The Happy Homeschooler Podcast

Extracurriculars are events and activities outside the lesson plan. Maybe for you it’s sports, music, or Scouts. Extracurriculars add much needed variety and spice to your learning lifestyle. In extracurriculars, your students can discover passions they never thought they’d have. In today’s episode, we discuss what extracurriculars are, why they’re important, and how they can get out of control. But don’t worry, we also discuss how to manage your extracurriculars, folding them seamlessly into the pattern of your life, so you never feel overwhelmed. And be sure to stay to the end of the episode, where we answer a big question that’ll help you in just a few months’ time. SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Homeschooling on a budget is important, especially these days. With prices going up at the grocery store it can be hard to know where to cut spending, but a low-cost education does not mean a substandard one. World-class low-cost and no-cost homeschooling options abound, if only you know where to look. Today, we’ll be discussing why people find themselves looking for low-cost options, ideas on how to save money, and share amazing resources right at your fingertips that are completely free of charge. Soon you’ll see that homeschooling on a budget is fun, easy, and enriching for everyone involved. And be sure to stay to the end, when our hosts answer a very interesting question. SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Free Internet for Students: Project 10Million | T-Mobile Universal Service Administrative Company (affordableconnectivity.gov) Homeschool Share FREE Homeschooling (123homeschool4me.com) Khan Academy | Free Online Courses, Lessons & Practice CrashCourse – YouTube Libby App: Free ebooks & audiobooks from your library The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Everyone can learn how to teach history. Much more than a just series of important dates to remember, history is the story of all the people of the world. Through history, you can discover new worlds and fascinating people, learning along with your students and building interests you never knew you had. Whether at home, on the road, or through the web, there’s history anywhere and everywhere. Today we discuss How to Teach History, and we share our favorite ways we’ve taught it. And be sure to stay to the end, where we give advice to a struggling homeschooler and share some important reminders. SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Horrible History Books on Amazon “You Wouldn’t Want to Be” History Book Series on Amazon All Through the Ages, by Christine Miller Genevieve Foster History Books Crash Course Channel on Youtube The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Every homeschooler will parent a teen at some point, and understanding your teen better is crucial. Awash with new experiences, challenges, and feelings more intense than ever before, teens require new tactics for parents. Every experience they go through will affect the others. Academic difficulty can lead to emotional issues, or vice-versa. Understanding your teen better will allow you to be better prepared. For those with younger children, you can get off on the right foot before your child is a teen. Today, we share our thoughts, experiences, and methods for parenting teens. And we give a glimpse of what lays beyond the teenage years. SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+U+la by Barbara Edtl Shelton The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education, by Grace Llewellyn The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

There are a lot of homeschooling resources out there, whether for the teacher or student. But homeschooling is a learning lifestyle, and you need more than just pencils and curricula to make sure your homeschool runs smoothly. That’s why today we’re sharing our favorite homeschooling resources. We’ve gathered our favorite resources for teachers, students, organization, home management, and our favorite apps that make life and homeschooling easier and more joyful. And be sure to stay to the end today, when we give an important time sensitive update. If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] – SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! 05:52 – Teacher Resources 20:56 – Student Resources 32:21 – Organization 44:29 – Home Management 55:22 – Our Favorite Apps 1:03:54 – News Desk Libby Star Walk 2: The Night Sky Map Konos – Learning Made Fun Miquon Math | Hands-on math curriculum for early elementary. Grammar Lessons for Students – Easy Grammar, Daily Grams Miller Pads & Paper (millerpadsandpaper.com) Stick Eraser Handwriting Without Tears | Learning Without Tears (lwtears.com) Our Books: Draw-Write-Now – Draw Your World A Reason for Handwriting Math-U-See (mathusee.com) Design, Color & Create | PRISMACOLOR The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast (libsyn.com) The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

