Homeschool Made Simple

Latest Episodes:

326: Handwriting Made Simple: Why Waiting to Write Works Wonders Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

You know we say “better late than early” in our method. In this episode, Carole and Rachel focus on why it’s actually better to delay formal handwriting work, especially for boys, and how following your child’s developmental cues can make learning much more enjoyable. One concept discussed was using fun, hands-on activities and a simple, artistic approach, like the Getty-Dubay Italic method, to build writing confidence. If you want practical tips on making handwriting—and homeschooling—simpler and happier, tune in and be encouraged!

RESOURCES

+Click here for a complete list of books mentioned in this episode

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

EPISODE LINKS

Mentioned in this episode:

Get your lessons with Voetburg Music Academy for 25% off your first month! Use code HOMESCHOOL25

Voetberg Music Academy

325: Math Made Simple: Games, Manipulatives, and Curriculum Tips for Homeschoolers Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Not sure how to make math work in your homeschool? This episode is packed with down-to-earth advice for keeping math simple, not starting too early, and helping your kids enjoy it! Several points were raised, including using games and daily routines to build math skills naturally, plus an honest look at popular programs like CTC Math and Right Start Math. If you want your kids to love math—and you want less stress—this episode will help you breathe easier and teach with confidence!

RESOURCES

+Click here for a complete list of curricula and tools mentioned in this episode

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

EPISODE LINKS

Mentioned in this episode:

Get your lessons with Voetburg Music Academy for 25% off your first month! Use code HOMESCHOOL25

Voetberg Music Academy

324: Why Psalty the Singing Songbook Belongs in Every Family’s Toolbox Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Psalty has been a staple in some Christian families for decades. Carole and Rachel discuss the depth that the Psalty albums provide for growing our children’s faith for the long haul. They discuss the themes in each album and other music that have shaped JJ and her grandchildren. They talk about practical ways that encourage kids to reach for Psalty. Your young child will be enchanted by Psalty, so join us to hear all about it!

RESOURCES

+Click here for a complete list of albums mentioned in this episode

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

EPISODE LINKS

Nat Theo Podcast Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

Mentioned in this episode:

Get your lessons with Voetburg Music Academy for 25% off your first month! Use code HOMESCHOOL25

Voetberg Music Academy

323: How to Quiet Outside Voices and Trust This Homeschool Path Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

In part 2 of Rachel’s conversation with homeschool mom of 4, Hanni Go shares her journey of breaking free from the pressure of following other homeschooling families. She has chosen to value relationships and nurturing her children over the academic rigor that others might expect. Carole’s proven teaching methods and the example of the many families who have used them have encouraged Hanni to ditch the comparison trap to see her children be who God made them to be.

RESOURCES

+Download your own copy of the Truths to Remember list

+Click here for a complete list of books mentioned in this episode

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

EPISODE LINKS

HMS Essentials Bundle

Mentioned in this episode:

Get your lessons with Voetburg Music Academy for 25% off your first month! Use code HOMESCHOOL25

Voetberg Music Academy

322: Finding a Fresh Perspective About Homeschooling Brings Life Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode from the archive, Rachel Winchester talks with Hanni Go, a homeschooling mom of 4, about searching for a fresh homeschool perspective that helped revitalize their family dynamic.

Hanni talks us through the balancing act between nurturing relationships and academic pursuits. Though it took some time for her to fully buy into the Homeschool Made Simple method, she now sees the benefit of grounding herself in a research-based philosophy of education.

When Hanni needed a fresh perspective on homeschooling, she attended A Literature-Based Approach to Education seminar in Minnesota. Afterward, she wrote a list of truths to remember when she feels discouraged. Rachel and Hanni discuss her takeaways from that seminar.

We know you will relate to Hanni, and we hope this gives you the fuel to press on!

You’ll hear about:

How Hanni handles difficult days
A big age gap between kids
When you feel burnt out in homeschooling
The difference going to an HMS seminar made for Hanni
Truths to remember when you feel burnt out

RESOURCES

+Download your own copy of Truths to Remember!

