Homeschool Made Simple

Latest Episodes:

335: Why Homeschool Freedoms Are So Important with an HSLDA Lawyer Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

What gives parents the right to homeschool, and are those rights permanent? The discussion today with HSLDA Lawyer Amy Buchmeyer explores the legal history of homeschooling, recent threats to our homeschooling freedom, and simple ways families can get involved. Learn how to check your state’s requirements, track legislation, and get support through HSLDA. Join us to learn why advocating for homeschooling matters for all of us!

RESOURCES

+HSLDA Homeschooling 101

+Homeschool Laws By State

+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

Donate to our homeschooling ministry

Mentioned in this episode:

1 Million Downloads Giveaway Survey- Win a $100 Gift Card!

Pick up a copy of Stories Woven in Silver at your favorite bookstore or click the link to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

Stories Woven in Silver: Pointing Kids to the Gospel Through Children's Literature

334: How Homeschooling Cultivated a Lifelong Love of History with Kendyll Keene Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

History is everywhere, but children don’t have to learn it as a dry timeline. Rachel’s conversation with Kendyll Keene offers a thoughtful look at homeschooling with history through stories, museums, historical fiction, family traditions, and the experiences of ordinary people.

Kendyll’s shares why she loves history so deeply and they talk about historical nuance, asking better questions, considering multiple perspectives, recognizing bias, and introducing difficult subjects without overwhelming young children. Kendyll’s perspective on what homeschooling has developed in her is sure to inspire everyone who listens!

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:

Pick up a copy of The Sing! Hymnal, Personal Edition at your favorite bookstore or click the link to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway plus account.

The Sing! Hymnal, Personal Edition: A Treasury of 200 Hymns for Worship and Reflection

1 Million Downloads Giveaway Survey- Win a $100 Gift Card!

333: The Sweet Gift of Growing Up Together With Kendyll Keene Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

What does a homeschool graduate appreciate about their upbringing? Rachel Winchester sits down with Kendall Keene’s to hear about her experiences being homeschooled from third grade through high school. Homeschooling gave her freedom to pursue ballet, teaching, reading, cooking, and travel while allowing her siblings to develop their own interests. Kendall describes how daily life together strengthened her family relationships and how her family’s adoption of her brother, Gabe, from Rwanda shaped her empathy and led her to study history in college.

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!

RESOURCES

CONNECT

EPISODE LINKS

Nat Theo Podcast Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

Mentioned in this episode:

1 Million Downloads Giveaway Survey- Win a $100 Gift Card!

Pick up the book, For The Bible Tells Me So, wherever books are sold, or visit this link to learn how to get 30 percent off with a free Crossway Plus account.

For The Bible Tells Me So

332: Creating a Joyful Home Atmosphere Through Words of Blessing, Part 2 Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

Does the atmosphere in our home have a long-term impact on our children? In this episode from our archive, Mellany Zepelak continues the conversation with Carole Joy Seid about cultivating an encouraging atmosphere in the home through intentional words and actions. Parents play a powerful role in modeling kindness and blessing, which children then emulate among themselves. Children often view their parents as reflections of God, making a parent's words deeply significant. The discussion explores practical steps like apology, mindful presence, and creating a culture of grace. With effort and reliance on God, our families can build homes filled with peace, love, and welcome. Join us!

RESOURCES

+Click here for a complete list of resources 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:

1 Million Downloads Giveaway Survey- Win a $100 Gift Card!

Lives of Faith and Grace Series from Crossway

331: Creating Margins So Homeschooling Works for Real Life-Part 1 Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

Homeschooling and family life can drain the life out of us. How do we maintain a right attitude and perspective in our families for the long haul? In an episode from the archive, Carol talks with consulting client Mellany Zepelak about how learning to create margin in her life and receive God's love has transformed her family life. They discuss how adding personal downtime, encouraging a positive home environment, and embracing your identity in Christ can radically improve your family dynamics. Don’t miss this hope-filled conversation!

RESOURCES

+The Blessing Seminar

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

Voetberg Music Academy

1 Million Downloads Giveaway Survey- Win a $100 Gift Card!

330: How to Build a Homeschool Mom’s Reading Life Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

Rachel Winchester returns, joined by Kara Beck and Linda Sarna, in this episode to discuss the role of reading in their journeys as homeschooling moms. They share how their love of literature evolved through different seasons of motherhood and affirm the deep value that fiction and narrative hold in their personal growth. They get practical by sharing ways to choose books, whether through planning, themes, or simply following what feels right in the moment. One refreshing highlight is their mutual agreement on the concept of stress-free reading… Join us for this practical and encouraging conversation!

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

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

1 Million Downloads Giveaway Survey- Win a $100 Gift Card!

329: Meaningful Reads and Real Conversations From the ‘Well-Read Mom’ Experience Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Rachel Winchester sits down with Kara Beck and Linda Sarna to discuss their experiences with being in a “Well-Read Mom” group. They discuss some of the highs and lows of the books they read this year from the theme “The Year of the Teacher.” To hear more about the concept of the Well-Read Mom book groups, listen to Episode 262. Between the snacks, good conversations, and lots of interesting and challenging books, these ladies share all the wonderful things they’ve gleaned from participating. Join us!

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

Donate to our homeschooling ministry

Mentioned in this episode:

1 Million Downloads Giveaway Survey- Win a $100 Gift Card!

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

Voetberg Music Academy

328: Ways to Foster a Love of Music in Your Family Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

Do you want your kids to love music (and make joyful memories together)? In this episode from the archive, Carole shares relaxed and creative ways to add classical music to your homeschool—no stuffy lessons or stress required! This episode is chock-full of resources and easy tips for composer study, favorite books, sing-alongs, bible verses set to music, and a balanced idea of when to start formal lessons. With all these resources, you’ll be armed with lots of ideas to make music a natural, happy part of your home.

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

Nat Theo Podcast Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible

Mentioned in this episode:

1 Million Downloads Giveaway Survey- Win a $100 Gift Card!

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

Voetberg Music Academy

327: Fostering a Love of Art in Our Children Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Do you want your child to develop a love of art? This episode from the archive shares doable ways to make art a natural part of your homeschool routine. The discussion explores how to spot good art, some must-have book picks, and why quality matters—even when you’re on a budget. Learn about resources from classic children’s art books to tips for visiting museums and setting up a creative space at home. The key theme: making art fun, meaningful, and totally doable for every family!

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

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

1 Million Downloads Giveaway Survey- Win a $100 Gift Card!

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