Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool

by Erica Harrell of Homeschool For Freedom
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Sending voice notes to all my homeschooling besties! Listen in on my personal and guests' reflections, learnings, advice, stories of homeschooling, and more. We'll chat getting and staying organized, planning lessons, activities, playdates, prepping for the day and anything else homeschooling that comes up! theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

  1. Aug 13

    Season 2 Episode 10 - A Military Family's Homeschool: Morgan Farr on Rotations, PCS Moves, and Building Two Businesses

    Morgan Farr wasn’t diagnosed with autism until she was already deep into motherhood — and it reshaped how she built her entire homeschool. In this episode, I chat with Morgan Farr, an Army wife of thirteen years, homeschool mom of four, and founder of Dog-Eared Press, currently stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Morgan shares the backwards-planning philosophy her homeschooled husband’s family passed down to her, the honest story of homeschooling four kids under five with zero support during COVID, and the rotation-based systems that keep her family on track through constant military moves. She also opens up about her adult autism diagnosis and shares why she still makes room for her own passions — from working dog advocacy to two side businesses, alongside a full homeschool day. You’ll hear: * Why “playing the video back” — the backwards-planning philosophy Morgan learned from her second-generation homeschool in-laws — shapes how she’s guiding her son toward becoming a librarian * The honest story of homeschooling four kids, five and under, during COVID with her husband in residency and zero support — and how her adult autism diagnosis reshaped how she mothers * Her go-to military-move hack: naming your homeschool and labeling your moving boxes with it * Inside her rotation-based daily rhythm and how her Excel spreadsheet keeps four kids’ non-negotiables straight * Why she runs school year-round and schools through hotel stays mid-PCS instead of waiting for a “normal” start * Her advice to homeschool the kids you have — and why she still protects time for her own passions, like working dog advocacy, outside of “homeschool mom” ✨ Whether you’re a military family or just craving more structure, Morgan’s systems — and her permission to let go of the ones that don’t work — are worth the listen. About Morgan Farr: Morgan Farr is a homeschooling mother of four, educator, and writer who is passionate about helping families engage with history, literature, and civic life in meaningful ways. As the founder of Dog-Eared Press, she creates practical, literature-rich learning resources designed for real homeschool families. When she isn’t homeschooling, Morgan works in the fields of working dog history, service animal advocacy, and canine welfare through her writing, design, and educational outreach. A military spouse of thirteen years and a Master of Education candidate, Morgan brings structure, curiosity, and a love of lifelong learning to everything she does. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meet Morgan00:29 – Meet the Farr family & why they homeschool03:28 – “Play the video back”: backwards planning from her in-laws06:27 – Treating homeschool like a full-time job10:15 – Morgan’s background before homeschooling11:51 – Pro tip: naming your homeschool boxes for military moves12:26 – Becoming a mom of four in five years & her autism diagnosis14:19 – Homeschooling four littles during COVID with zero support17:01 – Morning and music rotations explained24:43 – A full day in the Farr homeschool, start to finish31:01 – Homeschooling through military moves & PCS33:07 – Reinventing your homeschool community every two years36:20 – Homeschool the kids you have, not the highlight reel38:21 – Curriculum choices: Saxon, IEW, Sabbath Mood Homeschool, and more41:18 – Unit studies and how Dog-Eared Press was born46:53 – Running two businesses: Dog-Eared Press & Canine Advancement Group47:54 – Grad school, boundaries, and protecting family time53:09 – Planning with spreadsheets: non-negotiables first57:20 – What’s bringing Morgan joy right now58:49 – Final advice: homeschool your kids, and don’t lose yourself Resources & Links Mentioned: * Connect with Morgan on Instagram: @morgandfarrauthor * Dog-Eared Press (homeschool unit studies) on Instagram: @yourdogearedpress | Shop: dog-eared-press.myshopify.com * Canine Advancement Group on Instagram: @canineadvancementgroup * Military Working Dog Heritage Museum (where Morgan volunteers): @mwdheritagemuseum * National Service Animals Monument: https://nationalserviceanimalsmemorial.org * Sabbath Mood Homeschool (science curriculum): sabbathmoodhomeschool.com * Little School of Smiths (American Girl history units): littleschoolofsmiths.com * Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW): iew.com * Saxon Math: christianbook.com/page/homeschool/math/saxon-math * Learning Without Tears (Handwriting/Keyboarding Without Tears): learningwithouttears.com * Brave Writer: bravewriter.com * Miacademy: miacademy.co * Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper: Simon & Schuster * History Smashers: The American Revolution by Kate Messner: Penguin Random House Connect with Erica Harrell | The Organized Homeschool * Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool * Subscribe to the Voice Notes from The Organized Homeschool podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

