The Modern Homeschool

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'll be sharing all of our favorite Christmas books!! It is the most wonderful time of the year and a perfect time to slow down, snuggle up and read some wonderful stories. I will also be sharing our December plans for a homeschooling slow down. Get the free Christmas Books List: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/christmas-books-for-all-ages/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss hybrid homeschooling programs. These programs have existed for years but are just now gaining major mainstream traction throughout the United States as alternative education models. Hybrid homeschooling models typically work in conjunction with a privately ran smaller school to provide support and resources to homeschool families. Hybrid Homeschool Programs: Are popular because they provide social support, classroom settings, a less stressful schedule (typically two days of instruction per week), instruction from teachers, networks for children and parents, cohesive curriculum plans, field trips, community events, no homework, private school style setting, high standards for behavior and much more! Hybrid Homeschooling Information: https://www.kennesaw.edu/coles/centers/education-economics-center/national-hybrid-schools-project/documents/2024-national-hybrid-schools-survey.pdf https://www.the74million.org/article/fueled-by-pandemic-homeschool-hybrids-find-wider-audience/ The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Episode: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/how-to-homeschool-in-california/ My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool Link to my FREE Living Book list here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/living-books/ Link to my planning printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/ More on how I plan here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss how charter schools in California work and the pros and cons of using a charter school program alongside your homeschool. Personally, I find that the pro's of charter school homeschool programs far outweigh the cons. We have benefitted greatly from the access to resources our charter has made available to our family and community. Join in and hear all about it. Charter School Homeschooling Programs: Pros: Provide a credentialed teacher as a resource, field trips, classes, in person and online options, transcripts, report cards, documentation of work, funding, planning services, no PSA, socialization, hybrid options, freebies, and sports. Cons: Testing (Star, Science and State in CA), PE Requirements, attendance, reporting to teacher, funding stipulations, secular, and government oversight. Some Charter School Articles: https://edsource.org/2023/california-charter-school-students-outperform-district-school-twins-in-national-study/692573 https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/charter-schools-now-outperform-traditional-public-schools-sweeping-study-finds/2023/06 The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Episode "How to Homeschool in California": https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/how-to-homeschool-in-california/ My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool Link to my FREE Living Book list here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/living-books/ Link to my planning printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/ More on how I plan here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I am answering a listeners questions on where to start if you think your child may be dyslexic. Every child's journey with dyslexia is different and knowing how and where to start understanding is the beginning. I share how I knew my daughter was dyslexic and how we have been addressing her dyslexia over the past five years. Links: (DISCLOSURE: Please note that some links on TheModernHomeschool.com are affiliate links. We may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click through our links and make a purchase from one of our partners.) Suggestions for starting out with dyslexia: Don't Panic Do your Research Understanding Dyslexia and its Symptoms: https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/ Different types of Dyslexia: https://www.dyslexia-reading-well.com/types-of-dyslexia.html Patience and Planning Seeking a Diagnosis, Intervention and Tutoring Helpful Links: Orton Gillingham Method: https://www.ortonacademy.org/resources/what-is-the-orton-gillingham-approach/ Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons: https://amzn.to/40pdqeP The Read Aloud Family: https://amzn.to/3WwBDMA Sight Words Kinder: https://amzn.to/48g0km4 Sight Words Pre-K: https://amzn.to/48pcYiM First Little Readers Level A: https://amzn.to/3UuO2jX First Little Readers Level B: https://amzn.to/3A8eWaB Bobs Books Set 1: https://amzn.to/4fobJT3 Bobs Books Set 2: https://amzn.to/3NI7q9g Handwriting From TGTB: https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/pre-k-8-curriculum/handwriting/ Handwriting From Handwriting Without Tears: https://amzn.to/3CfRxV2 Jac Kris: Soaring with Spelling: https://jackrispublishing.com/collections/soaring-with-spelling Lexia Core 5: https://www.lexialearning.com/core5 Abc Mouse: https://www.abcmouse.com Reading Eggs: https://readingeggs.com Art Journaling, Favorite Journals linked here: https://a.co/d/b8Za4dE How to Help a Struggling Reader at Home:https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/how-to-help-a-struggling-reader-at-home/ Consider Building Literature Studies, more information on this topic here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/build-your-own-literature-studies-in-5-easy-steps/ Favorite Books: Little Critters: https://amzn.to/48t5hbb, Berenstain Bears: https://amzn.to/3NQIEUt Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss a very busy week in our lives! With Halloween, sports, homeschooling, meals, my daughters birthday and all the regular life stuff, here's what a busy week looks like for us! Join along in the discussion on balancing all the needs of a homeschool family of five. Handy Links: My Schedules (Editable): https://themodernhomeschool.com/editable-planners/ More Planning Help: https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/ Healthy Snack Ideas: https://themodernhomeschool.com/healthy-snack-printable/ Pumpkin & Halloween Ideas (Scroll toward Bottom): https://themodernhomeschool.com/freebies/ Did you know the homeschooling is currently the fastest growing form of education?With nearly five million homeschoolers in America today, I hope that my listeners will gain inspiration, research and new ways to implement education with their children in natural and intentional ways. I want to offer solutions to the many challenging problems our youth faces today. I want to unify home educators and parents from around the world. Here is the link to my brand new book on Amazon. You can find more of The Modern Homeschool on Instagram, my website and you can download my freebies here: ThriftingLiving Books Planning

