ASSURED: How to Homeschool and Not Get Burned Out By It

Natalie Burns | Homeschool Teaching Simplified
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  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

How do you become the mom who is confidently teaching her homeschooler to be smart, sharp, and (mostly) reasonable… Instead of the mom who’s facing burnout and pulling teeth just to hear a unique idea? You need Natalie Burns in your corner. As a certified teacher turned homeschooling mom herself, Natalie has helped 1,000s of moms get their homeschoolers communicating thoughtfully, connecting more deeply, and taking responsibility for their learning. Join us weekly so you can feel assured that your homeschool teaching connects you with your children and reflects your family values.

  1. JUL 28

    The Secret to a Meaningful Homeschool? Helping Your Child Become the Author of Their Own Life | S7 EP13

    You don’t need to control your child’s narrative if you help them write it well. In this final episode of our season about literacy, we zoom out and look at the big picture: how to help your homeschooler build a narrative thread for their own life — the story they tell about who they are, what they’re capable of, and where they’re going. Literacy isn’t just reading and writing anymore. It’s now about communication and connection. And a connected life needs a connected story. We’ll talk about: 🌟 Why helping your child understand their own story matters 🌟 What a “narrative thread” looks like across ages 🌟 How to build an internal template rooted in purpose, value, and resilience And a little reminder: You’re doing more than teaching subjects. You’re shaping a life that feels whole. Join the Teaching Inspired community to get deeper support around literacy and critical thinking at homeschoolteachingsimplified.com/teachinginspired — use code ASSURED to get your first month for just $1 Contact Natalie: natalie@homeschoolteachingsimplified.com

    9 min

  2. JUL 21

    AI, Essays, and Independent Thought: A Better Way to Teach Homeschool Writing (with Justin McGeary) | S7 EP12

    If writing assignments feel like a chore — for you or your teen — you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Justin McGeary, a writing instructor who works with upper-level students using an Oxford-style essay approach that treats writing not as a product… but as a thinking tool. We talk about: Why the essay process matters more than the final product (and how to shift this for your teen)The role of AI in supporting — rather than shortcutting — thinkingAnd how writing well can impact everything from time management to self-confidence If you want your teen to be more than just articulate — to be thoughtful and grounded in what they say and believe — this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Justin: Website: trinityhousetutorials.com Email: trinityhousetutorials@gmail.com Instagram: @justinattrinityhouse The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Your Homeschooler Critical Thinking: Help your child unlock self-awareness, responsibility, and initiative in their learning and for their life… in 5 simple steps assuredpodcast.com/ultimate-guide Connect with Natalie: natalie@homeschoolteachingsimplified.com

    35 min

  3. JUL 14

    The Secret to Teaching Digital Literacy In Your Homeschool | S7 EP11

    As the world becomes increasingly digital, we face a problem in our homeschools… is reading from a phone or tablet going to harm your children? You know by now in this season about literacy that we’re not just talking about how to read and write… buckle up. Because digital literacy is the new must-have skill your kids need — and it's shaping how they think, what they believe, and how they show up in the world. This episode is a special adaptation from one of the trainings inside of the Teaching Inspired membership!  So head over to homeschoolteachingsimplified.com/teachinginspired to sign up and download the workbook pages.  As a listener of the assured podcast, use the code mentioned in this episode to get your first month for just $1!  Go to homeschoolteachingsimplified.com/teachinginspired to get your digital literacy resources PLUS monthly trainings and weekly live calls. Connect with Natalie: natalie@homeschoolteachingsimplified.com

    15 min

  4. JUL 7

    The Support For Teaching High School Literacy No Homeschooler Expected (with Julia Novoa) | S7 EP10

    Helping your teen develop literacy skills looks a lot different in the high school years! So how do you decide your level of involvement and what areas to focus on? I’m joined by seasoned educator and homeschool curriculum writer Julia Novoa to break down what literacy looks like in the high school years. We’re bridging the gap between basic reading skills and sophisticated communication — with plenty of permission to modify, adapt, and individualize. In this episode, we unpack: How to move from phonics sounds all the way to essay writingSigns your teen still needs literacy support (and what to do about it)How to set up opportunities for reading comprehensionWhy differentiated instruction isn’t a crutch, but rather, the best way to teach (and how to do that with book reports) Whether you’re raising a budding writer or a reluctant reader, this one’s packed with the practical teaching strategies you’ve been craving! Connect with Julia: Free Planning Workbook: https://www.mytexashomeschool.com/mytexashomeschoolshop/p/plan-your-year-workbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planandpivothomeschool/ The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Your Homeschooler Critical Thinking: Help your child unlock self-awareness, responsibility, and initiative in their learning and for their life… in 5 simple steps assuredpodcast.com/ultimate-guide Connect with Natalie: natalie@homeschoolteachingsimplified.com

