Homeschool Talks: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Homeschool

Have a child who loves to tinker or always seems to have some experiment running? Join Carol Becker (HSLDA High School consultant) and Michelle Moody from The Homeschool Scientist for a great discussion on incorporating science, technology, engineering, and math into your homeschool.

How is homeschooling different now than in the early days, and what lessons can different generations of homeschooling parents learn from one another? Today on Homeschool Talks, join HSLDA Vice President Jim Mason for Part 2 of a conversation with author, speaker, and homeschooling pioneer Zan Tyler.

What was it like to homeschool before this educational choice was accepted as legal? Today on Homeschool Talks, join HSLDA Vice President Jim Mason for Part 1 of a conversation with author, speaker, and homeschooling pioneer Zan Tyler. In this episode, Zan tells the story of her completely unexpected, but integral role in the early movement for homeschool freedom in South Carolina—and the many challenges she faced along the way.

Is your homeschool student interested in starting a business? Join Jeremiah Lorrig (Deputy Director of Generation Joshua) and Russell York (CEO of Cosmo Technologies) for a conversation about entrepreneurship and Russell's own experience as a homeschool grad who co-founded a tech company.

Join Jim Mason (HSLDA Vice President of Litigation and Development) as he chats with Wil and Meeke Addison of American Family Radio about their homeschool journey. They'll discuss common misconceptions about homeschooling, hot-button cultural issues relating to education, and how Wil and Meeke went from being college campus missionaries to radio show hosts. "What we found really worked for us because it pushed our son; he was already pretty advanced. And it also created a family environment for our girls. They were so splintered: 'I'm this age, so this is my group of friends.' And, 'I don't connect with this sibling and this sibling is annoying.' And what we quickly saw was that the family was restored. They began to like each other. They were each other's friends, and it was something that was really beautiful to watch." — Meeke Addison

Join Jim Mason (HSLDA Vice President of Litigation and Development) and education professor Cheryl Fields-Smith for a conversation about the emergence of homeschooling in the black community. Their interview covers some common reasons black families are choosing to homeschool, Dr. Fields-Smith's work researching stories of black homeschoolers, and why Dr. Fields-Smith sees homeschooling as a form of resistance and healing for black families. "To have single black women who are foregoing a regular income into their home, sometimes at the point where they have to go into subsidized housing in order to homeschool, that is a huge sacrifice to me. I mean, it just made me pay attention." - Dr. Cheryl Fields-Smith

Join Heather Frommack (HSLDA Director of Outreach and Educational Consulting) and Amy Milcic (blogger and homeschool mom) for a conversation full of ideas and encouragement for moms with active little ones. They'll share some great resources and tips so you can walk away inspired to help your wiggly kids love learning. "It's OK to think outside the box and to build on interest. It can be very easy as well to see what you're not doing or what your kids are not doing. But focus on what is working, and those "aha" moments where the little light bulb goes off. Try to focus on where they're making progress rather than where their weakness might be. And just building on those strengths, I think, can be really huge for your kids, but also for yourself." — Amy Milcic

Are you homeschooling while serving in the military or as a military spouse? Join Natalie Mack (HSLDA Educational Consultant) and Heather Everett, homeschool mom and military spouse, for a conversation all about success strategies for homeschooling as a military family. "Every duty station that we go to, God has something for us there. And no matter what, we have always found community in the places that we've gone. And we've found opportunities for our lives to have impact and to be impacted in that space. And so whether it's getting involved with co-ops and classes or meeting a friend with skills that can help our homeschool or giving of our own skills and resources to help the community around us, regardless, those are all opportunities provided by Him for us." — Heather Everett

Join Heather Frommack (HSLDA Director of Outreach and Educational Consulting) and author Missy Andrews as they discuss some of their own experiences as homeschool moms. They'll share some practical encouragement and advice for other parents whose identity may be wrapped up in their child's performance in homeschool. "Well, one thing to ask yourself is when your child gets a grade, how do you respond to that grade? Do you worry and feel less because your child didn't get an "A" in such and such subject or isn't doing well? Are you borrowing from your child's successes or feelings of worth and value? Do you worry about their future because they didn't get a hundred percent on their arithmetic test? Do you think that you must be a failure because they didn't get a hundred percent on their arithmetic test? These are all telltale signs that you are conflating the project with your personhood and theirs." — Missy Andrews

