Navigating Electives: A Guide for Homeschooling High School Students

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Selecting the right electives can transform the high school experience for homeschoolers.Choosing electives can be both an exciting and daunting task for homeschooling high school students and their parents. Electives are not just filler courses; they are essential in shaping a well-rounded education, exploring interests, and preparing for future careers or college. In this post, we’ll explore how to make informed decisions when selecting electives.

Understanding the Role of Electives:

Electives play a crucial role in the high school curriculum. They provide students the chance to delve into subjects outside the core academic courses, helping them discover new passions, develop practical skills, and gain a broader perspective on the world. Whether it’s art, technology, or a foreign language, electives can significantly enhance a student’s educational experience.

1. Assessing Interests and Goals to Choose Electives:

The first step in choosing electives is to consider your child’s interests and long-term goals. Does your student show an inclination towards creative arts, sciences, or languages? Understanding these preferences is key. For instance, a student interested in a business career might benefit from courses like Entrepreneurship or Accounting 101, while a future scientist might prefer Genetics or a New Testament Survey for those inclined towards theology or religious studies.

2. Exploring Career Paths:

Electives can be a gateway to potential careers. Courses like Career Exploration or The Copywriting Experience offer practical insights into specific professions, helping students make informed decisions about their future. Encourage your student to try courses that align with their potential career interests.

3. Developing Essential Life Skills:

Some electives focus on life skills that are valuable regardless of career choice. Courses such as Economics or Political Literature & Comp not only provide academic knowledge but also teach critical thinking, financial literacy, and a better understanding of the world.

4. Balancing Academics and Personal Growth:

While aligning electives with academic and career goals is important, personal growth should not be overlooked. Encourage your student to choose at least one elective purely for personal interest or enjoyment, like Art 2 or Foreign Language Exploration. This balance ensures a well-rounded education and keeps learning enjoyable.

5. Utilizing Resources:

Take advantage of resources like True North Homeschool Academy, which offers a diverse range of electives tailored for homeschooling students. From Expedition Africa for younger students to Essay Extravaganza for aspiring writers, these courses are designed to meet various interests and academic needs.

Selecting the right electives can transform the high school experience for homeschoolers. It’s about striking a balance between academic rigor, personal interests, and future aspirations. By carefully considering their interests, career goals, and personal growth, homeschooling students can choose electives that enrich their education and prepare them for the future.

Remember, the journey through high school is as much about discovery as it is about education. Choose electives that inspire, challenge, and excite your student, and watch them thrive in their unique educational path.


Here’s a glimpse of our Spring lineup at True North Homeschool Academy:

  1. Entrepreneurship: Unleash your business potential. Learn more
  2. Genetics: Dive into the fascinating world of DNA and inheritance. Explore here
  3. Essay Extravaganza: Hone your writing skills for academic excellence. Discover more
  4. Foreign Language Exploration: Embark on a linguistic adventure. Start exploring
  5. Expedition Africa (Elementary): Journey through the wonders of Africa. Join the expedition
  6. Accounting 101: Master the fundamentals of accounting. Enroll now
  7. Career Exploration: Discover your future career path. Begin exploring
  8. Art 2: Advance your artistic journey. Sign up here
  9. Economics: Understand the dynamics of economies. Dive deeper
  10. The Copywriting Experience: Craft compelling content. Learn more
  11. New Testament Survey (Junior High): Explore the New Testament’s richness. Explore here
  12. Political Literature & Comp: Analyze the interplay of politics and literature. Discover more

Special Offer! We also have exclusive one-semester bundles available, providing a comprehensive learning experience tailored to your needs. Check out our bundles


Mrs. Nehring the voice behind the Life Skills 101 Podcast on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network and is the Director of True North Homeschool Academy.

She is loved by parents for her ability to provide them with a strategic plan for their homeschool through coaching and advising.

Her vision for the implementation of the SAMR Method of education to the homeschool world has resulted in a one-of-a-kind education experience at TNHA.

She also operates It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool and Blue Collar Homeschooling.

December Organize It! Planner

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

December Organize It PlannerDecember is the most joyous time of the year! In this planner we focus on the true reason for the season and avoid getting bogged down with our to-do lists! I love an organized schedule and lists more than most, but they are tools to help us stay on top of our daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to enjoy the month free from stress. Or, at the very least, the pressure that we will forget something!

