Homeschool Better Together
Emily Brown
Are you ready for homeschooling to feel joyful again? Do you need support as you learn alongside your kids? Welcome to Homeschool Better Together. Hosted by Laney Homan, this podcast shares how to stop questioning if you are doing enough and create a homeschool experience that fits your family.
In the podcast, we break down the big ideas into manageable chunks to give you the confidence and resources you need to finally step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder. Homeschool stories and practical tips are delivered straight to your earbuds full of inspiration and encouragement. They are perfect to listen to while running errands or folding a load of laundry. No matter what homeschool method you use, you’ll learn how to remove the overwhelm from your homeschool so you can focus on building relationships. To stay connected and learn even more about the Homeschooling Better Together resources, join the free community: https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/join-the-community-2/
In the podcast, we break down the big ideas into manageable chunks to give you the confidence and resources you need to finally step out of the overwhelm and into the wonder. Homeschool stories and practical tips are delivered straight to your earbuds full of inspiration and encouragement. They are perfect to listen to while running errands or folding a load of laundry. No matter what homeschool method you use, you’ll learn how to remove the overwhelm from your homeschool so you can focus on building relationships. To stay connected and learn even more about the Homeschooling Better Together resources, join the free community: https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/join-the-community-2/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 10, 2023 • 52min
YMB #142 Rethinking Homeschool Curriculum: Embracing Immersive Learning and Making Connections
Tired of the daily grind of homeschooling? Join Pam Barnhill and her team as they share how Your Morning Basket Plus Explorations can breathe new life into your homeschool. In this episode, Pam is joined by team members Ali and Laney to discuss how using Explorations as the basis for elementary homeschool subjects can nurture relationships, reduce stress, and encourage a love of learning. Hear real-life examples of how topics like baseball, ponds, artwork, and nature have captured children's imaginations across various ages. Discover how activities in music, poetry, picture study, and more can provide a rich learning experience tailored to each child's interests and abilities. If you're looking for an engaging way to teach multiple ages, subject areas, and learn alongside your children, take advantage of this insightful conversation. Let explorations help you rediscover the joy and meaning at the heart of homeschooling.Key Takeaways:Morning Basket Explorations can be the core of an elementary homeschool curriculum, covering subjects like science, history, art, and more.Explorations nurture relationships between siblings as they learn together on topics tailored to their individual levels.High-interest topics like baseball, ponds, fairy tales, trains, and more encourage kids to dive deep into subjects over a month.Consistent activities in each plan, like music, poetry, and picture study, provide a well-rounded experience.Focus is on learning and making connections rather than output of worksheets or compositions.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb142To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.
Sep 26, 2023 • 45min
YMB #141 Common Misconceptions About Morning Time
Join Pam, Dawn Garrett, and Meg Angelino as they bust some myths about those "extras" in homeschooling. We're airing out all the misconceptions we have heard about Morning Time through the years and today, we're here to set the record straight. Combining subjects? Totally a game changer. Tune in to get a sneak peek into our own Morning Time secrets and see why keeping it simple is key. And hey, don't stress - remember to find the joy and avoid that homeschool burnout. Whether you've got toddlers or teens, we'll chat about how Morning Time is a fit for everyone. Bring the family in on this one! 🌞📚🎉Key Takeaways:Incorporating additional subjects and activities in homeschooling lightens the day and makes it easier to teach core subjects.Combining children in their studies is a good use of time and energy, allowing them to learn from each other.Morning Time doesn't have to be elaborate; even one extra activity alongside reading aloud and memorizing a Bible verse can be effective.Morning Time helps prevent homeschool moms from burning out and provides an opportunity to engage in activities they enjoy.Morning Time is suitable for a wide age range of students and can be adapted to each child's maturity level, with older students even gaining high school credits through Morning Time activities.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb141To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.
