What do you do when family, friends, or even strangers question your decision to homeschool?

If you’ve ever felt caught off guard by skeptical comments, awkward questions, or criticism about your homeschool, you’re not alone. For many moms, one of the hardest parts of homeschooling isn’t curriculum or scheduling—it’s learning how to respond when other people don’t understand what you’re doing.

In this Homeschool Foundations replay, we’re talking about how to handle homeschool backlash from family and friends with confidence, humility, and grace.

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Yes—you absolutely can.

The best way to handle homeschool backlash is to stay grounded in your reasons for homeschooling, respond with calm confidence, and avoid getting pulled into unnecessary arguments. Not every question is an attack, but not every conversation deserves your energy either.

The longer you homeschool, the more confidence you’ll build. But even in the beginning, you can learn how to answer hard questions without feeling shaken.

Sometimes criticism comes from a negative place. But many times, it simply comes from misunderstanding.

Homeschooling still feels unfamiliar to a lot of people, even though it has become far more common over the years. Family members, neighbors, or acquaintances may ask questions because they genuinely don’t understand how homeschooling works.

They may wonder:

• What curriculum do you use?
• Is homeschooling legal?
• What about socialization?
• Do you need a teaching degree?
• How do you know your child is learning enough?

And if we’re being honest, many homeschooling parents have asked some of those same questions themselves.

That’s why it helps to remember: not every question is criticism. Some people are curious. Some are cautious. Some are skeptical. And some simply don’t know what homeschooling actually looks like in real life.

If you’ve been homeschooling for any length of time, you’ve probably heard at least a few of these:

This is probably the most common homeschool question of all.

Some people assume the state tightly controls homeschool curriculum.

This question usually comes from concern about academics or future readiness.

This one can feel especially frustrating—especially when it’s directed at your child instead of you.

Many people assume formal teaching credentials are required to educate a child at home.

These questions can feel exhausting, especially if they come up repeatedly. But having a few grounded responses ready can help you feel more prepared and less defensive.

One of the best reminders for homeschool moms is this:

You do not have to prove yourself to everyone.

That doesn’t mean you should be rude. It simply means you are not required to defend every educational choice to every person who has an opinion.

Here are a few ways to respond well.

A simple, steady response often says more than a long explanation.

You might say:

• “That’s a great question.”
• “We’ve put a lot of thought into this.”
• “This is the best fit for our family right now.”
• “We’ve found a rhythm that’s working really well for us.”

Confidence matters. People often take their cues from how certain—or uncertain—you sound.

If you respond like you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, they may feel invited to keep pushing. But if you respond with peace and clarity, the conversation often softens quickly.

You don’t have to act like you know everything.

In fact, one of the best ways to respond to sincere questions is with humility.

You can say:

“Honestly, we had some of those same questions when we started homeschooling.”

That kind of answer lowers the tension immediately. It reminds the other person that you didn’t make this decision lightly or blindly. You’ve thought through the concerns, learned along the way, and are continuing to grow.

Confidence does not mean pretending homeschooling is always easy.It means trusting that this is the right path for your family, even while you’re still learning.

This is such an important distinction.

Some people are truly asking because they care. Others are asking because they want to challenge your choice.

Those are not the same conversation.

A sincere question usually feels open and respectful.

A combative question often feels like:

• a jab
• a test
• a setup
• a criticism disguised as curiosity

When that happens, you don’t need to over-explain.

Sometimes the wisest answer is a short one.

You can simply say:

• “I appreciate your concern.”
• “We’re confident in our decision.”
• “This is what works best for our family.”
• “We’ve thought this through carefully.”

And then move on.

This can be the hardest kind of homeschool backlash.

It’s one thing to brush off a stranger at the grocery store. It’s another thing when the criticism comes from grandparents, siblings, in-laws, or extended family members you love.

When family questions your homeschool, it can feel personal—even if they mean well.

In those situations, it helps to remember this:

You do not need family-wide agreement in order to homeschool faithfully.

If the conversation is healthy and respectful, it can be worth having. Some family members just need time, exposure, and reassurance.

But if the same topic turns into tension every time you’re together, it may be time to set a gentle boundary.

You might say:

“I know you care about the kids, and I appreciate that. But this is a decision we’ve made carefully as a family, and I’d rather not keep debating it.”

That is not disrespectful. That is mature boundary-setting.

