The Creative Homeschool

Did you know that you can use an app for a full math curriculum? What about homeschooling makes it such a great fit for neurodivergent kids? How do you carve that time for free play when you feel like you have so much math to do? You're going to love this interview with Angela Sizer and Maren Goerss as we talk about all things homeschooling, but in particular, about all things learning, and h...

Did you know it's possible to have a shy extrovert or a very social introvert? What's the difference between shy and introverted? What about extroverted and outgoing? And how do you support your kids who are any combination? Join me for a chat about how to best support our kids and their unique personalities - and these tips might just help you if you're introverted or shy too! Want...

When thinking about field trips, you might think of museums or zoos - but what about something closer to home?  Today I'm talking about a place that doesn't seem like the best field trip, but one that kids love every single time. I'm also talking about: how we always feel like more and bigger is better ways to find the connection in the smallest of places why little things are joyfu...

Join me as I talk with special guest Brooke Langston-DeMott, founder of the SHAPE Conference, a secular conference for homeschoolers that promises an experience for homeschooling adults AND their families! The conference is on July 21, 2024, and you're not going to want to miss it! In this episode we talk about:  How Brooke got started homeschooling, and how she quickly found her own secular...

Choosing a math curriculum seems like rocket science. But the truth is, it can also be really easy!  Join me as I break down a few things that you'll want to think about when looking at a new math program for your kids, including: the difference between a spiral and mastery program things to look for and avoid when opening up that textbook when it's okay to switch curriculum how kids wil...

Thinking about field trips but wanting to shake it up a little? What about field trips that aren't going to cost you an arm or a leg? Join me as I chat about 5 places to visit this spring that you can easily weave into whatever you're studying. These are places that you don't have to hop on a plane for. Best of all, you're going to love them just as much as the kids! I'd l...

When the nice weather is here, it's tempting to stop homeschooling for the year. But then we see those unfinished curriculums and we panic. Do we pick up the pace? Do we abandon it? Join me as I'm talking about: What to do when your curriculum doesn't look like it will be finished The mindset switch we need to have when we think about school and learning I'd love to know - what...

We see our kids off in the corners writing, so why is it that when we ask them to, their hand suddenly "breaks"? Join me as I'm talking about: 3 ways to get your kids writing - effortlessly Why our ideas don't always match up with our kids How writing is similar to learning a musical instrument If you haven't already, you'll LOVE our writing prompts - they're gua...

Homeschoolers are great in groups - but running events can be tricky. Often we have great numbers, but getting us together is a bit like herding cats. I've been running homeschool events for years, and I'm sharing my tips and tricks for homeschool group fun - including what NOT to do. Finally, I'm breaking down the most important thing when you run an event - and the answer might su...

The One Subject We Don't Feel Comfortable Teaching, Episode 59 Why do we feel comfortable teaching math, or science, provided we have a curriculum, but not THIS subject? Join me as we talk about how to turn this hard-to-teach subject into a subject that can bring joy to your homeschool (and to you). Links from the show: www.soulsparklettes.com/theglitterbombshop Follow us on Instagram, TikTok...

3 Typing Programs You Might Want to Try, Episode 58 Typing has gotten a serious level up. As a skill, we want our kids to regularly practice, and it helps when they have a program that's fun and engaging, so they want to come back. I'm talking about three of my favorite ways to teach this subject - drop me a line and tell me which is YOUR favorite at  podcast@soulsparklettes.com Typing.c...

 The Hidden Subject Everyone Should be Studying, Episode 57 Are you like me and sometimes feel like you’re not worthy of good things?  I'm diving into my own struggles with self-worth, the difference between that and self-confidence, and how these things are just as important for us to pass to our kids as multiplication because they have a lasting impact on what we choose to do in our lives....

The Truth About Homeschool Friendships: Episode 56 Let's dive into a topic that's been on my mind – homeschooling friendships. My oldest entered middle school this year, and with that came some unexpected changes in both her and our social circle. Three friends transitioned to public school, and it was HARD.   Have you ever noticed how we often become friends with other homeschooling par...

