Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

Are you ready to make civics a fun and engaging part of your homeschool? Pam Barnhill and Meg Angelino discuss the new "Citizenship Together" curriculum, designed to bring government and citizenship concepts to life through detailed, engaging lessons. Meg, with her extensive background in history and education, shares practical tips for seamlessly integrating this curriculum into your homeschool, making planning easier and more efficient.In this episode, Pam and Meg tackle the challenges of creating unbiased educational materials and explain how "Citizenship Together" can help your family have respectful political discussions. They highlight the importance of teaching kids about government functions, election processes, and their impact on everyday life. Tune in to learn how to foster closer family relationships while making learning about civics enjoyable and relevant for your children.Resources and Links: Citizenship Together CurriculumHSBT CommunityFor Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters by Jeff FosterKey Takeaways:Discover the benefits of teaching citizenship and civics through a curriculum designed to be inclusive and manageable for homeschool families, reinforcing children's understanding of their roles and responsibilities in society.Learn about discerning accurate information on social media and the internet, and the importance of teaching young people to critically evaluate sources and understand government-related topics.Engage children in respectful political discussions, helping them understand that divergent opinions can be discussed civilly, and the importance of these discussions in fostering a healthy understanding of democratic processes.Explore the comprehensive unit that covers various aspects of government and elections, from the presidency to local elections, branches of government, special interest groups, and the supreme court, emphasizing their interconnectedness.Understand the significance of integrating primary sources like the Constitution and Bill of Rights into the curriculum, and how discussions and activities around these documents can deepen children's understanding of US government principles.Hear about practical ways to involve children in the political process, such as taking them to vote, visiting polling places, and participating in local community activities, making the experience educational and memorable.Recognize the importance of making learning feel personal and relatable by using the term "citizenship" over "civics," and how this approach helps children connect more deeply with the subject matter and their role in the community.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt11To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Colleen Kessler, an education consultant with a master's degree in gifted education, homeschool mom, podcast host, and author. We'll be discussing Colleen's latest book, "The Homeschool Advantage," which highlights how to leverage children's strengths and passions in the homeschooling environment.Colleen shares invaluable insights on adopting a strength-based approach to education, emphasizing the importance of knowing your children's interests and goals to craft a personalized and engaging learning experience. She also advises against investing too much money on new activities initially, allowing kids to naturally develop their interests.We’ll touch on practical strategies like using unit studies to incorporate various subjects and discuss the beauty of flexibility in homeschooling—adapting to children's changing interests and needs as they grow. Colleen offers heartfelt encouragement that any parent who loves their child can successfully homeschool, providing practical tips and wisdom gleaned from her experiences.Join us as we explore how to create a well-rounded and tailored educational experience for your children, step out of overwhelm, and step into wonder on this episode of Homeschool Better Together Podcast.Links and Resources:The Homeschool Advantage Pre-Order PageColleen's Website Raising Lifelong Learners CommunityHomeschool Better Together CommunityRaising Creative Kids: A Collection of Creativity Prompts for Children by Colleen KesslerRaising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family by Colleen KesslerKey Takeaways:Discover the benefits of a strength-based approach to education by focusing on kids' strengths and passions to enhance their homeschooling experience.Understand the importance of knowing your child’s interests and integrating those interests into their education to create a more engaging and personalized learning environment.Learn practical advice on introducing new activities without spending a lot initially, allowing children to develop their interests organically and showing initiative.Hear about Colleen Kessler's experiences in tailoring education to her children's strengths and passions, including using alternative methods like online simulations for subjects they are less enthusiastic about.Explore the unit study approach to homeschooling, incorporating various subjects around a child's interest to create a well-rounded and flexible curriculum.Gain insights on managing homeschooling for multiple children by combining interests and subjects, particularly when they are younger and more controllable.Delve into the balance of offering children autonomy in their education while ensuring they acquire essential knowledge to become contributing members of society.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt10To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Feeling overwhelmed with language arts education in your homeschool? Join hosts Pam Barnhill, Meg Angelino, and Laney Homan, in episode nine of Homeschool Better Together, as they discuss how literature-based learning can revolutionize language arts education for your family. Discover the transformative power of integrating grammar, writing style, literary analysis, and vocabulary activities through high-quality literature, all within one flexible program.Explore the hosts' personal experiences and insights as they discuss the benefits of using literature to teach grammar, the adaptability of the program for children with different ages and abilities, and the positive impact it has had on their own read-aloud sessions with their kids. Gain a deeper understanding of how this holistic approach to language arts offers an enriching and enjoyable learning experience, without the tedium of traditional grammar programs.Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that will bring clarity and inspiration to your language arts journey. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode is for you! Links and Resources:Language Arts Together Bundle Two- SPECIAL Presale price of $34 through July 16!Tarantula in My Purse by Jean Craighead GeorgeAdventures with Waffles by Maria ParrA Place to Hang the Moon by Kate AlbusA Single Shard by Linda Sue ParkAnne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. LewisBecause of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamilloFarmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder The Trumpet of The Swan by E.B. WhiteLittle House in The Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder Language Arts Together Bundle 1Homeschool Better Together Community Key Takeaways:Discover the benefits of using literature to teach grammar, emphasizing a deeper understanding of grammar through actual writing.Learn how unintentional learning occurs for younger children when participating in discussions or activities targeted at older kids.Explore the structured yet adaptable nature of the program, with solid pedagogical practices like narration, copywork, dictation, and vocabulary study.Understand the flexibility and independence the program allows, including space for independent exploration, with minimal preparation required.Hear about the ease of incorporating the language arts program into homeschooling, emphasizing the lack of added stress and friction.Gain insight into the program's approach to teaching grammar through literature, preserving the pleasure of the story while providing structure without being overly rigid.