We’re in Summer Mode, and you know what that means. We dive into our series topics: what’s going well and what needs tweaking. We want you to be part of our Summer Mode series, too, so we’re answering listener questions! This week’s question addresses the universal homeschool worry about how much is too much seat work. We created a Patreon Page and we'd love to have your support! In return, we're recording new podcast episodes we're calling Homeschool Unrefined: Off the Record. We just released ...
Jun 25, 2018•45 min•Ep. 79
We all know getting into nature is good for us. But do we really know why? And how do we overcome all the hurdles of actually making it happen? We are kicking off our summer book club with an inspiring discussion of chapters 1 & 2 of How to Raise a Wild Child by Scott D. Sampson. Read along throughout the summer, or just listen in to grab the highlights. We created a Patreon Page and we'd love to have your support! In return, we're recording new podcast episodes we're calling Homeschool Unre...
Jun 18, 2018•48 min•Ep. 78
Are you in Summer Mode? Join us as we kick off this new series with real talk about boredom, rhythm & reading and what that looks like in this season. In Summer Mode, we’ll discuss what’s going well, what needs tweaking, and we’ll answer a listener question. As always, we’ll share our LTWs throughout the summer. Let’s do this summer together! Next week, we will be chatting about nature and the first few chapters of the book How To Raise a Wild Child by Scott Sampson. We will use this book to...
Jun 11, 2018•42 min•Ep. 77
Christy Thomas is the guru for play, and we are so happy to have her on the podcast. Christy shares with us the power of play and why it is vital to our families. She helps us process through our angst of needing to do all the “important” things first and how we can make play a priority. If you need a little nudge in the right direction, a pass to play, this is it! We created a Patreon Page and we'd love to have your support! In return, we're recording new podcast episodes we're calling Homescho...
Jun 04, 2018•55 min•Ep. 76
This week we're getting to some of the homeschool related questions you all sent in. We talk about things like what our typical days look like, if we ever homeschool into the summer, choosing curricula and more of what we don't do. We created a Patreon Page and we'd love to have your support! In return, we're recording new podcast episodes we're calling Homeschool Unrefined: Off the Record. Please go here to watch a little intro video we created: https://www.patreon.com/homeschoolunrefined 61: W...
May 28, 2018•59 min•Ep. 75
We are giving ourselves all the permission to wind down as needed (or desired) in this episode! We process through the angst of ending school, and hope to reach a comfort zone of activities and down time for the summer. What would you like your summer will look like? Busy? Nothing on the calendar? Somewhere in between? We created a Patreon Page and we'd love to have your support! In return, we're recording new podcast episodes we're calling Homeschool Unrefined: Off the Record. Please go here to...
May 21, 2018•50 min•Ep. 74
You’ve decided to homeschool, but now what? Listen to this episode where we dive into a simple, doable way to get started. We address different ages, preferences, and needs (including your own). And we pose some great questions that will help point you in the right direction. Veteran homeschoolers, this is a great episode to share with a friend and it will help reboot your own homeschool! We created a Patreon Page and we'd love to have your support! In return, we're recording new podcast episode...
May 14, 2018•54 min•Ep. 73
Listeners new and old will enjoy getting to know us better in this bonus episode. Things we cover: where (exactly) we met, our favorite go-to meals, whether or not our husbands are friends and just how many pair of Costco socks we own. Listen in for all of that and more (including which SNL character Maren used to perform on stage). We hope you have as much fun listening to this episode as we did recording it. Visit our website Join our closed Facebook group: Unrefined Homeschoolers Follow us on...
May 10, 2018•53 min
If you’ve been around the homeschool community for any length of time, you probably know Jamie Martin and her work as the editor at simplehomeschool.net . For many years, Jamie and her team of writers have been encouraging parents in keeping homeschool less complex and more joyful. We loved talking with Jamie about personalities, essentialism, Thomas Jefferson Education and what simple homeschool means to her. We hope you leave this conversation feeling inspired. A Thomas Jefferson Education Lea...
May 07, 2018•54 min•Ep. 72
Thinking about homeschooling, but worried that because you’re not a superhero, maybe it’s not for you? We’re here for you! We’ll hash out those, “I want to homeschool, but I could never...” moments. We’ll calm your nerves. We won’t coax you into homeschool, but we will encourage some healthy ways to cope with the things that might be setting you back. And we’ll reflect on the ways homeschool has been even better than we imagined. Don’t miss this episode, veteran homeschoolers! You’ll want to sha...