Join HSLDA High School Consultant LaNissir James and Lillie Schmidt from HSLDA Online Academy for a conversation all about homeschooling through high school. LaNissir and Lillie will discuss what parents can look forward to in high school and share some success stories that will encourage and inspire you! "Something I loved about being homeschooled is that you could get ready for college earlier. We were looking to be college-bound, and it's such an overwhelming experience. You have a lot of independence for the first time and you're simultaneously trying to figure out how to learn on your own, and maybe in a way you're not used to in a traditional school, because it's much more structured. Whereas in homeschooling, when you get to high school, it can be a lot more like college. I remember many days when I was done by Friday morning because I had finished all of my other work because I knew how to work ahead. And that was really important in college and the transition really wasn't hard." — Lillie Schmidt

Homeschooling boys can be a challenge—especially once they hit those teenage years. But it can also be a ton of fun! Join HSLDA High School Consultant LaNissir James as she chats with author, blogger, and speaker Monica Swanson about homeschooling teenage boys. They'll cover topics like boundaries and freedom, following your teen's interests, and how to keep a close relationship as your boys grow up. "Sometimes, especially around middle-school, when kids are tweens or teenagers, parents have this tendency to pull back and be like, "OK, I guess they need freedom now. They're changing. They've got their friends now and they don't need mom and dad." And I'm like, "No, no, no, no!" This isn't the time to pull back. They actually need you now, maybe more than ever. I believe with all my heart that they are grateful when you give them a boundary. And I think when parents are kind of like, "Well, you decide," they're kind of like, "I don't know! Who knows! How do I know?" They need somebody that says, 'I actually know what's right and wrong.'" — Monica Swanson

Are you looking for a positive and empowering U.S. history curriculum that's completely free? In this episode of Homeschool Talks, HSLDA Vice President Jim Mason talks with Robert Woodson, founder of the 1776 Unites curriculum. They discuss why Robert decided to create the curriculum, what it can offer for homeschooling families, and more!

How can we teach U.S. history in a way that celebrates our heritage, acknowledges our flaws, and gives us hope for the future? Today on Homeschool Talks, HSLDA Vice President Jim Mason talks with Dr. Wilfred McClay, a history professor at Hillsdale College and author of Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story.

Are you worried that homeschooling might limit your student's opportunities for sports? Join HSLDA President Mike Smith, Jeff Roberts (president of the Homeschool World Series Association) and HWSA Alumni Micah Davis for a great conversation all about baseball options for homeschoolers!

Do you have questions about homeschooling a child with special needs? Join HSLDA Special Needs Consultants, Rochelle Matthews-Somerville and Krisa Winn as they help answer your questions as well as offer encouragement and practical tips on your homeschool journey! Questions covered include: -- How do I create a Student Education Plan (SEP) for my child? -- Where do I start with a child on the autism spectrum? -- What are some of the best practices for teaching a child with dyslexia?

Do you have questions about homeschooling through high school? Join Anita Gibson and Carol Becker, HSLDA High School Consultants, as they answer your questions as well as offer encouragement and practical tips for your homeschool journey! Questions covered include: -- How do you prepare high school transcripts? -- What are the pros and cons of using accredited programs? -- What is a four-year plan, and why is it important?

Got questions about homeschooling in middle school? Join Heather Frommack (HSLDA Director of Outreach and Consulting Services) and Natalie Mack (High School Consultant) as they answer questions about homeschooling in 6th through 8th grade. Questions covered include: -- How do you choose a curriculum without becoming overwhelmed? -- What is the difference between unschooling and interest-led learning? -- How do you homeschool while working full-time? -- How do you prepare your kids for high school?

Got questions about homeschooling in the early years? Join Rochelle Matthews-Somerville (HSLDA High School and Special Needs Consultant) and Krisa Winn (HSLDA Special Needs Consultant) as they answer questions about homeschooling in Pre-K through 5th grade. Questions covered include: -- Should I hold my kid back a grade? What about skipping grades? -- Should I create an online or physical portfolio? -- Can I make my own curriculum, or should I buy one?

If you are a military spouse or parent and are also homeschooling your children, you know there are unique challenges to relocating your family when duty calls. Join Natalie Mack and Beverly Jacobson (retired Air Force wife, Trisomy Advocate, and mom to nine) for a conversation about finding connection even through the ups and downs of relocating as a military homeschool family. They'll share some of their own experiences, how they've made it through tough times, helpful resources and advice, and lots of encouragement!

When you think about parenting teens, are "confidence" and "joy" words that come to mind? Join Faith Berens (HSLDA Special Needs Consultant) and Connie Albers (speaker and author of Parenting Beyond the Rules: Raising Teens with Confidence and Joy!) for an encouraging conversation about parenting teens in today's world. They will discuss some of the tough issues that teens face, the power of listening, encouragement for parents with a broken or hurting relationship with their teen, and more!

On this week's episode of Homeschool Talks, Join Jim Mason (HSLDA Vice President of Litigation and Development) and Peter Gray, Ph.D. (Professor at Boston College, Author, and founding member of the nonprofit Let Grow) for a conversation about Dr. Gray's study on how families are doing after this past year.