New homeschoolers can sometimes become overwhelmed with all the new duties a learning lifestyle entails. Having someone who knows what it’s like and how to get off to a good start can be a lifesaver. That’s why we’re interviewing Mary James today. She’s a long-time homeschooler (since 1989!) who founded a support group for new homeschoolers, and those who still feel a little new too. It’s called Smoothing the Way and we think you’ll love Mary’s story of Smoothing’s inspiration, founding, and growth. And be sure to stay to the end when we answer a very seasonal big question. SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Smoothing the Way The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Whether you’re still new, or you’re a seasoned homeschooler, there are always important questions to answer before starting the school year. Today, we’re asking Who, What, Where, When, and Why. By answering these five questions, you’ll be able to focus on building your school year, planning for ups and downs, and understanding your student better. Join us today while we discuss what each of the questions mean to us, share our own plans for the coming school year, and share fun stories from our learning lifestyles. And be sure to stay to the end when we discuss a very useful book Holly received in the mail. If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Rainbow Resource Center The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is turning 2, and we’re celebrating the occasion! On today’s episode, we’re chatting about our histories with the podcast, how it’s changed over the years, what we’ve learned by being part of it, and where we hope to see it go in the future. And as a special 2-year treat, we’ve got Matt Bass himself– founder of Transcript Maker and producer of The Happy Homeschooler Podcast– giving us a peek behind the curtain, discussing his own history with homeschooling, how he created Transcript Maker, and more! If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

If more traditional homeschooling doesn’t suit your life or your family, these alternative homeschooling styles might just be what you’ve been looking for! On today’s episode, your hosts discuss why one might need to switch up their style of homeschooling, how to recognize when you should, and which alternative homeschooling styles are best for you. And stay to the end when we answer a listener email! SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Project Based Learning Gameschooling Academy on Facebook Roadschooling Families on Facebook The Case for Training Teachers in Object-Based Learning – Smithsonian Waldorf Essentials Worldschooling Wondrium Curiosity Stream MagellanTV The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Volunteering is a regular part of many homeschoolers lives, but if you haven’t yet made it a habit, you may be wondering where to start. In today’s episode, we discuss volunteering, how to find volunteering opportunities, challenges you may face, and all the rewards that can come from volunteering. And be sure to stay to the end of the episode to hear Holly, Jennifer, and Melody discuss their favorite TV show of all time. If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Reflecting on the past school year is so important as a home educator, but we often find ourselves too busy to think to do it. Even for homeschoolers who school year-round, May is a good time to take a moment, breathe deep, and look back at everything that worked and didn’t last year. In today’s episode, we discuss our own 2022-2023 school years, our triumphs and challenges, and we look forward to the summer and fall. And stay until the end to hear a very inspiring homeschooling news story. If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Book Riot – 8 Home Library Apps To Keep Your Book Collection Organized KXAN News – 19-year-old Texan becomes youngest African American to graduate law school in US The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Family resistance to homeschooling can come in different ways. From simple misunderstandings to serious disagreements, from aunts and uncles to sometimes one’s own spouse. For those unfamiliar with homeschooling, it can seem strange or confusing. But you know you’ve made the right choice, living a learning lifestyle that grows your family closer together. So how to you respond when you meet family resistance to homeschooling? Jennifer and Holly meet up today to discuss what kinds of resistance they met, and how they brought people over to their side. Listen and learn how to be confident when telling your family about the wonderful choice you’ve made! And be sure to stay to the end of the episode, when we discuss an important warning for homeschool Facebook groups! SHOW NOTES: Free to Learn by Peter Gray Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto How Children Learn by John Holt The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning and Life by Julie Bogart Teenage Liberation Handbook, How to Quit School and Get a Real Education by Grace Llewellyn Teach Your Own by John Holt and Pat Farenga The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer What Is a Family? by Edith Schaeffer Season’s of a Mother’s Heart by Sally Clarkson The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

You don’t have to be Da Vinci or Picasso to know how to teach art! Many homeschoolers wonder how to teach art to their students, it can cause a lot of stress. But Holly, Melody, and Jennifer are here to tell you not to worry, teaching art can be one of the most fun and fulfilling subjects to explore! Join us as we discuss why it’s important to learn about art, how to combat teacher and student resistance, and our favorite ways to incorporate art into our homeschool! And be sure to stay to the end, when we discuss a big question Holly has for her homeschooling Facebook groups. If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Drawing with Children, by Mona Brooks Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, by Betty Edwards Drawing Textbook, by Bruce Mcintyre Kids Create!: Art & Craft Experiences for 3- To 9-Year Olds, by Laurie Carlson The Kids’ Multicultural Art Book: Art and Craft Experiences from Around the World Sister Wendy’s Story of Painting Artistic Pursuits Ambleside Online The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

