The Homeschool Connections Podcast

homeschoolingsaints
  • 4.8 (32)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Grab your coffee, hit play, and let's homeschool together! ๐๐ˆ๐† ๐๐„๐–๐’: ๐’๐ž๐š๐ฌ๐จ๐ง ๐Ÿ• ๐ข๐ฌ ๐š๐ฅ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐‡๐„๐‘๐„โ€”๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐š ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ก ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ค, ๐š ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ง๐š๐ฆ๐ž, ๐š๐ง๐ ๐š ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎโ€™๐ซ๐ž ๐ ๐จ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐จ ๐‹๐Ž๐•๐„! Say hello to The Homeschool Connections Podcast (formerly Homeschooling Saints)โ€”your new Monday-morning must-listen! And leading the way? Our new host, Kaitlin Zaraโ€”a joyful, faith-filled Catholic homeschool mom who's bringing energy, encouragement, and real talk straight to your earbuds. Kaitlin's here to walk with you through all things Catholic homeschoolingโ€”big questions, little wins, messy days, and moments of grace. Season 7 launches Monday, August 18 New episodes every Monday Letโ€™s do this, mamas. Season 7 is all about YOU!

  1. 13h ago

    The Joy of Slow Schooling: How to Restore Balance and Wonder to Your Homeschool | Ep 289

    Does your homeschool ever feel rushed, overloaded, or focused more on getting through the curriculum than enjoying your children? Slow schooling offers another way. In this episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara welcomes educator, homeschool mom, and author Leslie Martino for an encouraging conversation about restoring balance, connection, and wonder to homeschool life. Leslie explains that slow schooling is not about laziness, avoiding academics, or following one particular homeschool philosophy. Instead, it is an intentional approach that values depth over breadth, connection over control, and meaningful learning over simply checking boxes. Together, Kaitlin and Leslie explore how families can use curriculum without becoming controlled by it, preserve play throughout the middle and high school years, assess progress in more meaningful ways, and create space for curiosity, boredom, creativity, and stronger family relationships.   This Episode Is Sponsored by Ascension Press Pillars of Faith from Ascension Press is a brand-new Kโ€“8 Catholic curriculum deeply rooted in Sacred Scripture and Tradition and designed to evangelize the whole family. Learn more about Pillars of Faith for your homeschool: https://ascensionpress.com/pillarshomeschool    Resources The Joy of Slow: Restoring Balance and Wonder to Homeschool Learning by Leslie Martino https://amzn.to/4irdVhm    Visit Leslieโ€™s website https://lesliemartino.com/    Follow Leslie on Instagram @lesliemmartino   In This Episode What slow schooling is, and what it is not Why slow schooling can work with traditional, classical, Charlotte Mason, interest-led, or unschooling approaches How to choose quality over quantity in your homeschool Why doing fewer things better can lead to deeper learning How to use curriculum as a tool rather than allowing it to control your family Why slow schooling does not mean ignoring academics or learning gaps How to balance child-led learning with core subjects and necessary structure What a day of slow schooling can look like Why joy can be a meaningful measure of homeschool success How slow schooling can work during the middle school and high school years Why adolescents and teenagers still need play Ways to assess growth beyond tests and standard benchmarks How families can make thoughtful decisions about technology and screen time Why boredom is a good thing Practical ways to help children discover what to do with unstructured time   One Big Takeaway Slow schooling is not primarily about moving at a certain pace. It is about making choices that reflect what your family truly values. Instead of asking whether you completed every lesson or checked every box, consider asking: Did we experience joy? Did we connect? Did we learn something deeply? Leslie encourages parents to see curriculum as a helpful toolโ€”not a masterโ€”and to resist making decisions out of panic, comparison, or fear. One practical place to begin is to ask: What is one area of control I can exchange for greater connection with my child?   About Leslie Martino Leslie M. Martino is the author of The Joy of Slow: Restoring Balance and Wonder to Homeschool Learning: https://amzn.to/4x0LJ9w  She has more than twenty years of teaching experience as an elementary school teacher, home educator, and adjunct lecturer for graduate courses focused on the teacherโ€™s role in supporting childrenโ€™s individual work preferences. Leslie homeschools her four children and works as an educational consultant, writing curricula, training teachers, and coaching parents to approach learning in an interest-based and connection-rich way. She is also a speaker on education and motherhood and a contributing writer for Wild + Free and other publications within the homeschooling community. She lives in sunny Florida with her husband and children.   About Your Host Kaitlin Zara is a veteran educator, homeschool mom, and host of the Homeschool Connections Podcast. See her homeschool blog posts here: https://homeschoolconnections.com/author/?n=245991