On this week's episode of Homeschool Talks, join Faith Berens and Marianne Sunderland for a conversation about homeschooling children with dyslexia. They'll discuss Marianne's experiences as a dyslexia advocate and homeschool mom of 8 (7 with dyslexia), how to have a growth mindset, when and how to get help for your kids, and more!

Join Jim Mason (HSLDA Vice President of Litigation and Development) and Sarah Schutte (Homeschool Grad, Podcast Manager and Associate Editor for the National Review) for a conversation about Sarah's homeschool and post-grad experience. They'll discuss how homeschooling allowed Sarah to learn how to work through her learning disability, and her experience working for the National Review in New York City.

Join Anita Gibson (HSLDA High School Consultant) and Amber O'Neal Johnston (blogger, speaker, and homeschool Mom) for a conversation about building positive identities and empathy in your kids through homeschooling. They'll discuss incorporating your own and other heritages into your homeschooling, ideas for how to do so, and Amber's experience in her own homeschooling using books as roots and branches.

In this episode of Homeschool Talks, HSLDA Vice President Jim Mason talks with Dr. Peter Gray—an education researcher, writer, and professor of psychology. "The amount of knowledge and the number of different skills that are important in our culture today increases exponentially. It's huge! No person can learn more than a tiny sliver of it, right? So why should everybody be learning the same sliver?" — Dr. Peter Gray

Are you wondering how you can customize your child's learning environment to enable them to thrive? In this episode of Homeschool Talks, HSLDA Special Needs Consultant Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville and Franchesca Tucker, a parent of a teen with ADHD, will unfold some of the misconceptions and stigmas about ADHD, discuss how the brain functions in terms of helping you to understand your child, and leave you with some really good strategies that will help you to support your children at home.

On today's episode of Homeschool Talks, HSLDA Special Needs Consultant Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville is talking with a behavior analyst and a therapy professional about managing and supporting challenging behavior at home—to bring out the best in everyone. During the conversation, they offer tips for creating new routines during stressful times, staying mentally healthy at home, and implementing at-home therapy strategies.

Are you finding yourself in a season where you and your family are being stretched—or maybe even stressed—more than ever before? Then you'll gain a lot from our conversation with Laurie Hesler, a marriage and family and art therapist with more than 36 years in the field. She has a lot of practical, encouraging advice to support you during this time. So join us on this week's Homeschool Talks!

Losing the familiar structure of their days, missing their friends, and picking up on your concerns—even if just on an emotional wavelength—all of these can be difficult for our children. Are they feeling unsettled, or even traumatized? Listen in as Candice Dugger describes practical ways you can provide reassurance and healing for your children through safety, structure, and support.

How do you deal with school closings when your child has autism and communication challenges? Today on Homeschool Talks, join HSLDA educational consultants LaNissir James and Dr. Rochelle Somerville, along with guest Keisha Berry, as they provide reassurance and practical tips and resources for helping your child at home.

Are you struggling with keeping your kids' schooling going now that they are home from public school? Do you feel like you've been thrust into the role of Chief Technology Officer—a role you definitely didn't ask for? We can relate. On today's episode of Homeschool Talks, HSLDA Consultant Program Manager Heather Frommack checks in with Media Relations Director Sandra Kim on how her family is figuring out this whole school-at-home thing! She shares the challenges, frustrations, and the surprising joys they are experiencing during this "great pause."

No more sports, 4-H, dance, or music class—not to mention co-ops, science clubs, and more! Just because you're already homeschooling doesn't mean the structure of your family's days and weeks hasn't been turned upside down because of COVID-19. Maybe it's unsettling and challenging—both for you and your kids. Join HSLDA educational consultants LaNissir James, Kristy Horner, and Heather Frommack for an honest conversation—and some real Homeschool Talk!

Was your child receiving special services through the public school, but now you're suddenly schooling at home? Are you wondering how you can help your child continue learning and flourishing? Join HSLDA educational consultants Kristy Horner, Faith Berens, and Dr. Carol Brown for a conversation about special needs services—with a twist!

Are your kids feeling restless, bored, and frustrated right now? Are YOU feeling restless, bored, and frustrated? These are the symptoms—and the diagnosis is cabin fever! Join HSLDA educational consultants LaNissir James, Vicki Bentley, Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville, and Krisa Winn for ideas on how to combat cabin fever. (Note: The resource for this program is available for download at hslda.org/combatcabinfever.)

When he was just 15 years old, Richard Lorenzen founded a public relations business. Now, he is often described as one of the most influential millennial entrepreneurs in the United States. Not only has he been featured on Forbes and TEDx, but he's also shared his entrepreneur and policy insights at the United Nations, as well as universities and corporate conferences around the world. Join us on today's episode of Homeschool Talks as this homeschool grad shares his journey.

