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. 4d ago

    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

  2. 6d ago

    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

  3. Jul 16

    Season 2, Episode 2: Do Whatever You Want — Monica on Simplifying Homeschool with Faith and Confidence

    Monica’s oldest was five when they started formal lessons — and it was a struggle. A year later, at six, everything clicked. In this episode, I chat with Monica, a mom of three (ages seven, four, and one) in her fourth year of homeschooling. She runs her homeschool from Small Quiet Lessons, centering it on faith, simplicity, and connection. Monica shares what “deschooling” actually looks like day to day in her home — including the real, sometimes messy work of homeschooling around nap times and a toddler’s interruptions — how she plans an entire school year using one running Google Doc, and why she’s decided to take this summer completely off for the first time. She also gets honest about the mistake that taught her to slow down — and why she still wonders, four years in, if she’s doing enough. You’ll hear: - How she juggles lesson time with a preschooler and a toddler in the mix — nap time, screen time, and letting go of a “perfect” day - What deschooling really looks like in her home — read-alouds, a little academics, and a lot of unstructured play - Why she started formal lessons too early with her oldest, and what she’d do differently - Her simple system for planning an entire year using one running Google Doc - How she builds her own unit studies with zero curriculum background - How she stays confident in a simplified homeschool without comparing herself to “maximalist” homeschool content online - Her honest advice for new homeschoolers: do whatever works for your family ✨ Listen in for a reminder that simple can still be strong — and that you get to build the homeschool that actually fits your family. About Monica: I am a 4th year homeschool mom who really centers her homeschool on Christ, simplicity and connection. This is the first year I am taking the summer off to really give everyone a long break, make room for playdates with our traditional school friends who are also off, and have as much unstructured play time as feels right. I am on a journey to creating systems and habit that allow our whole family to enjoy our home and our time together. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meet Monica 01:00 – Discovering homeschooling through YouTube after a rough daycare experience 02:00 – The heart behind their homeschool: foundation, virtues, and time together 04:00 – Managing homeschool with a toddler: nap time, screen time, and the mess of real life 06:00 – A typical day: read-alouds, main subjects, and unstructured play 07:00 – The lesson in switching up subjects when something isn’t working 08:00 – What “deschooling” really means in their home 11:00 – Curriculum & resources: The Good and the Beautiful, Evan-Moor, Reading Eggs, Arts for Kids Hub 13:00 – Planning ahead with one running Google Doc 15:00 – Building her own simple unit studies from scratch 18:00 – What simple weekly and daily planning actually looks like 21:00 – Staying confident in simplicity without comparison 25:00 – Her biggest homeschool mistake: starting formal lessons too early 27:00 – Wondering “am I doing enough?” — and why that’s normal 29:00 – Finding real community through co-ops, parks, and routine 32:00 – Her best advice: do whatever works for your family 34:00 – Where to find Monica + closing thoughts Resources & Links Mentioned: * Connect with Monica on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @smallquietlessons * Curriculum mentioned: The Good and the Beautiful (math, language arts, handwriting) * Evan-Moor Daily Practice Books (geography) * Reading Eggs (online gamified reading resource) * Arts for Kids Hub (YouTube channel) * 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 2: Do Whatever You Want — Monica on Simplifying Homeschool with Faith and Confidence

  4. Jul 14

    Season 2, Episode 1: Breaking Barriers — Patience Ngamira on Homeschooling, Neurodivergence, and Building Community Across Africa