  2. 5d ago

    Co-op or Hybrid School? How to Choose the Best Fit for Your Homeschool | Kaitlin Unscripted Ep. 10

    Kaitlin Unscripted Episode 10: No scripts, no interviewsโ€”just homeschool real talk. Should your family join a homeschool co-op? Or would a hybrid school be a better fit? In this episode of Kaitlin Unscripted, Kaitlin Zara explores one of the biggest questions homeschool families face as they build a learning environment that works for their unique season of life. While co-ops and hybrid schools may seem similar on the surface, they offer very different levels of structure, parental involvement, academic support, and flexibility. Rather than telling you which option is "best," Kaitlin walks you through the key differences between the two models and shares the questions every homeschool parent should ask before making a decision. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at her own family's experience with a hybrid program and why it's been such a blessing during this season. In this episode, you'll learn: The key differences between homeschool co-ops and hybrid schools How to determine which model best fits your family's goals Why parent involvement looks very different in each option When a co-op may be the better choice When a hybrid school can provide valuable academic support How to make your decision without guilt or comparison Why your homeschool doesn't have to look like anyone else's Why the best choice is the one that serves your family right now Helpful Resources The Homeschool Dictionary New to homeschooling? Learn the meaning behind common homeschool termsโ€”including co-ops, hybrid schools, unit studies, Charlotte Mason, dual enrollment, and more. https://homeschoolconnections.com/the-homeschool-dictionary/ More Episodes on Homeschool Co-ops & Hybrid Programs (including the one mentioned in today's episode): https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcasts_category/homeschool-coops-programs/ This episode is sponsored by Homeschool Connections. Homeschool Connections partners with Catholic homeschooling families by offering live online courses taught by outstanding instructors. Whether you're looking to outsource a challenging subject, enrich your curriculum, or simply lighten your teaching load, Homeschool Connections offers flexible options that complement virtually every homeschool style. Learn more at: https://homeschoolconnections.com  If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with another homeschooling family!

  3. Aug 17

    How to Build a Growth Mindset in Your Homeschool | Ep 288

    What happens when your child says, โ€œIโ€™m just not good at mathโ€ or โ€œI canโ€™t do thisโ€? Those simple statements can reveal something important about the way children view their abilities and how they respond when learning gets difficult. In this episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara welcomes developmental and educational psychologist Dr. Kristi Moore for a fascinating and practical conversation about growth mindset: the belief that our abilities can grow and develop through learning, practice, perseverance, and even mistakes. Dr. Moore explains the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset and shares how seemingly innocent messages, including repeatedly telling a child how โ€œsmartโ€ he or she is, can unintentionally make children afraid of challenges or failure. Drawing from psychological research, her experience as a professor, and life as a Catholic homeschooling mother of six, Dr. Moore gives parents practical strategies they can begin using right away. And Kaitlin gets a surprise along the way when Dr. Moore challenges one of her long-held beliefs about โ€œlearning stylesโ€! This Episode Is Sponsored by Ascension Press Pillars of Faith from Ascension Press is a brand-new Kโ€“8 Catholic curriculum deeply rooted in Sacred Scripture and Tradition and designed to evangelize the whole family. Learn more about Pillars of Faith for your homeschool: https://ascensionpress.com/pillarshomeschool Resources Using Praise to Build a Growth Mindset by Dr. Kristi Moore https://homeschoolconnections.com/using-praise-to-build-a-growth-mindset/ Other homeschool articles by Dr. Moore https://homeschoolconnections.com/author/?n=230089 Explore Dr. Mooreโ€™s High School Courses with Homeschool Connections https://tinyurl.com/mutbc57r Meet Dr. Kristi Moore https://homeschoolconnections.com/instructors/kristi-moore/ In This Episode What a growth mindset is and why it matters The difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset Why children who have always been told they are โ€œsmartโ€ can sometimes struggle when learning becomes difficult What parents should praise instead of natural ability Why challenge, effort, progress, and mistakes are important parts of learning Practical phrases parents can use when a child is frustrated How to tell the difference between a motivation problem and a genuine learning gap Why homeschooling gives us a unique opportunity to go back and fill those gaps The surprising research behind the popular concept of โ€œlearning stylesโ€ How to balance a childโ€™s natural interests with subjects they simply need to learn Why motivation is not one-size-fits-all How parents can model a growth mindset through their own mistakes and challenges How to talk with older children and teens when they are struggling Why giving teens ownership in solving academic problems can build motivation and important life skills One Big Takeaway Instead of focusing on whether your child is naturally โ€œgoodโ€ at something, focus on progress. Challenges don't mean a child lacks ability. They provide opportunities to develop new skills, discover what may be missing, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward. As Dr. Moore reminds us, the goal isn't perfection. We want children to learn that setbacks are okay: get back up, keep going, and keep making progress. About Dr. Kristi Moore Dr. Kristi Moore is a Catholic wife and homeschooling mother of six children. She holds a PhD in developmental and educational psychology and serves as a professor of psychology at Angelo State University. Her areas of specialization include child and adolescent development, with research interests focused on motivation and self-regulation. Dr. Moore also teaches psychology courses through Homeschool Connections and seeks to encourage parents in their vocation by sharing insights from psychological research as well as her own experiences as a homeschool mom. About Your Host Kaitlin Zara is a veteran educator, homeschool mom, and host of the Homeschool Connections Podcast. See her homeschool blog posts here: https://homeschoolconnections.com/author/?n=245991

