Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

 Morning Time gives us a gift. It gives us a time in our day where we can enjoy the music, poetry, and art of a culture -- either our own or the culture of others. Today I am joined by Amber O'Neal Johnston who talks about why exploring both are important, and she has a ton of examples and ideas of how we can do that in our Morning Time. For podcast show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb115.

 So often we set ourselves up to fail when we have unrealistic expectations and expect a perfect Morning Time. Sometimes we don't even realize that perfectionism is the problem we are fighting. In this episode Pam breaks down what perfectionism can look like in your Morning Time and gives some tips on how to beat it so you can your kids can enjoy Morning Time together for years to come. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb114.

 Maybe you want to do memory work with your kids but you are worried that it will become a drill and kill time that nobody loves. I used to worry about that too but the reality was far from that. Today I am joined by Abby Wahl and we chat about different ways you can make memory work more enjoyable to do -- even if you don't consider yourself a "fun" mom. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb113.

 You enjoy Morning Time but you sometimes wonder if it will really have the outcomes that you hope. When you have little ones, how do you keep pushing through the messy moments when the results of your efforts are so far away. I am joined by Heather Tully and Brittny Bailey today to talk about just that topic and together we offer the perspectives of a newer homeschool mom, one in the messy middle, and a mom who has graduated a few as we tackle the question: will Morning Time bear fruit? Visit pambarnhill.com/ymb112 for show notes and episode downloads.

 Sometimes history texts can be a little dry and uninspiring, but what can homeschoolers do to bring history to life? My guest Amy Sloan eschews the textbooks altogether and simply uses real living books to teach history to her kids. Worried about how to make it happen? Amy breaks down how to do it, where to find the books, and some of the benefits that can come from taking a more interesting approach to history. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb111.

 Today I am joined by Jeanette Pascua, homeschool mom of four, who has always used a Morning Basket as preschool in her homeschool. Jeanette and I chat about how Morning Time is the perfect way to accomplish preschool goals of language development. We also chat about how Morning Time with preschoolers looks different when your preschool child is your oldest versus when he is your youngest child. Have a listen and tell us what you think. 

. It happens to all of us. We cozy up with our kids and a good book expecting a blissful Morning Time of family learning when all of a sudden, "He hit me!" erupts from the couch. How are we supposed to focus on truth, goodness, and beauty with bickering, punching, and yelling are going on in our living room? is it even worth the effort when all our kids want to do is duke it out in Morning Time? Let's get some strategies and talk about that very topic today with our guest Lynna Sutherland. For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb109.

 One of the things I love is hearing about how other families work Morning Time into their homeschool days. How did they get started? What is their journeys like? Today on the podcast veteran homeschool mom Laney Homan is here to share here Morning Time story. She started about seven years ago and she keeps adapting Morning Time to meet her needs. Enjoy! For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb108.

If your Morning Time has ever fizzled or you have felt daunted by the idea of starting back in a new semester, this is the episode for you. Dawn Garrett and I chat about getting over the hump of the semester break, how to prepare for the February blues, plus we introduce our brand new Morning Time Journal and planner that we are so excited to share with you. For shownotes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb107.

 Have you ever felt like you were just stuck in a rut with Morning Time? It seems like you are just doing all the same old things and you can't shake things up and make them seem new again. We are talking about exactly that topic on today's episode of the podcast. I hope there is a pointer or two in here for you! Visit pambarnhill.com/ymb106 for show notes and episode downloads.

 If you have ever been in a situation where you were mortified at something your kids did then, well, you are in good company. It happens to all of us at some time or another. That is why my guest today took matters into her own hands and decided that the holiday season was the perfect time to teach some vital manners to her children. She did it each day during the season in her Morning Time and she is sharing the how-to-do-it with us. Don't miss this episode! For podcast show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/105.

 I can't wait to share this fun podcast with you. Colleen Kessler joins me to talk all about how to capitalize on your kids' interests and add them to your Morning Time. How do you know which interests to follow? Which ones can you do as a family? And finally how do you stay on track and keep from losing your mind while still honoring their interests. We talk about all that and more in today's episode. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb104.