    38 min

  5. JUN 30

    Teach Outdoor Literacy Through Homeschool Science (with Kelly Dowd) | S7 EP9

    If the thought of teaching science from a dusty old textbook makes your eyes glaze over, this episode is for you. 🌿 I’m joined by Kelly Dowd of The Field Trip Academy, and we’re exploring how outdoor literacy can change everything about how your homeschooler understands science - even if they hate writing. 🎧 In this episode, we unpack: How to teach scientific literacy without long-form writing Creative ways to meet literacy and science standards through experienceHow to differentiate instruction for neurodivergent and hands-on learners This one’s full of practical strategies, mindset shifts, and a whole lot of inspiration! Connect with Kelly: Explore the Digital Marketplace (Freebies & Membership): products.thefieldtripacademy.com/products/courses/view/1161224 Social Media: @thefieldtripacademy Check out what Kelly and Natalie talked about at the Deschooling Homeschool Roundtable: homeschoolteachingsimplified.com/roundtable-deschooling-2025 The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Your Homeschooler Critical Thinking: Help your child unlock self-awareness, responsibility, and initiative in their learning and for their life… in 5 simple steps assuredpodcast.com/ultimate-guide Connect with Natalie: natalie@homeschoolteachingsimplified.com

    33 min

  6. JUN 23

    This One Trick From Science Helps with Homeschool Writing | S7 EP8

    Let’s tap into one of the most underused tools in writing instruction: science. Yep, you read that right. We’re using what your homeschooler already knows about the 5 senses to unlock their ability to write vivid, compelling scenes that bring ideas to life on the page.  Whether you're working with a reluctant writer or one who needs help levelling up, this is a practical strategy you can use today — no curriculum required. This one’s part lesson, part story, and part reminder that writing is never about perfection. It’s about human connection. The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Your Homeschooler Critical Thinking: Help your child unlock self-awareness, responsibility, and initiative in their learning and for their life… in 5 simple steps assuredpodcast.com/ultimate-guide Connect with Natalie: natalie@homeschoolteachingsimplified.com

    8 min

  7. JUN 16

    Add In THIS Artistic Angle to See Literacy Change Forever (with Bethany Baldwin) | S7 EP7

    What if literacy wasn’t about ticking off grammar boxes or forcing essays, but instead, inviting your child into an experience? I’m chatting with Bethany Baldwin, founder of MAD Society, about what happens when you add creative writing, play-based storytelling, and even escape rooms into your homeschool approach to literacy.  Whether your child is essay-avoidant, wildly expressive, or quietly creative, this episode will help you unlock their unique path to communication. Here’s what we’re diving into: 💡Why drama and creativity aren’t just for “outgoing” kids 💡How to develop writing skills without relying on essays 💡Ways to “gamify” literacy 💡What makes you qualified to teach creativity (it’s probably not what you think) 💡How to let your child explore their gifts, even when the journey looks messy Whether you're burnt out on worksheets or just looking to reignite your child’s imagination, this episode will help you see literacy from a new angle — and maybe even give new ideas for how you want to teach writing in your homeschool. Connect with Bethany: Download your free African Safari Creative Writing Escape Room: https://www.madsocietyinc.com/ contact.madsociety@gmail.com The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Your Homeschooler Critical Thinking: Help your child unlock self-awareness, responsibility, and initiative in their learning and for their life… in 5 simple steps assuredpodcast.com/ultimate-guide Connect with Natalie: natalie@homeschoolteachingsimplified.com

    38 min

  8. JUN 9

    Reading lists curated for older homeschoolers EXPLAINED (with Tiffany Pichardo) | S7 EP6

    Once the flood gates of reading open up, it can be hard to keep up with pre-reading for your older homeschooler! And yet, choosing a book list impacts your child’s worldview.  Unpacking concepts in books is a great way to start a conversation with your children about important issues in their development. Especially when read aloud together, you can choose books that draw out your homeschooler’s wise decision making.  On this episode for our season on literacy, I’m chatting with second generation homeschooling mom, Tiffany Pichardo, about HOW to choose those safe, trusted, and value-driven books.  Tiffany is sharing how she chooses her book recommendation lists for various age, developmental, and interest areas.  Listen to hear: 📚 Why to NOT let your child “just read whatever they want” 📚 The balance between reading level and maturity level 📚 The #1 reason to read aloud to your middle and high schoolers 📚 What to do when you don’t like reading aloud Connect with Tiffany: Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHappyHomeschooler tiffanythehappyhomesteader@gmail.com The Ultimate Guide to Teaching Your Homeschooler Critical Thinking: Help your child unlock self-awareness, responsibility, and initiative in their learning and for their life… in 5 simple steps assuredpodcast.com/ultimate-guide Connect with Natalie: natalie@homeschoolteachingsimplified.com

    34 min
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How do you become the mom who is confidently teaching her homeschooler to be smart, sharp, and (mostly) reasonable… Instead of the mom who’s facing burnout and pulling teeth just to hear a unique idea? You need Natalie Burns in your corner. As a certified teacher turned homeschooling mom herself, Natalie has helped 1,000s of moms get their homeschoolers communicating thoughtfully, connecting more deeply, and taking responsibility for their learning. Join us weekly so you can feel assured that your homeschool teaching connects you with your children and reflects your family values.

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