The Happy Homeschooler Podcast - podcast cover

The Happy Homeschooler Podcast

The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a digital support group for everyone interested in a learning lifestyle. Join us the second and fourth Friday of each month as our hosts Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones discuss topics like the benefits of homeschooling, finding the right curriculum for you, navigating the line between parent and teacher, and more!
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Episodes

156: The Different Styles of Homeschooling

There are so many different styles of homeschooling that families can implement for their learning lifestyle. From classical to unschooling, Charlotte Mason to unit studies, we break down what each style looks like in practice—along with the unique benefits and challenges they bring. Whether you're new to homeschooling or considering a shift in your current approach, this episode offers clarity and inspiration to help you find the right fit for your family. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website! If you ...

May 23, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 156

155: Homeschool Conventions

Homeschool conventions can be inspiring, overwhelming, and everything in between. In this episode, we talk about what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of your time—whether you're attending in person or online. From finding encouragement to discovering new resources, homeschool conventions can play a big role in your homeschooling journey. Tune in to learn how to navigate them with confidence and clarity! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website! If you have any questions or comments, ple...

May 09, 202547 minEp. 155

154: How To Create Unit Studies

Many homeschooling parents wonder how to create unit studies that are both engaging and educational. In this episode, we walk you through designing your own unit studies—from choosing a theme to integrating subjects and customizing lessons to fit your child’s interests. Listen in as we share resources that make creating unit studies easy and fun, no matter your experience level! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website! If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] ...

Apr 25, 202549 minEp. 154

153: How To Create a Co-Op

Wonder how to create a co-op? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know to create a successful and sustainable educational co-op—from gathering like-minded families to organizing classes, handling logistics, and making it all work for your unique homeschooling community. Whether you're dreaming big or starting small, you'll come away with practical tips and inspiration to get your co-op off the ground. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website! If you have any questions or comments, please ...

Apr 11, 202559 minEp. 153

152: Teaching Your Kids to Set Goals

Teaching your kids to set goals is crucial as a homeschooling parent, helping them build motivation, responsibility, and lifelong skills. In this episode, we explore practical ways to guide children in setting realistic and meaningful goals, from daily tasks to long-term ambitions. Whether your child struggles with follow-through or just needs a little direction, we’ll share strategies to make goal-setting a natural and rewarding part of homeschooling. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website! If you have ...

Mar 29, 202550 minEp. 152

151: Homeschooling Highschoolers

Today, we dive into the highs and hurdles of homeschooling highschoolers. Whether you’re transitioning from public school or have homeschooled from the start, we share insights, encouragement, and practical tips to help you navigate these important years with confidence. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website! If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook ! Follow u...

Mar 14, 202545 minEp. 151

150: What Counts As School?

Today, we explore how everyday activities can earn school credit in homeschooling. From walking the dog as fitness to baking as chemistry, learning happens everywhere! Discover creative ways to log real-life experiences as educational achievements and make the most of your homeschool journey. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website! If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group ...

Feb 28, 202555 minEp. 150

149: Is My Homeschooling Working?

At some point, almost every homeschooling parent asks the same question: "Is my homeschooling working?" Today, we break down the key signs of success, from academic progress to a thriving home environment. We’ll help you evaluate what’s going well, make necessary adjustments, and build confidence in your journey—whether you're just starting out or guiding a high school senior! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website! If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] Vi...

Feb 14, 202550 minEp. 149

148: How to Choose Homeschool Curriculum

It may seem hard knowing how to choose homeschool curriculum, but we're here to help! Today, we break down the process of finding the right homeschool curriculum for your family. From learning styles to budget considerations, we cover the key factors to help you make confident choices. Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch things up, this episode is packed with practical tips to guide you through the decision-making process! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website! If you have any question...

Jan 31, 202544 minEp. 148

147: ADHD Homeschooling (w/ Lisa Smith of ADHD On Schedule)

Today, we interview ADHD expert Lisa Smith to explore how to understand and homeschool a child with ADHD. ADHD Homeschooling can seem daunting, but Lisa shares invaluable insights, practical strategies, and encouragement for navigating the unique challenges and opportunities that come with homeschooling neurodiverse children. Whether you're new to homeschooling or looking for fresh ideas, this conversation is packed with advice to help your child thrive! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happ...