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss how we are navigating homeschooling junior high school with my two daughters. One is in eighth grade and one is in sixth grade so we are definitely in our middle school era. Last year, I homeschooled seventh grade and I learned a lot. Today, I am going to share what I learned about homeschooling through the middle grades and how you can create a path to high school and college that works for your child. Link to my FREE Living Book list here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/living-books/ Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com Link to my planning printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/ More on how I plan here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss the basics of setting up a literature based homeschool. Choosing what to read and then starting to collect books that your children will love is the cornerstone to starting a literature based homeschool. Sharing stories and great literature is both educational and really fun. Great books make great memories for your children. 3 steps to starting a literature based homeschool are as follows: 1. Collecting books that you see out and about while on trips, at books stores, libraries, thrift stores and souvenir shops. 2. Thinking of books to incorporate throughout childhood that you once loved or that are books you have heard good things about. 3. Choosing read alouds at different times of the year to incorporate with your children. These enhance the seasons and cultivate togetherness in your homeschool. Link to my FREE Living Book list here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/living-books/ Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for ALL things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com Link to my planning printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/ More on how I plan here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I’ll be discussing the most magical age of homeschooling and why I highly recommend homeschooling kindergarten! The precious time spent with your kids in their early years will be a memory you treasure forever. Join me as I discuss kindergarten ideas and the easy breezy days of early childhood education. Some Homeschool Kindergarten Ideas: Kindergarten Magical days playing outdoors, imagination, reading together Simple Curricula we used and loved: The Good and Beautiful, handwriting, Lightning Literature Books we LOVE (contains affiliate links): Frog & Toad Little Critters Ramona Owl at Home Link to Stanford Study on Kinder Age: https://cepa.stanford.edu/news/waiting-start-kindergarten-can-be-good-kids-study-says Link to Benefits of Outdoor Learning & Play: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353829214000379?via%3Dihub Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com Link To Charlotte Mason's 20 Principles: https://www.amblesideonline.org/CM/20Principles.html Link to Montessori Principles: https://www.dailymontessori.com/montessori-theory Link to ThriftBooks: www.thriftbooks.com Link to my planning printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/ More on how I plan here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I’ll be discussing how thrifting can be a great hobby for homeschoolers, how you can find awesome products for your homeschool and cut costs all while enhancing sustainability practices in your homes. Be sure to download my FREE Thrifting List Today we'll discuss: Why thrifting is fun! How thrifting can help your homeschool with cost and make it magical! Why thrifting makes sense while homeschooling. Items we love to look for while thrifting. How to use thrifting to create wonderful holidays and unique gifts. Link to my FREE thrifting list: https://themodernhomeschool.com/thrifting/ Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com Link to ThriftBooks: www.thriftbooks.com