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt9To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill explores five different types of curriculum—scripted, open-and-go, fixed grid, buffet, and whole-family learning—and discusses how each one can meet the unique needs of your homeschool journey. By understanding the different kinds of curricula available and how each can fit your family's needs, you'll be well-equipped to make decisions that reduce stress and enhance your homeschooling adventure. So, grab your notepad, maybe a smoothie, and let's step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder of homeschooling better together.Key Takeaways:Learn about different types of curriculum, including scripted, open and go, fixed grid, buffet, and whole-family learning, to find what works best for your homeschool style and needs.Understand the advantages of scripted curriculum for new homeschooling parents and how it can provide a structured yet flexible learning experience.Explore the concept of open and go curriculum and how balancing it with other types can simplify your homeschool year and reduce planning fatigue.Gain insight into fixed grid curriculum and the snaking loop schedule as a method to avoid overwhelm and ensure a balanced approach to using comprehensive resources.Get tips on effectively using buffet curriculum by setting specific goals, prioritizing materials, and making decisions in advance to avoid decision fatigue.Appreciate the value of whole-family learning curriculum, with a realistic approach to age range, to foster family unity and efficient multi-age education.Resources and Links: All About ReadingAll About SpellingGuest HallowTapestry of GraceLayers of LearningBook SharkMemoria PressFive In A RowSimply Charlotte MasonHomeschool Better Together CommunityHomeschool Better Together Citizenship TogetherPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotTask Card Master ClassFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt8To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill shares four practical tips that will help you move from feeling overwhelmed to prepared; ensuring your homeschooling days are filled with curiosity, excitement, and wonder. Whether it’s planning amazing field trips, following your kids' interests with a Wonder Wall, or incorporating morning basket time into your routine, this episode has you covered.Listen in for practical tips on selecting the best resources, making your homeschool both orderly and enriching, and creating an environment tailored to the interests of your children. Let's step out of the overwhelm and into the joy of learning together!Key Resources:Order and Wonder courseYMB PlusHalliburton's MarvelsHomeschool Better Together CommunityKey Takeaways:Discover the structured approach to choosing curriculum as the fourth step in homeschooling planning, detailing the prior steps including reviewing the homeschool vision and setting specific student goals.Learn how to incorporate wonder into your homeschool planning, focusing on creating opportunities for children to wonder about the world rather than only experiencing big, awe-inspiring moments.Understand the importance of intentionality in your homeschool vision and goals, specifically how setting specific aims for introducing wonder can transform your educational environment.Explore practical scheduling strategies to include wonder regularly, whether through field trips, weekly or biweekly wonder activities, or daily morning basket routines.Get insights on following your children's interests by creating a Wonder Wall, allowing them to contribute topics they are curious about and using this input to plan engaging studies.Hear suggestions for preparing ahead to gather the best resources, such as highly-recommended books, videos, and games, ensuring these materials are enriching and inspiring for your children.Learn about the benefits of leveraging the Homeschool Better Together community to crowdsource recommendations, helping you find high-quality educational tools and foster a collaborative learning experience.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt7To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome back to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast. In today's episode, host Pam Barnhill and guest Amie Gardner dive into the intricacies of homeschool planning and the tools that can make it all more manageable. Amie shares her experience using Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot, which has been a game-changer in balancing lesson plans for her family and creating a confident, structured homeschooling environment. We'll also hear about Amie's journey from feeling overwhelmed with curriculum to finding flexibility and peace of mind. Pam and Amie reflect on the pressures of finding the perfect curriculum and fostering a love for learning in children. This episode is packed with valuable insights, practical tips, and heartfelt discussion aimed at helping you navigate your homeschooling journey with confidence and ease.Resource and Links:Homeschool PlanetAll About ReadingTapestry of GraceSonlight CurriculumPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotNavigating High SchoolHomeschooling Better Together CommunityKey Takeaways:Discover how Amie Gardner uses Put Your Year on Autopilot and Plan Your Year to simplify homeschool planning, providing a checks and balances system for her lesson planningUnderstand the benefits of online homeschool planners in tracking and shifting dates, helping to create an organized education plan within a short timeframe.Explore the flexibility and customization offered by Plan Your Year, making it adaptable for any homeschool approach and reducing chaos in daily schedules.Hear Amie's journey from starting homeschooling due to her oldest child's struggles in public school, to finding the right resources that helped her develop a confident and effective homeschool routine.Learn the advantages and potential challenges of the buffet curriculum approach, and the importance of making decisions ahead of time to avoid decision fatigue.Gain insights into the benefits of structured yet flexible planning processes that provide a sense of direction, reduce overwhelm, and ensure comprehensive subject coverage.Reflect on the balance between finding the perfect curriculum and fostering a love for learning, understanding the pressure on curriculum providers and the value of scripted homeschool curriculums.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt6To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill provides actionable tips to help make your homeschool planning simpler and more flexible. Pam tackles some common struggles, such as, when life happens and your perfectly laid plans fall apart. Listen in for practical solutions like lesson plan lists, loop schedules, and procedure lists that will help you stay organized without the stress of rigid grids.These tips are designed to help you create a homeschool plan that adapts to your family's needs, eliminates decision fatigue, and lets you enjoy the journey more. These strategies have been lifesavers for many fellow homeschoolers.If you're ready to bring joy back into your homeschooling, don’t miss today’s episode. Let's step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder together!Key Takeaways:Simplify homeschool planning by using lesson plan lists, where lessons are ordered by subject rather than assigning specific activities to specific days, creating flexibility in case of unexpected interruptions.Adopt loop scheduling to balance subjects and avoid falling behind in one area while getting too far ahead in another, ensuring consistent progress across all subjects.Utilize procedure lists to streamline the curriculum, specifying the steps needed to meet educational goals, thus making the daily execution of lessons straightforward and manageable.Consider focusing more on the joy and wonder of learning rather than strictly adhering to rigid plans, to alleviate the feeling of failure when plans don't go as expected.Create an efficient homeschooling record-keeping method by annotating completed lessons with dates on your lists, eliminating the need for post-hoc filling of grids or records.Enhance engagement through varied activities, such as incorporating books, videos, and interactive tasks, tailored to meet your educational objectives in an enjoyable way for kids.Explore available courses, such as the autopilot planning course, which provide detailed guidance and tools for more effective homeschool planning and execution.Resources and Links:Homeschool Better Together PodcastWonder World PodcastPut Your Homeschool On AutopilotInnovative Loop Schedule For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt5To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we journey through the challenging yet rewarding world of homeschooling as a community. In today's episode, you'll discover how strategic planning frameworks can relieve the overwhelm of daily decision-making, turning any curriculum into a seamless, open-and-go experience. Whether you're like "Best Intention Becky," who loves to plan but tends to overdo it or "Carefree Cathy," who thrives on spontaneity but struggles to cover the core subjects, this episode offers flexible planning techniques like lesson plan lists and magic number scheduling that could be perfect for you. Pam candidly discusses her own struggles with maintaining spontaneity while keeping up with homeschooling demands and introduces flexible planning approaches that can