We celebrate Jesus’s birth and remember all he has done for us.

What better reason is there to enjoy this month? While things need to be done, like buying gifts and baking, we are truly blessed to live in a time when we have the opportunity to participate in as many or as few activities as we want! Try to pair down as much as possible and keep only the events and activities that bring your family together and are a blessing.

Sign Up Here & Get the December Organize It! Planner

Get convenient links to all the latest homeschool podcasts each week- PLUS new printables every month! A free gift from the author, Felice Gerwitz, Ultimate Homeschool Radio owner and podcaster at Vintage Homeschool Moms!

This month’s planner begins with our signature ultimate organizing and planning tools!

I love putting this planner together. It is truly an honor to share all of my organizing ideas with you! With this planner, you can keep track of travel plans or your lengthy baking list! Enjoy activities and fun events while staying on top of all that’s on a homeschool mom’s plate!

Are your ready to tackle gift organization, budgets, and even how to organize your gift wrapping with a wrapping station? I included a Christmas countdown with 24 ways to embrace joy.

A reminder to us all to focus on our family, Jesus and serving each other and our community!

My kids got excited when I asked for a few suggestions for the Christmas bucket list! I hope you and your family have as much fun as my family with these activities.

Are you planning on taking the month off, or are you schooling straight through?

Take a look at your homeschool schedule. Can you pair down your commitments so you can embrace the holiday season? By focusing on the meaning of the Christmas season, we are teaching life lessons to our children. I typically take the whole month of December off. We love reading and soaking in the fun of the season. I want plenty of time to make homemade presents, crafts, bake, and enjoy the weather! The older kids will typically work on their school work separately to complete their assignments, especially in high school, and join in the fun as their schedule permits.

The theme in all of the Organize-IT planners is balance.

Pick and choose the forms that work for your family—doing it all doesn’t always work. Balance is important. If a form doesn’t work for your family, skip it and move on. Flexibility is a value skill to learn!

Looking for more information? You will find the topic of organization, as well as many others, on the UltimateHomeschoolPodcastNetwork.com, and VintageHomeschoolMoms.com.

If you are a long time subscriber, you will find some of the forms the same as in past planners.

This allows you access to the forms you love from last month’s planner. For example, you will receive the blank calendars as well as the 4-Square Plan in each monthly planner, along with those on setting short and long-term goals.

This is the end of our Organize-IT Planners for the year.

I hopeyou’ve enjoyed them as much as I have. You can find the entire set for sale on the MediaAngels.com/store if you missed a few months.

We have exciting mini-planners for January and beyond planned. Stay with us for upcoming information.

Have a fantastic and Blessed December!
Merry Christmas!
~ Blessings, Christina Moss

PS. If you missed it, we have two sets of planners this month. Get our 3 pack of mini Christmas Planners here. 

Maximizing Your Homeschool Efficiency During the Holidays with a Planner

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Maximizing Your Homeschool Efficiency During the Holidays with a Planner

A Holiday Planner for the Homeschool Mom? Yes.

The holiday season is a whirlwind of excitement and activity, which can often disrupt the rhythm of homeschooling. Between the festive preparations and family gatherings, it can be challenging to maintain a structured learning environment. This is where a well-organized planner becomes a lifesaver.

Here’s how to effectively use a planner to navigate homeschooling during the bustling holiday season, ensuring that your children’s education remains a priority amidst the festivities:


Get a 3-Pack Bundle of Printable Christmas Planners

Sign Up Here:

Get convenient links to all the latest homeschool podcasts each week- PLUS new printables every month! A free gift from the author, Felice Gerwitz, Ultimate Homeschool Radio owner and podcaster at Vintage Homeschool Moms!


Setting Up Your Holiday Homeschool Planner

Choosing the right planner is the first step toward holiday homeschooling success. Whether you prefer the tactile feel of a physical planner or the convenience of a digital app, the key is to find a system that works for you and your family. In this section, we’ll discuss various planner options and provide tips on how to customize your planner to effectively manage your holiday homeschool schedule. From color-coding to prioritizing sections like daily tasks and project deadlines, we’ll guide you through setting up a planner that caters to your unique homeschooling needs during the holidays.