    Season 2 Episode 10 - A Military Family's Homeschool: Morgan Farr on Rotations, PCS Moves, and Building Two Businesses

  2. Aug 11

    Season 2 Episode 9 - A British Expat's Homeschool: Stacey Al Hassani on Switching Curriculums and Outsourcing What She Can't Teach

    After six years of homeschooling four kids, why did Stacey Al Hassani decide her son needed to go back to a traditional classroom? In this episode, I chat with Stacey Al Hassani, a British expat and homeschool mom of three in Dubai, six years into a homeschool journey that started almost by accident during COVID. Stacey opens up about the honest story behind her eldest son’s return to traditional school, why she switched her family from a rigid British curriculum to a more flexible American one, and how she’s learned to outsource what doesn’t play to her strengths — from math and Arabic tutors to a writing curriculum she credits with transforming her kids’ work. She also shares the years-long mental shift it took to stop measuring her homeschool against the traditional system, and what socialization really looks like for a homeschooling family living abroad. You’ll hear: ● Why Stacey’s eldest son ultimately went back to traditional school — and the signs that told her and her husband it was time● The homeschool philosophy that means she’ll make a change the moment something stops working academically, socially, or mentally● Why she outsources math and Arabic to tutors 100% — and reframes the cost as saving, not spending● How switching from a rigid British curriculum to a flexible American one changed what learning looked like for her family● The writing curriculum she’s used for three years and credits with transforming her kids’ writing and confidence● What socialization actually looks like when you’re homeschooling far from extended family, in “swings and roundabouts” ✨ If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to homeschool one child and send another to school, Stacey’s story is proof there’s no single right way to do it. About Stacey Al Hassani: Homeschool mom of 6 years. Started with 4 children, now with 3 as my eldest went back to school for his GCSEs. I’ve tried many approaches and I evaluate regularly what is working and what’s not and share advice for those just starting out or feeling overwhelmed. Based in Dubai, I document our homeschool journey on Instagram (@homeschool_with_stacey), from curriculum decisions to the honest, messy moments in between. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meet Stacey00:24 – Six years homeschooling: from an accidental COVID start to three kids at home02:36 – Moving to Dubai, closing her beauty and slim spa, and becoming a stay-at-home mom04:17 – What a typical homeschool day looks like07:56 – Why she outsources math and Arabic to tutors09:21 – Her curriculum staples: IEW, Story of the World, and an eclectic approach10:30 – Planning her homeschool year around her tutor “anchors”13:36 – Splitting subjects by child vs. grouping her younger two15:14 – Switching from the British curriculum to American20:36 – Why her eldest son went back to traditional school25:15 – What socialization looks like homeschooling abroad31:52 – The resource she’s loving right now: IEW’s impact on her kids’ writing33:24 – Finding contentment and gratitude after six years35:31 – Her best advice for new homeschoolers and finding your “why”38:14 – Where to find Stacey and final thoughts Resources & Links Mentioned: ● Connect with Stacey on Instagram: @homeschool_with_stacey ● IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing), including their Essay Voyage level: iew.com ● Story of the World (history curriculum): Well-Trained Mind Press ● Brightways Global Academy (American umbrella school): brightwayslearning.org ● Outschool: outschool.com ● Preply (tutor marketplace): preply.com ● Michael Clay Thompson grammar curriculum: Royal Fireworks Press ● Clonlara School (an example of an American umbrella school families in Dubai use): clonlara.org● Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool ● Subscribe to the Voice Notes from The Organized Homeschool podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

