Beating Boredom This Summer – MBFLP 249

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
July 1, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Summertime is always a challenge – with the change of routine, it’s easy for our kids (or ourselves) to feel adrift. This year, with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, even our backup program may be on hold or cancelled. What can you do to make the most of summertime with your family, when vacation may be postponed, summer camp or youth sports shut down, and even the local pool or gym is off limits? This episode, we talk about things you might consider with your kids and mate, to make the most of the enforced time together this year!

Who knew, when the schools and universities closed in March, that we’d still be home in June and July, with summer vacation upended as well? Camps and programs for missions, music, sports, and more, have been closed by the virus. Travel is still restricted. Entertainment facilities, beaches, parks, and more are shut down or curtailed. Our own son had his honeymoon reservations canceled by the hotel the week of the wedding! (Thankfully, he was able to make other arrangements!)

So many of the things we take for granted and do every summer are in jeopardy – or already gone. Last week, we spoke with a radio host about ideas for “engaging our kids” during this time. There are ways to build memories and build skills – and there are also opportunities to build (or rebuild) relationships, if we’ll take the step.

A New Feature for the Program

Hal was inspired by World Radio’s program “The World and Everything In It” and their listener participation in the daily news podcast. This episode, we’re pleased to announce a new opportunity on our own program – our new “Listener Response Line” at (919) 295-0321. This is our voice mail where you can leave a comment, a question, or a suggestion. We’d love to hear from you!

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The Importance of Fun – MBFLP 224

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
May 1, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Who said school can’t be fun? This episode, we sit down with our friends Roger and Jan Smith, long-time homeschool parents and leaders in Louisiana. The topic is simply, “Fun” – what it can do to create memories, bond family members, and make learning a lot more enjoyable for parents and students alike!

Recently we visited with Roger and Jan Smith, leaders in the Louisiana homeschool community and dear friends of ours. One evening our family and our friends were playing a fast-paced game together, laughing hysterically, and thinking about what an important, bonding thing that is.

We were noticing how well our teenagers interacted with the adults in the room, and the obvious respect going in both directions, and we were talking later about how the shared experiences build that sort of relationship. They’re more and more important as we all become more individualized and isolated, focusing on our work and entertainment through private screens—even when we’re in the same room, we’re not interacting.

That’s one reason we love audiobooks when we’re driving or working together, because the whole family can share that experience and have a basis for conversations later. It’s a good reason for reading aloud together, even when the children are reading well on their own. We try and make intentional choices to do things together so in later years, our adult children will have memories that draw them back to their family home.

Another thing we do is make a big deal over family holidays. Birthdays are an example. In our home, the one we’re celebrating gets to choose the family menu for the day. At supper, we center the conversation on memories of the birthday person. Afterward, we take turns sharing things we love or admire about them. It’s really touching – everyone loves being appreciated, and it’s very easy to overlook the chances to communicate that respect.

A Sense of Humor

Shared humor is another thing we look for. A study of newlywed couples noticed how they interacted, especially the moments of humor in the midst of a problem. It defuses situations and reduces tension if we can refer to a shared joke or inside story. It’s a sign of a healthy relationship if you can still smile, if you can still laugh, if you can lighten up in the midst of your stress. That applies to your kids as well as your mate!

In fact, that study really pointed out that our relationships are formed from the moments we share. Little things count. It’s not like you have to learn a new language to really score points with your kids. Instead, you just need to  hear when they speak, make eye contact, and come back with a positive response.

And that’s something you get a dozen times a day to do. If you miss one, just determine to catch the next. It’s something you can build up without feeling like you have to make a huge investment before you see any benefit.

(Listen in for more great ideas about building memories and relationships with your family!)

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Making Memories as a Family: Summer Edition

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June 4, 2018 by Leave a Comment

making memoriesAs the school year comes to a close and summer is right around the corner, it is important to prioritize making memories as a family. When planning trips, weekend outings, or summer camps make sure I’m sure you are like many other homeschoolers and family needs are at the center. Making memories together will only increase family unity and stories that will be remembered and retold for years.

Choose a Destination that …

1. Matters to Family Heritage

Family heritage is so important to know and pass on to your kids. Not only will your child be able to understand basic genealogy, but researching family heritage can be fun! Flip through some old photo albums of relatives and tell your kids the story of how their grandparents met. Visit the town where they met and find the house where each grew up. If you can do this as a couple, this is fun as well!