When it comes to selecting a planner for your holiday homeschooling, you essentially have two choices: digital or physical.

Digital planners, accessible via apps or software, offer the convenience of syncing across multiple devices, enabling easy updates and reminders. They are particularly useful for tech-savvy families who are comfortable navigating digital tools.

On the other hand, physical planners provide a tangible experience that many find satisfying and easier to personalize. They are ideal for those who prefer writing by hand and visualizing their plans on paper. Regardless of your preference, the key to an effective planner lies in its organization.

Start by color-coding different subjects or activities – red for math, green for science, blue for holiday crafts, etc.

This visual cue helps in quickly identifying and segmenting tasks. Ensure your planner has sections for daily schedules, weekly goals, and project deadlines. These sections are vital for tracking both academic progress and holiday activities. For holiday homeschooling, consider adding a section for resources or ideas, where you can jot down spontaneous holiday-themed educational activities or resources you come across. Remember, a well-organized planner is more than just a tool for keeping track of tasks; it’s a roadmap that guides your homeschooling journey through the joyous chaos of the holiday season.

Incorporating Holiday Activities into Your Curriculum

The holidays offer a treasure trove of educational opportunities. Integrating holiday-themed activities into your curriculum can make learning more engaging and relevant for your children. In this section, we’ll present creative ideas for blending the holiday spirit with educational content. From exploring the history and traditions of different cultures’ winter celebrations to conducting holiday-themed science experiments, we’ll show you how to use your planner to balance these enriching activities with your regular academic workload.

Integrating holiday-themed activities into your homeschool curriculum can transform the festive season into an enriching educational experience.

For instance, exploring holiday traditions from different cultures can be a fantastic way to teach your children about global diversity and history. You might assign projects where they research and present on how Christmas is celebrated in Germany, or the traditions of Hanukkah, Diwali, or Kwanzaa. This not only broadens their worldview but also instills respect for different cultural practices and a deep appreciation for the influence of Christmas around the world.

In science, holiday-themed experiments, such as studying the properties of snow or the chemistry behind baking holiday treats, can make learning fun and relevant. To effectively incorporate these activities into your regular academic schedule, use your planner to create a balanced approach.

Dedicate specific days or time slots in your planner for these special activities, ensuring they complement rather than replace the core subjects.

For example, you could schedule cultural studies on Mondays and Wednesdays, and a fun science experiment every Friday afternoon. This methodical integration in your planner helps maintain a structured learning environment while allowing your children to enjoy and learn from the holiday spirit. It’s all about finding the right balance between maintaining the academic rigor and embracing the joy and learning opportunities that the holiday season brings. (You might also enjoy the Advent Planner.)

Scheduling and Time Management

Effective scheduling is crucial for a smooth homeschool experience, especially during the busy holiday season. This section will focus on how to create a balanced daily and weekly schedule using your planner. We’ll share strategies for allocating time for both academic pursuits and holiday preparations, ensuring that there’s also room for much-needed breaks and family time. Learn how to make your planner a tool that fosters a harmonious blend of education and celebration.

Involving Your Children in Planning

Involving your children in the planning process is not just empowering, but it also teaches them valuable organizational skills. In this section, we’ll discuss ways to engage your children with the planner, from allowing them to pick some of their holiday activities to teaching them how to track their own progress. This inclusive approach can enhance their sense of responsibility and make homeschooling during the holidays a more collaborative and enjoyable experience.

Involving your children in the homeschool planning process, especially during the holidays, is a practice that goes beyond mere organization.

It’s an empowering exercise that imparts valuable life skills such as decision-making, time management, and responsibility. To engage your children, start by inviting them to contribute ideas for holiday-themed educational activities. For instance, they might be interested in baking as a way to learn about fractions and chemistry, or creating DIY holiday decorations as an art project.

Allow them to pick some of these activities, and together, plot them in the planner.

This inclusion makes learning more exciting and tailored to their interests. Additionally, teaching them how to use the planner to track their own progress is crucial. Show them how to check off completed tasks and how to break larger projects into smaller, manageable parts. This not only helps them see their achievements but also teaches them the importance of breaking down complex task.