Jan 24, 202556 minEp. 147

146: The Biggest and Best of 2024

In today's episode, we give listeners a taste of the biggest and best of 2024! From inspiring discussions to hilarious anecdotes and insightful advice, this episode showcases the highlights that made 2024 unforgettable. Whether you’ve been with us all year or are just tuning in, it’s the perfect way to revisit our most impactful episodes! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] Visit ...

Jan 10, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 146

145: A Look Back at 2024

Today we take a look back at 2024, as our hosts reflect on the highlights of the year, revisiting their favorite episodes and sharing the ones that resonated most with listeners. From meaningful conversations to unexpected insights, we dive into what made 2024 such a special year for The Happy Homeschooler Podcast. Join us as we revisit the most downloaded episodes and celebrate the moments that made this year unforgettable. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com If yo...

Dec 27, 202450 minEp. 145

144: How To Teach Financial Literacy

In this episode, we discuss how to teach financial literacy. We explore practical tips and strategies for helping students develop strong financial habits, understand budgeting, saving, and investing, and prepare for financial independence. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking for ways to enhance your lessons, this episode is packed with helpful advice for teaching financial responsibility! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com If you have any questions or c...

Dec 27, 202454 minEp. 144

143: Homeschooling in Oregon

What’s it like to homeschool in Oregon? In this special interview episode, we explore homeschooling in Oregon, covering opportunities, challenges, and legal requirements in the Beaver State. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice tailored to Oregon families! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] Visit T...

Nov 29, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 143

142: Alternatives to College

Is college the best path for every student? In this episode, we explore alternatives to college that may be ideal for homeschooled students, including trade schools, entrepreneurship, and more. We also dive into the challenges of traditional college education, such as high costs and impractical degree options. Join us for an insightful discussion on finding the right path for every learner! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com If you have any questions or comments, p...

Nov 22, 202452 minEp. 142

141: Getting Kids Outside (w/ Barefoot University)

Nothing helps soothe a difficult day of homeschooling like taking a journey to the great outdoors. Whether you're in your backyard or a national park, the outside can provide a refresh for parents and children alike. Today, we're joined by the founders of Barefoot University, a forest school organization passionate about getting kids of all ages outside. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com If you have any questions or comments, please email us at happyhomeschoolpod@...

Nov 08, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 141

140: Handling Doubts About Homeschooling

Everyone has doubts about homeschooling. It's a big job, and a hard one too. Maybe you're not sure you can teach certain subjects, or maybe you're worried about important things getting lost in the shuffle. But you're not alone. Many homeschooling moms and dads have had doubts before you, including our own hosts. Listen to our hosts years of experience and learn how you can handle doubts about homeschooling to make your learning lifestyle a joy! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomescho...

Oct 25, 202448 minEp. 140

139: The Literacy Crisis in America (w/ Heritage Mom, Amber O'Neal Johnston)

The literacy crisis in America is a deeply troubling issue in our modern day. For years, public schooled students have been trailing behind where they ought to be in literacy, reading comprehension, and more. Since the pandemic, this problem has skyrocketed. But this is an issue that affects homeschoolers as well. Not only are many people leaving the public schools and coming into homeschooling, but many people your students will meet-- whether in college, the workplace, or their personal lives-...

Oct 11, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 139

138: All About Transcripts

If you're a homeschooling parent with a child taking high school classes, you should be thinking about transcripts. In this episode, our hosts share practical tips on creating high school transcripts for homeschoolers, covering how to document coursework, extracurricular activities, and achievements in a way that stands out to colleges and employers. They also discuss what a transcript is and isn’t, providing clarity on essential components and common misconceptions. Whether you’re just starting...

Sep 27, 202436 minEp. 138

137: Music Education for Homeschoolers

Music education is often a source of apprehension for homeschooling parents. Whether musically trained or not, teaching your children music is like teaching them a whole new language, and the cost alone can make many parents balk. But there's an easier way! Today, we're joined by Shanan Colvin, a professional singer, musician, and music educator. She shares with us all the best ways- large and small- that you can make music a part of your learning lifestyle! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www....

