Homeschool Together Podcast

Episode 448: Leveling Up for the New School Year Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

It's the start of the new year, all the school supplies are on clearance, and you want to level up your homeschool!

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Show Notes
Stardew Valley - https://www.stardewvalley.net/
Stardew Valley Wiki - https://stardewvalleywiki.com/Stardew_Valley_Wiki
Trello - https://trello.com
Evan Moor Science - https://amzn.to/46b0mLe
180 Days of Social Studies 1st Grade - https://amzn.to/4pbsPtd
Canva Template - https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/firstdaysign
Trello Course - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDKdLRM2hFFxfUHbjBOF__vAeDOVNKFub

Connect with us
Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/
Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together
The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/
Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 447: Using AI to Decode State Standards Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever tried to read a state standard and felt like you needed a translator, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’ll show you how to use ChatGPT and other AI tools to make sense of those dense learning goals. From simplifying confusing language to brainstorming activities that hit the mark, we’ll walk through practical ways AI can support your homeschool planning.

Find Secular Curriculum with our Resource Selector
https://www.homeschool-together.com/secular-resources

Support The Podcast
If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support

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Show Notes
Common Core - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Core
Washington State Math Standards - https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/mathematics/mathematics-k-12-learning-standards
Washington State ELA Standards - https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/english-language-arts/english-language-arts-learning-standards
Leveled Reading Passages - https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/collections/leveled-reading-passages
Mike Mattos video - https://youtu.be/SL_50Sf_7eY?si=WDI7-tqPSvr-t4sp
NGSS Standards - https://www.nextgenscience.org/
Lexile Levels - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexile
Lexile - https://hub.lexile.com/

Connect with us
Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/
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Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together
The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/
Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 446: Understanding State Standards Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

If state standards make your eyes glaze over, this episode is for you. We’re breaking down what educational standards actually are, why they exist, and what they mean for homeschool families. You’ll learn how to think about standards as tools rather than mandates and decide how much, or how little, they should impact your homeschool.

Find Secular Curriculum with our Resource Selector
https://www.homeschool-together.com/secular-resources

Support The Podcast
If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support

Consider Leaving Us A Review
If you have a quick moment, please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583

Show Notes
Common Core - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Core
Washington State Math Standards - https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/mathematics/mathematics-k-12-learning-standards
Washington State ELA Standards - https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/english-language-arts/english-language-arts-learning-standards
Leveled Reading Passages - https://www.rif.org/literacy-central/collections/leveled-reading-passages

Connect with us
Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/
Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together
The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/
Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 445: The Biomes of the World Resource Guide is Out! Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Lets talk about what's in the new Biomes Resource Guide!

Find Secular Curriculum with our Resource Selector
https://www.homeschool-together.com/secular-resources

Support The Podcast
If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support

Consider Leaving Us A Review
If you have a quick moment, please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583

Show Notes
Build Your Library - https://buildyourlibrary.com/
Torchlight - https://torchlightcurriculum.com/torchlight/
Trekking The Globe - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDKdLRM2hFFy3-KTahoAlmbsvm4EfE6h0
Touring The World - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDKdLRM2hFFwwW_hH39mc3MMcRfE2yBvi

Connect with us
Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/
Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together
The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/
Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 444: Reading Comprehension - Reading to Write Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Reading and writing go hand in hand. In this final episode of our reading series, we’re exploring how to use books as a launching point for creative and critical writing. Whether it’s a simple story retelling, a persuasive opinion, or a totally new ending, writing about what they read helps kids solidify comprehension and develop their voice. We’ll share strategies for all ages that connect reading to writing in fun, purposeful ways.

Find Secular Curriculum with our Resource Selector
https://www.homeschool-together.com/secular-resources

Support The Podcast
If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support

Consider Leaving Us A Review
If you have a quick moment, please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583

Show Notes
Build Your Library - https://buildyourlibrary.com/
Torchlight - https://torchlightcurriculum.com/torchlight/
Blossom and Root - https://www.blossomandroot.com/
TV Tropes - https://tvtropes.org/
The Story Grid - https://amzn.to/4lMUtdP
Using Sentence Stems to Power Up Your Literacy Lessons - https://www.edutopia.org/article/sentence-stems-tips-classroom/
Tomato Soup - https://howtofeedaloon.com/roasted-tomato-basil-soup/
Marques Brownlee - https://www.youtube.com/@mkbhd
EllieV - https://www.youtube.com/@ellieV
Using Graphic Organizers Correctly - https://www.edutopia.org/blog/using-graphic-organizers-correctly-rebecca-alber

Connect with us
Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/
Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together
The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/
Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 443: Reading Comprehension - Nonfiction Comprehension Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Fiction gets all the fun, but nonfiction is where reading meets the real world. In this episode, we’re talking about supporting strong nonfiction comprehension, from science texts and history books to instructions, maps, and diagrams. We’ll walk through how to help kids identify key ideas, evaluate sources, and develop the critical thinking skills they need to navigate informational reading across subjects.