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'll be discussing how I homeschool my three children in multiple grades. It can be challenging to homeschool three distinct grades but it also can create opportunity to learn and grow side by side and foster independence. Let's chat all about how our family does this and I'll give you a few helpful tips for your homeschool! Some Tips for Homeschooling Multiple Grades: Overlapping our studies Fostering Independence Making time to work one-on-one with each child Encouraging togetherness Having downtime activities on hand, especially art supplies Link to my planning printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/ More on how I plan here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/ Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'll be discussing block scheduling and how it can help your week to run smoothly! Here are a few steps to creating a stress-free block schedule for your weeks ahead. Give this episode a listen for all the details. Creating a Block Schedule that works: Determine your blocks (non-negotiables) per day Arranging your blocks per day (roughly two hour blocks) Goals for each block per day (as detailed as you want) Flexibility and grace within your accomplishments per day Overall weekly audit of the blocks and your goals per day, consider adding in meals, downtime or social gatherings Link to my planning printables: https://themodernhomeschool.com/homeschool-planning/ More on how I plan here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/the-modern-homeschool-podcast-plan-your-homeschool-year-in-4-easy-steps/ Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I am diving into a topic that is near and dear to my heart and that is how to help a struggling reader. I'll share how my daughter and I are working together and have been for years, to overcome her reading challenges. While there is no cure for dyslexia, and I am not a clinician, I can offer you suggestions about what i truly believe is working for our family. Suggestions for helping your struggling reader at home: 1. Commit to using the program Lexia, for 15-20 minutes daily. https://www.lexialearning.com/core5 2. Encourage Children to choose books they are interested in or gravitate toward. 3. Sitting and reading with your child often. 4. Read alouds as a family. Reference The Read Aloud Family 5. Art Journaling, Favorite Journals linked here Arteza Art Journals 6. Consider Building Literature Studies, more information on this topic here: https://themodernhomeschool.com/podcast/build-your-own-literature-studies-in-5-easy-steps/ Check out my new book here: https://amzn.to/4dYhBlD My Instagram for All things The Modern Homeschool: http://www.instagram.com/the.modern.homeschool The Modern Homeschool Website for Free Homeschooling Resources: https://themodernhomeschool.com

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss things kids can do outside at all ages. I will share things that have worked with my kids from the toddler years through now, the teenage years. Encouraging children to stay active, healthy and to get as much vitamin D as possible is what this episode is all about.

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss all of my Fall favorites for homeschooling and there are a lot! From baking, cooking, and reading to crafting, painting, and playing I try to cover it all. Fall is one of my favorite times of year for homeschooling. I love to start the new year with intentional, fun activities that the kids love and make our home feel cozy and comfy! Today I share some of the things that make Fall so special in our home. Did you know that homeschooling is currently the fastest growing form of education? With nearly five million homeschoolers in America today, I hope that my listeners will gain inspiration, research and new ways to implement education with their children in natural and intentional ways. I want to offer solutions to the many challenging problems our youth faces today. I want to unify home educators and parents from around the world. Here is the link to my brand new book on Amazon. You can find more of The Modern Homeschool on Instagram, my website and you can download my freebies here: Thrifting Living Books Planning Links: (DISCLOSURE: Please note that some links on TheModernHomeschool.com are affiliate links. We may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click through our links and make a purchase from one of our partners.) Morning Pages, to get your kiddos started in the morning! Favorite Fall Books, Crafts, Recipes and More! (Scroll to the bottom for all the best links) Pumpkin Soup Tutorial for water play! Rice Sensory Halloween Ideas The Novels we are Currently Reading Front Desk, One Crazy Summer, Charlotte's Web Living Books, The Modern Homeschool, Book Lists Books we love: The Wizard of Oz, The Hobbit, Wind in the Willows, The Secret Garden, Christmas Carol,Green Glass House, Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn Best Christmas Pageant Ever Arteza Art Journals My Episode: Plan your Homeschool Year in 4 Easy Steps My Episode: Choosing Curriculum, 4 Things to Consider My Episode: 5 Perks of Homeschooling