If the criticism is coming from your spouse’s family, it can help for your spouse to take the lead in those conversations when appropriate.

That doesn’t mean you can’t speak for yourself. It simply means some family dynamics are better handled from within the family line.

If your mother-in-law, father-in-law, or sibling-in-law keeps pushing the issue, your spouse may be the best person to say:

“This is our family’s decision, and we’re asking for support even if you wouldn’t choose the same thing.”

That can prevent resentment and reduce unnecessary friction.

This is a different category entirely.

Sometimes homeschool moms get comments from:

• neighbors
• store clerks
• medical staff
• church acquaintances
• random adults who notice kids are “out during school hours”

And honestly? You do not owe every curious stranger a 20-minute explanation in the middle of Target.

You can be kind without being available for interrogation.

Simple responses work well here:

• “We homeschool.”
• “This is part of our school day.”
• “We have a flexible schedule.”
• “They’re learning a lot, thank you.”

And if the person gets pushy or inappropriate, it is completely okay to end the conversation.

You can simply say:

“Excuse us—we need to get going. Have a great day.”

That is polite. That is enough.

This can feel especially upsetting.

It’s one thing when people question you. It’s another when they quiz your child, make assumptions, or ask leading questions like:

• “Wouldn’t you rather be in school?”
• “Do you even learn anything at home?” 0:38:21 false https://podcast.show/ultimatehomeschoolradio/ultimatehomeschoolradio/152715388/thinking-about-homeschooling-homeschool-foundations-series/ 152715388 https://ultimateradioshow.com/?p=66723 Felice Gerwitz Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:48:56 -0500 Homeschool Foundations Series on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show, we talk honestly about the most common fears parents have when considering homeschooling—and why those concerns might not be as scary as they seem. Thinking about homeschooling? Have a friend who is?

  In this episode, originally aired on Homeschooling IRL, we tackle some of the most common questions parents ask when they begin considering homeschooling.

  You may have wondered things like:

  • Will my kids have to raise their hands to go to the bathroom?

  • What about prom?

  • Who gets to be the lunch lady?

  Okay… maybe not exactly like that.

  But the truth is, many parents do have real concerns when they first think about homeschooling.

  For this episode, we polled moms and dads who are considering homeschooling and asked them what worries them most. Their answers were honest, unfiltered, and incredibly relatable.

  Parents shared fears about:

  • Burnout

  • Academic gaps

  • Whether their kids will turn out “weird”

  • Their own ability to teach difficult subjects

  We respond with honesty, transparency, and a little humor—because homeschooling in real life isn’t perfect, but it can be incredibly rewarding.

  If you’re wondering whether homeschooling might be right for your family, this conversation will encourage you and help answer some of your biggest questions.

  This episode is part of the Homeschool Foundations Series on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show.

  Episode Highlights

  0:00 – Sponsor Message: CTC Math

  1:19 – Introduction to Homeschooling in Real Life

  6:25 – The Time and Commitment Required for Homeschooling

  11:50 – The Reality of Homeschooling in Everyday Life

  21:06 – “I Don’t Know If I Can Do This Right”

  23:30 – Why Science Can Feel Difficult to Homeschool

  29:27 – Q&A with Candy

  34:00 – What Do We Really Mean by Socialization?

  39:52 – Bringing Faith into Your Homeschool

  Sponsor: CTC Math

  Are you looking for a math curriculum that makes learning easier for your homeschool student?

  CTC Math provides online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning and has been favorably reviewed in Kathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and by the Old Schoolhouse Crew Review.

  Lessons are short, clear, and easy to follow—helping students break down math concepts step by step.

  Each lesson is taught by internationally acclaimed teacher Pat Murray, who explains math concepts in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

  With engaging graphics, clear instruction, and practical assessments, students who once struggled with math are seeing fantastic results.

  Homeschool families can try CTC Math for free, and listeners receive half-price after the free trial.

  Visit CTCmath.com to get started today.

  Loved Thinking About Homeschooling? Try These Recommended Podcasts

  Find a Math Curriculum That Works

  How Do I Make Homeschooling Fun?