offer peace and predictability amidst life's uncertainties. Tune in for real stories, practical tips, and empowering resources to make your homeschooling journey more joyful and less stressful. Let's make homeschooling better, together!Links and Resources:Which Kind of Homeschool Mom Are You? Part 1Homeschool Better Together CommunityPut Your Year on AutopilotPlan Your YearKey Takeaways:Learn how structuring your homeschooling approach with lists rather than rigid schedules can provide the flexibility to accommodate life's uncertainties and spontaneous learning moments.Understand the role of a vision statement in creating an effective homeschool plan, allowing parents to test their decisions against their long-term educational goals and stay disciplined.Explore the concept of lesson plan lists without specific dates, combined with magic number scheduling as techniques to maintain educational progression without the stress of constant replanning.Gain insights into reducing stress and decision fatigue by using flexible planning frameworks that turn any curriculum into an open-and-go format, improving the overall homeschooling experience.Recognize the importance of periodic reviews to calmly assess the effectiveness of your homeschool plan, ensuring it remains adaptable and aligned with your family's needs and goals.Discover how autopilot planning can help families stay on track with homeschooling even in the face of unexpected events, like Alicia Brooklands did after hurricane Michael.Hear Pam's reflections on homeschooling year-round, managing seasonal breaks, and the impact of flexible planning on maintaining a joyful and balanced learning environment for her family.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt4To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill shares insights and practical tips for determining what's "enough" for your family.Pam breaks down four homeschool mom personality types - Carefree Cathy, Best Intention Becky, Strategic Susan, and Overwhelmed Olivia. You'll find out which type resonates with you and gain valuable advice for overcoming the unique struggles each type faces.Tune in to discover that while each personality type has its struggles, there are practical solutions and encouragement to help you homeschool better. So grab your favorite drink, take a break, and get ready to be empowered to step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder of homeschooling better together. Links and Resources:Which Kind of Homeschool Mom Are You? Part 2Homeschool Better Together CommunityPut Your Year on Autopilot Plan Your Year Key Takeaways:Reflect on the concept of "enough" in homeschooling and the process of defining what "enough" means for your family.Explore the importance of creating a vision for your homeschool and how it helps in determining what is "enough" for your family.Delve into the personality types of homeschool moms, including Carefree Cathy, Homeschooler Best Intention Becky, Strategic Susan, and Overwhelmed Olivia.Understand the struggles and challenges faced by each homeschool mom personality type in their homeschooling journey.Recognize that it's okay to enjoy the homeschool planning process, even if you don't get to implement every single plan.Acknowledge the impact of unexpected life events on homeschool plans and the need to adapt and adjust to challenges.Learn about joining the free homeschool community and share insights about the identified homeschool mom personality type.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt3To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. Are you looking to equip your kids with valuable life skills and build confidence in the kitchen? Then you won't want to miss Episode 2. In this episode, the host, Pam Barnhill, is joined by Katie Kimball, the national voice of Healthy Kids Cooking, two time TEDx speaker, writer, and mom of 4 kids who founded the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse, which was recommended by The Wall Street Journal as the best online cooking class for kids.Together, they explore the world of teaching kids important life skills and the impact of the digital age on parenting.Katie shares her journey from being an elementary teacher to a successful entrepreneur and mom of four kids, discussing the challenges of parenting in the digital age and the necessity of teaching kids face-to-face communication, understanding the value of money, and stress management in this tech-heavy and busy world.The episode is packed with insights and practical tips from experts on developing these vital life skills in kids and teens, making it an invaluable resource for today's homeschooling parents.Links and Resources:Life Skills Now Summer CampKids Cook Real Food BlogKitchen Stewardship BlogHSBT PodcastHomeschool Better Together CommunityKey Takeaways:Discover the value of teaching life skills beyond academics to help children thrive in the digital age and beyond, including communication, financial literacy, and stress management.Understand the importance of face-to-face communication skills and how to teach children polite communication, eye contact, and how to start conversations.Explore the concept of financial literacy for children, including understanding the value of physical money, opening a checking account, and the basics of banking and compound interest.Learn the practical skills of self-regulation, including tools for calming, morning routines, and mastering resilience to help kids cope with stress and anxiety in today’s tech-heavy world.Gain insights into how the workshops offered in the Life Skills Now summer camp provide practical, hands-on learning experiences for children to develop essential life skills.Discover the benefits of the Life Skills Now summer camp, which includes an extensive selection of workshops, prizes to motivate participation, and the opportunity for kids to apply what they've learned.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt2To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, the place where we explore the wonders of homeschooling as a community. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill shares her personal experience of finishing up the school year with her kids and introduces the new direction of the podcast. She reflects on the importance of simplifying the podcast and merging two previous podcasts into one, focusing on the theme of homeschooling better together. Pam emphasizes the significance of family learning, building relationships, and fostering a sense of wonder in the homeschooling journey. She also invites listeners to join the Homeschool Better Together community. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with practical tips, conversations with experts, and inspiration to make homeschooling more joyful and effective.Links and Resources:Humility and Doxology blog by Amy SloanHome Science ToolsHomeschool Better Together CommunityHSBT PodcastKey Takeaways:Discover the concept of the "I'm done list" as a practical tool for wrapping up the school year, allowing students to focus on completing specific tasks and bringing closure to various subjects.Understand the transition from the previous podcasts to the new "Homeschool Better Together" podcast, which combines the themes of morning time and better homeschooling to create a holistic learning experience for families.Gain insight into the importance of relationships in homeschooling, emphasizing how homeschooling better together can lead to long-lasting connections with children that surpass academic achievements.Learn about the podcast's focus on homeschool topics, including planning, teaching math, accommodating gifted and twice exceptional kids, and incorporating various subjects such as science, history, and geography into the homeschool curriculum.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt1To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Are you ready for homeschooling to feel joyful again? Do you need support as you learn alongside your kids? Welcome to Homeschool Better Together. Hosted by Pam Barnhill, this podcast shares how to stop questioning if you are doing enough and create a homeschool experience that fits your family.Each Tuesday, we break down the big ideas into manageable chunks to give you the confidence and resources you need to finally step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder. Homeschool stories and practical tips are delivered straight to your earbuds full of inspiration and encouragement. They are perfect to listen to while running errands or folding a load of laundry. No matter what homeschool method you use, you’ll learn how to remove the overwhelm from your homeschool so you can focus on building relationships. To stay connected and learn even more about the Homeschooling Better Together resources, join the free community: https://pambarnhill.com/homeschool-better-together-podcast/

