Homeschool Made Simple

Are you wondering whether or not to use a spelling curriculum for your child?  Are you unsure of what your state requires of you as a homeschooling parent?  Have you worried that you may have caused permanent damage by starting your homeschooling journey late or by using too much screen time?  Rachel and Carole respond to listener questions in this episode. With insightful anecdotes and practical...

The job of raising children is hard and requires strength and wisdom far beyond what we can muster up in and of ourselves. Thankfully, the Bible has a lot to say to us in our weakness and need for wisdom. Carole and Rachel share practical ways that she encourages families to immerse themselves in the God’s Word to grow in faith and peace. They discuss ways of organizing and surrounding family spac...

How do you set realistic expectations for the school year?  In this episode, Rachel Winchester and J. J. Seid discuss the common struggle parents face in balancing the desire to provide a robust education for their children without overwhelming themselves and their kids.  They talk about creating a flexible and sustainable plan, focusing on cultivating curiosity, and embracing a long-term view of...

Are you considering bringing your child home from traditional school?  Deschooling is the first thing we suggest you do!  In this episode, we discuss what deschooling is and encourage you to break free from the "school at home" model.  Give your kids the freedom to explore their interests under parental guidance.  Carole shares her expertise, encouraging parents to consider emotional and...

Today, Rachel and Carol respond to listener questions about unschooling, co-ops, and community in homeschooling. Carol clarifies the differences between her approach and unschooling, emphasizing the importance of balance and parental involvement in their method. She also shares her thoughts on co-ops, providing valuable insights on how to leverage community connections in the homeschooling journey...

Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester dive into the topic of restful rhythms for homeschooling families.  They discuss the significance of Sabbath as a gift and a blessing, and how it can provide  much-needed rest in the midst of the busyness of daily life.  Carole and Rachel share practical tips and examples of how different families observe Sabbath. They emphasizing the importance of preparing f...

Rachel Winchester and JJ Seid tackle the topic of getting on the same page with your spouse when it comes to homeschooling. They share practical insights and strategies for navigating the challenges of conveying the benefits of homeschooling to a reluctant spouse.  Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of understanding each other's perspectives, engaging in curiosity-driven co...

Discover how batch cooking can help you save time, money, and stress in the kitchen, and how it allows you to enjoy nutritionally dense meals without the daily hassle of cooking. In this episode, Laura Tabbut, a batch-cooking genius, explains the art of simplifying food prep for families.  From planning and shopping to cooking and freezing meals, Laura and Carole break down key steps they followed...

Are you homeschooling a high schooler or planning to? In this episode, we delve into the “golden years” of homeschooling, exploring the crucial role of parents in shaping your children's education during this impactful stage. We talk about the importance of keeping your teenagers close during this pivotal stage, maintain hands-on discipleship and influence while preparing your children for college...

As we continue our journey through the various stages of a child's education, we wanted to take a closer look at a crucial phase of homeschooling: middle school. Homeschooling middle schoolers is a topic we are often asked about as parents wonder how to approach these years. This transitional period between childhood and adolescence can be daunting. However, it is also key to shaping their spiritu...

Today, we explore homeschooling elementary-aged children. Oftentimes, parents begin to add pressure on children with formal academics before it is actually developmentally appropriate. In this episode, Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester discuss how to ease the pressure of formal academics when homeschooling elementary-aged children. These years are when the "better late than early" approach is...

Have you wondered what the best approach to educating your preschooler is? In this episode we delve into the crucial preschool years and the essential aspects that lay the foundation for educational success. Rachel and Carole emphasize the importance of viewing preschool as a time for bonding, laying the foundation for future success, and fostering a love for learning through work, service, and st...

Are you looking to understand the Homeschool Made Simple method in a nutshell? In this episode, we explore the research-based, interest-led, and literature-rich approach to homeschooling. Learn how to create a customized curriculum that fits your family's unique needs.  Embrace a holistic view of education that nurtures warm, loving homes and allows your children to pursue their interests und...