This is a skill useful in all areas of life. Incorporating their inputs into the planner also fosters a sense of ownership and motivation towards their learning tasks. Furthermore, periodically review the planner together, allowing them to reflect on what they’ve learned and what they’re looking forward to. This collaborative approach makes homeschooling during the holidays not just a parental responsibility but a shared family journey, enhancing the overall educational experience with joy, creativity, and mutual respect.

Staying Flexible and Adapting Plans

If there’s one thing the holiday season teaches us, it’s the importance of flexibility. Plans can change unexpectedly, and it’s essential to adapt. This section will guide you on how to use your planner to stay nimble and adjust your homeschooling plans as needed. We’ll discuss the importance of building in buffer times and being open to rearranging schedules, ensuring that your homeschooling journey remains smooth even when surprises come your way.

Flexibility is a key component of successful homeschooling, particularly during the unpredictable and often hectic holiday season.

The ability to adapt and modify your plans ensures that your homeschooling experience remains stress-free and enjoyable for both you and your children. To build this flexibility into your routine, use your planner not just as a schedule keeper, but as a dynamic tool that can accommodate changes.

When plotting your homeschooling activities, always leave some ‘buffer’ time.

These are open slots in your planner that can be used for catch-up work or unexpected holiday activities. This approach reduces the pressure of rigid schedules and allows you and your children to enjoy spontaneous holiday moments without falling behind in your educational goals. Secondly, categorize tasks and activities in your planner as ‘fixed’ (like live online classes) and ‘flexible’ (like reading assignments or project work).This categorization helps you quickly identify where adjustments can be made if something unexpected comes up.

Encourage a regular review of the planner with your children, preferably at the start or end of each week.

This habit not only helps in revising plans as needed but also teaches your children to be adaptable and resilient in the face of change. By using your planner in these ways, you create a homeschooling environment that embraces the fluid nature of the holiday season, allowing your family to enjoy its festivities fully, while still keeping education a priority.

Utilizing a planner during the holiday season is an invaluable strategy for managing your homeschooling schedule.

It brings a multitude of benefits: from providing a clear structure amidst the festive chaos, to integrating educational opportunities that the holiday season uniquely offers. A planner helps in balancing academic rigor with holiday fun, ensuring that learning continues effectively even in the most joyous of times. By involving your children in the planning process, you not only empower them with organizational skills but also foster a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

And most importantly, the flexibility a planner affords ensures that your homeschooling can adapt to the spontaneous and often unpredictable nature of the holiday season,. This allows your family to embrace both learning and celebration without stress. We encourage you to try incorporating these planner strategies into your homeschool routine. The holiday season is a perfect opportunity to enhance your homeschooling experience, making it more structured, engaging, and enjoyable for your entire family.

Call to Action:

Now, we’d love to hear from you! How do you manage homeschooling during the holiday season? Do you have any special tips or experiences using a planner or organizing holiday-themed educational activities? Your insights and stories can be a great source of inspiration and learning for others navigating similar journeys. Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.

Let’s create a supportive community where we can all share, learn, and grow together in our homeschooling adventures!

Christmas Podcasts to Enjoy

The Meaning of Christmas

Special Replay: How To Have A Saner Christmas This Year

Top Ten Movies For Christmas

Mother Christmas

Teaching Gratitude During the Holiday Season | Replay

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week Crystal shares how teaching your kids to have an attitude of gratitude will result in Improved self-esteem, resilience, and empathy.

Episode #27 –  As parents, we love giving our children gifts and seeing their eyes sparkle with delight. But we do our kids a disservice when we fail to teach them the blessing of having a grateful heart. On today’s show, Crystal talks about ways to encourage a grateful heart in your children, not just during the holidays but all year long.

Giving and receiving gifts is a wonderful blessing; however, the Christmas season tends to over-encourage a “gimme” attitude in children, which can lead to a feeling of entitlement rather than gratitude. Teaching your kids to have an attitude of gratitude has many benefits. An article published by The ImagineProject.org lists the following benefits of gratitude: “Greater sense of well-being; improved physical health; improved self-esteem, resilience, and empathy; decreased aggression; increased optimism; improved sleep.”

When we revisit negative thoughts over and over again, we are literally deepening those connective pathways in our brains, making us more prone to think negative thoughts.

The same goes for positive, thankful thoughts. We have to be mindful of where we let our minds go; we’re choosing our future thought patterns. This is why it truly is a gift you give your children when you teach them to be thankful and model gratitude in your own life. Material things come and go, but a grateful attitude is a blessing to everyone.

