A reader asked, "I feel like there is always something better I could/should be doing. How do I choose what resources to use among the endless choices?"
It's not easy, especially since there are so many great choices now! But in this bonus episode, I'll share three areas you can assess to determine what to choose.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Until next time,
Crystal
P.S. Do you have a question you would like answered on the podcast? Click here to send me a message.
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
I think every home educator knows that your homeschool will look different from everyone else's, but we still compare. And we still feel fear, guilt, and shame because of the comparisons.
Today's episode provides encouragement for you to embrace the unique way you homeschool. We'll look at three specific ways your homeschool may look different and how to embrace your choices as right for your family.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Until next time,
Crystal
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
It's Q&A time again. A reader asked, "How do I know what I have to teach?" I'll share how to find that out and how to comply with the requirements while still meeting the needs of your homeschool.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
- Homeschool Planning 101: Plan Your Homeschool Year With Confidence
Until next time,
Crystal
P.S. Do you have a question you would like answered on the podcast? Click here to send me a message.
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
How would you rate your homeschool? In addition to doing a full evaluation at the end of the year, I like to do this quick 10-minute assessment prior to planning next year's lesson.
In this episode, I'll walk you through assessing ten areas in less than 10 minutes to determine what you might want to change about your homeschool. You can do this on a piece of paper, or you can download the Thriving Life Journal and print out the assessment and additional journaling pages.
If you would like help debriefing this exercise and determining your next steps, consider scheduling a free Discovery Call to discuss how coaching might help.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Thriving Life Journal
- How Homeschool Evaluations Help You Achieve Your Homeschool Goals
- Schedule a free Discovery Call
Until next time,
Crystal
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Today, I'm answering a reader question about whether you should use a boxed curriculum. The short answer is, "It depends." I'll share four reasons you might want to consider a boxed curriculum, four reasons you probably don't want to use one, and what we do.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Six Questions To Help You Write A Homeschool Mission Statement
- 5 Simple Steps to Set Homeschool Goals You Can Accomplish
- The Ultimate Guide To Choosing A Homeschool Philosophy
Until next time,
Crystal
P.S. Do you have a question you would like answered on the podcast? Click here to send me a message
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Before I start planning our next homeschool year, I always take some time to lay a foundation by reviewing four areas that guide all of my decisions for the next year. This forms my decision-making framework, which makes the planning process much easier.
In this episode, I'll share those four areas with you.
- Know your purpose
- Know your values
- Know your children
- Know yourself
Spend some time thinking about these four areas before you start planning your lessons for next year.
Until next time,
Crystal
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Is math a struggle in your home? It doesn't have to be! You can have fun helping your child master the math facts.
In this workshop, you will learn how to motivate your child to want to master the math facts. You will also be equipped with practical suggestions for helping him understand and practice the basic math facts in a fun and engaging way.
To download the handouts for this workshop visit:
https://www.triumphantlearning.com/mathfactsworkshop/
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Are you ready to be finished with the school year? Me too!
In this episode, I'm sharing three tips to help you end the year strong and on a positive note!
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Until next time,
Crystal
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Are Charlotte Mason’s principles as relevant today as they were when she implemented them in her schools in the early 1900’s?
In this workshop, we will explore how five of Ms. Mason’s principles have impacted my homeschool. These principles can guide and shape not only your homeschool but your relationships and home atmosphere as well.
Whether you are curious about the Charlotte Mason method or are ready to start implementing it, you will leave with simple and practical suggestions of how you can breathe life into your homeschool.
To download the handouts for this workshop visit:
https://www.triumphantlearning.com/fiveprinciples/
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Why do what we do? God designed each of us uniquely, and how we respond to the world is unique also. The Enneagram tool can help us to better understand ourselves and why we respond the way we do. Linda Hannigan explains the purpose of the Enneagram tool and how we can use it in our homeschools to improve the way we respond to our children and improve tone of our home.
How you can learn more about the Enneagram tool
- The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
- Work with Linda through a typing session to identify your Enneagram type. Mention the podcast episode to receive a discount on your typing session.
About Linda Hannigan
Linda is a Life and Enneagram Coach who guides individuals and teams through insightful Enneagram assessments, life coaching, and spiritual formation to help them flourish with awareness and growth.
