The Homeschool How To

Latest Episodes:

#103: Take Back Your Brain—and Your Freedom—from the School System Jan 25, 2025

Show notes

What leads a parent to the decision to homeschool their children? Laurie Hammer, with nearly two decades of homeschooling experience, opens up about her transformative journey from skepticism to being an enthusiastic advocate for this personalized educational path. Her story begins with the challenges her son faced in traditional schooling and the pivotal homeschool meeting that changed everything. With candor and humor, Laurie talks about overcoming societal pressures and embracing a lifestyle that allows her children to explore their true passions without the confines of conventional education.
Ever wondered how to nurture your child's unique interests and career aspirations? Listen as Laurie shares how homeschooling enabled her son to pursue musical and entrepreneurial paths, while her daughter thrived in animal sciences and other non-traditional learning experiences. We discuss the bold choice to question societal norms, like the pressure to decide on a career by 18, and the power of self-directed learning in today's unpredictable job market. This conversation shines a light on the importance of outdoor activities, family bonding, and the freedom to follow your heart, regardless of traditional expectations.
Further enriching this episode, a seasoned nutritional therapist joins us to share her insights on the deep connections between nutrition, mental health, and emotional trauma. Through personal stories, we explore the importance of emergency preparedness in homeschooling and the role of organizations like the Homeschool Legal Defense Association in ensuring a smooth educational experience. As we conclude, we extend heartfelt thanks to our listeners for their support and offer ways to keep this enlightening conversation going. Whether you're a homeschooling veteran, a curious parent, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode promises to provide thought-provoking perspectives and practical insights.
Flow State Education- Master Basic Facts in 5 Minutes a Day!
**Your child follows a custom learning path built just for them, focusing on their unique strengths and areas for improvement. Let your kids experience math in the flow state, where learning truly happens!

Check out my Podcast-Take Back My Brain on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/@takebackmybrain9073

Follow me on my social media:

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.hammer.7/

https://www.instagram.com/thecalmmomcommunity/

Website:

https://www.lauriehammer.com/

What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?
HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!
This could mean life or death in some cases!
Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease:
Let's Talk, Emergencies! -and don't forget The Activity Book!
The Tuttle Twins - use code Cheryl40 for 40% off ages 5-11 book series-
Teach your kids the principles of liberty-- and how our government is SUPPOSED to work!

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#102: From Challenge to Triumph: A Single Mom's Homeschooling Journey with Seven Kids Jan 18, 2025

Show notes

TRIGGER WARNING!! In this episode, Stacy shares with us her journey of overcoming abuse and doing it all while homeschooling. This episode talks about some tough subjects and may not be suitable for kids to hear. Stacy gives us some great pointers for how to talk to our kids about abuse and what to do if they find themselves in that situation- which could just be a friend or family member showing them something inappropriate on the phone... This is a powerful episode with a message that shouldn't be ignored.
Stacy shares her journey into homeschooling her seven children as a single mother, highlighting the challenges and joys that come with this educational approach. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of fostering a love for learning, building resilience, and creating a nurturing environment that celebrates curiosity.
• Stacy’s initial motivation to homeschool
• The benefits of using living books in education
• Addressing dyslexia through tailored educational methods
• The importance of community support for single parents
• Overcoming fears of inadequacy in homeschooling
• The journey of preparing children for college as homeschoolers
• Exploring the balance between teaching and allowing children to learn naturally
• Reflecting on the significance of character building through adversity
• Thoughts on the limitations of traditional schooling
• Concluding insights on empowering children through education and experiences
Flow State Education- Master Basic Facts in 5 Minutes a Day!
**Your child follows a custom learning path built just for them, focusing on their unique strengths and areas for improvement. Let your kids experience math in the flow state, where learning truly happens!

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#101: Balancing the Badge and the Blackboard: Why a School Resource Officer Chooses to Home Educate Jan 11, 2025