Ways to Teach Gratitude to Children

  1. Don’t overindulge your children – having too much fosters an attitude of UNgratefulness.
  2. Teach them to say thank you as a matter of habit from an early age. 
  3. Teach them to be grateful for each and every gift they receive or kind deed. 
  4. Teach them to count their blessings. Talk about all the things you’re grateful for as a family. 
  5. Encourage your child to write thank-you notes for gifts they receive.
  6. Have your kids earn money of their own to purchase gifts for family members or create gifts, like ornaments or painting pictures. Let your children give to other children at Christmas time through organizations like Angel Tree, Operation Christmas Child, etc. Many military bases host a version of the Angel Tree for military children.  Let your kids help pick out the gifts, wrap them, and maybe even deliver them.
  7. Serve others through volunteering – this takes the emphasis off of ourselves and puts it on others. 
  8. Grateful parents raise grateful kids. Modeling gratefulness in our own words and actions will go a long way to instilling that character quality in our children. 

Gratitude is a valuable life skill that has many amazing benefits.

It can help children to develop strong relationships, cope with adversity, and feel happier overall. Make sure to model thankfulness in your own life and encourage gratitude in your children. Not just during the holiday season but all year long!

Resources:

The Imagine Project, INC

Sponsor:

Upper Iowa University is committed to providing quality, affordable education to service members and their families. Service members, spouses and dependents qualify for tuition savings with their Military Family Grant on undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

UIU programs are available online, on campus and at one of their learning centers across the country. Work one-on-one with an advisor to reach your educational goals. Learn more at UIU.EDU/MilitaryHomeSchool

Join Crystal and her guests each week as they bring relevant information to equip you, stories to encourage you, and content to inspire you. You don’t have to go it alone, tune in to the Military Homeschool Podcast, and be energized in your military homeschooling journey!

How to listen:

  1. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or Stitcher
  2. Subscribe on your favorite podcast listening app
  3. Or listen right here (just scroll down)

Got questions, comments, or have show topic ideas? Contact Crystal via email at militaryhomeschoolpodcast@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Please subscribe, follow, and share with all of your military homeschooling friends!

 

What I Think Your Preschooler Really Needs for Christmas

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

What I Think Your Preschooler Really Needs for ChristmasOn today’s show I talked about Christmas presents for young learners. Well-meaning adults often focus on the amount of presents under the tree, but this year I want to encourage them (and you) to focus on quality toys and presents instead.

  • Quality Wooden Blocks – I mention Constructive Playthings on the show and they have great products. Honestly, my favorite are Community Playthings and their website is www.communityplaythings.com Sooo worth the money!
  • Books – Good books are a must! For little ones, focus on board books with beautiful (real, when possible) pictures. Rhyming books, silly books, read –alouds are great for children, as they get a little older. Check out this link…http://time.com/100-best-childrens-books/
  • Kits – Create different kits for a great present that will keep your kids engaged. You can decorate plastic containers with lids for easy storage and cute presentation.

Exploration Kit- Nature journal (blank notebook), bird / flower books, pencils, magnifying glass, collection containers, tweezers for collecting bugs and such.

Art Kit- Check out www.discountschoolsupply.com and www.lakeshore.com for quality art products for kids. Paper (large and small sizes), blank canvas’, pencils, paint, brushes, stickers, collage materials, and glue are all great in an art kit.

Bath Kit- Shaving cream, brushes, scrubbers, soaps, squirt toys, and even a new tootbrush.

Baby Doll Kit – baby dolls, blankets, small bucket for bathing, baby wash cloths, baby soap, bottles.

Sensory Kit- slime materials (glue and liquid starch, waterbeads, play-doh ingredients, textured items)

  • Grocery Store and such  www.ana-white.com has a great plan for a grocery store/flower shop/post office/puppet stage… If you are not a woodworker, fill a small grocery cart with a cash register, a receipt pad, and some empty food boxes. My kids loved this cash register and it can be found from a variety of retailers.

  • Tent / Space for One – Creating a cozy space for one in your home is of benefit to you and your child. Many retailers have tents that can be purchased. Also include some cozy pillows, a few books, and maybe a small container of manipulatives or even a simple memory game.
  • Playhouse – Try and find something general enough that children can pretend with people or animals. Check out this treehouse dollhouse from www.landofnod.com.