Until next time,
Crystal
P.S. Want to share this episode or see the full post? Head over to the blog:
https://www.triumphantlearning.com/improve-your-homeschool-environment/
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Vision and mission statements define our destination and the route to get there. They help us live with purpose. In this episode, you will learn a four-step process to write a vision and mission statement. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to join a free guided work session to write your vision and mission statement!
If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, would you consider showing your support by sharing it with your friends and family as well as take a moment to rate and review it in your listening app!
Links mentioned in the episode:
- Subscribe to the Triumphant Learning email list.
- Learn how coaching can help you live out your life purpose.
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
From the moment I get up to the moment I go to bed, I am busy. As a homeschool parent, it seems that my job is never done. There were days that I sat down after dinner to read to my children, and they had to poke me in the side because I was slurring my speech as I fell asleep! I knew something had to change, but I wasn’t sure what.
Have you felt that way too? You knew you wanted to live purposefully and invest your time in what matters most to you. You probably knew deep in your heart that you couldn’t do it all, but how do you determine what to do and what not to do?
That’s where vision and mission statements come in! In short, they help you make decisions in all aspects of your life. We often hear about a business’s mission statement, but they apply to individuals and families too!
In this episode, you’ll learn three benefits of mission statements that will inspire you to write them for you, your family, and your homeschool.
Helpful links
- Learn how to manage your day.
- Learn how to turn over responsibility to your children for managing their day.
See the full show notes at: https://www.triumphantlearning.com/benefits-of-mission-statements-for-homeschool-parents/
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
It is difficult to find your homeschool rhythm after a break. In this episode, you'll learn what you can do to make your transition back into a school rhythm smoother.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/how-to-create-a-homeschool-calendar-that-works-for-your-life/#breaks
Links mentioned in this episode:
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Does your child not enjoy his homeschool lessons? Or, do you have difficulty motivating him to learn?
Learn four ways you can help your child enjoy homeschool lessons more.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/spice-up-homeschool-lessons/
Links mentioned in this episode:
- How do I teach multiple ages at the same time?
- What You Need To Know About Learning Styles
- Your Child's Growing Mind by Jane Healy
- How To Help Your Struggling Learner Succeed In Your Homeschool
- Help Your Gifted Learner Thrive In Your Homeschool
- How to create your “Back to the Basics” list
- Six Questions To Help You Write A Homeschool Mission Statement
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Does your child dawdle during his lesson time or stare off into space? Are you frustrated that your school day drags on late into the afternoon because your child does not attend to his school lessons?
In this episode, you'll learn nine ways you can keep your child focused on his lessons.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/movement-improve-focus/
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Keep lessons short.
10-20 minutes for grades 1-3
20-30 minutes for grades 4-6
20-45 minutes for grades 7-9
30-45 minutes for grades 10-12 - The Ultimate Guide to Brain Breaks (aff link)
- What You Need To Know About Learning Styles
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Are you frustrated that your child doesn't take you seriously as his teacher? Or, do you see your child working hard and staying attentive for others, but not you?
In this episode, you'll learn four things you can do to gain your child's respect.
- Define your expectations.
- Be attentive.
- Be consistent.
- Be understanding.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/is-homeschooling-hard/#respect
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
I've heard from many homeschool parents asking what homeschool curriculum they should use with their preschooler.
In this episode, I share what we used to homeschool preschool in a developmentally appropriate and not time-consuming way.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/homeschool-planning/#preschool
Links mentioned in the episode:
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Homeschooling with younger children around can be challenging. Parents have asked how they can keep the younger children quiet and how to keep their school-aged children attentive when younger siblings are playing.
In episode 79 of the All in a Homeschool Day podcast, you'll hear eight strategies I used when I was homeschooling my school-aged daughter with a younger sibling present.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/homeschooling-with-younger-siblings/
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
It is possible to teach multiple ages at the same time in your homeschool without going crazy!
In this episode, you will learn how implementing a one-room schoolhouse model and using independent learner toolkits can help you manage the needs of multiple students.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/how-do-i-homeschool-multiple-ages-at-the-same-time/
Links mentioned in this episode:
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
In this episode, you'll learn why summer is a great time to utilize an unstructured but intentional approach to learning, the skills your children will develop, and how this approach reduces your stress.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/homeschool-summer-learning/
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
In this episode, you'll learn what homeschool records you should keep, how to maintain them without feeling overwhelmed, and what you can do if you fall behind on creating your child's school portfolio.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/homeschool-recordkeeping/
Forms and records we keep:
- Yearly Overview
- Attendance - days or hours
- Community Service Hours
- Books Read
- Field Trips
- Teacher Training
- Weekly lesson plans
- Samples of Work
- Grades and test scores
Beginning in middle school, we begin updating two additional records:
- Resume Worksheet/Resume
- Transcript
Links mentioned in this episode:
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
There is no such thing as a traditional homeschool plan! When you homeschool, you can create a customized educational plan that meets your child and family's needs.
