Special Replay: Schooling Out of the Box with Holly Giles

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Schooling Out of the Box with Holly Giles of The Giles FrontierWhat happens when life throws you a curve ball and you suspect that you need to throw out your entire school plan? Holly Giles knows what happens, you throw the plan out the window.  If you have ever considered schooling out of the box, you will not want to miss this episode. Holly shares openly about their medical scare, how this rocked her homeschooling world and how their family is thriving today.

Holly was so moved by her children’s success with out of the box style learning that she decided to create The Giles Frontier. The Giles Frontier is perfect for families who need an alternative to big box curriculum. This nature-based program meets children where they are during the elementary years and encourages whole family learning.

You can learn more about Holly and the Giles Frontier at http://www.thegilesfrontier.com and you can also connect with Holly on social media at The Giles Frontier.

I know this episode is going to inspire and encourage you!

You’ve got this!

 

Find a way to #sayyes today.

 


Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

 

Back to School Replay – Homeschool Children Across The Ages

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Bigs, Littles, and Middles - us how we homeschool children across the ages

Jamie, Arlene, and I had so much fun recording our podcast for last week, we decided to keep the party going and record a second one. At every conference people ask us how we homeschool children across the ages. We figured it might be something the podcast world would want us to talk about as well, so we did.

Every homeschooling family is unique. Some people homeschool year round, some 3 days a week, some 8-12 everyday. It is hard to tell others exactly HOW to homeschool, but we all agreed on the following for those homeschooling different ages at the same time.

 

  1. Find the rhythm for YOUR family, don’t compare.
  2. Make sure your youngest gets some quality time by creating an engaging environment for them.
  3. Partner children up to work together. For example, while you are working with the middle child, have the oldest and youngest work together. While you work with the oldest, have the middle and youngest work together, etc…
  4. Don’t be afraid to seek the help of tutors, enroll some children in a hybrid, or partner up with other homeschooling families to meet the needs of your children.
  5. Take advantage of early mornings and naptime. Be willing to change your schedule and remember this is just a season. Flexibility is KEY.

 

You’ve got this!

Find a way to #sayyes today.


Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

Fangirling over Brene’ Brown at Catalyst (Catalyst Leader, Atlanta)

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Fangirling over Brene’ Brown at Catalyst (Catalyst Leader, Atlanta)

As I mentioned last week, I recently attended my first ever Catalyst Leadership Conference.  Day one of the conference was inspiring and convicting, however it was Day two that I was really excited about. If I am being honest, the only way my business partner convinced me to attend was by telling me that Brene’ Brown was one of the speakers. Yep, I was going to that. It didn’t matter that I was hosting a big party around that time or would be packing up my house for a move the following week. BRENE’ BROWN, people. I was going to be there.

Fangirling over Brene’ Brown at Catalyst (Catalyst Leader, Atlanta)

First up on that Friday morning was Christine Caine. This woman flat out preaches. She tells it like it is regarding love and faith. She challenged us to stop talking and start doing; to make a difference, to believe big things, and live out our faith.

Next, Andy Stanley was back for more practical life lessons on leadership. Andy challenged us to think, What Would a Great Leader Do? This one really hit home as a mom. I am a leader in my home. How do I let my emotions fog my decisions? Do I lead my family to love, to accept those different from us, to step outside of our comfort zones, etc… Loved this talk so much.

JOHNNYSWIM…OH MY!!!! If you don’t know about this duo, shame on you (I didn’t either before this event ).  Johnnyswim is a lovely husband/wife music partnership. Listen to them TODAY. You are welcome.

Carlos Whittaker – Carlos put it all out there. After he showed this video of his family, he dared to be vulnerable and share some life mistakes. He referred to some of his decisions as spiders and recently wrote a book about his experience. I have such respect for this guy for taking off the mask of perfection and being real.

And…

Finally, BRENE’ BROWN. When I say that I was on the edge of my seat with excitement, I was not exaggerating. I was screaming like a 10 year old girl at a Taylor Swift concert. 

Brene’ talked about our need for belonging. She mentioned how we are hard wired for connections. She encouraged us to hold hands with strangers.

Brene’ talked about her love for Maya Angelou (I am also a huge fan) and specifically the following quote:

I am always inspired when I watch, read, and listen to what Brene’ Brown has to say. As a big believer in the WORDS matter campaign (that I am officially starting right now ), I loved when Brene’ said that WORDS are dehumanizing and we need to speak truth to BS.