We often see questions about homeschooling preschoolers. From what curriculum, if any, to use to what homeschooling groups are right, it can be a stressful experience before you even begin. That’s why in today’s episode, we’re helping you navigate your way through homeschooling preschoolers. We’ll discuss challenges you’ll face, mistakes to avoid, and even share what we did our own preschool students. And be sure to stay to the end, where we will discuss an important homeschooling news story. If you have any homeschooling questions or comments, please email us at [email protected]. SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Alabama Daily News – Marsh bringing amendment to school choice bill, not willing to ‘gut’ it The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

What are unit studies? They may just be the most versatile educational method out there. By tying all your subjects into a common theme, you can streamline your schooldays and reinforce the lesson all day long. Today, Jennifer, Holly, and Melody discuss everything you need to know to start incorporating unit studies into your learning lifestyle. Discussion topics include: Why to choose unit studies, our favorite unit study resources, and how to design your own unit studies. And be sure to stay to the end when our hosts discuss some timely news… If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! Konos – Learning Made Fun Progeny Press UnitStudy.com – Taking Curiosity to New Heights How to Homeschool by Gayle Graham How to Create Your Own Unit Study by Valerie Bendt Confessions of a Homeschooler Good and Beautiful Gather ‘Round Homeschool The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

When we think about college readiness, we tend to think about studying, extracurriculars, and exams, but there’s another side that’s crucial to preparing your kids not just for college, but for adulthood! Many college students find themselves needing to learn these skills on the fly, leading to distraction from their studies and unneeded stress. Making sure your children have the best footing possible as they leave the home is crucial. Ranging from small skills like household chores, to more complex skills like budgeting and saving, non-academic college readiness is crucial to not only for college students, but for everyone. If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! National Endowment for Financial Education LibriVox – Free Public Domain Audiobook The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Are you experiencing homeschooling burnout? You’re not alone! Every year around this time, homeschoolers all over start getting “yellow bus syndrome.” You might think to yourself, “There’s a yellow bus that stops at my corner, maybe we should try that.” We’re here to say don’t do it! Melody, Jennifer, and Holly have been homeschooling for a long time, and they know all the signs of burnout. But better yet, they know how to handle it as well! Listen today and learn how to recognize and resolve your homeschooling burnout. And be sure to listen to the end to hear our hosts answer a big question from a Happy Homeschooler Podcast listener like you! If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Co-ops are a centerpiece of many home schools, and it’s never been a better time to join one! Or even create one…? Today we’re discussing all you need to know about co-ops. Topics range from why co-ops are great and how to choose the right one for your students, all the way to the nitty gritty of making a co-op of your own from the ground up. And be sure to stay to the end, when Jennifer and Holly discuss some big homeschooling news. If you have any questions, comments, or homeschool news stories, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! No more pencils: New SAT will be shorter, all online and report scores faster (nbcnews.com) The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Homeschool organization is crucial no matter what kind of homeschooler you are! Whether you’re homeschooling for one semester or for the rest of your life, Holly and Jennifer’s longtime homeschooling experience will set you right. Topics include keeping your house tidy, record keeping, homeschooling rooms, and more! Homeschool organization will be a cinch! And stay to the end of the episode, when Holly shares an interesting observation about reading. SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

The benefits of homeschooling are well known, whether it’s the freedom to choose your curricula, or teaching to proficiency rather than teaching for an exam. But there are a whole host of unexpected benefits too! They may not be why you chose to start homeschooling, but they’ve improved your lives immeasurably. Holly, Melody, and new co-host Jennifer discuss all the wonderful unexpected benefits they’ve encountered through their years of homeschooling! If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

We’ve covered a lot of ground here at the Happy Homeschooler Podcast in 2021, and to celebrate the end of the year, we’re looking at all of our 2021 episodes. We’ll discuss each one, review them, and point out a few of our favorites. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite too! And be sure to listen to the end, when we give a sneak peek and some of our plans for 2022! If you have any homeschooling questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Be sure to enter our Holiday giveaway on Facebook and Instagram! Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Music is all around us, on TV, in movies, everywhere we go. It’s so omnipresent, that we can sometimes forget to actively make space for it in our lives, and the lives of our children. In today’s episode, Holly and Melody discuss making music a part of your life, why it’s important, what benefits you can expect for your children, how to access music in different forms, and more! Listen to discover how to make time for music, how to appreciate it even if you’re not a musician yourself, and how music education can fit into your day like any other subject! And if you’re still thinking about homeschooling, but you haven’t made the leap yet, make sure to stay to the end as Holly and Melody give advice for people just like you! If you have any homeschooling questions or comments, please email us at: [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Be sure to enter our Holiday giveaway on Facebook and Instagram! Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Education Through Music Online Classics For Kids Benefits of Music | Healthline Beethoven Lives Upstairs, By Barbara Nichol Episode #32 of The Mason Jar Podcast The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