Apr 30, 2018•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 71
We are so excited to share this episode with you. Julie is a trailblazer in the homeschool world. She gives us all permission to make learning fun, interesting, and something we could do forever (not that we needed permission, but sometimes we think we need permission)! While she focuses on writing, her philosophy is all-encompassing, and her spark is catchy. Listen to this episode if you need that last boost to get you through the end of the school year. Then follow Julie on Instagram and Faceb...
Apr 23, 2018•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 70
Does that fact that your kids fight feel helpless sometimes? Us too. There is no shame in that. Join us as we process through the ups and downs of fighting. The reasons fighting could happen, why it might not be the worst thing in the world, and how we deal with fighting in our own homes. This episode calmed our own nerves about this inevitable topic, we hope it does the same for you! Today's podcast is brought to you by audible - get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibl...
Apr 16, 2018•45 min•Ep. 69
We can’t get enough of Amanda Ginn’s perspective on children and how they learn. Amanda reminds us we are not in control of everything, and she also points out how natural and right and scary and freeing it is. Join us for an invigorating conversation about trusting our children. Get ready for a ton of “aha” moments! Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue John Holt's Books Free to Learn by Peter Gray Amanda on Instagram @aswearegoing Loving This Week Angela: Instagram follows: Melissa Hartwig , Hip ...
Apr 09, 2018•53 min•Ep. 68
Feeling torn about how screens play a part in your family? Us too! In this episode we share all our feelings on the topic. No judgments here, just an honest conversation about the push and pull of our technology-infused culture and how we’re handling it today. Loving This Week Maren: Athleta Angela: Brook Modern Solid Wood Dining Chair Visit our website Join our closed Facebook group: Unrefined Homeschoolers Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and Youtube Angela on Instagram: @unrefineda...
Apr 02, 2018•47 min•Ep. 67
Have you ever wondered what teens think of homeschooling? Today you're in for a treat. Angela's daughter is on the podcast and she reveals her thoughts - what she likes and dislikes about school, parents and siblings. She also gives us a bunch of great teen book, podcast and toy recommendations. This would be an excellent episode to share with your homeschooled kids. Head over to Instagram where we are giving away a copy of A Wrinkle In Time: The Graphic Novel ! Giveaway closes on Friday March 3...
Mar 26, 2018•42 min•Ep. 66
It's time to confess! In this episode Angela and Maren divulge the one thing they wish they could do over. As usual, they do this with lots of grace. Listen in to hear what they are working to change on their journey. Today's podcast is brought to you by audible - get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibletrial.com/homeschoolunrefined Over 180,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player. Our audible listens: Mary Poppins ; Sing, Unburied, Sing...
Mar 19, 2018•48 min•Ep. 65
Sometimes, we need to start over with a clean slate. In this episode, Maren and Angela chat about what a reset is, when we need one, and how it helps us gain perspective. Feeling the need for a reset? Listen in on this helpful conversation! Loving This Week Angela: Kite Hill Cream Cheese Maren: Black Panther Visit our website Join our closed Facebook group: Unrefined Homeschoolers Follow us on Facebook and Instagram Angela on Instagram: @unrefinedangela Maren on Instagram: @unrefinedmaren Email ...
Mar 12, 2018•47 min•Ep. 64
Listen in on part two of our conversation with Krista O’Reilly-Davi-Digui as we dive deeper. Krista talks more about how really knowing our children helps them know and love themselves. You do not want to miss out on all her priceless wisdom and perspective. If you have not listened to Part 1 of this interview, you can do so at this link . The Writer's Jungle A Brave Writer Podcast: 55 Things I Did Not Do As a Homeschooler Where to find Krista: A Life In Progress A Life In Progress Facebook Page...
Mar 05, 2018•42 min•Ep. 63
Krista O’Reilly-Davi-Digui is a blogger and Joyful Living Educator. She continuously shares words of wisdom on living a full, purposeful life, and homeschooled her own children for 15 years. In this episode, Krista specifically talks with us about how to be a student of your child. She had so much goodness to share with us, we decided to split up our conversations into two episodes. We didn’t want you to miss any of these rich morsels of insight. Krista's blog, A Life In Progress Loving This Wee...
Feb 26, 2018•51 min•Ep. 62
It’s February and we decided a little curriculum check-in was in order. We’ve made some major and minor tweaks since the start of the year and we thought we’d chat about all of that together. We start off talking about our general philosophy on curriculum and what we mean when we mention it. Then we spill the beans on exactly what we’re using (or not using) for each subject for each of our kids. This episode got a little lengthy but we know it’s a topic that interests many homeschoolers. Enjoy! ...
Feb 19, 2018•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 61
We love books, and this is a jam-packed episode of our favorite latest reads. We include books we’re reading on our own, what we’re reading aloud, and what our kids are reading. Plus, we’ll hear from some listeners about some of their latest books! You can find links to all the books we mention below OR, just visit our Amazon Shop at www.amazon.com/shop/homeschoolunrefined Read Alouds Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson (part of the Seeds of America Trilogy ) Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson Roll of T...
Feb 12, 2018•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 60
Rachel Larson is a counselor and homeschool mom who owns her own practice. She gives us insight into the mystery of anxiety and shows us how we can best support our favorite people through it. This episode is for all of us, whether we have a slight bend toward anxiety or an official diagnosis. We'd love if you joined our closed Facebook group, Unrefined Homeschoolers . We are going to be ramping things up in there and we'd love to have you join us! https://www.heysigmund.com/anxiety-in-kids/ htt...
Feb 05, 2018•44 min•Ep. 59
This episode is all about those pesky high expectations we place on ourselves and how we're inevitably not living up to them. Most homeschool parents are not exempt, including the two of us. We talk about how and why we aren't living up to our ideal, why this is damaging and what we can do combat it. We'd love if you joined our closed Facebook group, Unrefined Homeschoolers . We are going to be ramping things up in there and we'd love to have you join us! Ep 42: Where We Change Things Up Loving ...
Jan 29, 2018•43 min•Ep. 58
Do you want to learn how to speak your child's language? Do you want to make homeschool easier by developing stronger connections with your kids? The 5 Love Languages are a fun way to get to know your kids better. On this week's episode, Maren and Angela talk about how knowing these things about our kids and ourselves helps us to navigate our children's hearts. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman The Five Love Languages website Loving This Week Angela: Taylor Swift's Album Reputation Maren: ...
Jan 22, 2018•45 min•Ep. 57
You are all going to love this episode! Today we chat with Emily Carlson, a homeschooling mother of three and an avid adventurer. Emily not only shares with us her love of adventuring, she advocates for a new vision of motherhood where our kids get to witness us do the thing that makes us come alive. This episode is packed with encouragement and inspiration to make that happen. Today's podcast is brought to you by audible - get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibletrial....
Jan 15, 2018•47 min•Ep. 56
We're so happy to be back from our break and podcasting again! In this episode, we reflect on how much of the work we do as homeschooling parents is intangible and not easily measured or noticed. We talk all about why it is important to give ourselves credit for all that we're doing. Parents, you are working so hard and deserve all the acknowledgment and praise! We're here to give that to you. Brave Writer Classes Read Aloud Revival 31 Day Challenge Loving This Week Americanah by Chimamanda Ngoz...
Jan 08, 2018•48 min•Ep. 55
Happy New Year Everyone! While we are on break, we thought you might enjoy this episode we released almost a year ago. In it, we talk all about making science fun and accessible with our friend, Jenny Schultz. We look forward to coming back with a new episode next week! "Sometimes the best way to teach science is to not answer kids' questions." - Jenny Schultz Today our first guest, Jenny Schultz, is here to talk to us about integrating science into our homeschool days. Jenny shares with us how ...
Jan 01, 2018•41 min•Ep. 54
Merry Christmas Everyone! While we're one break, we thought you might enjoy hearing some throwback episodes. Today we dive in to a topic that is very personal to both of us, the Highly Sensitive Person. We talk about: What is a Highly Sensitive Person? How are adult and children HSPs alike and different? How to find out if you or your child is an HSP. Things HSPs need to do to take care of themselves. What modifications your child who is an HSP may need. The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thriv...
Dec 25, 2017•48 min•Ep. 54
Why is taking a break so important? What do our breaks look like? Listen in and hear all about why we think being proactive about scheduling breaks is crucial, even if it's a break from something you truly enjoy. We also chat about some specific breaks we are taking over the holidays and as always, what we are Loving This Week. Today's podcast is brought to you by audible - get a FREE audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.audibletrial.com/homeschoolunrefined Over 180,000 titles to choo...
Dec 18, 2017•40 min•Ep. 54
We are so happy to have Jessica Sarchett on the podcast today. Jessica, her husband and two kids are currently living in and homeschooling from their RV in California. Jessica shares with us all about how she does it and about her passion for homeschooling on a budget. You don't have to spend a lot of money to homeschool and Jessica is proof! She shares tips and many of the free resources she uses in her homeschool. We hope you enjoy this conversation! You can find Jessica on Instagram as @mamas...
Dec 11, 2017•57 min•Ep. 53