Are you looking to enrich your family’s movie nights with classic films? Join us for a fabulous list of timeless cinematic masterpieces that captivate, educate, and inspire your children.  Carole Joy Seid shares her “must-see” list of classic films. From the captivating storytelling of legendary director Frank Capra to the timeless appeal of films like "Mister Smith Goes to Washington" and "T...

There are fabulous books whose characters come alive for our children, and in essence, become their best friends. Carole’s favorite illustrator and author, Lois Lenski is one of the most important in children’s literature! In this episode from the archives, Carole share the delight that is in Lois Lenski’s books. RESOURCES Shop for Lois Lenski books from our friends at Yellow House Story Shoppe Or...

In this episode from our archive, Carole Joy Seid shares the best children’s books to build your home library.  Many families have asked Carole to help them find out how to systematically build a library of books they actually want to keep. The books she shares in this episode are from her own bookshelves, and they are the ones you don't want to let your children leave home without reading. W...

Are you looking for peace in homeschooling? Quieting the voices, listening to the research, and following a plan that works for your family is the path to peace in homeschooling. Another way to gain peace is by hearing the stories of those who have gone before us. Learning from the experiences of others is one of the great benefits of homeschooling-what worked and what didn't!  Carole speaks...

In this episode Carole Joy Seid is joined by Greta Eskridge, a homeschooling mom of four and author of two books, "Adventuring Together" and "100 Days of Adventure." Greta shares her personal experiences of how spending time in nature has transformed her relationship with her children, her faith, and her family as a whole. They discuss the impact of Christian camping, personal...

Are you looking for some great movie recommendations for your family's next movie night? Look no further! Carole Joy Seid shares a treasure trove of timeless and fun movie suggestions for family movie nights, catering to all age groups from young children to teens. Carole talks about the importance of choosing movies that are not only entertaining but also possess redemptive and character-bui...

Do you ever wonder what's on Carole's nightstand? In this episode, Carole Joy Seid shares a wealth of book recommendations for building your family library, including Church History resources, American History books, and a collection of captivating picture books. She highlights the children’s church history books by Luke H Davis, a comprehensive book on American History by Wilfred M McCl...

If you want to raise spiritually deep, physically strong, and relationally connected kids, this episode is for you. In this episode, we’re hearing from two teens who went to Coldwater over the last two summers. Thomas and Caroline frykman share their experience and how they benefited from their time at Coldwater. *As of February 2024, Coldwater still has some openings in their trips for older stud...

As parents we often wonder how to best prepare our kids for real life. They won’t always be under our roof, so how do give them the tools and courage they need to go out into the world in strength? One of the keys ways we have seen kids develop incredible fortitude and spiritual depth is through outdoor experiences. Our friends at the Coldwater Foundation provide wilderness journeys for kids 12 an...

Have you ever considered how a simple conversation could ignite a journey of faith and transformation? In this episode, Carole talks with Dr. Jerry Root on the topic of evangelism. Dr. Jerry Root shares his early days of faith-sharing, the unavoidable mistakes made along the way, and the profound realization that love and forgiveness are at the core of the Christian message. His personal anecdotes...

Does history have to be stuffy and staunch or could it actually be enjoyable?!  We are revisiting an episode from earlier in the podcast, because everyone needs to be freshly inspired to enjoy homeschooling! Laura Baker, a veteran homeschool mom, shares how the literature she read with her two kids sparked their creativity and brought history to life!  In this episode, you'll hear about:  How...

In our milestone 200th episode, Carole Joy Seid is joined by her son, J.J. Seid. They talk about how they'd answer the question "Why homeschool?"  In this episode, you'll hear:  why homeschooling is a good idea the place of reading and boredom in homeschooling the joy of outdoor exploration teaching children the importance of nature why work is essential to a great education ho...