The Intentional Homeschooler

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic many of us can relate to: decluttering! From that mountain of clothes you never wear to a kitchen crammed with rarely used gadgets, clutter can feel overwhelming. But don't worry—you're not alone! Erika Sagert walks us through easy-to-follow strategies for decluttering your home, especially for homeschoolers. Whether you want to create a more organized...

Are you burned out? Are you running on empty? Watch your energy levels! When doing hard things, we need to keep our energy levels up. Homeschooling is challenging yet rewarding. Benefits: Personalized learning, strong family bonds, flexible education. Maintaining energy is crucial for long-term success and engagement. Four key areas for boosting energy: Spiritual Health, Mindset Health, Physical H...

Today, Erika Sagert discusses how to enrich your homeschool through art. Key Takeaway: Art is more than just pretty pictures; it's a powerful tool for developing creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. Why is Art Important? Art stimulates the brain, reduces stress, improves academic performance (especially in reading, writing, and math), boosts engagement, and prepares kids...

This episode addresses common questions and concerns surrounding homeschooling, offering encouragement and practical advice for families considering this educational path. Segment 1: Addressing the Fear of "Messing Up" Your Kids Question: Will I mess my kids up? This segment tackles the common fear of negatively impacting children through homeschooling. Key takeaways:  Intentionality and community...

Join Erika Sagert as she addresses the common thought: "Freezer meals sound like a lot of work." She emphasizes the long-term benefits of a stocked freezer, and shows how freezer meals are a game-changer for everyone, regardless of cooking experience. Tip 1: Community Cooking Teaming up with friends/family for freezer meal prep. Example: 10 women bringing 10 meal kits each, dividing costs, and get...

Topic: Daily Rituals: Your Anchor in a Chaotic Sea Daily rituals, such as the “Morning Ritual,” “School Day Startup,”” School Day Shutdown,” and “Evening Ritual,” can provide structure and peace in a chaotic world, increasing productivity and well-being. Identify Non-Negotiables: Determine essential tasks that must be done daily. Consider incorporating elements from popular routines like Jim Kwik'...

Are you looking to introduce your child to the world of classic literature? Join us as we explore a curated list of timeless classics that offer a unique window into the human experience. From adventurous tales to thought-provoking social commentary, these books will captivate young minds and inspire lifelong learning. Key Topics: The benefits of reading classic literature How to choose age-approp...

Today, we're diving deep into the world of learning disabilities, a topic often misunderstood and stigmatized. We'll discuss the challenges homeschooling parents face when dealing with these unique learning styles and the importance of seeking appropriate support. Key Points: The Stigma: Many homeschooling parents are hesitant to acknowledge learning disabilities due to fear of judgment and the be...

Deep Cleaning Tips for Around the House Introduction Tired of ignoring the grime and dirt lurking in your home? Wish there was a magical solution? While wishing upon a star might not do the trick, deep cleaning can transform your space. Join us as we dive into the nitty-gritty of cleaning those often-overlooked corners, crevices, and hidden dirt. Let's tackle this together and give your home the f...

Join Erika Sagert on The Intentional Homeschooler Podcast as she discusses minding your mindset. Our mindset plays a crucial role in determining our successes and our failures. If we believe in our abilities and potential, we will likely take the necessary steps to achieve our goals. Conversely, if we doubt ourselves, we limit our efforts and ultimately fall short of achieving our goals. Key Point...

Join Erika Sagert on the Intentional Homeschooler Podcast as she discusses creating a stimulating and engaging science learning environment right in your home. Discover practical ideas for all grade levels, from kindergarten through high school, to spark curiosity, encourage experimentation, and foster a lifelong love of science. Key Points: Importance of Hands-On Learning: The best way to teach s...

Join us as we explore the world of homeschooling multiple ages at one time. We will discover practical strategies for combining lessons, teaching in a "family style," involving older children, utilizing independent activities, and implementing a flexible schedule. We will also discuss the importance of chore time and creating a harmonious learning environment. Key Takeaways: Combine lessons: Adapt...

