Knowing when to move on in math can feel overwhelming: let me help! I’ll show you what tests I use, the tools I look at, the signs I use to know we are ready. You can have a math vacation AND keep them on target! I also help you find good math assessments and understand how to read the results. RESOURCES: Saxon Math Assessments: https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/curriculum/placement-tests/saxon-placement-tests/ A Beka Scope & Sequence: https://www.abeka.com/HomeSchool/ScopeAndSequence.aspx...
May 05, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 80
I interview Juliet English, veteran homeschooler and homeschooling advocate from South Africa. | A transplant to the United Kingdom (England), Juliet describes the unique cultural and political challenges home educators face around the world, the role her faith plays in home education, and the connections homeschoolers must make in order to live in freedom. She shares years of experience and wisdom, along with information on the upcoming Learn Free conference (watch all the way to the end for a ...
May 03, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 79
I review the complete phonics, spelling, and reading program, Writing Road to Reading ! Looking for a way to decode the Writing Road to Reading ? I give you my 9 - year experience and my take on how to maximize this program’s potential. This is a long-term phonics commitment, and it is worth it. Learn my tips and tricks now! RESOURCES: Mari’s Guide to Starting a Spelling Notebook: https://books.modg.org/starting-a-spelling-notebook-a-nuts-and-bolts-guide-to-the-writing-road-to-reading The Spaldi...
Apr 26, 2021•12 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Book Review for Homeschooling Mom / If you feel like you didn’t get the education you want yours kids to have, this is YOUR BOOK! Great cliff notes for the Western Canon all interpreted in a solid, Catholic worldview. Classical education for lifelong learning at its best in this accessible work. RESOURCES: In the Light of Christ: Writings in the Western Tradition by Lucy Beckett: https://www.amazon.com/Light-Christ-Writings-Western-Tradition/dp/1586171070 MY OTHER 60 SECOND BOOK REVIEWS: https:/...
Apr 23, 2021•2 min•Season 1Ep. 76
I interview Leah Libresco Sargeant, convert and freelance writer. | We discuss the Benedict Option and the role families play in building small, intentional communities. We talk about great education, cliques, and just how “open” should a small group be? Enjoy her amazing intellect and wit as we dig into the primary role of parents and families in raising the next generation. RESOURCES: Leah's Website: http://www.leahlibresco.com/ Leah’s Tiny Book Club: https://tinybookclub.substack.com/ Leah’s ...
Apr 21, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 74
I review the complete phonics, spelling, and dictation program, Sound Beginnings ! Looking for a way to decode the Writing Road to Reading or Spalding method? Julia Fogassey does it for you and your younger students with her comprehensive, phonics-based program. I give you my experience and my take on how to maximize this program’s potential. Teaching kids to read doesn’t have to be scary! This is an ideal way to homeschool phonics. RESOURCES: Complete Package for Sound Beginnings: http://www.ou...
Apr 19, 2021•12 min•Season 1Ep. 75
READ Cautionary Tales for Children, dark British humor | Perfect Illustrations by Edward Gorey | Are they really “for children”? Find out just how “dark” the Brits can get, and make your own decision. Hilaire Belloc writes hilarious (pun intended) morality tales of children making poor life decisions. Develop your (parenting) vocabulary with humor! RESOURCES: Cautionary Tales for Children by Hilaire Belloc; Illustrated by Edward Gorey: https://www.amazon.com/Cautionary-Tales-Children-Hilaire-Bel...
Apr 16, 2021•2 min•Season 1Ep. 73
I review Memoria Press’s Latina Christiana and the First and Second Form programs. You will see inside what these books offer and get my money- and sanity-saving tips for Latin in your homeschool! Classical education is language-based education, so make sure you watch and learn how even a non-Latin-speaker can provide a fantastic start in Latin studies! RESOURCES: Memoria Press Latina Christiana: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/latin/latina-christiana-i/ Memoria Press First Form Latin: h...
Apr 14, 2021•14 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Start a Homeschool Co-op? What does it take to homeschool in community? If I teach my children art, will they grow up to be starving artists? Erika interviews Dee-dee Mihaliak, classical homeschooler, lover of the arts, and driving force behind Adoro Te, a CT-based Catholic homeschooling coop going for 17 years strong! Learn her story, the story of a successful homeschool support group, and the role that beauty and the arts play in our faith and homes! RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS VID...
Mar 31, 2021•1 hr 41 min•Season 1Ep. 70
How we do HOLY WEEK as a Catholic homeschooling family! Learn about SPY WEDNESDAY, how to make an Altar of Repose for Holy Thursday, how to conduct a Veneration of the Cross, and make Holy Saturday HOLY. All things Catholic culture getting ready for Easter in the Domestic Church. Build a family culture connected to ancient practices and prayers of the Church. RESOURCES: Lamentations of Jeremiah: https://www.ssje.org/2013/03/28/tenebrae-chanted-lessons-from-the-lamentations-of-jeremiah/ MY RELATE...
