Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill Pam Barnhill

Are you ready to make civics a fun and engaging part of your homeschool? Pam Barnhill and Meg Angelino discuss the new "Citizenship Together" curriculum, designed to bring government and citizenship concepts to life through detailed, engaging lessons. Meg, with her extensive background in history and education, shares practical tips for seamlessly integrating this curriculum into your homeschool, making planning easier and more efficient.
In this episode, Pam and Meg tackle the challenges of creating unbiased educational materials and explain how "Citizenship Together" can help your family have respectful political discussions. They highlight the importance of teaching kids about government functions, election processes, and their impact on everyday life. Tune in to learn how to foster closer family relationships while making learning about civics enjoyable and relevant for your children.
Resources and Links: 
Citizenship Together CurriculumHSBT CommunityFor Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why It Matters by Jeff Foster
Key Takeaways:
Discover the benefits of teaching citizenship and civics through a curriculum designed to be inclusive and manageable for homeschool families, reinforcing children's understanding of their roles and responsibilities in society.Learn about discerning accurate information on social media and the internet, and the importance of teaching young people to critically evaluate sources and understand government-related topics.Engage children in respectful political discussions, helping them understand that divergent opinions can be discussed civilly, and the importance of these discussions in fostering a healthy understanding of democratic processes.Explore the comprehensive unit that covers various aspects of government and elections, from the presidency to local elections, branches of government, special interest groups, and the supreme court, emphasizing their interconnectedness.Understand the significance of integrating primary sources like the Constitution and Bill of Rights into the curriculum, and how discussions and activities around these documents can deepen children's understanding of US government principles.Hear about practical ways to involve children in the political process, such as taking them to vote, visiting polling places, and participating in local community activities, making the experience educational and memorable.Recognize the importance of making learning feel personal and relatable by using the term "citizenship" over "civics," and how this approach helps children connect more deeply with the subject matter and their role in the community.
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt11
To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Colleen Kessler, an education consultant with a master's degree in gifted education, homeschool mom, podcast host, and author. We'll be discussing Colleen's latest book, "The Homeschool Advantage," which highlights how to leverage children's strengths and passions in the homeschooling environment.
Colleen shares invaluable insights on adopting a strength-based approach to education, emphasizing the importance of knowing your children's interests and goals to craft a personalized and engaging learning experience. She also advises against investing too much money on new activities initially, allowing kids to naturally develop their interests.
We’ll touch on practical strategies like using unit studies to incorporate various subjects and discuss the beauty of flexibility in homeschooling—adapting to children's changing interests and needs as they grow. Colleen offers heartfelt encouragement that any parent who loves their child can successfully homeschool, providing practical tips and wisdom gleaned from her experiences.
Join us as we explore how to create a well-rounded and tailored educational experience for your children, step out of overwhelm, and step into wonder on this episode of Homeschool Better Together Podcast.
Links and Resources:
The Homeschool Advantage Pre-Order PageColleen's Website Raising Lifelong Learners CommunityHomeschool Better Together CommunityRaising Creative Kids: A Collection of Creativity Prompts for Children by Colleen KesslerRaising Resilient Sons: A Boy Mom's Guide to Building a Strong, Confident, and Emotionally Intelligent Family by Colleen Kessler
Key Takeaways:
Discover the benefits of a strength-based approach to education by focusing on kids' strengths and passions to enhance their homeschooling experience.Understand the importance of knowing your child’s interests and integrating those interests into their education to create a more engaging and personalized learning environment.Learn practical advice on introducing new activities without spending a lot initially, allowing children to develop their interests organically and showing initiative.Hear about Colleen Kessler's experiences in tailoring education to her children's strengths and passions, including using alternative methods like online simulations for subjects they are less enthusiastic about.Explore the unit study approach to homeschooling, incorporating various subjects around a child's interest to create a well-rounded and flexible curriculum.Gain insights on managing homeschooling for multiple children by combining interests and subjects, particularly when they are younger and more controllable.Delve into the balance of offering children autonomy in their education while ensuring they acquire essential knowledge to become contributing members of society.
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to a href="https://pambarnhill.com/homeschool-better-together-podcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Feeling overwhelmed with language arts education in your homeschool? Join hosts Pam Barnhill, Meg Angelino, and Laney Homan, in episode nine of Homeschool Better Together, as they discuss how literature-based learning can revolutionize language arts education for your family. Discover the transformative power of integrating grammar, writing style, literary analysis, and vocabulary activities through high-quality literature, all within one flexible program.
Explore the hosts' personal experiences and insights as they discuss the benefits of using literature to teach grammar, the adaptability of the program for children with different ages and abilities, and the positive impact it has had on their own read-aloud sessions with their kids. Gain a deeper understanding of how this holistic approach to language arts offers an enriching and enjoyable learning experience, without the tedium of traditional grammar programs.
Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that will bring clarity and inspiration to your language arts journey. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode is for you! 
Links and Resources:
Language Arts Together Bundle Two- SPECIAL Presale price of $34 through July 16!Tarantula in My Purse by Jean Craighead GeorgeAdventures with Waffles by Maria ParrA Place to Hang the Moon by Kate AlbusA Single Shard by Linda Sue ParkAnne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. LewisBecause of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamilloFarmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder The Trumpet of The Swan by E.B. WhiteLittle House in The Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder Language Arts Together Bundle 1a href="https://community.pambarnhill.com/home" rel="noopener...

