Homeschool Talks: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Homeschool

It’s easy to talk about the importance of serving your community, but most of the time it takes more than just words to make a difference. Today we want to introduce you to someone who talks the talk and walks the walk. Not only does she homeschool all 5 of her children—two of whom have special needs—but she also serves as a state senator and regularly volunteers in various service projects in her community. We hope you’ll find her story as inspiring and encouraging as we have.

We all love a good story. But have you ever wondered why that is? What is it that makes stories so compelling? Why do we learn so well through them? And how can you, as a homeschooling parent, harness the power of stories to help your children learn and develop? Hear the answer to these questions and more from musician, author, and homeschooling dad Andrew Peterson—this week on Homeschool Talks.

In today’s social media–saturated world, there’s little doubt that digital technology is becoming a bigger and bigger part of everyday life. With that technology comes powerful tools as well as potential dangers. So how can you help your children understand these tools and use them well while avoiding the pitfalls? How can you raise digitally responsible young adults? Hear tips and ideas from homeschooling veteran and digital tech expert Leah Nieman on this week’s episode of Homeschool Talks!

If you’re a homeschooling parent, chances are the phrase “end-of-year testing” doesn’t exactly give you warm and fuzzy feelings. But many states require some type of standardized testing, and it’s always good to be tracking your child’s progress so you can know the best ways to help him improve. So what do you need to know about end-of-year testing? Hear the answer on the newest episode of Homeschool Talks with HSLDA Special Needs Consultant Krisa Winn.

Does your child have a passion for making a difference through politics? Then you won’t want to miss this interview with Rachel Wagley, a former homeschooler and current foreign policy advisor to a U.S. Congresswoman. Rachel is doing some great work in Washington—and today we’re taking a look at her exciting career and learning how homeschooling helped her get to where she is today.

It’s no secret that children who study music can reap great rewards in all areas of life. But what does a good music education actually look like? How can you incorporate great music into your homeschool routine? Tune in to this week’s episode for ideas and inspiration from music teacher Kristi Hill.

As homeschoolers, we have an incredible opportunity to teach history in whatever way that our children need in order to get it—and enjoy it. So how do we actually accomplish this? How can homeschooling parents make history come alive for their children? Join us on today’s episode of Homeschool Talks as we answer these questions and more with Dr. Doug Favelo, a history professor and homeschooling dad.

What does a healthy environment for a child’s psychological and emotional development look like? And what happens when the stability of that environment is threatened? Join HSLDA Vice President of Litigation and Development Jim Mason as he talks with family psychologist John Rosemond to answer these questions and examine the effects that CPS investigations have on children.

If you’re a homeschooling parent, you know as well as anyone that a homeschool can often seem like the last place in the world to find rest. You might not even have time to think about rest. But for author, blogger, and homeschooling mom Sarah Mackenzie, the idea of teaching from a state of rest has completely transformed the way she thinks about homeschooling—and more importantly, it’s helped her make meaningful connections with her kids.

For most people, craziness is like a season—it comes and it goes. But if you’re a homeschooling parent, it may seem like crazy is a perpetual state of being. So how can you stay sane even when it seems like things are falling apart and you aren’t making and progress? Tune in to hear from blogger and homeschooling mom Tiffany Jefferson.

One of the hardest things that we parents encounter is figuring out how to balance grace and accountability with our children. How do we set the right boundaries, and how do we respond when our child crosses the line? Hear the answer to these questions and more as HSLDA President Mike Smith chats with homeschool dad and college professor Dr. Mike Kucks.