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make joy normal: cozy homeschooling — Education for Kids
make joy normal: cozy homeschooling

In the context of promoting joy, fun and an environment of love, Bonnie welcomes you! Bonnie is a homeschool mom of seven kids, 32 years in – writer, speaker and cheerleader. Meet her cohosts who bring your questions and theirs to the table: Elizabeth, mom of six, in the thick of glorious family life, and Christina, just starting the homeschool journey with three littles. Join us for some honest discussion about how to make home education cozy. Just like you imagined.

Copyright: ℗ & © 2020 make joy normal: cozy homeschooling

Latest Episodes:

homeschooling a handful: a chat with Zoe Nov 01, 2024

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a lovely chat with my guest co-host Zoe
2:32 - Homeschooling all ages
3:48 - HOW do you do it!???
6:48 - What it looks like day to day
10:57 - Making curriculum work for the needs of your family
15:42 - When learning to read is a challenge
20:26 - Homeschooling fosters self-motivation
25:03 - Being ok with slower progress
26:44 - How do you keep little ones entertained during school hours?
31:39 - Efficiency in our day and phonics
34:55 - Overcoming learning challenges in education
37:40 - How many hours are you spending on school work?
Toe by Toe curriculum for struggling readers

Mother of Divine Grace School
mastery learning (blog post)

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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teaching creative writing: an alternate approach Oct 31, 2024

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Feel free to disagree.
blog posts on writing

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being both a disciple and an imperfect human Oct 24, 2024

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How do we spread joy and profess a life in Christ when we're so messed up? Some thoughts on this ever so human experience.
This is the last of a series of episodes on the basics of joy. The other episodes are:
What is joy? Back to basics.
The story of two moms.
Living joyfully when it's hard.
1:55 - Not time for perfect
3:37 - Being an apostle of joy even when I struggle with it myself
4:20 - Scattering joy in our messiness
7:48 - Accepting difficult circumstances
15:15 - You have been called to be a disciple
joy and kindness are simply good habits (blog post)

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living joyfully when it's hard Oct 11, 2024

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a few thoughts on personal growth and acceptance of God's will through joy and suffering
1:37 - Can we find joy in suffering?
5:25 - Being angry with God and accepting what is
13:54 - Facing tragedy by God's grace
17:53 - Compliance to our circumstances
perseverance in homeschooling: remembering what matters (podcast)
revelations (blog post)

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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public service announcements Oct 06, 2024

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join us here for all the fun
https://youtube.com/@hellosray?si=zkiKwiPzq79s8euy

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the story of the two moms Oct 04, 2024

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a story from when I was expecting my first daughter and reflections on the type of mom I want to be
you deserve to be lifted up (blog post)
simplify your life (podcast)
the fundamental elements of kindness part one (blog post)

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kindness: forgiveness of injuries sustained Oct 01, 2024

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The hardest road to kindness.

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what is joy? back to basics Sep 26, 2024

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So much back ground noise in the episode. I think my husband and son may have been reenacting the battle of the Rohirrim. Apologies on that. Just me on this episode sharing well, why joy? How did it happen that joy became my personal little mission. And why does it matter?
1:40 - Using and sharing our gifts
4:24 - Where my journey began
9:20 - Taking charge of our own lives
12:34 - Unearthing joy
17:06 - Tackling some impediments to joy
why order matters (podcast)
some truths in family life ~ part one (podcast)
do something that brings you joy (blog post)
defining joy and why it matters in our homeschool world (blog post)

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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kindness - affability of speech Sep 23, 2024

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Another element of kindness, broken down into something doable and digestible.
Affability of speech - AKA, tone of voice...

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homeschooling when it's hard Sep 19, 2024

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Dear friends. I've picked up blogging again as I've missed writing.
I'm writing my story as a way of getting back into it. Part the first, HERE.
Elizabeth and I discuss the hard seasons (Elizabeth's baby is due any day...) how we can manage them, discern them, work with them.
2:27 - Homeschooling through pregnancy
7:31 - Hiring out schooling when needed
9:42 - Discipline and routine with boys
14:53 - Stepping back and observing our life
21:59 - Afraid of not giving enough to our kids
31:49 - Taking time off
Jacko Willink books
low days (blog post)

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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growing in kindness: generosity of spirit Sep 18, 2024

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What does it take?

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when your child refuses to cooperate and other daily struggles Sep 13, 2024

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Christina and I address a few issues that crop up regularly in our family life, included, but not limited to, children flopping on the floor when we ask them to do something.
0:49 - Homeschool beginnings
3:28 - The mystery of readiness
6:48 - Comparing ourselves
9:30 - Learning is a lifelong endeavour
13:30 - It's okay to take time off
16:20 - What if your child refuses to cooperate?
25:15 - The value of humour
30:25 - Attachment is not permissiveness
37:51 - Success in homeschool coops
42:20 - Letting go of social media
46:13 - The great privilege of homeschooling
an interview with my 20 year old son, Abel (podcast)
how to be nice: part one (blog post)

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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Managing our anger one baby step at a time: a fundamental conversation for the beginning of a new school year Episode Sep 03, 2024

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My listener and guest, Kimmy, and I, address the topic of anger, learning to pause, growing in holiness and - aaaah - EXPECTATIONS.
2:08 - Kimmy's questions on managing anger and structuring the day
8:01 - Creating and sustaining a loving environment
12:21 - Planning time for yourself
18:58 - Camp style learning
22:40 - Practices that help us deal with anger and develop self-control
40:53 - How to respond to our kids anger
51:45 - Knowing that there is always another way

Keeping your head above water, live workshop (Youtube)
Tyranny of the Urgent chart
Seven Deadly Sins; Seven Lively Virtues with Fr. Robert Barron (Youtube)
soundbites:

"I want to employ your tactics, but do you have advice on how to nurture my passionate soul?"
"I always knew that, once lunchtime was over, we were done."
"Our world is very urgent, and the control factor of “I need to..."
"Living in this urgent world where we actually have to be intentional about entering into a merciful, peaceful state of..."

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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my take on it: order, where to start when you're feeling overwhelmed Sep 02, 2024

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I received this fan mail a few days ago, and wanted to respond with my take on it. This mom is doing so many good things already, please know I pray for you all and hope this helps!
Hi Bonnie -- I am really struggling. I deeply desire a joyful home and yet every day , without fail I am yelling, the kids are fighting, the baby is overtired and the house is a mess.
I'm at a loss at where to even begin. I know my discipline for cleaning and keeping order needs to be strengthened, but again, I don't know where to start.
What would you recommend to start making order? We read aloud daily, leave the house only 2 days/week, order groceries in -- I have really tried to simplify but still cycle back to the same time and again. I'd greatly appreciate your prayers and advice

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my take on it - further questions on co-sleeping, toddler edition Aug 10, 2024

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After listening to the episode on cosleeping, a listener submitted these questions:
So this mum has a large family. She has a baby who's just over one,
that this is usually around the time that she has stopped co -sleeping and transitioned to a crib. She'd like to keep co -sleeping, but a couple of things are frustrating at this stage of babyhood, how do I manage these particular things? How do get yourself ready in the morning? Shower, get dressed, have some time to do a couple chores to be ready for the day. If you have to stay in the same room as the sleeping baby.
And also when I put the baby to bed at night, she starts out in a crib, some evenings that she wakes up after only an hour. Then I go back in and nurse her for 20 -ish minutes and get back to spending time with my husband and older kids. I find this frustrating because I feel like my husband and I have very little time together.
So here's my take on it...again, I will give a shout out to familysleep.ca, sleep coaching from an attachment perspective.

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cooking, love and rest with Zoe: creating more ease in the kitchen and our brains Jul 31, 2024

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My dear friend Zoe joins me to discuss how she mentors moms to take a look at how we can create more ease and joy in the daily task of meal prep and menu planning. Dealing with decision fatigue and how to create an environment that is more streamlined and restful. We talk about Sunday as a day of rest, and what that can look like in our busy family lives. Spend some time with us, chatting about the joys and challenges of keeping all the people fed.
https://realliferealkitchen.myflodesk.com/socials
Main Website: https://realliferealkitchen.com/
Freebies! https://realliferealkitchen.com/freebies/
Instagram: @realliferealkitchen

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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my take on it: struggling with spelling and kids who are behind Jul 22, 2024

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I received great question(s) yesterday, what do we do when our kids can't spell...what do we do when they're behind....what do we do when our head's not in the game.
"Hi Bonnie! I have a question! My 10 year old son is very very very much a struggling speller. I mean, I’m sure he is dyslexic. He can’t spell at all and I’ve tried everything. What would you do? Just dictation?"
"I admit I hit very much a rough patch with general overwhelm this summer and almost put two of my kids in public school. I’m trying to snap out of it and get back to our family vision. But it’s been very challenging with a toddler who still sleeps horribly and a destructive five year old boy . I need to re-listen to basically all of your episodes and get my head in the game again. My 10 yr old is just soooo woefully behind in math and spelling that it adds to my overwhelm."
"Basically / 10 yr old that is very behind in math and spelling. He has various learning disabilities and is very self conscious of being a “bad speller” but I’ve really tried everything to no avail."

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my take on it: children and chores Jul 21, 2024

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Short answer to an important question...our experience and how it changed over the years:
"Hi Bonnie! I’m thinking about our daily/weekly routines for this school year and wondering if you have thoughts on chores for kids. I’m looking at how many hours we have in the day and plugging in reading aloud, a little sit down work, more reading aloud, practicing piano, and then chores on top of that I just wonder am I asking too much of my kids (ages 6 and 8). On the one hand I see housework as my responsibility and am happy to just take care of it all so they can play and enjoy life. On the other hand I don’t want my kids to grow up and not know how to clean the bathroom or do laundry, and it does feel like a good family habit to have help tidying up after meals. Any thoughts you have or sharing about your own experience would be so appreciated! Thanks!"

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co-sleeping: sharing our experience Jul 10, 2024

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Haley and I discuss co-sleeping and breastfeeding, I chat about my journey into co-sleeping and the benefits I’ve observed. Overall, the conversation highlights the benefits and challenges of co-sleeping and offers insights into creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for the whole family. We share our personal experiences and offer thoughts on how to navigate these situations.
co-sleeping, breastfeeding, attachment parenting, sleep environment, night weaning, co-sleeping, parenting, night weaning, transitioning, marriage, intimacy, napping, sleep resource
Sound Bites
“The longer we co-slept, the more everyone slept better because they felt secure.”
“The more light-handed we can handle it, the less conflict there is.”
“Wait until they’re ready to go in their own room and treat it as no big deal.”
Chapters
Introduction and Background
Co-Sleeping and Breastfeeding Journey
Benefits of Co-Sleeping
Creating a Safe Sleep Environment
Night Weaning
Transitioning to Their Own Room
Maintaining a Marriage with Young Children
Creating a Safe Sleeping Environment for Napping

2h

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Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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getting kids to do things they don't want to do, like math for example Jul 03, 2024

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In this conversation, Mariette and I discuss how to motivate children to do tasks they don't enjoy, specifically focusing on math. We explore strategies such as setting parameters, incorporating math into daily activities, and giving children a sense of control and choice.

Takeaways

Set parameters and give children a sense of control and choice when it comes to tasks they don't enjoy.
Incorporate math into daily activities to make it more engaging and relevant.
Consider using different math programs and breaking down concepts into smaller, more manageable steps.
Understand that learning is a process and there is no rush to complete a certain curriculum by a specific deadline.

Sound Bites

"There's always going to be things you don't want to do."
"We don't want them in a state of alarm."

Understanding the Nature of Unpleasant Tasks

Avoiding Alarm and Resistance

Incorporating Math into Daily Activities

Breaking Down Math Concepts into Manageable Steps

Modeling Learning and Making it Fun

Teaching Math as a Magic Trick

https://www.mheducation.com/prek-12/program/key-workbooks/MKTSP-HGH01M0.html

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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my take on it - what to do after chocolate chip math Jun 23, 2024

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Question submitted via text message -
I’m wondering if you have any episodes or blog posts about math after chocolate chips - my oldest is 8 and about to start grade 3. We have been using your little yellow book along with The 3 R’s as a guide for our math learning so far. Would love to hear about where you went from there with your kids, any particular curriculums that you found helpful. I know nothing will be a perfect fit, I’m just looking for something to use as a guide as we continue our one on one lessons. Math is not a natural or easy subject for me to teach.
soundbites:

"Chocolate chips are just the yummy, tasty, manipulative."
"I bought a math book and I just followed the appendix."

blog posts:
a few math posts (nota bene, there are many more, search chocolate chips, math, teaching math on my blog)
To find episodes where we cover math, go to the bottom of the show notes to "episodes by topic" - and under math there are episodes wherever we have talked math!

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keeping homeschooling fresh for the long game Jun 22, 2024

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Sheila, a veteran homeschooling mother from Arizona, shares her experience with burnout and the challenges of homeschooling children with a large age gap. We touch on mothering teens and keeping the connection as they become adults.

soundbites:

"It's a beautiful thing that you're doing."
"Nobody prepares us for what it's going to be like to have adult children and our role in that."
"Implementing mentorship for older homeschooling moms could be a wonderful way to share knowledge and support."

Navigating Burnout and Connection in Homeschooling

Finding Mentorship and Support in Homeschooling

The Importance of Self-Care for Homeschooling Parents

Creating Engaging Activities for Homeschooling

Engaging Children in Learning Through Animals

Investing in Educational Resources: Microscopes and Gardening

Exploring the 4-H Program

Maintaining Connection with Teens While Attending to Younger Children

Challenges of Parenting Adult Children

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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my take on it - supporting left handed kids Jun 14, 2024

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A short answer to a question submitted on buzzsprout's new "FAN MAIL" function.

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creating high school credits out of our kids passions and some things happening currently May 22, 2024

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Takeaways from this episode:
Passions can be turned into high school courses, such as chess

Course titles can reflect the skills and concepts learned, like "applied mathematics through strategy." A high school course typically requires 120-150 hours of work, so what does that look like for their passions?

A topical list of previous episodes is available for easy reference at the end of these show notes and also! A YouTube video featuring a dad's panel discussing homeschooling experiences is linked here in the show notes.

00:00 Introduction and Fan Mail Function

01:26 Turning a Passion for Chess into a High School Course

05:44 Incorporating Writing Assignments and Presentations

06:12 Resources for Developing High School Courses

07:37 A Topical List of Previous Episodes

09:36 Insights from a Dads Panel on Homeschooling

10:06 Conclusion and Farewell
Dad’s panel from our local conference

Homeschooling high school, blog post

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high school: balancing highschoolers with little ones and helping highschoolers flourish May 08, 2024

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A listener, Caroline, brings her questions to the show, delving into the high school years for the first time with lots of younger siblings.
Homeschooling with JOY

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avoiding comparison and getting boys to do stuff Apr 30, 2024

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well, exactly

spelling and the brain by Andrew Pudewa

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home birth, home life and owning our womanhood: an interview with Amber Apr 19, 2024

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1:42 - Conversion and honouring womanhood
4:53 - Welcome and family life
7:42 - Homebirth and home education
11:03 - Sharing birth experiences
20:27 - Motherhood, birth and feminism
29:30 - Sharing our passion, using our gifts
34:06 - All mothers work
37:40 - Surrendering to motherhood
42:50 - Mindful use of social media
On Instagram : @radical.homemaker
One Tired Mother | Amber Adrian | Substack
Keeping your head above water, live workshop (Youtube)
Homeschooling with Joy Workshop, Part 1 (Youtube)
giving birth the fun way (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #motherhood #homebirth #birth #womanhood #familylife #workingmom #stayathomemom #faith #conversion

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igniting a passion for learning: online courses with Homeschool Connections - and upcoming conference! Apr 12, 2024

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Homeschool Connections founders Walter Crawford and Maureen Whittmann join me to discuss the online platform and how it is unique for homeschooling elementary through high school. We also discuss the upcoming online conference *click here for early bird pricing available until April 26, 2024*
2:11 - Welcome Walter and Maureen
6:52 - The beginnings of Homeschool Connections
11:20 - Live and recorded classes
20:59 - Enthusiasm and Dante
23:33 - Upcoming online conference
36:35 - Rooted in faith, growing in knowledge
40:19 - Everyone can benefit
2024 Catholic Homeschool Conference
Homeschool Connections - Catholic Homeschool | High-Quality Courses
For the Love of Literature by Maureen Whittmann
big news, people (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #homeschoolconnections #onlinelearning #highschool #education #livecourses #literature #middleschool #elementary #faith

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Raising Critical Thinkers: foundation, practice and application - an interview with author Julie Bogart Apr 05, 2024

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Such a pleasure to have Julie Bogart join me to discuss her upcoming book and the importance of teaching writing and critical thinking skills in our homeschool.
00:41 - Welcome Julie / Beginnings in teaching writing
4:27 - Becoming critical thinkers
8:35 - Differing opinions in families/communities
17:32 - Teaching children how to think, not what to think
25:25 - Separating facts from fiction
36:28 - Assumptions, biases and group think
45:10 - Debate and analysis of news articles
52:08 - The importance of asking questions

On Instagram @juliebravewriter
www.bravewriter.com
Becoming a Critical Thinker: A Workbook to Help Students Think Well in an Age of Disinformation by Julie Bogart
Raising Critical Thinkers: A Parent's Guide to Growing Wise Kids in a Digital Age by Julie Bogart
The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning and Life by Julie Bogart
language arts in high school (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #writing #criticalthinking #thinkingskills #discpline #research #study #parenting #opinion #debate

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time for joy, time for housework Mar 29, 2024

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Another repurposed episode from the pre-podcast days...
1:15 - Finding time, creating time
2:10 - Slowing down
9:13 - Using a timer
12:06 - Make mealtimes easier
13:03 - A good day starts the night before
13:50 - Working alongside our children
18:23 - Managing during crisis
Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley
indentured servants (blog post)
a day without programs or workbooks, part two: and all the rest (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #planning #housework #organization #productivity #order #chores #joy

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simplify your life Mar 22, 2024

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Repurposing a YouTube live from a while back....
At the beginning of covid I did some YouTube live, and thought they’d be worthiwhile sharing. Here’s where I make the bold statement that I can out talk covid 19. And I did.

1:20 - Why simplicity matters
6:31 - Start your day with a list
7:44 - Read to your kids
9:09 - Chaos undermines joy
14:35 - Assessing your life
18:40 - Slowing down and finding order
the law of diminishing returns (blog post)
the experience of reading (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #familylife #order #simplicity #readaloud #planning #activities #joy

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church and state: the importance of forming our children in the affairs of both Mar 15, 2024

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Welcome to our guest, Patrick Brown, homeschool dad and host of the podcast Crown and Crozier.
2:28 - Welcome Patrick, family life and podcast
13:14 - Raising our kids to be politically, economically awake
17:11 - Educating ourselves as parents
21:30 - Great resources available
32:08 - Voting, freedom and virtue
40:39 - Instilling a love of history
52:09 - Great examples of citizenship
Crown and Crozier Podcast
Twitter: crownandcrozier
US Conference of Catholic Bishops - Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? by Richard Maybury
Usbourne Books - Politics and Government for Beginners
Thomas D'Arcy McGee: Canada's Greatest Catholic Statesman? - Crown and Crozier
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

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how to get started homeschooling and dealing with resistance Mar 12, 2024

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Christina and I discuss where to begin if you are new to homeschooling, especially if your child has already been in school. How to establish a routine and create a playful, joyful environment for learning. We also discuss teaching a second language and using curriculum.
2:51 - Facing loneliness in motherhood
7:55 - Where do you start if you want to homeschool?
14:27 - When the social life of school is appealing to the child
22:16 - Approaches to raising bilingual children
25:58 - Teaching language arts in a second language
34:00 - Dealing with and avoiding resistance
40:01 - Child led learning
How do we start to make joy normal? Episode one. (Podcast)
Done by noon: efficient homeschooling (Podcast)
how do we know when to begin homeschooling and other very large questions (Podcast)
which curriculum to use for a preschooler - a longer answer than you probably want (Podcast)
Dictation workshop (Youtube)
actual dictation lesson (Youtube)
unsolicited advice: dictation is the answer (Blog post)
unsolicited advice: mastery in dictation (Blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #friendship #motherhood #community #fun #play #attachment #reading #languagearts #dictation #parenting #discipline
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homeschooling and bioethics: the curricula of human dignity starts at home, an interview with Samantha Stephenson Mar 08, 2024

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Homeschooling mom and author Samantha Stephenson joins me to discuss the moral formation of our children and how to discuss sensitive topics with our kids.
3:10 - Welcome Samantha!
6:19 - What is bioethics?
18:15 - How to approach difficult questions
23:19 - Using dignified language with our children
29:14 - Answering questions in an age appropriate manner
37:52 - Teaching the dignity of the human person
42:38 - Recommended movies and books
55:11 - What if our teens are pushing back?
1:02:40 - Final thoughts/advice for parents
Samantha Stephenson - mamaprays.com
On instagram: @catholicmamaprays
Mama Prays Devotional by Samantha Stephenson
Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad by Samantha Stephenson
Prairie and Pine - Homeschool Literature Unit Studies
The Seven Big Myths about Marriage by Christopher Kaczor
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #family #dignity #truth #education #bioethics #science #personhood #marriage

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marquette - why talk about NFP on a homeschool podcast? Mar 01, 2024

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Well. If it makes your life simpler, let's try that out.
2:10 - Welcome Ashlee!
3:30 - How did you learn about Marquette?
6:18 - What is ecological breastfeeding?
10:06 - NFP, FAM and how Marquette differs from other methods
18:42 - Would you use Marquette postpartum or while breastfeeding?
20:01 - Is it a challenging method to learn?
22:31 - Isn't NFP the same as contraception?
28:48 - Recommended reading
31:31 - Should you take a course to begin?
34:41 - Career, vocation and homeschooling
Vitae Fertility - Marquette Method
Contact Ashlee: Ashlee@vitaefertility.com
NFP Methods Comparison Chart - Vitae Fertility
How to Talk about the Use and Abuse of Natural Family Planning - Dr Kevin Miller
Marquette Method Professionals
Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing by Sheila Kippley
The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding by Sheila Kippley
Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood by Sheila Kippley
The Catechism in a Year Podcast
Contraception: Why Not - Free Digital Download by Janet E. Smith
Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden
Catholics and NFP (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #naturalfamilyplanning #NFP #fertility #pregnancy #breastfeeding #faith #family #marriage #vocation #career

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oral reports - where are we going with this Feb 24, 2024

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2:07 - What do you make of oral reports?
5:04 - Learning speech arts through coop activities
14:26 - Historical fiction and memorization
30:05 - Playing with dress up clothes
Homeschooling, simplified: great books to study Canadian history
The Poet's Eye by Arthur Alexander
Make Joy Normal Podcast by topic
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #learning #languagearts #speecharts #coop #formation #history #fun

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talk about burnout Feb 16, 2024

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This is a live talk I did online when covid happened, and I've decided to produce a few of them here, converted into a podcast episode.
3:01 - Relationships first
5:58 - Develop a plan
7:12 - Simplicity in our homes
14:54 - Taking time off homeschooling
16:22 - Ideas for getting help
20:18 - Investing in yourself
25:12 - Creating your village
28:15 - Living in a functional community
Homeschooling simplified series
Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #relationships #attachment #selfcare #priorities #order #curriculum #simplicity #community #planning #perspective

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realistic expectations Feb 09, 2024

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Homeschooling, simplified: what matters most: securing cooperation without sacrificing kindness
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #education #attachment #kindness #relationship #joy

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when fertility is winding down: an interview with Abbey Jan 31, 2024

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Such a lovely interview where one of my sweet listeners, Abbey, brings questions about the bittersweet time when fertility is "pending" - the onset of menopause and the challenge of not knowing.
4:05 - Welcome Abbey!
10:24 - Miscarriage and pregnancy after 40
13:53 - Being open to God's will
18:29 - Suffering and grace, the sense of loss and mourning
21:26 - Accepting changes in the body
24:41 - Offering up our suffering
32:18 - Menopause as being actually easier
36:23 - Healthy cycles and wholesome food
Are You Menstrual Podcast
The Freely Rooted Podcast
Fallon's Table - Recipes and Meal Plans
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #fertility #birth #menopause #miscarriage #grace #family #diet #health