In this episode, you'll learn what you should keep in mind when you create a homeschool plan that works for you and how you can take advantage of the flexibility homeschooling offers.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/how-to-overcome-three-obstacles-of-a-successful-homeschool/#two.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- HSLDA
- How to write your homeschool mission statement
- How to create your homeschool calendar
- How to write your "Back to the Basics" list
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Finding the right homeschool planner for you can be a little like finding a good pair of jeans that fit like a glove and accentuate in all the right places!
Unfortunately, there's no shortcut; you just have to try them all on. But, just like finding a good pair of jeans, you can narrow down your choices so that you have fewer options to try out.
In this episode, I will give you questions you can ask as you determine which homeschool planner is right for you.
To see the questions mentioned in this episode and my recommendations for homeschool planners, see the full show notes: https://www.triumphantlearning.com/how-do-i-choose-the-best-homeschool-planner/
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
The most common questions I hear from parents about homeschool planning relate to what they need to teach.
Unfortunately, there is no right answer to these questions. Every family and every child is different, and what you need to teach will vary by state.
There are, however, some simple steps you can follow to guide you through the process of choosing the curriculum that is right for your family and planning your homeschool year.
In this episode, you will learn the six simple steps I follow to plan our homeschool year and what that looks like in our homeschool.
- Know your overall goals.
- Create your school calendar.
- Prepare your yearly overview.
- Determine your weekly homeschool schedule.
- Plan the specifics of your homeschool year.
- Evaluate your progress.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/homeschool-planning/#how-to-plan
Links mentioned in this episode:
- How to schedule homeschool teacher workdays
- How to write your homeschool mission statement
- How to create your homeschool calendar
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
Finding time to plan your homeschool year can be challenging given the demands on your time and energy. To be an effective home educator, I need to set aside time to plan our homeschool year and evaluate our progress during and at the end of the year.
I set aside regular times to plan by scheduling homeschool teacher workdays. In this episode, you'll learn how you, too, can take advantage of homeschool teacher workdays.
Full show notes, as well as additional links and resources, can be found at https://www.triumphantlearning.com/homeschool-teacher-workdays/
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
- How To Create A Homeschool Calendar That Works For Your Life
- How To Homeschool High School With Confidence
© Triumphant Learning, LLC
127: How do I choose what resources to use among the endless choices?
6:01
126: 3 Ways Your Homeschool May Look Different Next Year And How To Embrace Them
6:45
125: How do I know what I have to teach?
6:14
124: 10-Minute Assessment Tool To Take Your Homeschool From Blah To Yeah!
9:14
123: Should I use a boxed curriculum?
6:48
122: 4 Areas You Need To Consider As You Plan Your Homeschool Year
15:03
121: Mastering the Math Facts Doesn't Have To Be A Struggle Workshop
45:06
120: How To End Your Homeschool Year Strong
10:31
119: Five Principles That Have Most Impacted My Homeschool Workshop
44:55
118: How Knowing Your Enneagram Type Can Improve Your Homeschool Environment By With Linda Hannigan
31:15
86: Four-Step Process To Write A Vision and Mission Statement
18:06
85: 3 Benefits Of Mission Statements For Homeschool Parents
19:32
84: How do we start back up after a break?
10:00
83: How do I get my children to enjoy lessons?
13:19
82: How do I keep my child focused on his lessons?
21:06
81: How do I get my child to respect me as his teacher?
15:46
80: What should I use to homeschool my preschool-aged child?
25:47
79: How do I meet the needs of my school-aged child and his younger siblings?
20:40
78: How do I teach multiple ages at the same time?
17:15
77: Why I refuse to plan my children's summer learning
12:36
76: What homeschool records do I need to keep?
26:40
75: A traditional homeschool plan does not work for us. What do I do instead?
21:58
74: Which homeschool planner should I use?
8:50
73: 6 Simple Steps To Plan Your Homeschool Year
23:11
71: How do I find time to plan our homeschool?
10:10