Sep 12, 2023 • 35min
YMB #140 How to add wonder to your Morning Time
In this episode of Your Morning Basket, host Pam Barnhill is joined by Betsy Cypress, the newest Your Morning Basket team member. Pam and Betsy introduce the Wonder World Podcast for kids. Pam records the show with her daughter Olivia each week, while Betsy is the researcher and writer behind each episode. Episodes explore fascinating topics, including historical events, science, and fun trivia. The Wonder World podcast aims to spark curiosity and encourage listeners to learn about various subjects, covering everything from roller coasters and sports to culture and history. Pam and Betsy also share tips for engaging reluctant writers, discuss the benefits of Wonder World, and highlight the power of podcasts in facilitating fun and engaging learning experiences. Join them for a delightful and informative conversation about a new show that will inspire and entertain the entire family.Key Takeaways:The Wonder World podcast covers many topics, including fun holidays, history, science, poetry, jokes, and trivia.The goal of the podcast is to provide education in a fun and exciting way for curious kids and their families.Wonder World is mentioned as a "ready-made morning time" resource that can be listened to during lunch, extending the listening experience.The podcast aims to provide enjoyable learning experiences beyond what can be found in textbooks.Find the Wonder World Podcast here.Find the Wonder Kids Club here.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb140To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.
Aug 29, 2023 • 20min
YMB #139 Your Homeschool is Not a Classroom
In this episode, host Pam Barnhill explains why homeschooling parents should not try to recreate a classroom environment in their homes. Drawing from her experience as a homeschooling mom and former public school teacher, Pam discusses the limitations and unnecessary structures often associated with traditional classrooms. She explores the freedom and flexibility inherent in homeschooling and encourages listeners to develop their unique structures and approaches that align with their family's needs. Pam also introduces the concept of a morning basket or morning time as an alternative to traditional classroom structures, highlighting its benefits for bringing families together to learn and grow.Key Takeaways1. Homeschooling allows for freedom and flexibility that traditional classrooms often lack.2. Traditional classroom structures do not necessarily serve homeschooling families well.3. Developing unique structures and approaches that work for your family is key in homeschooling.4. Morning baskets or morning time can be a valuable alternative to traditional classroom structures, promoting family togetherness and shared learning experiences.5. Letting go of age-segregated structures and preconceived notions about certain books and materials can enhance the homeschooling experience.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb139To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.
Aug 15, 2023 • 22min
YMB #138 Gathering Together: A Mother's Morning Basket with Heather Tully
Join Pam Barnhill and Heather Tully as they dive into a unique concept for homeschooling mothers - the Mother's Morning Basket. This September, join a virtual gathering of like-minded moms as you feed your mind and soul. This session is all about fairy tales!Not only will this enrich you, but it will also provide inspiration and ideas for your own children's morning time. Heather brings her 20 years of homeschooling experience, demonstrating how to incorporate picture study, music appreciation, nature study, and more into your routine. It's time to embrace the chance to learn, grow, and share together.Key Takeaways:A Mother's Morning Basket is personal time for mothers to nurture their intellectual and creative interests during the home-school year.The Mother's Morning Basket involves activities such as Bible reading, personal poetry reading, novel reading, and self-education.The program allows moms to engage and grow intellectually alongside their children. The aim is to foster an environment where learning and growth are seen as integral parts of life, not just schoolwork.The Mother's Morning Basket is also a teaching tool for mothers. It provides them with techniques to structure their children's Morning Time more effectively.Keep learning activities simple and realistic for consistency.The Mother's Morning Basket sessions are expected to provide inspiration, camaraderie, and practical guidance for homeschooling moms.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb138To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.