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educating ourselves Jan 26, 2024

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Literature for life: and interview with Joseph Pearce. As always, Joseph Pearce has great insight and wisdom on literature and how we, as busy parents, can pursue educating ourselves alongside our children.
6:31 - The desire to fill the gaps in our own education
16:04 - Creating habits of reading
24:55 - Increasing our knowledge of language and vocabulary
27:33 - Poems and authors that are accessible
36:27 - Ignatius Critical Editions : Great works of civilization
42:47 - Should you always read the book before watching the movie?
Joseph Pearce - Member site : The Inner Sanctum
Literature: What Every Catholic Should Know by Joseph Pearce
Poems Every Catholic Should Know Compiled by Joseph Pearce
Poems Every Child Should Know Compiled by Joseph Pearce
Ignatius Critical Editions
poems every child should know: an interview with Joseph Pearce (podcast)
Introducing Shakespeare, and that's not all: an interview with Joseph Pearce (podcast)
the experience of reading (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #literature #education #study #classics #technology #spirituality #reading #leisure #poetry

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co-sleeping Jan 19, 2024

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Jenna Beaugh and I chat about co-sleeping and attachment.
10:32 - Openness to life and relaxed parenting
14:21 - Co-sleeping and how it changed us
18:35 - Books and resources
24:28 - Until what age should you breastfeed your baby?
29:43 - What about kids who keep wanting to sleep with you?
32:33 - Growing in our faith journey
40:03 - Spanking and aggression
46:20 - When older kids want to stay up with you
50:20 - Having babies later in life and menopause
Jenna Beaugh on Instagram @eatliverun
website eatliverun.com
Sweet Sleep - La Leche League
Sleeping with Your Baby by James J. McKenna
The Baby Sleep Book by Dr. Sears
Holistic Gentle Baby Sleep Coaching and Infant Development
Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing by Sheila Kippley

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What about college? And so much more. Jan 13, 2024

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In this episode, we talk about the why of college, intentionality in our choices and the pros and cons of going straight into college after high school. But we also talk about a whole lotta random stuff - including, but not limited to: blending family traditions, the occult, homeschooling during crisis, the value of a hot water bottle and 1000 hours outside. Enjoy!
1:28 - Blending family traditions
3:40 - Paganism, occult and shopping
8:31 - Do kids even need to go to college?
16:05 - Being prepared with a high school transcript
19:54 - Doing a gap year
22:18 - Finding Catholic community
25:43 - Homeschooling through sickness and crisis
37:38 - What if you fear you aren't doing enough?
40:00 - Don't debate with people who disagree with you
1000 Hours Outside Challenge
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #college #postsecondary #education #family #discernement #formation #teens #guidance #community

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Christmas message! Dec 29, 2023

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an interview with my 20 year old son, Abel Dec 16, 2023

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Abel and I chat about homeschooling pros and cons, looking back on our family life and transitioning to post secondary. Shout out to Abel's fans.
2:00 - Graduating high school, transition to University
7:34 - What about essay writing?
11:54 - What were the strengths and weaknesses of your homeschool experience?
15:53 - Self learning in homeschooling
18:36 - Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
23:38 - Do you feel like you should have gone into a trade first?
25:02 - Playing video games
Homeschool Connections
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College
Trinity Western University
offensive posts (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #family #highschool #university #college #writing #trades #community

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How much is too much for teens, and what about all those quizzes and tests?? Dec 08, 2023

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Elizabeth and I take a listener's question and share some of our favourite Christmas storybooks and movies along the way.
00:53 - Enjoying a slow Advent
5:37 - Favourite Christmas storybooks
9:33 - How much homework is too much for a 14 year old?
14:14 - Figuring out what our family needs
16:14 - Creating a family vision
18:48 - Quizzes and tests in homeschool learning
25:15 - Top three Christmas movies

Star of Wonder - Advent Pilgrimage of Peace
enjoying your kids even more, family philosophy (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #highschool #family #vision #readaloud #advent #christmas

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ADVENT and CHRISTMAS: Albert and I share family traditions Dec 02, 2023

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My husband and I chat about things that we did over the years to mark Advent and Christmas!
1:45 - Midnight mass
7:54 - Learning about the Sacramentals
15:18 - Blessing of the Christmas tree
16:49 - Advent family procession
19:37 - Jesse Tree tradition
22:46 - Christmas eve celebration meal
25:30 - Feast of St. Nicholas puppet show
28:33 - Creating a family culture
A Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals by Ann Ball
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #advent #christmas #tradition #family #culture #music #prayer #sacramentals #faith

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Just do it: building community with Rebecca Genuis Nov 24, 2023

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Such a lovely conversation with my dear listener Rebecca! She shares some great ideas for gathering people and growing community.
00:33 - Prayer request
1:11 - Welcome Rebecca, family and vocation
3:13 - Preconception, pregnancy and fertility health
8:04 - Professional development for homeschoolers
16:11 - Format for homeschool gathering
18:45 - Growing a community
23:31 - How to reach out to other families and keep communication open
27:51 - Parenting issues are the most significant
32:37 - Supporting and loving our children
37:20 - Holiness and learning from our mistakes
Dr. Rebecca Genuis - Infertility, PCOS, preconception
Revolution of Mercy by Bonnie Landry
Hold On to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #pregnancy #health #infertility #family #community #parenting #attachment #relationship #growth

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Celebrating life, one crumb at a time - an interview on food, family and love with Jenna Beaugh Nov 21, 2023

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Jenna Beaugh joins me to discuss family life and culture around the table. We discuss how to encourage our children in a love of cooking, setting the atmosphere around the table and how to increase joy in our homeschooling.
1:01 - Welcome Jenna, family and faith journey
6:30 - How did you start homeschooling?
9:40 - Importance of food and family culture
14:54 - What led you into culinary school?
17:04 - Encouraging a love of cooking, love of table
22:33 - Liturgical living, Advent and Christmas
29:01 - Book and future plans
31:33 - Final thoughts on how to instill a love of family time through food
Jenna Beaugh on Instagram @eatliverun
website eatliverun.com
The Catechism in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz
SALT FAT ACID HEAT
Nourished: Connection, Food and Caring for Our Kids (And Everyone Else We Love) by Deborah MacNamara PhD
Nourished: an interview with Deborah MacNamara on her new book (podcast)
convoluted Christmas with joy (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #family #culture #faith #food #cooking #motherhood #blogging #teenagers #advent #christmas #tradition #attachment #joy #nutrition

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closeness and learning: getting school work done without strife Nov 01, 2023

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Christina brings a great topic of discussion - can kids be trusted or will they take advantage of our goodness towards them? We discuss productivity, discipline, authority and how to handle kids with controlling or manipulative behaviours.
4:50 - Learning to trust our children
6:46 - Education as a place of building relationship
10:09 - What should we do when we get pushback?
17:18 - Learning to empathize with our children
21:39 - What if a child is manipulating you?
26:58 - Leadership and authority in parenting
30:29 - Respect goes both ways
36:51 - Approach to conflict and relationships
Author Julie Bogart on Instagram @juliebravewriter
Hold On to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld
Revolution of Mercy by Bonnie Landry
authority (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #trust #discipline #education #tenderness #attachment #parenting #respect #authority #rest #enjoyment

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Catholic Stories for Children: an interview with Trevor Rothaus Oct 13, 2023

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Trevor Rothaus, creator of Catholic Stories for Children joins me to discuss a fun and engaging way to teach the Catholic faith to children!
00:29 - Welcome Trevor & faith journey
4:15 - What is Catholic Stories for Children?
6:23 - Video production and animation
9:35 - How can people support you?
14:12 - Mass Guide and Feast Day Calendar
19:14 - Printable prayers and Ignatian Spiritual Exercises for kids
24:00 - Growing in virtue
28:28 - What do you have in store for the future?
32:57 - Where to start and encouragement
Catholic Stories for Children
and on Instagram @catholicstoriesforchildren
forever learning (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #prayer #catechesis #faith #formation #virtue #habit #learning #faith

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Nourished: an interview with Deborah MacNamara on her new book Oct 07, 2023

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Wow, what a profound episode with Dr. Deborah MacNamara who joins me to discuss her new book Nourished: Connection, Food and Caring for Our Kids. We discuss relationship as the foundation to our health, how food and attachment are interconnected and how to create a family culture where food draws us together, is joyful and life-giving.
1:14 - Valuing the family meal, Bonnie's experience
6:40 - Food will either serve attachment or soothe emotional distress
11:50 - Receptivity and operating from the perspective of a role
13:48 What if we are met by resistance from our children?
18:55 - Food culture in Italy: food draws people together, celebration, togetherness
22:55 - The work of love and attachment was always meant to be invisible
26:23 - Without connection children become more anxious, agitated, resistant
28:58 - Attachment does not mean the kids run all over you
34:11 - Not making an issue of food
36:17 - How do you hold on to a teenager?
38:24 - Food problems can become relationship problems
49:25 - Experiencing food, play, and invitation
59:16 - Becoming your kid's best bet

Dr. Deborah MacNamara's website
and Instagram @drdeborahmacnamara
Nourished: Connection, Food and Caring for Our Kids (And Everyone Else We Love) by Deborah MacNamara PhD
Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or Anyone Else Who Acts Like One) by Deborah MacNamara
Rest, Play, Grow: Interview with Dr. Deborah MacNamara (podcast)
respect (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #family #culture #relationships #attachment #nourishment #connection #discipline #receptivity #invitation #warmth #generosity #patience #togetherness #gathering #enjoyment #responsibility #play

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a conversation with Father Paul, our Holy Land pilgrimage chaplain Sep 30, 2023

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Albert and I chat with Fr. Paul Houlis about pilgrimage, holiness, joy and blessings.
Catholic Heritage Curricula - Ever Ancient, Ever New
2:11 - Welcome Fr. Paul and opening prayer
11:24 - Pilgrimages and greatest impact of being in the Holy Land
21:03 - What was your most profound experience?
25:46 - Feeling deeply, longing, and desire
39:42 - About Fr. Paul's podcast : A Holy Mess Podcast
43:22 - What's your favourite thing about being Catholic?
44:42 - Securing joy, gratitude and holiness
A Holy Mess Podcast
why I am catholic, chapter the first (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #travel #pilgrimage #prayer #holyland #sacraments

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feeling like a brand new homeschool mom: exploring high school years with Ashley Sep 15, 2023

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It catches you by surprise. One day, they're all babies and little kids and you're having so much fun with all the schooling and suddenly, someone is 14 or 15! It all seems to get a lot more serious and we find ourselves in a completely new landscape. Thanks to Ashely for her willingness to share her questions and concerns on this podcast, as we explore that new landscape.
00:29 - Welcome Ashley!
2:03 - Developing a high school transcript
5:21 - Having a conversation with your teen about their future
7:48 - Write everything down that they do
11:02 - Discerning what's best for your family
19:20 - Developing a course and grading
28:25 - Coaching our children
34:52 - Family life and time management
38:35 - New school year, where to start?
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/pdfs
getting to graduation with grace (Youtube)

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making kids do stuff we want them to do and making them stop doing stuff we don't want them to do Sep 01, 2023

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thanks to our sponsor, Catholic Heritage Curricula
2:11 - Welcome and gearing up for a new school year
5:13 - How do you direct a 14 month old without rewards or consequences?
11:13 - How do we get our kids to do things that they don't want to do?
17:22 - Connect and direct
19:44 - Restricting computer time and video games
24:12 - Prevention and managing the environment for safety
30:28 - Supportive parenting for creative and sneaky kids

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back to school resources linked in the show notes Aug 29, 2023

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my homeschool workshop in audio and video

Back to school free planning pages
Lydia's Catholic Saints timeline

Blog posts:
Planning your year with natural learning

Gearing up for the school year

Getting some mom time

Previous episodes:
What will you do all day? Developing routine with littles

Prepping for next year, what we really need

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seven strategies for simpler homes Aug 26, 2023

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Thank you Kelly! For more awesome tips on simplifying mom life, find Kelly here
https://www.simplehomemom.com/
1:09 - Welcome Kelly!
2:37 - Strategy #1: Use Go-back Baskets
5:43 - Strategy #2: Use loop planning for low stress chores
11:41 - Strategy #3: Use blitz tidying as needed
17:57 - Strategy #4: Commit to simple daily planning
20:27 - Strategy #5: Use chore habits for less effort chores
22:21 - Strategy #6: Commit to a weekly planning session
24:40 - Strategy #7: Create a plan B chore routine
28:53 - How do you stay on-top of the basics? Meals, dishes?
37:52 - How do you keep laundry flowing smoothly?

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defining joy and why homeschooling with joy matters Aug 20, 2023

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I have three lovely ladies, Teresa, Leah and Margaret bring their incredible and insightful questions to the podcast. Honestly, I think this is one of the best episodes we've done...these gals are so insightful with wanting to understand such fundamental aspects of home education and family life. Thank you, ladies, you are fabulous!
7:50 - How do you define joy?
22:01 - Reactive response vs. tender response
27:11 - Why the focus on joy?
41:30 - Growing spiritually with our kids
44:42 - Offering correction in a loving and dignified way
50:19 - Where did you come across the philosophy of gentle parenting?
59:55 - Combating angst and building resilience

Homeschooling with JOY workshop videos
Searching for and Maintaining Peace
Let Beauty Speak
Bishop Barron seven deadly sins
Sheila Kippley
Hold Onto Your Kids
Episode on resilience

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random discussion about why we do the things we do Aug 14, 2023

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Sorry sweeties, no show notes this time!!

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which curriculum to use for a preschooler - a longer answer than you probably want Aug 04, 2023

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A listener submits a question, and well...I just launch.
Catholic Heritage Curricula - Ever Ancient, Ever New
2:32 - What curriculum do you recommend for a preschooler?
5:10 - How natural learning began in our home
11:41 - What I noticed over time
14:44 - Curricula stressors and math example
19:13 - Be the master of the curriculum
19:53 - Creating a loving learning environment
Bonnie Landry Youtube page
The Three R's by Ruth Beechick
Homeschooling Simplified book series
gearing, part three, avoiding the things that kill joy (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #preschool #curriculum #education #kindergarten #unschooling #discipline #math #natural #learning

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Concerns about post secondary? An interview with Oceana, enrolment advisor at Trinity Western University. Jul 24, 2023

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1:42 - Welcome Oceana and about TWU
7:55 - What is the process for the homeschool student?
12:55 - Support, financial aid and campus living
19:00 - Athletic programs at TWU
20:03 - Catholic formation and transfer process
23:25 - Travel study opportunities
25:25 - When can you start your application?
30:29 - Website and social media
31:40 - Details for application process and living on campus

Trinity Western University
@hellotwu on instagram
homeschooling high school: a typical course of study, what does that even mean? (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #academics #formation #wellness #mentorship #community #connection #ministry #travelstudy #career

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revolution of mercy, part five and final segment Jul 14, 2023

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The final component of "Revolution of Mercy" audio book version.
00:47 - Chapter 7 - Be merciful and just
3:48 - Caring for our children's dignity
5:10 - Forgiveness does not condone behaviour
11:19 - Chapter 8 - The Theology of the Body and dignity in relationships
14:32 - The perfection of charity
17:31 - How we ought to respond to our children
27:08 - Chapter 9 - Why not how
29:03 - Walking with our children
31:49 - Acknowledging emotions and dealing with disappointment
46:16 - What we are as families
Revolution of Mercy: how kindness changes everything
Discipline Without Distress by Judy Arnall
Man & Woman He Created Them (Theology of the Body) by Pope John Paul II
Breastfeeding & Catholic Motherhood by Sheila Kippley
it ain't a perfect world (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #mercy #kindness #discipline #family #dignity #prayer #tenderness #virtue

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revolution of mercy, part four Jul 06, 2023

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00:44 - Carrot and Stick discipline
3:45 - Chapter 5 - Filling our children's tanks
3:57 - Disinterested service
5:29 - Gentle discipleship
7:45 - Controlling our reactions
10:36 - Striving for perfection
13:30 - Chapter 6 - Our tanks need filling too
15:49 - Seeking God in the Sacraments
20:11 - Prayer and fasting
Discipline Without Distress by Judy Arnall
Interior Freedom by Fr. Jacques Philippe
Seven Deadly Sins; Seven Lively Virtues by Fr. Robert Barron (YouTube)
fasting is good (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #prayer #sacraments #discipline #gentleness #charity #attachment #connection

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revolution of mercy, part three Jun 30, 2023

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I continue to read my book "Revolution of Mercy" with commentary along the way.
Catholic Heritage Curricula - Ever Ancient, Ever New
2:31 - Chapter 3 - Agitation, discord and grace
5:07 - Living in a state of contradiction
7:28 - Ideals and expectations
8:46 - Living in the moment
9:43 - Strong reactions and supernatural grace
13:20 - Chapter 4 - Relationships and transaction
14:28 - Rewards and consequences system
17:31 - God's love is not transactional
Hold On to Your Kids
attachment parenting and the sermon on the mount (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #grace #discipline #relationships #family #growth #prayer #faith #tenderness #attachment

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revolution of mercy, part two Jun 21, 2023

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I read my book "Revolution of Mercy" with commentary along the way.
00:50 - Understanding the temperament God gave you
2:34 -Forming a receptive heart
4:35 - Walking beside our children in discipleship
9:24 - Chapter 2 - What is a family and why is it so hard?
12:27 - An intimate community of life and love
14:11 - Heroic virtue and holiness
17:33 - Our children are more responsive to tenderness
22:37 - Why did God make me?
Revolution of Mercy: how kindness changes everything
The Temperament God Gave You by Art and Laraine Bennett
Familiaris Consortio, Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II
motherhood: an apprenticeship in self-denial (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #relationships #discipline #trust #conversion #revolutionofmercy #kindness #dignity #virtue #holiness #attachment #tenderness #family

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revolution of mercy, part one Jun 19, 2023

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I read my book "Revolution of Mercy" with commentary along the way.
2:11 - Chapter One - Receptivity
3:05 - Love is an act of the will
3:32 - Remembering is the hard part
6:02 - Managing children's behaviour or securing cooperation
7:19 - Rewards and consequences
8:38 - Emotional distance compromises guiding influence
9:16 - Covenant implies a relationship of trust
10:15 - Conversion is a life long process
Revolution of Mercy: how kindness changes everything
dead and almost dead (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #relationships #discipline #trust #conversion #revolutionofmercy #kindness #dignity

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poems every child should know: an interview with Joseph Pearce Jun 02, 2023

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Fantastic interview with Joseph Pearce, bringing clarity to the things that matter most.
Catholic Heritage Curricula - Ever Ancient, Ever New
5:32 - Welcome Joseph and literary works
8:14 - Why does poetry matter?
14:01 - Developing writing skills, vocabulary and memorization
18:52 - Where do silliness and funny poems fit in?
23:11 - Why/how did you choose these particular poems for your book?
28:40 - Teaching Language Arts through dictation
43:54 - Writing poetry as an adult
Poems Every Child Should Know Compiled by Joseph Pearce
The Inner Sanctum Membership
Introducing Shakespeare, and that's not all: an interview with Joseph Pearce (podcast)
Race with the Devil: My Journey from Racial Hatred to Rational Love by Joseph Pearce
Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization by Andrew Pudewa
Faith of Our Fathers by Joseph Pearce
Questions about dictation (podcast)
phonics, dictation and learning language arts in context (podcast)
primer on dictation (podcast)
Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis (audiobook)
poetry and Shakespeare for the uninclined (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #poetry #literature #creativity #virtue #goodness #inspiration #truth #beauty #languagearts #memorization #adventure #merriment #dictation

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harsh realities May 16, 2023

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Trigger warning. Difficult topic.

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transcendentals: that which transcends and why it matters (an interview with John Paul Meenan) May 05, 2023

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We welcome once again Prof. John Paul Meenan to discuss the transcendentals (Truth, Goodness, Unity and Beauty) and how they manifest themselves in our lives. We discuss discernment in the moral life, how God draws us to deeper conversion and a few helpful resources.
Catholic Heritage Curricula - Ever Ancient, Ever New
3:58 - Defining and understanding the transcendentals
12:46 - God's Law and the natural law
22:33 - Beauty and the science of Beauty
32:00 - On the moral life and conversion
42:37 - The role of Unity
46:15 - Simple ways to deepen our understanding
51:02 - The transcendentals as the pathway to God
The Way of Beauty by David Clayton
Art and Scholasticism by Jacques Maritain
Ever Ancient, Ever New: Art History, Appreciation, Theory, and Practice
Discernment: how do we know if we're making the right decisions - an interview with John Paul Meenan (podcast)
eyes to see (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #discernement #truth #goodness #beauty #integrity #dignity

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mom guilt: moving forward Apr 29, 2023

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We fall short.... so many times...but how do we handle the guilt from our shortcomings? Elizabeth and I discuss possible sources of guilt, the importance of healing from our wounds and share some helpful resources.
00:36 - Holy Week and Easter family traditions
2:26 - How do we handle guilt from snapping at our kids?
5:57 - Importance of asking ourselves "why"
12:34 - Becoming aware of our negative thought patterns
18:06 - Learning to be okay with messing up
23:56 - Refreshing our attachment / kids with compromised attachment
Catholic All Year with Kendra Tierney
A Continual Feast by Evelyn Vitz
Adam Young Counseling - What Every Child Needs From Their Parents
111. Wounds: "You Can't Heal a Wound by Saying It's Not There"
Latte and Laundry: A home for Catholic women, moms, and hearts
112. Loving Through Our Wounds - Motherhood - with Dr. Bob Schuchts
Latte and Laundry: A home for Catholic women, moms, and hearts
CatholicPsych Institute
The 5 Love Languages of Children by Dr. Gary Chapman
The Temperament God Gave Your Kids by Art Bennett
examination of conscience
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #discipline #patience #guilt #parenting #forgiveness #prayer #attachment

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meeting the needs of our eldest when we have a mittfull of littles Apr 22, 2023

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Elizabeth and I take on this question, and then I get two other mothers near and dear to me to weigh in on this topic. Zoe and Rachel share their thoughts on how they make (made) it work with a lotta young ones.
1:54 - Acknowledging the needs of our eldest
6:46 - Opportunities to connect
9:02 - Caring for children with learning disabilities
13:32 - Stepping back and assessing things
19:36 - Crowdsourcing interview with Zoe
23:27 - Crowdsourcing interview with Rachel
our airbnb (link)
homeschooling children with special needs: an interview with Maureen Wittman (podcast)
from city to farm: a homeschool family's journey (podcast)
tea with girls (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #familylife #relationships #planning #readaloud #gratitude

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career woman to stay at home mom: an interview with Zoe Apr 15, 2023

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Wow, we talk around this idea, culturally what seems to be happening, Zoe's personal experience and reflect on the value of life in the home. And Zoe, lover of beauty and life in the home, has created this lovely Etsy shop for us ❤️.
Studio Disegno
00:29 - Welcome Zoe and what lead you to making the transition
2:54 - Appreciation for life in the home
11:34 - Climbing the ladder / A call from the heart
16:18 - Why are you wasting your education? Answering all the questions
27:30 - Experiencing doubt after leaving career
30:19 - What is the most challenging part of being a stay at home mom?
43:37 - What would you say to a woman considering changing paths?
Sequencing: The groundbreaking book on having it all but not all at once by Arlene Rossen Cardoza
What Mothers Do by Naomi Stadlen
missing babies (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #motherhood #career #vocation #community #encouragement #success #hope #commitment

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only child: boy edition Apr 07, 2023

