The Homeschool Well Podcast | How to Homeschool, Christian Homeschooling, Homeschool Ideas

Kim Godfrey and Jenny Barr - Teachers, Homeschool Coaches, Christian Moms
The Homeschool Well Podcast | How to Homeschool, Christian Homeschooling, Homeschool Ideas

How to Start Homeschooling * Home Education * Homeschool Tips * Homeschool Community * Homeschooling in Florida Are you overwhelmed with homeschooling and doubting your ability to plan well for your child’s future? Are you wasting hours searching online for homeschool ideas and answers, only to come up short? Are your kids bored, frustrated, or pushing back (and you’re burning out!)? Are you thinking homeschooling shouldn’t be THIS hard??? Hi, Homeschool Mama, we are Kim Godfrey and Jenny Barr, friends and former public school teachers turned homeschool moms. We’ve been in your shoes and have learned over the years how to navigate the homeschool world so that we could homeschool well. God aligned our lives in such a way that we became great friends and supported each other throughout our homeschooling years, and now it is our mission to share with YOU how to set up a thriving homeschool, set your kids up for success, and still have balance in your life. Each week we bring you topics that are important to homeschool moms: strategies to help you TEACH WELL, ideas and activities to help your children LEARN WELL, and routines to help you BE WELL. With our extensive education backgrounds, our homeschool experiences (both good and bad!) and our maternal wisdom, we are here to hold your hand and help make your homeschooling journey easier and actually enjoyable. We can’t wait to help you HOMESCHOOL WELL. Blessings! Kim and Jenny 💖👯‍♀️Join The Homeschool Well Community: ⁠https://thehomeschoolwell.com/community⁠ ✨Grab Your Homeschooling Freebies: ⁠https://thehomeschoolwell.com/store⁠ 💕Get encouragement in our free Facebook community: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragementforchristianmoms 💌Email us: support@thehomeschoolwell.com

  1. MAY 13

    Happy (Belated) Mother’s Day! Encouragement for homeschool moms — prioritizing relationship w/ your kids | 114

    Hey Homeschool mom! Welcome to The Homeschool Well Podcast! In this heartfelt episode, we share a special (and slightly belated) Mother’s Day message filled with encouragement, honesty, and hope — just for the homeschool mom (and especially moms with strong-willed kids!). Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by your homeschool journey or just needing a little reminder that you're not alone, this episode is packed with wisdom. Jenny reflects on how parenting and homeschooling her oldest son — who just turned 20 — shaped her family’s homeschool experience. In this episode, you'll hear about what it means to truly prioritize the relationship with your child, how to shift from control to connection, and how the long game of motherhood is always worth it.   💡 Resources Mentioned: Cynthia Tobias – Author and speaker on strong-willed children Celebrate Calm with Kirk Martin – Parenting and homeschool podcast Our weekly Homeschool Support Group One-on-one Homeschool Coaching Sessions:15% off for podcast listeners – Use code PODCAST15 at checkout! 🎁 Looking for Homeschool Help? We’re here for you! Whether you're just starting or need guidance with a tough season, our online Christian homeschool support group offers weekly meetups, practical encouragement, and a strong community of moms who get it. Visit thehomeschoolwell.com for: Ongoing homeschool support Trusted homeschool resources, including testing and evaluations Encouraging tools for homeschool moms Private coaching and more 🌷 Honoring Mothers Every Day Even if this episode comes to you a little late, we believe moms deserve to be celebrated every day. Your work matters and we’re cheering you on! Keep going, homeschool mom — you’ve got this. Blessings! Kim and Jenny❤️❤️

    16 min
  2. MAY 6

    How to create a homeschool portfolio (Florida evaluation tips, too!) - Rerelease | 113

    Hi homeschool mom! Today we’re rereleasing one of our most popular episodes from April 2024: how to create a homeschool portfolio, especially if you're wrapping up the year and preparing for your homeschool evaluation in Florida. We’ll walk you through step-by-step how to compile a homeschool portfolio that not only meets Florida’s legal requirements, but also showcases your child’s growth and achievements. Whether you're brand new or just need a refresh, this episode is packed with practical tips, encouragement, and real-life ideas to make the end of your year smoother.   🧾 Topics we cover: What to include in your Florida homeschool portfolio How to organize work samples, planners, and records Digital vs. physical portfolio methods The #1 mistake most families make (and how to avoid it) How to show student progress for your homeschool evaluation Tips for celebrating your school year with a meaningful portfolio review 💡 Plus, we share expert tips we’ve learned as both former teachers and homeschool evaluators. And don’t miss our encouragement from Colossians 1:11-12—we’re praying for your endurance and joy as you finish strong! ✨ Helpful Links & Resources: ✅ Get the FREE Homeschool Portfolio Checklist for Florid and watch our Homeschool Portfolio Sample Video 🎥 Want more? This episode comes from our recorded workshop, available inside our online community. Join us at thehomeschoolwell.com/community to access all on-demand workshops for Christian homeschool moms. Be empowered, Kim and Jenny❤️❤️