When you have been homeschooling as long as I have it takes quite a bit to be surprised by a new resources. Before Austen Comes Aesop is a new book that was up to the task of turning my head.This valuable guide for parents not only takes on the misguided idea that our kids need to read the most mature and difficult books at a young age, but also provides parents with the tools they need to create their own reading program using any books. Yes, there is a booklist, but it is not what you might expect. Instead of a subjective list of author favorites, what we have is a historical glimpse into the most influential children's literature of all times.This resource (and this conversation) is not to be missed.

How do you manage when you have a number of kids spanning a wide age range? You want your older kids to still be part of your Morning Time, but you aren't sure which activities are appropriate for them? How do you "level up" the activities you do so that little ones AND bigger ones still get something out of Morning Time?This episode answers all of those questions. Whether you make your own plans, follow a set of ours, or use something else you find online, this podcast is the ultimate resources for how to have a fruitful Morning Time for kids from toddler to teen.

Bethany Stuard has both an extensive knowledge of and great passion for choral music. That is what makes her such a fun guest for this episode of the podcast. In this episode Bethany likens choral music to a great room with doors that lead to all areas of knowledge. It is a fascinating glimpse at a tool we can use in our Morning Time to inspire our kids in ways we hadn't considered before. Enjoy!For the show notes for this podcast visit https://pambarnhill.com/ymb101

This is it! We are proud to present our 100th episode of Your Morning Basket. Who would have thought that we could do 100 episodes about Morning Time and not run out of ideas? (Hint: At times it was NOT me.) But we have and I am proud of all of them.In this 100th episode I am joined by YMB community manager (and all-around podcast super-fan)  Dawn Garrett for a jaunt down memory lane as we highlight our favorite episodes and guests from the first 99. Our hopes are these snippets bring back some memories of episodes you might want to revisit or encourage you to check out some you might have missed. Enjoy!For show notes and links to the episodes visit https://pambarnhill.com/ymb100

It is always a fun honor to chat with Andrew Pudewa and this conversation was no different. First, this guest comes prepared. In the podcast Andrew dives into three different modes of teaching grammar -- and what we think of as traditional grammar instruction is only a part of one of those modes.We also chat about why grammar (and words and thinking) are so important -- especially in the times in which we live today. There is so much good information in this one, it is going to blow you away. Enjoy!For podcast show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb99.

Lotus Stuart has always done art with her kids ever since they were little. When she started homeschooling them she began using a curriculum, but what she soon discovered was with using a curriculum they were doing less art and it was certainly less FUN.  In that moment the idea for Art History Kids movement was born.Join Lotus and me as we chat about how to approach art history in a fun, low-pressure way that your kids are going to love. We talk about why it is important to explore artists (and not just the old ones) and how open-ended art projects can inspire interest and creativity in your kids.For shownotes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb98

Today I am joined by my Morning Time mentor Cindy Rollins. We meant to talk about trying to whittle down all the good subjects to choose only the best for your Morning Time but I am not sure we quite succeeded. ;-) We might have created more of an argument on why you should make your Morning Time longer.It's a great conversation and we do end up talking about what Cindy feels like we should prioritize in our Morning Times based on her years of experience doing Morning Time and mentoring moms. We can't wait to have you join the conversation.For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb97.

We are kicking off a new season of the Your Morning Basket podcast with a bit of a practical episode for you. Despite all of our years talking about and writing about Morning Baskets we still get the question -- how do I get started doing a Morning Time. That is what we are hoping to answer here.I am joined by the Your Morning Basket Plus Community Manager (and Morning Time Pro) Dawn Garrett as we chat about how to get started if you have young kids who are just beginning school or if you are coming to homeschooling later with older kids. We break down the practical steps you need to take as well as how to troubleshoot any issues that come up. We can't wait for you to listen.For podcast and episode downloads, go to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb96.

I am joined on this episode of the podcast by homeschool mom and fellow introvert Jamie C. Martin. We are chatting all about how to do group learning in your home when mom just needs a little less noise and maybe a few more breaks. Though aimed at introverts, there are tons of tips here for extroverts too!We also spill the details about our brand new Homeschooling with Purpose course that is releasing this summer. Don't miss it!For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb95.

