If math has ever been a pain point in your homeschool, please know you're not alone. So many of us have encountered power struggles regarding homeschooling math. And no one is learning when a kid is crying over a math book. Have you ever wondered if you can homeschool math without a textbook? Do you want to make mathematics more fun and work it into your everyday family life? Well, you're in luck because Jessica Waldock from The Waldock Way is joining us to discuss all of this and more!

This episode is sponsored by Night Zookeeper.

Enjoy a very special offer for listeners of The Homeschool Sisters Podcast – A 7-day free trial and 50% off annual membership. To get your special offer, click the link in our show notes (link below).

- Can You Teach Homeschool Math Without A Textbook? with Jessica Waldock

https://my-little-poppies.com/can-you-teach-homeschool-math-without-a-textbook/

Often, when you're in the throes of parenting, homeschooling, and doing all the things, taking time to notice JOY might not be high on your list. But it should be! Cultivating a daily joy practice can help shift your mood, mindset, and mothering journey.

In this episode, Vanessa Wright is back and she's sharing some simple tips on cultivating a joy-filled daily practice to help boost your energy and creativity.  This is one of those episodes that will inspire you to search for the daily joy, and will have a positive impact on everyone in your orbit!

So, grab a cup of coffee and let's chat!

This episode is sponsored by Night Zookeeper.

Enjoy a very special offer for listeners of The Homeschool Sisters Podcast – A 7-day free trial and 50% off annual membership. To get your special offer, click the link in our show notes (link below).

- Episode 153: The Importance of Finding Daily Joy, with Vanessa Wright 

https://my-little-poppies.com/daily-joy-vanessa-wright/ 

In the second episode of our Poolside Professional Development Summer Series for Moms we are sharing a conversation with Kim John Payne.

Yes, that's right, sisters- he's back!

Kim John Payne, M.ED, is an award-winning author and has been a school counselor, adult educator, consultant, researcher, educator, and private family counselor for twenty-seven years. In this conversation, we discuss child development, adolescence, homeschooling, media consumption, and how to simplify it all!

- Episode 144: On Simplicity, with Kim John Payne

You don't need a flag, a chalkboard or any of the super fancy stuff you see on Instagram to homeschool well.

In this episode, Cait + Kara are breaking down what you actually need to homeschool. It's probably much less than you think!

Listen in as the sisters share what has served them well in their own homes, and what you need to instill a love of learning in your kids.

This sisters are chatting deets this episode - sharing how they document in their homeschool and how to find out what you need to keep track of.

Cait + Kara also break down planning (and NOT planning - don't worry - it works!) and how that looks for each of them, and they wrap up by talking about how long homeschooling should actually take each day.

Spoiler alert: Probably less time than you think!

It can be tricky to know what counts when you're homeschooling, and how to count it. 

In this episode, the sisters break down how to figure out what counts, and what you actually need to be doing each year.

Cait and Kara also share resources for making sure your kiddos are staying on track if you think they may return to traditional school, and how it differs if you plan to homeschool long-term.

The sisters are back with Season 10!

And in this brand new episode, they're breaking down plans for the new podcast season and sharing how they're starting this new homeschool year.

Hear about what's working for the sisters in their homeschools, what changes they've made and how it's all going. They're sharing tons of new recommendations too.

Are you a Cait or a Kara? Try this sisters quiz:

https://thehomeschoolsisters.com

And be sure to check out our sponsor, The Waldock Way. Use the code sisters15 to save in the shop.

Hi Sisters!

As many of you know, Kara has been undergoing some health issues, so we appreciate your patience as we reshare some favorite episodes from the past.

In this episode, Cait and Kara talk about creating a simple summer routine to keep everyone on track.

This is the last episode of season 9, but the sisters are hard at work planning for Season 10 in the Fall.

Have a great summer and LYLAS, 

Cait + Kara

This week the sisters are chatting gameschooling because - surprise! Cait has a brand new 7 Day Gameschool Kickstart Challenge and brand new gameschooling course.

Cait and Kara will break homeschooling down by subject and show you how to add games to your homeschool every day.

Plus, the Kindred Homeschool Collective has a special event happening right now. Head over to kindredhomeschool.com to learn more. Sale ends 2/17/21.

Cait and Kara are back with Season 10, and back in the swing of things ... ish.

They're talking current curriculum picks, deep dives into birds and cake baking, and how to keep going, whether you are a long-timer or an "emergency schooler."

Listen in as the sisters share a few recent wins, and even more ways to cope through this crazy time.

The sisters reflect on 2020, and look hopefully toward a better 2021. 

Plus they share the inspiring words of Katrina Kenison, who encourages us to slow down this holiday season.

The sisters are joined by Tsh Oxenrider, author of the new book Shadow & Light: A Journey Into Advent.

Tsh is a writer, podcaster and the bestselling author of three previous books.

In this episode, Tsh shares her own experience creating advent traditions with her family, and how we can celebrate advent with little ones. 

She also explains how it may be easier and more timely than ever right now to add advent celebration into your home.

Sisters ... it's episode 100! And today Cait and Kara are joined by homeschool cousin Shawna Wingert from Different By Design Learning.

Shawna flips things around and interviews the sisters - plus she hosts 'The Sisters Show,' - think Newlywed Game meets friendship, meets potato chips.

Thank you so much for 100 episodes of support! It has been a joy to get to share this journey with all of you!

It's the last few days of May, and you know what that means, sisters: Poolside Professional Development! In this first episode of our 2024 summer series, Cait shares the titles in her summer book stack. Plus, get a sneak peek into our upcoming summer series, "Poolside Professional Development for Moms," where we will share inspiring conversations all summer!

When you finish listening, drop us a comment and let us know about YOUR poolside reading plans!

Our summer 2024 series is sponsored by Homeschool Planet. Learn more about Homeschool Planet and get a FREE 30-day free trial (no credit card required) and an integrated lesson plan of your choice by click in the link in this episode's show notes (below).

- Poolside Professional Development 2024 [Episode 143]

The sisters are joined by Anne Guarnera of Language Learning at Home to talk about the reality of adding a baby to the homeschool mix.

Anne is the mama of 3 boys, and bravely shares what the past year has been like, homeschooling her 6- and 3-year-olds and also being primary caregiver for her mom, while welcoming a new son.

Even if you don't have a brand new baby at home, Anne, Cait and Kara talk about the myth of balance, setting reasonable expectations, social media's impact on us as mothers and more.

Kate Snow is back!

Kate is a math guru, a Harvard grad, and has been on two previous episodes of the podcast. Her goal is to take the intimidation out of math for parents and kids and to help kids have a positive relationship with math.

This week, Kate chats with Cait and Kara about math for little ones. She shares a bit about her new book, Kindergarten Math with Confidence, as well as how to introduce math to our preschoolers.

The sisters are officially back with Season 9!

In this episode, they catch up, share what they did with their summer vacations - HINT: there are coupon codes! ;)

And of course, Cait and Kara dish about what resources they are excited about using with their kiddos! 

Bring your coffee or tea and jump right back in! 

In this very special final episode of the season, the sisters are joined by the author of one of their very favorite shared books, Kim John Payne.

Years ago, Cait + Kara bonded over one of his many books, Simplicity Parenting, and so they are thrilled to welcome him to the show this week.

Kim, Cait and Kara discuss why parents don't need to to be on a constant quest to give their kids more, the gift of boredom and how we can simplify our kids' lives so they can become more who they truly are.

This is a new favorite, sisters!

In today's episode, the sisters are diving in to "homeschooling an only" - friend Jessica Waldock's name of teaching one child at home.

The trio discusses unique challenges, how to get alone time,  socialization and co-ops and a few common myths.

This episode isn't just for families homeschooling one child, however, there are plenty of great tips for families of all size, including to be Mom or Dad first.

In today's episode, the sisters are joined by good pal Vanessa Wright - an amazing, dedicated homeschool mama who is also great at making self-care a part of her routine.

The trio chat why we need self-care more than ever when things are hard, and why it is NOT selfish.

They share how to replenish ourselves in small, busy mom-size increments and what to do if you feel like you are running on empty.

Pour yourself a hot coffee or tea, put your feet up for a bit and listen in - you deserve a minute, mama!

In this week's episode, Cait and Kara are joined by the other half of the Kindred Collective crew - Alicia Hutchinson and Mary Wilson.

The gals are checking in, sharing what's helping each of them cope + a couple of simple things that are keeping them sane (ish).

Plus the gals talk dealing with disappointment, how to end the year this year, and some Kindred news!

The sisters are joined by Colleen Kessler of Raising Lifelong Learners to talk about navigating anxiety with our kids.

They discuss how to handle media, sleep issues and how to manage your own anxious feelings. Cait, Kara and Colleen also talk about homeschooling through a period of intense anxiety.

Plus, Colleen shares her new anxiety tool kit card deck. Pour yourself a tea or coffee and settle in!

In this episode, the sisters are joined by their "homeschool cousin" and friend Shawna Wingert to talk dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and how to handle lots of outside appointments for yourself or your kids.

Shawna is a special education teacher turned business consultant, and mom of two brilliant boys with differences and special needs.

So she is the perfect person to address some recent questions about the "Three Ds" and beyond.

We've got a brand new episode and some big news today!

Mary Prather of SQUILT is joining Cait and Kara to talk about why and how to add music to your homeschool. So many of us don't have a music background, but we want our kids to learn about music and be able to pursue it if it interests them - so tune in to hear what Mary has to say!

Plus, Kara's book is available March 10 here!

We are wrapping up the Winter-Spring 2024 Homeschool Sisters Podcast season and we have saved the very best for last. Kara Anderson is back for a 2-part conversation that you're going to adore!

Join the sisters as we chat about everything, from the weird bittersweet season of finishing the homeschool journey, to figuring out what to do when you grow up, to the very best glasses for middle aged ladies, how to stop searching and just BE, perimenopause, morning routines, and more.

Kara also shares a personal update on her new writing and podcasting adventure, Where the Beauty Is! Join us for the final installment of this 2-part conversation. We can't wait to hang with you again, sisters!

- Episode 142: A Conversation with Kara Anderson, Part 2 of 2

In this episode, the sisters are joined by two special guests - Tricia Hodges and Nana (Lucia Hames) from You Are An Artist Chalk Pastels.

The sisters are asking all your questions, from why it's valuable to include art in your homeschool to what to do if your child gets frustrated.

You'll love hearing from this sweet duo!

Plus, Cait and Kara share the details on the upcoming Kindred Conference - sign up by Feb. 19!

The sisters are back with Season 8!

Listen in as they catch up - they promise this isn't an eye doctor podcast now - and dive into co-ops and copywork.

Are either necessary? When do you need them and when can you do without?

Cait and Kara are sharing thoughts and their own experience!

Oh sisters! In this final episode of Season 7, Cait and Kara are talking to the author of one of their favorite books - Katrina Kenison.

The sisters and Katrina discuss her book Mitten Strings for God, and how it impacted Cait and Kara as young moms. And they get to find out more about Katrina's philosophy of slowing down, embracing the ordinary and being present with our kids.

This might be a new favorite, sisters, especially as the holidays approach!

In this week's episode, the sisters are answering two listener questions - about strong-willed kids and kiddos who need to move.

Cait and Kara have experience with both (um, wink), so they share what has worked in their own homes, book suggestions and ways to keep your kids learning, even if they need tons of movement.

If you feel like you're clashing with a strong-willed child, or you have one that hops up so often that chasing them counts as cardio, this episode is for you!

The sisters are sharing their favorite cozy tips in this hyggeschooling replay!

Hygge doesn’t have a direct translation into English, but the closest word is probably coziness. So in this episode, the sisters are talking twinkle lights, cocoa, books, games, recipes and other ways to slow down your homeschool and embrace the most hyggeligt time of year.

The sisters are joined by author Melissa Camara Wilkins today to talk about her fantastic new book, Permission Granted.

Cait, Kara and Melissa are talking why we so often feel like we need permission in the first place, how releasing ourselves from perfection helps release our kids too, and more. 

Melissa's book is available now wherever books are sold, and it's definitely a Sisters favorite!

The sisters are joined this week by one of their favorite adventurers, Greta Eskridge!

Cait, Kara and Greta talk adventure, a bit about the myth of balance, and Greta's homeschool challenges as an extrovert and Enneagram 7.

She also shares a peek inside her local adventure club, and why she decided years ago to make weekly outdoor excursions a priority in her homeschool.

Plus, you know that Greta has a book on the way, right?! #happydance

The sisters are so thrilled to welcome Cindy West to this episode.

Cindy is a homeschool mom of three who has loved nature pretty much her whole life, and now creates fantastic products and classes to help parents learn about nature with their kids.

Cindy, Cait and Kara discuss easy ways to add intention to nature walks, how Cindy's own homeschool nature study has developed over the years and what to do about nature journaling if you have a kiddo who really wants their trees to look like trees ... wink. 

This one is for parents new to nature study, those who want to beef-up their outdoor time, and even those who don't think they are "nature" types, i.e., one of the sisters ;)

Do you need to go to a homeschool conference or convention?

Nope! In fact one of the sisters has never been to one!

But, if you'd like to attend one or the other, this is the episode for you. Cait + Kara break down the differences between conferences and conventions, what to look for a in a conference and how to find one that's a good fit.

Plus, the sisters spill the beans with a major announcement about where they will be speaking TOGETHER this year!

Kate Snow of Kate's Homeschool Math Help is back! And this time, she's answering listener questions.

Kate - a Harvard grad, full-on smarty and possible math fairy brings her signature mix of calming support and deep math knowledge to this episode. She addresses what to do about math if you're brand new to homeschooling, how to know if your child really "gets" a math concept and more.

This one is especially good for the math-phobic  - so get cozy and let Kate put your anxious soul at ease.

We are wrapping up the Winter-Spring 2024 Homeschool Sisters Podcast season, and we have saved the very best for last. Kara Anderson is back for a 2-part conversation you will adore!

Join the sisters as we chat about everything, from the weird bittersweet season of finishing the homeschool journey, to figuring out what to do when you grow up, to the very best glasses for middle aged ladies, how to stop searching and just BE, perimenopause, morning routines, and more.

Kara also shares a personal update on her new writing and podcasting adventure, Where the Beauty Is! Join us for the first of this 2-part conversation. We can't wait to hang with you again, sisters!

- Episode 141: A Conversation with Kara Anderson, Part 1 of 2

If you've ever dreamt of hitting the road (or open water!) with your family, this episode if definitely for you.

The sisters are joined by Celeste Orr of Wandering Nation and Togetherness Redefined to talk about the ins and outs of traveling as a homeschooling family.

Cait and Kara are asking your questions - how to homeschool in a tiny space, how to function without going to the library weekly and without a co-op and the BIG one - how do you keep everyone getting along when you are all together 24/7 in an RV!

So bring your wanderlust - even if you don't plan on traveling full-time soon, this episode of full of ideas for your next roadschool vacation plus how to make your time together count.

The sisters are talking homeschool investments in this week's episode - how they meal plan, Cait's new chore chart and the urge to purge.

Cait + Kara get tons of questions about how they get the day-to-day stuff done, how they get their kids involved, and how they feed people who are hungry ALL THE TIME.

Plus, the sisters are both enthusiastic purgers - find out what drives them to rage clean ;) (Hint: It rhymes with bormones.)

If you ever feel like you're not measuring up to the curriculum, this is the episode for you.

Cait and Kara talk are breaking down common curriculum worries, and how to make your resources work for you. Remember - you are in charge, and there are so many ways to homeschool - you shouldn't feel bad all the time!

So pour a cup of coffee or tea, and get ready to take charge of your days.

The sisters are back! And in the first episode of Season 7, they're sharing back-to-school and last-day-of-school traditions. Plus, how do you celebrate when you are a learning all the time family?

Cait + Kara also catch everyone up on their summers, plants and more!

It's here sisters - tons of book ideas for you, plus your permission slip to read outside this summer!

Whether you hit the pool, the campground, or the backyard while your kids jump on the trampoline, Cait + Kara are sharing some books they hope to tackle during "summer break."

This is their third Poolside Professional Development Episode. Make sure you check out the first and second installments!

The sisters are going on break for a bit. They'll be back with new episodes in in the fall. Stay Sweet. See You Next Year and Love Ya Like a Sis!

The sibling relationship is unique, especially when we're young and all living together in the same home.

Add homeschooling to that, and it's really vital to have some sibling strategies.

Cait + Kara have called in sibling expert Lynna Sutherland of Homeschooling Without Training Wheels for this episode. Lynna is a mom to 8 and host of the new podcast Sibling Relationship Lab. She also offers sibling courses, devotionals and more through her site.

Tune in to learn how to see our kids as people, get to the bottom of sibling strife, and raise our kids to want to see each other again every year at Christmas.

In this episode, the sisters are joined by Erin Loechner, founder of the international online homeschool community for little ones, Other Goose.

Erin and the sisters are breaking down simple homeschooling with kids ages 2-7 - how to make it intentional and fun, without making yourself crazy.

Cait, Kara and Erin discuss common early years questions including what to do when your kids don't like your plans for the day, how much "school" we should expect from little kiddos and Erin even shares her strategy for engaging her toddler while working with her 6-year-old.

In this episode, the sisters are celebrating a book birthday with friend Pam Barnhill. Her new book Plan Your Year: Homeschool Planning with Purpose and Peace is available for sale TODAY!

Get your copy here. 

The sisters are sharing this replay episode from last year - one of their most popular episodes so far.

Tune in to learn all about Morning Time, plus all about Pam’s book, Better Together. 

This sisters are joined this week by long-time friend Jamie Martin of Simple Homeschool!

Jamie has written a new book that is THE guide for introverts and for helping extroverts understand introverts better: Introverted Mom: Your Guide to More Calm, Less Guilt and Quiet Joy.

Learn about why introversion is a super power, how to make homeschooling work when you need frequent recharge time, and why to put on pants every day! ;)

The sisters are chatting one-on-one time this week ... How to get it when you're homeschooling and together ALL THE TIME, why it's valuable and what you can do when this just isn't the season for it.

Cait and Kara share simple ideas for one-on-one time at home or when you just have a few minutes and how to make the most of the time we get together.

Hiya, sisters! We are excited to bring this week's episode to your earbuds because we know we have oodles of Outschool fans in the Sisters community. And if you haven't heard of Outschool yet, you're going to want to pull up a chair and get comfy for a second because we might just rock your homeschool world. 

In this week's episode, we welcome Amir Nathoo, founder and CEO of Outschool. What a fun conversation it was! We chat about education, learning, and the sheer joy of a personalized education. Amir shares his experience with a traditional educational path and also shares how alternative paths, like the homeschool movement, have helped to shape the Outschool experience. We also discuss how a child's uniqueness, or quirkiness, is something to treasure and how this uniqueness might transform into desired skills when our kiddos enter the job market.

- The Importance of a Personalized Education, with Amir Nathoo, Founder and CEO of Outschool [Episode 140]

In this episode, Cait + Kara address a common question they get from parents - how to meet their children's emotional needs, and how to deal with issues like anxiety and more while homeschooling.

With plenty of candor, the sisters are their own experiences with this issue and how they've navigated rough patches (and beyond) with their own children.

Today the sisters are chatting about methods and philosophies and why you don't necessarily need to choose one in order to homeschool.

Cait + Kara share their own experiences, and about learning this lesson the hard way - one of them even got booted from a group! (Wait until you hear the reason).

The sisters also talk about finding support if you don't choose a strict method to follow.

The sisters have a tiny case of spring fever in this episode which covers rhythms, new routines, seasonal changes in the their homeschools and more. (Specifically Bob Ross and The Tiny Chef.)

Join them for a candid chat about how rhythm isn't like a crockpot, and why quarterly reviews are the routine sweet spot.