Have you wondered what the best approach to educating your preschooler is? In this episode we delve into the crucial preschool years and the essential aspects that lay the foundation for educational success. Rachel and Carole emphasize the importance of viewing preschool as a time for bonding, laying the foundation for future success, and fostering a love for learning through work, service, and study. They recommend focusing on life skills, character development, and nurturing attachment and bon...
May 08, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 213
Are you looking to understand the Homeschool Made Simple method in a nutshell? In this episode, we explore the research-based, interest-led, and literature-rich approach to homeschooling. Learn how to create a customized curriculum that fits your family's unique needs. Embrace a holistic view of education that nurtures warm, loving homes and allows your children to pursue their interests under parental guidance. Join us as we discuss the joy of creating a literary-rich environment that shapes yo...
May 01, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 212
Are you looking to enrich your family’s movie nights with classic films? Join us for a fabulous list of timeless cinematic masterpieces that captivate, educate, and inspire your children. Carole Joy Seid shares her “must-see” list of classic films. From the captivating storytelling of legendary director Frank Capra to the timeless appeal of films like "Mister Smith Goes to Washington" and "The Sound of Music," this episode is a treasure trove of cinematic recommendations that will engage your fa...
Apr 24, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 211
There are fabulous books whose characters come alive for our children, and in essence, become their best friends. Carole’s favorite illustrator and author, Lois Lenski is one of the most important in children’s literature! In this episode from the archives, Carole share the delight that is in Lois Lenski’s books. RESOURCES Shop for Lois Lenski books from our friends at Yellow House Story Shoppe Or find Lois Lenski books used on Bookfinder A biography about Lois, Lois Lenski: Storycatcher by Bobb...
Apr 17, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 210
In this episode from our archive, Carole Joy Seid shares the best children’s books to build your home library. Many families have asked Carole to help them find out how to systematically build a library of books they actually want to keep. The books she shares in this episode are from her own bookshelves, and they are the ones you don't want to let your children leave home without reading. Without these wonderful books, they will live a kind of deprived world! RESOURCES Click HERE for the full b...
Apr 10, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 209
Are you looking for peace in homeschooling? Quieting the voices, listening to the research, and following a plan that works for your family is the path to peace in homeschooling. Another way to gain peace is by hearing the stories of those who have gone before us. Learning from the experiences of others is one of the great benefits of homeschooling-what worked and what didn't! Carole speaks with Connie Wright and her daughter, Ashley Becker, who found peace and success in their homeschooling jou...
Apr 03, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 208
In this episode Carole Joy Seid is joined by Greta Eskridge, a homeschooling mom of four and author of two books, "Adventuring Together" and "100 Days of Adventure." Greta shares her personal experiences of how spending time in nature has transformed her relationship with her children, her faith, and her family as a whole. They discuss the impact of Christian camping, personal experiences at Forest Home, and the need for genuine connections in a digitally connected world. RESOURCES Adventuring T...
Mar 27, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 207
Are you looking for some great movie recommendations for your family's next movie night? Look no further! Carole Joy Seid shares a treasure trove of timeless and fun movie suggestions for family movie nights, catering to all age groups from young children to teens. Carole talks about the importance of choosing movies that are not only entertaining but also possess redemptive and character-building qualities, reinforcing the idea of using family movie nights as opportunities for spiritual and emo...
Mar 20, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 206
Do you ever wonder what's on Carole's nightstand? In this episode, Carole Joy Seid shares a wealth of book recommendations for building your family library, including Church History resources, American History books, and a collection of captivating picture books. She highlights the children’s church history books by Luke H Davis, a comprehensive book on American History by Wilfred M McClay, and a variety of engaging picture books on inspiring true stories. Get ready to expand your family's home ...
Mar 13, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 205
If you want to raise spiritually deep, physically strong, and relationally connected kids, this episode is for you. In this episode, we’re hearing from two teens who went to Coldwater over the last two summers. Thomas and Caroline frykman share their experience and how they benefited from their time at Coldwater. *As of February 2024, Coldwater still has some openings in their trips for older students, ages 16 through 18. To learn more visit their website, coldwaterfoundation.org . RESOURCES Lea...