I'm not going to lie, this episode of the podcast is a new favorite. Denis Gaskins, homeschool mom and math-lover, popped into my interview seat and blew me away with some awesome new math analogies, a hint that I might be teaching math wrong (gasp), and a ton of tips and ideas for making math meaningful and fun for my kids. This one is not to be missed! For show notes and episode downloads, visit https://pambarnhill.com/ymb94.

Join me today for a delightful conversation with a Charlotte Mason homeschooling mom who also is a poet. In this episode Sally Thomas and I discuss what drew her to writing poetry. how to experience poetry which your kids, and how you might encourage them to write their own.For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb93.

Growth mindset is a hot buzz word in the education world these days, but what do you do if it makes you feel a little, well, uncomfortable. All that self talk can sometimes seem like a little too much dependence on self and not enough dependence on God and His will. That is why I am chatting today with Ginny Kochis who approaches the idea of growth mindset from a Christian perspective. How can we balance our belief in ourselves and our abilities with our need for God's grace and help. That is what we seek to answer here. Enjoy!For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb92.

 Want your kids to get moving and maybe you aren't so good at moving yourself? Larissa Maloney joins us on today's podcast to talk about why getting our kids moving is important to their learning. She also gives some fun tips on how to inspire them to get going. Enjoy! For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb91.

Planning a little trip? It turns out that Morning Basket is a great time to explore all the places where you might want to travel. I am joined on today's episode by Dachelle McVey, a mom who makes travel a big part of her homeschool. And the learning doesn't just happen ON the trip. Dachelle is full of ideas for how to make it happen before and after travel as well. For show notes and episode downloads, visit pambarnhill.com/ymb90.

Fellow Scholé Sister Abby Wahl joins me on today's episode of the podcast with some encouraging help for moms who want to build a reading habit this year. In the show we talk about how to develop our reading taste, what to do if you feel like you have no time to read, and Abby's secret sauce for building a successful reading habit from the very first day. For show notes and episode downloads,  visit pambarnhill.com/ymb89.

It is the question we get asked more than any other. How do I do Morning Time with kids that span a wide range of ages and if I have toddlers in the mix. Well today we have the answer. In this video workshop replay, mom of ten Heather Tully shares with us why and how she perseveres and does Morning TIme with her kids from ages 2 to 19.Full of practical advice, realism, and grace this workshop will bless you as you prepare your own Morning Time. To see the video version of this webinar and Heather's beautiful photography visit https://pambarnhill.com/ymb88.

On today's podcast I am joined by homeschool mom Jennifer Stowe who has turned a passion for all things tea into a business and educational experience for her entire family. Join us as we talk about the historical, cultural, and literary learning we can derive from tea, fun food ideas for tea time, and how to expand upon passions to enhance learning.For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb87.

Everyone knows that we should focus our educational efforts on teaching kids skills they can actually use in real life, right? Except maybe that is not the best path to the most practical education after all. Yes, a classical education can build virtue, but it also creates the best employees for the modern world.Need convincing? Then you are going to enjoy this interview with Martin Cothran of Memoria Press. You may learn something new about the term "liberal arts" and might just walk away convinced that STEM is not necessarily where we should focus. Enjoy!For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb86.

A new year can be both daunting and exciting at the same time. It is a fresh start and a time for change, but that doesn't excuse the need to be realistic about what you can actually do amid the uncertainties of homeschool mom life (everyday is different, yes?)So today community manager Dawn Garrett and I are here with some real talk and best tips for setting goals, getting mornings started well (note: I didn't say early.), choosing a word for the year and so much more. Enjoy!For more information and the show notes for this episode visit: https://pambarnhill.com/ymb85

Continuing with our November theme of celebrating Advent this year, I am joined on today's show by the Your Morning Basket Plus music specialist Genie Shaw. We are talking all about Advent music, what makes it different from Christmas music and why you might want to add some of these pieces to your holiday playlist. We give you ideas for which pieces to start with and how to add celebrating these to your holiday season.For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb84.

Today on the show I am joined by author and mom Tsh Oxenreider to chat about her new book Shadow and Light: A Journey Into Advent. In this episode Tsh and I chat about what Advent is and how Tsh came to celebrate it. We also talk about what the season has to offer all Christians -- not just those who attend liturgical churches.With tons of ideas for families and an enlightening conversation about why 2020 may be the best year ever to lean into Advent, I think this is a show you will enjoy.For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb83.