Find Secular Curriculum with our Resource Selector
https://www.homeschool-together.com/secular-resources

Support The Podcast
If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support

Consider Leaving Us A Review
If you have a quick moment, please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583

Show Notes
Build Your Library - https://buildyourlibrary.com/
Torchlight - https://torchlightcurriculum.com/torchlight/
Blossom and Root - https://www.blossomandroot.com/
The Boys in the Boat - https://amzn.to/4f8fo8F

Connect with us
Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/
Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together
The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/
Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 442: Reading Comprehension - Narration and Discussion Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Reading doesn’t have to be a silent, solitary activity. In this episode, we’re diving into narration and discussion. These are two simple but powerful tools for deepening reading comprehension. We’ll show you how to use retelling, dialogue, and even sibling book clubs to help your kids process what they read, build memory, and think critically. Whether you're homeschooling younger readers or talking through chapter books with tweens, this episode will help you make reading more interactive and meaningful.

Find Secular Curriculum with our Resource Selector
https://www.homeschool-together.com/secular-resources

Support The Podcast
If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support

Consider Leaving Us A Review
If you have a quick moment, please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583

Show Notes
Build Your Library - https://buildyourlibrary.com/
Torchlight - https://torchlightcurriculum.com/torchlight/
Blossom and Root - https://www.blossomandroot.com/
Atomic Habits - https://amzn.to/4lK030t

Connect with us
Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/
Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together
The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/
Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 441: Reading Comprehension - Inferences and Predictions Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

What’s really going on in the story? This week we’re exploring how to help kids move beyond surface-level reading by making inferences and predictions. These are the skills that let readers pick up on subtle clues, read between the lines, and anticipate what might happen next. We'll break down how to teach these strategies in fun, approachable ways that work across ages and book types, and how they strengthen both comprehension and critical thinking.

Find Secular Curriculum with our Resource Selector
https://www.homeschool-together.com/secular-resources

Support The Podcast
If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support

Consider Leaving Us A Review
If you have a quick moment, please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583

Show Notes
Build Your Library - https://buildyourlibrary.com/
Torchlight - https://torchlightcurriculum.com/torchlight/
Blossom and Root - https://www.blossomandroot.com/
All About Reading - https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/
I Heard Your Feelings - https://amzn.to/45ks6gj

Connect with us
Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/
Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together
The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/
Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 440: Reading Comprehension - Asking Questions Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

This week we’re diving into the art of asking good questions. This is one of the most powerful tools for building reading comprehension and critical thinking. We’ll explore how to model curiosity, guide kids beyond “yes or no” answers, and help them interact with texts in a meaningful way. Whether you’ve got a brand-new reader or a middle schooler flying through novels, asking better questions can change the way your homeschool approaches reading.

Find Secular Curriculum with our Resource Selector
https://www.homeschool-together.com/secular-resources

Support The Podcast
If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support

Consider Leaving Us A Review
If you have a quick moment, please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583

Show Notes
Build Your Library - https://buildyourlibrary.com/
Torchlight - https://torchlightcurriculum.com/torchlight/
Blossom and Root - https://www.blossomandroot.com/
All About Reading - https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/
Where Are the Aliens? - https://amzn.to/4nNqbsU
Think Pair Share - https://www.edutopia.org/article/think-pair-share-variations-16-ways-up-your-game/
Penguin Readers Level 2: The Call of the Wild - https://amzn.to/4eNxkVR
Penguin Readers - https://www.penguinreaders.co.uk/
Bloom's Taxonomy - https://tips.uark.edu/using-blooms-taxonomy/

Connect with us
Website: http://www.homeschool-together.com/
Store: https://gumroad.com/homeschooltogether
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/homeschooltogether
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooltogetherpodcast/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschooltogetherpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hs_together
The Gameschool Co-Op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gameschoolcoop/
Email: homeschooltogetherpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 439: Reading Comprehension Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

We’re kicking off our reading series with a big-picture look at reading comprehension, what it is, why it matters, and how it goes far beyond just knowing what happened in a story. In this overview, we’ll break down how comprehension supports critical thinking, academic success, and even emotional growth. Plus, we’ll give you a preview of the skills we’ll explore in the coming episodes, so you can start thinking about where your homeschoolers might need support or challenge.

Find Secular Curriculum with our Resource Selector
https://www.homeschool-together.com/secular-resources

Support The Podcast
If you like what you hear, consider supporting the podcast: https://homeschooltogether.gumroad.com/l/support

Consider Leaving Us A Review
If you have a quick moment, please consider leaving a review on iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-together-podcast/id1526685583

Show Notes
Build Your Library - https://buildyourlibrary.com/
Torchlight - https://torchlightcurriculum.com/torchlight/
Blossom and Root - https://www.blossomandroot.com/
All About Reading - https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/
Sisters Grimm - https://amzn.to/44iKtmu
K-Pop Demon Hunter - https://youtu.be/AzCAwdp1uIQ?si=zhfL7XjcjZ0-wdQt
Mali and Keela - https://amzn.to/40Gs6p4
Word Tiers - https://www.vocabulary-matters.org/word-tiers
Land of Stories - https://amzn.to/4kmgwGD
Troll Hunters - https://youtu.be/J2oNgZlbSKI?si=12ZD3-cy3MZ2_f6E