    Season 2 Episode 9 - A British Expat's Homeschool: Stacey Al Hassani on Switching Curriculums and Outsourcing What She Can't Teach

  3. Aug 6

    Season 2 Episode 8 - A Whole Year Mapped Out by June — Laura Morgan on Building a Homeschool That Runs Itself

    By June every year, Laura Morgan has already mapped out all 40 weeks of her homeschool year — science, history, and art, planned before summer even starts. In this episode, I chat with Laura Morgan, a former high school social studies teacher and homeschool mom of three in eastern North Carolina, now eight years into homeschooling. Laura walks through the planning system she built to homeschool full-time while teaching virtual school for years, and the custom planner it grew into. She also opens up about giving herself permission to scrap a plan that isn’t working, and shares how her daughters’ jewelry business and one child’s learning differences have shaped her homeschool along the way. You’ll hear: * How Laura maps her entire 40-week homeschool year every May and June * What it took to teach virtual school full-time while homeschooling her own three kids for eight years * Why she gives herself full permission to scrap a lesson plan that isn’t working * How her daughters turned a one-day entrepreneur project into a three-year jewelry business * How catching a learning struggle early — something a classroom might have missed — changed how she homeschools * The Morgan family’s three-word mantra that matters more than any subject on the schedule ✨ If you’ve ever wanted a system for staying ahead instead of scrambling to catch up, Laura’s May-and-June planning method might change how you approach next year. About Laura Morgan: I’m a former high school civics and history teacher turned homeschool mom of three. After nearly 15 years in education and 8 years homeschooling, I’ve found the routines and simple systems that make my homeschool and mom life feel more organized, joyful, and sustainable. Our family mantra is simple: be kind, include others, do your best, and be a good human—anything after that is gravy. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meet Laura00:27 – 15 years in education, 8 years homeschooling, and three kids01:34 – Why they chose homeschool over public school02:32 – The homeschool “drop-off line” joke (and the real reasons they stayed)04:36 – Their eclectic homeschool style: classical, unit studies, and Charlotte Mason06:31 – A typical homeschool day, then and now10:29 – Juggling full-time virtual teaching and homeschooling13:32 – How Laura plans her entire school year in May and June17:07 – Creating her own planner (and why she started selling it)21:40 – Curriculum choices, the supply list system, and how the planner works30:50 – Giving herself permission to scrap a plan that isn’t working34:21 – Homeschooling multiple kids and toddlers39:00 – Family subjects and her 3-year history rotation43:48 – Teaching history with primary sources and diverse perspectives46:46 – Classical Conversations: what she loves and doesn’t50:45 – Her personal support system and homeschool community51:24 – Her daughters’ jewelry business, The Morgan Made57:38 – Old worries vs. now, and catching a learning difference early58:10 – What’s bringing her joy this summer1:06:53 – Three pieces of advice and the Morgan family mantra1:10:55 – Where to find Laura and her planner Resources & Links Mentioned: * Connect with Laura on Instagram * Grab Laura’s homeschool planner (and shop her daughters’ jewelry, The Morgan Made) on Etsy — use code ORGANIZED20 for 20% off the planner * Shop Laura’s Amazon storefront * Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool * Subscribe to the Voice Notes from The Organized Homeschool podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

    Season 2 Episode 8 - A Whole Year Mapped Out by June — Laura Morgan on Building a Homeschool That Runs Itself

  4. Aug 4

    Season 2 Episode 7 - From Overwhelmed to Organized — Amber Sanders on Building Her Own Homeschool Apps with AI