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

EPISODE LINKS

Try CTCMath-Half Price Discount

Mentioned in this episode:

Get your first month of lessons with Voetburg Music Academy for just $10! Use code HOMESCHOOL10

Voetberg Music Academy

321: Cultivating Beauty and Creativity in Everyday Life Part 2 Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

In the second part of our conversation with Lovely Bits Magazine writer and homeschool mom, Nicole Brignolle, we discuss the value of curiosity, connecting with local history, and seeing beauty in everyday life—not just chasing big, expensive adventures. We discuss the importance of rereading trusted classics, resisting performance-driven schooling, and nurturing each child’s uniqueness. Plus, we unpacked how centering God and beauty can inspire new projects, such as the Lovely Bits magazine, that blends faith and aesthetic excellence to uplift readers. Join us and enjoy!

RESOURCES

+Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto

+ Home Grown Kids and Better Late Than Early by Raymond and Dorothy Moore

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

EPISODE LINKS

HMS Essentials Bundle

Mentioned in this episode:

Get your first month of lessons with Voetburg Music Academy for just $10! Use code HOMESCHOOL10

Voetberg Music Academy

320: Expats Homeschooling In Italy Part 1 Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we talk with Nicole Brignolle, a former New Yorker now homeschooling in rural Tuscany. Her family's unexpected relocation led to a refreshing shift away from over-scheduled days and performance-based learning. They found freedom in using our literature-based approach by prioritizing margin, creativity, and following the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This episode is filled with helpful mindset shifts around your homeschool and your priorities. Plus, you’ll hear plenty of encouragement from your family without having to move to a foreign country!

RESOURCES

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

EPISODE LINKS

HMS Essentials Bundle

Mentioned in this episode:

Get your first month of lessons with Voetburg Music Academy for just $10! Use code HOMESCHOOL10

Voetberg Music Academy

319: Raising Healthy Kids at Home: Nutrition, Sleep, and Faith with Dr. Bill Sears, Part 3 Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

In the last of our series with Dr. Sears, he shares lots of practical ways to work wellness into your family life for raising healthy, resilient teenagers through intentional nutrition, sleep, and screen habits. Dr. William Sears shares insights into the science of sleep for brain health and the revolutionary concept of Neuro-Theology—how faith and neuroscience work together for each person's well-being. Join us!

RESOURCES

+The Smart Health Plan: Five Steps to Lasting Health and Happiness for All Ages, By Dr Williams Sears

+The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription:The Science-Proven Plan to Start at Any Age, By Vincent Fortanasce, M.D.

+Click here for a complete list of books mentioned in this episode

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

EPISODE LINKS

Unplugged Children Bundle

Mentioned in this episode:

Get your first month of lessons with Voetburg Music Academy for just $10! Use code HOMESCHOOL10

Voetberg Music Academy

318: Finding Joy in Homeschooling a Child with Special Needs May 27, 2026

Show notes

We welcome back Chelsea Jacobs from Yellow House Story Shop to discuss the realities and rewards of homeschooling a child with special needs. Chelsea honestly shares her family’s journey, including the adoption of her son Gabe from Rwanda, his cerebral palsy diagnosis, and the everyday joys and challenges of homeschooling alongside complex medical needs and other neurotypical children. With 14 years of homeschooling under Chelsea’s belt, we hope this episode is a great encouragement to all who are walking the same path!

RESOURCES

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

EPISODE LINKS

Learn More about CTCMath

Mentioned in this episode:

Pick up the book, Family Worship, wherever books are sold, or visit this link to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway Plus account.

Family Worship

317: Trusting the Family Educational Process For the Long-Haul in Homeschooling May 20, 2026

Show notes

Part 2 of 2: Some families feel like they need to supplement with more academic work as they also use the Homeschool Made Simple’s method. But Carole’s conversation with Chris and Anna Clont can encourage you to settle in and watch the fruit appear using this simple method. Begin with the end in mind!

The Clonts share how attending Carole’s seminars not only recalibrates and inspires them each year but also provides a valuable community of like-minded families. Both of the Clonts now recognize the importance of following this clear, consistent educational plan rather than “hybridizing” multiple methods, which can lead to overwhelm and a lack of cohesion. Join us!

RESOURCES

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

EPISODE LINKS

Unplugged Children Bundle

Mentioned in this episode:

Pick up the book, Family Worship, wherever books are sold, or visit this link to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway Plus account.

Family Worship