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Our dear listener Shawn shares the joys of having and raising her only child. We discuss the unique needs of boys, their energy and need for movement, learning to be okay with silence and working side by side. The importance of community and that you don't need to do it all by yourself.
1:25 - Welcome Shawn and the blessings of having an only child
5:28 - What are some of the challenges?
8:39 - How it plays out for education, physical and social needs
14:31 - Are negative comments a struggle?
18:40 - Do you need respite from being the playmate?
21:39 - How have you developed delayed gratification?
25:36 - Juggling the hours we spend schooling
28:08 - Getting help from outside resources
The only child: an interview with Sarah and Jena (podcast)
the power of pipping (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #onlychild #raisingboys #creativity #planning #community #play #adventure #parenting #joy

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a gift for my listeners Apr 04, 2023

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Firstly! Congratulations to the Jaloway family, my lovely co-host Christina had her little son Luke...please keep the family in your prayers!
And secondly, my sweet daughter Lydia (16) has created a timeline for families to use. She agreed to interview to tell my listeners about it.
The Good Teens Do

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writing: when to start Mar 31, 2023

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When you see that your child is ready, how do you capitalize on that? Elizabeth joins me to discuss how to transition from dictation to more concrete writing lessons, working on the foundation, how to teach paragraph writing and how co-ops and IEW can help along the way.
Catholic Heritage Curricula - Ever Ancient, Ever New
3:16 - When should you start teaching writing?
8:48 - Give them as much help as necessary
11:40 - Building foundation and waiting for readiness
19:37 - Teaching with the Institute for Excellence in Writing
Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)
and IEW on Youtube
encouraging children to write and other matters (podcast)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #writing #dictation #paragraph #coop #readiness #model #process

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ecological breastfeeding and natural family planning Mar 24, 2023

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Today I welcome Gina and Laurie to discuss breastfeeding, natural child spacing and motherhood. We share our experiences in ecological breastfeeding and NFP.
1:15 - Welcome Gina and Laurie
2:43 - What is ecological breastfeeding and how does it work?
12:35 - NFP, fertility and benefits of charting
23:31 - Signs that you are transitioning from ecological breastfeeding to NFP
26:47 - What if you have irregular cycles?
31:10 - What if someone has a serious reason to avoid pregnancy?
35:21 - How has ecological breastfeeding improved your life?
38:44 - Resources for moms
Catholic Nursing Mothers League
and Facebook group
Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing by Sheila Kippley
The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding by Sheila Kippley
Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood by Sheila Kippley
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #breastfeeding #motherhood #nursing #pregnancy #joy #respect #fertility #marriage

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snapping at the kids: it's a spiritual battle Mar 17, 2023

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Christina and I chat about the difficulties and temptations we face in parenting - to lash out, to make a sarcastic remark or to yell at our kids. Acknowledging that we are in a spiritual battle and our need for God's grace is the foundation for responding as Christ calls us to.
1:58 - Snapping, temperaments and forgiveness
7:04 - Prayer and self-awareness
14:19 - The problem with arguing
17:38 - We are in a spiritual battle
23:42 - Accepting our circumstances
27:48 - The labyrinth as a symbol for our spiritual life
30:18 - Things that help when we are struggling
Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz): Day 61 : The Name of Jesus
growing things (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #discipline #forgiveness #kindness #parenting #prayer #spirituality #faith

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Am I doing it right? Mar 10, 2023

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A dear listener, Leslie, brings her questions to this episode. Am I doing enough? Am I doing it right? Does curriculum need to be Catholic-specific?
2:02 - Should I feel guilt or fear about using secular curriculum?
5:15 - Helpful books to have on hand
8:50 - How to use various resources while maintaining the Catholic lens
10:34 - The benefits of using a wide range of materials
18:55 - Helping our children wrestle with big questions
22:42 - The skill of critical thinking and debate in homeschooling
Modern Catholic Dictionary by Fr. Hardon
A Catechism of Church History by Fr. Robert J. Fox
why does education matter? (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #curriculum #catechism #education #connection #tenderness #wonder #logic #criticalthinking

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The only child: an interview with Sarah and Jena Mar 03, 2023

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Two lovely moms meet with me today to chat about what it's like raising and homeschooling an only child. These delightful ladies have so much insight and so much to offer. So worth a listen, even if you don't have an only...take a peek inside their world, the challenges and blessings that come with a one child family from two deeply thoughtful moms.
Catholic Heritage Curricula - Ever Ancient, Ever New
4:33 - Welcome Sarah and Jena
6:43 - The blessings of an only child
11:23 - Challenges and sadness over not having siblings
20:44 - How does it play out in terms of educating?
30:35 - How do you address socialization?
32:35 - Dealing with judgement from others
36:53 - Needing respite as a mom of an only child
43:05 - Creating opportunities for delayed gratification
46:43 - Montossori technique for waiting
49:42 - Sarah and Jena's services
2023 Catholic Day Planner: A 54-Week Planner for Canadian Catholics
Rooms Need Love | Professional Organizing for Moms
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #parenting #onlychild #community #education #routine #joy

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processing preteens Feb 24, 2023

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Elizabeth and I talk preteens. How to respond charitably when facing defiance and giving them space to vent. How planning something different and fun can help the day improve. Finally, we chat about entertaining a young toddler.
3:55 - How do you motivate a preteen who is only motivated by fun?
10:33 - Responding to defiance and having practiced responses
14:02 - Allowing your child to being heard
17:55 - Preteens, boys and sassiness
20:09 - Inexpensive snacks and dealing with picky eaters
24:52 - How to keep the baby happy
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #familylife #parenting #motivation #fun #perspective #connection #preteens

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some truths in family life ~ part two Feb 20, 2023

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00:50 - owning less stuff
2:29 - investing in the relationship
8:56 - practicing kindness and tenderness
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #familylife #parenting #connection #guidance #kindness
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some truths in family life ~ part one Feb 17, 2023

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I share some thoughts on family life : helping our relationships flourish, understanding our family's history and tradition, how kindness changes everything and how to reduce unnecessary busyness.
1:07 - Truth in family life: what does that mean?
9:20 - Finding joy and dignity in relationships
22:21 - Chaos undermines kindness
25:14 - Tools for discerning commitments
The Adventures of the REAL Winnie-the-Pooh - The New York Public Library
Civilisation: A Personal View by Kenneth Clark (video series)
be invested in the relationship, not the emotions (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #familylife #parenting #literature #growth #connection #guidance #kindness #history
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teeeeeeeeeenagers....what to do...what to do Feb 10, 2023

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Elizabeth and I chat about kids in the transition years . Wait, they're all transition years...but some, of course, are more dramatic than others, and emerging teens and adults leave parents treading new waters.
1:39 - Navigating bedtime as kids get older
8:20 - Including them in the decision making
14:21 - Our role as parents
20:15 - When your child becomes an adult
Dr. Russell Barkley on parenting
babies, toddlers, teens and beyond
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #teenagers #parenting #attachment #formation
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baby and beyond: a love story Feb 03, 2023

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Allison shares so beautifully about the struggles faced in motherhood and in the postpartum period. Her journey in healing physically, emotionally, spiritually and the transformation that comes one day at a time by God's grace.
2:48 - Welcome Allison!
5:23 - Realizing that something needs to change
10:15 - A beginning for getting help
15:41 - Did people around you notice that you weren't well?
20:03 - The need for community and support
25:11 - Where is a good place to start for physical/spiritual health?
34:35 - What pulls you out of dark moments now?
44:07 - How do you maintain a desire for growth and what keeps you moving forward?
Catholic Heritage Curricula - Ever Ancient, Ever New
Baby and Beyond by Allison Auth | Sofia Institute Press
@babyandbeyondbook on Instagram
the joy of nourishment should never be sacrificed - Fallon Lee (podcast)
Freely Rooted podcast
pursuing health and holiness in the domestic church: an interview with Mariette, the natural Catholic mom (podcast)
MommaStrong workouts
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #motherhood #wellness #community #prayer #grace #journey #vulnerability #healing
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Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
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differences in discipline Jan 27, 2023

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It's a great question - How do we approach the topic of differences in discipline with a young child who notices these things and is asking? We also discuss how small families can approach their homeschooling communities despite large families being the norm.
2:00 - How do you explain parenting differences to a child?
8:45 - When others are disapproving of your methods of discipline
13:32 - Choosing our words carefully and with great empathy
16:13 - Small families, homeschooling communities and infertility
Neufeld Institute | Gordon Neufeld PhD
attachment parenting and the sermon on the mount (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #discipline #attachment #revolutionofmercy #tenderness #community #family #charity
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getting ready for high school Jan 20, 2023

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Such a pleasure to welcome Lucero and Michelle who bring their questions about homeschooling into the teen years. We discuss challenges, counterwill and burnout. The importance of open communication and how community and fun are at the heart of a healthy wholesome homeschooling experience for the entire family.
1:11 - Welcome Lucero and Michelle
6:23 - Importance of community and fun
10:49 - How do you manage everything?
17:51 - Negotiating with our teenagers
21:28 - What are the absolute basics we need in their schooling?
36:15 - Burnout and crisis years
42:05 - Provide opportunities for fun
52:39 - The cycle of family learning
58:14 - Developing your own homeschool high school transcript
1:03:22 - Motivating our children when they're struggling
1:18:34 - Not caring about what other people think
Catholic Heritage Curricula
World Book Encyclopedia
Homeschooling with Joy Workshop, Part 1/4
Homeschooling with Joy Workshop, Part 2/4
Homeschooling with Joy Workshop, Part 3/4
Homeschooling with Joy Workshop, Part 4/4
Mother of Divine Grace Curriculum
Variation of "The Hat Game"
High school transcript template - bonnielandry.ca
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #highschool #dictation #reading #math #planning #routine #community #fun #history #science #socialization #support #cooperation #socraticeducation
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troubleshooting dictation...and household order...and the rest of life Jan 13, 2023

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Well we start with dictation but move into some great conversation about "to push or not to push, to plan or not to plan" and Elizabeth brings her honesty to the table about the hard moments and the great moments.
Catholic Heritage Curricula - Ever Ancient, Ever New
4:26 - When dictation is not working
11:32 - Learning skills along the way for teaching our children
16:02 - Dealing with a child's anger and frustration
24:20 - New year planning and finding order again
31:01 - Being clear with our kids about chores
36:58 - Responding in a matter-of-fact way
Intermediate Language Lessons by Emma Serl
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
Done by noon: efficient homeschooling (podcast)
what will you do all day: developing routine with little ones (podcast)
sit down work at different ages (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #planning #order #dictation #language #teaching #kindness #fun

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Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
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how to plan a family Ball Jan 06, 2023

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We do a Christmas Ball each year (except not during pandemics) and this year's Ball was a huge success as people are so ready to get some social life! I thought it would be fun to share what we do and, more importantly, why we do it.
Some tips for success, some ideas to get you started.
Catholic Heritage Curricula - Ever Ancient, Ever New

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
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Christmas message, 2022 Dec 26, 2022

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A blessed Christmas to you all!

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primer on dictation Dec 10, 2022

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In today's episode, Elizabeth and I chat about questions that often come up about dictation. When do we know our child is ready for dictation, where to begin and whether dictation can be used with an older child. And for practical tips, check out a new video of dictation with my six year old grandson.
1:12 - How dictation works
8:00 - How to choose what to write for dictation
12:53 - Using dictation with older kids
23:44 - Adjusting for the needs of the child
31:42 - How do I know when my child is ready for dictation?
34:00 - What if your child still struggles with writing letters?
A few more Youtube videos on dictation :
Dictation WORKS!
Dictation Example video
actual dictation lesson
unsolicited advice: dictation is the answer (blog post)
Too Far with Laura Horn
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #literature #languagearts #grammar #spelling #poetry #dictation
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Why We Kiss Under the Mistletoe: a new book and Christmas traditions in our family life Dec 04, 2022

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This is coming out as a supplementary episode because you are probably gonna want this book after listening and you need it before Christmas...
I talk with the cocktail man, Michael Foley once again, ultimately, about joy. His new book Why We Kiss Under the Mistletoe” is so much more than a book about Christmas traditions. We can learn history through Christmas traditions (rock that Christmas unit study…), and create deepen family bonds by sharing these traditions with our children. We talk about why we, as a culture, love Christmas and ways to attain cozy in your family. Michael shares how to approach developing Christmas traditions in your own home with joy and fun. He reveals how we can capitalize on the “culture of merriment” and that idea alone is worth the book.
https://drinkingwiththesaints.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Why-Kiss-under-Mistletoe-Traditions/dp/1684512417/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1J8Q7FVHLSNBG&keywords=why+we+kiss+under+the+mistletoe+book&qid=1670093984&sprefix=why+we+kiss+under+the+%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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raising holy children Dec 02, 2022

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How do we lead our children closer to God?
4:02 - Raising children who desire to draw closer to God
12:38 - What do we do when our kids misbehave?
17:11 - Our goal as parents
Art programs by Catholic Heritage Curricula
Ever Ancient, Ever New: Art History, Appreciation, Theory and Practice
the fundamental elements of kindness part one (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #holiness #tenderness #forgiveness #gentleness
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Crystal on classical education - introducing a new podcast! Nov 25, 2022

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Crystal joins me again to share her passion and knowledge of classical education, and tells us about her new podcast Classical Matters.
00:30 - Classical education and a new podcast
13:45 - Education for the transformation of souls
27:53 - Adapting to change, need for assessment
33:55 - When a child pushes back against school work
38:00 - How to choose curriculum
41:07 - Contemplating the human person
Crystal's website
https://crystaljoycampbell.com/
Podcast
CLASSICAL MATTERS with Crystal Joy Campbell

Wonder and Awe by Crystal (blog post)
Give Up the Ego-Drama! - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon (Youtube)
why does education matter? (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #classicaleducation #education #contemplation #family #formation #structure
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Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
Engage kids aged 6-9 with fun, screen-free activities from the world of scouting

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building resilience Nov 18, 2022

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What can we do to build resilience in our lives?
2:02 - Creating joy and peace is an act of surrender
7:25 - Characteristics of resilient people
27:53 - A mother's duty of the moment
building resilience, cultivating joy (blog post)
Bishop Barron on prayer (video)
The Temperament God Gave You by Art and Laraine Bennett
The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #joy #gentleness #gratitude #kindness #prayer #resilience

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
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exploring the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education with author Leah Boden Nov 12, 2022

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Such a pleasure today to chat with Leah Boden, author of the upcoming book Modern Miss Mason. We delve into who Charlotte Mason was, keys to her educational philosophy and encouragement for this season of motherhood.
1:07 - Welcome Leah and creating a family vision
9:21 - Who was Charlotte Mason?
22:06 - Shaping our understanding of children and education
30:27 - Paying attention to our children's needs
37:41 - Charlotte Mason's first principle
46:08 - About Leah's book Modern Miss Mason
50:36 - A word of encouragement
Modern Miss Mason now available on pre-order!
Modern Miss Mason: Discover How Charlotte Mason's Revolutionary Ideas on Home Education Can Change How You and Your Children Learn and Grow Together
Leah's website :
https://www.leahboden.com/
enjoying your kids even more, family philosophy (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #charlottemason #purpose #vision #education #mentorship #nurture #grow
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carrot and stick Nov 04, 2022

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Reflecting on the choices we face as parents in our approach to discipline.
Art programs by Catholic Heritage Curricula
Ever Ancient, Ever New: Art History, Appreciation, Theory and Practice
if not carrot and stick, then WHAT (blog post)
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when are they ready...? Oct 29, 2022

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In the context of receiving first Holy Communion, what if we feel that our child is not ready? Should we postpone or push through? Is it possible to read too many books and how to say no in a gentle and loving way.
00:28 - What if you feel that your child is not mature enough to receive first Communion?
16:23 - Could I be doing too much in my homeschool?
33:03 - What if your child desires an early reception of first Communion?
attachment grows up (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #faith #sacraments #formation #readiness #tenderness
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big questions on parenting and discipline Oct 22, 2022

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Today we discuss how to discipline a child who is being physically aggressive, dealing with an early riser and engaging in a loving way with a child who is highly talkative. Great questions!
1:19 - How do you respond to a child who is being physically aggressive?
11:41 - How do you deal with an early riser when you need more sleep?
22:31 - How do you engage with a talkative child when you need a break?
Interior Kingdom, Faith-based Emotional Regulation Program
Tonies, Musical Storybox
attachment in the early years (blog post)
walk like a mammal (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #discipline #empathy #perspective #communication #attachment
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pilgrimage two minute info session ❤️ Oct 18, 2022

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If you want to follow along, I'm here:
https://www.instagram.com/make.joy.normal/
https://www.facebook.com/makejoynormal

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things I've said "no" to Oct 14, 2022

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In this episode, Christina has a big reveal...
we talk about things I've said no to over my homeschool journey, and how to encourage reverence in our little ones.
2:23 - What have you said "no" to in your homeschooling years?
7:30 - How to assess what is working and what is not working
11:21 - When teachers become homeschoolers
15:12 - How to encourage reverence in our children during prayer time
23:35 - Being reasonable in our expectations
mary on wheels (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #teaching #joy #modelingvirtue #reverence #prayer
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Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
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breastfeeding, homeschool, attachment, connection Oct 07, 2022

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What does breastfeeding have to do with homeschooling? A lot actually! Gina Peterson from Catholic Nursing Mother’s League addresses some questions that were submitted from a listener. We discuss tandem nursing, what we can let go of, negotiating the season of littles, nurturing ourselves through this time. And some ways to fill your tank and theirs.
3:36 - A little about Gina and Catholic Nursing Mother's League
13:14 - Tandem nursing, supply and weaning
17:21 - Attachment when babies are close together
19:04 - How do we embrace this season and what can we let go of?
24:07 - Creating opportunities for attachment
30:58 - Filling up our tanks and keeping our children's tanks full
Check out Art programs by CHC!
Ever Ancient, Ever New:
Art History, Appreciation, Theory and Practice by Catholic Heritage Curricula
Catholic Nursing Mothers League and
Facebook group
Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood by Sheila Kippley
Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing by Sheila Kippley
breasts in active duty (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #attachment #breastfeeding #tandemnursing #motherhood #connection
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encouraging children to write and other matters Sep 29, 2022

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Elizabeth and I address some listener questions today, starting with how to encourage independent writing.
3:12 - What are your thoughts on creative writing?
12:50 - Hosting a writing co-op
14:06 - How to encourage your kids when school seems boring
18:26 - What if we miss something?
20:06 - Finding time for extracurricular courses
27:15 - Putting educational materials on display in the home
Favorite Poems Old and New by Helen Ferris
Institute for Excellence in Writing
Intermediate Language Lessons by Emma Serl
perfecting the paragraph (blog post)
high school writing for the afraid (blog post)
the difference between dictation and writing (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #languagearts #writing #routine #dictation #creativewriting
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family catechesis with Father Harrison Sep 23, 2022

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Father Harrison joins us to discuss the importance of creating life-giving experiences surrounding the faith, how our children learn by modeling, and the importance of Sacramentality in the home. We also talk about building community and Fr. Harrison's most recent book.
00:57 - What is family catechesis?
10:48 - Jesse Tree tradition and how truth is known
18:01 - Building community in the parish
23:20 - Sacraments, sacramentals and why they matter
31:48 - Three essential Sacramentals for the home
36:33 - Faith formation and evangelization
41:46 - Fr. Harrison's book Mysterion
Mysterion: The Revelatory Power of the Sacramental Worldview by Fr. Harrison Ayre
Episode 1: The Sacramental Worldview (Mysterion Video Series by the Daughters of St. Paul)
Clerically Speaking Podcast with Fr. Harrison and Fr. Anthony
Episodes mentioned: The Great Traddening, Modernism, Vocations episode.
indelible marks (blog post)
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how to get along Sep 16, 2022

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In this episode we look at tools for fostering relationships and growing in kindness. How to get along, what to do if we are struggling with a particular child, how to regain perspective and ways to simplifying our lives.
1:01 - Importance of getting along
4:12 - Starting in small ways
5:31 - Focusing on one relationship and being present
8:03 - Finding order in our lives
11:51 - Assuming the best of others
16:36 - Time for self-reflection
Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson
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learning with littles: Julia's questions Sep 09, 2022

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My guest today is Julia, a listener with her fourth little one due anytime. She asks really good questions! We chat about learning in the early years with just young children, should we do a reading program when our child is already fluently reading and how to respond when moms start talking about what curriculum they use.
Julia also asks me how I got started on this particular journey of child led learning. We talk about science with young kids, and working in art and music...and the big question...
What do we do next??
Join Julia and I for a fun conversation about homeschooling in the early years.
4:07 - Should we supplement dictation with a reading curriculum?
12:19 - Feeling pressure to answer for what curriculum we use
23:41 - Choosing literature for dictation
24:54 - Creating good reading habits as a family
26:14 - Social studies, History and Science for young children
35:04 - Adding beautiful Art and Music in homeschool
39:48 - How many hours per day should you be homeschooling?
51:06 - Homeschooling with a new baby
Dictation resources
Science story books:
Over and Under the Pond
A Nest is Noisy
DK Wonders of Nature
Podcast episodes mentioned:
what will you do all day: developing routine with little ones
developing a routine that encourages kids to focus
homeschooling with a new baby and other charming and challenging times in our lives
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the joy of nourishment should never be sacrificed - Fallon Lee Aug 31, 2022

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I started binge listening to Fallon and her co-host Kori a month or so ago, when my daughter told me about their work. Fallon, homeschool mom and a woman who wants to help you to optimal nutrition, shares her story of healing and her passion in the quest for women's health. Among so many other things, well nourished women have more energy, more stable moods, higher quality sleep...wait...those are all the things you need, am I right?
But it the middle of it all, the whole point is JOY. Nutrition should be beautiful, not frustrating. Joyful, not a chore. Thank you, Fallon, for your gifts.
Join us while we overshare.
2:13 - Welcome Fallon / What brought you to your health journey?
16:00 - Wellness should bring you joy
27:52 - How do we start to make positive changes?
35:23 - Body image appreciation
45:57 - The spiritual discipline of fasting
49:42 - Toxicity, gut health and healing through food
1:01:04 - Is there a solution for anxiety?
Ever Ancient, Ever New:
Art History, Appreciation, Theory and Practice by Catholic Heritage Curricula
fallonstable.com
@fallondanae
The Freely Rooted Podcast
#makejoynormal #homeschool #real #organic #wholefoods #nourishment #intuition #foodfreedom #wellness #joy
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homemaking, path to holiness Aug 26, 2022

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You will love love love Allison. Oh my gosh, this interview was just an incredible pleasure and kind of mind shifting. Listen while Allison and I take turns having epiphanies. Listen while Allison creates some of the best analogies I've ever heard on the importance of keeping a home. Beauty, virtue, laundry. We cover it all.
00:14 - Welcome Allison!
4:02 - Working and motherhood
5:37 - What brought you to this journey?
8:16 - The heart of homemaking
29:39 - Decor and intentionality
39:02 - When the task at hand feels like a burden
43:17 - A new Facebook community
48:20 - Where is a good place to start?
54:07 - Pondering the Lord
Married & a House
@marriedandahouse
How do we start to make joy normal? Episode one. (podcast)

making things beautiful (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschool #homemaking #beauty #decor #intentionality #community #routine #order
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children's author, Sylvia Dorham Aug 19, 2022

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Today I interview Sylvia Dorham, children's author. The beginning of the interview had a glitch so we miss some of Sylvia's biographical information!
Sylvia is a Catholic mother of ten, who has a great love of beauty and recognizes that we learn better through rhythm, rhyme and beauty. We discuss her "Monks" books and her newest book, Our Lady, Undoer of Knots.
Sylvia Dorham’s accomplishments are best summarized in the words, "wife" and "mother." She appreciates truth, goodness and beauty and is grateful for skilled artists with whom she can collaborate.
1:02 - Delivering truth in writing for children
3:12 - Not another cheesy children's book
11:40 - About Our Lady Undoer of Knots and new book
27:36 - Hymns - Rhyme, Rhythm and Music
28:51 - About the illustrator
33:44 - Best advice for keeping our children close to us
Sylvia's books
How to Pray the Mary Undoer of Knots Novena
Books by Paul Thigpen
Books by Regina Doman
eyes to see (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschool #faith # relationships #literature #music #ourladyundoerofknots #prayer
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home management: an interview with Kelly Aug 13, 2022