Join Erika Sagert as she dives into the world of organization. Whether you're a neat freak or a proud clutterbug, this episode offers practical tips to help you create more organized and harmonious spaces in your home. From kitchen hacks to bedroom routines, Erika shares her favorite strategies for keeping your home environment tidy and efficient. Key Points: The Benefits of Organization: Discover...

In this episode, Erika Sagert discusses the importance "Mama Care" for homeschooling moms. Erika emphasizes that taking time for yourself isn't selfish but necessary for maintaining mental and physical health. Using humor and practical advice, Erika offers tips for incorporating self-care into a busy mom's life. Key Points: The importance and the "why" of self-care for moms. Practical tips for fin...

This episode delves into the challenges and strategies for math instruction in homeschooling. This episode breaks down the stages of math development and the significance of choosing the right curriculum. Links specific to this show: IXL: https://www.ixl.com/ Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/ Book a virtual coffee chat with Erika: https://calendly.com/erika-sagert-hope-learning-center/cof...

What is the homeschooling law in my state? Does my state have a homeschooling law? In this episode, I discuss what you need to know about your state’s homeschool laws. In Washington: You must be the primary teacher. Meet the teacher requirements (4 ways to do this). File a “Declaration of Intent to Homeschool.” Teach all the required subjects. Teach a minimum of 180 days/1,000 hours per year. Part...

This episode is about getting your kids involved in housework and keeping your house clean without losing your sanity! Erika discusses the importance of chores for teaching responsibility and life skills and offers tips for creating a system that works for your family. Key Points: Clear expectations: Create checklists with step-by-step instructions for chores. Make it fun: Use music, games, or rew...

This episode of The Intentional Homeschooler argues that history can be a fascinating subject when presented engagingly. Host Erika Sagert discusses the importance of studying history and offers practical tips for homeschooling parents. Why Study History? Learn from the past (mistakes and successes) Distinguish heroes from villains Understand human nature Develop resilience by appreciating modern...

          How do we pursue excellence in homeschooling? Why is it important? How do I model excellence without modeling vanity? As Christians, we pursue excellence for the glory of God. We do this to reflect God's character, honor God with our abilities, become responsible stewards, and to grow personally.  Key points: Excellence is not about perfection or appearance. It's about using your abiliti...

Ever feel overwhelmed by the nightly "What's for dinner?" question? This episode is packed with actionable tips for creating a menu plan that works for your family, reduces stress, saves money, and keeps everyone well-fed. The Power of Meal Planning: Creates a calmer dinner routine. Saves time and money. Encourages family connection. Building a Master Menu List: Gather all your favorite recipes in...

Whether you’re a seasoned homeschool mom or just starting, navigating the world of English Language Arts can feel overwhelming. Fear not! I’m here to give you tools, resources, and encouragement for your journey. Today, I will provide some ideas to make English fun and engaging while sparking a love for reading and writing. Tailor your ELA plan to your child's needs and interests, not a predetermi...

Do you feel like your homeschool day is a chaotic scramble? You wake up with a to-do list a mile long and haven’t even made a dent by bedtime? Here, I will walk you through the steps of categorizing tasks into rocks (essential tasks), pebbles (important but not essential tasks), and water (the unexpected). By prioritizing rocks and pebbles first, homeschool moms can ensure they spend their time on...

This episode tackles common myths about homeschooling and offers encouragement to homeschooling parents. Here are the myths debunked: Myth #1: Homeschoolers are all gifted or highly academic. Reality: Homeschooled children can struggle academically, and some homeschool because of those struggles. Advice: Seek help if your child needs it, just like you would in a traditional school setting. Myth #2...

Hey homeschool mom! In this episode, I tackle the ever-present question: Am I doing enough? We all ask it, and it can be a real drain on our energy and confidence. I am here to tell you, you’ve got this! In this episode, I’ll share 4 actionable steps to help you answer this nagging question: Find your why: Reflect on your reasons for homeschooling. Is it about providing a faith-based education? Ta...

Hello and welcome to the Intentional Homescooler Podcast!  I’m Erika Sagert, and I'm here to encourage you in your homeschooling journey! I have been a teacher and homeschooling mama for over twenty years. I am also the director of Hope Learning Center, a learning center for homeschoolers in the Vancouver, WA area.  I created this podcast to guide you through your homeschooling journey. I will sha...