    How does a homeschool mom go from downloading someone else’s planner to building nine of her own apps in a single week? In this episode, I chat with Amber Sanders, the creator behind Playful Homeschool Mom and a homeschool mom of two — a six-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son. Amber shares how the pressure to have every day perfectly planned pushed her from over-preparing straight into “winging it,” until she taught herself to build her own AI-powered homeschool apps instead. She walks me through how those tools turned into a full planning business for other families, plus the toddler survival kit she built for the chaotic in-between moments. You’ll hear: * How Amber went from feeling like she had to have it all figured out to finding her own sustainable rhythm * The moment that told her, unmistakably, her daughter was ready for handwriting practice (hint: it involved her walls) * How her Interest-Based Learning app turns any obsession — unicorns included — into a full day of math, science, reading, and art * What’s actually inside one of her custom homeschool plans for other families, down to the personal note she leaves each mom * Her “Homeschool Toddler Survival Kit” for the moments a toddler chooses chaos * Her honest advice for brand-new homeschool moms about grace, trust, and stepping off the comparison train ✨ If you’ve ever felt like homeschooling means having it all figured out, Amber’s story is the permission slip to slow down and build what actually works for your family. About Amber Sanders: Hi, I’m Amber, the homeschool mom behind Playful Homeschool Mom. I homeschool my daughter while raising a busy toddler, and I’ve learned that meaningful learning doesn’t have to happen sitting all day. Our homeschool is built around play, real life experiences, nature, books, travel, and following my child’s interests. I love helping new homeschool moms feel confident, simplify the planning process, and create a homeschool that actually fits their family instead of trying to recreate traditional school at home. When I’m not homeschooling, I’m creating resources and custom homeschool plans to help other families build a learning life they love. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meet Amber00:27 – Meet Amber and her family01:03 – Their “official” kindergarten year of homeschool03:06 – How she and her husband decided to homeschool08:12 – The social media pressure to have it all figured out09:24 – Building her own homeschool systems with AI12:45 – How her homeschool apps got started13:58 – Behind the scenes of the Interest-Based Learning app17:20 – Turning her apps into a homeschool planning business19:27 – What’s inside a custom homeschool plan23:51 – Staying organized and making time for herself25:56 – The Homeschool Toddler Survival Kit29:53 – Her best advice for new homeschool moms31:19 – Where to find Amber Resources & Links Mentioned: * Connect with Amber Sanders on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Threads. * Visit her website at Playful Homeschool Mom * Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool * Subscribe to the Voice Notes from The Organized Homeschool podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

    Season 2 Episode 7 - From Overwhelmed to Organized — Amber Sanders on Building Her Own Homeschool Apps with AI

  5. Jul 30

    Season 2, Episode 6 - Know Your Capacity: Frances Bowen on Raising Four Boys Through the Teen Years