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Kelly joins us today to talk home management skills. She shares valuable insights on keeping a home, building routines and homeschool planning. We talk about creating a rhythm to our day and slowing down to focus on what's important.
0:14 - Welcome Kelly!
2:37 - Simple home management: planning, routines and chores
11:22 - What's your process for planning?
19:57 - How do you plan for your homeschool year?
25:00 - What kind of planners do you offer?
32:47 - What is loop planning?
38:25 - What do you do for homeschool record keeping?
Simple Home Mom & Etsy Shop
Instagram @simplehomemom
Tyranny of the Urgent
Bullet Journal
Looping: Task Management for the (Recovering) Type A Mom - Read Aloud Revival
top half full (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschool #homemanagement #routine #organize #planning #loopscheduling #relationships
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listener questions - welcome Bianca! Aug 05, 2022

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In this episode, dedicated and darling listener, Bianca, brings her questions (and her baby boy!) to the show. We focus on our kid's faith. When they're little, they just gotta go with what their parents do, but as they get older, what? We talk about why I don't talk about my adult kids, and building a family culture. We also address what it's like to be shallow: the pros, the cons. I know you're dying to know.
2:14 - Welcome Bianca! Faith and family background
12:17 - How can faith be maintained for our kids as they get older?
20:25 - What I wish I had done in creating a family culture
23:06 - Daily mass and when feeling overwhelmed by it
Ever Ancient, Ever New:
Art History, Appreciation, Theory and Practice by Catholic Heritage Curricula
growing alongside our kids in faith (podcast)
my Lord and my God (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschool #mentorship #spiritualgrowth #familyculture #prayer
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Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
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creating homes: record keeping and home education, part two, high school Jul 29, 2022

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To wrap up this little series on creating homes, I'll add part two for record keeping. This includes some course planning and working with our high schoolers strengths and weaknesses and our own!
If your kids aren't at high school yet, you'll still get a sense of how education happens in all the places.
3:17 - Write down everything
6:46 - Creating a creditable course
12:38 - Important conversations to have with our teens
13:47 - We can always be educated
16:18 - Building a course of study
17:36 - Critical thinking resources
18:34 - Developing an English course
21:08 - Read aloud and discuss together as a family
26:19 - Working with our children and working with what they love
creating homes: record keeping and home education, part one
homeschooling high school
high school resources
freebies - planning pages for high school
language arts in high school
questions to foster socractic discussion

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
Teaching the Classics - Center For Lit
#makejoynormal #homeschool #interestbased #flourish #outsource #guidance #readaloud #socraticdiscussion #joy
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creating homes: cultivating ourselves Jul 22, 2022

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Today I interview Elissa Frankham, who has gone through the Woman School program, and recently begun her own mentorship. She shares with us her journey with honesty and empathy...we've all known moments in our lives where things just "aren't right." How do we get unstuck?
00:18 - Welcome Elissa!
2:27 - When isolation and overwhelm took over
7:27 - What was the catalyst for change in your life?
9:36 - How did you come across the Woman School program?
14:17 - Taking an honest look at ourselves and growing in self-worth
22:14 - When did you begin to feel unstuck?
23:23 - Program details and courses offered with Elissa
32:34 - What advice would you give a mom who is feeling overwhelmed?
Elissa's instagram
and free guide for setting a morning routine for busy mamas
The Woman School
deep dark past (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschool #wholeness #peace #personalgrowth #resilience #mindset #healing #mentorship
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creating homes: planning out the year Jul 18, 2022

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Elizabeth and I talk about ways to think about plotting out our homeschool year. We cover organization, lesson planning, the philosophy of planning and how curricula can be used without it owning us.
2:47 - Planning the school year - start here!
8:38 - Choosing what you're going to study as a family
11:25 - Planning for individual children and including the child's input
12:45 - Should kids wake up at a certain time?
15:32 - Getting things ready the night before
20:35 - Things to remember when using curriculum
Mother of Divine Grace School
three things you learn in 30 years of homeschooling: not even kidding version (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschool #planning #familylearning #tenderness #joy
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creating homes: recording keeping and home education, part one Jul 08, 2022

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Well, how does this play into creating the kinds of homes we want to raise our families in? In my opinion - HUGE. Chaos undermines kindness. Order is a form of beauty, and order in our brains, and reducing brain clutter makes us more available to the people that we love. Because I have a scrambly sort of brain, I had to find ways to record what we do and how we educate that was simple and sustainable. This is part one, part two will deal more with high school and creating a transcript.
00:15 - Keeping things less chaotic, bringing peace and order into the home
4:17 - Plotting out the school year, learning as a family and for individual children
14:06 - Wrapping up the school year
16:03 - Weekly record keeping sheet
18:13 - How much do we need to keep track?
22:01 - Checklist System
24:56 - High school and how to grade your children
Free Homeschool Planning Pages
why order matters (podcast)
planning our school year and keeping track of knowledge, data, details and learning (blog)
#makejoynormal #homeschool #order #beauty #peace #kindness #simplicity #planning #familylearning #recordkeeping
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creating homes: pursuing health and holiness in the domestic church: an interview with Mariette, the natural Catholic mom Jul 01, 2022

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Welcome, Mariette! And apologies on my end for the background noise; I had inadvertently left a secondary mic on, picking up my noise...thank you for your patience with my technical inabilities, my dear listeners.
Mariette, the natural Catholic mom, joins me for a beautiful conversation about health, homes and holiness. Listen as she guides us gently to living a life in closer accord to God's design.
We cover diet, toxins, birth and so much more.
2:14 - Welcome Mariette
16:36 - How does natural living affect our spiritual lives?
20:39 - Where do we start on the journey?
25:56 - How would you guide a young mom in natural childbirth?
30:49 - What resources really helped you in the beginning?
36:15 - Creating good habits around food and benefits of natural living
43:57 - For when you feel overwhelmed, knowing your limits
46:51 - How to be open to mentorship
Ever Ancient, Ever New:
Art History, Appreciation, Theory and Practice by Catholic Heritage Curricula
Mariette's website and blog
https://thenaturalcatholicmom.com/
Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood: God's Plan for You and Your Baby by Sheila Kippley
Made for This: The Catholic Mom's Guide to Birth by Mary Haseltine
The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth
100 Days of Real Food Cookbook and website
why community matters and how to be part of one (podcast)
my own personal - a birth story (blog post)

Brilliant Beaver Guidebook - Audio Version
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creating homes: well ordered lives Jun 24, 2022

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Christina and I continue in this part two of the little series "creating homes". We talk about order and its part in our sanity and spiritual life. The seasons of motherhood and developing order when order seems like a distant reality...
00:59 - Feeling overwhelmed and keeping up with housework
8:43 - Reaching out for help when we need it and building community
17:50 - Encouraging children to contribute in the home
22:31 - A simple structure for keeping order
26:01 - Filling our children's tanks and blessings of homeschooling
kids helping out around the house (podcast)
sleep matters: an interview with Heather, a woman supporting tired parents (podcast)
low days: getting support (blog post)
#makejoynormal #homeschooling #buildingcommunity #findingorder #seasons #gettinghelp #prayer #simplestructure #blessings
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creating homes: talking marriage with Monica and Renzo from Two Become Family Jun 17, 2022

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I am starting a little series for the next few weeks on creating the homes we desire for our family life. The idea came from this article in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2223:
2223 Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues.
Wow. Tenderness. Forgiveness. Respect. Fidelity.
We'll start with marriage. I have with me today Monica and Renzo Ortega, who have a beautiful marriage ministry, through their website and their podcast, Two Become Family. Their story is beautiful and they tenderly draw us to greater depth and appreciation of marriage.
We discuss why we've lost confidence in marriage, nature and grace, ways to build self control, developing a family culture, over discernment, and how we can get ourselves out from places in our marriage that we don't want to be.
00:13 - Creating homes series, welcome Monica and Renzo
6:54 - Importance of finding support in the first ten years of marriage
10:03 - How did we lose confidence in the family and what is the role of grace?
22:24 - Practicing self-discipline impacts the whole family
26:39 - Creating a family culture of kindness, fortitude, prayer
30:23 - Guidance for vocational discernment
42:06 - Where do we start when discord has crept into the marriage?
Two Become Family - Restoring Confidence in Family Life
Pre-Cana with the Pope Podcast
Go to Joseph: 10 Day Preparation for Consecration to St. Joseph by Renzo Ortega
Go to Joseph for Children by Renzo and Monica Ortega
Familiaris Consortio - Pope John Paul II
Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla
compassion (blog post)
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road tripping Jun 11, 2022

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In this episode, Elizabeth and I talk about car travel, and summer and road trips approach. We share some of our little life hacks for making the car trip a little better. Share your ideas with us in the comments!
00:13 - Recap, we've been away for a long time!
5:05 - Bringing a soccer ball for travel stops
8:07 - Our favourite audiobooks, listening together as a family
13:26 - Road trip games to play in the car
20:03 - Stuff for older kids
22:13 - Best travel hack ever
28:37 - Something the kids will love

Toniebox
Charlotte's Web audiobook narrated by E.B. White
The Hobbit audiobook narrated by Andy Serkis
Disney Winnie the Pooh - tonies
Wild Kratts: Martin - tonies
Wild Kratts: Chris - tonies
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when to push, when not to push Jun 03, 2022

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Elizabeth brings some great questions today. When do you force a child to push through something difficult. The importance of math facts. Addressing grade appropriate milestones.
00:15 - What is your favourite mom hack?
5:19 - When a child pushes back out of laziness or stubbornness
12:48 - Practicing math facts, math support
20:40 - How do you gauge if your child is on track for educational milestones?
31:40 - How to be gentle with a child who is not grasping a concept
Ever Ancient, Ever New:
Art History, Appreciation, Theory and Practice by Catholic Heritage Curricula
Wordle
Vacation Fun Mad Libs : World's Greatest Word Game
reasons not to homeschool #4 - I won't know what to do at each grade level (blog post)
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why order matters May 27, 2022

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This short talk was previously given at a conference, I know I'm on this rant all the time, but I think it needs to be shared, so once again, a balance of order is so important for increasing the peace in our lives.

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my friend and mentor, Katherine the Awesome May 20, 2022

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One of the people who lifted me up and encouraged me to look at what God has given me more closely, Katherine is one of my dearest friends. We talk about being awesome, and how to help others be awesome.
00:12 - Welcome Katherine, how we met and things you do
13:14 - Creating interesting experiences around the liturgical seasons, history
16:57 - It doesn't have to be one more subject, organic learning
17:54 - A Thousand Hours Outdoors challenge for families
20:29 - How do we access our gifts and how can we grow with them?
24:55 - Importance of speaking positively
27:00 - We get energized when we recognize our strengths and gifts
28:42 - Building up our kids and helping them be aware of their gifts
31:10 - Best piece of advice for moms with busy families

The Illustrated Liturgical Year Calendar Subscription by Sophia Institute Press
1000 Hours Outside
Called & Gifted Discernment Process by Catherine of Siena Institute
Aptitude Testing by Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation
building resilience, cultivating joy (blog post)
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Krista from Tan: homeschooling with the whole family in mind May 14, 2022

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Tan has developed a homeschool support system worth taking a look at. Krista from Tan books is so full of enthusiasm for her work supporting parents and families with what Tan has to offer. We talk about what homeschooling can look like, and de-stressing the parents who want to create a joy filled environment.
2:12 - Welcome Krista and about Tan books
5:06 - About TAN Academy and how it operates
19:11 - Support for learning disabilities and when your child is behind
26:35 - You don't need to sweat it over testing
27:58 - Preparation for college or university and negotiating tuition
30:52 - Is TAN Academy available to international families?
39:01 - Homeschool one year at a time, one day at a time
43:16 - Mentorship and finding community
47:06 - Story of Civilization, Story of the Bible, Story of the Church
52:23 - TAN Academy is like a blend of Seton and Mother of Divine Grace
TAN Books
TAN Academy
Ever Ancient, Ever New:
Art History, Appreciation, Theory and Practice by Catholic Heritage Curricula
Classic Learning Test (CLT)

Cardinal Newman Society
Phillip Campbell : Story of Civilization, Story of the Bible, Story of the Church
high school transcripts and other freebies
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"Adventure is the vehicle, connection is the destination." author Greta Eskridge May 06, 2022

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Greta is a lovely human being. Second generation homeschool mom with a husband, four kids and a great attitude. Adventure, big or small, is a place where we can connect with our family and community. Greta shares her story, her desire and purpose in adventuring, and her passion.
3:51 - Being a 2nd gen homeschooler and joys of homeschooling
7:49 - About Greta's new book "100 Days of Adventure"
10:24 - Where creativity comes from and how to foster it
18:15 - What kind of adventures do you share in your book?
29:06 - Ideas for starting an adventure club or a book club
33:53 - How would you encourage another mom to start something?
38:10 - Give your kids the opportunity to take charge and lead you
40:39 - For someone starting out in homeschooling and in adventures
Veritas Current Events
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100 Days of Adventure: Nature Activities, Creative Projects and Field Trips for Every Season by Greta Eskridge
Adventuring Together: How to Create Connections and Make Lasting Memories with Your Kids by Greta Eskridge
living the dream (blog post)
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An interview with Vivian Dudro, editor Ignatius Press: homeschooling, literature and getting to heaven Apr 29, 2022

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Vivian is so lovely. Her love of family, literature and God (not in that order) filters out so tangibly to our listeners. Ignatius has been a remarkable part of our family and faith journey over the years, we're so grateful that they do what they do.
1:08 - Welcome Vivian and about Ignatius Press
2:56 - What is your favourite children's picture book?
11:04 - What does Ignatius Press look for in good children's literature?
17:38 - Books with great reading lists
22:58 - It doesn't have to be Christian to be a good book
34:21 - What defines a great book and creating a reading culture
43:37 - Booklists, fairytales and importance of reading the originals
50:29 - Reading and watching great films as a family
54:11 - Eating dinner together as a family, reading poetry and plays as a family
58:51 - Stacking your goals and forming our children
Ignatius Press
Veritas Current Events
Enter the code "Fountains" for one month free trial
Mary, the Mother of Jesus by Tomie dePaola
The Clown of God by Tomie dePaola
Petook: The Rooster Who Met Jesus by Tomie dePaola
The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander
Bethlehem Books - Literature to Feed the Imagination
New Vision Books
Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum by Laura M. Berquist
Before Austen Comes Aesop: The Children's Great Books and How to Experience Them by Cheri Blomquist
A Landscape with Dragons: The Battle for Your Child's Mind by Michael D. O'Brien
Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie
Before Austen Comes Aesop: The Children's Great Books and How to Experience Them - an interview with author Cheri Blomquist

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favourite topic: favourite books Apr 22, 2022

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Elizabeth and I revel in our favourite books once again, story books, novels, parenting, adult spiritual growth, historical fiction. So much fun.
1:43 - What is your all-time favourite easy family meal?
5:55 - Favourite story books
Something from Nothing
Our Lady's Wardrobe
Frog and Toad are Friends
Winnie the Pooh
James Herriot's Treasury for Children
Berlioz the Bear
The Tale of the Three Trees
Petook
My Bible Friends
Beauty and the Beast
St George and the Dragon
The Kitchen Knight
Books by Tomie dePaola
The Bookshelf for Boys and Girls
The Night Knight
18:29 - Favourite non-fiction
The Miracle of Life, A Parent and Child Book about Birth
The Something Egg
Polar the Titanic Bear
Eyewitness books
Incredible Cross=Section Collection
23:27 - Favourite historical fiction
A Christmas Carol
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Books by E.B. White
Outlaws of Ravenhurst
Fever 1793
The Devil's Arithmetic
Behind the Bedroom Wall
The Winged Watchman
The Wheel on the School
The Vikings
Rolf and the Viking Bow
Way of the Warrior Kid
29:06 - Books for personal growth/homeschooling
The Dolores Passion of our Lord
Favorite Poems Old and New
The Three Rs
The Temperament God Gave You
The Life Giving Home
The Life Giving Table
Introduction to the Devout Life
Books by Fr. Jacques Philippe
The Saints Who Saw Hell
39:05 - Favourite novels
Fr. Elijah
The Lord of the Rings
To Kill a Mockingbird
Books by P.G. Wodehouse
Peter and the Starcatchers
Toniebox
the bigger picture of reading story books (blog post)
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my conversion Apr 20, 2022

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TRIGGER WARNING. See below. Dear friends...this is pretty raw. Christina brings a listeners question to the show ~ tell us about your conversion. It could have been raw-er, I suppose, but raw enough that I'm not putting it up on social media... Also, the editing is kind of poor. Sorry, no excuses. A while back, someone wrote in that they'd love to hear my conversion story. And, my friends, trigger warning: I experienced marital abuse. Subscribers to the podcast will see it, and if you feel there's someone who needs to hear my story, for some reason, please share.
Blessings to you. Bonnie

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sleep matters: an interview with Heather, a woman supporting tired parents Apr 15, 2022

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If you have children, you need to hear this. Heather Boyd is an occupational therapist, specializing in... sleep.
She is on a mission to help families navigate their baby’s sleep and development through family-centred therapy, evidence, attachment theory, and empathy. She provides the information and tools you need to help your baby thrive, increase your confidence, and help parents thrive!
00:14 - Welcome and about Heather
5:48 - How does lack of sleep affect us?
12:50 - Are there safe ways to bedshare?
19:32 - How do we navigate all the conflicting advice around baby sleep?
24:41 -Sleep training and leading baby towards sleep
34:27 - What are your thoughts on baby crying himself to sleep?
39:32 - Accepting the challenges and parent wellness
45:19 - Package sessions and free resources available
53:47 - Are there things that people can do prior to having children to help prepare?
Heather Boyd - Holistic Gentle Baby Sleep Coaching and Infant Development
6 Stages to Understand Your Baby's Sleep from Birth to 5 Years
Discipline - Five Ways to Use Connection To Get Cooperation
Safe Co-sleeping Guidelines by Dr. James McKenna
Thursday Tip: Breastfeeding and Bed Sharing | La Leche League Canada
Helping 'Orchid' Children Thrive by Dr. Deborah MacNamara (Part 1 of 3)
Helping 'Orchid' Children Thrive (Part 2 of 3)
Helping 'Orchid' Children Thrive (Part 3 of 3)
why attachment (blog post)
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sibling adventures Apr 08, 2022

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We discuss some strategies for sibling challenges.
00:22 - What's the best book you're reading right now?
7:00 - How can we help build strong sibling relationships?
12:17 - Finding the common denominator and redirecting
15:43 - Should we let them work it out for themselves?
19:50 - Tools for mitigating those big emotions
33:02 - Using diversion for connection and getting to know your child's needs
36:40 - For when your kids are fighting over an object
Toniebox
Books mentioned:
To Know Christ Jesus by Frank Sheed
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
The Sabbatical by Michael D. O'Brien
Strangers and Sojourners by Michael D. O'Brien
Father Elijah by Michael D. O'Brien
A Cry of Stone by Michael D. O'Brien
Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean-Pierre de Caussade
Neufeld Institute
Interior Kingdom Program
Heather Boyd : Holistic Gentle Baby Sleep Coaching and Infant Development
the earthquake zone - disciplining in distress (blog post)
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the rut of negative thinking Apr 01, 2022

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Father Harrison shares his wisdom on negative and critical thinking. We discuss faith, prayers, support and a few good books.
2:00 - Negativity, critical spirit, rooted sin - I'm struggling to overcome these
5:38 - Faith means seeing reality with Christ's eyes
10:26 - The realm of temptation begins in the realm of thought
17:32 - "Jesus, enter this temptation with me"
20:27- When we struggle with negativity towards certain people
31:24 - Are there any books that would be helpful?
36:36 - The root of self negativity
46:17 - We should never assume that God cannot use us
Veritas Current Events
https://veritascurrentevents.com/ Enter the code "Fountains" for one month free trial
Ever Ancient, Ever New:
Art History, Appreciation, Theory and Practice by Catholic Heritage Curricula
Book recommendations:
Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart by Fr. Jacques Philippe
Time for God by Fr. Jacques Philippe
Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade
Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father's Love by Fr. Thomas Acklin and Fr. Boniface Hicks
Low days (blog post)
#makejoynormal

#homeschooling

#homeschool

#homeschoollife

#vancouverisland

#revolutionofmercy

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meet life coach mama Mar 26, 2022

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Lauren Loboda, life coach and mom of eight, shares her goals, challenges, successes and journey to life coaching. She's real, gifted, and delightfully fun. We find out what life coaching is, and why most of us might just need a little coaching....
1:18 - Welcome Lauren and what is life coaching?
7:33 - Life coaching or spiritual direction?
14:17 - Negative thought patterns, finding peace & accountability
17:48 - When life's not going the way we imagined
24:26 - What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
28:07 - How to have another kid without losing your mind
36:35 - Package sessions and contact info
Lauren's website Life Coach Mama
& podcast Got Your Hands Full!
Toniebox
Interior Kingdom Program Use coupon code IKLAUNCHPARTY at checkout to save $15 off the regular price thru March 31st!
Made for Greatness: Life Coaching for Catholic Moms
pandas...what is it? (blog post)
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Saintmaker....I need this. We all need this. Mar 25, 2022

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Introducing Nathan Meffert, the developer of the Saintmaker Catholic planner. This is so good, I produced this little episode as there is a time constraint on the season that is coming out soon.
This is a short supplementary episode about a Catholic planner that was brought to my attention. It’s new season is April 1, so I wanted to get it into my listener’s path as soon as I could. The Saintmaker helps us establishe our priorities and let’s us put the details in their proper place.

Thanks, Nathan!