Brene’ hit home with the encouragement to have a strong back, a soft front, and a wild heart. YES. Will you join me? Let’s be tough and soft and full of love!

Lastly, Brene’ dared us to BE OURSELVES, BE SEEN and BELONG.

I hope you will find time for self -renewal this year. Whether it is a conference or just a weekend trip away, take time for YOU. YOU matter! YOU are worthy!


Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!


We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor Sony and their new movie, The Star, the Story of the First Christmas – Coming in Theaters November 17th!

Visit TheStarMovie.com to learn more.


Schooling Out of the Box with Holly Giles

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Schooling Out of the Box with Holly Giles of The Giles FrontierWhat happens when life throws you a curve ball and you suspect that you need to throw out your entire school plan? Holly Giles knows what happens, you throw the plan out the window.  If you have ever considered schooling out of the box, you will not want to miss this episode. Holly shares openly about their medical scare, how this rocked her homeschooling world and how their family is thriving today.

Holly was so moved by her children’s success with out of the box style learning that she decided to create The Giles Frontier. The Giles Frontier is perfect for families who need an alternative to big box curriculum. This nature-based program meets children where they are during the elementary years and encourages whole family learning.

You can learn more about Holly and the Giles Frontier at http://www.thegilesfrontier.com and you can also connect with Holly on social media at The Giles Frontier.

I know this episode is going to inspire and encourage you!

You’ve got this!

 

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!

Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at

The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

 

Bigs, Middles, and Littles – Homeschool Children Across The Ages

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Bigs, Littles, and Middles - us how we homeschool children across the ages

Jamie, Arlene, and I had so much fun recording our podcast for last week, we decided to keep the party going and record a second one. At every conference people ask us how we homeschool children across the ages. We figured it might be something the podcast world would want us to talk about as well, so we did.

Every homeschooling family is unique. Some people homeschool year round, some 3 days a week, some 8-12 everyday. It is hard to tell others exactly HOW to homeschool, but we all agreed on the following for those homeschooling different ages at the same time.

  1. Find the rhythm for YOUR family, don’t compare.
  2. Make sure your youngest gets some quality time by creating an engaging environment for them.
  3. Partner children up to work together. For example, while you are working with the middle child, have the oldest and youngest work together. While you work with the oldest, have the middle and youngest work together, etc…
  4. Don’t be afraid to seek the help of tutors, enroll some children in a hybrid, or partner up with other homeschooling families to meet the needs of your children.
  5. Take advantage of early mornings and naptime. Be willing to change your schedule and remember this is just a season. Flexibility is KEY.

 

 

You’ve got this!

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!

Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at

The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

 

Interview with Elsie Iudicello from FARMHOUSE SCHOOLHOUSE

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

It has been two years since I first met Elsie from Farmhouse Schoolhouse. Since then, she has become an Instagram and blogging rock star! When I read her post, Why We Said Yes, I teared up reading how Elsie found us at FPEA (Florida Parent-Educators Association) and why she chose to buy our curriculum. Since then, she has written several more blog posts about learning through play and I have cried buckets of tears… so grateful that she has so beautifully implemented our program and understood our vision for childhood.

As we prepared to attend FPEA this year, I knew I wanted to sit down with her and talk about her homeschooling journey. Elsie attended with one of her older sons and I enjoyed chatting with the both of them. I asked Elsie about her homeschooling journey, her philosophy of education and the story behind the Farmhouse Schoolhouse phenomenon.

If you need encouragement for your long days as a mom/homeschooler, check out Elsie’s blog and find her on Instagram at Farmhouse_Schoolhouse.

Find a way to #sayyes today.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!

Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at

The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

Raising Artists without Losing Your Mind with Lesli Richards

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

IRaising Artists without Losing Your Mind with Lesli Richards and The Real Kathy Leen this episode, I invited Lesli Richards to join me to talk about the importance and beauty of including Art in your home without losing your mind. Lesli is the homeschooling mother of five and a former Classical Conversations director and tutor. In addition, Lesli is a dear friend and my business partner at The Homegrown Preschooler. Lesli stays busy schooling her blessings and traveling across the country sharing her passion for classical education and life long learning.

Lesli shared three reasons she believes art is a must in every home. She suggests that art be displayed on your walls, your screensavers, and in your books. Lesli and I talk about the importance of process driven art instead of product driven art for young children under the age of six. This process-oriented art develops the structure of a child’s brain, releases endorphins, and encourages the child to take risk when creating art. Art for young children should be open ended and parents should not have an expected result (eyes in a certain place, looks like a picture, etc…). Parents should invite children to create with a variety of materials, leaving the results up to the child.