On today's podcast I am joined by the very punny host of CNN10, Carl Azuz. With balanced news coverage, wonderful explanations, and a winning host, the 10-minute news show has become a favorite part of our family's Morning Basket. It's the way we love to cover current events.On this podcast Carl and I chat about how he got his start in journalism, how he ended up doing student news, and the process he uses to produce an objective journalism show for his audience. Enjoy!For downloads and show notes visit https://pambarnhill.com/ymb82

Today on the podcast I am joined by my good friend Colleen Kessler who is a homeschooling mom of four and a gifted education specialist.Colleen and I chat about the benefits of a Morning Basket for your gifted kids as well as some of the challenges that moms of gifted and twice exceptional children might face when it comes to getting everyone on the same page for group learning. Colleen gives us practical tips for discussion, activities, and what to do for kids who struggle to hold still and focus.Full of ideas and encouragement, this episode has something for everyone!For show notes and episode downloads, go to pambarnhill.com/ymb81.

Today I am joined my Missy Andrews from the Center for Lit to talk about her book My Divine Comedy: A Mother’s Homeschooling Journey.I can't explain how encouraged I was by today's episode. No spoilers, but there is one nugget that Missy lays down that is going to have lasting change on how I view myself as a homeschool mom and how I view the work I am doing with my children.We also chat about the definition of education, homeschool disillusionment, and the dangers of tying our identities to the success of our homeschool. I think you will be encouraged.For shownotes and episode downloads, visit https://pambarnhill.com/ymb80.

The theme of this episode of the podcast is all about making Morning Time work for your family. I am joined by Jessica Waldock, host of the Morning Baskets and more Facebook community to talk about how using themes saved her Morning Basket. Jessica homeschools an only-child who likes to deep-dive into topics, so a themed Morning Basket is a perfect fit.In the show we also talk about the difference between themed Morning Time and unit studies, where Jessica gets her theme ideas, and how Morning Baskets can work in a single-child homeschool.For show notes and episode downloads, visit: https://pambarnhill.com/ymb79

Professor and homeschool mom Jill Hummer joins me on this episode of the podcast to talk all about teaching civics and current events in your Morning Time. We chat about what Civics is, exactly, as well as the best ways to bring a living knowledge of citizenship to your kids. We also discuss age-appropriate ways to include civics, what to do about current events, and how you can make citizenship a natural part of your homeschool and family. For show notes and episode downloads, visit: https://pambarnhill.com/ymb78

On today's episode of the podcast I welcome Sally Clarkson, author and homeschool mom, to chat about her soon-to-be-released book Awaking Wonder. Education does not have to be difficult or stifling. Find out how homeschool families can create delightful learning based on good books and beautiful experiences.For show notes and episode downloads, visit: https://pambarnhill.com/ymb77

Nothing strikes fear in the homeschool mom more than starting kindergarten with that first child. I remember wondering how I was ever really going to make this work. (Pssst -- it has!) I am joined on the podcast today by Rebecca Zipp, a homeschooling mom who has put much thought into a gentle kindergarten. We have a message for the new homeschooling moms out there. It is going to be ok. Of course, we also spend quite a bit of time talking about how Morning Time fits into the homeschool kindergarten (hint: they are a match made in heaven), how much time you should spend doing kindergarten, and what are the goals of a kindergarten education. Listen, mama, and be encouraged!For the show notes and episode downloads visit: https://pambarnhill.com/ymb76

Rea Berg loves books and stories. She has become quite the collector of them through the years as she homeschooled her six children and then later went on to found Beautiful Feet Books. On today's show Rea joins me to chat about how we can use literature to teach history from story. We will be chatting about some of the challenges homeschool families face in the teaching of history, why stories and living books make an effective approach to history study, and how to pivot from using textbooks to using living books instead -- even in middle and high school. Enjoy!