    You’ve probably compared your homeschool to someone else’s highlight reel at some point. Frances Bowen finally learned to stop — and it changed how she measures a good day. In this episode, I chat with Frances Bowen, a Christian mom of four boys — ages 25, 17, 16, and 13 — finishing her sixth year of homeschooling and settling into the more independent rhythms of the teen years. Frances gets honest about what’s actually working right now (and what isn’t): her ongoing battle with teen screen time, the tearful process of letting her older boys make their own mistakes, and the extra layer of pressure she carries as a Black mom raising Black sons. She also walks through her curriculum choices across every subject, her transcript and portfolio system for high school, and the advice that’s carried her furthest — that homeschool joy was never really about the curriculum at all. You’ll hear: * Frances’s honest, current struggle with teen screen addiction — and the small resets (prayer, renewed rules, more intentional together-time) that are helping her family through it. * The added layer of pressure she carries as a Black homeschool mom raising Black sons, and how she talks herself back from the comparison spiral * Why she believes homeschool joy was never about the curriculum — and the “know your capacity” mindset that’s kept her from burning out after six years * The tearful transition of realizing her older teens don’t need her the way they used to, and how she’s learned to separate their choices from her own sense of failure * Her real, unfiltered take on public-school vo-tech programs for homeschoolers — including the early mornings and lost momentum that came with her son’s culinary track * Her system for keeping a separate home planner and homeschool planner, plus the one iPhone habit that catches everything in between ✨ Frances’s honesty about what’s hard right now — not just what worked years ago — makes this one worth your full attention. About Frances Bowen: A Christian woman who loves to share homeschooling and to encourage other moms through that journey. I am a mother of four sons and wife of 18 years. Soon to start my 7th year of homeschooling all my teens boys and gaining wonderful moments together. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meet Frances00:26 – Frances’s family, homeschool philosophy, and staying flexible with boys02:51 – Six years of homeschooling, why they started during COVID, and a typical day 07:18 – Curriculum walkthrough: science, history, geography, and fine arts10:27 – Curriculum walkthrough: math, language arts, and grammar16:03 – Planning and organization: paper planners, portfolios, and binders23:48 – Building high school transcripts step by step29:55 – The culinary vo-tech experience and stepping back to let her son learn35:51 – Socialization: 4-H, co-ops, homeschool prom, and high school sports40:32 – Content creation: YouTube, Instagram, and her three pillars45:16 – Her current struggle: screens, emotions, and the pressure of raising Black sons 49:12 – What brings her joy now, and her best advice for homeschool moms54:24 – Where to find Frances Resources & Links Mentioned: * Connect with Frances on Instagram and YouTube * Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool * Subscribe to the Voice Notes from The Organized Homeschool podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

    Season 2, Episode 6 - Know Your Capacity: Frances Bowen on Raising Four Boys Through the Teen Years

  6. Jul 28

    Season 2, Episode 5: Bringing the Classroom Home — Brittani Edwards on Homeschooling a Gifted Daughter and a Neurodivergent Son

    Textbooks sat untouched, and YouTube had quietly become the teacher — that’s when Brittani Edwards decided seventh grade was going to look different this year.In this episode, I chat with Brittani Edwards, a former elementary school teacher turned virtual tutor and homeschool mom of two, about to homeschool both of her children full-time for the first time this fall. Brittani shares why she pulled her gifted seventh-grader out of public school after watching group work, rushed pacing, and constant screen time crowd out real learning, and how homeschooling her son — diagnosed with autism at two and a half — shaped the classroom-management-inspired routines she’s building for both kids this year. We also get into how her virtual tutoring business, born out of the pandemic, shapes her approach to foundational literacy, and her honest advice for parents raising gifted or neurodivergent children. You’ll hear: ● Why Brittani decided this was the year to homeschool her seventh-grade daughter, too — and the heavy tech reliance in middle school that pushed her to make the call● How “YouTube became the teacher” in her daughter’s classroom, and why that worried her as a former educator● What it’s really like to homeschool a gifted seventh-grader and a kindergartner with autism at the same time — including the surprising built-in one-on-one time their different sleep schedules create● How her virtual tutoring business (born out of offering free help during the pandemic) shaped what she believes about foundational literacy skills● The classroom management systems — visual routine charts, modeling, praise paired with correction — she’s brought home from her years as a teacher● Her honest advice for parents of gifted or neurodivergent kids: stop comparing your homeschool to what you see online ✨ Tune in for an honest look at what it takes to homeschool two very different kids at once — and why bringing your classroom expertise home doesn’t mean recreating the classroom. About Brittani: Hi, I’m Brittani, a wife, mom of two, former elementary school teacher turned virtual tutor and homeschool mom. This fall marks my very first school year homeschooling both of my children, and I couldn’t be more excited for this new chapter. After years in the classroom, I’ve taken everything I’ve learned as an educator and combined it with my experiences as a parent to create a mindful, child-centered approach to learning. I’m passionate about making education engaging, approachable, and supportive for both children and their families. Whether through virtual tutoring or our homeschool journey, my goal is to help kids build confidence, develop strong literacy skills, and discover a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meet Brittani01:00 – Homeschooling her son since age three after his autism diagnosis03:00 – Deciding it was time to homeschool her gifted daughter, too05:00 – When YouTube becomes the teacher: tech overload in middle school07:00 – Preparing together: building routines as a summer “boot camp”13:00 – Monthly planning and prepping two very different curriculums15:00 – A typical day: an early-riser son and a later-rising daughter19:00 – Her virtual tutoring business, born out of the pandemic22:00 – Time-blocking Fridays for tutoring and homeschool prep24:00 – Foundational literacy skills and closing learning gaps28:00 – Emotional regulation over “pushing through”32:00 – Bringing classroom management systems home38:00 – Advice for parents of gifted or neurodivergent kids46:00 – Building community online and in person50:00 – What’s bringing her joy this year: flexibility and freedom54:00 – Final thoughts & where to find Brittani Resources & Links Mentioned: Connect with Brittani on Instagram: @learnwithmrsbeeConnect with Brittani on Facebook: Brittani Edwards TutoringWebsite: brittaniedwardstutoring.my.canva.siteMiAcademy (the online curriculum Brittani uses with her daughter): miacademy.coFollow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool Subscribe to the Voice Notes from The Organized Homeschool podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

