The Homeschool Solutions Show

Join curriculum expert Cathy Duffy and me as we talk about the art of choosing homeschool curriculum. You'll learn about goals, learning styles, types of homeschooling, and more. I think you'll come away feeling much more comfortable about making choices that fit your family.   ABOUT CATHY Cathy Duffy has been reviewing homeschool curriculum and resources since the 1980s, and is the author of seve...

Everything, and I mean everything that is right and true is under assault today. For instance, we've moved far beyond questioning whether a woman's rightful place is in the home rearing her children. Today, the world and all her emissaries of confusion question whether such a thing as a woman even exists. For decades we've been told that women are just as capable as men, no matter the field, no ma...

We all go through stages where we struggle with a particular child. Or perhaps you are wondering, could I homeschool with this particular child? This episode is packed with tips, encouragement, and resources for building a healthy atmosphere in your homeschool and home! ABOUT JESSICA Jessica is a wife, homeschool mom of three, author, and blogger. She lives in sunny North Carolina on a big family...

If you are new to homeschooling or are looking for a refresh, sit in on Janice Campbell's talk about where to start.  As a graduated homeschool mom of four and curriculum developer, Janice shares her best tips for finding your homeschooling style, choosing curriculum, structuring your year, and more. Host biography Janice Campbell, a lifelong reader and writer, loves to introduce students to great...

Why do homeschooled students do so well in science? Dr. Jay Wile joins Janice Campbell for a wide-ranging conversation about homeschoolers, science, reading, art, and more. You might be surprised by what makes homeschoolers such good science students, and you'll definitely come away with tips for helping your students learn well. About Dr. Wile Dr. Jay Wile  has earned a Ph. D. from the University...

In this episode Jessica interviews Jodi Mockabee and they discuss the best hiking spots in the US, whether kids need to go to public school to experience "the real world," the first step to declutter your house, attachment issues, and so much more. About Jodi Jodi Mockabee is a photographer, writer, blogger, speaker, social media influencer, and homeschooling mother of five living in the Black Hil...

Do we need a laminator and some chickens? Asking random nervous questions is part of becoming a homeschool parent. No need to flail about in an ocean of possibilities. Ask away! We veterans won't laugh (out loud). Allow me to tackle a few that may have popped into your head. Though someday you may look back and laugh too, every obvious answer you need to hear now will placate your fears and insecu...

Every year of your child's homeschool experience is unique and precious; of course their last year is no different. So much work has gone into getting them to this point, but you're not quite done! This year presents a unique opportunity to to create something truly memorable and to place a joyous explanation mark at the end of their homeschool journey that they'll be able to look back on with fon...

The success of your homeschool day largely depends on how you begin the day. If your mornings are a mad scramble and the rest of your day is anything but peaceful, let this episode serve as a call to gather your children together first thing in the morning to pay your devotions to your Father in heaven. You'd be amazed at how even five minutes in the morning — every morning — can influence your ho...

Teaching writing doesn't have to be hard, intimidating, intimidating, or expensive. Just start with the books, pencils, and paper you already have, and follow these simple steps. Some children progress quickly; others slowly, but they can all learn to read. Host biography Janice Campbell, a lifelong reader and writer, loves to introduce students to great books and beautiful writing. She holds an E...

How YOU thrive at homeschooling depends on YOUR personality. In this episode Jessica highlights a few common personalities, explaining what each type would be good at while homeschooling, and what weaknesses they may need to be aware of. While imperfect, the Enneagram can often be a helpful method of describing common strengths and weaknesses. Jessica highlights those as it pertains to homeschooli...

A new homeschool year is upon us and there may be no better time to speak to all the homeschooling dads out there. As most of you recognize, your wife is doing critical work. In fact, few other occupations in the world can compare with it. Why, then, do we as husbands find it so difficult to be involved in it? This episode of the Homeschool Solutions Show is my humble attempt to address all the hu...

As homeschool parents, we are usually great at planning for the academic school year— setting goals and selecting curricula. But have you planned for family adventures in your school year? In this episode, Jessica encourages parents to remember the "why" of their choice to homeschool, and to build in opportunities to create traditions and adventure, including her favorite Annual Family Day. ABOUT...