What is Unschooling? People tend to have some funny ideas when they hear the name “unschooling,” but the truth is far from a lack of education. Our favorite guest, Jennifer Jones, returns once again to share her experiences with unschooling, and discuss how surprising and rewarding this child-focused education philosophy can be. And stay until the end, when the Happy Homeschooler Podcast celebrates thanksgiving by sharing what we are thankful for this year. If you have any questions or comments, please email us at: [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! John Holt’s Website Free To Learn, By Peter Gray Radical Unschooling, By Danya Martin Project-Based Homeschooling, By Lori Pickert Homeschooling For Excellence, By David Colfax The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Wondering how to teach high school science? It can be intimidating! With stricter standards and a lot more complexity, it easy for a home educator to feel a little lost. Today on the Happy Homeschooler Podcast, Holly and Melody share their experience and offer advice. From co-ops and enrichment academies, to going it on your own, in less than an hour you’ll know how to teach high school science! If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! A Complete Guide on High School Science Classes – Red Comet Ellen McHenry’s Basement Workshop Khan Academy Cathy Duffy Reviews (If you’re really a DIYer – Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+U+la) The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Science education is important, but can often seem dry. Homeschooling parents often wonder how to teach K-8 science. Just how do you make learning scientific concepts, theories, and laws fun and engaging? Don’t fret and don’t stress. Today, Holly and Melody discuss how to introduce science to your children, how their science education grows with them, how you can prepare your 7th and 8th graders for high school science, and more! If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! National Parks Junior Ranger Program Mudpies to Magnets: A Preschool Science Curriculum Backyard Scientist Series by Jane Hoffman Where’s That Spider? (Hide & Seek Science) Ruth Heller’s How to Hide a Butterfly & Other Insects TOPS Learning System Everything You Need To Know About Science Homework: A Desk Reference for Students and Parents Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock A Drop of Water: A Book of Science and Wonder by Walter Wick The Story of Inventions from Christian Liberty Press Prepare for the SAT and ACT on collegeboard.org and act.org The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

One of the most important parts of teaching reading and writing is the act of writing itself. Penmanship, cursive and typing put your student on the path of effective communication and prepare them for their future. But how do you start teaching kids handwriting and when? And is cursive important or passé? And just how important is it to be able to touch type? All these questions and more are answered in today’s Happy Homeschooler Podcast, when Melody and Holly sit down and discuss everything you need to know about penmanship, cursive, and typing! From methods and curricula for teaching and sharing stories from their long homeschooling pasts, to all the surprising benefits of cursive, today’s episode will make every homeschooler a happy homeschooler! If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Why Bother with Cursive? – International Dyslexia Association (dyslexiaida.org) Free Online Teaching and Writing Resources | Learning Without Tears (lwtears.com) D’Nealian Handwriting by Scott Foresman (classroomresourcecenter.com) Italic Handwriting Series – Getty-Dubay Italic (handwritingsuccess.com) A Reason For Handwriting 30 Days of Spencerian Script Style Worksheets – Dawn Nicole (bydawnnicole.com) Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing Learn to Type | Free Typing Tutor – Typing.com OverDrive: ebooks, audiobooks, and more for libraries and schools The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Homeschooling doesn’t always have to stay in the home. The freedom homeschooling provides allows for a more mobile lifestyle, and travelling while homeschooling couldn’t be easier! Holly is joined today by our favorite guest Jennifer Jones, to discuss her adventures travelling while homeschooling her family. And be sure to stay to the end when Holly and Jennifer will discuss a few homeschooling news stories from around the world. If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Jennifer’s Previous Appearances – 045: Teaching Kids With Learning Challenges, 055: What Is Gameschooling? KOA Campgrounds Bureau of Land Management Camping HSLDA New French Homeschooling Law The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Pandemic Homeschooling in 2021 is very similar to last year, and very different too! Maybe you’re considering homeschooling your child this year, or maybe you know someone who is. In today’s pocket-sized episode, Holly shares her thoughts and advice on how to properly pull kids out of public school, and some special considerations we think parents of high schoolers should make. And be sure to stay to the end when Holly discusses the big topic dominating her homeschooling Facebook groups. SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Our Pandemic Homeschooling from last year: Pandemic Homeschooling Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) Khan Academy CrashCourse on YouTube Cathy Duffy Reviews Episode 027: Can I Work and Homeschool? The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