In this episode of Your Morning Basket, host Pam Barnhill welcomes Jennifer Pepito, the host of the Restoration Home podcast, to chat about creating a sacred home environment. They dive into the inspiration behind Jennifer's newest book, "Habits for a Sacred Home," which draws from the monastery movement and the impact of spiritual disciplines on history. The conversation covers the specific practices that are essential for nurturing a literature-based homeschool and the role of daily prayer in creating a peaceful and connected community within the home.Pam and Jennifer talk about the importance of a rule of life, which helps families identify their core values and live according to those values. To make it practical, the book includes different rules from St. Benedict paired with biographical sketches of women in history who exemplified those rules. The book also offers a study guide, recipe, prayer, scripture verses, and a pre-order offer with additional resources.This episode is a treasure trove for homeschooling parents looking to infuse their homes with meaningful practices and spiritual disciplines. To get access to the resources and the pre-order offer, you can visit habitsforasacredhome.com.Key Takeaways:Understand the concept of a rule of life or a mission statement for homeschooling, and how it can provide a vision and direction for the education of children, as well as decision-making about curriculum and activities.Experience the joys and benefits of incorporating daily prayer and poetry recitation into the homeschool routine, fostering a sense of spirituality and connection within the family.Explore the idea of stewardship within the home, including the importance of teaching children responsibility through daily chores and room care, and the impact of cultivating inner calm through quiet time practices.Learn about the historical significance of the monastery movement and see how this can inspire mothers to create a sense of community and stability within their homes, especially in turbulent times.Embrace the freedom and peace that comes from living according to the values and disciplines of a sacred home, and how this approach can help mothers and families weather the challenges of our culture while living out their faith and values.Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Morning Time PlansMothering by the Book: The Power of Reading Aloud to Overcome Fear and Recapture Joy by Jennifer PepitoHabits for a Sacred Home book by Jennifer PepitoRestoration Home PodcastThe Peaceful PressThe Peaceful Press Curriculum1000 Hours Outside PodcastAt Home with Sally PodcastThe Read Aloud Revival Atomic Habits by James ClearLittle Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls WilderPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb152To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of Your Morning Basket, host Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Dawn Garrett and Laney Homan share insightful strategies for incorporating picture study into your homeschooling routine. This episode discusses the benefits of picture study, such as creating a mental gallery of paintings for children to enjoy as well as highlighting that it's not about learning art history, but rather about observing and appreciating the details in a painting. Gain practical insights on how to conduct picture study sessions, including the basic method of observing a painting, discussing it with your children, and prompting them to think about and offer their own titles for the artwork. Whether you're new to picture study or looking for fresh ideas to invigorate your homeschooling curriculum, this episode has something for every homeschooling parent.Key Takeaways:Emphasize the value of setting a timer for 5 minutes to draw a painting as an exercise in attention, not about recreating the style of the artist.Highlight the importance of dividing a painting into thirds and showing each part to children, focusing on details like colors, brushstrokes, light, and texture. Discuss the process of telling a story about a picture to engage with the painting, emphasizing the use of details in the painting to guide the story.Encourage the community to share more ideas for picture study and other activities in a free homeschool portal.Stress the significance of building the habit of attention through picture study and other activities like nature study, music, and poetry.Recommend not revealing the title of the painting initially to encourage critical thinking, and suggest asking questions to prompt children to think about the painting and offer their own titles.Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Morning Time PlansArtistic Pursuits curriculumThe belated Party on Mansfield Mountain by Jerome B. Thompson"Impression Sunrise" by Claude MonetAngelica KauffmanJ.M.W. TurnerFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb151To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of “Your Morning Basket,” host Pam Barnhill and co-host Heather Tully, a mom of ten and a veteran morning time homeschooler, discuss the enriching experience of nature study. Parents will discover the benefits of incorporating nature study into their homeschool routine, learning how it can foster observation skills, connect children with science in a vivid and approachable way, and significantly benefit mental wellness by encouraging outdoor time.This episode covers practical tips for making nature study a seamless part of morning time, including building drawing and watercoloring skills as well as choosing specific topics for deeper exploration. Listen in for inspiring strategies to bring the wonders of the natural world into your homeschool.Key Takeaways:Nature study in homeschooling encourages children to observe and connect with science in a tangible and engaging way.Integrating nature study into morning time can be achieved through skill-building activities like drawing and watercoloring, and by focusing on thematic studies such as rocks or evergreens.Even without venturing outdoors, nature study can be effectively conducted at the table with resources like nature lore books and magnifying glasses for closer observation.Consistency in nature study can be fostered by forming groups for regular nature walks, thereby making the practice a communal and anticipated event.Nature study not only deepens child's understanding of the natural world but also promotes mental well-being by encouraging them to spend time outside, observing and appreciating their surroundings.Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Gather: Exploring the Wonder, Wisdom & Worship of Learning at HomeHeather Tully PhotographyEyes and No Eyes: Volume 1Among the Meadow PeopleThe Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir LawsCircle of Seasons; The Journal of a Naturalist's YearSimply Charlotte MasonFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb150To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