I am joined today on the podcast by Mary Wilson, a homeschool mom and book lover who believes that fun should be an integral part of the homeschool day. In this episode Mary and I discuss the idea of celebrating books in big and small ways. We chat about some of Mary's past book celebrations, how she got started, and why she thinks this is a unique and important way to introduce your kids to literature. We also chat about how you can make book celebrations doable and bring a little bit of this kind of practice into a weekly Morning Time setting. Don't miss this one! For more information and a downloadable transcript and time stamps visit https://pambarnhill.com/ymb74

On today's episode of the podcast I am chatting with a good friend Brandy Vencel all about which subjects in our homeschools are appropriate for Morning Time. Are some activities and subjects holier than others? Are there any subjects that do not pertain to God? These are all fascinating questions. While we do not claim to have a definitive answer we welcome you to join us as we begin the discussion. Let us know what you think in the comments. For the downloads including transcript and time stamps or to leave a comment, visit https://pambarnhill.com/ymb73.

What do you do when you have a kid (or two or more) who do not like Morning Time? As much as we want to think that our kids will be as enamored with the idea of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty as we are, sometimes that just isn't the case -- especially when we start building a Morning Time habit after our homeschools are already established. Today I am joined by Dawn Garrett, Community Manager here at Your Morning Basket, and we chat about solutions to this very problem. We talk about flexing schedules, honoring your kids' time, age-appropriate activities, and yes, when it is okay to require them to stay and have a decent attitude. All of that wrapped up in one (hopefully) helpful show. For podcast downloads and resources be sure to visit https://pambarnhill.com/ymb72

Today on the podcast I am joined by Joy Cherrick, homeschooling mom of six and author of Nature Study Hacking. This series of lesson plans boils down nature journaling to a do-able list that moms everywhere can actually use. On the show Joy and I chat about the value of studying nature, the four parts of nature study, and ideas for how to make nature journaling a habit that your kids want to do on their own. Enjoy! More information, downloads, and show notes at https://pambarnhill.com/ymb71

Dr. Carol Reynolds joins me on today's show to give a delightful lesson about folk music. In this episode Prof. Carol enthusiastically shares about the value of folk music for our kids, what exactly a folk song is anyway, and how to get started studying them in your Morning Time. Full of wonderful stories and great resources, I think this is an episode you will really enjoy. Don't forget to grab your episode downloads at pambarnhill.com/ymb70

I am joined on the podcast today by Lauren Stengele, a non-native Spanish speaker who is passionate about raising bilingual kids. Lauren is teaching her kids Spanish in order to reclaim her own Mexican heritage and she is using Morning Time to make this a reality in her homeschool. In this episode of the podcast Lauren and I chat about how she incorporates two languages intro her school day, what makes Morning Time such a great vehicle for second language learning and also about the two biggest indicators for success in raising bilingual kids. It was a fun episode. Don't forget to grab your episode downloads including your Basket Bonus Spanish memory work for your Morning Time at pambarnhill.com/ymb69.

On today's episode of the podcast I am chatting with a good friend and author of the Morning Time plans at pambarnhill.com. Jessica Lawton is a bibliophile and owner of a library of over 3000 books. She is also great a choosing just the right books to use in Morning Time. On today's podcast Jessica and I chat about how to choose the best books about a topic, which books she thinks are worth owning versus merely borrowing, and how to use different kinds of books for different purposes.

Today's episode of the Your Morning Basket podcast has not one, but two great interviews. First up on the show is my good friend Fr. Doug Martin who is here to talk about the spiritual observation of Lent and how all Christians can practice this in their families. As we were preparing that interview we were approached by author Asheritah Ciuciu, an evangelical author who has her own Lenten devotional recently published by Moody Publishers. We decided to have Ahseritah on the show as well to talk about her new book and the practice of Lent from her perspective. A wonderful benefit is that both guests focus on how we can observe Lent within our families and use it to join our sufferings with Christ, slow down and grieve our sins, and experience the joy of the Resurrection more fully. I hope you enjoy this episode.

Today on the podcast I am joined by Alisha Gratehouse and her daughter Olivia from Masterpiece Society. As fans of art, Alisha and Olivia have started a new art appreciation podcast that takes a fun and "cheeky" look at artists and their work. In fact, it is quickly becoming a favorite of the teens and tweens in my house. In this episode of the show discover what is unique about the Masterpiece Maker's approach to studying the artists, why it is far from boring, and how you can use this free resource in your own homeschool Morning Time to study the great masters.