Show notes

This podcast episode discusses the journey of a working mom who chose homeschooling for her daughters, highlighting the flexibility, family bonding, and curriculum customization it allows. The conversation delves into concerns about traditional schooling, modern educational pressures, and the unique perspective of a law enforcement officer.
• Exploration of why families choose homeschooling
• Balancing work responsibilities with education
• The importance of preserving childhood innocence
• Concerns about educational agendas in public schools
• Factors contributing to student anxiety due to testing
• The flexibility of curriculum choices
• The benefits of tailored education and personalized learning
• Insights from a law enforcement perspective and resource officer on the impact of active shooter drills
• The role of family values in educational decisions
• Recognition of teachers and the challenges they face
Let's Talk, Emergencies! - Cheryl's children's book, and don't forget
The Activity Book!
The Tuttle Twins - use code Cheryl40 for 40% off ages 5-11 book series
JIBBY MUSHROOM COFFEE - try today with code CHERYL20 for 20% off!
Earthley Wellness - use code HomeschoolHowTo for 10% off your first order
TreehouseSchoolhouse for your Fall Nature Study Curriculum- use promo code: THEHOMESCHOOLHOWTOPODCAST for 10% off entire order (if code puts you under free shipping limit- check out the traceable calendar to add to your order!)
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Thank you for tuning into this week's episode of The Homeschool How To! If you've enjoyed what you heard and you'd like to contribute to the show, please consider leaving a small tip using the link in my show's description. Or, if you'd rather, please use the link in the description to share this podcast with a friend or on your favorite homeschool group Facebook page. Any effort to help us keep the podcast going is greatly appreciated. Thank you for tuning in and for your love of the next generation.

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Celebrating 100 Episodes: What Has Changed Since Episode One? Jan 04, 2025

Show notes

Reflecting on the past 100 episodes reveals a profound shift in understanding homeschooling and its implications on parenting. The episode delves into concerns over school safety, parental rights, outdoor learning, and the importance of nurturing authentic connections, while also overcoming fears and uncertainties that arise throughout the homeschooling journey.
• Recognizing safety concerns in schools and questioning the effectiveness of active shooter drills
• Discussing the implications of medical mandates and parental rights regarding children's healthcare
• Highlighting the value of outdoor experiences for fostering creativity and engagement in learning
• Exploring fears surrounding self-discipline and the need for critical thinking in education
• Emphasizing the importance of authentic friendships fostered through shared interests
• Acknowledging the perspectives of teachers who have shifted to homeschooling due to educational system shortcomings
• Celebrating the evolution of knowledge and experience over the course of 100 episodes
If you appreciated this episode, please share it with a friend, or consider leaving a review here!
Kypper's Slippers- A Comfy Footwear Brand Driven With A Purpose: to give back to homeschooling families! These slippers are affordable, give back to the homeschooling community, and help our little ones from slipping and sliding on those slick surfaces! They've helped my two year old so much!!
Step ONE in Homeschooling: Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency! Right from Amazon:
Let's Talk, Emergencies! -and don't forget The Activity Book!
The Tuttle Twins - use code Cheryl40 for 40% off ages 5-11 book series

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#99: A New Approach to Modern Education Dec 28, 2024

Show notes

This episode highlights the innovative approaches to homeschooling offered by Raya Bidshahari at the School of Humanity. Listeners will discover how alternative education focuses on emotional intelligence, real-world challenges, and the importance of individualized learning paths.
• The rise of alternative education due to frustrations with traditional methods
• Engaging with real-world topics through project-based and interdisciplinary learning
• Emphasis on emotional well-being and connection to nature
• Accreditation of School of Humanity and its significance
• Career readiness and various pathways after high school
• Flexibility of online programs and their benefits for family dynamics
• The supportive community around alternative education choices
Kypper's Slippers- A Comfy Footwear Brand Driven With A Purpose: to give back to homeschooling families
Flow State Education Free Trial! - Master Basic Facts in 5 Minutes a Day!

Your child follows a custom learning path built just for them, focusing on their unique strengths and areas for improvement.

Step 1 in Homeschooling: Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency! Right from Amazon:
Let's Talk, Emergencies! -and don't forget The Activity Book!
The Tuttle Twins - use code Cheryl40 for 40% off ages 5-11 book series

Support the show

Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast
Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

#98: How Teaching Refugee Students Inspired This Teacher to Home Educate Her Children Dec 21, 2024

Show notes

Mary, a former ENL teacher with profound stories and insights, joins us on a captivating exploration into the world of homeschooling and alternative lifestyles. With a background rich in experiences with refugee students, particularly from the Karen ethnic group of Burma, Mary's perspective is both unique and enlightening. Her journey into homeschooling was significantly influenced by the stark contrasts she observed between the freedom-filled lives of the Karen community in Thai refugee camps and the rigid structure of American schools. Inspired by these observations and Sebastian Junger's book "Tribe," Mary embarked on a mission to create a more fulfilling educational path for her family, sparking a wider conversation on the systemic issues in traditional education and the potential of homeschooling as a solution.
Navigating the homeschool journey isn't without its hurdles, especially when custody agreements and modern family dynamics come into play. During our discussion, we address the challenges that arise when parents consider homeschooling amidst a separation. Mary shares her personal journey and the support she received, highlighting the broader dissatisfaction with societal norms and the search for alternatives to conventional schooling.
In the quest for authentic living, many families are choosing to step away from societal expectations. We dive into bold lifestyle choices, such as off-grid living and unschooling, and the creation of supportive communities or "tribes" that prioritize family values over societal demands. The conversation extends to the influence of modern family dynamics, the impact of technology on familial bonds, and the liberating process of breaking free from traditional norms. Through engaging stories and personal reflections, this episode offers inspiration and insights for anyone considering a more self-directed, family-centered life.
Kypper's Slippers- A Comfy Footwear Brand Driven With A Purpose: to give back to homeschooling families
Flow State Education Free Trial! - Master Basic Facts in 5 Minutes a Day!