  Best of Homeschooling IRL: I Love Homeschooling, But I Hate Teaching Writing

  SUMMARY KEYWORDS homeschooling, kids, homeschool, teach, people, question, child, thinking, public school, year, podcast, boys, coffee, friends, picture, fletch, homeschoolers, school, high school, multi-sensory approach

  The post Thinking About Homeschooling? | Homeschool Foundations Series appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

  ]]> false https://ultimateradioshow.com/creation-science-podcast-radioisotopes-revelation-and-a-younger-earth-a-chat-with-dr-jay-wile/ 147718408 https://ultimateradioshow.com/?p=64035 Felice Gerwitz Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:51:23 -0400 This episode formerly aired as part of the Homeschool Expo. Listen to additional Creation Science Podcast episodes.
  Every year, new scientific discoveries are made. More often than not, those discoveries have little bearing on the creation/evolution or age-of-the-earth debates. However, every now and then, a new discovery relates to one or both of those controversial topics. In this talk, Dr. Wile discusses the recent scientific discoveries that are directly related to these subjects and shows how they generally support the young-earth creationist view. Meet Dr. Jay Wile

  Dr. Jay L. Wile is a nuclear chemist and prominent figure in the homeschool community, renowned for his science curricula that integrate a Christian worldview. He holds a Ph.D. in Nuclear Chemistry and a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Rochester, and has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching.

  Educational Philosophy

  Dr. Wile advocates for a chronological approach to teaching science, integrating historical context to enhance understanding. He believes that science and Christianity are complementary, encouraging students to explore scientific concepts as a means to appreciate the intricacies of God’s creation.

  Personal Background

  Dr. Wile and his wife, Kathleen, homeschooled their adopted daughter, Dawn, through high school. Their personal experience has informed his commitment to providing quality science education resources for the homeschool community.

  For more information on Dr. Wile’s work and resources, you can visit Berean Builders or his Facebook page.

  Thank you to our Sponsor, CTC Math.com

  The post Creation Science Podcast: Radioisotopes, Revelation, and a Younger Earth — A Chat with Dr. Jay Wile appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

  ]]> 1:13:27 false https://ultimateradioshow.com/helping-our-kids-have-resiliency-with-lisa-nehring-2-2/ 122246251 https://ultimateradioshow.com/?p=63556 Felice Gerwitz Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:01:00 -0400 “We’re not just raising kids, we’re raising resilient adults. We’re raising spiritual beings.”

  Join Lisa Nehring on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

  Thank you to our Network Sponsor: CTC Math

  In a world where people easily crumble like delicate snowflakes and take offense at the drop of a hat, it’s high time we pondered this vital question: Are our children truly growing in resiliency?

  Are they emerging as fearless warriors, fortified with unyielding character and an indomitable spirit? Let me tell you, this remarkable gift of resiliency will serve as their secret weapon in navigating an increasingly secular world.

  So join me on this resilience adventure as we explore the importance of resilience and why it’s high time we raise a generation of tenacious individuals who can conquer any challenge that comes their way. Trust me, it’ll be one heck of a ride.

  Get Intentional!

  In her excellent book, appropriately titled, Grit, Angela Duckworth takes on the task of developing the idea of resilience in our children. She advocates for making resilience development a part of kids’ life skills curriculum.

  I couldn’t agree more. Our kids need resilience. It’s what allows them to go out and compete, take risks, fail, and try again.

  Key Ingredients for Developing Resilience

  Practice– Practice is what lets us learn as we go. To practice and develop well, we must get assessments and feedback. Purpose– Resilience is not always about pursuing those things that we might have a natural inclination toward. Students should consider pursuing something that they can develop an interest in over the long term. Hope– This is tied to trying and failing. Failure is a huge part of developing resilience. We need to teach our kids that success does not come without failure. Winners keep pursuing goals despite setbacks. Time– We need to set aside time to practice with deliberation, fail, and succeed. Create Some Resilience Goals

  Angela Duckworth has some practical recommendations for bestowing the remarkable gift of resilience to your children:

  Choose something that requires deliberate daily practice. Commit to doing this activity for 2 years. Finish what you’ve started for a specified interval.

  Resources Mentioned in the Podcast

  After Action Your Homeschool Year

  Find Lisa at the Life Skills 101 Podcast on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

  Top Podcast Episodes on Life Skills 101, formerly Soft Skills 101
  • Getting Started with Elementary Homeschool Education
  • The Cost of Parental Ignorance: Unveiling the True Price of Education
  • Learning Styles & Online Education

  Check out True North Homeschool Academy

  Our mission at True North Homeschool Academy is centered around the Compass, and that’s by design. It’s the heart of what we do, because we are heading True North with the Christian conviction that together our homeschools should transmit a culture of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, as we are headed True North, rooted in Christ.