    Season 2, Episode 5: Bringing the Classroom Home — Brittani Edwards on Homeschooling a Gifted Daughter and a Neurodivergent Son

  7. Jul 23

    Season 2, Episode 4: More Than a Grade — Blanca Montelongo on Educating the Whole Child

    She had her dream job in reach — then walked away to homeschool her son instead. In this episode, I chat with Blanca Montelongo, an Air Force veteran, wife of 15 years, and homeschool mom of two in Texas who’s now going on eight years into her homeschool journey. Blanca shares the faith-driven decision that pulled her away from a career she loved and into homeschooling — a decision that, looking back, set the tone for everything that followed: raising kids who are seen as whole people, not just grades or test scores. You’ll hear: * Why she couldn’t bring herself to apply for her dream project management job — and how that decision (plus a round of budget cuts) landed her in homeschooling exactly one year before the 2020 exodus * Her “crystal balls vs. rubber balls” philosophy on balance, and why she’s stopped trying to do it all. * Her honest advice for families coming out of the public school system: give yourselves permission to “detox” before diving into school at home. * How she found (and later rebuilt) her homeschool community through Wild + Free and Classical Conversations after a move to Texas. * Her simple, sustainable approach to making time for her own health as a busy homeschool and co-op mom. ✨ If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling too many balls at once, Blanca’s take on priorities might be exactly what you need to hear. About Blanca Montelongo: I’m Blanca! An AF veteran who started homeschooling in 2019 and yes homeschooling is harder than the military! I have an amazing husband, my son is 12, my daughter is 6, and we live in Texas. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meet Blanca02:00 – Called out of the workforce: the pivot into homeschooling04:00 – Her homeschool why: discipleship over curriculum05:00 – The 2020 exodus and becoming the go-to homeschool mom07:00 – What classical education looks like at home08:00 – Being a “Type C” homeschool mom and block scheduling14:00 – Behind the scenes of planning with Classical Conversations17:00 – Organizing homeschool materials (and why purging is her love language)22:00 – Building homeschool community after starting solo25:00 – Finding Wild + Free and the accountability of showing up29:00 – Why paid communities build stronger commitment31:00 – Starting Whole Heart, her own co-op35:00 – Coming out of the public school mindset42:00 – Her advice: take time to “detox” before starting school at home48:00 – Making time for herself: workouts, a walking pad, and diet55:00 – Educating the whole child, not just grades58:00 – The “crystal balls vs. rubber balls” philosophy on balance1:05:00 – Where to find Blanca and closing thoughts Resources & Links Mentioned: * Connect with Blanca on Instagram: @blancalight.m * Classical Conversations: classicalconversations.com * Wild + Free: bewildandfree.org * Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool * Subscribe to the Voice Notes from The Organized Homeschool podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