Four Things to Help When You're Homeschooling and Sick: Episode 55 Welcome back! So, I'm reshaping things a bit this time around because, honestly, I recorded this episode when I was sick and forgot to save it. Not realizing this, I didn’t keep my notes! So, as  I re-recorded it I ended up heeding my own advice as a gentle reminder to cut myself some slack, especially when it comes to un...

Rhythm or Routine: Which one is Best for Homeschooling- Ep.54 Welcome back to the Creative Homeschool Podcast! Today, we are going to dive into the rhythms and routines for our homeschool. This can be something that is very confusing or even stressful to figure out as you are finding your way on your journey. Are they the same? Which one's better? Is there a right or wrong way? Join me as I s...

Episode 53: The Importance of Making Time to Share Your Child's Interests Today's episode is all about something we, as parents, sometimes find a bit tricky – connecting with our kids through their interests. I totally relate to having those initial reservations we might have when immersing ourselves in unfamiliar territory, but as I discovered, and you will too, it is so worth it. In th...

Episode 52: Writing With a Purpose | One Way to Get Kids Writing - Effortlessly Today, we're diving into the topic of writing. We've all been there, faced with essays and book reports that felt more like proof that we did the reading, rather than creativity. It’s lackluster, boring, and we suffer through the process. We all know writing is a crucial skill, a tool for clear communication...

Episode 51: 4 Fun Ways to Introduce Poetry to Kids Hello, Creative Homeschoolers! In today's episode, we're diving into the world of poetry and exploring ways to make it an enjoyable experience for you and your  homeschooling kids. Teaching poetry can be daunting! How do we teach it so that it’s not boring, confusing, and does everything have to rhyme?  In addition to sharing ways to tea...

Episode 50: Snow-tastic: 5 Ways to Learn in the Snow Hey there, fellow homeschooling enthusiasts! Today's episode is all about turning those snowy days into magical learning experiences for our kids. Picture this: the excitement of the first snowfall, the joy of kids running in and out, and the challenge of making the most out of those chilly days. I'm here to share some fantastic ideas...

Episode 49: 6 Fun Ways to Enjoy December Without the Stress (and still homeschooling) In this episode, we explore ways to make December a relaxing and enjoyable month for homeschooling. Acknowledging the often stressful nature of this time of year, we delve into unique activities that seamlessly blend fun and education. One suggestion is to embark on a journey around the world by studying the holi...

Episode 48: 10 Handmade Gifts that Kids Will Crush (and they double as homeschool!) In this episode of the Creative Homeschool Podcast, I explore unique and educational gift ideas that can be crafted by kids for any occasion, not just limited to the holiday season. I will share ten creative suggestions, starting with a DIY puzzle kit where kids can draw and design on pre-cut puzzle pieces. Other i...

Episode 47: Getting Into a Gratitude Practice with Kids In this episode, I'm diving into the season of gratitude and exploring practical ways to instill gratitude in our lives, especially for kids. I break down the concept of a gratitude practice, emphasizing its significance in shaping our energy and attracting positive experiences. Using relatable examples like noticing green cars after buy...

Episode #46: Oh...School Must Be Out: How to Handle the People Watching In today's episode of the Creative Homeschool Podcast, I want to share a recurring experience that I'm sure many homeschoolers can relate to—the moment when others question why my children are not in school during typical hours. I acknowledge the subtle disapproval that often accompanies such inquiries and offer insi...

Episode 45: The Art of Play With Special Guest Beverly Beck from Happy Little Humans In today's episode, prepare to be inspired as I had the pleasure of sitting down with Beverly Beck, the dynamic founder of "Happy Little Humans." Happy Little Humans is about meeting the needs of the individual and building self-esteem and confidence through art and play.  This remarkable company sp...

Episode 44: 5 Things to Say No To In Your Homeschool This NO-vember! It's November, but let's reframe it as "No-vember." In this episode of the Creative Homeschool Podcast, I'm sharing five crucial "No's" that can revolutionize your homeschooling journey. What if you could say "No" to overloading your kids with extracurricular activities? Or banish...