Does your family have an annual family reunion? Maybe consider going so that your kids can meet the people in the pictures hanging on your wall or sitting on the shelf. Still not jazzed about packing the kids in the car and heading to Small Town, USA? Research interesting places around the location of the get-together. Perhaps there is a county fair, national park, or town museum nearby. Even window-shopping down Main Street can be a new and exciting experience for a suburban kid.

2. Reinforces your studies

We planned a trip to the mountains in order to collect rocks for an upcoming Geology study the coming year. It was a wonderful time or climbing and hiking. The kids enjoyed a train ride in the mountains and we were blessed to stay at a cabin owned by friends. The entire trip was well within our budget and best of all, one we still remember years later. The rocks were used over and over again in studies throughout their homeschool years and now are used by my daughter with her children as she homeschools! Another year we took a trip to the Florida Keys. Actually, several trips. This was used as research for our Truth Seekers Mystery Series novels.

Another time we visited the DC area and the Smithsonean Museums. We studied American history that year and this was a culmination of our studies. How wonderful to see a the Constitution and visit the artifacts in the American History Museum. These memories were revisited by my daughter and I when she visited colleges in that area during her high school years.

  • What are you studying this upcoming year?
  • Is there any way to reinforce a study?
  • Can you plan a trip in advance or even after the fact that will be enjoyable for the entire family but also further your studies?

3. Increases family time

Going on a family vacation means doing things together. Whether that is hiking, visiting museums or on a cruise. Many times “family vacations” mean separating the kids from the parents. We all need time away to regroup, but a family vacation should center around doing things as a family and exploring together. How else can you talk about your vacation if you didn’t experience it together?

4. Focuses on Faith

A family we know takes a pilgrimage every summer with their family. They have toured the shrines in Europe, walked along the Via Delarosa – the path that Jesus walked in Jerusalem, visited the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. While this is outside of our budget, for them it was important. They saved money all year long with this trip in mind, and it was on a tight budget staying at convents whenever possible. They told the children ahead of time if they wanted to purchase souvenirs, they needed to bring their own money. Once home, they gathered family and friends and we viewed their movies and still shots and visited these beautiful sites alongside them. What a wonderful legacy they leave their children as well as sharing it with us, their friends!

5. That includes extended family

One year we tied a family trip to Canada, a place I lived for three years as a child to a family reunion in upstate New York. We were able to combine alone time with our family. After walking the streets of Niagra Falls, my son asked if we could read books by the fireplace, a tradition started at home–since the hotel had a fireplace! After a few days drove our rental car to our location in New York, for extended family fun, which included a horseback ride on trails through streams and hills.

Recently, after picking up my daughter at her college location, I realized that Long Island, New York was only four hours north. We visited the city while staying with my cousin and his wife. My second-cousin, who attends a college in Manhattan took us on a nine-mile hike throughout the city, showing us sites and insiders locations. On Sunday we enjoyed a family reunion with my cousins, the last time I visited them was as a teenager.

Memories that last a lifetime are easier said than done. It takes time, planning and a budget. There were many years that we could only afford day trips, and truthfully my family still prefers a weekend camping to a ten-day trip! Patrick Patton may have popularized the saying, “A family who prays together stays together,” however it is something we say as well! You don’t need a long or expensive vacation to make memories. Remember to spend time as a family laughing and enjoying each others company!

You may also be interested in several sessions I recorded for the 2018 Homeschool Moms Conference. This conference is a wonderful addition to your education, moms–and I’m sure you’ll agree. Check it out!

 

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Our Homeschool Convention Perspective

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June 3, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

Have you been to a homeschool convention? We are talking the pros and cons of a convention near you in episode 180. The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher stops by Holly’s back porch to talk about their homeschool convention experiences.

Do you go to a homeschool convention every year? Are you going to your first one this year? Holly and Mary Beth share their experiences with a little twist.

 

The Newbie

Attending a homeschool convention can be sensory overload. Plan ahead for what your intentions are for the event.

  • Is your spouse attending or going with another mom?

We recommend making a plan and not taking your children into the exhibit hall. Why?

  • You can’t concentrate on why you are there.
  • They get distracted, hungry, irritated and bored.
  • You leave frustrated and didn’t accomplish your goals for the trip.

Do your homework

Research vendors ahead of time. Make a list of who you want to see. Map out your route and gather information to look at later. Leaving room for a variable is important.

12:38 Break

The vendor perspective

Holly shares her family’s perspective as a vendor and speaker at homeschool conventions. You may be surprised at why you should give a little time to the smaller cottage industry booths.

18:30  What is the difference in a big name for-profit conventions and a state non-profit convention. Why should you care?