  4. Aug 13

    Should You Join a Homeschool Co-op: 10 Questions You Should Ask First | Kaitlin Unscripted Ep 9

    Kaitlin Unscripted Episode 9: No scripts, no interviewsโ€”just homeschool real talk. Should you join a homeschool co-op? It's one of the first questions many homeschooling parents hear, but the answer isn't the same for every family. In t his episode, Kaitlin Zara walks through the purpose of homeschool co-ops, the different forms they can take, and the thoughtful questions every family should consider before making the decision. Rather than following what everyone else is doing, Kaitlin encourages parents to evaluate their children's needs, their own family rhythms, and the season they're currently in. Whether you're considering a highly academic co-op, a casual play group, or deciding to homeschool independently, this episode will help you approach the decision with confidence and peace. Helpful Links: Articles on co-ops: https://homeschoolconnections.com/category/homeschool-coops/ Incorporating online classes into your co-op:  https://homeschoolconnections.com/hsc-coop/  In This Episode What a homeschool co-op is, and the many different ways co-ops operate Understanding your reasons for considering a co-op Why fear and comparison shouldn't drive your homeschool decisions How to determine whether your child thrives in group learning environments When outsourcing certain subjects can strengthen your homeschool The value of consistent friendships for both children and parents How to know if your family's schedule already feels too full Why homeschooling independently can be just as successful The importance of reevaluating your homeschool each season Remembering that community comes in many formsโ€”not just co-ops Key Takeaways Every homeschool family is different. Co-ops are toolsโ€”not requirements. Your children's needs matter more than outside expectations. Flexibility is one of homeschooling's greatest strengths. You can always change course if your family's needs change. Community can be found in many places, not only through homeschool co-ops. Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Homeschool Connections. Looking for support without sacrificing the flexibility you love about homeschooling? Homeschool Connections offers live online Catholic courses taught by experienced instructors in subjects ranging from theology and literature to science, math, foreign languages, writing, and more. Whether you're looking to outsource one class or build an entire academic schedule, Homeschool Connections makes it easy to customize an education that fits your family's needs. Connect with Homeschool Connections Website: https://homeschoolconnections.com Blog: https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/  Podcast: https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcasts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeschoolConnections Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeschoolconnections

  5. Aug 6

    Will I Homeschool for High School? (Part Two): Kaitlin Unscripted Episode 8

    Kaitlin Unscripted Episode 8: No scripts, no interviewsโ€”just homeschool real talk. Is homeschooling through high school really enough to prepare your teen for college, adulthood, and the "real world"? In Part Two of this 2-part series, Kaitlin Zara continues answering the question she hears more than any other: "Will you homeschool for high school?" Building on last week's episode, Kaitlin shares five more reasons why her answer is an enthusiastic yes! From helping teens develop meaningful friendships and preparing them for college admissions to strengthening family relationships, pursuing internships, learning real-life skills, and discovering that homeschoolers don't have to miss out on milestones like prom and graduation, Kaitlin offers practical encouragement for parents considering homeschooling through the high school years. In this episode, you'll discover: Why homeschoolers often build deeper, more intentional friendships How homeschooling prepares students for collegeโ€”and why many colleges actively recruit homeschool graduates The surprising benefits of maintaining a close parent-teen relationship during the high school years Why learning doesn't have to be confined to a classroom How homeschooling equips teens with practical life skills that prepare them for adulthood Why homeschoolers don't have to miss out on prom, graduation, and other memorable high school experiences Encouragement for parents discerning whether homeschooling through high school is right for their family Whether you're already homeschooling a teenager or wondering if you should continue into the high school years, this episode will leave you encouraged, equipped, and confident that there are many paths to a rich, successful education. This episode is sponsored by Homeschool Connections. Discover expert-led online courses, live classes, and flexible learning opportunities designed to support Catholic homeschool families at every stage, from kindergarten through high school. Kaitlin Zara is a veteran educator, homeschool mom, and host of the Homeschool Connections Podcast. See her related blog posts here: https://homeschoolconnections.com/author/?n=245991

  6. Jul 30

    Will I Homeschool for High School? (Part One): Kaitlin Unscripted Episode 7

    Kaitlin Unscripted Episode 5: No scripts, no interviewsโ€”just homeschool real talk. One of the questions Kaitlin Zara hears more than any other is: "Will you homeschool through high school?" In Part One of this two-part series, Kaitlin tackles the myths and misconceptions surrounding homeschooling teenagers and explains why her answer is an enthusiastic yes! From academic excellence and dual enrollment opportunities to internships, entrepreneurship, life skills, and better mental health, she shares the first five reasons she believes homeschooling gives high school students a tremendous advantage. If you're wondering whether homeschooling through high school is the right choice for your familyโ€”or you're looking for a thoughtful response to skeptical friends and relativesโ€”this episode offers encouragement, practical insights, and a fresh perspective on what homeschooling teens really looks like. Be sure to join us next week for Part Two, where Kaitlin shares five more reasons why homeschooling through high school can prepare students not just for college, but for life. This episode is sponsored by Homeschool Connections. Discover expert-led online courses, live classes, and flexible learning opportunities designed to support Catholic homeschool families at every stage, from kindergarten through high school. Show Notes In this episode: Why "Will you homeschool for high school?" is Kaitlin's most frequently asked question Common myths about homeschooling teenagersโ€”and why they're outdated How homeschooling provides greater academic flexibility and opportunities The benefits of dual enrollment and earning college credits during high school Why internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work are valuable parts of a homeschool education Teaching practical life skills that prepare teens for adulthood How a flexible homeschool schedule can support better mental health Encouraging entrepreneurship and creative pursuits during the high school years A preview of next week's Part 2, featuring five additional reasons to homeschool through high school

  7. Jul 23

    Do I Need to Choose a Homeschool Philosophy | Kaitlin Unscripted Episode 6

    Kaitlin Unscripted Episode ##: No scripts, no interviewsโ€”just homeschool real talk. No scripts, no interviewsโ€”just homeschool real talk. Charlotte Mason. Classical education. Unschooling. Montessori. Traditional. Eclectic. If youโ€™re new to homeschooling, it can feel like you need to choose the โ€œrightโ€ educational philosophy before you even begin. But do you? In this episode of Kaitlin Unscripted, host Kaitlin Zara shares an opinion she wishes someone had shared with her when she first began homeschooling: You may not need to choose a homeschool philosophy at allโ€”at least not right away. Drawing on her own experience as a homeschool mom, Kaitlin explains why it can be helpful to first get to know your children as students. How do they respond to structure? What sparks their curiosity? How do they handle frustration? Do they thrive with books, hands-on learning, independent projects, or a mix of everything? Kaitlin also explores why one homeschool philosophy may not fit every child in your familyโ€”or even every season of the year. From more structured learning in the fall to interest-led projects in the winter and a relaxed, almost-unschooling approach in the spring, she shares how her own homeschool naturally changes over time. Whether youโ€™re brand-new to homeschooling, rethinking your current approach, or feeling awkward because you canโ€™t quite put a label on what you do, this episode offers encouragement to release the pressure, learn what works for your children, and embrace the freedom to build a homeschool that fits your family. This episode is presented by Homeschool Connections. Whether you're looking for expert-taught online courses, encouragement for your homeschool journey, or resources to help your student thrive from middle school through high school, Homeschool Connections is here to support your family every step of the way. Learn more at https://homeschoolconnections.com/. Show Notes In this episode, Kaitlin discusses: Why new homeschool parents often feel pressured to choose an educational philosophy Why Kaitlin questioned whether she needed a homeschool philosophy before she even began The importance of getting to know your child as a studentโ€”not just as your child How learning styles, personalities, frustration tolerance, and natural rhythms can shape your homeschool choices Why one homeschool philosophy may not work for every child in the same family How your approach to homeschooling can change with different seasons of the year Why Kaitlinโ€™s own family moves from more traditional schooling to slow schooling and even a relaxed, unschooling-style approach The freedom to mix and match methods without worrying about labels A quick overview of popular homeschool philosophies and approaches Why there is no single โ€œrightโ€ way to homeschool Homeschool Philosophies Mentioned in This Episode: Traditional homeschooling Classical education Charlotte Mason Montessori Unschooling Unit studies Eclectic homeschooling Waldorf education Online and virtual learning Key Takeaway: You donโ€™t have to choose the perfect homeschool philosophy before you begin. Take time to learn who your children are as students, pay attention to what helps them thrive, and give yourself permission to adapt as they grow and your familyโ€™s needs change. Your homeschool may not fit neatly into a single labelโ€”and thatโ€™s okay. One of the greatest gifts of homeschooling is the freedom to build an education around the real children in front of you.

