay episode, we are talking about the importance of sharing God's design for sex with our children. We advise you to occupy your children elsewhere for this one! Dr. Stanton and Brenna Jones have written a collection of books to help Christian parents talk with their children about human sexuality: The Story of Me , Before I Was Born God Knew My Name , What's the Big Deal: Why God Cares...

Today, Carole Joy Seid talks with recent homeschool graduate Adeline Beck about her unique educational journey. Homeschooling allowed Adeline to explore interests like gardening, healthy eating, and professional dance while learning responsibility. She reflects on the close relationships within her large family and the personalized support from her parents. We love talking about the benefits of in...

In a continuation of Episode 231, Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester discuss even more of the influential books that shaped their philosophy and formed their educational foundation. They highlight authors that discuss the development of children and their needs, and ones that address family life and how it shapes our children. Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting out, this ep...

Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester discuss the influential books that shaped the early homeschool movement. They discuss the key influencers with their groundbreaking books by authors like Raymond Moore, John Holt, Ruth Beechick, and Gladys Hunt. Carole shares how they significantly impacted her family life and many like her in the early years of homeschooling. This conversation will highlight...

We have the pleasure of hearing Carole Joy Seid’s journey from to the early days in the homeschool movement. It is a story filled with personal resistance, unexpected realizations, and joyful transformations. From a background of liberal, progressive schooling, her perspective began to shift. Carole shares how she came to new understandings about child development and focusing on the needs of the...

A continuation of the discussion based on the song Bored of Education by Christian hip-hop artist, Propaganda. If you haven’t listened to Episode 228, go back and listen to this first.  Regardless of the place of education that your family has found itself in, you can have a homeschooling mentality in nurturing your children. We discuss the importance of homeschooling with humble confidence, avoid...

It's all too common for an education not to foster a love of learning. In this episode, using the inspiration of Christian hip-hop artist, Propaganda, J.J., Carole, and Rachel talk about breaking the one-size-fits-all box of a boring education. We explore the power of experiential learning, real-life experiences, and the joy of working alongside children.  RESOURCES +Watch the Bored of Educat...

If you had the chance to re-do some of your parenting and homeschooling choices, what would you change? Our guest Rachel Reeves, having graduated her oldest child, is doing this now as they added a new baby to their family in the last couple of years. We discuss the benefits and experiences of having multiple children with a wide array of ages. From the unifying effect of a late-in-life caboose ba...

Settle in with Rachel Winchester and Carole Joy Seid as they share their recent reading adventures. They discuss their latest book finds, whether it's the heartwarming story of "Mountain Born" or the eye-opening insights from "Theology of the Body for Beginners." From classic favorites to modern discoveries, discover the literary treasures that are lighting up their homesc...

Today, Carole and Rachel share a few scriptures that encourage each of us not to follow the course of the world, but to learn the way of Jesus day by day. They discuss the impact of “hiding God’s Word” in your heart and the hearts of your children and share a couple of verses that give us good motivation to continue to press on, living counter-culture. With personal, funny stories and recommendati...