Coffee With Carrie: Homeschool Podcast

Carrie De Francisco
  • 4.9 (96)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Sit down, relax, and take a little coffee break with Carrie. Using practical wisdom, years of experience, and a little bit of humor, Carrie De Francisco offers homeschooling advice, tips, and ideas to moms navigating the homeschooling adventure. Weekly coffee breaks and conversations with Carrie will give you the support and encouragement you need to help you homeschool one day at a time, one step at a time, and one cup of coffee at a time. Speaker, Homeschool Coach, Home Educator, and Author of A Home Education Handbook:  9 Questions to Ask for Simple and Balanced Home-Based Learning, Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education, and Just Breathe ( & Take a Sip of Coffee): Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.

  1. 1d ago

    The Great October Homeschool Freak-Out

    It’s that time of the year. October is scary season:  the Great October Homeschool Freak Out!  This is the month when your carefully crafted homeschool plan comes back to haunt you.  The October Homeschool Reckoning is when Moms realize: "I didn't plan a homeschool. I accidentally created a homeschool monster." Your thoughtfully pieced together curriculum, classes, activities, schedules, and commitments start chasing you in October.  Turn your Great October Freak-Out into your Great October Reset. Don't throw anything into your curriculum graveyard just yet.  Listen to this week's episode.  Carrie shares five things you might want to reset before giving up or starting over.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, eat some chocolate, and take a little coffee break.  Don't freak out! You've got this. Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

  2. Oct 8

    Anyone Can Teach Art: A Conversation with Julie Abels

    Are you art-challenged? Even you can teach art!  Art is so much more than drawing or learning about great artists. Children need opportunities to draw, observe, create, and make things by hand. Creative expression should be an important part of every child’s day and education. In this week’s episode, Carrie is talking with Julie Abels, author of Anyone Can Teach Art and founder of Ridge Light Ranch. Julie and Carrie share how to include art instruction and art appreciation in your home education without an art degree. They also discuss how to add beauty and creativity to your homeschool week in just 20 minutes! And they even get into the hot topic of AI and human creativity. It’s a must-listen for homeschool moms who want to bring more art and beauty into their homes—even if they don’t consider themselves artists. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Julie for a little coffee and conversation about art. Get FREE “Drawing Botanicals like Linnaeus” Lesson at ridgelightranch.com/carrie Check Art Curriculum and Art Instruction videos at https://ridgelightranch.com/ Listen to Anyone Can Teach Art Podcast with Julie at https://ridgelightranch.com/anyone-can-teach-art/ Purchase Anyone Can Teach Art by Julie Abels https://link.amazon/B02sOKS7Q  Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

  3. Oct 1

    Think Outside the Curriculum Box

    It's time to think outside the box!  The number one reason veteran homeschool moms burn out or give up is because they try to do school at home.  The first mistake many new homeschooling moms make is they try to replicate traditional school at home.  Why are you modeling your home education after the very thing you are trying to escape?  Don't do school at home.  Think outside the box.  Let's do "school" differently this year.  This week, Carrie shares how to think outside the curriculum box and how to get out of the classroom mindset.   If you are new to homeschooling, you will need the reassurance and encouragement to change your mindset.  If you are a seasoned homeschooling mom, you probably need these important reminders.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee break. Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

  4. Sep 24

    Heart of Preschool (& Kindergarten)

    If you have a toddler, preschooler, TK, Kindergartener or 6 year old, you don't want to miss this Coffee With Carrie Homeschool episode.  If your children are past this stage, then make sure you share this episode with friends who are thinking of homeschooling their little ones.  In this week's episode, Carrie explains the seven essentials of preschool and kindergarten and how to create a nurturing, learning environment with and without formal curriculum.  If you have little ones or you are new to homeschooling, you don't want to miss this episode.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee break.  Guide to Early Years Home Education:  CLICK HERE Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

  5. Sep 17

    To Teach or Not Teach Shakespeare: 5 Simple Strategies

    To teach or not to teach Shakespeare? That is the question!   If you are thinking, "There’s no way I can teach Shakespeare to my kids!" or "There is no way my kids will enjoy learning about Shakespeare and his plays.  I don't understand him.  How in the world will my little guys get it?" then you need to join Carrie for this week's little coffee break.  Yes!  You can teach Shakespeare. And Yes! Your children will love it!  Have no fear! It's time for some Shakespeare!  It is not only doable but can be quite fun to add a little Shakespeare to your homeschooling.  In this week's coffee break, Carrie shares five simple strategies to reading and enjoying the plays of Shakespeare.  She also gives some fun and practical tips for introducing the Bard, his old English banter, and the beauty of Shakespearean language.  Carrie even gives ideas on how to incorporate games, drama, and Legos (yes, even Legos) into your Shakespearean studies.  For links, books, and activities mentioned in this week's podcast, go to Coffee With Carrie Website.  The blog article "Summer of Shakespeare" has all resources with links mentioned in this episode plus more! Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