  8. Jul 16

    How to Schedule Your Homeschool Day | Kaitlin Unscripted Episode 5

    No scripts, no interviewsโ€”just homeschool real talk. Have you ever created the perfect homeschool scheduleโ€”only to watch it fall apart by 9:30 a.m.? In this episode of Kaitlin Unscripted, Kaitlin Zara shares practical advice for structuring your homeschool day without trying to recreate a traditional classroom at home. Instead of rigid schedules that leave you feeling behind, Kaitlin encourages families to build their days around rhythms, anchors, and their familyโ€™s natural flow. Whether youโ€™re homeschooling energetic elementary students, independent high schoolers, or a mix of ages, Kaitlin offers real-life ideas for creating a day that has enough structure to keep everyone moving forwardโ€”and enough flexibility to leave room for life. This episode is sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville. Learn more about Franciscanโ€™s opportunities for homeschool students, including dual enrollment courses through the Advantage Program, at franciscan.edu/advantage. To learn more about Homeschool Connectionsโ€™ dual enrollment courses with FUS, visit HERE. Read Kaitlinโ€™s companion article at:  https://homeschoolconnections.com/how-to-schedule-homeschool-day-2/ In this episode, youโ€™ll learn: โ€ข Why rhythms and anchors may work better than a strict schedule โ€ข How to identify your familyโ€™s natural flow โ€ข A simple morning, midday, and afternoon rhythm for elementary students โ€ข How to help high schoolers build independence and manage their own time โ€ข Tips for homeschooling multiple ages without losing your mind โ€ข How loop scheduling can help you fit everything in โ€ข Why itโ€™s okay to have a hard stop to your homeschool day โ€ข The importance of protecting time for fun, friendship, and connection The goal isnโ€™t to pack every subject into every day or follow the clock perfectly. Itโ€™s to create a homeschool rhythm that works for your real family and your real life. Anchor your daysโ€”but donโ€™t box them in. And always leave room for joy. Grab your coffee, press play, and join Kaitlin for another honest, practical conversation about the real life of a homeschooling mom!

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Grab your coffee, hit play, and let's homeschool together! ๐๐ˆ๐† ๐๐„๐–๐’: ๐’๐ž๐š๐ฌ๐จ๐ง ๐Ÿ• ๐ข๐ฌ ๐š๐ฅ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐‡๐„๐‘๐„โ€”๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐š ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ก ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ค, ๐š ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ง๐š๐ฆ๐ž, ๐š๐ง๐ ๐š ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎโ€™๐ซ๐ž ๐ ๐จ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐จ ๐‹๐Ž๐•๐„! Say hello to The Homeschool Connections Podcast (formerly Homeschooling Saints)โ€”your new Monday-morning must-listen! And leading the way? Our new host, Kaitlin Zaraโ€”a joyful, faith-filled Catholic homeschool mom who's bringing energy, encouragement, and real talk straight to your earbuds. Kaitlin's here to walk with you through all things Catholic homeschoolingโ€”big questions, little wins, messy days, and moments of grace. Season 7 launches Monday, August 18 New episodes every Monday Letโ€™s do this, mamas. Season 7 is all about YOU!

Information

  • Creator
    homeschoolingsaints
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ยฉ Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Homeschool Connections Podcast

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