    In Nigeria, some toddlers are expected to read fluently by age three. Patience Ngamira looked at that pressure and chose a completely different path for her son. In this episode, I chat with Patience Ngamira, a Zimbabwean mom based in Lagos, Nigeria, who has been homeschooling her son since he was just 20 months old. Patience shares what pushed her to opt out of Nigeria’s high-pressure early education system, how child-led, play-based learning helped her son thrive in Spanish, spelling, and art, and the misconceptions she’s had to push back on as a homeschooling and neurodivergent-advocacy mom—including a doctor who blamed homeschooling for her son’s speech delay. We also dig into KevKids Services, the business she built around nutrition, education, and empowerment. You’ll hear: * Why Nigeria’s academic expectations for toddlers pushed Patience to homeschool full-time * How child-led, play-based learning helped her son thrive in Spanish, spelling, and art * The medical referral letter that told doctors to “counsel the mom on the dangers of homeschooling” * How she found (and helped build) a thriving homeschool community in Lagos * The three pillars behind KevKids Services: nutrition, education, and empowerment * Her honest take on the blurred lines of homeschooling across Africa ✨ Listen in for a powerful reminder that homeschooling looks different everywhere—and that showing up for your child, wherever they learn, is what matters most. About Patience: I am a Zimbabwean based in Lagos, Nigeria. A mom who was homeschooled for a few years , and is now homeschooling her son. I am also a founder of KevKids Services and initiative that looks at 3 major pillars of child development namely nutrition, education and empowerment. I am also an advocate for the acceptance, inclusion of neurodivergent individuals Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & meet Patience 04:00 – Why she started homeschooling her son at 20 months 07:00 – Culture shock: Nigeria’s high-pressure early childhood education system 17:00 – Weighing the future: full homeschool, hybrid, or conventional school 18:00 – A day in the life: child-led, play-based learning 23:00 – Following his interests: Spanish, spelling bees, and painting 32:00 – How Patience stays organized between homeschool and business 41:00 – Transitioning to a more structured curriculum as he turns five 45:00 – The landscape of homeschooling across Africa 52:00 – Misconceptions, stereotypes, and Nigeria’s homeschool legislation 55:00 – Speech delay, neurodivergence, and homeschooling myths 1:03:00 – The Montessori assessment that placed her 4-year-old in primary two 1:10:00 – Finding and building homeschool community in Lagos 1:16:00 – A doctor’s visit and a hard conversation about homeschooling 1:24:00 – Advocating for choice and challenging stereotypes 1:26:00 – Inside KevKids Services: education, nutrition, and empowerment 1:44:00 – Balancing business and homeschooling 1:45:00 – Final advice + where to connect with Patience Resources & Links Mentioned: * Connect with Patience on TikTok and Instagram: @homeschooler_kev * 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 1: Breaking Barriers — Patience Ngamira on Homeschooling, Neurodivergence, and Building Community Across Africa

  5. May 17

    3 Tips for Planning Your Next Homeschool Year (From Inside Ready 2026)

    If “plan for next school year” is sitting on your mental to-do list and just looking at it makes you tired, then this one’s for you. We’re three weeks into Ready 2026 (the 21-day planning group I’m hosting right now), and I’ve been paying close attention to what’s actually working for the moms inside. Not theory. Not what should work. What’s genuinely moving the needle for real homeschool moms planning a real school year. In this episode, I’m sharing the three tips that keep coming up: * Create a plan to plan. Before you open one more curriculum tab, pause. You need a container and a sequence — not more research. * Start with your curriculum philosophy. Curriculum is the #1 anxiety-producer in homeschool planning. Starting with your why (instead of the sea of options) changes everything. * Don’t plan in a silo. I spent years as a teacher and principal, and I almost never planned alone — there’s a reason. Community brings better ideas and the accountability that actually gets the plan done. If you want the whole 21-day system done-for-you (calendar, curriculum charts for ELA, math, science, and history, Google Doc + Sheet templates, daily prompts, and a WhatsApp community of moms doing it alongside you), the June Ready 2026 group kicks off June 1st. Join now and you get early access to all 21 days. We’ll move through them live together in WhatsApp June 1–21. It’s $21. Link to join 👉🏽 https://theorganizedhomeschool-co.systeme.io/1a4fb888 Timestamps: * 00:00 — Why these three tips (and where they came from) * 00:35 — Tip #1: Create a plan for how you’re going to plan * 02:08 — Tip #2: Start with your curriculum philosophy * 03:31 — Tip #3: Do it in community * 05:05 — Recap + how to join Ready 2026 (June group) 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

    3 Tips for Planning Your Next Homeschool Year (From Inside Ready 2026)

  6. May 7

    Prioritize You: The Mindsets That Keep Homeschool Moms Going

    As a homeschool mom, you’re carrying a lot. You’re not just mom. You’re teacher, schedule-keeper, curriculum-chooser, and everything in between. And somewhere in all of that, it’s really easy to put yourself last. In this episode, I’m sharing the mindsets that keep me grounded, the ones I come back to when the weight of it all starts to feel like too much. We’re talking about what it actually means to do enough, why you don’t have to do it all, the power of treating your homeschool like an experiment, and why your happiness is the thermostat for your whole home. I’m also sharing one practical thing you can do right now to start putting yourself first and there is no overhaul required. Because when you’re good, everything else has a much better shot at being good too. 🎧 Listen to this episode and let me know: what’s your one non-negotiable? 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

    Prioritize You: The Mindsets That Keep Homeschool Moms Going

  7. Apr 30

    21-Day Homeschool Planning System for the 2026-2027 School Year | Ready 2026 Group