#makejoynormal

#homeschooling

#homeschool

#homeschoollife

#vancouverisland

#revolutionofmercy
http://www.thesaintmaker.com/
Use promo code MAKEJOYNORMAL to save 10%!
The Churching of Women

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best resources for: minimalist days/science/history Mar 18, 2022

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And a few other topics as well. We cover a lot of territory in this episode!
2:42 - Do you have any non-negotiable lessons for the day?
5:01 - Do you have any book recommendations for teaching science?
13:50 - How do you dig deep in a unit and get your kids excited about it?
20:59 - Could you recommend a single book resource for teaching different periods in history?
Interior Kingdom Program Use coupon code IKLAUNCHPARTY at checkout to save $15 off the regular price thru March 31st!
Faith and family based emotional regulation (podcast)
Toniebox
Resources for teaching Science:
World Book Encyclopedia
World Book Childcraft series and Young Scientist
Science Is...A Source book for fascinating facts, projects and activities
Catholic Heritage Curricula Behold and See program
Resources for teaching History:
Interview with Philip Campbell, history nerd (podcast)
Why does history matter? An interview with Philip Campbell (podcast)
Favorite Poems Old and New by Helen Ferris
The Story of Civilization Series by Philip Campbell
Let the Authors Speak by Carolyn Hatcher
My First History of Canada by D.J. Dickie
Homeschooling, simplified: Great books to study Canadian History by Bonnie Landry
Johnny Cash: The Gettysburg Address (Youtube)

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time for reading and other reasons to slow down Mar 11, 2022

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Today Christina and I cover an array of topics such as finding time to read aloud, managing our time and our stress, decluttering, slowing down our day and being mindful of how we speak.
5:20 - Reading aloud and tips for managing our time and space
14:47 - Stacking our tasks and reading for ourselves
18:25 - How a gentle tone of voice is effective in discipline
24:49 - Slowing down our day
Toniebox
Books recommendations:
Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley
Grow Wild by Katy Bowman
The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie
reading and relationships (blog post)
decluttering, a journey of self over 25 years (blog post)
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questions about discipline: a listener brings her questions to this episode Mar 04, 2022

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Brittany, a listener from Manitoba, brings her questions to the show, her questions reflect scenarios we've all experienced in our family life. If you are interested in bringing your questions to me in an episode, contact me here: makejoynormal(at)gmail.com
4:34 - How do you navigate an older child hitting the toddler out of frustration?
11:33 - How do you deal with a highly emotional child?
18:20 - How do you handle a child who retaliates at you for your discipline?
25:20 - How do you come up with a consequence in the heat of the moment?
Ever Ancient, Ever New:
Art History, Appreciation, Theory and Practice by Catholic Heritage Curricula
Toniebox

Recommended reading :
Hold Onto Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld
Discipline Without Distress: 135 tools for raising caring, responsible children by Judy Arnall
Revolution of Mercy: how kindness changes everything by Bonnie Landry

if not carrot and stick, then WHAT (blog post)
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a gentle Lent, a holy Lent: an interview with Father Jeffrey Kirby Feb 27, 2022

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Fr. Jeffrey Kirby shares insights for making this Lenten season a time of spiritual growth and how not to miss the opportunity for deepening of our faith and relationship with the Lord.
4:00 - A primer on Lent : what it is and it's purpose
7:06 - How does the individual and the Church benefit from Lent?
10:32 - How A Holy Lent program is structured
16:15 - What should you give up for Lent?
26:16 - Encountering God in the present moment and the purgative way
31:51 - Book recommendations for spiritual growth
A Holy Lent program
Books for spiritual growth:
Be Not Troubled: A 6-Day Personal Retreat with Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade by Fr. Jeffrey Kirby
Glory Unto Glory: A Primer on Ascetical Theology by Fr. Jeffrey Kirby
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why community matters and how to be part of one Feb 25, 2022

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My husband Albert and I chat with our dear friends and co-conspirators in our beautiful little Catholic community, Brian and Laurie Dennison. We talk about why community matters, what it takes from individuals, how to be a part of community and what we can do to build communities.
1:04 - Welcome Dennisons and how our families met each other
8:33 - A snapshot of our community
20:44 - What is community, things we do and how personalities play in
28:04 - Everyone has something to give, how to add to your community
31:41 - What does it take to have a successful community?
50:19 - What is one thing you would say to a young family who desires community?
Toniebox
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Only Heroic Catholic Families Will Survive by Fr. Robert J. Fox
upstarts: how to build a community of people from whom you can borrow a cup of sugar
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homeschool DADS: the importance of our relationships with our children Feb 18, 2022

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Our Dads weigh in on why attachment matters and what kind of relationships they desire to have with their children. Three Dads discuss how they came to understand gentle discipline, and their movement towards it. These guys share a range of experiences, long time dad of seven,(34 years,) Dad in the thick of it, baby-15 years seven children and newer dad, with two young children.
4:41 - How do you define attachment parenting? What is your philosophy?
11:43 - What was your first reaction to attachment over punitive parenting?
24:10 - What are the greatest rewards/challenges in pursuing gentle discipline?
33:12 - Did you have support and how might you support other men?
50:34 - What is one thing you would say to a skeptical dad?
Veritas Current Events
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Toniebox
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Recommended reading :
Hold Onto Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld
Parenting with Grace by Greg and Lisa Popcak
be invested in the relationship, not the emotions
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what order should we teach things in...and what if we miss something? Feb 11, 2022

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We cover a lot in this episode! I make a proclamation about flying by the seat of one's pants. Elizabeth brings several questions to the table.

Is there a correct order to teach topics
what if we miss something
how do we know we've covered everything
how do we teach spelling
how to choose dictation passages
and, finally, should we make our kids apologize

1:36 - Is it important to teach subjects in a certain order?
14:36 - What if you forget something?
19:39 - What's your take on teaching spelling?
26:38 - Tips for choosing quotes/works for dictation
30:17 - When and how should we have our children apologize to each other?
36:57 - Apology walk through and how to dial back
Toniebox
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Mad Libs
Spelling and the Brain Talk by Andrew Pudewa
Favorite Poems Old and New by Helen Ferris
The Sorry Plane by Dr. Deborah MacNamara
How do we know if we're doing a good job?
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Why and how can we teach current events? A deeper dive. Feb 04, 2022

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Today we welcome back Matthew and Esther, co-founders of Veritas Current Events. We talk about the importance of addressing current world events with our kids and how to make it relevant and engaging.
2:16 - What Veritas is and how to use it
7:45 - How current events help form our young people
9:12 - Making it relevant and lesson plan overview
35:49 - Age range and subscription costs
41:17 - Sample news stories and issues addressed
Veritas Current Events
https://veritascurrentevents.com/ Enter the code "Fountains" for one month free trial
Ever Ancient, Ever New, by Catholic Heritage Curricula
https://www.chcweb.com/catalog/ArtAndOtherElectives/catalog.html?utm_source=bl&utm_medium=pc&utm_campaign=ART
Toniebox
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when parents disagree about discipline Jan 28, 2022

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The question that comes up is: what if a mom desires gentle discipline for her family, and dad doesn't believe it can work?
This question has crossed my path several times since starting the podcast, it's a tough one to be sure. Christina and I discuss what attachment is, and what discipline means. Where can we seek support with this conflict, and how we might discuss discipline.
We also delve into the difference between gentle and permissive, and ponder the question: Can you be both strict and non-punitive?
4:31 - What if spouses disagree on discipline?
9:32 - Attachment vs punitive parenting
16:25 - Moving closer to our ideals and how to reach our husbands
25:40 - Is how I am interacting with this child going to bring them closer to God?
30:39 - The blessing of a father
34:32 - Being a place of love and trust and mercy

Blog about Toniebox
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Neufeld Institute:
https://neufeldinstitute.org/
Hold Onto Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld

attachment in family life, part one - what attachment isn't

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screen free options for a screen-centred world Jan 21, 2022

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Sometimes we just need a few minutes to get work done or to make supper. Today we welcome back Drew Vernon from Toniebox. Tonies will entertain your kids for hours...without a screen!
00:13 - Screen-free storytelling
04:41 - Great new content for kids
08:57 - Does audio storytelling aid in literacy?
12:21 - Personalized options and subject areas available
21:17 - Languages and fun ideas for your Tonies
www.tonies.com use code toniepodcast for15% discount
Toniebox - just have a listen. Wow.
https://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/1052191/7730152-toniebox-just-have-a-listen-wow
Blog about Toniebox and supreme cuteness https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/toniebox
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kids helping out around the house Jan 14, 2022

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It's a great question - how much is too much? How much is virtuous? We also delve into some other questions, securing attachment and encouraging leadership in children.
00:33 - Am I putting too much on my older children?
05:32 - Keeping a cheerful tone in your household
15:26 - Securing healthy attachment and growing in leadership
28:10 - How to reconnect with a child who seems distant
https://us.tonies.com
Link to blog post about toniebox and supreme cuteness
Rest, Play, Grow: Interview with Dr. Deborah MacNamara
https://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/1052191/8388578-rest-play-grow-interview-with-dr-deborah-macnamara
Try Riversidefm, Our recording platform. I use it because it’s easy. I use it because good tech support matters.
https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=bonnie

Buzzsprout makes podcasting simple. I value support in this ministry; the folks at buzzsprout respond quickly and cheerfully.
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Faith and family based emotional regulation Jan 06, 2022

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Time sensitive, my dear listeners! I think you are going to love this episode. I deeply apologize for the compromised sound issues...but Johanna's content is SO good that I wanted to get this out as soon as possible. Johanna exudes love and passion for mental wellness and has developed a program that helps us regulate our emotions alongside our children.
Check out the link to Ever Ancient, Ever New, by Catholic Heritage Curricula!
Art Programs from CHC
7:30 - A faith-based program for emotional regulation
15:01 - Why do we get so triggered by our kids and what is TBRI?
22:00 - About Interior Kingdom and how it works + pre-launch sale!
28:32 - A program geared for the whole family
36:36 - Working through traumatic events as a family and preventative care
40:44 - Pre-launch sale
More information about the Interior Kingdom program can be found at
www.interiorkingdom.com
The Exclusive Pre-Launch Sale is happening NOW! You can use coupon code
"IKSAVE40" to save $40 off of the regular price of $149 - that's saving over 25%!
Enrollment at this incredibly LOW price is a one-time offer - doors close
Saturday, January 8th, 2022 at midnight. When the course opens for
enrollment again in March 2022, it will be offered at the regular price. Don't
miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to foster your family's
emotional and spiritual lives at a deeply discounted rate!
Neufeld Institute:
https://neufeldinstitute.org/
Visit this episode’s sponsor at their main page:
Catholic Heritage Curricula

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SERIOUSLY? This is the actual part two of classical education Jan 04, 2022

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My deepest apologies for all who started this episode. Here is the actual part two.
Well, this episode we cover science, social studies, second language, physical education and the fine arts. Crystal and I compare our approaches and the advantages and shortcomings we have with our kids!

2:12 - How to approach History
10:37 - Don't let curriculum be the master
15:19 - Tools for teaching History and Social Studies
20:43 - How to approach Sciences
29:38 - Teaching a second language
34:10 - Diving into Fine Arts
40:59 - Physical Education

https://crystaljoycampbell.com

https://veritascurrentevents.com

https://www.rchistory.com

https://www.chcweb.com/catalog/ArtAndOtherElectives/EverAncient,EverNewArtHistory,Appreciation,Theory,andPractice/product_info.html

https://elementalscience.com

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Classical education on the day to day: part one Dec 27, 2021

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In this episode, I welcome back Crystal Campbell, a passionate lady on the topic of homeschooling and classical education. Stayed tuned for part two! We discuss what it looks like on the day to day. We also discuss the importance of speech arts, how to make read aloud most effective.
1:01 - Crystal's passion for cultivating classical educators
3:49 - Snapshot of your day and loop scheduling
17:49 - The benefit of Speech Arts and co-ops
25:00 - How to approach Language Arts and the tool of Narration
37:05 - Socratic Dialogue and two reasons why we use it
40:25 - How to approach Math
https://crystaljoycampbell.com/
5 Steps to Mimetic Teaching https://crystaljoycampbell.com/2021/12/09/classical-teaching-in-5-easy-steps/

Here are a couple of the resources we discuss:
RESOURCES FOR READING ALOUD
CENTER FOR LIT: teaching the classics
And message me if you are interested in an episode on doing speech arts with you kids!

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eight minute Christmas message Dec 23, 2021

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A blessed and holy Christmas to you all!
https://www.cannotquenchlove.com

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dealing with the Santa question, and, can Christmas break come without guilt? Dec 17, 2021

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We touch on the sensitive topic of "doing Santa" with our kids, Elizabeth and I share our own personal thoughts and experiences. We also address guilt of breaks in our year, comparing ourselves to the school system and touch on learning challenges.
4:39 - What do you do about Santa Claus?
18:15 -Guilt in comparing our homeschool to public school
23:24 - Guilt surrounding Christmas break
28:44 - Approaches to support a child with learning disabilities

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working with the big emotions of holidays and celebrations Dec 10, 2021

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Aren't we all a little disappointed when the special days in our life fall short of Hallmark moments? What to do. Christina and I explore the phenomenon of big emotions and big expectations.
1:07 - Family traditions for St. Nicholas day
6:02 - How can we help our children regulate their big emotions?
13:15 - What do we do about our own stress and expectations?
22:01 - Christmas doesn't end after Christmas day
28:22 - Having a plan and letting your kids know the plan
30:20 - Expect your kids to have some extra meltdowns

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The Way of Beauty - the power and meaning of beauty in our family lives Dec 03, 2021

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The Way of Beauty by author David Clayton is a book I’m reading presently. We are loving the book so much that I wanted to interview David to help explore the ideas he presents in light of family life. We can augment the richness of Catholic family life through beauty and parents will reap the harvest of deepening their understanding of beauty and the role it plays in our lives. We expand our ability to contribute to the culture through David’s exceptional book.
6:17 - How do we cultivate an appreciation of beauty in family life?
16:25 - How to engage children in Sacred art
18:40 - Harmonious proportion and how it plays out in our lives
34:43 - The Liturgy of the Hours and it's patterns
40:57 - What is the best way to encourage artistic ability in children?
50:23 - The Way of Beauty and The Little Oratory books

https://www.thewayofbeauty.org

https://www.pontifex.university

https://www.amazon.com/Way-Beauty-Liturgy-Education-Inspiration/dp/1621381412/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+way+of+beauty&qid=1638592545&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Oratory-Beginners-Guide-Praying/dp/1622821769/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+little+oratory&qid=1638592569&sr=8-1

https://www.chcweb.com/catalog/ByGradeLevel/FifthGrade/EverAncient,EverNewArtHistory,Appreciation,Theory,andPractice/product_info.html

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our role as Christian parents in educating our children Nov 26, 2021

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This is an interview I did on Martha Martha, my Catholic mom podcast, but the more I think about it, the more I wanted to share it here. My not-Catholic listeners seem to not mind the Catholic tangents I go on regularly, so here it is, guns ablazing.
Father Harrison is just too good not to share with this larger audience.
A fabulous interview with my dear friend Father Harrison, who podcasts over at https://www.clericallyspeaking.com/!
We delve into the Catechism of the Catholic Church...what is it, where did it come from and how it can teach us to be better parents...what is our role as Christians parents in educating our children. Father brings so much depth into the words of the Catechism, I'm so grateful for him helping me to unpack and understand my role better.
4:20 - What is the Catechism of the Catholic Church?
9:30 - The role of parents in the family
13:55 - When we feel inadequate and relying on grace
28:10 - Parents as first educators of their children
34:43 - Creating homes of tenderness, forgiveness, fidelity
42:43 - How to grow in virtue
1:01:17 - Giving good example and walking with our children
Familiaris Consortio
http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_19811122_familiaris-consortio.html
Gravissium Educationis
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_gravissimum-educationis_en.html
Ignatius on indifference:
https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-indifference/
Find Fr. Harrison here on twitter
https://twitter.com/FrHarrison?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

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how do we nurture children through their upset Nov 19, 2021

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What do we DO with intense children? Can they just cry, what does it look like to walk a child through difficult emotions? We spend so much time in our day managing behaviour, managing emotions and managing our own responses. Can we make is smoother along the way?
4:37 - Should I let my child cry it out?
6:02 - Letting them have distress while nurturing them
11:24 - Learning how to reduce the stimuli in a child's life
15:44 - Activities for diversion
16:58 - Tears of futility and acknowledging emotions
27:12 - Creating connection

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family traditions: November, Advent and Christmas Nov 12, 2021

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Elizabeth asks a loaded question. What are your family traditions?
Well, there are many that were added one at a time over the years, until describing them becomes a convoluted task. But so much fun!
We focus on November, Advent and Christmas. But here's a special treat. My daughter created a Jesse Tree reading document for her Dad, and she has allowed me to share it will all of you!
Click this blog post for the free PDF
1:16 - What are some traditions you've practiced as a family?
2:58 - All Saints Day party
5:23 - The Jesse Tree and reading A Christmas Carol
8:11 - Feast of St. Nicholas and letter to the Christ Child
9:42 - Advent wreath, procession and Martinmas - Feast of St. Martin
17:08 - Start slowly and build over time
19:36 - What we do at Christmas

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mom guilt Nov 09, 2021

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Oh. Yes. Motherhood is a guilt trip, no?
This is a little supplementary episode that Elizabeth and I recorded in the context of a larger episode, but I think we may all need this little shot in the arm.
0:33 - How do we avoid comparing ourselves to others in our homeschooling?
3:17 - Staying focused on our gifts and blessings
4:49 - What to do when angst creeps in
8:27 - How do we fill all of our children's cups?
11:24 - The rewards of giving of ourselves

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Can I be both a good homeschooler and a good housekeeper? Nov 06, 2021

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Can you be both a good homeschooler and a good housekeeper? Does something have to give? Christina and I discuss the expectations of homemakers and homeschoolers, those we put on ourselves and that others may have of us. We talk about the comparison game, and growth, case in point: I bare my soul about what I thought about motherhood thirty years ago. Don't judge.
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/decluttering-a-journey-of-self-over-25-years?rq=housework
2:14 - Deciding what matters most to us
10:22 - Learning in an environment of joy
14:38 - Being specific when reaching out for help
18:40 - Letting go of comparing ourselves to others
24:03 - Decluttering and finding order
32:30 - Life is about balance
35:50 - We continue to grow if we are open to it

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Discernment: how do we know if we're making the right decisions - an interview with John Paul Meenan Oct 29, 2021

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Wow. This was a remarkable episode. John Paul Meenan , professor at Seat of Wisdom Catholic College in Ontario, joins me (and enlightens me…) on the process of discernment - good decision making.

We make decision, big and small, every day. One of the things I've found about the Christian life, is: how do we know if we're making the right decision? How do we discern what's right for our family, and how to guide our young people to right decisions?
1:00 - The impact of social media on dialogue
5:08 - Vocational discernment and discernment in everyday life decisions
14:45 - How to discern - practically speaking
24:04 - How do we know when we are working within the framework of reason?
28:14 - What is the role of intuition in discernment?
40:35 - What do we do while we're waiting for God's guidance?
46:51 - The need for silence
49:41 - Everyone is given sufficient grace to go to Heaven

https://catholicinsight.com
www.seatofwisdom.ca
https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2021/10/10/the-limits-of-science-and-the-freedom-to-make-moral-choices/
https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1985/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_31031985_dilecti-amici.html

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how to repair the day, how to repair the damage Oct 22, 2021

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Christina and I discuss a big question in two parts. What can we do when the day has gone sideways and what can we do when we come unglued with our kids...or they come unglued with us?
We discuss the value of a willingness to repair.
2:55 - First steps to rescuing the day
11:18 - Our kids' desire to be connected to us
14:34 - Appropriate behaviour is a skill set
17:19 - Relationship and walking alongside our children
24:11 - The Can and Can't Change it Buckets
31:18 - Acknowledging our shortcomings and making repair
34:21 - The importance of prayer for your marriage
39:45 - Sorry is never sorry if we force it out of them

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phonics, dictation and learning language arts in context Oct 15, 2021

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We can't take the language out of language arts. Phonics, spelling, grammar, punctuation and the rest of language arts, are so beautifully learned while we learn the purpose and beauty of language. Phonics is how letters and sounds work together in patterns. Placing this step into reading fluency in the larger picture of the patterns of language makes so much sense. The pattern of poetry, of prose, of sentences, of thoughts expresses in the printed word.
I am working on a little helps sheet to, you know, help y'all - if you are just starting out dictation. It's not quite ready yet!! Check my website, it should be up by the end of the weekend.
1:24 - What is phonics and why is it important?
4:48 - How is it different from other language arts?
8:23 - How do you learn the phonetic rules formally?
14:32 - Older students doing phonics and struggling with vowels
22:00 - How do you teach double consonants?
23:59 - What resources do you use alongside for teaching phonics?
30:25 -Example phonics lesson via dictation

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questions about obedience: impulse control Oct 08, 2021

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Oh, man. Kids are so impulsive. What do we do with that?
Christina and I continue with questions that have risen from our episode about discipline. What to do when kids are impulsive. Some books to read!
1:25 - Dealing with impulsive behaviour
13:16 - The unique needs of boys and girls
19:16 - Exploring the idea of delaying in-class education
23:37 - Earlier is not always better
26:58 - Importance of closeness and book suggestions
29:21 - Discipline is a place of growth
Boys and girls learn differently

Rest play grow

Discipline without distress

No drama discipline

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homeschooling with a new baby and other charming and challenging times in our lives Oct 02, 2021

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Welcome back, Elizabeth! In this episode, we (naturally) talk about homeschooling with a new baby. Considering the season of babyhood, we address the joyful and time consuming nature of welcoming a little one, and the importance of our relationships in the home. We talk about the other high-intensity, challenging, stressful or just plain busy times, too.
5:30 - How to find balance in responding to the needs of the baby and children
14:35 - Waiting for readiness and The Three R's by Ruth Beechick
18:51 - Is it okay to take breaks?
24:08 - Getting outside help when needed

https://shop.lalabu.com/products/soothe-shirt

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laundry: how not to let it ruin your life Sep 25, 2021

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A short episode from a talk I gave a couple of years ago that I wanted to share with you all. I talk about how laundry was both ruining my life and changed my life. Not. Even. Kidding.
I've begun season three, where I have two cohosts now, Elizabeth is back (yay!!) and Christina has agreed to cohosting as well (another yay!!) ...sharing the love!
0:14 -The laundry problem and the intervention
10:23 - What the new system looked like
13:58 - The ripple effect and the beauty of order
16:49 - Project 333 and feeling empowered by order

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chocolate chip math, audio book version with commentary Sep 18, 2021

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This is my “audio book” version of my little booklet “Chocolate Chip Math.” Teaching math to small children is simple and lovely and here I share this book and a little commentary on the side. Enjoy!

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obedience, real life questions part two Sep 15, 2021

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Another supplementary episode!
Christina brings more obedience questions from our listeners to the table, and it gets sketchy. We talk about bedtime: routines, dealing with fear, kids in bed, and, yup, martial intimacy. It’s not homeschooling, but, hey…you can’t really separate sexuality from the rest of family life. We talk about the historical aspect of bedtime and sleep. And I personally have concluded that bedtime would have been so much easier before electricity when we all went to bed at the same time…

We also talk about encouraging other adults that you have given your child over to for care. When we contract out their care to others, for a date night or school or our regular job, what are the considerations?

To wrap up, we talk about toddlers…oh the glorious, impulse driven toddlers…we cover a few different situations that are typical toddler.
2:57 - My kids always want to sleep in our bed, should I have better boundaries?
20:31 - Giving directives and being responsive without frustration
25:35 - Co-sleeping getting in the way of marital intimacy
29:10 - How do you prepare a child to be obedient with other adults
41:40 - Dealing with impulse driven four year olds

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/bedtime-routine?rq=bedtime
https://cosleeping.nd.edu

https://macnamara.ca/?s=bedtime

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travel, learning and life: an interview with Alice Sep 11, 2021

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Today I interview Alice, a mom of three, home base in England, who has travelled the world with her husband and family. Along the way she’s learned the value of cozy homeschooling and their daily walk (hike) as the heart of education. They’ve backpacked, RV’d, home-stayed and taken up residence around this globe. Her story is heartwarming and remarkable. She shares the learning curve, practical tips, lovely insights and thoughts on adapting to our family’s needs along the way.

2:13 - What motivated you?
8:20 - Was wanting to travel as a family what led you to homeschooling?
14:00 - Do you have a home base?
17:27 - What was one of the most family friendly countries you've visited?
20:17 - What was the hardest age to travel with?
31:06 - Did you find members of your family needing down time?
38:02 - A couple questions for Bonnie on reading aloud and traveling
50:39 - Capturing memories
55:46 - Where is the best place to travel as a family?

Here is the link to the first video the kids did 3 years ago:

https://youtu.be/pfGrOhOjvw4

Here is the link to the channel with all the other little videos they’ve made since:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3duU4vc0MwDEe3Rj4d9mA

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obedience - real life questions Sep 07, 2021

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Christina and I received so many messages and emails about real life discipline situations from our episode last week that we decided we should do a couple of supplementary episodes just to address those discipline questions. So here’s the first of those episodes!
1:25 - Counterwill: how do we deal with the resistance?
15:45 - How do I deal with bad behaviour without threatening or yelling?
31:33 - When welcoming a new baby
32:49 - What's the gentle parenting approach to getting our children to pick up the toys?