Mar 06, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 204
As parents we often wonder how to best prepare our kids for real life. They won’t always be under our roof, so how do give them the tools and courage they need to go out into the world in strength? One of the keys ways we have seen kids develop incredible fortitude and spiritual depth is through outdoor experiences. Our friends at the Coldwater Foundation provide wilderness journeys for kids 12 and up. In this episode from the archives, Carole talks with Kevin Sutton, co-founder of Coldwater, ab...
Feb 28, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 202
Have you ever considered how a simple conversation could ignite a journey of faith and transformation? In this episode, Carole talks with Dr. Jerry Root on the topic of evangelism. Dr. Jerry Root shares his early days of faith-sharing, the unavoidable mistakes made along the way, and the profound realization that love and forgiveness are at the core of the Christian message. His personal anecdotes serve as a beacon for those hesitant to share their beliefs, affirming that our unique gifts can ma...
Feb 21, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 202
Does history have to be stuffy and staunch or could it actually be enjoyable?! We are revisiting an episode from earlier in the podcast, because everyone needs to be freshly inspired to enjoy homeschooling! Laura Baker, a veteran homeschool mom, shares how the literature she read with her two kids sparked their creativity and brought history to life! In this episode, you'll hear about: How Laura got started homeschooling her children The importance of a spiritual foundation A simple approach to ...
Feb 14, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 201
In our milestone 200th episode, Carole Joy Seid is joined by her son, J.J. Seid. They talk about how they'd answer the question "Why homeschool?" In this episode, you'll hear: why homeschooling is a good idea the place of reading and boredom in homeschooling the joy of outdoor exploration teaching children the importance of nature why work is essential to a great education how socialization isn't something to worry about the significance of more time with adults RESOURCES Get our FREE ebook: 5 E...
Feb 07, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 200
Do you ever wonder what's on Carole's nightstand?! In this episode, Carole shares what she's been reading lately which includes a lot of WWII, immigrant experiences, and more. RESOURCES Looking for a book mentioned in this episode? Find the full list on our website . Listen to more nightstand episodes here . Hear more about Lois Lenski in episode 153. Get our FREE book list . Get Carole's seminar, Reading Under the Covers with a Flashlight ! Attend one of our upcoming seminars and receive the br...
Jan 31, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 198
A lot of families are looking for great movies when they have that time set apart for a family movie night. You might not be aware of some of the beautiful films that will imprint your children with the very best stories! In this episode, Carole shares 19 family-friendly movies based on great books. Your family is going to love these! Have a idea or question you want to hear about on the podcast? Let us know! RESOURCES Get the full list of films mentioned in this episode on our website . Tame th...
Jan 24, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 198
In this episode, Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester talk to their pilates instructor, Lauren Wilson, about how to create a culture of wellness in our homes. Lauren shares her expertise in removing the overwhelm of health with her virtual workouts so that we can focus on what matters most. You'll hear about: Taking care of mom so she can take care of everyone else The problem with aesthetic based fitness Lauren’s simple holistic approach to stewarding your health Moving your body in a helpful ...
Jan 17, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 197
What does it look like to meet with God in the morning? In this episode, Carole shares her own pattern for spending time each morning reading the Bible and in prayer. We hope this becomes something you do yourself each day and teach your children to do as well. You'll hear about: A prayer to pray before reading the Bible Write down the scriptures to meditate on them throughout the day The biblical origin of meditation How to spend time in prayer each day Practicing silence so that we can hear Go...
Jan 10, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 196
When Carole was a brand new Christian, one of her pastors taught her, "Don't let your feet touch the ground in the morning before you have met with God!" Over the years she's tried different ways of having a quiet time, and in this episode she shares the tools that help her most. We hope to help you have your own practice of meeting with God each day! You'll hear about: what it looks like to have a quiet time every day choosing the right Bible the daily devotional guide Carole uses reading the w...
Jan 03, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 195
In this episode, we are returning to part two of Carole’s conversation with Dan and Kara Beck. If you missed part one, be sure to go back and listen to that. The Becks share encouragement for homeschooling for the long haul. You'll hear about: The character development the Becks see in their children Different resources Kara used to teach her children the Bible Two trends Carole sees in large families she doesn't see in the Becks Why the Becks have homeschooled through high school How they work ...