As the final pillar of the Reading, Writing, ‘Rithmetic pyramid, it’s important to know how to teach writing. But when should you start? Why is it so important? And what are the best curricula for teaching the mechanics of writing? We here at the Happy Homeschooler Podcast have answers to all these questions, as well as in depth discussions about how to teach each element of writing, whether spelling, grammar, or composition. And be sure to stay to the end to hear our hosts discuss the Big Question dominating their homeschooling groups. School is back and The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is there for you every step of the way! If you have any homeschooling questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Research any curriculum you can think of! – Cathy Duffy Homeschool Curriculum Reviews Writing Resources: Any Child Can Write, By Harvey S. Weiner Easy Grammar Plus Spelling: Tricks of the Trade, by Gayle Graham Creative Composition Natural Speller The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr. MLA Formatting The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Being a home educator is like having three jobs at once, sometimes you might wonder how you’ll ever make it. Never fear, Holly and Melody are back with another volume of our Homeschool Survival Guide, compiling some of their best strategies, tips, and tricks for making your homeschool run smooth and stress-free! We’ll go through planning, teaching, and even extracurriculars. If you have any homeschooling questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Homeschool Survival Guide, Volume 1 Storynory – Audio Stories for Kids Libravox – Free Public Domain Audiobooks The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

What is gameschooling? Maybe you’ve heard of it before or maybe this is the first time you’ve read that word. It’s all based on some age-old wisdom: If you can make learning fun, you’ll never hear a word of complaint when lesson time comes. What better way to inject some fun into your learning than through games? But you might be wondering: what kinds of games? How do I incorporate a game into my lesson plan? And what do I do when my kids get too old for games? Holly and Melody have a few ideas, but the world of gameschooling is so big we had to bring in a special guest who knows all about the fun and possibilties of gameschooling! If you have homeschooling questions or comments, email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Teachers Pay Teachers Gameschooling with Gameschool Academy on Facebook The Ladybug Game Pizza Fraction Fun Our Previous Episode with Jennifer on Teaching Kids With Learning Challenges Here’s a tip for all you happy homeschoolers: Melody mentioned a board game her family used to learn Greek mythology called By Jove. Well, we looked all over trying to find it new but it’s completely out of print. But we did find it on ebay selling for upwards of $100! Not a budget buy, but some of our listeners might have a copy collecting dust somewhere. Might be time to make some money off it! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Are you wondering how to teach reading? From the brand new homeschooler to the old pro, everyone knows how important reading is. It’s so important, it can create a lot of stress for the home educator! When should you start teaching reading? What method should you use? How do you keep your student interested? And once your kids are reading, how can you be sure they’re reading the right things? Holly and Melody answer all these questions and more in today’s episode, so sit back, listen in, and learn all about how to teach reading! If you have homeschooling questions or comments, email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! The Well Read Kid Checklist For Reading Readiness Reading Resources for the ACT SAT Reading Test Our Reading Readlist: A Home Start in Reading, by Ruth Beechick A Strong Start in Language, by Ruth Beechick You Can Teach Your Child Successfully, by Ruth Beechick Games for Reading, by Peggy Kaye The Writing Road to Reading, by Romalda Spalding Reading and Spelling Pure & Simple, by Deede Hinckley Cauley Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, by Elaine Bruner, Phyllis Haddox, and Siegfried Engelmann The Read-Aloud Handbook, by Jim Trelease Phonics Pathways by Dolores G. Hiskes The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Math provokes strong feeling almost unlike any other school subject. Yet, like it or not, every home educator needs to know how to teach math. Maybe you’re the math lover of the family, maybe that’s your student, or maybe you’re both in agreement one way or the other. No matter your situation, Melody and Holly have all kinds of strategies to make math enjoyable for everyone! If you have homeschooling questions or comments, email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Multiplication Bingo S’math: The Game That Makes Math Fun Math Geek Mama Khan Academy Homeschool On’s Comparison of Math Curricula Key Curriculum Press Miquon Math The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Liberal arts might be scoffed at sometimes, but we think you might want to take a second look at it. Not just for college and high school, a liberal arts approach might just be the answer to some of the challenges of the modern day homeschooler. Listen to today’s pocket-sized episode and hear about the shortcomings of a STEM-only approach, how people misunderstand liberal arts, why you might be trying to shy away from teaching arts and humanities, and more! If you have homeschooling questions or comments, email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! How Music Education Benefits Students – Learning Lift Off 10 Benefits of Music Education for Students – Learning Liftoff How Physical Activity Helps Learning – ADDitude Magazine Build Your Muscles, Build Your Brain – ADDitude Magazine Fine Arts Courses Help Students Excel In Math And Science – Forbes Bill Gates and Steve Jobs raised their kids with limited tech — and it should have been a red flag about our own smartphone use – Business Insider The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Summer School… for parents? That’s right! With the semester over and all the tests taken, there’s a lot more time in a homeschooling parent’s life. Holly and Melody think you should be spending that time investing in yourself! Listen and our hosts will share why it’s important to keep up your own development this summer, why it can be hard to do so, and the ways they’re planning their own summer schools. Plus, stay to the end for a brand new segment! Congrats on completing another school year, homeschoolers! If you have homeschooling questions or comments, email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Let’s Make Art: Your Home For Watercolor Painting Tutorials and Supplies The Lazy Genius Way, By Kendra Adachi The Lazy Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts French Kids Eat Everything, By Karen Le Billion The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Are you a parent or an teacher? Spoiler alert! You’re both! Too many homeschooling parents don’t think of themselves as an educator, but Holly and Melody do, and they’ve got tips for growing as a home educator. We’ll discuss the importance of seeing oneself as a teacher, educational philosophies, and strategies for improving yourself all year long! If you have homeschooling questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Identifying YOUR Educational Philosophy From The Big Question: How To Reduce Pencil Pressure In Students Holly’s Recommended Reading List: The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise Teach Your Own by John Holt & Patrick Farenga The Original Home Schooling Series by Charlotte M. Mason (a six volume series) A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola Charlotte Mason Education, and More Charlotte Mason Education by Catherine Levison Charlotte Mason Study Guide by Penny Gardner The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about how to end the school year right. Melody and Holly will share their best tips from their decades of homeschooling experience to make sure you don’t miss a beat. And in the second half, we’ll discuss the hows and whys of keeping our kids learning even in the summer months. If you have homeschooling questions or comments, please email us: [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Storynory – Free Audio Stories For Kids Scholastic Reading Program The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Every parent has heard it before: “No!” “I don’t want to!” “Why?” Whether it’s during chores or during school, no parent likes an obstinate child. But why don’t children listen? And what can we do to make all our lives go easier? Holly and Melody discuss communication, parenting styles, parenting goals, and things to look out for. Listen in and learn why your kid won’t listen! If you have homeschooling questions or comments, please email us: [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Often homeschooling parents will worry about tests and academics, but there’s one thing that can be forgotten in all the book learning- physical education. With the weather warming up it’s a great time to get moving. Join Melody and Holly as they discuss the hows and whys for kids, and for parents too. If you have questions or comments, email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! The President’s Youth Fitness Program(Homeschool parents may use the e Physical Educator Resource Guide) President’s Youth Fitness Store has patches and awards Adult Exercise requirements Home School Family Fitness, by Dr. Bruce Whitney The Body Coach on YouTube Essentrics (Classical Stretch) WaiLana Yoga The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Holly and Melody have been in the homeschooling community for a while. Ever wonder how they got started? In this episode, we’ll take you all the way from the 80s to the present as Holly and Melody share their homeschooling journeys! If you have questions or comments, email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

There’s all sorts of learning challenges a student might face, and some require more attention than others. But how do you as a parent and a teacher make sure that you’re responding properly to your child’s unique challenges? And are they really better off in homeschool than elsewhere? Join Melody and Holly (and a special guest) as they discuss the ins and outs of learning challenges in a learning lifestyle. If you have questions or comments, email us at [email protected] SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel! Called Parenting, by Patsy & Doug Arnold How to Get Your Child Off the Refrigerator and on to Learning, By Carol Barnier Carol Barnier’s website: Sizzle Bop Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner, by Kathy Kuhl Ability Based Learning LD OnLine: The world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) – Homeschooling with Special Needs THSC (Texas Homeschool Coalition) – Special Needs Nook Project SEARCH Saxon Phonics Books On Amazon The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Holidays are so fun, you might wish there was one every day. Well, you might just get your wish! Holly and Melody know all sorts of ways to inject some holiday fun (and learning) into your homeschooling all year long! Listen in and celebrate holidays every day in your learning lifestyle! SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! 2021’s World Religious Holidays! Find out what today is the national day of at NationalDayCalendar.com! Khalid Al Ameri on YouTube. The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