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I prefer to be called the matriarch: reflections on choosing to be a stay at home mom Sep 04, 2021

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Challenges, community, criticism, conflicting sentiments.
4:13 - Losing yourself in motherhood
18:55 - Being clear with ourselves about what we want in life
22:25 - I'm a full-time mom but I prefer to be called a matriarch
24:16 - The transformation that motherhood has on us
30:48 - Does it really get easier the more kids you have?
43:56 - Taking some time away to remember who we are

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obedience: just cooperate, kid Aug 28, 2021

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Obedience. Most of our day as parents is trying to get our kids to do stuff. Vast amounts of parental energy is used to gain our children’s compliance. What’s reasonable to ask of our kids? What should we expect?
5:15 - Obedience before the age of reason
12:22 - Modeling virtue in our submission to the will of God
16:36 - The need for guidance and formation
18:02 - Proactive parenting and emotional maturity
30:53 - Managing our expectations
32:38 - What if my child won't obey?
37:46 - Responding to aggression
39:35 - Corporal punishment and fear driven compliance
41:04 - Having conversations and importance of formation

Get off your butt parenting
What makes a child easy to parent? Gordon Neufeld
Hippie Housewife, the rod verses
securing cooperation without sacrificing kindness (blog post)

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socialization Aug 21, 2021

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This week we chat about the socialization question of homeschooling, often the forefront issue on parents minds as they consider homeschooling. Our own experience shapes our ideas about what socializing is. We examine that idea, as well as some thoughts on how to create community and social opportunities.
2:32 - How have you brought friends to your kids' lives and with what activities?
7:50 - Ideas for building community
13:20 - Pray about it
26:34 - Have your kids ever complained about losing opportunities?
33:07 - Did you find it difficult to find other moms that you click with?

Posts about community

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/search?q=communities

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Dictation - audio book version Aug 14, 2021

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Hey! I read my little book "Dictation" with some commentary along the way. Here is the link to resources I recommend, just scroll down to the language/dictation segment.
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/resources-for-homeschool-workshop?rq=resources

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homeschooling with JOY workshop, part four Aug 11, 2021

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For resources, see part one

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First, breathe: comparing, streamlining your day, calming your nerves Aug 07, 2021

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Christina and I cover a lot of territory this week. We start off with what do you do when you find yourself comparing yourself to others women and other families. Then we focus on how we keep school short and efficient. We end up in mental health weaving through all that - helping ourselves be resilient and calming anxiety.
1:34 -The temptation to compare yourself to other families
10:00 - Limiting our use of devices
14:20 - Planning our day - focusing on what's essential
25:16 - Building relationships with our children during discipline / instruction
27:15 - The tyranny of the urgent (see PDF)
29:18 - Building resilience in ourselves
35:16 - Tools for letting go of the things we cannot change
36:47 - Guiding our children through their anxiety
41:48 - Tips for calming our own anxiety

Tyranny of the urgent infographic
pdfs

Building resilience
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/building-resilience-cultivating-joy?rq=building%20resilience

Yes brain
https://www.amazon.ca/Yes-Brain-Cultivate-Curiosity-Resilience/dp/039959468X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&

Parenting from the inside out
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=parenting+from+the+inside+out&crid=3P01WY6R4YQ9K&sprefix=parenting+from+the+inside%2Caps%2C228&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_24

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homeschooling with JOY workshop, part three Aug 04, 2021

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See part one for resources

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Grace: an interview with John Paul Meenan Jul 31, 2021

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I interview John Paul Meenan, professor at Seat of Wisdom College in Ontario. From a Catholic perspective, we explore the idea of Grace. What is grace, responding to grace, how to increase out capacity for grace. What is the role of grace in our lives, and what does that mean for parents. He is fluent in St. Thomas, and we benefit as parents from the insight he brings alive.
3:27 -The definition of grace and how to grow in grace
19:41 - Are harder sacrifices more meritorious?
23:50 - Concrete examples for parents how to access grace
34:32 - What if we've messed up? How can we access grace at this point?
44:12 - Having a plan of life
48:07 - Grace builds on nature

https://catholicinsight.com
https://www.seatofwisdom.ca
The Diary of a Country Priest

https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HT

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homeschooling with JOY workshop, part two Jul 28, 2021

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Welcome to part two of my workshop, Homeschooling with JOY.
At the beginning of COVID, I made a video workshop that I have free, so that people could be supported through a difficult time. I uploaded it to YouTube, and it will stay there for time immemorial. I decided it would be good as an audio option as well, so for the next few weeks, I’ll be putting the four segments up podcast episodes. So that you don't have to fish around for them, I'll put all four episodes in the resources page of my website HERE as they go live,

All resources mentioned in the video are available here:

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/resources-for-homeschool-workshop?rq=resources
cover the gamut of philosophy of home education to what we do all day, dealing with littles, developing a high school transcript and how to help yourself be kind.

If you have listened to this podcast for any length of time, you’ll have a picture of what I’m all about. This workshop in four segments is a comprehensive look at this life and how we lived and educated.

Enjoy!

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raising boys and raising girls - different Jul 24, 2021

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Christina and I dive into the differences in - brain and chemistry (and how that plays out) in raising and teaching - boys and girls. We veer into sensitivity to readiness, and one of the worst things we can say to our kids.
2:13 - Differences based on research
11:19 - Experience of homeschooling boys and girls
21:19 - Being sensitive to readiness and how to challenge without frustrating
26:34 - The worst thing we can say to our kids
29:01 - How boys/girls express their emotions
36:26 - Don't take things personally
37:43 - Relationship oriented parenting makes you a safe place for your child
43:21 - Homeschooling is so much bigger than teaching subjects
https://www.amazon.ca/Why-Gender-Matters-Second-Differences/dp/0451497775/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=why+gender+matters&qid=1626734757&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Girls-Learn-Differently-Teachers-Parents/dp/0470608250/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Boys+and+Girls+Learn+Differently+by+Michael+Gurian&qid=1626747005&sr=8-1

https://iew.com/shop/products/teaching-boys-other-children-who-would-rather-make-forts-all-day-audio-download

https://www.amazon.com/RipStik-Ripster-Caster-Board-Blue/dp/B073XP9G7B/ref=sr_1_2?crid=J2ZAG1PBF8F9&dchild=1&keywords=rip+stick&qid=1626735107&sprefix=rip+st%2Caps%2C285&sr=8-2

https://www.pinterest.ca/onthisrock2/_saved/

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homeschooling with JOY workshop, part one Jul 21, 2021

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Dear listeners. At the beginning of COVID, I made a video workshop that I have free, so that people could be supported through a difficult time. I uploaded it to YouTube, and it will stay there for time immemorial. I decided it would be good as an audio option as well, so for the next few weeks, I’ll be putting the four segments up podcast episodes. So that you don't have to fish around for them, I'll put all four episodes in the resources page of my website HERE as they go live,

All resources mentioned in the video are available here:

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/resources-for-homeschool-workshop?rq=resources
cover the gamut of philosophy of home education to what we do all day, dealing with littles, developing a high school transcript and how to help yourself be kind.

If you have listened to this podcast for any length of time, you’ll have a picture of what I’m all about. This workshop in four segments is a comprehensive look at this life and how we lived and educated.

Enjoy!

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a nothing-short-of-thrilling public service announcement Jul 18, 2021

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short, sweet and awesome

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Before Austen Comes Aesop: The Children’s Great Books and How to Experience Them: The Children's Great Books and How to Experience Them ~ an interview with author Cheri Blomquist Jul 17, 2021

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I know it's a long title, but I really wanted you to get the picture.
My guest, Cheri Blomquist is the author of Before Austen Comes Aesop: The Children’s Great Books and How to Experience Them. We discuss the why of literature, and specifically children's literature. Cheri explains how we can best use her book and the value in our understanding of reading the beautiful children's classics.
8:25 - Why should we study literature?
11:36 - Our ability to think through ideas, to think for ourselves
15:32 - What inspired your own love of literature?
18:59 - The value of book guides
27:30 - What are your favourite children's book illustrators?
29:43 - What was your main purpose in writing Before Austen Comes Aesop?
36:03 - How can families best use your book?

http://www.onceuponapen.studio
Before Austen comes Aesop

https://www.tashatudorandfamily.com

This was the book I couldn’t remember the name of
How to Read a Book

The Taxonomy of Learning

https://www.pinterest.ca/onthisrock2/_saved/

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how do we know when to begin homeschooling and other very large questions Jul 10, 2021

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My guest co-host, Christina Jaloway, and myself wrestle some big questions today.
Christina Jaloway joins me for the next few episodes as a guest co-host while Elizabeth is preoccupied with other things! Christina is just starting her homeschool journey and she asks some of the big questions. We address the question of “when should I begin homeschooling” ~ it’s a great question and leads us down the path of what education really means. What we end up talking about is kind of the meaning of life, developing a family mission statement, and what are we doing here, exactly.
7:58 - Attachment and family life
14:19 - When should I begin homeschooling and examples of where to begin
23:54 - Ruth Beechick's The Three Rs
28:39 - How do we know who we are as homeschoolers?
31:07 - Importance of a family mission statement
34:45 - Finding common ground with your spouse
37:20 - Relationship as priority
40:53 - When do we start? Waiting for readiness
Socratic discussion for littles

Some resources we discuss today:
https://www.amazon.ca/Attachments-Why-You-Love-Feel/dp/0785297375/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=attachments+why+you+love&qid=1625075021&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.ca/Parenting-Inside-Out-Self-Understanding-Anniversary/dp/039916510X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=parenting+from+the+inside+out&qid=1625075487&sr=8-1

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1052191/episodes/838857

https://www.amazon.ca/Raising-Secure-Child-Attachment-Resilience/dp/1462527639/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=raising+a+secure+child&qid=1625075630&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.ca/Then-Comes-Baby-Surviving-Parenthood/dp/1594714118/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=then+comes+baby&qid=1625075671&sr=8-1

https://www.pinterest.ca/onthisrock2/_saved/

https://www.theevangelista.com
https://www.amazon.ca/Rest-Play-Grow-Making-Preschoolers/dp/0995051208/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=rest+play+grow&qid=1625921399&sr=8-1

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homeschooling children with special needs: an interview with Maureen Wittman Jul 03, 2021

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Such a beautiful interview with Maureen Wittmann. Co-founder of Homeschool Connections and veteran homeschool mom, Maureen has encountered several learning challenges with her own children. We spend time just talking about living with and accepting what is about they way our children learn. Maureen covers dyslexia, autism, speech impediment and “drama-diva-itis.”

Maureen’s gentle spirit and vast experience is comforting, challenging and valuable for all parents about the individual needs all of our children have. She shares with us ways that she learned to focus on joy, develop patience and how to end on a positive note with our children. We wrap up with that age old question: am I enough?
5:25 - How to approach a subject like spelling with a dyslexic/ADHD child
13:02 - How do you transcend the problem when your child is struggling?
20:54 - What does teaching look like with autistic children?
27:01 - Where do you seek out resources?
29:41 - How can we remain patient when teaching children with special needs?
35:32 - Raising highly dramatic/highly charged children
38:12 - What was the hardest challenge and where did you experience the most growth?
40:10 - Resources for parents

https://truenorthreading.com/about/

http://maureenwittmann.com

https://homeschoolconnections.com

https://www.understood.org/articles/en/orton-gillingham-what-you-need-to-know
https://www.secretgardenep.com

https://www.instagram.com/mwittlans/

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Introducing Shakespeare, and that's not all: an interview with Joseph Pearce Jun 20, 2021

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Well if this isn't a podcasting career highlight for me. Joseph Pearce is a beloved writer in the Catholic sphere and beyond, his particular area of passion is literature. Our listener's benefit not only from his knowledge and love of Shakespeare, but his insights into suffering, the blessings of home education and our life as the primary educators of our children.
2:14 - The influence of "Literary converts" and impact of literacy
7:35 - What were your main reasons for choosing to homeschool?
18:20 - Why read Shakespeare and where do we start?
26:50 - What age should you start reading Shakespeare to kids and how?
30:23 - Would you start by reading it or by watching a performance?
33:46 - Where would you go from after Romeo and Juliet and Julius Cesar?
36:00 - How do you read a play aloud?
37:04 - How do we choose a quality performance of Shakespeare?
41:04 - Critical editions by Ignatius Press
41:49 - Are there any movie editions of Shakespeare that would be worth watching?
Romeo and Juliet critical edition and study guide
The Quest for Shakespeare
Shakespeare on Love
Joseph's books at Ignatius Press
The Wagner Stories

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The purpose and beauty of homeschooling: it's universal Jun 19, 2021

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A fun, rousing and thought provoking episode! I chat with two moms from the UK, Bo, a pioneer home educator, and Zoe, a covid-induced newbie about the climate of home education in the UK and their own experiences. But our conversations leads so many good places. What is education…how do we deal with judgement, the effect that homeschooling has on women, and some political frustrations. We discuss wet nurses and teens in the fourteenth century.
1:36 - Bo and Zoe introduce themselves
9:00 - Home education is a whole new world
12:36 - Assumptions and misconceptions about homeschooling
21:30 - Impediments to homeschooling and the bigger picture
25:30 - Boxed curriculum, tutors and going at the rhythm of our children
36:21 - Home education produces children who have initiative, skills and do not fear the opinions of others
42:51 - How do you define success and when people ask "What do you do?"
59:26 - Resources on home education and finding community
1:18:47 - Emphasis on relationship and listening to that internal voice
Zoe's little blogette:

https://www.withsighs.com/

For those interested in American home school curricula in the UK (e.g. IEW or Life of Fred), do support Conquest Books in Wales. Run by a lovely and kind Christian fellow. They are ace: https://www.conquestbooks.co.uk/

Section 7 of the Education Act of 1996 that Bo referred to:

Duty of parents to secure education of children of compulsory school age.
The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable—
(a)to his age, ability and aptitude, and
(b)to any special educational needs he may have,

either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/56/section/7

One organisation that supports Home Ed families or those interested in starting Home Ed is called Education Otherwise and would be well worth joining. They have all the info to help families deregister etc and can also provide support if there are difficulties with local councils. https://www.educationotherwise.org/

What is a gibbet? (Not for the faint-hearted) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibbeting

Definition of a "Public School" : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_school_%28United_Kingdom%29

#makejoynormal

#homeschooling

#homeschool

#homeschoollife

#vancouverisland

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classical education is a disposition, not a curriculum: an interview with Crystal Jun 13, 2021

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With our guest, Crystal Campbell, we discuss the nature of classical education. There are often misunderstandings of what a classical education means, and how we approach this. Classical education is a means of helping a human to flourish, and not a series of subjects or even the honing the human faculties or skills.
8:40 - A definition of classical education
24:20 - How am I fostering an education in wonder?
26:04 - We are born to wonder
28:11 - Attending to the piety in our children
34:05 - Misconceptions about classical education
37:51 - The role of memorization
39:12 - The ability to make connections and ask the right questions
42:22 - Resources to learn more about classical education
48:45 - Crystal shares a beautiful quote
We delve into this topic, and Crystal and I are offering three workshops to delve even deeper!
Click here for details and registration

Here are the resources:

What is Classical Catholic Education by Jonathan Beeson

https://sttheresacatholicschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/What-Is-Classical-Education.pdf
An Introduction to Classical Education by Dr. Christopher Perrin

http://classicalsubjects.com/resources/ICE.pdf

Books:

Classical Education by Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Jr and Andrew Kern

Beauty in the Word by Stratford Caldecott

Consider This by Karen Glass

The Liberal Arts Tradition by Kevin Clark, DSL and Ravi Scott Jain

IEW Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization
Crystal's website and public email:

https://crystaljoycampbell.com

info@crystaljoycampbell.com

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what will you do all day: developing routine with little ones Jun 06, 2021

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Well, I can remember thinking, what do I do all day with this small person?
We talk about developing a routine with our littles ones as we move into homeschooling life. We also talk about getting kids to help out as part of that framework. We touch on getting distracted with our phones, and what to do when your child wants to “do it his way.”
2:48 - What do we do all day - a walk through
13:00 - Boundaries around technology in the home
20:47 - How can we keep frustration at bay when children want their way?
31:03 - Is it a good idea to have the kids wait for their turn at the table?
33:14 - How can we teach our children to respect authority?
A day in the life without programs or workbooks

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prepping for next year: what we really need May 30, 2021

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The resources we mention are here in this blog post.
Oh, one of my favourite topics. Prepping for our homeschool year.
Prepare our supplies and our curriculum ~ but mostly our hearts.
Yes, for sure there are some practical tidbits, where I actually say out loud to our listeners that hinged pencil boxes are life changing.

We discuss snacks at length. I’m not sure why.
1:59 - What are some basic supplies for the school year?
5:34 - What do you have on hand for the toddlers?
10:55 - How do you organize and store stuff?
16:17 - What are some good foods to have for that mid-morning snack?
23:23 - The importance of planning
33:38 - Start with an empty slate

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Are rewards and consequences different than incentives? May 23, 2021

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We actually answer several questions today, but the one the episode is named after is where we spend most of our time...and such a fundamental question. What is the difference?
Here are some more thoughts on that.
But the other questions we spend some time on are:

How do we become good leaders in our home?
What if our husbands aren't on board with this type of homeschooling/discipline?
How do we encourage kids to get their work done?

2:04 - How can you be the leader in your home in a gentle way?
11:32 - How can we work on issues in the home when our husbands don't see the issues?
21:30 - Are using incentives the same as rewards and consequences?
33:47 - How can you encourage your kids and keep them on task without draining them?

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how to read a book so it becomes the curriculum - focus on the Middle Ages May 17, 2021

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All the resources I recommend are in this blog post, linking to my YouTube workshop. Most things are linked directly to the source. They are NOT affiliate links....in case you're wondering. There is also a list of ideas you can talk about with your kids as you learn how to make reading into the curriculum.
0:49 - Feedback from a listener
3:30 - The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli (for example)
6:51 - What would be a list of topics that you could pull out of a book?
7:58 - Tools for teaching History (Globe, maps, timelines, etc)
16:24 - Learning Vocabulary
18:06 - Studying character through literature
26:00 - What books would you use to extend your study?
30:11 - Would this be your History study and would you read every day?
37:16 - Activities to help grow interest
38:17 - Do you pre read a book before reading it to your kids?
44:13 - Dissecting paragraphs and writing styles
48:42 - How do you decide what to pull out of a book?
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/resources-for-homeschool-workshop?rq=resources
And this blog post contains links to the list below, it also includes a list of questions you might have in your brain to use literature as curriculum.
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/some-suggestions-for-studying-the-middle-ages-as-a-family
Novels suggested for a Medieval history study

Augustine came to Kent (In 597 a young boy accompanies a group, including Prior Augustine, to evangelize England)

Son of Charlemagne (780s - the relating of the life of Charlemagne through one of his sons)

If All the Swords in England (late 1100’s, story of the martyrdom of Thomas Becket)

St. Thomas Aquinas, the dumb ox by Mary Fabyan Windeatt

Big John’s Secret (early 1200’s, during the Crusades, a squire encounters St. Francis of Assisi)

A Door in the Wall (1400’s - a young squire’s life is changed in the midst of the bubonic plague when he becomes crippled and needs care)

Story Books

Tomie DePaola

Francis the Poor Man of Assisi
The Knight and the Dragon
Brother Francis of Assisi
Clown of God

A Medieval Feast Aliki

Marguerite Writes a Book

Saint George and the Dragon

The Kitchen Knight

DOVER BOOKS - historical colouring books

EYEWITNESS

Knight
Medieval Life
Castle
Arms and Armour
Da Vinci and His Times

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Why does history matter? An interview with Phillip Campbell May 10, 2021

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In this episode, we talk with Phillip Campbell again, author of the The Story of Civilization series. We discuss the importance and purpose of studying history and what grabs our attention about it. How to get our kids to love it!
We also talk about historical accuracy in books and movies, propaganda throughout history and how we use the symbols of history in our everyday lives.
2:47 - What got you excited about studying History?
5:19 - History is often taught without continuity
10:40 - Inaccuracies in movies/books can become a great talking point
14:00 - Age range for the The Story of Civilization and supplementing resources
15:49 - Phillip's new book and about the title
27:11 - A study of propaganda
35:09 - How could we bring this into our Homeschool study?
36:10 - Exciting new books coming soon!
Phillip has a new book out, especially designed for hard core history nerds:

Power From On High: Theocratic Kingship from Constantine to the Reformation

Here is the link for Cruachan Hill Press:
http://cruachanhill.blogspot.com/p/front-page.html
Here is Phillip's new book on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Power-High-Theocratic-Constantine-Reformation/dp/1638215081/unamsanccath-20
Here are a couple of historically-themed blog post by yours truly:
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/what-is-social-studies?rq=history
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/rmtmeam2bmw91s34sms54wi5rrnect?rq=history
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/resources-for-homeschool-workshop?rq=history

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getting to graduation with grace May 02, 2021

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Some thoughts about homeschooling high school. This talk was given at the Canadian Online Homeschool Conference in February, and I'm chatting about the things I learned about high school. Some resources are included here, so enjoy!
1:48 - The importance of our attitude towards our teenagers
4:40 - The goal is keeping your relationship intact
8:51 - Practical thoughts about working with teens
10:38 - How attitude and record keeping relate
12:11 - Importance of record keeping (see free resources)
14:19 - High school transcript planning
19:34 - Specifics on developing a transcript and how to integrate life credits
28:53 - Write everything down
29:14 - Bonnie shares the "high school duo-tang" (See Youtube for example)
31:59 - More on marking/grading
35:27 - Keep the data easy to access
36:46 - If you're getting a lot of push back it's okay to wait
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/homeschooling-high-school?rq=high%20school

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Rest, Play, Grow: Interview with Dr. Deborah MacNamara Apr 26, 2021

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Christina Jaloway joins me co-hosting this episode where we interview Dr. Deborah MacNamara. A wealth of knowledge and passion, Deborah MacNamara has beautiful and sensitive insights into the hearts of our children. We discuss her work and her book,
Rest, Play, Grow: making sense of preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one).
Deborah walks us gently, graciously through the layers and depths of building connection with our children, and helps us to understand the instincts and gifts we innately carry to give the safe environment that they crave.
Deborah's insights and gift to us can be summarized in the following quote ~
"The secret to [developing relationships] is helping a child see that it’s not their job to strive to hold on to us but to take for granted that we won’t let go of them."
5:38 - Why are rewards and consequences so prevalent today?
10:00 - Why is anxiety related to separation based discipline?
15:48 - What do we do with the fear of judgments of others?
22:50 - What does attachment actually mean?
33:12 - Is it too late if we didn't practice attachment parenting in the early years?
44:20 - What are the fruits of attachment?
46:05 - How is it that a child matures? Where does maturity come from?
1:00:21 - Becoming your child's answer
1:02:52 - How should parents deal with the unreasonable child?
Deborah's website:
http://macnamara.ca
Neufeld Institute:
https://neufeldinstitute.org/
Video on anxiety in children:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hymwvaZ9oKg&t=4s
Dr. Deborah MacNamara on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=dr%20deborah%20macnamara
And on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drdeborahmacnamara/

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thoughts on when and how to wrap up your school year Apr 19, 2021

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Elizabeth and I talk about the end of the school year. What to finish, what to put on hold...what to forgo! We have a lot of good conversation about what "done" actually means and about what education actually is.
We also talk a little about the importance of keeping records, so I've included some resources from my website here in the show notes.
1:34 - What happens if you are behind in the curriculum by end of year?
5:13 - Learning happens through the summer in spite of you
9:05 - Teachers make the call
11:46 - Teaching our children how to learn
18:14 - Do you recommend starting from where you left off next year?
22:25 - How long do you focus on a subject?
24:59 - Teaching multiple ages and family dynamic
27:51 - What if you and your spouse don't agree on end of the year plans?
32:25 - How do you deal with the guilt of ending before the book is finished?
Planning and record keeping freebies
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/pdfs
Also, here are some resources for literature as curriculum.
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/a-day-in-the-life-without-programs-or-workbooks-part-one-reading-together?rq=curriculum
Don't forget to subscribe and comment on our podcast if it's blessed you in some way. It makes it easier for others to find - Have a great day!

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Connecting with Homeschool Connections Apr 12, 2021

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Today we interview Maureen Wittmann and Walter Crawford, of Homeschool Connections. I came across HSC three years ago, and my high schoolers have taken several courses through them, and have been blown away by the quality of courses and professors, the speed and efficiency of meeting the needs of my children and myself, and the commitment these delightful souls have to supporting homeschool families! Maureen just graduated her youngest of seven, and Walter is in the thick of it….the eldest of six graduated, down to preschooler at home! We discuss Homeschool Connections, the wide range of what they offer, and their upcoming conference, which is truly not to be missed. So much good stuff!
7:02 - The beginnings of Homeschool Connections
16:52 - What Homeschool Connections offers now
19:35 - Assessment program
21:58 - Special needs options
24:38 - Grade school program
28:45 - Bonnie shares her experience with Homeschool Connections
33:14 - About the Catholic Homeschool Conference
37:27 - Finding your homeschool community
47:01 - What's the biggest blessing in what you do?