If you're a homeschooling parent looking for meaningful ways to engage with your high schoolers and bring joy to your homeschool routine, this episode of Your Morning Basket is for you. Join host Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Laney Homan and Dawn Garrett, as they discuss incorporating Morning Time for high schoolers and the importance of Morning Time, plans that cater to the whole family.Laney Homan shares her experience of using Morning Time plans with her senior high schooler and her 7-year-old, emphasizing the value of not making high school plans and engaging in enjoyable learning together. Dawn Garrett discusses making Morning Time count for high schoolers and provides insight into incorporating it into their daily routine.Discover how morning time plans offer valuable learning experiences for children of different ages, including high schoolers. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that will inspire and guide you in making Morning Time work for your high schoolers!Key Takeaways:Morning time plans for homeschooling high schoolers can be varied and flexible, incorporating activities that cater to different subjects and interests.Morning time plans include diverse activities, videos, picture study, poetry, and level-up activities suitable for older students.High schoolers can engage with morning time plans through activities like math, which includes advanced concepts suitable for their age and ability.Discover how morning time plans can benefit high schoolers and the whole familyLinks and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Month of Morning TimePicture Books Aren't Just for PreschoolersFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb149To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

If you're a homeschooling mom looking for ways to incorporate current events into your homeschool, episode 148 of Your Morning Basket is a must-listen! Join host Pam Barnhill and returning guest, Carl Azuz the host and executive producer of The World From A to Z as they delve into the world of news and media literacy. Pam and Carl discuss the importance of engaging kids in meaningful conversations about global events and navigating the complex landscape of media and news consumption.Carl shares his experience as a news presenter for CNN and his reasons behind creating, "The World From A to Z," a nonpartisan news show designed to provide a well-rounded look at international events, cultures, and stories for students. Discover how "The World From A to Z" can help bring current issues to your homeschool in a family-friendly manner.Key Takeaways:Learn how, The World From A to Z provides a well-rounded perspective on news and culture.As homeschoolers, we have a unique opportunity to engage our kids in critical thinking conversations about what's happening in the world. Carl shares his journey from CNN to creating The World From A to Z, a family friendly news outlet for students.Carl encourages multiple perspectives and fact-checking in an ever growing digital age. Learn how discussing news and current events can help our children think critically and have meaningful discussions.Encourage our children to have well-rounded perspectives, especially on controversial topics. Encourage our children to bridge disagreement and polarization within their communities with factual news information. The World From A to Z runs a fresh, nine minute episode each weekday.Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket PlusThe World From A to ZCarl Azuz's YouTube channelCarl Azuz on Your Morning BasketPoynter InstituteSonlight Homeschool CurriculumFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb148To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, discover practical strategies to combat burnout in your homeschool with Pam Barnhill and co-hosts, Ali Madej and Meg Angelino. You will gain valuable insight on using Morning Time and other tools to engage your children during times of curriculum fatigue, seasonal illness, new baby, or overall burnout. This candid conversation acknowledges the natural ebbs and flows in the homeschooling journey and the importance of extending grace to both parents and children during periods of burnout. The team offers practical insights into managing grading and striking a balance between pleasurable learning and skill subjects.Tune in to Your Morning Basket Podcast and start your journey towards a more intentional and joyful homeschooling approach today.Key Ideas About Morning Time and BurnoutUtilize library apps, such as; Hoopla, Libby for audiobooks and online resources to engage kids in learning during times of burnout.Embrace the fun and learning potential in Explorations, read-aloud time, and strewing to keep kids engaged.Explore strategies for managing burnout, including; managing mom's health, starting with enjoyable subjects, and outsourcing subjects.Emphasize the importance of balance and grace for both the homeschooling parent and the children during times of burnout.See Morning Time as a fundamental tool to combat burnout. Links and ResourcesYMB+HooplaLibbyLife of FredPut Your Homeschool Year On AutopilotDenise Gaskin on YMBHandbook of Nature StudyFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb147To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Join Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Meg Angelino and Laney Homan as they delve into the purpose and structure of morning time in homeschooling. In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of setting goals for morning time, its role in fostering lifelong learning and family connections, and strategies for making it a valuable and efficient part of the homeschool day. They share their personal experiences, tips, and insights on how to incorporate morning time into various homeschooling philosophies and its impact on family life.Key TakeawaysMorning Time is adaptable and can work for families regardless of their homeschooling philosophy, prioritizing what is important for each family.It provides an opportunity to include academic subjects, making homeschooling more efficient by teaching everyone at once.It's important to incorporate enjoyable elements for each family member in morning time, using it as a fun way to introduce less favored subjects.The hosts share their approaches to homeschooling and how morning time aligns with their individual philosophies.Tips and insights are provided for moms looking to implement morning time in their homeschooling routine.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb146To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Join hosts Pam Barnhill and Dawn Garrett as they revisit a classic episode of "Your Morning Basket" with Sonya Shafer, a homeschooling veteran, speaker, and writer specializing in the Charlotte Mason style of education. In this flashback episode, Sonya shares valuable insights into the power of narration and its role in developing children's personalities and engagement with books. Listen for practical tips for implementing narration, the effectiveness of oral compositions, and the benefits of using living books to foster the imagination.Key Takeaways About Narration:Learn how narration can engage children with books, develop their personalities, and enhance their oral composition, memory, and language skills. Understand the importance of grace for both parents and children as they navigate the learning process, emphasizing patience and trust. Explore the introduction of different types of narration, such as descriptive, expository, and persuasive, to students at various grade levels, and the stages of integrating these compositions into their education. Gain advice on encouraging children's narration skills without over-analyzing, to foster higher-level thinking and a love for storytelling and expression. For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb145To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Get into the holiday spirit with the Your Morning Basket Podcast's special episode, "The Team's Favorite Christmas Books." Join host Pam Barnhill as she welcomes Betsy Cypress, Meg Angelino, Genie Shaw, Ali Madej, Jeanette Pascua, Laney Homan, Katy Wallace, and Dawn Garrett as they share their personal favorite Christmas picture books and family traditions. From heartwarming stories to meaningful activities, you'll discover new books to read and find inspiration for creating meaningful traditions with your own family. Don't miss out on this festive episode that will add warmth and joy to your holiday season.Key Takeaways: Discover new Christmas picture books to enjoy with your family, including Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson and The Adventure of Christmas by Lisa Welshell.Start your own family traditions inspired by the podcast team's favorite activities, such as wrapping Hershey's Kisses as a countdown to Christmas or visiting neighborhood Christmas light displays.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb144To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of Your Morning Basket Podcast, hosts Pam Barnhill, Laney Homan, and Dawn Garrett talk about how to make morning time work for your family. They discuss how long Morning Time should be and why treating it as a separate activity is essential. The hosts share their experiences and tips on incorporating different subjects into morning time, like history, science, and skill work. They also give practical advice on balancing content area work with skill work, especially if you have multiple children. They also discuss whether you should have separate morning time activities for different age groups and the importance of having designated times for everyone to come together. Join the hosts as they give helpful advice on setting goals for morning time and making it a fun and meaningful part of your daily routine.Key Takeaways:Morning time should be seen as a separate activity, treated with importance and joy. Balancing content area work and skill work is a challenge, especially with multiple children. Skill work is often done outside of morning time. It's acceptable and beneficial to have separate morning time activities for different age groups if it works for the parent and benefits the child. Identifying priorities and deciding who needs to be present for certain activities is crucial in optimizing morning time. Setting goals for morning time, considering the ages of your children and the season of life, is an essential part of making it a successful practice.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb143To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Tired of the daily grind of homeschooling? Join Pam Barnhill and her team as they share how Your Morning Basket Plus Explorations can breathe new life into your homeschool. In this episode, Pam is joined by team members Ali and Laney to discuss how using Explorations as the basis for elementary homeschool subjects can nurture relationships, reduce stress, and encourage a love of learning. Hear real-life examples of how topics like baseball, ponds, artwork, and nature have captured children's imaginations across various ages. Discover how activities in music, poetry, picture study, and more can provide a rich learning experience tailored to each child's interests and abilities. If you're looking for an engaging way to teach multiple ages, subject areas, and learn alongside your children, take advantage of this insightful conversation. Let explorations help you rediscover the joy and meaning at the heart of homeschooling.Key Takeaways:Morning Basket Explorations can be the core of an elementary homeschool curriculum, covering subjects like science, history, art, and more.Explorations nurture relationships between siblings as they learn together on topics tailored to their individual levels.High-interest topics like baseball, ponds, fairy tales, trains, and more encourage kids to dive deep into subjects over a month.Consistent activities in each plan, like music, poetry, and picture study, provide a well-rounded experience.Focus is on learning and making connections rather than output of worksheets or compositions.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb142To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Join Pam, Dawn Garrett, and Meg Angelino as they bust some myths about those "extras" in homeschooling. We're airing out all the misconceptions we have heard about Morning Time through the years and today, we're here to set the record straight. Combining subjects? Totally a game changer. Tune in to get a sneak peek into our own Morning Time secrets and see why keeping it simple is key. And hey, don't stress - remember to find the joy and avoid that homeschool burnout. Whether you've got toddlers or teens, we'll chat about how Morning Time is a fit for everyone. Bring the family in on this one! 🌞📚🎉Key Takeaways:Incorporating additional subjects and activities in homeschooling lightens the day and makes it easier to teach core subjects.Combining children in their studies is a good use of time and energy, allowing them to learn from each other.Morning Time doesn't have to be elaborate; even one extra activity alongside reading aloud and memorizing a Bible verse can be effective.Morning Time helps prevent homeschool moms from burning out and provides an opportunity to engage in activities they enjoy.Morning Time is suitable for a wide age range of students and can be adapted to each child's maturity level, with older students even gaining high school credits through Morning Time activities.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb141To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of Your Morning Basket, host Pam Barnhill is joined by Betsy Cypress, the newest Your Morning Basket team member. Pam and Betsy introduce the Wonder World Podcast for kids. Pam records the show with her daughter Olivia each week, while Betsy is the researcher and writer behind each episode. Episodes explore fascinating topics, including historical events, science, and fun trivia. The Wonder World podcast aims to spark curiosity and encourage listeners to learn about various subjects, covering everything from roller coasters and sports to culture and history. Pam and Betsy also share tips for engaging reluctant writers, discuss the benefits of Wonder World, and highlight the power of podcasts in facilitating fun and engaging learning experiences. Join them for a delightful and informative conversation about a new show that will inspire and entertain the entire family.Key Takeaways:The Wonder World podcast covers many topics, including fun holidays, history, science, poetry, jokes, and trivia.The goal of the podcast is to provide education in a fun and exciting way for curious kids and their families.Wonder World is mentioned as a "ready-made morning time" resource that can be listened to during lunch, extending the listening experience.The podcast aims to provide enjoyable learning experiences beyond what can be found in textbooks.Find the Wonder World Podcast here.Find the Wonder Kids Club here.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb140To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, host Pam Barnhill explains why homeschooling parents should not try to recreate a classroom environment in their homes. Drawing from her experience as a homeschooling mom and former public school teacher, Pam discusses the limitations and unnecessary structures often associated with traditional classrooms. She explores the freedom and flexibility inherent in homeschooling and encourages listeners to develop their unique structures and approaches that align with their family's needs. Pam also introduces the concept of a morning basket or morning time as an alternative to traditional classroom structures, highlighting its benefits for bringing families together to learn and grow.Key Takeaways1. Homeschooling allows for freedom and flexibility that traditional classrooms often lack.2. Traditional classroom structures do not necessarily serve homeschooling families well.3. Developing unique structures and approaches that work for your family is key in homeschooling.4. Morning baskets or morning time can be a valuable alternative to traditional classroom structures, promoting family togetherness and shared learning experiences.5. Letting go of age-segregated structures and preconceived notions about certain books and materials can enhance the homeschooling experience.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb139To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Join Pam Barnhill and Heather Tully as they dive into a unique concept for homeschooling mothers - the Mother's Morning Basket. This September, join a virtual gathering of like-minded moms as you feed your mind and soul. This session is all about fairy tales!Not only will this enrich you, but it will also provide inspiration and ideas for your own children's morning time. Heather brings her 20 years of homeschooling experience, demonstrating how to incorporate picture study, music appreciation, nature study, and more into your routine. It's time to embrace the chance to learn, grow, and share together.Key Takeaways:A Mother's Morning Basket is personal time for mothers to nurture their intellectual and creative interests during the home-school year.The Mother's Morning Basket involves activities such as Bible reading, personal poetry reading, novel reading, and self-education.The program allows moms to engage and grow intellectually alongside their children. The aim is to foster an environment where learning and growth are seen as integral parts of life, not just schoolwork.The Mother's Morning Basket is also a teaching tool for mothers. It provides them with techniques to structure their children's Morning Time more effectively.Keep learning activities simple and realistic for consistency.The Mother's Morning Basket sessions are expected to provide inspiration, camaraderie, and practical guidance for homeschooling moms.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb138To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In today's episode, we examine the world of morning time and its incredible potential for young learners. We'll be joined by Rachel Monreal, a homeschooling mom who has discovered the magic of morning time and how it has transformed her homeschooling journey with her preschool and elementary-aged kids.We'll explore Rachel's journey through the challenges of homeschooling young children, finding balance amidst the pressures of traditional education, and rediscovering the joy of learning for both parent and child. Rachel will share her insights on including toddlers in morning time, adapting curriculum, and ultimately creating a structured plan that aligns with her family's core values.Rachel shares her practical tips for implementing morning time, her favorite resources from our "Little Explorers Plan," and how she manages to prioritize consistency in her educational routine. Let's dive in!Key Takeaways:Morning time can be a rich and enjoyable educational experience for preschoolers.Morning time provides an opportunity to align education with core values, such as faith, family relationships, language learning, and skill development.Consistency is key for a successful educational routine, and creating a structured plan can help achieve this.The "morning basket" or "morning time" approach in homeschooling can bring joy, closer relationships, and less stress to the learning experience.Morning time can be adapted to fit the needs and ages of children in a flexible and adaptable manner.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb137To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of the Your Morning Basket podcast, host Pam Barnhill discusses the importance of creating a flexible homeschool schedule that aligns with your family's values and goals. Pam shares practical tips and tools for overcoming the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by all the subjects, avoiding falling behind and building margin into your homeschool schedule.Pam encourages listeners to embrace rabbit trails and unexpected learning opportunities, as well as to build in margin to allow for emergencies or unexpected events. She also introduces the concept of a minimum viable day and loop scheduling to maintain structure and balance in your homeschool routine.If you want to create a homeschool schedule that aligns with your family's values and goals, this episode is a must-listen. Check out this Your Morning Basket podcast for more practical tips and tools for your homeschool journey.Find the shownotes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/ymb136

In this episode of the Your Morning Basket podcast, host Pam Barnhill discusses how to assess learning in your homeschool morning time. She explains the importance of setting goals, self-assessment, parent observation, and real-world application in evaluating your children's progress. Pam also shares practical tips on how to incorporate morning time activities into traditional assessment models, including issuing transcripts for high schoolers. However, she emphasizes that non-traditional methods of assessment, such as building relationships and fostering a love for learning, are just as important in evaluating the success of your morning time routine. If you're looking for ways to measure your homeschooling progress beyond traditional tests and grades, be sure to tune in to this insightful episode!Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/ymb135

In this episode, we talk to Barbara, a homeschooling mom who shares her experience with implementing Morning Time into her homeschooling routine. Barbara talks about her journey to discovering Morning Time and how she initially struggled with finding resources to use. She shares how Morning Time has helped her create a connection with her children, and how it has become a grounding and warming up exercise for the day. Barbara also talks about how she uses Morning Time to bring in other aspects of learning, such as grammar and history.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb134To download a sample of our free Month of Morning Time plans visit us here.To join our free homeschool community of Morning Time moms, you can create an account right here.For a done-for-you Morning Time experience complete with over sixty sets of Morning Basket plans, live events where we teach your kids, and support with your new Morning Time habit join Your Morning Basket Plus today!

In this episode of the Your Morning Basket podcast, host Pam Barnhill interviews Mystie Winckler, creator of Simply Convivial and author of The Convivial Homeschool. They discuss the importance of creating a convivial atmosphere in the home while homeschooling and how it leads to greater enjoyment and success in learning. Mystie emphasizes that the atmosphere of the home is the atmosphere of homeschooling and that it is essential for mothers to put a smile on their faces and enjoy homeschooling to create an enjoyable atmosphere. They also discuss practical tips for adding joy to your homeschool days.

Yep, we're going there. Being a good homeschool mom is an important responsibility that involves creating a consistent, balanced, and flexible educational atmosphere according to the family's values and beliefs. It also entails having the courage and determination to do what is right, even in challenging situations. Join Laney and me as we chat about what being a good homeschool mom even means, how YOU have to define it, and some tips that help you know when you are on the right track -- all delivered with a dose or realism and encouragement. We also discuss how Morning Time can help create family connections and provide structure so that homeschool moms can be more effective in their work. For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb132To download a sample of our free Month of Morning Time plans visit us here.To join our free homeschool community of Morning Time moms, you can create an account right here.For a done-for-you Morning Time experience complete with over sixty sets of Morning Basket plans, live events where we teach your kids, and support with your new Morning Time habit join Your Morning Basket Plus today!

So many of your homeschool problems can be solved just by building the habit of consistency in your homeschool. In fact, I think being consistent is more important than choosing just the right curriculum when it comes to being successful at educating your kids. Morning Time is one of those keys that can help you be more consistent in your homeschool and benefit. Listen on to find out more.Key Takeaways:Taking unplanned days off can interfere with consistency, but planned days off can be beneficial.Consistency is key to homeschooling success as it can help build trust between parents and their children.Morning Time is a great way to begin school days the same way each day and add consistency to homeschooling.Consistency helps solve many homeschool issues and foster trust.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb131To download a sample of our free Month of Morning Time plans visit us here.To join our free homeschool community of Morning Time moms, you can create an account right here.For a done-for-you Morning Time experience complete with over sixty sets of Morning Basket plans, live events where we teach your kids, and support with your new Morning Time habit join Your Morning Basket Plus today!

Has your Morning Time started feeling a little stale and uninspiring? Hey, I have totally been there. In this podcast episode we have a number of ideas that you can use to breath new life into your Morning Time.Have a listen and try one to spice up your Morning Time today.Key Takeaways:Morning time can be made more engaging with a bit of creativity.Switching up the location of morning time or introducing an older podcast can help keep things fresh.Introducing humor to morning time can make the experience more enjoyable.Giving kids hands-on activities during morning time can provide a break in the routine.Consider forming a community with other homeschoolers for ideas or going on a morning time retreat.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb130To download a sample of our free Month of Morning Time plans visit us here.To join our free homeschool community of Morning Time moms, you can create an account right here.For a done-for-you Morning Time experience complete with over sixty sets of Morning Basket plans, live events where we teach your kids, and support with your new Morning Time habit join Your Morning Basket Plus today!