  True North Homeschool Academy is a virtual online learning experience with a small class size, and dynamic teaching from world-class teachers, with a focus on creating a one-of-a-kind educational experience families will love.

  Thank you to our sponsor for the Birthday Celebration: CTC Math.

  The post Helping Our Kids Have Resiliency with Lisa Nehring (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

  ]]> 0:19:23 false https://ultimateradioshow.com/neuroplasticity-rewiring-brain-3-2/ 117548109 https://ultimateradioshow.com/?p=62538 Felice Gerwitz Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:59:27 -0400
  Neuroplasticity – Rewiring The Brain with Dr. Jan Bedell Podcast #19

  Sponsored by NOW Programs.

  Neuroplasticity and rewiring the brain? Hmm? Do we really have to use such an unfamiliar word?  Yes, to describe the amazing gift that God has given us we can start with a big word and break it down.  It really is quite simple – “neuro” is having to do with the brain and “plasticity” is the ability to change.  Our brains are changing all the time. This is really good news when you have a struggling learner or a child with a label like dyslexia, ADD, ADHD or autism.  The key is knowing how to fuel the brain with the right kind of stimulation so it builds new pathways.  From these new pathways, the brain can receive, organize, process and store information well enough to bring it out and use it in everyday life.  With the right kind of stimulation, your brain can take little developmental steps to achieve giant strides in academics and overall function.  That is what happens when you use the products and services of Little Giant Steps.

  In this episode, you will hear the experience of a teacher that had taught first grade for 17 years before using The NeuroDevelopmental Approach in her classroom in year 18.

  It made a huge difference for her students and can make a difference for you and your family as well.  Applying just a little information can make all the difference in your child’s future.  We shouldn’t leave out the adults either!  It is never too late to change the brain.  Two ladies in their 50’s, one a reading tutor and the other a Montessori teacher who had always struggled with reading comprehension, raised their reading comprehension score by 3 ½ years in only four months’ time.   And guess what? They didn’t do any specific reading program.  All it took was organization and specific stimulation to the brain and their abilities radically changed.

   

   

  Visit our sponsor Little Giant Steps for information about

  • Free auditory processing kit – here
  • Help for math facts – here
  • Brain boosting products – here

   

  The post Neuroplasticity – Rewiring The Brain appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

  ]]> 0:21:45 false https://ultimateradioshow.com/creation-matters-3/ 131557659 https://ultimateradioshow.com/?p=59092 Felice Gerwitz Sat, 16 Mar 2024 18:55:29 -0400 Does Creation Matter? Why does the discussion on how God created the world matter? Did God really create the world in six days and rest on the seventh? Does anyone really care? These questions and many more including teaching tips and great resources are presented in the Creation Science Podcast, my name is Felice Gerwitz and it is my pleasure and honor to be your host.

  Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast!  Do that here:  SUBSCRIBE

  Sponsored by Smash Maths

  SMASH Maths provides 2 online math Practices every week for children.

  Each Practice contains at least 10 bespoke questions, so that means 20+ questions a week. The program is available for pupils in Kindergarten to Grade 6. The cost is $7.50 per month. Use CODE: FELICE to receive your discount. Visit SMASHMATHS.org/homeschooling  Find out more here: https://www.smashmaths.org/home-schooling/

   

  This podcast was an original work of the Creation Science Expo that I had the pleasure of hosting some years back, it is my pleasure to re-release it to you and share the importance of caring about our origins.

  Many times I’ve discussed the purpose of having a creationist perspective, and people would say, “Why do you care?” The reason I care is that I want my children to grow up with a Christian worldview and share that with their children, someday. In the writing of my Truth Seekers Mystery Series book, I had a “God-incident” that I share in this episode.

  In a nutshell, I was rushed during the Christmas season and wanted nothing to do with the rereading of the draft copy of one of the novels. You see, as a novelist, and co-novelist at the (along with my then, college-aged daughter, Christina), I was the one in charge of final proofreading and I kept finding mistakes. I was frustrated. I threw up a heavenward prayer, “God are you sure you have the right person doing this job?” And, I wasn’t talking about the job of editing, I was talking about the job of being the “hands and feet” of God – spreading the word about the fallacies of evolutionary claims. Which these novels demonstrate in a fun-easy to read and mystery adventure. More about the TruthSeekersMysterySeries.com here.