Also, we’ve been having fun playing but I want to do more read alouds. The only thing is that my youngest is just too noisy. Is that something about discipline or just age? Should I do read alouds when he’s asleep?

  1. Amanda asked, “ Do you, and if so HOW do you find time for yourself to avoid burnout? I feel like I can keep it together for a couple of weeks – getting up early to get a jump on the day, spending much needed time with the Lord, being patient and sweet with the kids (LOL!), saying yes and playing skillfully, keeping up with laundry and cleanup, cooking meals… by 3rd week I start feeling spent and the laundry starts slipping, I’m inclined to order dinner out every night and my best-laid school plans fall behind. Do you have a strategy for self-refreshment?

I loved answering all of these questions on the show. If you have questions for me, submit them via FB or instagram (The Real Kathy Lee) or message me through the website.

Find a way to #sayyes today.

 


Enjoy this podcast? Check out these podcasts on preschoolers!

Top Ten Things Your Preschooler Wants You to Know | Replay

Preschool Essentials


The Meaning of Christmas

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

True North Homeschool Academy Director is joined by her husband, Dr. David Nehring as they talk about the meaning and importance of Christmas!True North Homeschool Academy Director is joined by her husband, Dr. David Nehring as they talk about the meaning and importance of Christmas!

Christmas is the season of Light in the Darkness, as we celebrate the coming of Christ!

Being born into this world is a death sentence; nobody gets out alive! Which is why we are all in need of a Savior!

The Book of Joshua reminds us to be Strong and of Good Courage, but also to remember!

Join us this spring for classes that will encourage, delight and challenge k-12th grade students! Our Old Testament: Adam to Nehemiah class and New Testament Overview take students on an entire journey of Biblical Discovery!

We love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to ensure your academic and future success at True North Homeschool Academy! Sign up for our weekly email for support, class and clubs sales and specials and encouragement on your homeschooling journey!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO Life Skills 101 VIA COMPUTER

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Thanksgiving Memories and Deals

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I don’t know about you, but this year has absolutely flown by! I know that many people are excited for Christmas, but Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. The food, the family, the cozy, warm fall colors and smells just calm my spirit. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect with a grateful heart on all that God has done for us.

Thanksgiving Memories and Deals

I know, this year has just been awful on so many levels, but even in the midst of all the craziness and uncertainty God is still good. There is always something to be grateful for. It can be hard as an adult to see this, children are so much better at having thankful hearts. This is a great time of year to set back and watch our children enjoy themselves. Watch them do crafts, and think about what they are personally thankful for. It really helps to put things into perspective when you see what your children are thankful for.

Thanksgiving Memories:

Thanksgiving is a time to make memories and share joy with others. A great way to do this is by making thankful crafts with your children, and writing down what you are thankful for. Felice always has the best ideas for immersing your children in the holidays by creating special memories with your children.

In this podcast, Felice speaks directly to kids, sharing with them ideas on how to make memories this Thanksgiving. There are also some fun craft ideas and help to get them thinking about what they are thankful for. She has also included a FREE Thanksgiving Memory Book! This sweet little memory book is a place for your children to record their favorite memories of Thanksgiving. There are even Thanksgiving craft ideas and scripture copywork pages for them. You can find this in the show notes HERE as an instant download. 

Thanksgiving Deals:

With the Thanksgiving season also comes lots of deals! Homeschoolers sure are a frugal bunch and love deals. We have some great sales that are running for Black Friday and through Cyber Monday, starting now.

These are perfect to help you plan out your family and your homeschool, as well as help instill good character skills in your children.

It’s time to prepare to move on from 2023, and build a foundation to make 2024 the most amazing year ever. We can do this by helping or family grow in our knowledge of God’s love and the character traits He wants us to pursue.

Check out the deals on these resources that will help:

Right now you can save 50% off and more these homeschool and parenting resources:

  • CHARACTER COUNTS ~ 12-PACK CHARACTER PLANNERS FOR KIDS
  • HOMESCHOOL CALENDARS & GOAL SETTING BUNDLES
  • ENCOURAGEMENT FOR MOMS CHRISTMAS SALE
  • CREATION CAMP DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

To See ALL Deals, Visit the Media Angels Store.