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss how our first day of homeschool went this school year. This was an accidental episode that just came about because the day was successful and I thought it would be fun to share! I hope you are kicking off your school year with some successful first days and wish you a great week. Did you know the homeschooling is currently the fastest growing form of education? With nearly five million homeschoolers in America today, I hope that my listeners will gain inspiration, research and new ways to implement education with their children in natural and intentional ways. I want to offer solutions to the many challenging problems our youth faces today. I want to unify home educators and parents from around the world. Here is the link to my brand new book on Amazon. You can find more of The Modern Homeschool on Instagram, my website and you can download my freebies here: Thrifting Living Books Planning Links: My Episode: Plan your Homeschool Year in 4 Easy Steps My Episode: Choosing Curriculum in 4 Easy Steps My Episode: 5 Perks of Homeschooling My Episode: Build Your Own Literature Studies in 5 Easy Steps

The Screens. Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss my rules of thumb for screentime with my kids. Screens are everywhere today and a huge temptation for our kids. How do we as adults manage this new technology for our children so that they are healthy, happy and well adjusted. It starts in our own homes with firm boundaries and today I'll share mine! It's never too late to detox from screens or other vices that are creeping up too often in our homes. Be strong parents, you've got this! Easy Screentime Boundaries 1. Two Hours Max 2. Screens VS Outdoor Time 3. Game Time Limited to the Weekend (1 hour)/day 4. Exceptions- Visitors, Movie Nights, Special Occasions 5. Phones with Limits, Internet with a Filter Did you know the homeschooling is currently the fastest growing form of education? With nearly five million homeschoolers in America today, I hope that my listeners will gain inspiration, research and new ways to implement education with their children in natural and intentional ways. I want to offer solutions to the many challenging problems our youth faces today. I want to unify home educators and parents from around the world. Here is the link to my brand new book on Amazon. You can find more of The Modern Homeschool on Instagram, my website and you can download my freebies here: Thrifting Living Books Planning Links: My Episode: Plan your Homeschool Year in 4 Easy Steps My Episode: Choosing Curriculum in 4 Easy Steps My Episode: 5 Perks of Homeschooling AAP Screentime Guidelines Outdoor Play VS Screentime Common Sense Media Pinwheel Phone

California Homeschool. Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss the three main ways that people homeschool in California. There are so many options to structure your homeschool in California but the three main ways are: Private Homeschool, Charter School Homeschool Program and Private School Satellite Program. There are benefits to each homeschool structure and todayContinue reading "How to Homeschool in California"

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss 5 easy steps to building your own literature studies. Building literature studies has become a staple of the best homeschool curriculum in my opinion. Over the years we have read so many living books and now I have developed a process of putting together your own literature studies for living books you select for your children. Today I am sharing my process of building guides and how we can successfully incorporate reading into our daily homeschool curriculum. 5 Perks of Homeschooling discussed today are as follows: 1. Choose Books 2. Choose a Literature Guide (See Below) 3. Add in Art Projects 4. Add in Writing Projects 5. Add a Final Culminating Activity Did you know the homeschooling is currently the fastest growing form of education? With nearly five million homeschoolers in America today, I hope that my listeners will gain inspiration, research and new ways to implement education with their children in natural and intentional ways. I want to offer solutions to the many challenging problems our youth faces today. I want to unify home educators and parents from around the world. Here is the link to my brand new book on Amazon. You can find more of The Modern Homeschool on Instagram, my website and you can download my freebies here: Thrifting Living Books Planning Links: (DISCLOSURE: Please note that some links on TheModernHomeschool.com are affiliate links. We may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click through our links and make a purchase from one of our partners.) The Novel Front Desk, One Crazy Summer Great Works Literature Guides Tuck Everlasting Great Works Literature Guides Charlottes Web Great Works Literature Guides Bridge to Terabithia Novel Ties, Wind in the Willows Living Books, The Modern Homeschool The Wizard of Oz, The Hobbit, Wind in the Willows, The Secret Garden, Christmas Carol, Best Christmas Pageant Ever Arteza Art Journals Lightning Literature, The Read Aloud Family, Green Glass House My Episode: Plan your Homeschool Year in 4 Easy Steps My Episode: Choosing Curriculum in 4 Easy Steps My Episode: 5 Perks of Homeschooling