    How to Plan Your Homeschool Year in 21 Days Are you a homeschool mom feeling overwhelmed by planning the next school year? In this episode, I’m sharing my complete 21-day homeschool planning system designed to help you organize curriculum, set goals, and prepare for the 2026-2027 school year — without the stress and mental overload. Whether you’re a new homeschooler making your first big decisions or a veteran homeschool parent returning for another year, this step-by-step homeschool planning framework will guide you through every decision you need to make. What You’ll Learn in This Homeschool Planning Episode: ✅ Week 1 – Homeschool Foundations: How to define your homeschool why, create a vision statement, set yearly goals for each child, reflect on the previous school year, and audit your current homeschool resources ✅ Week 2 – Homeschool Curriculum Selection: A proven curriculum decision-making framework (developed from real experience choosing curriculum for an entire elementary school) to help you confidently pick the best homeschool curriculum for your family ✅ Week 3 – Homeschool Organization & Systems: How to organize homeschool materials, set up record-keeping systems, track homeschool days and grades, manage high school credits, and stay compliant with your state’s homeschool laws Join the Ready 2026 Homeschool Planning Group https://theorganizedhomeschool-co.systeme.io/1a4fb888 Want to plan your homeschool year alongside other homeschool moms? Join Ready 2026, my small-group homeschool planning challenge starting May 1st. You’ll get: * Daily planning prompts following the 21-day system * A private WhatsApp community of homeschool moms * Direct access to ask questions and share progress * Accountability to finish your homeschool plan by May 21st * Homeschool planning workbook (Google Sheets & Docs format) * Curriculum selection framework * Goal-setting templates for each child Perfect for homeschool moms who want to: * Finish homeschool planning before summer * Enjoy a stress-free June, July, and August * Start the new school year feeling confident and organized * Connect with a supportive homeschool community Topics Covered: homeschool planning, homeschool curriculum, homeschool organization, homeschool schedule, homeschool mom, homeschool routine, back to homeschool, homeschool year planning, homeschool goals, homeschool record keeping Connect With Me: Have questions about homeschool planning? DM me on social media, comment on Substack, or send an email. I’d love to hear about your homeschool journey and see your completed plan! 🎧 Listen now and start planning your best homeschool year yet. 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

    21-Day Homeschool Planning System for the 2026-2027 School Year | Ready 2026 Group

  8. 11/21/2025

    Voice Note 33: Pivoting With Purpose: Tiffany’s Lessons from Year One of Homeschooling

    Your first year of homeschooling isn’t about perfection — it’s about pivoting with purpose. In this episode, I talk with Tiffany Smith (@rooted.inlearning), a Florida homeschooling mom of two who made the transition from corporate life to full-time motherhood and homeschooling. Tiffany shares what her first year really looked like — the lessons, the pivots, the planning tweaks, and the wins that gave her confidence going into year two. You’ll hear: * Why kindergarten didn’t work for her daughter and how she trusted her intuition * What the “learning year” looked like in real life * How she handled curriculum gaps and changes with confidence * The systems she uses for planning, organization, and self-care * How she balances part-time work while homeschooling two little ones * The joy she’s found in a slower pace, intentional learning, and strong community ✨ A grounding, encouraging listen for homeschool moms at any stage — especially those navigating their first year. About Tiffany: Hi, I’m Tiffany! I’m a 32-year-old wife and homeschooling girl mom living our best Florida life — from beach days to biking, hiking, exploring the springs, and a little Disney. Our homeschool is Christ-centered, with a strong emphasis on quality education. We take an eclectic, year-round approach, blending hands-on activities, unit studies, and plenty of real-world learning. Every day is an opportunity to grow, discover, and enjoy the journey together! ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Meet Tiffany: Florida mom of two, adventurer, and new homeschooler 02:00 – Why she knew kindergarten wasn’t the right fit 06:00 – Trusting her gut and bringing her daughter home 10:00 – Leaving corporate work: fears, peace, and new beginnings 14:00 – The “learning year” and what it taught her 18:00 – The myth of socialization & finding real community 24:00 – Curriculum pivots: what worked and what didn’t 32:00 – Planning rhythm: weekly structure, pacing, and balance 39:00 – Homeschool + part-time work: what this looks like 47:00 – Self-care, faith, and protecting your peace 54:00 – Favorite resources + curriculum she loves 1:06:00 – Encouragement for new homeschool moms: pivot with purpose 1:13:00 – Where to connect with Tiffany 🔗 Resources & Links Tiffany’s Favorites & Mentions: * The Good and the Beautiful (Language Arts & History) * Abeka (Math) * All About Reading * Horizon (Spelling) * BJU Press (Science) * LIFEPAC (Bible Curriculum) * CrunchLabs (STEM subscription) * The Well Ordered Homeschool Planner 🔗 Social Media * Connect with Tiffany on Tiktok and Instagram * Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool * Listen & subscribe: Apple | Spotify | 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

    Voice Note 33: Pivoting With Purpose: Tiffany’s Lessons from Year One of Homeschooling
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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

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