 

Family Devotions with Marty Machowski – HIRL Episode 128

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Free homeschool podcast about family devotions.It’s almost the season of Advent, and we have a special gift for you! Join us as we welcome pastor, homeschool father, and family devotions author, Marty Machowski. We talk with Marty about family devotions and why we need to encourage each other as families to gather together around the Word of God. 

These are wonderful books for families just like yours. They are easy to use, with ideas that are easy to grasp, and they teach to a level that will engage everyone in the entire family. Marty’s books have been a hit in our family and we are sure they will be with yours as well. Join us and be inspired and encouraged for family devotions in your home.

EPISODE TIMELINE

1:54 – Fluff : Tryptophan, Thanksgiving and Coconut Creme Pie. 
8:48 – Interview with Marty Machowski, Part 1
25:35 – Interview with Marty Machowski, Part 2
35:15 – Goodbye! The Show Is Over!


SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
Marty Machowski
Theology For Kids
New Growth Press

Follow Fletch/Kendra:
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Follow the Studio Dogs:
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
None

Music clips used on this episode:
The Love of God – MercyMe – Purchase it Here


SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smart phone. Let us show you how easy it is:

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ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

Please visit our coffee sponsor: Caroline’s Coffee for 10% off any order. Use code HIRL


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Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades.

Creating Meaningful Thanksgiving Traditions | Replay

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Today I am joined by guest Meredith Curtis, a fellow podcaster on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network and a teacher at True North Homeschool Academy. Today we are talking about How to Create Meaningful Thanksgiving Traditions.Creating Meaningful Thanksgiving Traditions!

Today I am joined by guest Meredith Curtis, a fellow podcaster on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network and a teacher at True North Homeschool Academy. Today we are talking about How to Create Meaningful Thanksgiving Traditions! Check out the fun and doable list of activities that you can implement today to enrich and preserve wonderful Thanksgiving memories!

Thanksgiving can definitely be a time of sharing great food, but it’s also a wonderful time to engage with each other in meaningful ways. We all have so much to be thankful for!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creating Meaningful Thanksgiving Traditions; it’s can be simple as:

  1. Bring people home to celebrate and eat with your family- invite people over!
  2. Pass out kernels of corn and then everyone share something they are thankful for for each kernel of corn they took.
  3. Have a special Thanksgiving Tablecloth and have everyone sign it.
  4. Decorate for Thanksgiving with guards and fall décor – create a cornucopia as a centerpiece.
  5. Create a “Thankful Tree”
  6. Create posters where people can write in what they are thankful for
  7. Eat and share good food
  8. Host a Pie Breakfast Open House
  9. Play board games
  10. Have a time of worship and testimony together
  11. Sing old Hymns together. Check out CrossSeven for some great ones!
  12. Watch or play football
  13. Play cornhole, volley ball or croquet
  14. Take an after dinner/ before desert walk
  15. Watch a parade
  16. Honor relatives you only see on holidays and record family stories

Resources:

Find Meredith at Powerline Prod

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Hope and Thanksgiving, A Step in Faith

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

hope and thanksgiving | Is there hope when you are devastated or have a loss? There is hope and thanksgiving joy, but it takes a choice. | #podcast #homeschoolpodcastLet’s Talk About Hope and Thanksgiving with Felice Gerwitz

Is there hope when you are devastated or have a loss? There is hope and thanksgiving joy, but it takes a choice. Have you felt like things were hopeless? Is there a time when you felt like the Lord was asking you to thank Him and praise Him even when there was no hope? In this episode, Felice shares this time with you – and it took place some time ago. Trusting in the Lord, she stepped out in faith.

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Resources mentioned in this podcast

Media Angels, Inc 

Homeschooling With Proverbs. 

Hope and Thanksgiving

When something horrible happens depression knocks on our door and it never wants to leave. All we can think about is what we don’t have or who isn’t there. If we lose a loved one during the holidays that makes it even worse. We remember the time we had, but often can’t remember the good in our time of grief.

At times when we feel depressed, we are telling ourselves things that make it worse. Our well-meaning friends or relatives may also add to the depression or hurt. There are stages we go through and sometimes we just need to allow time to heal but that does not mean we ever forget.