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill explores five different types of curriculum—scripted, open-and-go, fixed grid, buffet, and whole-family learning—and discusses how each one can meet the unique needs of your homeschool journey. 
By understanding the different kinds of curricula available and how each can fit your family's needs, you'll be well-equipped to make decisions that reduce stress and enhance your homeschooling adventure. So, grab your notepad, maybe a smoothie, and let's step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder of homeschooling better together.
Key Takeaways:
Learn about different types of curriculum, including scripted, open and go, fixed grid, buffet, and whole-family learning, to find what works best for your homeschool style and needs.Understand the advantages of scripted curriculum for new homeschooling parents and how it can provide a structured yet flexible learning experience.Explore the concept of open and go curriculum and how balancing it with other types can simplify your homeschool year and reduce planning fatigue.Gain insight into fixed grid curriculum and the snaking loop schedule as a method to avoid overwhelm and ensure a balanced approach to using comprehensive resources.Get tips on effectively using buffet curriculum by setting specific goals, prioritizing materials, and making decisions in advance to avoid decision fatigue.Appreciate the value of whole-family learning curriculum, with a realistic approach to age range, to foster family unity and efficient multi-age education.
Resources and Links: 
All About ReadingAll About SpellingGuest HallowTapestry of GraceLayers of LearningBook SharkMemoria PressFive In A RowSimply Charlotte MasonHomeschool Better Together CommunityHomeschool Better Together Citizenship TogetherPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotTask Card Master Class
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt8
To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, where we explore building a joyful homeschool experience for your family. In this episode, host Pam Barnhill shares four practical tips that will help you move from feeling overwhelmed to prepared; ensuring your homeschooling days are filled with curiosity, excitement, and wonder. Whether it’s planning amazing field trips, following your kids' interests with a Wonder Wall, or incorporating morning basket time into your routine, this episode has you covered.
Listen in for practical tips on selecting the best resources, making your homeschool both orderly and enriching, and creating an environment tailored to the interests of your children. Let's step out of the overwhelm and into the joy of learning together!
Key Resources:
Order and Wonder courseYMB PlusHalliburton's MarvelsHomeschool Better Together Community
Key Takeaways:
Discover the structured approach to choosing curriculum as the fourth step in homeschooling planning, detailing the prior steps including reviewing the homeschool vision and setting specific student goals.Learn how to incorporate wonder into your homeschool planning, focusing on creating opportunities for children to wonder about the world rather than only experiencing big, awe-inspiring moments.Understand the importance of intentionality in your homeschool vision and goals, specifically how setting specific aims for introducing wonder can transform your educational environment.Explore practical scheduling strategies to include wonder regularly, whether through field trips, weekly or biweekly wonder activities, or daily morning basket routines.Get insights on following your children's interests by creating a Wonder Wall, allowing them to contribute topics they are curious about and using this input to plan engaging studies.Hear suggestions for preparing ahead to gather the best resources, such as highly-recommended books, videos, and games, ensuring these materials are enriching and inspiring for your children.Learn about the benefits of leveraging the Homeschool Better Together community to crowdsource recommendations, helping you find high-quality educational tools and foster a collaborative learning experience.
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt7
To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Welcome back to the Homeschool Better Together Podcast. In today's episode, host Pam Barnhill and guest Amie Gardner dive into the intricacies of homeschool planning and the tools that can make it all more manageable. Amie shares her experience using Put Your Homeschool Year on Autopilot, which has been a game-changer in balancing lesson plans for her family and creating a confident, structured homeschooling environment. 
We'll also hear about Amie's journey from feeling overwhelmed with curriculum to finding flexibility and peace of mind. Pam and Amie reflect on the pressures of finding the perfect curriculum and fostering a love for learning in children. 
This episode is packed with valuable insights, practical tips, and heartfelt discussion aimed at helping you navigate your homeschooling journey with confidence and ease.
Resource and Links:
Homeschool PlanetAll About ReadingTapestry of GraceSonlight CurriculumPut Your Homeschool Year on AutopilotNavigating High SchoolHomeschooling Better Together Community
Key Takeaways:
Discover how Amie Gardner uses Put Your Year on Autopilot and Plan Your Year to simplify homeschool planning, providing a checks and balances system for her lesson planningUnderstand the benefits of online homeschool planners in tracking and shifting dates, helping to create an organized education plan within a short timeframe.Explore the flexibility and customization offered by Plan Your Year, making it adaptable for any homeschool approach and reducing chaos in daily schedules.Hear Amie's journey from starting homeschooling due to her oldest child's struggles in public school, to finding the right resources that helped her develop a confident and effective homeschool routine.Learn the advantages and potential challenges of the buffet curriculum approach, and the importance of making decisions ahead of time to avoid decision fatigue.Gain insights into the benefits of structured yet flexible planning processes that provide a sense of direction, reduce overwhelm, and ensure comprehensive subject coverage.Reflect on the balance between finding the perfect curriculum and fostering a love for learning, understanding the pressure on curriculum providers and the value of scripted homeschool curriculums.
For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/hsbt6
To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.