Your child follows a custom learning path built just for them, focusing on their unique strengths and areas for improvement.

Need the perfect Christmas gift in time for Christmas?!?! Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency! Right from Amazon:
Let's Talk, Emergencies! -and don't forget The Activity Book!
The Tuttle Twins - use code Cheryl40 for 40% off ages 5-11 book series

Support the show

Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast
Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

#97: Integrating Family, Education and Livelihood- Can We Combine Them All for the Ultimate Experience? Dec 14, 2024

Show notes

What happens when a devoted father makes the unexpected shift to homeschooling? In this episode, we invite you to join our conversation with Keith Phillips, a dedicated homeschooling dad from Illinois, who reveals his family's remarkable transition influenced by a classical Christian homeschooling community. Keith shares the profound impact homeschooling has had on his children, contrasting the articulate, confident nature of homeschooled students with their age-segregated, screen-focused peers in public schools. Discover the personalized approach Keith has come to appreciate, despite his initial plans for a dual enrollment transition during high school.
Our exploration extends beyond education as we ponder the societal shift from work-centric lives to leisure-focused existence, leading to a sense of disconnection. Reflecting on historical and personal anecdotes, we delve into the profound satisfaction found in meaningful work and familial connections. We discuss how challenging times, like the siege of Sarajevo, brought people together and reveal the often-overlooked truths about happiness and fulfillment amidst adversity. Join us as we question modern affluence and uncover the essence of contentment through stories of individuals thriving through hardship.
Homeschooling is more than an educational choice—it's a lifestyle. We explore the vibrant family culture it cultivates, emphasizing hands-on learning and shared literary adventures. Learn how families like Keith’s integrate practical projects with academic pursuits, fostering strong cultural foundations and lifelong bonds. From overcoming socialization concerns through community engagement to balancing busy lives filled with homeschooling, business, and family activities, this episode celebrates the conscious choices that build a meaningful, fulfilling family life.
Kypper's Slippers- A Comfy Footwear Brand Driven With A Purpose: to give back to homeschooling families

True North Online Academy, offering 2nd- 12th grade live online and self paced classes as well as a cutting edge Dual Degree program, (students can earn a high school diploma and an accredited Bachelor’s Degree concurrently)! At TNOA you can find ebooks, testing, advising, workshops and more!
Keith's work:
https://heartlandbunkies.com/
Kei th's Podcast

Keith's Substack
Let's Talk, Emergencies! - Cheryl's children's book, and don't forget
The Activity Book!
The Tuttle Twins - use code Cheryl40 for 40% off ages 5-11 book series

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#96: From Screens to Streams: Resources to Get Your Kids Outside with Nature Expert, Outdoor Anthony Dec 07, 2024

Show notes

Did you ever wonder how to reconnect with nature in a world dominated by screens? Join us as we explore this and more with Anthony Porter, an enthusiastic nature educator and content creator with a unique perspective on homeschooling and outdoor learning. Anthony shares his fascinating journey from a childhood teeming with outdoor adventures to becoming a published author of a nature activity book for kids. We delve into the contrasting challenges and rewards of teaching nature to children and creating engaging content for adults. Cheryl also shares her own transformative experience of moving from the city to the countryside, shedding light on the joys and hurdles of embracing a nature-focused lifestyle.
Our conversation navigates the nuanced territory of modern parenting, where balancing the conveniences of technology with the timeless benefits of outdoor experiences is key. Anthony discusses the significance of nature in fostering health and self-confidence, especially for children in urban settings. We explore alternative education models like Waldorf and Montessori, which have gained traction for their immersive, hands-on learning approaches. Reflecting on future parenting, we express our excitement about crafting educational paths that blend modern insights with traditional values, emphasizing the benefits of nature play and experiential learning.
The episode underscores the critical role of unstructured play in childhood development, advocating for more freedom and exploration away from screens. We draw analogies to dolphins thriving in the wild, stressing the importance of balance and variety in children's experiences. Anthony shares insights into his nature journal, a tool designed to inspire outdoor exploration, and his engaging kid-focused videos. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone looking to reconnect with nature, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for rediscovering the joy of learning in the great outdoors.
https://www.anthonyporter.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Nature-Journal-Anthony-Porter/dp/1962202577
True North Online Academy, offering 2nd- 12th grade live online and self paced classes as well as a cutting edge Dual Degree program, (students can earn a high school diploma and an accredited Bachelor’s Degree concurrently)! At TNOA you can find ebooks, testing, advising, workshops and more!