YouTube Channel with the video contest winners, http://youtube.com/homeschoolconnection

Homeschool Connections website, homeschoolconnections.com

Catholic Homeschool Conference, https://catholichomeschoolconference.com/

Why Should I Learn This, https://www.beholdpublications.com/wordpress1/product/why-should-i-learn-this

For the Love of Literature, https://www.beholdpublications.com/wordpress1/product/love-of-literature

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An interview with Jena: rooms need love Apr 05, 2021

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Today we interview the lovely Jena Love of Rooms Need Love…she’s organizing specialist who teaches women efficient homemaking and organizing systems. In 2019, she traded in her corporate spreadsheets to become a full-time homemaker and homeschooling mom while supporting women in their pursuit to create peaceful homes for themselves and their families.
We get some insight into Jena’s ideology and passion for helping us (most of us!!) to get on our feet with order in the various areas of our homes. Our rooms do need love - and it’s not about a pristine home, it’s about creating relationships and developing order so that we can be more present to the people who live in our home.
4:33 - Rooms Need Love and what you provide
9:51 - Organizing, cleaning and building relationships with clients
12:40 - How do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of?
19:09 - How does your organizing business add to your family life?
21:29 - Organized with efficiency/10-minute tidy
27:43 - The relief of getting organized for all walks of life
32:02 - Where do you recommend that we start?
35:17 - How much time should we put in?
38:50 - #1 simplifying tip for families
40:02 - More from Jena and Rooms Need Love

She offers lots of free resources, and some discounts on her courses for our listeners.

Free resources are at https://www.roomsneedlove.com/resources/

The Essential Home Organizing Blueprint for systems to stay organized - http://www.roomsneedlove.com/ehob/

Meal Planning Mastery - https://www.roomsneedlove.com/mealplanningmastery - use code JOY21 for 30% off

The Paper Hubs System - https://www.roomsneedlove.com/paperhubs - use code JOY21 for 30% off
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042327/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3

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from city to farm: a homeschool family's journey Mar 29, 2021

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Is it your dream? It’s certainly the dream of many homeschool families…to pack up their homeschool life as they know it, move to the country and start farming. I had the blessing of having our guest move just up the road from me, and friendship was born.

Her family farm is right here on Vancouver Island, so have a listen!

Today we talk to Rachel, former city dweller and brand new farmer. They did what so many of us imagine, packed up their eight kids and quite literally “bought the farm.” So we discuss what the transition was like, what homeschooling looks like with a big change, and what the blessings and challenges are on the day to day.

What drives a family to make a big decision like this?
9:13 - Learning to farm and baby steps
12:45 - What does your homeschool day look like?
16:31 - Cheese making
19:12 - What was your biggest challenge / blessing?
25:16 - Does your husband still work while running a farm?
31:40 - What kind of support system do you need to start farming?
34:45 - What drove you to make this life decision?
37:49 - Is there a person who has inspired you?
39:46 - Do you butcher yourselves or do you hire out?
43:10 - What is your best piece of advice for a family considering a similar move?

Who inspires Rachel?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSGEokQQcdAVFuL_Aq8dlg
http://www.polyfacefarms.com/our-story/

https://www.amazon.ca/Charlottes-Web-B-White/dp/0064400557/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=charlottes+web&qid=1616963385&sr=8-1

Rachel’s beautiful Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/housefullofjays/

The biggest little farm: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8969332/

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thoughts on meals for busy moms Mar 22, 2021

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Elizabeth and I chat today about some thoughts on meal strategies to make life sail a little smoother!
4:50 - How do you handle meals during pregnancy?
11:25 - How do you deal with everyone's different taste in food?
20:11 - Cheap and hearty go-to meals
26:41 - How to make mealtime easier
42:00 - Special meals and where to find recipes
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/20-minute-udon-noodles/
https://kalynskitchen.com/slow-cooker-recipe-for-louisiana-style/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/sweet-potato-lentil-curry/
https://www.amazon.com/Half-Baked-Harvest-Super-Simple/dp/0525577076/ref=sr_1_2?crid=347OCXDX4LRP8&dchild=1&keywords=half+baked+harvest+cookbook&qid=1616346831&sprefix=half+bak%2Caps%2C339&sr=8-2
https://www.amazon.com/Georgian-Bay-Gourmet-Winter-Entertaining/dp/0969036108/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=georgian+bay+gourmet+winter+entertaining&qid=1616346948&sr=8-1
Pomegranates originate from the region of Iran to northern India. It was introduced into Spanish America in late 16th century and then into California in 1769 by Spanish Settlers...
meal planning sheets by little coconutty
http://littlecoconutty.com/2014/08/free-menu-planner-printable-3.html

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perseverance in homeschooling: remembering what matters Mar 15, 2021

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⚠️ Trigger warning: In today's interview with Sarah, we talk about the challenges she's experienced, which include pregnancy loss, for those sensitive to this topic.
Sarah is an army wife...life has taken her on perhaps more adventures than she ever imagined possible. Through challenges aplenty, Sarah shares how she railed, found peace and continues to stay the course, regardless of the curveballs that life has thrown her.
Sarah is an example to us all of the joy to be found in our suffering, her story is raw and real and lifts us up.
5:22 - Some preliminary challenges
7:57 - Homeschool beginnings and how we respond to challenges
10:12 - What are some of your most memorable adventures?
18:09 - Sarah's experience with pregnancy loss
21:32 - Bitterness, brokenness and trusting God again
29:09 - How do you persevere in homeschooling when facing crisis and tragedy?
36:19 - What has been the biggest inspiration for you?
39:02 - Jumping to conclusions and God's providence
44:32 - What advice do you have for moms who are going through a hard time right now?

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mom guilt Mar 08, 2021

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We discuss the various ways that mom guilt gets us, how it manifests and ways we can manage it.
1:40 - The struggle is real
6:22 - Respect for every family
13:34 - The worry that we're not patient enough
19:01 - The guilt that our house is not clean enough
23:45 - Finding order
31:47 - The guilt of not spending enough time with our kids
41:36 - The guilt of feeling that we are too loose or too strict
50:20 - When you are using curriculum that is guilt-inducing
52:32 - Moms of adult kids feel guilt too
53:20 - Planned time alone and talking to a friend
54:40 - Taking records of our school work

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talking depression and homeschooling with Kileah Feb 28, 2021

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Wow. Today’s podcast brings to the forefront mental illness and homeschooling. “If you suffer from depression…can you homeschool, should you?” It’s such a great question and we so appreciate this beautiful interview with Kileah. She shares her perspective, her struggles and her advice and her management tools.

She blessed Elizabeth and I richly, we are so grateful for her presence.
8:13 - At what point in your homeschooling journey were you diagnosed?
13:24 - How having a community can help
16:49 - The struggle and importance of finding a good therapist
19:03 - What is the biggest challenge to homeschooling with mental illness?
21:10 - Keys to managing homeschooling successfully
26:47 - Do you plan a regular time to assess your needs?
32:45 - Do you find the environment makes a difference?
35:34 - Did you deal with criticism and scrutiny in homeschooling?
37:04 - What are the markers to see whether or not you should be homeschooling?
38:58 - What if you can't afford counseling?
42:57 - What are signs to look for in your children for depression and mental illness?
45:30 - Kileah reads her book aloud for us
58:18 - Other books in the series on topics of anxiety, shame and depression

Here’s her book, tenderly written to children - but so good for all humans…

https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Book-About-Depression/dp/1951253043/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=depression+kileah&qid=1614573149&sr=8-1

We want to do a giveaway for Kileah’s beautiful book, please email makejoynormal@gmail.com and put give-away in the in the subject line!

Brene Brown on empathy
https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw
Beyond Blue

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Blue-Surviving-Depression-Anxiety/dp/1599951568/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=beyond+blue&qid=1614573935&sr=8-4Our new support network

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/the-watering-hole

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winter blues Feb 22, 2021

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In today’s podcast we talk about the ways that this time of year can get us down, and kick around some ideas on what we can do about it. We discuss value of community and our longing for it, especially in this COVID environment.
4:55 - How do you avoid the woe-is-me attitude?
6:01 - Missing community and planning outings
10:52 - Covid blues
15:18 - We always feel that we're being judged
20:24 - Experiencing mom guilt for taking care of your needs
25:02 - Guilt about not doing enough for your kids educationally
27:33 - Plan a phone call/facetime chat
30:37 - More on woe-is-me and attributes of resilience

Our new support network
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/the-watering-hole

Posts on community
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/upstartsnbsp?rq=community

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An interview with the Latte and Laundry ladies about friendship! Feb 15, 2021

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Today we sit down with the lovely ladies from Latte and Laundry, our biggest fans! We hear about their podcast, Latte and Laundry, in which they discuss the importance of being both Mary and Martha and we learn a lot about friendship. I hope you enjoy today’s episode with these wonderful ladies, and give their podcast a listen! Link in bio.
5:27 - Journey and start in homeschooling
10:35 - What are the themes in your podcast?
15:49 - Homeschool learning and relationships
20:23 - What was the quality that drew the two of you into friendship?
30:38 - Qualities of a strong friendship
31:44 - Categories of friends
36:21 - The importance of having mentors
40:37 - Difficulties in establishing friendships
Our new support network

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/the-watering-hole
AAAAAND! The latte and laundry ladies:

Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/latte-and-laundry/id1546419437

Blog:

https://latteandlaundry.com

Facebook page:

https://m.facebook.com/LatteandLaundry/

We are also on Instagram @latteandlaundry

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Toniebox - just have a listen. Wow. Feb 08, 2021

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Today we interview Drew Vernon, marketing guy for an unbelievably unbelievable product for families and my mind is totally blown. You might want to consider watching this on YouTube, because there are some visual examples of what Drew is telling us about, that would not want to be missed.
I get requests all the time to review products, which I don't. However, this listening system one really piqued my interest and I'm SO glad we interviewed Drew. The ways we could use this in our family life are fabulous.
3:34 - What is Tonies and how does it work?
10:32 - The "Creative Tonies" customizable content
13:41 - Ideas for teachers and parents
15:16 - How to record on a Tonie and The "My Tonies" App
17:03 - Are Tonies available in other languages?
18:28 - Are there reviews for parents to get a sense of content?
19:55 - What age range does it cover?
25:55 - Cost of Tonies and how to grow your collection
FYI, we are not an affiliate of any kind to Tonies, just reviewing because we loved the idea!
We have a tonies to give away, thanks Drew!
If you'd like to enter the contest for the giveaway, email me makejoynormal@gmail.com
Find tonies here:
https://us.tonies.com

https://www.facebook.com/tonies.us

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChus5wxPobM4f8lIcCYsaMA
https://www.instagram.com/tonies.us/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/770345047091102

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confessions of a homeschool skeptic Feb 02, 2021

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Today we interview Trent Horn, Catholic apologist, famous guy and recovered homeschool skeptic.
With three young boys, he recognizes the joy of participating in their education, and the value of the parent's role in this. Trent shares the reasons and process that brought him to an appreciation of homeschooling. His family has started their homeschool journey, he shares some ways they are making it work and his thoughts on the big picture of education.
6:51 - How did your school experience shape your thoughts on homeschooling?
12:48 - Which factors led you to being open to home education?
17:38 - Do your concerns ever creep back?
19:23 - Why parents matter more than peers
21:05 - When your partner is not on board with homeschooling
30:52 - Homeschool Connections as a supplement
32:15 - When you feel like you're not smart enough to educate your children

To see Trent’s work, books, videos and podcast episodes, visit him here!

The Counsel of Trent

Trent’s YouTube channel

Stand and Deliver movie

https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com

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burnout and motivation Jan 25, 2021

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1:38 - How to deal with burnout
9:52 - Practical things to do when you're heading on a downhill
15:14 - How do we motivate ourselves?
23:33 - How do I motivate my kids?
27:39 - How to find a groove as a new homeschooling family
Tim Hawkins (for fun)

Gretchen Rubin (what motivates you)

Good books for Catholic kids

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some common problems in homeschool life Jan 18, 2021

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ALSO, masterclass coming up on dictation

This week we address some of the common problems or challenges that families experience while homeschooling. Building community, time to ourselves, being present and letting go of an agenda when necessary.
1:11 - How do you develop a social life when you struggle finding community?
7:37 - Hosting a group activity
10:00 - Finding time for ourselves - Plan it
16:30 - Tips for moms who struggle to be present with kids
19:25 - When your child has an insatiable need to be with you
22:51 - How to make conversation and build trust with your kids
29:21 - How can we let go of what we wish our kids would learn
vs. what they want to learn?

Posts about community and how to build i

Keep scrolling for some up and coming coolness:

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/i-have-an-ide

www.bonnielandry.ca

https://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/

https://www.instagram.com/make.joy.normal/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsfIDBvmmcjp3HWdLgAUrFw

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having babies and homeschooling Jan 11, 2021

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We're back with season two of Make Joy Normal!
"Having a baby or not having a baby could be equally risky."
When and how do we decide it's the right time to have another baby? Elizabeth and Bonnie discuss the various stages and concerns we go through when we're thinking about adding to our families.
One of the things we have to consider is that there isn't really a "right time..." but we have to learn some management tools.
3:05 - Openness to having babies through the chaos
6:52 - What is it like going from one to two children and so on?
8:02 - When do you know if you're ready for another baby?
14:51 - How do I secure help in times of pregnancy?
20:42 - Homeschooling through the insecurities and struggles of pregnancy?
25:56 - Finding ways to reduce our expectations in our homeschooling
29:51 - Changes, struggles and depression
35:14 - Having boundaries to meet your needs

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getting the most out of family reading Dec 21, 2020

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In our last episode of this season, before we break for Christmas, we get started on a discussion that will require some furthering in future episodes! How can we make the most of the books we read? How can we get education naturally derived from our walk with reading to our kids? How we approach reading can really open up some many ways for education to be amazing, natural and cozy.

Because it’s a time of year to spend with our families, I didn’t get to the pdf of the idea we talk about regarding “concentric circles” - but I will get to it and let you all know!
2:21 - Bride's Tree tradition
4:19 - How to read a book so it becomes the curriculum
13:49 - Concentric circles as a tool for learning
21:22 - Do you plan ahead or do you wing it?
22:40 - Can you teach a lesson through fantasy literature?
26:02 - What does a character discussion look like?
28:25 - Teaching the Classics
32:12 - How about vocabulary?
36:50 - What if I fear I will miss something or teach something incorrectly?

To really expand on this idea, I’ve got a video workshop on YouTube (be warned, it’s in four parts and is 4.5 hours long!). That’s available here:

And here’s the resource list we talk about, you can print it off to aid in questions to ask.
Resource sheet

Teaching the Classics
Thoughts on reading together

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Interruptions to our day, prudent technology and books for the season. Dec 14, 2020

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We discuss a few different things this episode. Starting with technology and it’s place in homeschooling, we share experiences and ideas for managing what’s good online and avoiding the crap.

We also talk about when kids interrupt while you are trying to get things done with other kids. What’s going on? How could we manage the situation?
Also, we talk about some of our favourite Christmas books. Because, books.
0:44 - Christmas traditions
6:08 - Time and place for technology in homeschooling?
20:16 - How do you juggle time with individual children without interruptions?
25:39 - The tyranny of the urgent (PDF)
31:30 - Favourite Christmas books

Some virtual field trip websites:

Best Virtual Field Trip for Kids

10 Best Virtual Field Trips for Kids Stuck at Home

41 Virtual Field Trips for Kids to Get Them Learning About the World

Where to find the poster Tyranny of the Urgent

Keep scrolling for some up and coming coolness:

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/i-have-an-idea

www.bonnielandry.ca

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsfIDBvmmcjp3HWdLgAUrFw

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The one with the Drinking With The Saints Guy: an interview with Michael P. Foley Dec 07, 2020

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We interview Michael P. Foley, author of Drinking With The Saints:

The Sinner’s Guide to a Holy Happy Hou

We address the topic of why a niche book like this matters for busy parents! Michael and his wife homeschool their six kids, AND like a nice cocktail, so definitely experts on this particular topic. Michael walks us through not only the importance of a good cocktail, but also a good celebration and a good strategy.
5:46 - How Bonnie found Michael's book/started mixing cocktails
8:11 - How the book is structured
11:28 - The best cocktail
13:02 - Cocktails for the newbie and for Advent
14:00 - How to mix
20:53 - Smokers and bitters
27:27 - Michael's favourite cocktail
30:39 - Ideas for mocktails
32:19 - "The Homeschool Mom" and grenadine
34:01 - Good starter that anyone would like
38:09 - Vermouth, Gin and Wine
41:29 - Bonnie's favourite drink from "Drinking with the Saints"

Drinking With The Saints website

DWTS Facebook page

Some other books by Mr. Foley:

Why Catholics Eat Fish on Friday

Politically Incorrect Guide to Christianity

Drinking with the Saints MERCH

Libbey glasses for your perusal

What are angostura bitters, anyway?

A brief history of the cocktail

Some awesome bitters from Vancouver Island - my home

Some mocktail ideas

Cocktails in my life

“The Homeschool Mom”

1/3 gin

1/3 tonic

1/3 grapefruit juice

Fill a coffee cup with ice. Pour all ingredients over the ice. Swirl in your glass.

If you’re a newbie, ( to homeschooling OR to cocktail drinking) add a squirt of grenadine.

The Anvil Bar and Refuge, if you’re going to Housto

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Keeping it simple: an interview with Kelly Nov 30, 2020

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This episode we chat with the lovely Kelly Briggs, aka Simple Home Mom - Kelly brings such helpful gifts to the table for moms. Simple is her modus operandi, and helping moms do the same…we share her journey, struggles and successes. What do we value? What matters to us? How do we do it all? Or do we…? These are the questions we need to explore in order to create what simple is in our own life. Thanks for sharing yourself with us, Kelly!
5:45 - When did you develop a need for simplicity?
9:11 - What do you do to simplify your family life?
15:29 - Assessment and evaluation
26:54 - How Kelly's work supports homeschoolers
30:47 - Tips for decluttering when feeling financial strain
34:18 - What are your top three tips for moms to get started?
37:15 - Ideas for building community and finding accountability
38:31 - Recommended resources

Create a family purpose statement

Check out Kelly’s BEAUTIFUL instagram account for encouragement and ideas and all her golden nuggets.

https://www.simplehomemom.com

https://www.instagram.com/simplehomemom/

Here are the books Kelly recommends:

Simple, Happy Parenting

Simplicity Parenting

Clutter Free with Kids

Teaching from Rest

Homeschooling Simplified: what matters mos

Give your input for a support community

Keep scrolling for some up and coming coolness:

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/i-have-an-idea

www.bonnielandry.ca

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsfIDBvmmcjp3HWdLgAUrFw

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More on dictation, handling opposition and confidence in decision making Nov 23, 2020

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This episode we take a few questions on different topics. We discuss a question from a dad…the varieties of the father’s role in homeschool, and what is the best way a dad can support his family in the homeschool endeavour. We also address an age old question…what DO I do when my family or friends are opposing or decision, or that our family decision is under scrutiny or criticism.

The topic of transitioning from younger years to older children is discussed; how do we move into high school while still maintaining a good relationship and a cozy environment?
1:02 - Best ways for the father to support the homeschooling process
10:07 - How do you deal with disapproval from others?
19:52 - Transitioning from younger years to more independent work
27:08 - What if you didn't start homeschooling from the beginning?
30:48 - "Catching up" vs. moving forward
31:48 - What do you do if your kids don't like dictation?
42:20 - Recommendation for poetry

Research on homeschooling for discussion

https://homeschool.today/research/

Dictation resources

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/dictation-for-newbies

Video on dictation

The Poet’s Eye by Arthur Alexander

Give your input for a support community

Keep scrolling for some up and coming coolness:

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/i-have-an-idea

www.bonnielandry.ca

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsfIDBvmmcjp3HWdLgAUrFw

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Working and homeschooling Nov 15, 2020

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In today’s episode, we interview Lauren Power. She’s a mom and entrepreneur. We’ve brought her on the show this week because we receive questions about working and homeschooling. Her homeschooling days are done, as her kids are grown, but she worked all through those homeschool years. But it’s her approach that really resonates with us - relationship first. If you want or need to work, it’s going to be a lot harder in a state of angst in your relationships.
1:34 - Lauren's philosophy
6:12 - Gordon Neufeld's influence
8:20 - The homeschool experience
13:49 - The hardest part of juggling work and homeschool
16:17 - Life-coaching and self-management
23:43 - Relationship with our kids needs to come first
26:50 - Best tips for parents who want or need to work
31:50 - How to avoid comparing homeschooling hours/experiences
36:12 - Overcoming the feeling that my kids are receiving less because I work
39:42 - What do you do when people don't agree with your choice?
40:49 - Outsourcing
45:06 - How to connect with Lauren
Lauren offers a free workshop, check out her links here:

Learn more and sign up to join the Free Boss Mom Business Bootcamp: join.alignedbusinesslifestyle.com

FB page - Aligned Business Lifestyle (or friend Lauren Power)

IG page - @alignedbusinesslifestyle

https://neufeldinstitute.org

https://www.5lovelanguages.com

Give your input for a support community

Keep scrolling for some up and coming coolness:

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/i-have-an-idea

Writing workshop

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Discerning family commitments and activities Nov 09, 2020

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This week, we talk about discerning our family’s activities and our involvement in parish and community life. Including extra curricular activities, we delve into how to decide how much is too much and what our family needs most. How do we fit it all in? And more importantly, what SHOULD we be fitting in?

Over time, the structure of our family changes, and we need to discern and be aware of how we spend our time. And how to get places on time….

We also discuss what the priorities in our family, and how to discern our spiritual gifts.
2:03 - Parish life and finding community
6:10 - Extracurricular activities and planning our time
9:12 - Serving in our parish
21:58 - Understanding your gifts and charisms

CALLED AND GIFTED

Give your input for a support community

Writing workshop

www.bonnielandry.ca

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsfIDBvmmcjp3HWdLgAUrFw

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Interview with Janelle Yasinki, faith and fitness Nov 02, 2020

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Catch Janelle’s fire! A natural cheerleader, Janelle will pick up your wellness game because she’s just so darn lovely…so grateful to have her on our show. Where do we find the balance with faith, fitness, homeschool and family life? Let’s see what Janelle has to say, in all her beautiful realness.
4:00 - Janelle's background with fitness
14:28 - How to incorporate fitness as a busy mom
20:25 - What motivates us
22:05 - Struggles with eating disorders
24:46 - Fasting and our relationship with food
28:08 - What is the biggest advantage to staying fit as a busy mom?
34:29 - How faith and fitness work together
38:51 - Favourite fitness workout
39:43 - Taking care of ourselves in respect to our dignity
42:10 - What is the first step to take?

https://www.facebook.com/janellelevesque

https://www.facebook.com/janellefaithandfitness

https://www.instagram.com/janelleyasinski

Book: Searching for and maintaining peace

www.bonnielandry.ca

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsfIDBvmmcjp3HWdLgAUrFw

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Matthew and Esther of Veritas Current Events Oct 26, 2020

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Interview with Matthew and Esther of Veritas Current Events

This episode we interview Matthew and Esther, a young couple who have started a Christian world view current events curriculum Veritas Current Events that homeschoolers should absolutely be dialled into, particularly for middle school and high school.

Current events is often overlooked by busy homeschool moms, as we are so fully engaged in the rearing of children. But current events as a subject area itself is vital, as our kids are challenged by world events, cultural thought and media biases.

The opportunity for this resource as social studies independently, or used as a resource to support other social study resources is shared and broadened through our conversation.

Some of the areas that can be covered through current events are history, geography, civics, political science, economics and culture. Language arts can become a strong component to current events, too. It’s a great program for parents to teach themselves how to talk about current events and hot button issues with their kids.
4:36 - Matthew and Esther's backgrounds
6:35 - Why are current events so important?
8:33 - World events as a family study
10:33 - Topics recently covered by Veritas Current Events
17:17 - How the lessons are structured and for what age
23:23 - Linking current events to broader historical issues
29:46 - Discerning facts, truth and opinion
36:48 - The biggest challenge facing young people today

Here’s where you can find Matthew and Esther at these places, please peruse what they have to offer!

Main site: www.veritascurrentevents.com

Sample lesson plans: https://veritascurrentevents.com/sample-lesson

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VeritasCurrentEvents

Twitter account: https://twitter.com/VeritasCE

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Dealing with lying and kids who don't fit the mold Oct 19, 2020

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Today we discuss a beautiful book by Sally Clarkson about kids who don't fit into our expectations. Kids who think differently, learn differently, respond differently in life. In the context maintain our relationships, we also discuss kids who lie...the different types of lying and the different reasons kids might lie...and, most importantly - what we can do about it! Lying is tricky because while we want our kids to be honest, we don't want to get angry when they aren't, so we don't perpetuate the problem.
2:17 - Struggling with one child and guilt attached to that
6:09 - HIghlights from the book "Different" by Sally Clarkson
8:16 - Figuring out what works for that child
10:00 - Importance of tactile play during read alouds
12:09 - Seeing our children as blessings
19:52 - Our kids are watching and observing us
26:55 - What about lying?
34:10 - Our reaction to lying
If you would like to support this podcast, click HERE.

Different by Sally Clarkson

Getting better at life

What to do when your child lies

Responding to lying positively

Just cooperate, kid

DANDY BLEND herbal beverage

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Done by noon: efficient homeschooling Oct 12, 2020

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This week we delve into how to keep homeschooling efficient! Homeschooling is a magical environment for combining subjects and interdisciplinary studies. We can learn how to make the most of the natural learning present in our family lives.
We also address head butting, or, more to the point, avoiding head butting. This national pastime does not have to take up so much of our day. It's a big question, and we give it an overview in this episode. More questions might spin off of it, don't forget to submit them here: email me!
1:13 - Homeschool road trips
6:14 - How do you homeschool on a limited schedule?
8:45 - Dictation as a tool for teaching the Language Arts
10:30 - Guided Math
11:33 - Snapshot of morning routine
18:19 - Time constraints and learning challenges
24:10 - Being sensitive to a child's readiness
26:04 - Short novels that are easy to read
31:34 - How do you avoid headbutting?
If you would like to support this podcast, click HERE.

Pear cranberry jam for Thanksgiving

Dictation posts

A day in the life
Discussion based learning

Ruth Beechik The Three R’s

Building resilience, cultivating joy

Making sense of discipline

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homeschooling during pregnancy and illness Oct 05, 2020

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This week we tackle some questions on pregnancy, post partum and the various times in our life when we’re on the low and trying to homeschool, too. It’s a guarantee that we’re all going to have low periods in our life, whether through pregnancy, physical or mental illness, loss or sometimes for no apparent reason. We look at ways we can cope in crisis times, and a bigger, overarching look at how we can set our lives up to prepare when faced with these times.

We also spend some time talking about some good family reading that might when we have to cut back so much that reading may be the only thing we can manage. And even when we can’t manage that….
3:33 - Taking time off
6:35 - Simplifying our lives in the short term
18:38 - Homeschooling through a crisis
29:39 - Impactful read-alouds / audiobooks

Posts on low days:

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/low-days

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/low-days-recognition

Simplifying our lives:

https://www.eastcoastkelly.com

https://theartofsimple.net

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/it-all-started-with-the-laundry?rq=household
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/resources-that-fell-into-my-lap-and-altered-my-universe?rq=declutter

Being kind:

Youtube video, kindness

Just an amazing book by an amazing author who has really helped me step up my kindness game, when the going gets tough

Searching For and Maintaining Peace by Father Jacques Phillipe

Homeschooling with Netflix FB group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoolingwithnetflix

Audiobook lists:

https://www.thispilgrimlife.com/favorite-audiobooks-for-the-whole-family/

A few articles on audio books at Read Aloud Revival!
https://readaloudrevival.com/category/audio-books/

https://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/1052191/4172231-our-favourite-story-books

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Homeschooling and Husbands Sep 27, 2020

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This week we talk about spouses who are opposing each other in the discussion about whether to homeschool or not. How to foster discussion about this big life decision. We also talk about our husband’s role in homeschooling our kids…expectations, involvement and how dads can have a huge impact on our homeschooling lives.
1:15 - When one wants to homeschool but doesn't have support
12:02 - How do you go about including your husband in your homeschool?
23:29 - Importance of a homeschool community
25:21 - Sharing responsibilities
27:45 - Creating a family routine, school work and house work

The Ignatian Spiritual framework for decision making

Bedtime Routine

Simplifying our lives

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A homeschool coach who understands self-care Sep 21, 2020

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This week, we introduce you to Teresa Wiedrick "helping to turn homeschool mama’s challenges into their charms." She's a homeschool mom, coach, lovely individual who wants to see moms succeed. She talks about what she offers, and what coaching looks like.
5:47 - How does homeschooling look like for you?
8:20 - What is coaching and what is your main goal as a homeschool coach?
15:53 - What process do you go through to determine what a mom needs?
18:06 - Learning challenges/ADHD
20:11 - One on one coaching sessions
28:32 - Observing your child
32:11 - Creating a family vision
34:45 - Self-care strategies
37:50 - How to connect with Teresa
Here are some links to Teresa's resources for your perusal!
https://youtu.be/6NUoi1gfktw

https://youtu.be/EEJtaqzdZ9w

https://youtu.be/tf3ABMwSmr0

Author of Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Thrive, Not Just Survive

Homeschool Coach

www.capturingthecharmedlife.com

www.facebook.com/homeschoolmamaselfcare

www.instagram.com/homeschool_mama_self_care_
Book, the homeschooling option by Lisa Rivero

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Developing a routine that encourages kids to focus Sep 14, 2020

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In this episode, we talk about motivating reluctant kids. Kids with learning challenges, or laid back kids who just don't like to be challenged; sometimes kids just going through a phase! How can we avoid yanking them along, undermining the relationship and frustrating ourselves and the reluctant learner? How to capitalize on their interests and what motivates them. Creating routine is a lifesaver in many families and on SO many levels. Join us for some thoughts on all of the above....
6:39 - Taking time to assess what you're dealing with
9:09 - How to handle kids who struggle focusing
16:09 - Clear structure benefits everyone
22:52 - Outdoor play
30:34 - How can we help encourage a child who hates being challenged?
36:45 - Teaching by modelling new concepts
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/five-minute-education?rq=focu

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/shut-your-phone-off-you-wont-die?rq=attend

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/things-that-bring-you-joy-part-two?rq=attend

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/decluttering-a-journey-of-self-over-25-years?rq=routine

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Growing alongside our kids in faith. Sep 06, 2020

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In this episode, we talk about our Faith lives, growing in faith and how we manage that with a young family. We share the resources that have made our prayers lives more successful, our struggles and successes along the way.
8:35 - How do you incorporate prayer and/or daily Mass in your homeschool?
12:22 - Build a foundation and build gradually
14:47 - Our personal prayer life is a model to our children
16:51 - More on daily Mass
18:01 - Praying with the Magnificat
20:21 - What is the best curriculum for teaching our Catholic faith?
26:19 - Book suggestions
34:03 - Favourite family prayers
https://purplehousepress.com
https://www.amazon.com/Saints-Boys-First-Little-Catholic/dp/1939094208/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=saints+for+boys&qid=1599413849&sr=8-3
https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/litany-of-humility-245
https://catholicexchange.com/padlocked-lips-couldnt-keep-this-saint-from-prayer

If you would like to support this podcast, click HERE.

Rosary resource

https://www.catholic.com/tract/the-rosary

The Hidden Power of Kindness

Mary Fabyan Windeatt Books

Catholic Heritage Curricula

Book of Virtues

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Sibling Relationships, Toddler Strategies and Co-op Ideas Aug 31, 2020

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In this episode we talk about how to deal with toddlers while you’re homeschooling. It’s tricksy, right? We chat about sibling relationships and some management and co-oping with other families. And just a quick reminder…we love you guys, you know that, right?
5:48 - What do you do with the younger kids while teaching the older kids?
11:31 - Ideas for keeping toddler busy
19:21 - How to encourage sibling relationships and how to handle sibling rivalry
23:27 - Understanding your children's love languages
30:20 - How to encourage good relationships
34:15 - How can we make a co-op work?
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A day in the life

Plastic sleeves for your convenience:

Ideas for pre-readers

Five Love Languages

Five Love Languages of Children

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Curriculum Options Part 2 Aug 24, 2020

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In this episode, we continue our discussion of curriculum options, focusing on Science, Art and Music. Bonnie and Elizabeth talk about experiences with approaching these areas, and recommends resources. We talk about World Book encyclopedia and capitalizing on learning using encyclopedia. A boat load of science and art resources are in the show notes, as well as music resources.
2:51 - Approaches for teaching Science
17:48 - What set of Encyclopedias do you recommend?
25:03 - How to incorporate Art in your homeschool
37:55 - Approaches to teaching Music

If you would like to support this podcast, click HERE.
SCIENCE

Young Scientist

World Book Encyclopedia

National Geographic

Farm Anatomy (one of the “anatomy series”

Aquarium of the Pacific, online program

CHC ~ Catholic Heritage Curricula

ART

Books by Sister Wendy Beckett

Art memory game

Spot the Difference Books

What makes a Leonardo a Leonardo?

Imax movie sample

Monuments Men movie

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dictation, children who know everything, teaching spelling and English as a second language….seriously Aug 17, 2020

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In this episode, Elizabeth and Bonnie welcome Bonnie’s daughter Lucy as a guest. We discuss a variety of random things, including, but not limited to: spelling, comparing dictation with copy work, spelling, tips and tricks for teaching a child who knows everything, teaching differences according to gender and working with kids when English isn’t your first language.
3:41 - Copy work and Dictation
10:00 - Skills acquired through dictation
13:21 - Tips for teaching a child who "knows everything"
17:09 - How to foster humility in our children
25:12 - Did you teach differently based on gender?
33:24 - Homeschooling in a bilingual/multi-languages family
41:57 - Thoughts on sticker charts/stamps or prizes specifically for behaviour

We cover a lot in 45 minutes.

IEW spelling talk

Dictation posts

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/dictation-and-a-childlike-trust?rq=dictation

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/teaching-children-to-read-without-curriculum?rq=spelling

Resources for dictation, grammar and punctuation

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/dictation-for-newbies?rq=grammar%20and%20punctuation

Gordon Neufeld resources

Judy Arnall resources

My Pinterest page for dictation

The Elements of Style

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Interview with Philip Campbell, history nerd Aug 10, 2020

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In this episode, we interview our first guest, Phillip Campbell III, author and speaker. He recently has written a history program geared at homeschoolers called The Story of Civilization. A self professed history nerd, Phillip shares the nature of his program, and some of his other projects. He talks about presenting history without being boring. And he gets schooled on not saying “it sucks” on our podcast.
3:41 -Teaching History as a story
5:14 -Textbook as a backbone / Study with a novel
6:30 -The Story of Civilization book structure
9:35 - Contemporary History
15:27 - Resources for parents
21:15 - Approaches to teaching The Story of Civilization
41:18 - History movies
Please note: "RC books" were mentioned in the podcast, actual name of the organization is RC history, linked below.
Also, we discussed the sad fact that Homeschool Connections doesn't offer parents classes. It's a lie. Here's the info from their website:
WHO CAN TAKE HOMESCHOOLCONNECTIONS.COM COURSES?

Primarily, the courses are intended for middle and high school students. We have recently added grade school courses, designed to be taken alongside parents.

Also, we receive interest from adults who would like to audit our classes. Adults are welcomed to take HomeschoolConnections.com recorded, independent-learning courses through our Unlimited Access or Single Access programs. Adults are not allowed to participate in the live, interactive courses. "
And I will include the link for several of their recorded talks as well:
https://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/free-homeschool-help-videos
The Story of Civilization

Phillip’s website
RC history
Homeschool Connections

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Tanhomeschoolers

Reading Your Way Through History

Phillip Campbell, Author-Teacher (Facebook page)

“Sophia” series. (parent review recommended)

Mr. Campbell Explains (youtube channel)

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Curriculum options, part one Aug 03, 2020

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In this episode, Elizabeth and Bonnie discuss math options for homeschool families, pros and cons and what kind of program might suit your child or family.

Bonnie makes wine recommendations.

They discuss some options for studying history and social studies.

We’ve linked the resources we’ve mentioned in the show and please note! We are not affiliates, we do not make any kind of money on any of the resources we use. We simply do not do that. We recommend what we’ve used and loved.

Books guide for choosing good literature for your family to read and discuss and developing a family library.

They also discuss some tools for discerning good literature.
1:47 - How to choose resources for your school year
7:52 - Suggestions for Math curriculums
10:26 - Tip for teaching Math from a textbook
15:28 - Helping children avoid competition
20:53 - Avoid buying under pressure
"Will this add to or detract from the quality of our family life?"
23:04 - Suggestions for teaching History
28:05 - How far do you take a rabbit trail before you circle back?
31:05 - How to choose historical fiction for teaching History
37:13 - Ideas for growing your library
41:02 - Vocabulary and grammar

Math Resources

Chocolate Chip Math

Book for Chocolate Chip Math

Podcast episode on chocolate chip math

Teaching Textbooks

Key to….math books

Jacobs mathematics

Commercial break, seriously, gotta try this wine: Link Here

HISTORY RESOURCES

What is social studies

The Story of Civilization

Eyewitness Books

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Developing a plan for the school year Jul 26, 2020

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In this episode, Elizabeth and Bonnie discuss submitting a “learning plan” if it’s required in your area, particularly if socratic discussion, literature based, organic learning is what you are after! Paralleling that idea is the fact that most of us want a “plan” - to feel like we know where we’re headed for the school year. It keeps us on track, helps us set goals and define our year.

It’s important, too, to have a record of what you do, for your own sake, but also as insurance if your approach to homeschooling is ever called into question. But in order to develop a plan, and keep track of what your family does through the year, it needs to be SIMPLE!

What is a learning plan, how do we create one?

How do I do this and not go crazy?

I don’t understand what they want of me, how do I figure out the “lawyer-speak”?

I don’t have to submit a learning plan, but I still want to create an outline for the year?
1:47 - When following a State/Provincial Learning Plan
2:59 - What is a Learning Plan?
6:07 - How do I prove that I've met the requirements?
8:33 - Sample #1 - Year Overview DuoTang (View on YouTube or Instagram)
13:03 - Importance of a plan/Sample of a School Year Outline
19:57 - Sample # 2 - Weekly Records
24:22 - How to create a portfolio from your personal records
27:06 - How to file school work
28:55 - How to decide what to cover in a year
32:27 - Do you think about more than one year at a time when planning?
35:06 - End of the year records

I developed this blog post to share the resources we talked about on the show:

planning your year when you have a socratic/organic/natural learning approach

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Get Organized! Jul 20, 2020

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2:05 - How to find order when you have kids
6:42 - Family purpose statement
12:05 - Being clear about when we do things
13:29 - Walk with our children / Tidy the house with them
15:20 - How do you keep track of your homeschool stuff?
22:23 - A good day starts the night before
25:57 - How do you budget your time well?
30:58 - The tyranny of the urgent (see PDF)
33:18 - Why is order so important?
38:02 - Fifteen minutes declutter everyday
If you would like to support this podcast, click HERE.

Reading and Relationships

Art of Simple, family purpose statement

Life without clutter

Tyranny of the Urgent poster

Sterlite pencil boxes

It all started with the laundry

What it looks like all day

What clutter does to us

Sink Reflections

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using literature for social studies, salting the oats Jul 12, 2020

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1:16 - How do we turn discussion based study into productivity
16:16 - How does that relate to marks/a report card?
23:14 - Perfecting the paragraph to help produce essays
25:58 - How do you take what they've read and move to putting on paper?
27:51 - How to branch out from the literature to experiences

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How to read a book so it becomes the curriculum

Blog posts

The big picture of reading aloud

Literature as social studies

The story book grows up

How to force kids to learn stuff you think they should know

Homeschooling high school (creating a transcript)

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chocolate chip math, what is it?? Jul 06, 2020

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1:24 - What is Chocolate Chip Math?
4:42 - Tips for implementing Chocolate Chip Math
6:31 - How long do you spend on Math every day?
9:02 - What a lesson would look like
23:23 -When kids hate Math
29:10 - "Key to" Math books
31:49 - Workbooks or choc. chip math
35:04 - When a child is not grasping a concept
37:11 - How do you get started with choc. chip math?
38:34 - When to transition from choc. chip math to formal workbooks?
If you would like to support this podcast, click HERE.
PARAGRAPH WRITING WORKSHOP, homeschool masterclass
makejoynormal@gmail.com

Blank multiplication chart pdf

What to do when

Five minute education

Posts on chocolate chip math:

Six year old writes math program, shocks mother with how six year olds really learn

A day in the life without programs or workbooks

https://www.khanacademy.org

Key to (math series)

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Discipline, friendships and getting kids to help around the house Jun 28, 2020

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In question one, we talk a lot about managing chores and developing a system for busy family life.
Question two is about managing behaviour without using rewards and consequences, aka "carrot and stick" methods. What works when you don't want to use coercive disciplinary options.
Third question, we chat at length about helping kids develop healthy friendships.
Last question, how do we find things that bring us joy?
2:15 - Do you give your kids allowance?
4:18 - What are age appropriate chores?
16:45 - What to use in place of "carrot and stick" discipline
24:45 - How do you help guide your children to good friendships?
33:45 - Finding joy for moms/self care
39:17 - Building community
44:46 - Books on community building
RESOURCES
books related to todays questions -
Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley
Discipline without distress by Judy Arnall
Hold Onto Your Kids by Gordon Nuefeld
Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley
Posts on carrot and stick:
Securing cooperation without sacrificing kindness
If not carrot and stick, THEN WHAT
Mom time post:
Getting some mom time
Post on building community:
Upstarts

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Summer break and choosing curriculum Jun 21, 2020

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In this episode, we talk about what summer break looks like in our house, and what options are available for homeschoolers.

What about highschoolers?

How do we know how to choose curriculum, there is so much to choose from, what’s right for our family?
How do we moderate what comes into our house and ensure it gets used?
4:16 - What does summer vacation look like? When does it start?
11:58 - How to choose curriculum
29:37 - How to moderate what curriculum you bring in
36:42 - Exposing ourselves to beautiful literature

Theology of dirt

My personal Facebook page

Always learning

Ruth Beechik three r’s

YouTube homeschool workshop

Teaching children without curriculum
history timeline game:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FX71HC8/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_I2o8EbND93QVC

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Our favourite story books Jun 15, 2020

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In this episode, Elizabeth and I discuss the importance of reading and some of our favourite story books - here are the links to the books we talked about:
Go Dog Go
Clown of God
Something from Nothing
My Very First Mother Goose
D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths
The Tale of the Three Trees
books by: Tomie de Paola
Journey Aaron Becker (wordless)
Elephant and Piggie books my Mo Willems
Ignis by P.J. Lynch
The guardians of Childhood series by William Joyce
any books by Don and Audrey Wood
2:04 - Importance of reading books that we like
6:16 - Elizabeth and Bonnie share their story book selections
33:37 - How to pull curriculum out of a book
35:25 - Books create a family culture
39:07 - Wordless books

And a few resources for reading:
books
reading gets an upgrade

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Questions about dictation Jun 08, 2020

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This week, Elizabeth and I discuss several questions on dictation. What is dictation, how does it work? When do you start dictation, and how long do you do dictation? What can you learn in dictation? What about high school?

How does it look at times of crises, or during pregnancy or post partum?
0:58 - What is dictation?
2:26 - What is the importance of dictation?
3:55 - How many times should you repeat the sentence?
8:11 - Is telling the child the answer as helpful as letting them figure it out?
11:25 - Could dictation take the place of a curriculum?
13:18 - How do you know what to teach without a curriculum?
16:49 - What are some common challenges with dictation?
23:32 - What ages do you start dictation?
27:02 - Dictation and poetry
32:47 - How dictation can work during pregnancy
35:30 - Where is the best place to do dictation?

Dictation example

Resources for dictation

More dictation thoughts

How children learn to read through dictation

The difference between dictation and writing

Dictation what does it look like

Dictation help on pinterest

Usborne Grammar and Punctuation

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Getting along: the foundation of successful homeschooling Jun 01, 2020

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In this episode we talk about the importance of building the relationship and reducing the drama. It affects our whole day, not gonna lie.
3:30 - How can I transition away from coercive parenting?
20:33 - Disinterested service (CCC 2223)
23:57 - When kids are fighting with each other
30:55 - When a child refuses to join a family read-aloud
36:25 - Advice for teaching Language Arts
38:03 - Does your routine change during pregnancy and post-partum?

Parent resources:

Hold Onto Your Kids by Gordon Nuefeld

Judy Arnall (professional parenting

Why attachment?

A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

Carrot and Stick

Catechism quote

The effect of reactivity

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Wow, did we ever cover a lot today! May 25, 2020

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Do your kids get input on what you study and how you spend your day?

How do you decide what to cover each year?

How do you know what to do next?

Is it important to have mentors?

How does technology play into home education?

Are there good apps for kids that you’ve come across?

Reading aloud…how much do you prepare?

Creating an environment where kids learn to love learning.

The importance of encyclopedias.
1:28 - How do you decide what to cover and do you let your kids have input?
4:01 - Interest based studying (History)
8:45 - One on one subjects (Math & Language arts)
11:07 - The importance of having a mentor and mentoring others
14:37 - Using Apps in homeschool
18:07 - What order should we teach History?
30:46 - Should we prepare a lesson plan when reading aloud?
33:54 - Using encyclopedias
38:30 - Tips for buying encyclopedias

Blog post, what to teach when
Blog post, The importance of mentorship

Shakespeare graphic novels

Saints Chronicles

Hazardous Tales

ALSO! Please feel free to send us apps you love for education, as that question came up!

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family prayer life, responding to angst, and when do we know it’s not working? May 18, 2020

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The first half of this episode discusses a question about prayer life in the family, finding time, developing habits. As I have a lot of secular followers, I wanted to qualify that I don’t think it will be a waste of time for you! Finding time for self reflection, gratitude, sorting out our ideals and expectations are built on the same ideas...building routines, developing mastery of ourselves in small ways daily.

Here are the things we discussed in today’s show:

Building family prayer life, the importance of routine and mastery
We share some favourite family prayers
What happens when the day goes sideways, and how should we respond to meltdowns
Keeping our kids close
How do we know when homeschooling isn’t working

1:44 - How do you start a family prayer routine?
15:38 - Prayers for kids and family
25:33 - What to do when children are not joyful
32:40 - When homeschooling isn't working

And here are some links to

Family prayer life, responding to angst, and when do we know that homeschooling isn’t working

AVOIDING BUTTING HEADS

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How do we start to make joy normal? Episode one. May 11, 2020

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This week, Elizabeth brings some basic questions about what Bonnie believes about joy. As the episode unfolds, they discuss what the ideal day might look like, the proper place of curriculum in our homeschool life, all those unused curriculum sitting in storage...
Some thoughts on structure and planning our day, and balancing self care with the sacrifice we make as parents.

4:07 - The importance of having ideals
5:02 - Leading by modeling virtue
9:09 - Challenging children appropriately
11:46 - Planning for self-care
16:19 - What does a typical homeschool day look like?
23:03 - Routine over schedule
24:02 - Homeschool curriculum
33:56 - Importance of keeping records

Some resources were mentioned, here are those links

Ruth Beechik, The Three R's

Homeschooling, simplified: dictation
Bonnie's full day workshop in four parts on YouTube
Planning our time (blog post, with templates)

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