Imagine you're a first-time homeschooling mom. Now fast forward six months. Does your homeschool journey look different? That's one of the questions we're asking Sarah Grinnell on today's episode of Homeschool Talks! Join us as she shares her perspective on how her approach to teaching her kids has changed—or stayed the same!—since she began homeschooling last year.

With its many details and steps, pottery-making can be a challenging craft. And yet, homeschool grad and small business owner Talia Olmstead approaches this art with care and quality as she combines function and beauty through her pottery business. Join us on today's episode of Homeschool Talks: Exploring the Arts as Talia shares tips for creating a workplace that inspires creativity, and her passion for creating timeless beauty by finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Recently, HSLDA has been getting questions about the federal bill, H.R. 1434—The Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act. What is this bill? How does it affect homeschooling? And why is HSLDA supporting it? Join HSLDA's Jim Mason and Sandra Kim to answer these questions and more—on today's episode of Homeschool Talks.

It happens more often than it should. You get a letter requesting the expected homeschooling forms. But wait—what's this? An added request for an in-person meeting, a birth certificate, a fill-in-the-blank. Unfortunately, districts don't always follow the law. Why does this happen—and why is it important to push back?

What is it like to transition from 15 years in the corporate world to homeschooling? Well, that's a great question for new homeschooling mom Sarah Grinnell! Join us on Homeschool Talks as Sarah shares her experience as a first-time homeschooler who is learning the exciting but sometimes crazy dance of homeschool life.

Pursuing ballet requires dedication, persistence, and finesse! Not only did Caitlin Hopwood become a professional ballerina as a teenager, but by 21, she was also a business owner of her own boutique. Listen to today's episode of Homeschool Talks to learn more about the art of ballet and Caitlin's homeschool experience.

What would you do if you saw three moose sparring in a river? If you were Isaac Spotts, you'd jump in the water and start taking award-winning pictures! Join us this week on Homeschool Talks as we hear from Isaac, a talented wildlife photographer and recent homeschool grad, whose photography has not only been recognized by National Geographic editors but also displayed at the Smithsonian Exhibition.

One of the great benefits of homeschooling is the ability it gives students to follow their interests. For homeschool graduate and artist Joseph Philips, his passion for leatherworking inspired him to start his own small business where he shares his projects and custom designs with others. Listen to this week's episode of Homeschool Talks to learn more about the skill of leatherworking and explore the benefits of creating and appreciating art.

One of the great advantages of homeschooling is the ability it gives students to follow their interests. By launching his own podcast, 17-year-old Noah Tetzner was able to pursue his passion for history—and share it with the world! Hear Noah's story on this week's episode of Homeschool Talks.

Writing is a gateway to opportunity. But anyone who has sat down to write the perfect novel, essay, or cover letter knows that writing is not easy. So how can you help your child cultivate this important skill? Hear the answer from homeschooling mom, novelist, and professional writing instructor Cheryl Carter on this week's Homeschool Talks.

A great benefit of homeschooling is the ability to both incorporate your family's cultural heritage into your children's educational experience, as well as explore other cultures. So last month, to celebrate Black History Month, Mike Smith sat down with Joyce Burges, Founder of National Black Home Educators, to talk about honoring cultural heritage. Hear Joyce share some of the engaging ways she and her children have explored and nurtured their African-American roots—in today's episode of Homeschool Talks!

Have you ever wondered whether it's possible to pursue the career you love while educating your children at home? Dr. Kristina Tanner, who is both a college music professor and a homeschooling mother of five, demonstrates that it's definitely possible. Tune in to this week's Homeschool Talks to hear Dr. Tanner share her story as well as tips on how to balance homeschooling and an outside career.

Professional football player and homeschooling parent may not seem like related career paths. Yet Shaun Alexander, former NFL MVP, has passionately pursued both. Today, speaking from his experience as a homeschooling dad, Shaun Alexander talks about ways to get your homeschool student involved in sports and shares what life lessons he learned from his career in the NFL.

Is learning a foreign language more than checking off a box? Tune into this week's Homeschool Talks to hear Heather Frommack, Program Manager for HSLDA's Educational Consultants, chat with Karim Morato, a Spanish instructor with years of experience. If you have ever wondered how to encourage your child to learn a foreign language in your home, then you won't want to miss this!

Teaching your child to read can sometimes feel like an intimidating task. You may wonder, "Is my child ready to read?" "How can I start structuring a tailored curriculum for his or her needs?" "How do I know if my child has a learning disability?" Tune in this week's Homeschool Talks to hear reading specialist and homeschool mom Faith Berens share her perspective on these questions and more!