Holly and Mary Beth will be in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the Chattanooga Homeschool Expo July 20-21.

This episode of Roadschool Moms is sponsored by The Giles Frontier. Check out Blaze New Trails, Nature and community-based adventures for every family.

 

homeschool convention

Roadschool Moms Information

Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out the video – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Android users follow on Stitcher.

Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. These roadschool defined adventures don’t stop there. Holly Giles, founder of The Giles Frontier, and Mary Beth Goff, creator of Road Trip Teacher, team up every week to offer listeners a fresh take on homeschooling from the back porch of your home and behind the wheel across America’s backyard.

Roadschool Moms:  Season 12

 

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No Such Thing as Bad Weather

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May 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

There is no such thing as bad weather. Yes, I know you may be socked in with rain or snow, but we are tackling the silver lining of bad weather on episode #178.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher stops by Holly’s back porch to talk about days to consider no bad weather.

No matter the season, winter, spring, summer, or fall, many planned outings have been canceled due to bad weather. How can you take that disappointment and turn it into something fun?

The Mess

Mary Beth and Holly share that their number one reason for halting the outdoor fun due to bad weather is the clean up afterward. Moms have this vision of the end in mind. Where dirt, mud, snow, and water end up on their floors along with a pile of clothes that need washing.

The Memories

Holly shares fond memories of playing in the rain at her grandparent’s house. Mary Beth loves to recall how she enjoys hearing the sound of the rain on the roof. Both share childhood memories of storms and hurricanes where everyone piles in the middle of the living room and plays cards to the lantern light. This memory seemed universal to wherever you live.

Free Yourself

Let go, mamas! Free yourself and your children. Have a few tricks up your sleeve to let go and go outside. Keeping a few items stashed in the garage will make it easy and fun to take a walk in the rain, make some snow queens. We even suggest hot cocoa and a read aloud under a park pavilion.

Invest

Invest in a little fun with your kids when they least expect it. Say yes to getting out of your comfort zone. We share some indoor activities along with movies and audio books to keep it real. A lightning storm is no time to head outdoors.

Holly and Grant after the unexpected sled ride.

The hurricane Facebook video Mary Beth and Holly talked about.

Books to enjoy:

The Umbrella, by Jan Brett

Sunbread, Elisa Kleven

Roadschool Moms Information

Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out the video – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Android users follow on Stitcher.

Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. These roadschool defined adventures don’t stop there. Holly Giles, founder of The Giles Frontier, and Mary Beth Goff, creator of Road Trip Teacher, team up every week to offer listeners a fresh take on homeschooling from the back porch of your home and behind the wheel across America’s backyard.

Roadschool Moms:  Season 12

 

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Defining Motherhood

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May 10, 2018 by Leave a Comment

motherhood

 

 

How do you define motherhood? Yes, that is a loaded question that we are tackling on episode #177.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher stops by Holly’s back porch along with Kristin Drake to talk about motherhood. 

Who defined motherhood for you?

Kristen shared a poll she took among friends for this podcast and the results were all different.

  • My mom.
  • My best friend’s mom.
  • My aunt.
  • A homeschool speaker.
  • A school teacher.

The results show we don’t realize that we are pouring into people’s lives with what we say, even when we don’t know it.

Grab the pile of laundry, some tissues and let’s go!

This podcast had a direction before the three of us came together. However, thoughts, emotions, giggles, and God played a bigger role in what we share with you today.

We got a little carried away with our time, but it is time well spent. If you are looking for encouragement to know you are enough, you matter and there is always hope in Jesus then stay tuned.

We giggled too much, (edited some out) hit some weighty topics and shared some truth about the baggage we carry into motherhood.

In the end, we all agree that you shouldn’t set yourself up for failure instead, give yourself GRACE.

When you know better, do better and building relationships with our kids is the most important.

 

motherhood

Roadschool Moms Information

Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out the video – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Android users follow on Stitcher.

Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. These roadschool defined adventures don’t stop there. Holly Giles, founder of The Giles Frontier, and Mary Beth Goff, creator of Road Trip Teacher, team up every week to offer listeners a fresh take on homeschooling from the back porch of your home and behind the wheel across America’s backyard.

Roadschool Moms:  Season 12

 

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The Curriculum Crunch

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May 9, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Are you on a curriculum crunch to get it all done? Close your curriculum planner for a while and listen in to Episode #176 of Roadschool Moms Radio.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher stops by Holly’s back porch to talk about the curriculum crunch. 

 Do you have a deadline?

Mary Beth begins by sharing she is the culprit for wanting to get it all the curriculum done. Not her children. Holly has been down that road many times before of feeling like she is in a curriculum crunch and says she will not fall victim to that this year.

Convention Season is Coming!

4:45 Convention season is coming and not everyone likes the convention halls but it is a great place to see curriculum up close and get new ideas. Mary Beth says FPEA was the first one she attended a few years ago and after a brief visit to the exhibit hall her kids were over it. Mary Beth was caught up in the shiny boxes and was quickly adding to their plan. It was her kids that called her out on adding too many things to the curriculum plate.

5:30 Holly shares how we should take a good look at what we already have and see that so many great companies actually add in literature, history, and science altogether. Companies like Notgrass and Apologia have a plethora of extra stuff if you choose to add it in. Holly picks one and rotates.

You will lose your mind if you try to do it all. It’s important to take your time with what you are working on an not rush through your child’s learning.

Bringing School Home Doesn’t Work for Everyone

9:20 Mary Beth and Holly banter about how they learned the hard way and how they now shift their thinking in education.

Solutions 15:15

  • Build on their strengths, not weaknesses.
  • Be realistic about the amount of time you have.
  • Make a list of what is important to your family.

Personal Stories

25:07 Holly says she has a “one-room schoolhouse” mentality and schools accordingly.  Mary Beth says you don’t have to do it all. Share the learning with siblings, family members, and outside sources.

Roadschool Moms Information

Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out the video – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Android users follow on Stitcher.

Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. These roadschool defined adventures don’t stop there. Holly Giles, founder of The Giles Frontier, and Mary Beth Goff, creator of Road Trip Teacher, team up every week to offer listeners a fresh take on homeschooling from the back porch of your home and behind the wheel across America’s backyard.

Roadschool Moms:  Season 12

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS

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Campfire Memories

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
April 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Campfires evoke fond childhood memories. The Roadschool Moms crew pulls up a chair by the crackling campfire for Episode #175 of Roadschool Moms Radio.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher stops by Holly’s back porch this week to sit by the campfire. The sky is clear and the fire is warm on this crisp spring night. Laughter from the Giles, Drake, and Goff families permeate the air from the discussions that arise from intentional family time such as these.  It wasn’t long until the kids gathered with flashlights for an impromptu game of Capture the Flag.

 

 Making lifelong memories

Mary Beth and Holly sit by the embers of the evening campfire. Five adults and six children spent the evening roasting hot dogs, making s’mores and playing outdoor games. After the party moved indoors, Mary Beth and Holly stayed out by the fire to relive fond memories related to campfires. These veteran homeschooling mamas encourage roadschool moms everywhere to pass along their own childhood stories to their kids. What old-fashioned fun and games would today’s homeschoolers still thoroughly enjoy? The answer is sure to surprise and delight!

What are the memory makers in your life?

Mary Beth shares camping memories with her parents that is synonymous with hot dogs. Holly’s grandparent’s indoor double fireplace is revealed as the site for roasted marshmallow perfection.

Mary Beth and the gang

Fun, Games and Family Time

An evening campfire is a perfect place to bring back games like telephone, concentration, 20 questions and family storytelling. Singing songs and playing capture the flag are all-time favorites too.

Kristen (prayer team) and Derek

Holly and Curtis

Recipes

From campfire strawberries, pie irons and foil packet meals, the Roadschool Moms have it covered. Email subscribers are invited to download their favorite campfire recipes.

Follow the encouragement to learn something new every day from Learning Lifestyle Revival membership. Use SPRINGFEVER as the discount code  for $5 of the first month’s membership to see what’s inside.

 More about Roadschool Moms

Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out the video – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Android users follow on Stitcher.

Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. These roadschool defined adventures don’t stop there. Holly Giles, founder of The Giles Frontier, and Mary Beth Goff, creator of Road Trip Teacher, team up every week to offer listeners a fresh take on homeschooling from the back porch of your home and behind the wheel across America’s backyard.

Roadschool Moms:  Season 12

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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MBFLP 109 – Christmas Baking

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
December 14, 2015 by Leave a Comment

MBFLP - Christmas Baking V

We love Christmas for so many reasons, but one thing we look forward to the most is the baking — and since we’re a large family, we do a lot of it. If you’ve got the recipes, the trick becomes how to manage it all – what to cook when, deciding which child should help with which thing, and keeping the creative destruction from annihilating your kitchen! This episode, Melanie shares some of her secrets for filling a home with sweet aromas and memories that linger even longer —

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