If you want to get started doing your own Morning Time your first instinct might be to head to Pinterest. Don’t! Instead, follow these five tips that Pam lays out to help you begin a Morning Time habit in your homeschool that both you and the kids will enjoy. Head to pambarnhill.com/ymb129 for full shownotes.

Morning Time is not something that is required by any homeschool method or governing body. Why then do homeschoolers find the practice beneficial to include in a homeschool day? In this episode, Pam talks about five different reasons why a Morning Time practice is a worthy addition to your homeschool. She outlines the benefits of why you would want to devote time to doing this year after year.Key Takeaways:Morning Time provides an efficient way to cover multiple subjects for multiple pupils.It sets the tone for the rest of the day and allows students to transition from playtime to school time.Morning Time is an excellent way for families to connect and create shared experiences.It encourages curiosity and discovery in children and reduces stress.It is an important part of a successful homeschool day.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb128To download a sample of our free Month of Morning Time plans visit us here.To join our free homeschool community of Morning Time moms, you can create an account right here.For a done-for-you Morning Time experience complete with over sixty sets of Morning Basket plans, live events where we teach your kids, and support with your new Morning Time habit join Your Morning Basket Plus today!

We are getting close to the holiday season and that means homeschoolers everywhere are getting ready to lean into the Christmas season and enjoy doing Christmas activities -- sometimes in lieu of any other learning activities. On this episode of the podcast I am joined by Abby Stone, mom of five, to chat about how her family slows down to make time for Christmas Traditions each year -- often learning a tone of academics along the way. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb127.

Snap, crackle, pop! or "my love is like a red, red rose" -- both are examples of fun word play that we can find in writing all around us. These words are what makes writing exciting. Today I am joined by special guest Megan Andrews who is a lover of words of all kind. We talk about how to introduce your kids to the beauty of words and encourage them to enjoy the language but also make the leap to using it in their own writing. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb126.

As moms we deal with so many struggles and fears. Are we doing enough? Will our kids turn out ok? These fears threaten to overwhelm us and we wonder what can we do about it. My guest Jen Pepito knows those same fears all too well and has found solace and help in an unlikely place -- the books she reads aloud to her kids. Jen proposes that there are lessons for moms in the books we are reading to our family and she helps connect us to those lessons and how we can use them to overcome our fears in her new book, Mothering by the Book. She joins me today to talk about this unique approach and how we can use it to help us and our children. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb125.

 It's true! It doesn't matter what "flavor" of homeschooler you are or what method you subscribe to -- Morning Time can totally work with every single kind of homeschool philosophy. I am joined today by Amy Milcic (eclectic, traditional) and Jessica Waldock (relaxed and interest based) as we chat about how we have made Morning Time work for us (I am representing the CM, classical side of things from a non-purist standpoint.) Have a listen and tell us what you think! For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb124.

 Don't groan! Geography can be a fun and fascinating topic to study in your Morning Time. In fact, when you get a kid who is into geography they can be so excited over something as simple as locating countries on a map. It is so much fun to see. Join me and Gather co-author Heather Tully as we dig in to all the ways we have done geography in our Morning Baskets through the years and dish on all of our favorite books and resources. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb123.

 We've talked a few times on the podcast about how to do Morning Time with your teens, but this episode really hones in on the idea of what do you prioritize when it comes to Morning Time and the teenage years. How do you make it worth their time and energy, how does it change as they get older, and even how do you award credits for what you are doing. 

 Moms of kids with special needs may wonder what their students are capable of doing. How much should you do and what does this child need. Cheryl Swope is on the podcast today to talk about how all kids need truth, goodness, and beauty in their education. We can provide that as well as meet the practical needs that children have. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb121.

We are heading to the beach this January for our first ever We Gather Together Morning Time Retreat. Join me, Gather author Heather Tully, Dawn Garrett and the YMB team as we do Morning Time together, relax on the beach, and share a ton of encouragement and ideas for your Morning Time. In this special episode of the podcast we discuss all the retreat details. Register and read more at https://pambarnhill.com/retreat.

 Today we are giving you a peek behind the scenes at what is included in our ready-made Morning Time plans at Your Morning Basket. I am joined by our member success manager and mom of eight Laney Homan as we dissect what's in the plans, who are they for, and how to get the most out of using them in your homeschool. For shownotes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb120.

I am joined today by Colleen Rein who is a member of our Your Morning Basket Plus membership and a mom who has been doing Morning Time for a number of years in her homeschool. What I love most about Colleen is all the practical insights she has into making homeschooling work for her family. Today she shares insights and tons of good ideas on how Morning Time can support a diverse group of learners.For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb119.

It is getting tougher and tougher to find good picture books that align with your values these days. How do you find ones that tell a quality story and have the kind of language and art that your family enjoys? How can you make your librarian your ally and know just which books to choose in the bookstore to add to your home library. I am joined today by Sarah Mackenzie from Read Aloud Revival to answer all of those questions and more. This was such a fun conversation. I hope you'll join us. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb118.

Every year there are new moms dipping toes into the waters of homeschooling by starting with a preschooler. Every year these same moms ask their more veteran homeschool mom friends for advice and come away disappointed by the response they get. In this episode Mystie Winckler and I have a message for these new moms that start with "We will not roll our eyes at you!" and continues with practical encouragement and a fond look back at what we did in our early days (good and bad). We also have some words for the veteran homeschoolers -- how can we encourage these new moms while we help them begin to understand that education might be different (and better) than they every imagined. Join us!For show notes visit: https://pambarnhill.com/ymb117

Summer is for fun and what is more fun than a summer reading program and Morning Time. In this episode Pam and member success manager Laney Homan talk about the Traveling Through the Pages FREE summer reading program that encourages your kids to stretch outside their comfort zones and read widely this summer. Laney gives a number of great ideas of how to use the program and the accompanying Morning Time plans. Don't miss this practical episode. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb116.