    15 min
  3. APR 22

    Do homeschoolers need tests? How (and why) to assess without the stress! | 112

    Hey, homeschool mom! In this episode of The Homeschool Well Podcast, we’re diving into a topic that often sparks big feelings—HOMESCHOOL TESTING. If you're thinking “I left public school to avoid all this!”—you're not alone! But today, we share why homeschool assessments don't have to be stressful (or even done every year), and how they can actually serve your homeschool journey. We’ll talk through: Why testing for homeschoolers can help you work smarter, not harder The difference between formal assessments and informal assessments Examples of everyday tools you’re already using to gauge learning Why homeschool standardized testing might be a great option (especially in states like Florida if you're using the PEP Scholarship) A breakdown of some standardized tests like the KTEA-3, Iowa Test of Basic Skills, and Terra Nova We also offer both standardized testing for homeschoolers and personalized reading assessments at The Homeschool Well. Not sure what kind of testing you need? We're currently offering a 15% off coaching session for podcast listeners. Use code PODCAST15 at checkout. 💻 💡 Whether you’re new to homeschool testing or just trying to figure out next steps, this episode is full of encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder that no test defines your child—or you. 📖 Plus, we end with a word of hope from God's word, to remind you of the bigger picture. ;) 📝 Resources mentioned: KTEA-3 Testing (offered virtually) Reading & phonics assessments -- schedule a call for more info Portfolio evaluations  Coaching & consultation - use code PODCAST15 🎧 Tune in, breathe deep, and be encouraged! Kim and Jenny❤️❤️

    18 min
  4. APR 15

    Homeschool transcript tips: How to write creative course titles with confidence | 111

    Hey there, homeschool mama! Welcome to Episode 2 of our transcript series, all about building a strong, flexible, and empowering homeschool transcript for your high schooler! 🎓 This week, we’re zooming in on one of the most important (and often intimidating) parts of the process: course titles. Whether you’re pulling from traditional academics or crafting classes from your student’s unique experiences, this episode will help you write those course names with confidence and clarity. In less than 20 minutes, you'll learn: - Why knowing your state’s graduation requirements matters - How to align classes with your teen’s future dreams — even if those dreams are still forming - The difference between standard and custom course names - How to name and document out-of-the-box learning experiences - Where to find trusted homeschool transcript templates - How to use tools for creative ideas - And why it’s never too early to start your own homeschool transcript, even if your kids are little! By the end of this podcast you will have the right tools (as well as plenty of encouragement) to create a beautiful, meaningful homeschool transcript that truly reflects your child’s learning journey. 📚 Resources Mentioned: 📚More Than Credits by Cheryl Bastian: https://www.cherylbastian.com/resources/f5cnoa7h3nts5vyk8eeqex359nqenw 📝 Our blog with free editable homeschool transcript templates and a real homeschool transcript example: https://www.thehomeschoolwell.com/blog?tag=high+school+transcripts 🌴 Florida’s CPALMS directory of course titles and descriptions: https://www.cpalms.org/public/search/Course   Next time we’re diving into: How to assign high school credit to those course titles—so don’t miss it! Until then, keep showing up, Mama. You are building something eternal. With love and prayers, Kim & Jenny❤️❤️   🎉 Big news! We just hit 20,000 podcast downloads — and we couldn’t have done it without you! If this episode has encouraged or equipped you, would you: ⭐️ Leave us a 5-star rating & short review 📤 Share this episode with a fellow homeschool parent 🙏 Or send up a prayer as we continue this journey of serving families like yours