Dec 27, 2023•26 min•Season 4Ep. 194
In this episode, Carole talks with Dan and Kara Beck, parents to eight children. They’ve graduated half of their children with three left to go. They share the challenges that come with the long homeschooling journey, and how they’re working to finish well. You'll hear about: How a liturgical lifestyle sustains them What's different about when they started homeschooling and what motivates them now The fruit the Becks see in homeschooling their older children Prioritizing being mom first before b...
Dec 20, 2023•27 min•Season 4Ep. 193
We have a special read aloud treat for you today! Every so often, Carole likes to share a favorite book with listeners. As Christmas fast approaches, Carole reads a very special story: Papa Panov's Special Day. Gather your children around, make some hot cocoa, and enjoy this beautiful story! RESOURCES Check out Carole's Christmas Stack in this episode Get our FREE book list to help you build your family's home library 9 Great Christmas Books for Children and Families Attend one of our upcoming s...
Dec 13, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 192
Great books have the power to change the course of our lives, but it isn't always easy to find the very best books! Our friend at the Yellow House Story Shoppe is working to change that! Chelsea Jacobs and her husband, Mark, attended and hosted many Dallas seminars over the last decade as they homeschooled their children. In the last few years, Chelsea opened a book shop offering timeless tales, vintage treasures, and living children's literature. Because reading good books makes every house a h...
Dec 06, 2023•30 min•Season 4Ep. 191
In this episode, Carole talks again with Betsy Hake of Jericho Ministries. If you missed part one of this conversation be sure to go back to episode 189. We hope your faith is strengthened by hearing Betsy’s story! If you enjoy hearing from Betsy, be sure to connect with her at jerichoministries.org . You can learn more about the ministry, sponsor a child, and even get Betsy’s book! RESOURCES +Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here +Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a G...
Nov 29, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 190
As we thought about what to share with you around Thanksgiving, we wanted to bring back a guest who has been on the podcast before. Carole interviewed her friend Betsy Hake back in episodes 17 and 18 about her ministry in Honduras called Jericho Ministries. Betsy is back to share an update on Jericho and encourage us with how God has carried her through difficult tests over the last few years. Click HERE to learn more about Jericho Ministries! RESOURCES +Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FRE...
Nov 22, 2023•32 min•Season 4Ep. 189
If you’ve attended or listened to our seminar, A Literature Based Approach to Education, you know how much Carole loves the math curriculum Math-It. Unfortunately, it has long been difficult to find! For a while it was out of print. So many of our families have had a hard time find it! Well, do we have exciting news for you today?! In this episode, Carole talks with the folks at Hewitt Learning about their recent acquiring of the rights to Math-It. Which means Math-It is available again! Click H...
Nov 15, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 188
As we inch closer toward Thanksgiving and Christmas, life begins to ramp up a bit. A lot of times that means added stress to continue the usual homeschool schedule while adding in all the holiday festivities. In today’s episode, Carole talks with Sonya Manson about what their family of ten has done over the years of homeschooling. Sonya shares how they to continue homeschooling during the holidays while also slowing down and focusing on what matters most to their family. As we go into the holida...
Nov 08, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 187
Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester share an exciting announcement! In this episode, you'll hear about: the new Homeschool Made Simple website! the roots of the homeschool movement doing your research the purpose of this podcast the difference between the HMS seminars and this podcast RESOURCES +Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here +Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education . +Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year! +Click HERE for more information ...
Nov 01, 2023•28 min•Season 4Ep. 186
In this episode, Carole helps you integrate music into your child's life so that they naturally and easily grow familiar with classical music. You'll hear about: - Cultivating a familiarity with classical music - How to use a composer study for two or three months at a time - A chronological approach that allows your child to create a musical timeline - The best time to start formal music training with children - The goal of teaching music - Using music to teach children scripture RESOURCES +Bui...
Oct 25, 2023•26 min•Season 4Ep. 185
What place does art have in the Christian's life? We want to raise children who know the beauty of quality art and the gift we each have to create as God creates. In this episode, you'll hear: Why a Christian worldview effects our concept of art Expose our babies to quality art Teach children to enjoy making their own art Resources to help you share great art with your children! RESOURCES +Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here +Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great...
Oct 18, 2023•24 min•Season 4Ep. 184