Let's Talk, Emergencies! - Cheryl's children's book, and don't forget
The Activity Book!
The Tuttle Twins - use code Cheryl40 for 40% off ages 5-11 book series
WriteStories by Scriptive- use code THSHT33 for 33% OFF! Encourage reluctant writers and emerging storytellers to write their own stories using illustrations from children's books.

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#95: How To Make Homeschooling Super Simple Nov 30, 2024

Show notes

Discover the heartfelt journey of Jenny Hedrick as she transitions from a successful career in therapy to a devoted homeschooling mom, sharing her inspiring story on our podcast. Her background working with at-risk youth further fueled her decision to homeschool, allowing us to explore her dedication to instilling core values in her children.
With Jenny, we unravel the complexities of homeschooling and learn how to make this educational path both simple and enriching. We discuss strategies to balance core subjects with engaging activities, ensuring each child's unique needs are met. Amid life’s challenges, like house moves, Jenny shares tips on fostering independent learning and nurturing a lifelong love of knowledge, all while maintaining the flexibility homeschooling offers.
Our conversation also dives into the intricate world of homeschooling curricula, addressing the challenges and joys of finding the right fit. Jenny provides insights on accommodating different learning needs, such as dyslexia, and the benefits of using tools like nature study notebooks to document and celebrate educational progress. Together, we highlight the importance of social interactions and real-world learning, promising listeners an episode filled with both practical advice and heartfelt inspiration.
Find Jenny:
Website: www.supersimplehomeschool.net
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@supersimplehomeschool
IG: www.instagram.com/mysupersimplehomeschool

WriteStories by Scriptive- use code THSHT33 for 33% OFF! Encourage reluctant writers and emerging storytellers to write their own stories using illustrations from children's books.
Let's Talk, Emergencies! - Cheryl's children's book, and don't forget
The Activity Book!
The Tuttle Twins - use code Cheryl40 for 40% off ages 5-11 book series

Support the show

Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast
Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

#94: Thirty-Year Homeschooling Veteran, Lisa Nehring, Gives Us Her Best Advice Nov 23, 2024

Show notes

Imagine reimagining education for your family and finding a path that aligns with your unique values and lifestyle. Join us as Lisa Nehring shares her remarkable 30-year journey of homeschooling, beginning in an era when the concept was still uncharted territory for many. Lisa's story is a testament to the courage it takes to forge a path less traveled, while shedding light on the evolving landscape of education and the impact of those brave enough to think differently.
We explore the rich tapestry of homeschooling experiences, from classical education approaches that prioritize autodidactic learning to the creation of vibrant communities that nurture diverse talents. We challenge conventional education systems and envision innovative pathways that prioritize creativity and critical thinking. Our discussion extends to the revolutionary impact of online learning platforms like True North Online Academy, which break down traditional barriers and offer tailored educational experiences that inspire and challenge.
This episode encourages parents and educators to intentionally invest in the future of the next generation. By envisioning education as a crucial investment, we aim to empower our children to thrive and carry forward family values. Join us in creating a more fulfilling life beyond traditional molds and exploring the possibilities that await in the ever-evolving educational landscape.
Lisa is the founder of True North Online Academy, offering 2nd- 12th grade live online and self paced classes as well as a cutting edge Dual Degree program, (students can earn a high school diploma and an accredited Bachelor’s Degree concurrently)! At TNOA you can find ebooks, testing, advising, workshops and more!

Lisa also owns It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool where she podcasts, blogs reviews curriculum, provides community and offers parents the encouragement and support they need to navigate homeschooling.

WriteStories by Scriptive- use code THSHT33 for 33% OFF! Encourage reluctant writers and emerging storytellers to write their own stories using illustrations from children's books.
Enter to WIN a FREE 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION by emailing me your name @ TheHomeschoolHowTo@gmail.com
Let's Talk, Emergencies! - Cheryl's children's book, and don't forget
The Activity Book!
The Tuttle Twins - use code Cheryl40 for 40% off ages 5-11 book series

Support the show

Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast
Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast

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