  6. Sep 10

    Math Morning Time: Tame Math Tears & Fears

    Join Carrie for this little coffee break.  In this episode, Carrie shares fun and simple ways to incorporate math picture books, games, read aloud, and problem-solving activities into your Morning (or Basket) Time.  Carrie shares how to use and rotate SIX of her favorite "Go To" Math Resources during morning basket time.  These super fun, quick, (and inexpensive) ideas are sure to be a hit with you and with your family.  Exploring math and practicing computation as a family can be as easy as pi!  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up and join Carrie for little coffee and conversation about taming those math tears and fears. Math Picture Book List (PDF file):  CLICK HERE Recommended Math Picture Books with Amazon Links:  CLICK HERE Recommended Games (Including Math Games) with Amazon Links:  CLICK HERE BedTime Math APP:  CLICK HERE Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

  7. Sep 3

    Homeschooling Together: A Conversation with Friends About Grandparents Homeschooling Their Grandkids

    There’s a beautiful new trend in the homeschooling community: grandparents partnering with parents to homeschool their grandkids!  Do you work full-time or part-time and need extra support homeschooling your child? Are you a single parent who could use an additional hand? Or do you have a parent or mother-in-law who would love to play a more active role in your child’s education?  If so, you’ll love this week’s conversation with Valerie Costanza and Chris Gonzalez. Carrie sits down with this dynamic mother-daughter team who have been homeschooling Valerie’s daughter—and Chris’s granddaughter—Camila, together for the past eight years. From the very beginning, homeschooling has truly been a team effort.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie, Valerie, and Chris for a little coffee and conversation about homeschooling together and generational home education. Join our Costa Rica Culture & Nature Study Adventure Trip for Homeschoolers: https://coffeewithcarrie.org/costa-rica-trip Register before August 8th to get Early Enrollment Discount ($200 off your trip).  Use code EarlyEnrollment2027 https://www.educationaltravel.com/register TRIP ID # 4345 Info About WorldStrides:  https://worldstrides.com/en-us Got Specific Questions about Costa Rica Trip?  Set up a conference call:  https://calendly.com/mdefrancisco8892/30min?month=2026-06  Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

  8. Aug 27

    History Alive! Revisited & Updated

    No textbook? No problem!  You can teach history without relying on dry, boring textbooks filled with sound bites, half-truths, political agendas, or revisionist narratives. Did you hate history class growing up? Are your kids bored to death when it’s time for history lessons? If you’re looking for a fresh way to make history come alive in your homeschool, then grab a cup of coffee and take a break with Carrie.  This week features an updated version of the popular “History Alive” episode from Season 1. Carrie shares practical, engaging, and inexpensive ways to teach history to the entire family.  In the first part, she shows how to organize your history lessons for the year and include everyone in the family. In the second part, Carrie offers six super easy and simple ways to make meaningful connections and help history feel relevant to your kids.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and learn how to teach history in a way that’s truly engaging and fun for the whole family. Field Trip Opportunity:  Join our Costa Rica Culture & Nature Study Adventure Trip for Homeschoolers.  Go to www.coffeewithcarrie.org / Costa Rica Trip for details or to sign up. Info About WorldStrides:  https://worldstrides.com/en-us Got Specific Questions about Costa Rica Trip?  Set up a conference call:  https://calendly.com/mdefrancisco8892/30min?month=2026-06  Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

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4.9
out of 5
96 Ratings

About

Sit down, relax, and take a little coffee break with Carrie. Using practical wisdom, years of experience, and a little bit of humor, Carrie De Francisco offers homeschooling advice, tips, and ideas to moms navigating the homeschooling adventure. Weekly coffee breaks and conversations with Carrie will give you the support and encouragement you need to help you homeschool one day at a time, one step at a time, and one cup of coffee at a time. Speaker, Homeschool Coach, Home Educator, and Author of A Home Education Handbook:  9 Questions to Ask for Simple and Balanced Home-Based Learning, Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education, and Just Breathe ( & Take a Sip of Coffee): Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.

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