Want to learn one simple thing you can do to lower stress and guard the atmosphere of your home? In this episode, Janice talks about the one thing that was most helpful for her family as they tried to cultivate a comfortable, positive atmosphere for learning. Perhaps you'll find it helpful, too! Host biography Janice Campbell, a lifelong reader and writer, loves to introduce students to great book...

If you've ever said your kid is half a freshman or in 3rd-ish grade, you might be a homeschooler. But should we adhere to grade levels more strictly? Or ignore them entirely? How should we respond when asked about our kids' grade levels, graduation requirements, and future plans? In this episode we'll discuss the pros and cons of labeling our kids with grade levels and expectations. I'll share wha...

It is so wonderful to see so many families making the decision to homeschool for the first time! In my conversations with many of these new homeschool parents, it's almost as if the same question lingers on all of their faces: "Can I actually do this?" My answer to that? "Absolutely, yes! And I'll tell you exactly why..." And that's just one of the things I feel that every new homeschool parent sh...

Homeschool perfection is impossible and boring.  Be awesome instead!  Tips for being an imperfectly awesome homeschool teacher.  And for laughs... The 10 Commandments (suggestions for sanity) of a Homeschool Mom. Host biography Jennifer Cabrera, the Hifalutin Homeschooler , is the writer of homeschool truth, humor, and inspiration.  Jennifer lives in Salado, Texas with her husband and three brilli...

In this episode, Jessica interviews Megan Ross, who amazingly juggles both homeschooling five children AND running an impressive homesteading operation. We talk about all the things - balancing schoolwork and farm chores, butchering animals (yes), growing fruit trees, and which homesteading ventures offers the biggest ROI. Guest biography Megan Ross is a first generation homeschooler and homestead...

In light of the recent shootings carried out by 18 year olds, an excellent question for the parents of America to ask themselves is, "Do you know where your children are?" Of course we should always be aware of where they are in a physical sense (for then we can take stock of the influences they may be exposed to) but we should also know better than anyone where they are spiritually. Parents who a...

Homeschooling year-round makes total sense, but sometimes we just need a break from planning and pushing. Here's a look at the pros and cons of summer homeschooling and my hack for continued learning while enjoying the traditions of summer. Host biography Jennifer Cabrera, the Hifalutin Homeschooler , is the writer of homeschool truth, humor, and inspiration.  Jennifer lives in Salado, Texas with...

Learning while caregiving — is it even possible? Can learning can go on while you're caregiving for someone who is elderly or disabled? I want to reassure you that it can, but it will be different from what you might expect. If you can align your expectations with reality, make adjustments that keep you sane, and focus on priorities and essentials, you'll be able to homeschool while you're a careg...

Jeannie Fulbright interviews a dad who homeschools, Sean Sherrod. Jeannie and Sean discuss the issues that are unique to fathers who are the primary educator, as well as how having a father involved in the child's education benefits children. This podcast also encourages fathers, even those that work, to get involved in their children's education, because dads really can homeschool, too. Guest bio...

Often when we get weary in our homeschools, we settle for what's easy and secure. Unfortunately, if we do this for too long we fall into a rut and we miss the opportunity to capitalize on one of homeschooling's greatest strengths – its flexibility. In this episode we'll talk about the great blessings that can come from simply asking, "What could be?" What would happen if you changed things up a bi...

Is it imaginable that freedom of speech and freedom of religion could be suppressed where we live at some time in our future? History would indicate so. How do we prepare ourselves and our families for such a contingency? What curriculum might best prepare us for persecution, even martyrdom? How do we cultivate necessary virtues without sparking burdensome fears? Listen in as Janice Campbell and A...

Join Jessica Smartt for a conversation with Connor Boyack, author of The Tuttle Twins books and president of Libertas Institute! Guest biography Connor Boyack is founder and president of Libertas Institute, a free market think tank in Utah. Named one of Utah's most politically influential people by The Salt Lake Tribune, Connor's leadership has led to dozens of legislative victories spanning a wid...