Homeschool Talks: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Homeschool

Are you wondering how you can customize your child's learning environment to enable them to thrive? In this episode of Homeschool Talks, HSLDA Special Needs Consultant Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville and Franchesca Tucker, a parent of a teen with ADHD, will unfold some of the misconceptions and stigmas about ADHD, discuss how the brain functions in terms of helping you to understand your child, a...

On today's episode of Homeschool Talks, HSLDA Special Needs Consultant Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville is talking with a behavior analyst and a therapy professional about managing and supporting challenging behavior at home—to bring out the best in everyone. During the conversation, they offer tips for creating new routines during stressful times, staying mentally healthy at home, and implementin...

Are you finding yourself in a season where you and your family are being stretched—or maybe even stressed—more than ever before? Then you'll gain a lot from our conversation with Laurie Hesler, a marriage and family and art therapist with more than 36 years in the field. She has a lot of practical, encouraging advice to support you during this time. So join us on this week's Homeschool Talks !

Losing the familiar structure of their days, missing their friends, and picking up on your concerns—even if just on an emotional wavelength—all of these can be difficult for our children. Are they feeling unsettled, or even traumatized? Listen in as Candice Dugger describes practical ways you can provide reassurance and healing for your children through safety, structure, and support.

How do you deal with school closings when your child has autism and communication challenges? Today on Homeschool Talks , join HSLDA educational consultants LaNissir James and Dr. Rochelle Somerville, along with guest Keisha Berry, as they provide reassurance and practical tips and resources for helping your child at home.

Are you struggling with keeping your kids' schooling going now that they are home from public school? Do you feel like you've been thrust into the role of Chief Technology Officer—a role you definitely didn't ask for? We can relate. On today's episode of Homeschool Talks , HSLDA Consultant Program Manager Heather Frommack checks in with Media Relations Director Sandra Kim on how her family is figu...

No more sports, 4-H, dance, or music class—not to mention co-ops, science clubs, and more! Just because you're already homeschooling doesn't mean the structure of your family's days and weeks hasn't been turned upside down because of COVID-19. Maybe it's unsettling and challenging—both for you and your kids. Join HSLDA educational consultants LaNissir James, Kristy Horner, and Heather Frommack for...

Was your child receiving special services through the public school, but now you're suddenly schooling at home? Are you wondering how you can help your child continue learning and flourishing? Join HSLDA educational consultants Kristy Horner, Faith Berens, and Dr. Carol Brown for a conversation about special needs services—with a twist!

Are your kids feeling restless, bored, and frustrated right now? Are YOU feeling restless, bored, and frustrated? These are the symptoms—and the diagnosis is cabin fever! Join HSLDA educational consultants LaNissir James, Vicki Bentley, Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville, and Krisa Winn for ideas on how to combat cabin fever. (Note: The resource for this program is available for download at hslda.or...

When he was just 15 years old, Richard Lorenzen founded a public relations business. Now, he is often described as one of the most influential millennial entrepreneurs in the United States. Not only has he been featured on Forbes and TEDx, but he's also shared his entrepreneur and policy insights at the United Nations, as well as universities and corporate conferences around the world. Join us on...

Imagine you're a first-time homeschooling mom. Now fast forward six months. Does your homeschool journey look different? That's one of the questions we're asking Sarah Grinnell on today's episode of Homeschool Talks! Join us as she shares her perspective on how her approach to teaching her kids has changed—or stayed the same!—since she began homeschooling last year.

With its many details and steps, pottery-making can be a challenging craft. And yet, homeschool grad and small business owner Talia Olmstead approaches this art with care and quality as she combines function and beauty through her pottery business. Join us on today's episode of Homeschool Talks: Exploring the Arts as Talia shares tips for creating a workplace that inspires creativity, and her pass...

Recently, HSLDA has been getting questions about the federal bill, H.R. 1434—The Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act. What is this bill? How does it affect homeschooling? And why is HSLDA supporting it? Join HSLDA's Jim Mason and Sandra Kim to answer these questions and more—on today's episode of Homeschool Talks .

It happens more often than it should. You get a letter requesting the expected homeschooling forms. But wait—what's this? An added request for an in-person meeting, a birth certificate, a fill-in-the-blank. Unfortunately, districts don't always follow the law. Why does this happen—and why is it important to push back?

What is it like to transition from 15 years in the corporate world to homeschooling? Well, that's a great question for new homeschooling mom Sarah Grinnell! Join us on Homeschool Talks as Sarah shares her experience as a first-time homeschooler who is learning the exciting but sometimes crazy dance of homeschool life.

Pursuing ballet requires dedication, persistence, and finesse! Not only did Caitlin Hopwood become a professional ballerina as a teenager, but by 21, she was also a business owner of her own boutique. Listen to today's episode of Homeschool Talks to learn more about the art of ballet and Caitlin's homeschool experience.

What would you do if you saw three moose sparring in a river? If you were Isaac Spotts, you'd jump in the water and start taking award-winning pictures! Join us this week on Homeschool Talks as we hear from Isaac, a talented wildlife photographer and recent homeschool grad, whose photography has not only been recognized by National Geographic editors but also displayed at the Smithsonian Exhibitio...

One of the great benefits of homeschooling is the ability it gives students to follow their interests. For homeschool graduate and artist Joseph Philips, his passion for leatherworking inspired him to start his own small business where he shares his projects and custom designs with others. Listen to this week's episode of Homeschool Talks to learn more about the skill of leatherworking and explore...

One of the great advantages of homeschooling is the ability it gives students to follow their interests. By launching his own podcast, 17-year-old Noah Tetzner was able to pursue his passion for history—and share it with the world! Hear Noah's story on this week's episode of Homeschool Talks .

Writing is a gateway to opportunity. But anyone who has sat down to write the perfect novel, essay, or cover letter knows that writing is not easy. So how can you help your child cultivate this important skill? Hear the answer from homeschooling mom, novelist, and professional writing instructor Cheryl Carter on this week's Homeschool Talks .

A great benefit of homeschooling is the ability to both incorporate your family's cultural heritage into your children's educational experience, as well as explore other cultures. So last month, to celebrate Black History Month, Mike Smith sat down with Joyce Burges, Founder of National Black Home Educators, to talk about honoring cultural heritage. Hear Joyce share some of the engaging ways she a...

Have you ever wondered whether it's possible to pursue the career you love while educating your children at home? Dr. Kristina Tanner, who is both a college music professor and a homeschooling mother of five, demonstrates that it's definitely possible. Tune in to this week's  Homeschool Talks  to hear Dr. Tanner share her story as well as tips on how to balance homeschooling and an outside career.

Professional football player and homeschooling parent may not seem like related career paths. Yet Shaun Alexander, former NFL MVP, has passionately pursued both. Today, speaking from his experience as a homeschooling dad, Shaun Alexander talks about ways to get your homeschool student involved in sports and shares what life lessons he learned from his career in the NFL.

Is learning a foreign language more than checking off a box? Tune into this week's Homeschool Talks to hear Heather Frommack, Program Manager for HSLDA's Educational Consultants, chat with Karim Morato, a Spanish instructor with years of experience. If you have ever wondered how to encourage your child to learn a foreign language in your home, then you won't want to miss this! 

Teaching your child to read can sometimes feel like an intimidating task. You may wonder, "Is my child ready to read?" "How can I start structuring a tailored curriculum for his or her needs?" "How do I know if my child has a learning disability?" Tune in this week's Homeschool Talks to hear reading specialist and homeschool mom Faith Berens share her perspective on these questions and more!