  Heading to a store to do last minute shopping, I happened upon a calling card placed in a nativity scene I was about to purchase. (The audio includes details about this, but here is the visual — a copy of the card:

  Listen to the podcast for the rest of the story!

  Be sure and check out our blog, HomeforLearning where you’ll find helpful science posts:

  Do I Really Need to Teach Science in My Homeschool?

  Teaching Science | Unit Study 

  How and What to Teach with Science

   

  and visit our Creation Science Podcast page.

  The post Creation Matters appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

  ]]> false https://ultimateradioshow.com/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-for-moms-2/ 131106899 https://ultimateradioshow.com/?p=58857 Felice Gerwitz Wed, 21 Feb 2024 18:40:48 -0500 Our pastor recently did a sermon on the Fruit of the Spirit, and it inspired me to start a Bible study inside my private Christian parenting Facebook group.  (By the way, anyone listening who’d like to join that group, I’d love to have you! You can click here to join.)

  Over the last several weeks, we’ve been studying the Fruit of the Spirit, as it applies to motherhood.

  Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

  Wow! Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all things that I desire to be to my children as their mother.

  So how can we attain this fruit of the Spirit?

  The way we attain the fruit of the Spirit that we desire is by faith through the Holy Spirit. But when we put God on the back burner, we experience what I have officially named “the fruit of the mom flesh.”

  And here’s the Marianna version… “But the fruit of the mom flesh is nagging, yelling, annoyance, harshness, manipulation, shaming,  and lack of self-control.”

  Ouch. I have no problem admitting that some of these qualities describe my parenting some days. But, I believe that there is hope in Christ.

  Maybe you’re a mom who has blown it time and time again and you think there’s no hope for you to change. Perhaps you come from a long line of emotional abuse and you feel powerless to break the cycle. Maybe you feel like you’ve been mommin’ the same way for so long that there’s not even any point to try to change.

  But here’s the good news for you today.

  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….it’s not up to you to produce this fruit. In fact, it’s not even about you! It’s about Christ in you and the Holy Spirit working in your heart.

  When we experience the gospel and the love that God has so lavished upon us, we cannot help but overflow with that love!

  Be careful not to get stuck in this place of mom guilt. If you’re thinking to yourself, “Man, I just don’t embody these fruit of the spirit,” let me remind you.  Pastor J.D. Greear says, “For every one look you take at yourself bemoaning your fruitlessness, take ten looks at Christ, boasting in his faithfulness.”

  Scripture references

  “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13 NIV

  “…’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” – Zechariah 4:6 NIV

  “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 NIV

  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

  Join Marianna Chambers as she talks about practical ways to become a more peaceful parent. Having children is a wonderful blessing, but it can also be quite stressful. Every day we hear from moms just like you who are struggling to be the gentle parent they want to be. Moms desperately want to raise their children on a firm foundation of love, but those sweet kids sure know how to push our buttons. (And boy, do they push them!)

  Marianna Chambers is a counselor, parenting coach, blogger, homeschool mom, and best-selling author. She’s passionate about supporting and encouraging moms. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram, or read her blog here. You can also join her private Facebook group for Christian moms on a peaceful parenting mission. Thanks to our Sponsor: Harper Collins Christian:   Kingdom Girls Bible  on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

  Girls will discover the power of faith in this beautiful Bible that features women of the Bible! Here is the ideal Bible for girls on their journey of faith! This special Bible is specifically crafted to highlight the stories and lessons of the inspiring, famous, and sometimes infamous women of the Bible. With over 400 engaging features, colorful illustrations, and helpful notes, this Bible is perfect for girls ages 8 to 12 as they learn about the strong and faithful women who came before them. From Eve to Ruth, Esther to Mary, this Bible brings the stories of these women to life and shows how their faith and strength can still inspire girls today. Featuring a beautiful design and easy-to-read text, this Bible is a great resource for girls as they grow in their own faith and learn about the women who have impacted the world.

  The post The Fruit of the Spirit for Moms appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

  ]]> false https://ultimateradioshow.com/love-in-homeschooling/ 122322482 https://ultimateradioshow.com/?p=57701 Felice Gerwitz Mon, 06 Nov 2023 20:22:25 -0500 On this very special episode of Life as a Lifeschooler, I talk about Love in Homeschooling. 