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss 5 perks of homeschooling. Though there are almost unlimited, small, daily reminders and perks of homeschooling; today I narrow down the discussion to five. I share our love of our schedule, our ability to make decisions directly for our children's learning and how the curriculum and family bonding have strengthened not only our children's relationships but also, their academic success. Join me as I dive into some of the great and tangible benefits of homeschooling. 5 Perks of Homeschooling discussed today are as follows: 1. A Flexible Schedule 2. A Richer Curriculum 3. A Generous Family Bond 4. A Protected Childhood 5. Academic Success Did you know the homeschooling is currently the fastest growing form of education? With nearly five million homeschoolers in America today, I hope that my listeners will gain inspiration, research and new ways to implement education with their children in natural and intentional ways. I want to offer solutions to the many challenging problems our youth faces today. I want to unify home educators and parents from around the world. Here is the link to my brand new book on Amazon. You can find more of The Modern Homeschool on Instagram, my website and you can download my freebies here: Thrifting Living Books Planning Links: My Episode: Plan your Homeschool Year in 4 Easy Steps Links: My Episode: Choosing Curriculum in 4 Easy Steps

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I discuss what my 4 main steps or criteria I look to when selecting a curriculum for my children. We also take a deep dive into some curricula my family has used and loved over the past four years and what we are planning to use in the Fall. With so many curricula options now, it's important to have help in discerning what is right for you and your family. I advocate not forcing curricula that doesn't work for you or your child and talk about knowing when its time to close the book. My 4 items to consider are as follows: 1. Your child's academic level 2. Your child's interest levels 3. The specific aspects of each curricula 4. Your ability to teach it and your time commitment level Did you know the homeschooling is currently the fastest growing form of education? With nearly five million homeschoolers in America today, I hope that my listeners will gain inspiration, research and new ways to implement education with their children in natural and intentional ways. I want to offer solutions to the many challenging problems our youth faces today. I want to unify home educators and parents from around the world. Here is the link to my brand new book on Amazon. You can find more of The Modern Homeschool on Instagram, my website and you can download my freebies here: Thrifting Living Books Planning Links: My Episode: Plan your Homeschool Year in 4 Easy Steps The Good and Beautiful Math, Handwriting, Constitution Study Great Works Literature Studies Everything you need to know about world history Soaring with Spelling Lightning Literature BJU Press English

Today on The Modern Homeschool Podcast, I'll be diving into one of my favorite topics, homeschooling planning. By the end of this episode you'll know how I plan my entire homeschool year in 4 easy steps! I try to strike a balance between planning and unschooling and this discussion is all about how to do that. My 4 easy steps are as follows: 1. Set yearly goals and choose a focus 2. Choose what you'll learn 3. Create a loose yearly plan 4. Set your ideal weekly schedule Did you know the homeschooling is currently the fastest growing form of education? With nearly five million homeschoolers in America today, I hope that my listeners will gain inspiration, research and new ways to implement education with their children in natural and intentional ways. I want to offer solutions to the many challenging problems our youth faces today. I want to unify home educators and parents from around the world. Here is the link to my brand new book on Amazon. You can find more of The Modern Homeschool on Instagram, my website and you can download my freebies here: Thrifting Living Books Planning