Aug 1, 2023 • 38min
YMB #137 Creating a Rich Curriculum with Rachel Monreal
In today's episode, we examine the world of morning time and its incredible potential for young learners. We'll be joined by Rachel Monreal, a homeschooling mom who has discovered the magic of morning time and how it has transformed her homeschooling journey with her preschool and elementary-aged kids.We'll explore Rachel's journey through the challenges of homeschooling young children, finding balance amidst the pressures of traditional education, and rediscovering the joy of learning for both parent and child. Rachel will share her insights on including toddlers in morning time, adapting curriculum, and ultimately creating a structured plan that aligns with her family's core values.Rachel shares her practical tips for implementing morning time, her favorite resources from our "Little Explorers Plan," and how she manages to prioritize consistency in her educational routine. Let's dive in!Key Takeaways:Morning time can be a rich and enjoyable educational experience for preschoolers.Morning time provides an opportunity to align education with core values, such as faith, family relationships, language learning, and skill development.Consistency is key for a successful educational routine, and creating a structured plan can help achieve this.The "morning basket" or "morning time" approach in homeschooling can bring joy, closer relationships, and less stress to the learning experience.Morning time can be adapted to fit the needs and ages of children in a flexible and adaptable manner.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb137To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.
May 16, 2023 • 30min
YMB #136 Finding Freedom in Your Homeschool Schedule
In this episode of the Your Morning Basket podcast, host Pam Barnhill discusses the importance of creating a flexible homeschool schedule that aligns with your family's values and goals. Pam shares practical tips and tools for overcoming the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by all the subjects, avoiding falling behind and building margin into your homeschool schedule.Pam encourages listeners to embrace rabbit trails and unexpected learning opportunities, as well as to build in margin to allow for emergencies or unexpected events. She also introduces the concept of a minimum viable day and loop scheduling to maintain structure and balance in your homeschool routine.If you want to create a homeschool schedule that aligns with your family's values and goals, this episode is a must-listen. Check out this Your Morning Basket podcast for more practical tips and tools for your homeschool journey.Find the shownotes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/ymb136
May 2, 2023 • 25min
YMB #135 Measuring Success as a Homeschooler
In this episode of the Your Morning Basket podcast, host Pam Barnhill discusses how to assess learning in your homeschool morning time. She explains the importance of setting goals, self-assessment, parent observation, and real-world application in evaluating your children's progress. Pam also shares practical tips on how to incorporate morning time activities into traditional assessment models, including issuing transcripts for high schoolers. However, she emphasizes that non-traditional methods of assessment, such as building relationships and fostering a love for learning, are just as important in evaluating the success of your morning time routine. If you're looking for ways to measure your homeschooling progress beyond traditional tests and grades, be sure to tune in to this insightful episode!Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/ymb135
Apr 18, 2023 • 20min
YMB #134 How Morning Time Changed My Homeschool: A Conversation with Barbara Cozens
In this episode, we talk to Barbara, a homeschooling mom who shares her experience with implementing Morning Time into her homeschooling routine. Barbara talks about her journey to discovering Morning Time and how she initially struggled with finding resources to use. She shares how Morning Time has helped her create a connection with her children, and how it has become a grounding and warming up exercise for the day. Barbara also talks about how she uses Morning Time to bring in other aspects of learning, such as grammar and history.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb134To download a sample of our free Month of Morning Time plans visit us here.To join our free homeschool community of Morning Time moms, you can create an account right here.For a done-for-you Morning Time experience complete with over sixty sets of Morning Basket plans, live events where we teach your kids, and support with your new Morning Time habit join Your Morning Basket Plus today!
Apr 4, 2023 • 40min
YMB #133 How to Add Fun to Your Homeschool Day
In this episode of the Your Morning Basket podcast, host Pam Barnhill interviews Mystie Winckler, creator of Simply Convivial and author of The Convivial Homeschool. They discuss the importance of creating a convivial atmosphere in the home while homeschooling and how it leads to greater enjoyment and success in learning. Mystie emphasizes that the atmosphere of the home is the atmosphere of homeschooling and that it is essential for mothers to put a smile on their faces and enjoy homeschooling to create an enjoyable atmosphere. They also discuss practical tips for adding joy to your homeschool days.


