The Homeschool Sisters Podcast

In this episode, the sisters are breaking down the cost of homeschooling, and how to homeschool affordably. Both Cait and Kara have experience homeschooling on a budget, so they're sharing their best tips for making homeschooling work without breaking the bank. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

This is a new episode for sisters superfriends where Cait + Kara share a behind the scenes peek at what happens when they push record. Listen in as they chat: s'mores the Olestra craze in the 90s Big Mac kidnappings powerful genetics turtle kidnappings? "Hide. They're coming for you." rest in peace and get well soon, Beaver  

You don't need a flag, a chalkboard or any of the super fancy stuff you see on Instagram to homeschool well. In this episode, Cait + Kara are breaking down what you actually need to homeschool. It's probably much less than you think! Listen in as the sisters share what has served them well in their own homes, and what you need to instill a love of learning in your kids. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

This sisters are chatting deets this episode - sharing how they document in their homeschool and how to find out what you need to keep track of. Cait + Kara also break down planning (and NOT planning - don't worry - it works!) and how that looks for each of them, and they wrap up by talking about how long homeschooling should actually take each day. Spoiler alert: Probably less time than you think! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.  

Hey sisters! This is a special bonus for subscribers who want some behind the scenes with the sisters between episodes. In this first Between the Sisters, Cait + Kara chat: Braces French fries Things they should have bleeped Chipotle/Guacamole grievances Poop rocks Pranks Kara's very special anniversary card The sisters will be back with a regular episode next week!

It can be tricky to know what counts when you're homeschooling, and how to count it.  In this episode, the sisters break down how to figure out what counts, and what you actually need to be doing each year. Cait and Kara also share resources for making sure your kiddos are staying on track if you think they may return to traditional school, and how it differs if you plan to homeschool long-term. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters are back with Season 10! And in this brand new episode, they're breaking down plans for the new podcast season and sharing how they're starting this new homeschool year. Hear about what's working for the sisters in their homeschools, what changes they've made and how it's all going. They're sharing tons of new recommendations too. Are you a Cait or a Kara? Try this sisters quiz: https://thehomeschoolsisters.com And be sure to check out our sponsor, The Waldock Way. Use the code sisters15 to save in the shop. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.  

Hi Sisters! As many of you know, Kara has been undergoing some health issues, so we appreciate your patience as we reshare some favorite episodes from the past. In this episode, Cait and Kara talk about creating a simple summer routine to keep everyone on track. This is the last episode of season 9, but the sisters are hard at work planning for Season 10 in the Fall. Have a great summer and LYLAS,  Cait + Kara To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

There is plenty that the sisters don't do. (Especially right now!) Because none of us can do it all. So in this episode, Cait and Kara are sharing some things they've let go of. And they want to hear from you too. Head over to the show notes at thehomeschoolsisters.com to share what you don’t do in this season of life! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters dive into strewing in this episode - what it is, how to do it, where to do it and of course, why. Cait and Kara also break down what to do if your kids don't respond well to what you strew and how to start simply. This episode is brought to you by Kara's new ebook, Strewing 101: An Invitation to Play, Learn and Grow, available at her site at karaasanderson.com/shop. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

This week the sisters are chatting gameschooling because - surprise! Cait has a brand new 7 Day Gameschool Kickstart Challenge and brand new gameschooling course. Cait and Kara will break homeschooling down by subject and show you how to add games to your homeschool every day. Plus, the Kindred Homeschool Collective has a special event happening right now. Head over to kindredhomeschool.com to learn more. Sale ends 2/17/21. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.  

Cait and Kara are back with Season 10, and back in the swing of things ... ish. They're talking current curriculum picks, deep dives into birds and cake baking, and how to keep going, whether you are a long-timer or an "emergency schooler." Listen in as the sisters share a few recent wins, and even more ways to cope through this crazy time. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters reflect on 2020, and look hopefully toward a better 2021.  Plus they share the inspiring words of Katrina Kenison, who encourages us to slow down this holiday season. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters are joined by Tsh Oxenrider, author of the new book Shadow & Light: A Journey Into Advent. Tsh is a writer, podcaster and the bestselling author of three previous books. In this episode, Tsh shares her own experience creating advent traditions with her family, and how we can celebrate advent with little ones.  She also explains how it may be easier and more timely than ever right now to add advent celebration into your home. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

Sisters ... it's episode 100! And today Cait and Kara are joined by homeschool cousin Shawna Wingert from Different By Design Learning. Shawna flips things around and interviews the sisters - plus she hosts 'The Sisters Show,' - think Newlywed Game meets friendship, meets potato chips. Thank you so much for 100 episodes of support! It has been a joy to get to share this journey with all of you! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.  