  What an honor it is to recognize the work of Felice Gerwitz and 10 years in homeschool podcasting on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network!

  Episode Sponsored by the 10th Birthday Celebration Sponsors, CTC Math & More on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network  out the $350 giveaway, too!

  Love in Homeschooling – Exploring how love plays a central role in homeschooling

  Over time, love has become a central focus of my Christian walk, as I’ve realized how impactful this one concept of loving others can be. Jesus says that all the law and the prophets are summed up in “love God, love your neighbor as yourself.” If one thing can cover so much ground, it must be essential that we understand it!

  In a very basic sense, when we homeschool our children, we are loving our neighbor as ourselves. We remember what school was like for us and we want better for them. We are sacrificing our own opportunities for income, self-fulfillment, and achievement in order to see our children successful and fulfilled.

  But there are times we forget this motivation. Or the motivation becomes cloudy, tainted by the pressures, fears, and worldly ambitions we allow to enter our hearts.

  So it’s good to be reminded of what love really is. If we want to truly love, we must know what exactly love is. And to know exactly what love is, we must turn to the Bible’s definition in 1 Corinthians 13, the “love chapter.”

  If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

  Moms, you can have the perfect homeschool curriculum and teach with eloquence and simplicity, but if you don’t have love, you will fail your kids.

  You can even do it in the power of the Holy Spirit, according to this chapter, and still fail your kids! That’s how important love is to everything you do in life. In fact, love was so important to God that He sent Jesus to die for us. Love is at the very core of the Gospel!  So we need to have a full understanding of it.

  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

  Now, let’s look at what love is…

  Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

  Patient

  Are you patient in teaching your children about 56 times in a day that 7×8 is 56? Are you patient in teaching them how to do their chores quickly and diligently? Or is your goal to check off the boxes and be done?

  Kindness

  Do your children see you as an example of kindness? When they talk back and disrespect you, do you respond “in kind” or with kindness (and discipline, of course)?

  Does Not Envy or Boast

  Pride is the opposite of love. Pride is all about self, not God and others.

  If you are busy making yourself feel accomplished from the shiny, perfect children you have raised, then your homeschooling is not about love. It is about boastfulness in your own achievements. If you look at others whose kids graduated high school at age 13 and think, “That’s not so great. We could have done that if we had wanted to,” then you may have an envious heart that has no room for love.

  Not Arrogant or Rude

  This again comes back to a prideful heart that is not focused on others. If you think you don’t need the advice or opinions of others in your homeschooling journey, then first of all, why are you here?]]> 0:21:39 false https://ultimateradioshow.com/working-from-home-homeschooling/ 122183846 https://ultimateradioshow.com/?p=57571 Felice Gerwitz Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:06:09 -0400 Article author: Gina Steffy

  Join us as we celebrate 10 years of homeschool podcasting on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. Don’t miss the giveaway.

  Thank our podcast sponsor: CTC Math.

  Homeschooling Work-Life Balance

  In this episode of “Homeschooling Work-Life Balance,” we’re delving into the intricate challenge of balancing a full-time job while homeschooling.

  Full-Time Work & Full-Time Family Life Juggling homeschooling and a full-time job? Bet you’re pretty tired. #ihearyou

  If you’re employed with full-time work inside or outside the home, your work tasks can leave feeling overwhelmed when trying to balance this with homeschooling. It can take a toll on your mental health and you might feel like one more Zoom call will end you.

  Even with older children, the demands of being a full-time homeschooling parent are a lot to juggle. Take a deep breath, I have some good news for you. You can be a homeschooling mom and learn to gracefully juggle all.the.things.

  One thing I’ve learned over the past year (or 5!), is that embracing a daily schedule as a working mom is key. When I say schedule, think flow. Give yourself lots of grace and know that you can’t possibly be all things to all people. Take the little bit of help when it’s offered, for example:
  • Can a spouse or friend (or the kids themselves if old enough) be present at some of the extracurricular activities that your family has chosen to participate in?
  • Can you manage to have a home office if working from home? Have a space to separate yourself from the rest of your work (raising your family), can give you a mental break at the end of the day.
  • Consider a block schedule or loop schedule, not just for your homeschooling, but for your business.
  • If you’re a single mother, take an honest look at your best helpers, including family, friends, and church. I’m a big believer in taking help with younger children when it’s offered and you feel comfortable with it.
  • Is it in your budget to hire your tribe? Seriously, Task Rabbit, Facebook friends who are local and trying to also launch a business while homeschooling could be among the best tips you have for getting some time back.