Some of our favorite process art books for young children are written by Mary Ann Kohl and can be purchased here.  We also recommend our book, The Homegrown Preschooler for sensory table and Plexiglas easel plans and our curriculum, A Year of Playing Skillfully for a year of planned out art ideas (and other developmental areas).

We love buying quality art supplies for young children at Discount School Supply and Lakeshore Learning. We suggest you have the following in your supply closet, so that #saying yes is easier.

  1. Liquid Tempera
  2. Water Color
  3. Chalk Pastels
  4. Markers
  5. Crayons
  6. Colored Pencils
  7. Glue
  8. Large Plain Paper
  9. Roll of Paper
  10. Quality Paint Brushes
  11. A variety of other painting tools (kitchen gadgets, dog toys, and even plungers make great painters. Qtips make great painters for toddlers.)
  12. Smocks or dad’s old work shirts
  13. Shower Liner or Picnic Tablecloth to protect spaces
  14. Paint cups
  15. Collage materials (feathers, shapes, large sequins, fabric squares, tissue paper, string)
  16. Scissors
  17. Magazines
  18. Hole punches
  19. Shaving Cream
  20. Easel

Lastly, Lesli and I decided to offer two prizes to our listeners.  Post your creativity on our FB or Instagram with the hashtag #THGPmomscreate to enter yourself or #THGPkidscreate to enter your children. We will choose a winner in each category two weeks after this episode airs.

Don’t forget that you can receive a 10% discount on all of our products at www.thehomegrownpreschooler by using the code therealkathylee.

Get out there and create some beauty!!!

You’ve got this,
Kathy


Thanks to our Network Sponsor

Sony Pictures: AffirmsFilms.com and the latest movie with great values and message – Smurfs: The Lost Village.

smurfs movie the lost village

Click here for the FREE Faith-based Movie Guide!


The Real Kathy Lee – Momfessions

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

real kathy leeLet’s Meet The Real Kathy Lee Momfessions – with Felice Gerwitz and Kathy H. Lee

Podcast 191

Meet the Real Kathy Lee “momfessions, and discuss her awesome podcast, when she joins Felice Gerwitz to discuss homeschool successes, do-overs and what she wish she had known when she started homeschooling! Kathy was involved in public education and was often in front of other educators discussing how to engage early learners. However she always knew she wanted to homeschool … and she did, all ten of her children. Learn more about Kathy, what she shares on her own podcast [Momfessions here] and how to use the great advice she shares.


Thanks to our Sponsor – Sony PicturesSmurfs: The Lost Village and Download smurfs_discussion_guide

smurfs the lost village


Don’t forget to follow us on iTunes, Google Play, on this website, or download to your computer. Do you have a smart phone? Either an apple or an adroid. Use any podcast app and search for “Vintage Homeschool Moms,” or the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network. There you will find this show as well as many other shows on this network, such as, “Momfessions with The Real Kathy Lee” … and please leave us a comment – below and on iTunes, etc. 5-stars please!!


About the “Real” Kathy Lee “momfessions”- Kathy is a mom of ten children, biological and adopted. She is determined and honest, in that she made mistakes…many! She hosts a podcast on this network, “Momfessions ~ with The Real Kathy Lee.” She interviews guests and does solo podcasts weekly. Visit Kathy on her website KathyHLee.com- here.


Show Notes: Meet The Real Kathy Lee Momfessions:

We discussed:

The need to savor every day. We discussed how quickly it (homeschooling) goes by! Also, that every single day isn’t critical.

Homeschool Success: According to Kathy it was the ability to allow her children to play and discover learning during play. In addition, she allowed her children to study according to their areas of interest.

I asked if she could do something over again, what would that be? Homeschool Do Over: Trust my instincts – intuition said it wasn’t best for a specific child and it wasn’

Kathy Lee’s curriculum: The Homesgrown PreSchooler 

When pre-schoolers kids say they want to do school, what this generally means:

  • I want to be big – let the children role playing – setting up pretend school – as a play station…
  • Rotate kids – older child can work with the younger, doing a sensory activity or art project
  • Do together – let the little ones sit there doing something tactile – while you do the read aloud activity with the older children.

Find many more ideas and tips in Kathy’s book as well as on her website. The links are above.