The sisters are joined by Anne Guarnera of Language Learning at Home to talk about the reality of adding a baby to the homeschool mix. Anne is the mama of 3 boys, and bravely shares what the past year has been like, homeschooling her 6- and 3-year-olds and also being primary caregiver for her mom, while welcoming a new son. Even if you don't have a brand new baby at home, Anne, Cait and Kara talk about the myth of balance, setting reasonable expectations, social media's impact on us as mothers and more. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

Kate Snow is back! Kate is a math guru, a Harvard grad, and has been on two previous episodes of the podcast. Her goal is to take the intimidation out of math for parents and kids and to help kids have a positive relationship with math. This week, Kate chats with Cait and Kara about math for little ones. She shares a bit about her new book, Kindergarten Math with Confidence, as well as how to introduce math to our preschoolers. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.  

The sisters are officially back with Season 9! In this episode, they catch up, share what they did with their summer vacations - HINT: there are coupon codes! ;) And of course, Cait and Kara dish about what resources they are excited about using with their kiddos!  Bring your coffee or tea and jump right back in!  To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

In this special episode, the sisters are joined by game creator Jim Moran of Semper Smart Games. As a former ACT and SAT tutor, Jim saw the common gaps kids have in math, and has created PlaySmartDice™ and the games Election Night! and Blobby's Pizza to help kids learn challenging math in fun ways. Election Night! is not a political game, but rather an exciting way for families to study geography and math, and learn about the mechanics of the Electoral College. The sisters thought this bonus episode would be perfect to share this time of year, and listen in to get a coupon code just for Sisters! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.  

One of the most common questions the sisters get is about rhythms and routines. How to start one? How to resume one after a break? What about when your rhythm or routine just is NOT working? Cait and Kara hash it out in this episode and share their tips and ideas. The biggest one? Start small! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters are hopping in their homeschool time machine today and looking back on what they've learned. Listen in as Cait and Kara talk about how they got started homeschooling, what they would have done less of and what they would have done more of, and hear how they're applying what they've learned to their homeschools now. Come reminisce with the girls! This episode is brought to you by Audible. Get a free book when you go to www.audibletrial.com/sisters To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

In this episode, the sisters dive into gameschooling by subject. This is Cait's forté, so Kara does the interviewing, while Cait fills us in on her favorite games for each subject. The sisters also chat about a few popular games, and how games can make all the difference in your homeschool. So grab your coffee or tea and listen in - but don't fret, you don't have to write these all down! They'll all be in the show notes at thehomeschoolsisters.com. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

Today the sisters are chatting about methods and philosophies and why you don't necessarily need to choose one in order to homeschool. Cait + Kara share their own experiences, and about learning this lesson the hard way - one of them even got booted from a group! (Wait until you hear the reason). The sisters also talk about finding support if you don't choose a strict method to follow. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

If you ever feel like you're not measuring up to the curriculum, this is the episode for you. Cait and Kara talk are breaking down common curriculum worries, and how to make your resources work for you. Remember - you are in charge, and there are so many ways to homeschool - you shouldn't feel bad all the time! So pour a cup of coffee or tea, and get ready to take charge of your days. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters are joined by author Melissa Camara Wilkins today to talk about her fantastic new book, Permission Granted. Cait, Kara and Melissa are talking why we so often feel like we need permission in the first place, how releasing ourselves from perfection helps release our kids too, and more.  Melissa's book is available now wherever books are sold, and it's definitely a Sisters favorite! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

In this episode, the sisters are joined by Erin Loechner, founder of the international online homeschool community for little ones, Other Goose. Erin and the sisters are breaking down simple homeschooling with kids ages 2-7 - how to make it intentional and fun, without making yourself crazy. Cait, Kara and Erin discuss common early years questions including what to do when your kids don't like your plans for the day, how much "school" we should expect from little kiddos and Erin even shares her strategy for engaging her toddler while working with her 6-year-old. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

Cait and Kara are talking to the author of one of their favorite books - Katrina Kenison. The sisters and Katrina discuss her book Mitten Strings for God, and how it impacted Cait and Kara as young moms. And they get to find out more about Katrina's philosophy of slowing down, embracing the ordinary and being present with our kids. This is a new favorite! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

In this very special final episode of the season, the sisters are joined by the author of one of their very favorite shared books, Kim John Payne. Years ago, Cait + Kara bonded over one of his many books, Simplicity Parenting, and so they are thrilled to welcome him to the show this week. Kim, Cait and Kara discuss why parents don't need to to be on a constant quest to give their kids more, the gift of boredom and how we can simplify our kids' lives so they can become more who they truly are. This is a new favorite, sisters! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

In today's episode, the sisters are diving in to "homeschooling an only" - friend Jessica Waldock's name of teaching one child at home. The trio discusses unique challenges, how to get alone time,  socialization and co-ops and a few common myths. This episode isn't just for families homeschooling one child, however, there are plenty of great tips for families of all size, including to be Mom or Dad first. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.    

In today's episode, the sisters are joined by good pal Vanessa Wright - an amazing, dedicated homeschool mama who is also great at making self-care a part of her routine. The trio chat why we need self-care more than ever when things are hard, and why it is NOT selfish. They share how to replenish ourselves in small, busy mom-size increments and what to do if you feel like you are running on empty. Pour yourself a hot coffee or tea, put your feet up for a bit and listen in - you deserve a minute, mama! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

In this week's episode, Cait and Kara are joined by the other half of the Kindred Collective crew - Alicia Hutchinson and Mary Wilson. The gals are checking in, sharing what's helping each of them cope + a couple of simple things that are keeping them sane (ish). Plus the gals talk dealing with disappointment, how to end the year this year, and some Kindred news! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

So many of us are feeling stressed about FOOD right now. So in this special bonus episode, the sisters are joined by their friend Samantha Barnes from Raddish Kids. Samantha is a homeschooling mom and the creator of Raddish - a cooking club and curriculum for kids of all ages. In this episode the trio is chatting how to get creative with pantry ingredients and dealing with shortages, how to meal plan right now, all the snacking!! and how cooking can bring us together. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters are joined by Colleen Kessler of Raising Lifelong Learners to talk about navigating anxiety with our kids. They discuss how to handle media, sleep issues and how to manage your own anxious feelings. Cait, Kara and Colleen also talk about homeschooling through a period of intense anxiety. Plus, Colleen shares her new anxiety tool kit card deck. Pour yourself a tea or coffee and settle in! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.  

In this special bonus episode, the sisters are joined by storyteller and author of the Green Ember series of books, S.D. Smith. Sam and the sisters chat how stories can help us through times of uncertainty and if it's OK to read hard stories during difficult seasons. Plus, Cait, Kara and S.D. talk about his newest book, Ember's End available TODAY! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

In this episode, the sisters are joined by their "homeschool cousin" and friend Shawna Wingert to talk dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and how to handle lots of outside appointments for yourself or your kids. Shawna is a special education teacher turned business consultant, and mom of two brilliant boys with differences and special needs. So she is the perfect person to address some recent questions about the "Three Ds" and beyond. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

Hey sisters! We may have to socially distance in person right now, but that just means we need podcasts more than ever, right? So the sisters hopped on to share this informal episode. They're talking how to homeschool during this uncertain time, how to help parents brand new to educating their kids at home, stress and fear, helping our kids manage worries and more. Cait and Kara definitely don't have this all figured out, but one thing they know for sure is we're in this together. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

We've got a brand new episode and some big news today! Mary Prather of SQUILT is joining Cait and Kara to talk about why and how to add music to your homeschool. So many of us don't have a music background, but we want our kids to learn about music and be able to pursue it if it interests them - so tune in to hear what Mary has to say! Plus, Kara's book is available March 10 here! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

In this episode, the sisters are joined by two special guests - Tricia Hodges and Nana (Lucia Hames) from You Are An Artist Chalk Pastels. The sisters are asking all your questions, from why it's valuable to include art in your homeschool to what to do if your child gets frustrated. You'll love hearing from this sweet duo! Plus, Cait and Kara share the details on the upcoming Kindred Conference - sign up by Feb. 19! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters are back with Season 8! Listen in as they catch up - they promise this isn't an eye doctor podcast now - and dive into co-ops and copywork. Are either necessary? When do you need them and when can you do without? Cait and Kara are sharing thoughts and their own experience! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

Oh sisters! In this final episode of Season 7, Cait and Kara are talking to the author of one of their favorite books - Katrina Kenison. The sisters and Katrina discuss her book Mitten Strings for God, and how it impacted Cait and Kara as young moms. And they get to find out more about Katrina's philosophy of slowing down, embracing the ordinary and being present with our kids. This might be a new favorite, sisters, especially as the holidays approach! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

In this week's episode, the sisters are answering two listener questions - about strong-willed kids and kiddos who need to move. Cait and Kara have experience with both (um, wink), so they share what has worked in their own homes, book suggestions and ways to keep your kids learning, even if they need tons of movement. If you feel like you're clashing with a strong-willed child, or you have one that hops up so often that chasing them counts as cardio, this episode is for you! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.  

The sisters are sharing their favorite cozy tips in this hyggeschooling replay! Hygge doesn’t have a direct translation into English, but the closest word is probably coziness. So in this episode, the sisters are talking twinkle lights, cocoa, books, games, recipes and other ways to slow down your homeschool and embrace the most hyggeligt time of year. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.  

The sisters are joined by author Melissa Camara Wilkins today to talk about her fantastic new book, Permission Granted. Cait, Kara and Melissa are talking why we so often feel like we need permission in the first place, how releasing ourselves from perfection helps release our kids too, and more.  Melissa's book is available now wherever books are sold, and it's definitely a Sisters favorite! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters are joined this week by one of their favorite adventurers, Greta Eskridge! Cait, Kara and Greta talk adventure, a bit about the myth of balance, and Greta's homeschool challenges as an extrovert and Enneagram 7. She also shares a peek inside her local adventure club, and why she decided years ago to make weekly outdoor excursions a priority in her homeschool. Plus, you know that Greta has a book on the way, right?! #happydance To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

The sisters are so thrilled to welcome Cindy West to this episode. Cindy is a homeschool mom of three who has loved nature pretty much her whole life, and now creates fantastic products and classes to help parents learn about nature with their kids. Cindy, Cait and Kara discuss easy ways to add intention to nature walks, how Cindy's own homeschool nature study has developed over the years and what to do about nature journaling if you have a kiddo who really wants their trees to look like trees ... wink.  This one is for parents new to nature study, those who want to beef-up their outdoor time, and even those who don't think they are "nature" types, i.e., one of the sisters ;) To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.  

Do you need to go to a homeschool conference or convention? Nope! In fact one of the sisters has never been to one! But, if you'd like to attend one or the other, this is the episode for you. Cait + Kara break down the differences between conferences and conventions, what to look for a in a conference and how to find one that's a good fit. Plus, the sisters spill the beans with a major announcement about where they will be speaking TOGETHER this year! To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

Kate Snow of Kate's Homeschool Math Help is back! And this time, she's answering listener questions. Kate - a Harvard grad, full-on smarty and possible math fairy brings her signature mix of calming support and deep math knowledge to this episode. She addresses what to do about math if you're brand new to homeschooling, how to know if your child really "gets" a math concept and more. This one is especially good for the math-phobic  - so get cozy and let Kate put your anxious soul at ease. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

If you've ever dreamt of hitting the road (or open water!) with your family, this episode if definitely for you. The sisters are joined by Celeste Orr of Wandering Nation and Togetherness Redefined to talk about the ins and outs of traveling as a homeschooling family. Cait and Kara are asking your questions - how to homeschool in a tiny space, how to function without going to the library weekly and without a co-op and the BIG one - how do you keep everyone getting along when you are all together 24/7 in an RV! So bring your wanderlust - even if you don't plan on traveling full-time soon, this episode of full of ideas for your next roadschool vacation plus how to make your time together count. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.    

The sisters are talking homeschool investments in this week's episode - how they meal plan, Cait's new chore chart and the urge to purge. Cait + Kara get tons of questions about how they get the day-to-day stuff done, how they get their kids involved, and how they feed people who are hungry ALL THE TIME. Plus, the sisters are both enthusiastic purgers - find out what drives them to rage clean ;) (Hint: It rhymes with bormones.) To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.

If you ever feel like you're not measuring up to the curriculum, this is the episode for you. Cait and Kara talk are breaking down common curriculum worries, and how to make your resources work for you. Remember - you are in charge, and there are so many ways to homeschool - you shouldn't feel bad all the time! So pour a cup of coffee or tea, and get ready to take charge of your days. To view all content and links, please visit the show notes for this episode.