  Let’s join Vicki Tillman for her seasoned advice for homeschool schedules and additional resources and ideas to give us the highest quality time in the most effective way.

  Vicki works as a counselor in her regular job, and offers life and career coaching services at vickitillmancoaching.com. Vicki helped found a large homeschool “umbrella school” and served that community for almost 20 years as an upperclassmen academic advisor and teacher (where she helped hundreds of students take the next steps toward college or career). She graduated all 5 of her children from homeschool. They are all pursuing or have completed varying levels of college degrees from BA to PhD.

  Sabrina, Vicki and Kym are your Big Sisters as they share the experience they’ve gained in over 20 years of homeschooling. They are the talky-3 of the 6 Sisters at 7SistersHomeschool.com. They are often joined by their other sisters, Kym and Marilyn OR other 7th Sisters! When YOU join us at The Homeschool Highschool Podcast, YOU will be our 7th Sister, too! Hooray!!

  Come be our 7th Sister each week for The Homeschool Highschool Podcast, Tuesday mornings at 9:00 am EST!

  We love community, so come be part of ours! We want to help your homeschool high school experience to be the best ever!
  • Subscribe to The Homeschool Highschool Podcast at iTunes.com!
  • Show Calendar shows you what is coming up next!
  • Meet us on Social Media on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
  Additional Resources:
  • How to Choose the Right Work-from-Home Opportunity for You
  • Working While Homeschooling, Interview with Julie Smith Mendez
  • How to Balance Working from Home While Homeschooling

  The post Finding Balance with Working from Home and Homeschooling appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

  ]]> 0:18:13 false https://ultimateradioshow.com/language-arts-for-homeschool-middle-and-high-school-2/ 116615766 https://ultimateradioshow.com/?p=56541 Felice Gerwitz Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:52:35 -0400

  What do you need to include during the middle school years in Language Arts to make sure your learner is ready to tackle high school work? What kind of Language Arts and English program would colleges be looking for and what can count as credit for the high school transcript?

  Visit Katie’s website for more fun ideas and tips to use in your homeschool at Katie’s Homeschool Cottage  or her Facebook Group.

  Join Katie Glennon as she discusses what skills and concepts you should include in your Language Arts study during the middle and high school years. Katie shares an outline with some specific areas to make sure you include them in your Language Arts study during these critical years. She will suggest and discuss curriculum resources she found useful in her homeschool when her sons were in middle and high school that work efficiently and effectively to meet English requirements and make sure your learner is prepared for the next step – moving from middle into high school or high school into college.

  The Areas of Language Arts you should include in the Middle and High School Years

  What-to-Include-in-your-Middle and High School Homeschool-Language-Arts-Study pdf (Printable for you to download)

  Show Notes

  The Areas of Language Arts you should include in the Middle and High School YearsReading/Literature

  For literature during these years, I recommend a mix of short stories, poetry, essays (non-fiction), drama, and novels. These can be found either separately or in the form of a literary anthology and additional novels to read alongside the anthology.

  Along with the novels, you will want to use some kind of novel study guides (that will also assist you with suggested vocabulary words and various questions).

  Suggested Homeschool Literary Resources to Assist you in your Literature Study –

  Total Language Plus (novel study guide)Progeny Press (novel study guide)Mosdos Press Literature Anthologies

  Skills and Concepts for Literature Study

  There are a number of skills and concepts you will want to include in your literary study.

  These skills include –

  • Vocabulary – I recommend using words from your reading for your vocabulary words because it saves you time and money from using a separate vocabulary program or curriculum. Most of all, in my experience it is more effective. The words are in context of what your learner is reading and will be understood and remembered more effectively because it is part of a story they will remember. It also gives your learner the practice in figuring out what words mean using their context within a sentence.

  • Comprehension and Higher Order Thinking Skill Practice

  Recalling detailsComprehending and understanding what they read (being able to identify the “main idea” or “theme” of the story)Application skills – using what they have learned from the reading to problem solveAnalysis – drawing conclusions, comparing this written work to another from the same author or another author, or comparing what they have read to a personal experience.Evaluation – critiquing the writing, selecting an issue from the writing and debating it.Synthesis – taking a point, idea, theme, character from your reading and creating something new from that piece.Elements of a story – plot, conflict, setting, characters, point of view, mood, toneLiterary devices and writing techniques such as similes, metaphors, imagery, personification, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, alliteration.