For parents just about to graduate their first student, it can seem like there’s so much to do, you don’t know where to start. For parents who have done it before, it might be a mess of stress you just wish you could avoid. Melody and Holly discuss tips on how to ease your graduation stress and even how you might make it an enjoyable time for everyone! SHOW NOTES: College Board Blog Do The FAFSA (Federal Admission For Student Aid) ZeeMe Is An App To Show Videos As Part Of A Portfolio Also check out the My Locker tool from Coalition for College Read Holly’s Blog Post About Portfolios College Simply Order A Diploma At HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) Or Order One From THSC (Texas Homeschool Coalition) Listen To Our Episode On Curriculum And Our Episode On Learning Styles SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

It’s a new year, don’t make old mistakes! Holly and Melody are back from winter break with a brand new episode, detailing the top 10 homeschooling mistakes to avoid in 2021. Listen in and improve your learning lifestyle, this week on the Happy Homeschooler Podcast! SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

The Holidays are nearly over, taking 2020 with them! That means school will be starting back up soon, but how do you prepare for the new semester? And how do you avoid friction from your kids about starting back up? Melody and Holly have decades of homeschooling experience and they’ve seen it all, so listen in as they discuss the ins and outs of getting back after a break. SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Winter break is in full swing and the year is winding down, you deserve to take it easy! In that spirit, we’ve compiled all the big questions we’ve answered this year into one easy place. Check the show notes for timecodes to each question. SHOW NOTES: 00:48 What Do I Do If I Fall Behind? 03:31 How Do I Choose Curriculum? 06:30 What Do I Do If My Curriculum Isn’t Working For My Child? 10:05 Am I Teaching Too Much? 14:20 My Family Is Questioning My Decision To Homeschool My Child 19:40 How Do Learning Styles Effect Curriculum Choice? 25:02 How Do I Balance Teaching And Parenting? 30:40 Virtual School Is Too Long! 32:39 Should My Kids Take Standardized Tests? 35:14 Do I Need A Homeschooling Room? Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

In just a few days, it’ll be Thanksgiving! While celebrations this year may be different, being thankful never goes out of style. Join Melody and Holly as they discuss what they’re thankful for this year. SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

There’s a probably a chill in air where you live, and you’re left thinking… what should I do about winter break? When to do it, how long should it last, and what can we do when this year is so different? Holly and Melody have the answers! Come learn about all the winter break benefits you’ll have this year! SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! Homeschool Connect Expo Free to register to attend! Transcript Maker will be offering a discount code! Iowa Test of Basic Skills Parents who have a Bachelor’s degree can administer the ITBS, otherwise homeschool families can contact a local private school to see if the school is administering the test and if they are open to allowing homeschoolers to take it. Areas tested include: language, math, science and social studies. The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Is your child struggling with their academic progress? Or maybe they’re not progressing as quickly as you’d like? It’s all part of the learning lifestyle, as hosts Melody and Holly explain today. Listen and you’ll learn about what you should and shouldn’t be worried about in your child’s academic progress, as well as where you ought expect them to be depending on their age. SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! If your child is dyslexic, try this special font designed to help dyslexic readers! The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.

Homeschoolers are parents and teachers, but you don’t have to be the maid and the butler as well! Holly and Melody share how to get kids to not only help with chores around the house, but enjoy it as well! SHOW NOTES: Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! 401 Ways to Get Your Kids to Work at Home by Bonnie Runyan McCullough and Susan Walker Monson This book was recommended by Melody. Doorposts Child Training Charts This Service Opportunities Chart is the one that Holly used and endorsed. Creative Changes Teaching Children Responsibility Holly’s recommendation used to share what chores kids can do at what ages. — The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Melody Gillum, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our graphic design is by Pete Soloway and our music is by The Great Pangolin. If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts.