Explore every episode of the podcast The Homeschooling Journey: Tips and Encouragement for Going the Distance

Some studies say that one in five kids has some form of dyslexia. Today I talk about some signs that might make you want to take a closer look, especially if your child is struggling to learn to read. Links: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/165314/overcoming-dyslexia-by-sally-shaywitz-md-and-jonathan-shaywitz-md https://www.dyslexia.com/book/the-gift-of-dyslexia/ Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Happy New Year to you all! Please take a moment to hear today's short announcement regarding the podcast!

Thanks so much for listening. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today's episode offers a few suggestions of famous Christmas stories to cherish with the whole family during these last weeks of Advent.

Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3fN_-rupwo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUZIVxQ0lIE

https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Father-Christmas-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0618512659

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Kids love scavenger hunts! Today I talk about a way to combine the fun of a scavenger hunt with a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas that the whole family will enjoy.

Link: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

What are some ways to help our kids keep their hearts focused on the season of Advent leading up to Christmas? Today I offer lots of simple and fun ideas!  Be sure to check out the links below. 

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

https://www.amazon.com/Story-Christmas-Book-Advent-Calendar/dp/0761152504/ref=sr_1_6?crid=19OG8WJIXUSVJ&keywords=christmas+advent+calendar+book&qid=1669419626&sprefix=christmas+advent+calendar+book%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-6

⁠https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/printable-jesse-tree-ornaments/

Today I share a beautiful and simple poem that reminds us of our human tendency to miss out on the hidden blessings in our lives. Share this episode with your kids! Reference: https://poets.org/poem/thanksgiving-1 Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

What a blessing each and every homeschool mama, past, present, and future, has been in our family’s journey! Today I offer some words of gratitude to you! Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Dyslexia never goes away, but both you and your child can learn how to work around it. I hope our personal story encourages you! Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today I continue covering the challenges I faced in homeschooling my dyslexic learner... and how I knew when it was time to seek help. Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today I share a short meditation that has brought me strength and peace throughout my homeschooling journey and in many other aspects of my life. I hope you find that it touches you as much as it has always moved me.

Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/408029-god-has-created-me-to-do-him-some-definite-service

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Sadly, tight budgets can scare some families away from homeschooling. But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be expensive. Today I talk about some simple ways to keep those costs down! Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net Links: hoopladigital.com kanopy.com/en

Today's episode picks up from where I left off last week in offering my responses to a recent online forum for critics of homeschooling. Here's what they said... and what I'd like to share with them from my 28 years of experience.

https://stemeducationguide.com/why-people-look-down-on-homeschooling/

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Frequent news stories note the significant increase in homeschooling over the past several years. But not everyone is on board! A recent online forum asked people for honest critiques of the choice to educate kids at home. Here's what they said... and what I'd like to share with them from my 28 years of experience.

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Ever had one of those days when nothing seems to go right? When all you can think about is giving up? Well, haven't we all! Today's SUPER-SHORT episode is a beautiful reminder for you to take heart! Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

We moms tend to worry about the areas where our kids struggle. But let's turn things around and talk about identifying and nuturing their God-given strengths.

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Resources: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Their-Strengths-Approach-Parenting/dp/0736976175

Today I share a humorous and powerful reminder from an all-time favorite author. This episode is one for you to enjoy with the kids!

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net Reference: https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/mike-teavee/

How do you begin your new homeschool year? Today I talk about three simple ways to keep you and the kids enthusiastic about starting back into a new schedule!

https://rockyourhomeschool.net/first-day-of-homeschool-printables/

https://www.papertraildesign.com/

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today I talk about three areas that can sabotage a successful and peaceful homeschooling journey. It's a good idea to be aware of them so you can make a plan!

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Here's a reminder to take advantage of those opportunities to slow down and share in the excitement of learning new things with your children.

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

It's time to gear up for a new school year! Today's pep talk will remind you of why you're going to do a great job!

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Remember Bethany Hamilton, world-famous surfer, shark-bite survivor, and … guess what else? Be inspired by the uplifting words of this amazing young mom.

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Teaching reading is usually pretty painless... kids just naturally want to jump right in! Join me for today's interview with lots of encouragement from Molly!

Resources for today's episode: ABeka Letters and Sounds; Bob Books; Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons; Montessori Method

I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast

Or email me at homeschoolingjourneypodcast@gmail.com

How can we balance being confident in our homeschooling while also knowing when to reach out for help? Today I interview a young mom who talks about the practicalities of walking this fine line.

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today I encourage you to capitalize on your kids' natural gifts and talents! Learn to recognize their unique approaches to learning and understanding God's beautiful world.

 Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today I chat with Olivia all about the joys of reading aloud to her very young children. So much learning is happening, and it's all LOTS of fun! Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today's episode focuses on some of the fascinating history behind our country's Fourth of July celebrations. Your kids will especially love finding out about the kid who designed the American flag!

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today I share a powerful and uplifting reminder of God's perfect care for us. Take a few moments to rest in the promises of our Good Shepherd!

https://www.appleseeds.org/Ps-23_Explained.htm

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today is a tribute to all the dads who give so much to their families! Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today's episode is a fun one! Your kids are going to love this challenge! Link: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/ Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today Stephanie joins me to talk about finishing another year of homeschooling. You'll love her genuine and gentle reminder to cherish the accomplishments of our children and to take joy in the beauty of our vocation as mothers.

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today's episode focuses on teaching your children to honor the hundreds of thousands of heroes who have given their all for our country over the years. We owe them an immense debt of gratitiude. Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

What do you want your summer days to look like? Structured? Or not too much? Today I give some pratical tips for making the most of this glorious time of refreshment!

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Happy Mother’s Day! Today I share a young man’s letter of gratitude to his homeschool mom. This incredibly moving tribute will make your day! Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today author and homeschool mom Carrie Strong talks about how she saw God's hand leading her to continue homeschooling in the midst of some challenging life circumstances. You'll be inspired by her gentle reassurances.

Check out Carrie's book and her website:

https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Homeschool-Resources-Real-life/dp/1664254250

strongroots.farm

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Do you take time to enjoy classical music with your kids? If not, you're missing out, not only on some powerful physical and mental benefits, but most of all on one of life's greatest joys! Today I offer some simple ways to make music appreciation happen in only 5-10 minutes a day!

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Resources:

Vivaldi Concerto for Two Trumpets, Allegro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVtLeR2K8sk

https://www.amazon.com/Year-Wonder-Classical-Music-Enjoy/dp/0062856200/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682467977&sr=1-2

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/classics-for-kids/id268565125

https://www.classicsforkids.com

https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/015671/Stories-of-Great-Composers-Book-and-CD.html

Grading and report cards... do we really need them in our homeschooling? After all, we already know how our kids are doing. Today I talk about how, why, and when to think about grades.

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

To be or not to be... in a homeschool co-op. That is the question! It's that time of year where many of us have to make this decision for next school year. In today's episode I go over the pros and cons and help you think about what's best for your family!

(Rebroadcast)

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Here's a fun project to teach your kids the true meaning of Easter! Resources mentioned: https://www.faithward.org/diy-resurrection-eggs-for-holy-week https://www.leafletonline.com/resurrection-eggs-35434?mc_cid=7103a4ca82&mc_eid=81f02bc958 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=resurrection+eggs+easter&crid=1P2HFLCRYLH90&sprefix=resurrection+eggs+%2Caps%2C115&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_18

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Today my daughter Rose joins me to talk about one of the best parts of homeschooling: choosing curriculum. We cover lots of practical questions: whether to use pre-planned curricula or choose your own piece-by-piece, how to know when something's just not working, and that all-too-common tendency to order too much from all those glossy catalogs!

Did you know that homeschool mamas are the absolute rockstars of consistency? Today's episode is a tribute to you! Be encouraged by these four ways you model: "Slow and steady wins the race"!

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Let's figure out what is causing us to go down this rabbit hole! Today's episode focuses on five reasons why and how to nip them in the bud! 

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Do you worry about not doing enough? Today I offer three quick shifts in mindset to deal with this widespread homeschooling fear. 

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

We typically think of learning languages as taking place in highschool. So why would a homeschooling mom want to start Latin and Greek with her very young children? Find out today as Rose talks about some surprising reasons why!

Resources:

https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/foreign-languages/greeknstuff/hey-andrew-teach-me-some-greek

https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/latin/prima-latina-set/

https://academyofclassicalgreek.com/ 

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

This week we begin the season of Lent. Today’s episode focuses on simple ways to teach your kids about the spiritual beauty and power behind it .  (Rebroadcast) Resources mentioned:  https://www.zephyrhillblog.com/2014/03/printable-calendars-for-lent/ https://littleshootsdeeproots.com/kids-ideas-blog/40-lent-ideas-kids/ https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Stories-Collection-Ben-Kingsley/dp/B01JQXEML4 Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or email me at bjornfam@comcast.net

 In a world full of confusing ideas, careful thinking is a crucial skill. Today I pick back up on this topic, but this time the focus is on older kids. I cover three great ways to teach them to think critically about what they take in.  Resources: https://www.criticalthinking.com/building-thinking-skills.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtvSdBhD0ARIsAPf8oNlxEL7FY9BZR6LElvyeV9nB9dpDEScc1Kch8HxV6AwVbnHO5WDFHRgaAuvIEALw_wcB https://www.criticalthinking.com/critical-thinking-detective-book-1.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtvSdBhD0ARIsAPf8oNmB2bCFlrLv1Dwm2kO46aZx3Bp9DRyyGb8mVjdXv9tdcJF-IXort5UaAlCMEALw_wcB https://www.criticalthinking.com/critical-thinking-detective-book-1.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtvSdBhD0ARIsAPf8oNmB2bCFlrLv1Dwm2kO46aZx3Bp9DRyyGb8mVjdXv9tdcJF-IXort5UaAlCMEALw_wcB  Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Life offers plenty of opportunities to teach very young children to think critically. Pretty much every conversation, situation, and especially storytime!  Enjoy hearing about some fun conversations I had with three of my grandkids to test their critical thinking skills! Resource: http://heidisongs.blogspot.com/2019/07/how-to-teach-critical-thinking-skills.html Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

What do "walking it backwards", shucking corn, and drawing on Bandaids have to do with teaching character life skills? Rose joins me today to talk about some gentle and fun ways to impress life lessons on kids.  It's never to early to start thinking about these! 

Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Now's a great time to plan all those spring fieldtrips! Today I talk about some of our family favorites and how to take advantage of what's available in your area.

https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/135714/virtual-field-trips/

Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Homeschooling is about so much more than the academics! Today my daughter Rose joins me to talk about knife skills for kids, what to do when sour cream is splattered on every surface of the kitchen, and how her preschoolers fight over who *gets* to clean the toilets 🤣 Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net

Today in celebration of the 100th episode of the Homeschooling Journey Podcast, I do a countdown of the Top Ten All-Time Favorite episodes. My hope is that you'll go back and listen again to the practical and timeless wisdom my guests and I have shared with you over the past two years.  And please reach out to me with topics you would like to see covered in the future. You are my inspiration for going forward in this endeavor!

Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net