  • Study different Genres – forms of writing and rhetoric – speeches, drama, essays, short stories, poetry, non-fiction, and novels.

  • Study different literary time periods and areas around the world.

  American Literature – Native American, Pre-colonial/Puritanism, Colonial, Revolutionary (age of Enlightenment/Reason), Romanticism (includes American Gothic, Transcendentalism), Realism/Naturalism/Regionalism, Modernism, Contemporary

  British – (some crossover from American) Old English/Anglo-Saxon, Middle English/Medieval, Renaissance, Puritanism, Enlightenment, Romantic (Regency), Victorian, Modern

  World Literature – (Western, Eastern, Other) Can focus primarily on Ancient works from Greek Philosophers or Christian authors, or a broad cross-section of countries, authors, and time periods from around the world.

  Semester Specialty Classes – Poetry, Shakespeare, Drama, Journalism, Creative Writing, Research and Composition, specific types of literature or specific authors or parts of the world.

  • Worldview – Christian Worldview expressed by author and content or Secular/Humanist view.

  • Author Biography and Time Period in which he/she lived or wrote about.Literature can be a reflection of cultural, religious, societal, and historical views, beliefs, and events written from the author’s point of view or the content itself.

  Literature can also be an influencer of cultural, religious, and societal beliefs from the time period and society in which it is written or the author’s point of view and intent. It can influence thinking and historical events.

  Writing and Composition

  I recommend using your literature study as the jumping off point for essay writing and composition. However, before you can begin with that practice, your middle schooler and early high school student has to have some basic foundation in writing skills.

  Middle schoolers should master the proper format of a paragraph –

  A Hook to capture the reader’s interest and a Topic Sentence At least 3 detailed supporting sentences that gives more information directly related to the topic sentence. A concluding sentence that brings that paragraph to a close.

  By the time learners start their first year in high school, they should be working on mastering the proper 5 Paragraph Essay (in this case an informative essay).

  I recommend having your learner pick a topic they could talk to you about off the top of his/her head for 15 minutes without really having to think much about it. This topic lends itself to writing this kind of essay and the learner can concentrate on the format of the paper instead of what to write.

  Proper 5 Paragraph (Informative) Essay A Hook and topic (thesis) sentence with an introductory paragraph that include mentioned the three subtopics (or details about the main topic) that you will be discussing in the paper. 3 Body – detailed, supporting paragraphs in the order in which they were mentioned in the introductory paragraph. – Include transition words and sentence variation. Concluding paragraph which includes a rewording of the topic sentence with a mention of the 3 subtopics and a Clincher sentence (could be a big statement, last thought, question, or a call to action).

  Then you are ready to use your literary pieces as a basis of other essays – Persuasive essay Analytical essay Research (and/or MLA, APA, Chicago format) essay Persuasive essay with citations Compare and Contrast essay itself to college application essays) Literary Criticism

   

  Here is a bundle of notebooking pages that we used for our written narration that I mentioned in the podcast to develop our writing skills before we wrote formal essays of different forms. There is a set for different subject areas that we used to either make our own books or put into a 3-ring binder to put together a notebook of our writing and what we learned in that subject that year.

  Make Your Own ABC Book Notebooking Pages Bundle Set

  Grammar

  Use your learner’s writing to assess what skills they need to review and practice each week.

  Other review and practice for grammar skills can be found with these resources –

  Rod and Staff – (books go up to 8th grade, but the concepts and skills are up through high school work.) These books use diagramming and are very well explained. If you have a learner that loves following and making lists of steps and learns best this way, you might want to try diagramming. However, if it is frustrating or challenging for you or your learner to understand the “diagramming process”, it may not be worth using that method to learn the grammatical concepts.

  If you have a hands-on learner, you may want to check out Winston Grammar. This program uses a hands-on approach and labels parts of speech and how the words are used in a sentence.

  Another program I recommend is the Easy Grammar series. The Easy Grammar books have the text and instruction to learn and practice new skills and the Daily Grams are workbooks that have a daily review with 5 different kinds of grammar concepts with one sample of each per day for a total of 5 quick review samples to practice. Loved this! As your child moves into high school, you may want to use the Ultimate Series which has the text an...]]> 0:36:54 false