Mar 29, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 69
HOMESCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL: What does Tech Education look like in high school? | Prepare for STEM and lifelong learning. Classical. High School. Student-driven. RESOURCES: Code Academy: https://www.codecademy.com Faith, Science, Reason Videos on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvbqKUrZBXI4dej4fG9C_TRFwunnq6LmE MY RELATED VIDEOS AND CONTENT: My How to Homeschool High School Webinar, Part I: https://www.verityed.com/shop My High School Math Video: https://youtu.be/jWqefuqUpmY My High Schoo...
Mar 22, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 66
READ St. George and the Dragon TO YOUR KIDS (Stunning Illustrations, Fairy Tale, A Story of Heroism) | Your kids will be amazed by the beautiful illustrations and they will love the morals woven through this galloping story. Author Margaret Hodges masterfully adapts a beloved story and Tina Schart Hyman’s illustrations are unparalleled. Add this marvelous children’s book to your classical homeschool library. RESOURCES: St. George and the Dragon (Margaret Hodges & Trina Schart Hyman [Illustra...
Mar 22, 2021•2 min•Season 1Ep. 65
HOMESCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE: How do I do SCIENCE for high school? | My reviews of the top homeschooling programs and building my own science curriculum. What about labs? Do we have to dissect crayfish in my sink? Prepare for STEM and lifelong learning. Classical. High School. Student-driven. RESOURCES: Home Science Tools: https://www.homesciencetools.com/science-curriculum-kits/apologia/ PBS Videos of Dissections: https://cptv.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/dissection-videos-for-classroom-us...
Mar 08, 2021•18 min•Season 1Ep. 61
EXPLORE D’Aulaires' Norse Myths WITH YOUR KIDS (Stunning Illustrations, Norse Mythology, Gritty and Medieval) | Your kids, particularly your boys, will be enraptured by the stark illustrations and drawn into the stories. The D’Aulaires' are master storytellers and illustrators and you get sense of the messiness of human life and beliefs in northern Europe. Add this marvelous children’s book to your classical homeschool library. RESOURCES: D’Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths: https://www.amazon.com/D...
Mar 05, 2021•3 min•Season 1Ep. 60
OUR HIGH SCHOOL THEOLOGY CURRICULUM (Raising Catholic Kids in a Non-Catholic World) | Find out what programs I use. How do we go “beyond the book”? Should I really tell my kids what to think about religion? Why theology is AS IMPORTANT as any of the STEM subjects in high school. Resources for teaching your child and yourself (!) to think like Thomas Aquinas! RESOURCES: Thomistic Institute: https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute.org/ Pints with Aquinas: https://pintswithaquinas.com/ Fr. Laux Books...
Mar 04, 2021•17 min•Season 1Ep. 59
How to Homeschool Intellectual Special Needs (It is possible!) | Erika interviews Margaret Walsh, the founder of Secret Garden Educational Pathways, which provides online, Catholic, professional, individualized education therapy, supporting students with intellectual and learning challenges. Margaret, who was homeschooled herself, understands the nuances of homeschooling and explains how focused reading and literacy remediation therapy can help children and families thrive. RESOURCES & LINKS...
Mar 01, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 57
READ Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters TO YOUR KIDS (Stunning Illustrations, African Fairy Tale, Universal Story) | Your kids will be amazed by the beautiful illustrations and they will love the morals woven through this universal African fairy tale. Author and illustrator John Steptoe masterfully brings to life a story of two daughters and gives the reader a real sense of the Zimbabwean (African) landscape, flaura, and fauna. Add this marvelous children’s book to your classical homeschool library. R...
Feb 26, 2021•3 min•Season 1Ep. 56
HOMESCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL Math | Learn the tricks of the trade for a great high school math program. Homeschooling high school Math, Algebra, Geometry, Euclid, Pre-Calc -- how do I do this at home? Tune into this video for great resources and a run-down! Classical. High School. Student-driven. RESOURCES: Sonlight Assessments: https://www.sonlight.com/homeschool/curriculum/placement-tests/ Teaching Euclid in the Homeschool: https://afterthoughtsblog.net/2012/11/teaching-euclid-in-homeschool-part-i-b...
Feb 24, 2021•10 min•Season 1Ep. 56
WE LOVE SCIENCE (Homeschooling Kids Who Love STEM) | Love homeschooling STEM for the RIGHT REASONS. How do I know if they’re getting “enough science”? What if I can’t teach science? How do I get them ready for high school STEM? Here’s how you can confidently homeschool science in your Catholic classical homeschool. RESOURCES: Exploring Nature with Children: https://raisinglittleshoots.com/buy-exploring-nature-with-children/ Memoria Press Science: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/science/ ...
Feb 22, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 54
READ Sigrid Undset’s Stages on the Road (Beautiful stories of heroic saints written by a towering fiction writer) | You and your teens will find this inspiring series of stories informative and life changing. Discover saints of the past through riveting tales, and see how they brought Sigrid Undset, the Nobel-prize winning novelist of Kristin Lavransdatter, to a deeper understanding of the true meaning of life and ultimately to the Catholic Church. Stages on the Road is the perfect addition to y...
Feb 19, 2021•3 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Roman Catholic Church. Here are some ideas for making today significant for you and your family. Let’s make today a special gift for God: the start of our Lenten journey! MY RELATED VIDEOS AND CONTENT: My Catholic Family Lent Video: https://youtu.be/XZ2aCXuQTOc My Lenten Rule (Verity Ed free printable!): www.verityed.com/resources __________ If you’re new to homeschooling, want fresh ideas, need a parent community, and are ready to reboot your family...
Feb 16, 2021•8 min•Season 1Ep. 48
READ Andrew Lang’s Fairy Tales TO YOUR KIDS (Gripping Fairy Tales, Struggle Between Good and Evil, Great Vocabulary, Illustrates Growth in Virtue) | Your kids will enjoy the fairy tale worlds of Andrew Lang’s Fairy Tales in 4 volumes. Discover these authentic fairy tales that are beautiful to read aloud and don’t talk down to kids. These stories are gripping, imaginative, and they are layered with meaning. Add all 4 books - Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow -- to your classical homeschool library. RE...
Feb 13, 2021•2 min•Season 1Ep. 50
HOW DO I ‘DO’ ART? (Learn to integrate these VITAL art skills into what you ALREADY DO) | Learn new resources. What if I’m not a glitter/crafty mom? How do we handle cost? How to homeschool art so it can transform the family culture and make ALL SUBJECTS more exciting! RESOURCES: Find and Art Museum: http://www.artcyclopedia.com/museums.html The MET: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection AND The MET Virtual: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-metropolitan-museum-of-art-is-offering-head-...
Feb 12, 2021•21 min•Season 1Ep. 49
LENT 2021 is coming! You can live the rich liturgical season of Lent without going overboard. Here are a few simple practices Catholic moms and dads can use that are high impact for children and parents. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving: how to involve the whole family this Lent! MY RELATED VIDEOS AND CONTENT: Ash Wednesday at Home: COMING SOON! My Lenten Rule (Verity Ed free printable!): http://verityed.com/printables __________ If you’re new to homeschooling, want fresh ideas, need a parent com...
Feb 10, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 48
INCLUDE MUSIC IN YOUR HOMESCHOOLING. (Learn to integrate these MUSIC SKILLS into what you ALREADY DO) | Learn new resources and learn how to homeschool music. What if I can’t sing well? Do we have to pay for music lessons? It’s okay and it doesn’t need to be expensive. Learn how music can enrich your family home school culture and make ALL SUBJECTS more exciting -- without breaking the bank! RESOURCES: Classics for Kids: https://www.classicsforkids.com/more/podcast.html Hoffman Academy: https://...
Feb 08, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 47
READ George MacDonald TO YOUR KIDS (Gripping Fairy Tales, Great Vocabulary, Not Dumbed Down) | Your kids will enjoy the imaginative world of George MacDonald’s “The Golden Key” and his “The Light Princess,” especially with Maurice Sendak’s striking illustrations. Discover these classic fairy tales that are beautiful to read aloud and don’t talk down to kids. The stories are engaging and they are layered with meaning. These two books are perfect for your classical homeschool library. RESOURCES: T...
Feb 05, 2021•1 min
OUR FAMILY THEOLOGY CURRICULUM K - 8 (Raising Catholic Kids in a Non-Catholic World) | Find out what programs I use. How do we go “beyond the book”? Should I really tell my kids what to think about religion? And what’s with that Baltimore Catechism? Here’s how to homeschool theology -- or at least how we do it. RESOURCES: My FAVORITE Saint Bios for Elementary-Age Children: https://www.ignatius.com/Vision-Books-C1091.aspx Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: https://www.cgsusa.org/ Elizabeth Clare on...
Feb 05, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 45
OUR FAMILY HISTORY/LITERATURE CURRICULUM K - 8 (How We Raise Kids with HISTORICAL ROOTS) | Find out what programs I use. How to homeschool history and literature in EVERY SUBJECT. How to make history ALIVE! History is the living, breathing foundation of learning and here’s how to make it so! RESOURCES: Mother of Divine Grace Books: https://books.modg.org/ Favorite Living History Books (Podcast Series): https://simplycharlottemason.com/blog/category/history-2/ Liberty’s Kids: https://www.amazon.c...
Feb 03, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 44
HOW TO HOMESCHOOL -- in the 90s! (See How An Openness to Homeschooling Can Shape Future Generations) | Erika interviews her mother, Eileen Cunis, about the decision to homeschool before it was cool, important influences, and how seeking the Good, the True, and Beautiful helped guide her homeschooling, her love of literature, her conversion to Catholicism, and her art. Eileen is an award-winning artist and children’s book illustrator at http://eileencunis.com , and she blogs about art, Jesus, and...
Feb 01, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 43
READ A. A. Milne TO YOUR KIDS (Beautiful Illustrations, Charming Stories, Great Vocabulary, Very Funny) | Your kids will enjoy the wonderful world of Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner created by AA Milne. Discover the classic Winnie-the-Pooh stories that are written for all ages and the delightful illustrations of Ernest Shepard. These are perfect read-aloud book. These two books are perfect for your classical homeschool library. RESOURCES: Winnie-the-Pooh: https://www.amazon.com/Winn...
Jan 29, 2021•2 min•Season 1Ep. 42