    Season 2, Episode 4: More Than a Grade — Blanca Montelongo on Educating the Whole Child

  8. Jul 21

    Season 2, Episode 3: Homeschooling Without Being the Mom — Anne Machalek on Teaching Other Families' Kids

    Did you know you can homeschool your kids without being the one who teaches them? In this episode, I chat with Anne Machalek, a second-generation homeschooler who has turned her love of teaching into a full-time career serving other homeschool families — without being anyone’s mom. Anne shares what it was like growing up with a rotating cast of teachers (including her own older brother), how an unexpected health crisis redirected her from a psychology career into homeschool education, and what it actually looks like to run someone else’s kids’ entire school day. We also get into the legal realities of outsourcing instruction, her “education bartering” idea for trading subjects with other parents, and the deeply personal reasons she believes so strongly in individualized learning. You’ll hear: * What it’s like to be a full-time homeschool teacher who isn’t a parent — and why that role is more common (and more legal) than most people realize * The health crisis that redirected Anne from a career in psychology into homeschool education * Why parents only have to be the “sole supervisor,” not the sole teacher — and what that means for outsourcing subjects * Anne’s “education bartering” idea: trading subjects with other homeschool parents based on each person’s strengths * The Montessori-inspired organizing systems (and portfolio tracking she’s used since she was a teenager) that keep her days running smoothly * Why Anne believes homeschooling’s greatest strength is building education around who a child actually is — not the other way around ✨ Tune in for a fresh perspective on what a “homeschool teacher” can look like — and a reminder that education should be built around your child, not the other way around. About Anne: I’m Anne, a second generation homeschool teacher with a passion for teaching in various settings. I especially love music, literature, and history! Growing up as a homeschooler, I had many opportunities to explore my passions. I realized I had a desire to teach as a profession when I began teaching the violin at age 14. I planned on becoming a professor of psychology, but life took me in a different direction and I uncovered a love for empowering homeschoolers specifically. After having experienced homeschooling personally, I am a huge advocate for alternative education! Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meet Anne01:00 – Growing up with a wide range of teachers03:00 – Discovering a love for teaching at 1406:00 – Early homeschool memories & what she loved07:00 – What she disliked — wanting more structure & grades10:00 – Building education around who a child actually is12:00 – From teenage side hustle to full-time teaching career14:00 – A typical teaching day & organizing systems17:00 – Debunking the “is this even allowed?” question19:00 – Outsourcing subjects & the education bartering idea23:00 – Who she teaches & how families find her28:00 – Portfolio tracking & assembling open-and-go curriculum31:00 – Yearly planning & Montessori-inspired organization33:00 – Curriculum favorites: journals, Spectrum, and TPT resources37:00 – Her “why”: individualized learning and flexibility39:00 – Homeschooling and kids with learning differences42:00 – Advice: model lifelong learning, define education for yourself44:00 – Final advice: homeschool the child you actually have46:00 – Book recommendation & where to find Anne Resources & Links Mentioned: * Connect with Anne on Instagram and Facebook: @scaleandfeatherstudio * Website: Scaleandfeatherstudio.com * TPT Storefront: Scale & Feather Studio * Book mentioned: Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just By Doing It by the Author, Ginny Yurich * Fun Schooling journals (mentioned as a favorite resource) * Spectrum Writing, 7th grade edition (mentioned as a favorite resource) * Teachers Pay Teachers — literature unit studies (mentioned as a favorite resource) * Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool * Subscribe to the Voice Notes from The Organized Homeschool podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

    Season 2, Episode 3: Homeschooling Without Being the Mom — Anne Machalek on Teaching Other Families' Kids
See All (49)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Sending voice notes to all my homeschooling besties! Listen in on my personal and guests' reflections, learnings, advice, stories of homeschooling, and more. We'll chat getting and staying organized, planning lessons, activities, playdates, prepping for the day and anything else homeschooling that comes up! theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

Information

You Might Also Like