Sep 13, 202455 minEp. 137

136: Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling

Whether you're a homeschooler or know someone who is, people often have a lot of questions about homeschooling. What is it? How does it work? How do homeschooled kids differ from their publicly schooled peers? Today, we're tackling all the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial!...

Aug 30, 202452 minEp. 136

135: Homeschooling in Pennsylvania (w/ Kathryn Gomes, M.Ed)

Homeschooling in Pennsylvania is sometimes thought as difficult by people outside of the Keystone State. But for those on the inside? It's a completely different story. Today, we're joined by Kathryn Gomes, M.Ed, author of math curricula and co-host of the Homeschool Works Podcast. A former homeschool student in Pennsylvania and current homeschool mom in Pennsylvania, she gives us all the ins and outs of homeschooling in Pennsylvania. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast...

Aug 23, 202452 minEp. 135

134: Homeschooling with Technology (w/ Meryl van der Merwe)

Homeschooling with technology can sometimes be a blind spot for parents. With technological advances happening quicker and quicker, it's easy to get left behind. And that's not even mentioning the concerns related to AI. Today, we're joined by Meryl van der Merwe, host of the Homeschooling with Technology podcast, and she's sharing a little glimpse of what she talks about on her podcast every episode. She gives tips on tech to use with lessons, tech your kids need to know before they get to coll...

Aug 09, 202457 minEp. 134

132: How To Start Homeschooling

It seems everyone these days wants to know how to start homeschooling. With the homeschooling boom still going, it's more important than ever to make sure you get all your ducks in a row before you even start looking at a worksheet. Today, our hosts will take you step by step from what to do before you start, how to make sure you and your kids get the most out of your learning lifestyle, pitfalls to avoid, and more! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com If you have an...

Jul 12, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 132

131: Knowing Why You Homeschool

Knowing why you homeschool is something that can slip the mind of some homeschooling parents. While we know why we chose to leave public school, we sometimes don't stop to think about the reasons we continue in our learning lifestyle. Today, we discuss the importance of knowing why you homeschool. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free ...

Jun 28, 202445 minEp. 131

130: The Importance of Deschooling

For anyone switching from public school to homeschooling, the process of deschooling is crucial. Deschooling is the step between public school and homeschooling when you take a break to allow your family to adjust to the rhythms of your new learning lifestyle. But it's so much more than that. How long should one deschool? What are some ways to ease the transition to homeschooling? All these questions and more answered today as we discuss the importance of deschooling! SHOW NOTES: Visit our websi...

Jun 14, 202442 minEp. 130

129: Homeschooling in North Carolina

Today, we embark on another state in our Homeschooling Across America series by learning all about Homeschooling in North Carolina! SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial! Like our page and join our group on Facebook ! Follow us on Instagram! The Witch in the Woods on Apple Podcasts The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript M...

May 31, 202448 minEp. 129

128: Homeschooling as a Single Parent

Homeschooling your children is a full-time job, which can cause some hesitation with single parents. Whether you're newly single and wondering if you can continue to homeschool or you've been single and wondering if you can start, we're here to tell you that homeschooling can work for you. But you don't need to take our word for it. Today, we speak with four single parent homeschoolers to hear about all the joys and challenges of their learning lifestyles. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.ha...

May 24, 202457 minEp. 128

127: Homeschooling One Child

Parents of only children face unique challenges when making the decision to homeschool. Some may think that having only one child in the house would make things easier, but when there's no siblings to occupy each other's time, it all falls onto the parent. Add in work and one might just wonder if they can really do it. Well, we're here to tell you that you can! Today, Melody and Jennifer ask Holly everything they want to know about what it's like homeschooling one child. SHOW NOTES: Visit our we...

May 10, 202445 minEp. 127

126: Homeschooling A Big Family

Homeschooling a big family has its challenges, and its rewards! Today, our hosts share their secrets for efficient and fun learning for the whole family. From tailoring your approach to different learning styles to secrets that will help save your bank account, we can help you be an expert at homeschooling a big family. SHOW NOTES: Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com If you have any questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] Visit Transcript Maker an...

Apr 26, 202452 minEp. 126
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