    19 min
  5. APR 8

    High school homeschool transcripts made easy (really!) | 110

    Hey homeschool mom! Welcome to The Homeschool Well Podcast, where we tackle all things homeschooling with peace and purpose. This episode kicks off a brand-new series all about the homeschool transcript. If the idea of creating a homeschool transcript feels overwhelming or confusing, you are not alone. Many of us have felt intimidated by this one piece of paper. But here's the good news: it's not as complicated as it seems. In fact, it’s just a clean, simple summary of your teen’s high school years—and we're here to walk you through it step by step. In this episode, we’re breaking it down easy-breezy. Whether you have a kindergartener or a high schooler, it’s never too early (or too late!) to understand how to document your child’s educational journey with confidence. You’ll learn: What actually goes on a homeschool transcript The basic sections: student info, school info, course titles, grades, credits, and GPA Why you are qualified to create one (you’re the administrator!) Where to find editable and printable homeschool transcript templates Tips for making your transcript look clean, clear, and professional 📚 Want to see what we're talking about? 👉 Check out the free homeschool transcript template I reference in this episode on our blog: How to Make a Homeschool Transcript for High School (Note: The blog was posted in October 2023, but trust us—it’s still golden.) ✏️ Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—this episode is part of a bite-sized series. Next up, we’ll chat about how to choose classes for high school that will eventually go on that transcript. 💬 Need help right now? Our online homeschool community offers weekly office hours and one-on-one support. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Thanks for hanging out with us today! If this encouraged you, go ahead and share it with a friend who needs a little transcript peace too. Stay calm and homeschool on, Kim and Jenny❤️❤️

    18 min
  6. MAR 25

    Homeschooling Fails: Pride, anger, and God’s grace in messy moments | 108

    Hi homeschool mom! Ever feel like you’re scared of failing at homeschooling? You’re not alone — and today, Kim shares some real talk about her biggest homeschooling fails, including the emotions of pride and anger that nearly derailed her journey. From pretending she could teach upper-level math (spoiler: it didn’t go well) to letting poor time management and the “mean mommy voice” creep in, Kim opens up about what homeschool failure looked like in her home — and how God brought grace, healing, and even laughter through it all. If you’re thinking about homeschooling but battling fear of failure, this episode will remind you: your mistakes don’t define you. There's always room for growth, prayer, and joy. You’ll Hear: -A hard truth about trying to do it all (especially math 😅) -How denial and pride caused stress—and what finally helped -A powerful fact about homeschooling no one tells you -What to do when anger takes over your homeschool days -The importance of battle prayer and vulnerable community 🎯 Ready for clarity? Book your FREE 15-min Discovery Call with Kim + Jenny: thehomeschoolwell.com 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Want prayer or support? Join our weekly live community or email Kim at kim@thehomeschoolwell.com — we’re here for you, whether you’re in our group or not. 💬 Love the show? Leave a review + share with a friend who’s thinking about homeschooling and needs some real, grace-filled encouragement. Email us your prayer requests: support@thehomeschoolwell.com   You've got this, and we’re here to help! Blessings, Kim and Jenny❤️

    13 min
5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

How to Start Homeschooling * Home Education * Homeschool Tips * Homeschool Community * Homeschooling in Florida Are you overwhelmed with homeschooling and doubting your ability to plan well for your child’s future? Are you wasting hours searching online for homeschool ideas and answers, only to come up short? Are your kids bored, frustrated, or pushing back (and you’re burning out!)? Are you thinking homeschooling shouldn’t be THIS hard??? Hi, Homeschool Mama, we are Kim Godfrey and Jenny Barr, friends and former public school teachers turned homeschool moms. We’ve been in your shoes and have learned over the years how to navigate the homeschool world so that we could homeschool well. God aligned our lives in such a way that we became great friends and supported each other throughout our homeschooling years, and now it is our mission to share with YOU how to set up a thriving homeschool, set your kids up for success, and still have balance in your life. Each week we bring you topics that are important to homeschool moms: strategies to help you TEACH WELL, ideas and activities to help your children LEARN WELL, and routines to help you BE WELL. With our extensive education backgrounds, our homeschool experiences (both good and bad!) and our maternal wisdom, we are here to hold your hand and help make your homeschooling journey easier and actually enjoyable. We can’t wait to help you HOMESCHOOL WELL. Blessings! Kim and Jenny 💖👯‍♀️Join The Homeschool Well Community: ⁠https://thehomeschoolwell.com/community⁠ ✨Grab Your Homeschooling Freebies: ⁠https://thehomeschoolwell.com/store⁠ 💕Get encouragement in our free Facebook community: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragementforchristianmoms 💌Email us: support@thehomeschoolwell.com

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada