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Homeschool Made Simple

Homeschool Made Simple
Author: Homeschool Made Simple
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© 2025 Homeschool Made Simple
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For the young parents, the veteran homeschoolers, or anyone navigating the waters of homeschool options, nationally-known speaker and educational consultant, Carole Joy Seid, helps you homeschool simply, inexpensively, and enjoyably with a Bible, math curriculum, and library card. Great books have the power to build godly family culture and give educational success! If you need a weekly shot of encouragement and support to continue on with confident joy in your homeschooling journey, listen in.
253 Episodes
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As Carole continues her conversation (see Episode 255) with homeschooling parents David and Audrey Ryan, she learns about their journey into doing life screen-free and how they initially struggled to unplug their children. However, they have seen real benefits in their children’s attitudes and behavior, such as improved family bonding and less conflict among their children. They love their new environment where children can explore and entertain themselves without the need for constant entertainment.RESOURCES+ Eps 139 - Better Late Than Early+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Free Reading List for ParentsFree Reading List for Parents
Does homeschooling work for a child with special needs or learning differences? Carole sits down with David and Audrey Ryan to talk about their experiences with public school and their transition to homeschooling. They share how they have moved past standardized tests and rigid benchmarks, to create a custom, nurturing educational environment tailored to their child’s unique needs. Join us for this encouraging episode!RESOURCES+The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Free Reading List for ParentsFree Reading List for ParentsHMS EssentialsEverything you need to jump in!HMS Essentials Bundle
The thing about being home all day with your family is that your house gets a lot of use and that can be a challenge. Rachel and Carole discuss homemaking and the importance of passing the skills on to our kids. They discuss focus, “baking therapy,” hospitality, and the whys behind shifting our attitudes about home-keeping. Join us!RESOURCES+Home Comforts: The Art and Comfort of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Simply Food Prep!Get our free nutrition bundle to ease the burden of making meals.
Nutrition BundleJoin us for an in-person seminar.The Year's Seminars
Some states require state testing to happen every year for homeschooling families. In this episode, Carole and Rachel address families' concerns about standardized testing, especially in states where it is mandatory, and offer practical advice for preparing children without inducing anxiety. And reading to your children is a game-changer for doing well on those tests! Carole encourages parents to approach test days positively and gives tips on preparing older children for the SAT and ACT. We hope this gives you a good perspective on testing and how to approach them stress-free.RESOURCES+Free Reading List for Homeschooling Parents+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:HMS EssentialsEverything you need to jump in!HMS Essentials BundleFree Reading List for ParentsFree Reading List for Parents
In this second conversation with Eryn Lynum of the Nat Theo Podcast, we discuss how to be outside in nature with our children. Is better to be in awe without much guidance or to point out all kinds of things in our natural world?Eryn encourages new naturalists with some helpful tips to take your first few experiences into nature. She offers practical ideas like setting up bird habitats, utilizing your local library for nature books, and using simple tools like microscopes to make science come alive. Join us!RESOURCES+Nature book list +ErynLynum.com+Nat Theo Podcast-Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Unplugged Children BundleGive your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!Unplugged Children Bundle
Rachel Winchester speaks with Eryn Lynum, naturalist and podcast host of the Nat Theo show, about how nature points us to our creator God. They discuss the origins of modern scientific thought and how we as homeschool parents struggle with “teaching” or over-explaining nature. This first of a two-part conversation gives you the whys behind Eryn’s focus on nature. Next week, we’ll dive into the how-to’s of nature exploration. Join us!RESOURCES+Nature book list +Check out the Nat Theo Podcast!+Get Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestEryn Lynum | Website | Nat Theo Podcast | InstagramMentioned in this episode:Unplugged Children BundleGive your child the gift of a nature-rich, low-tech childhood!Unplugged Children Bundle
What a joy to be celebrating our 250th episode of Homeschool Made Simple with you. We so appreciate our listeners and our families! In this episode, Carole reminds us of that guiding our children to be people of good character and to follow the Lord is the foundation of the HMS method. Character is grown by being consistent in parenting, and encouraging families to be low-tech and nature-rich. More inspiration is here…listen in!RESOURCES+David Arroyo episodes: 102: God Calls a Father's Heart HomeTo hear more from the Arroyo family, tune in to episodes 103, 173, 176 and 177.+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:HMS EssentialsEverything you need to jump in!HMS Essentials Bundle
As our culture shifts and time goes on, it can be tough to find the great books we most love. Prepare yourself for a wonderful resource: Private Lending Libraries!Carole and Kathleen Seeger from Madison, Wisconsin, discuss how these affordable treasure troves are assisting our homeschooling efforts with carefully curated collections of quality books (and many out-of-print books.) With budget-friendly memberships and quality-focused selections, they're becoming the smart parent's secret weapon for enriched learning.RESOURCES+ Kathleen’s Library, Living Education Library Facebook Page+See if there’s a private library near you.+Another list of private libraries.+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Book Lover's Bundle! Use coupon code PODCAST for 15% offBook Lover's BundleFree Book List
Are you feeling full of regret because of your curriculum choices this year? Carole and Rachel discuss this common scenario for us as homeschoolers. It’s time to cut your losses and carefully consider why the curriculum doesn’t work. Carole believes that not giving in to FOMO and taking a longer look at the curriculum before hitting the BUY button are good strategies for not repeating the mid-year curriculum blues. This is a must listen!RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Join us for an in-person seminar.The Year's SeminarsGrab our free E-book today!Ebook
In part 2 of Rachel’s conversation with homeschool mom of 4, Hanni Go shares her journey of breaking free from the pressure of following other homeschooling families. She has chosen to value relationships and nurturing her children over the academic rigor that others might expect. Carole’s proven teaching methods and the example of the many families who have used them have encouraged Hanni to ditch the comparison trap to see her children be who God made them to be.RESOURCES+Download your own copy of the Truths to Remember list Hanni shared about in this episode. +Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Ebook
Today Rachel talks with Hanni Go, a homeschooling mom of 4. Hanni talks us through the balancing act between nurturing relationships and academic pursuits. They discuss Hanni’s takeaways from one of Carole’s seminars that she attended because she needed a fresh perspective on homeschooling. We know you will relate to Hanni and hope this brings you fuel to press on!RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Join us for an in-person seminar.The Year's Seminars
Carole Joy Seid and her son J. J. Seid continue their conversation about how dads, as servant leaders, play a vital role in setting the tone for the family. J.J. shares some wonderful stories and practical ideas about teaching kids to appreciate nature regularly, tackle hard work with enthusiasm, and build character through outdoor adventures. Fathers, let this episode inspire and guide you on how to enrich your homeschool experience as a team!RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Ebook
Oftentimes we think of homeschooling as mom's gig, which is really unfortunate. It is so important for dads to be on board and for both husband and wife to have a shared vision for their children's education. In this episode, we discuss the variety of roles that dads can play in support of mom and as a model for our children. Share this episode with every homeschooling father you know!RESOURCESThe Masculine Mandate: God's Calling to Men by Richard D Phillips+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Join us for an in-person seminar.The Year's Seminars
Carole Joy Seid welcomes Cindy Reynas, a mom who went to public school and now is a firm believer in homeschooling. She shares her interesting journey of embracing simplicity and interest-led education for each of her four children. Cindy and her husband Joseph, a tattoo artist-turned-policeman, are all in on the Homeschool Made Simple method, and their story is a testament to the freedom and fulfillment homeschooling can provide.RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Free Book List
In the second of this 2-part interview, Homeschool Made Simple board members and lawyers Arnold and Claudia Barba discuss the sacrifice and rewards of homeschooling. The Barbas discuss work as a key part of homeschooling, along with academics and service, and how homeschooling allows us to model life skills and values to our children. We hope listening to families that have walked through this method and are still singing its praises will inspire you!RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Join us for an in-person seminar.The Year's Seminars
In this 2-part interview, Homeschool Made Simple board members and lawyers, Arnold and Claudia Barba talk with Carole about their journey to our method. They went from being unbelievers to homeschoolers and haven’t looked back. Hear how Arnold and Claudia handled homeschooling through the years and where their young adults are now. Let this be an encouragement to you for your kids' long journey to adulthood.RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Free Book List
In the second part of Carole’s conversation with Rylee and Ben Applebee, they share how this method has captured the children’s heart as they have developed a love of books. Their routines are a necessity for this family of 11 children and reading nightly has really bonded them together over the characters in the books that Ben reads. They touch on the value of motherhood and how best to foster a Godly mindset that comes with it. Join us!RESOURCES+Parenting with Grit and Grace Newsletter by the Applebee’s+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Upcoming Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Join us for an in-person seminar.The Year's Seminars
Yes! You really can homeschool your 11 children!Carole sits down with Rylee and Ben Applebee to unpack how they do this with their growing family. They talk about adoption, how they started to homeschool "the Carole Way," how they manage with such a span of ages, and how both parents participate in their children’s education. This is a fun episode! Be sure to listen to Part 2 next week.RESOURCES+Parenting with Grit and Grace Newsletter by the Applebees+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTHomeschool Made Simple | Website | Upcoming Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Free Book List
In this replay episode, Carole and her son, J. J. discuss social media exposure for children amidst the digital age, drawing thoughts from Andy Crouch's "The Tech Wise Family." He recommends several books for parents to read and some as a family to develop your children’s discernment and your teen's Christian ethics about today’s culture.For a full list of resources mentioned in this episode, click HERE.Click HERE to get Carole's seminar, Taming the Media Lion!RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Free Book List
Parental discretion is advised in this replay episode as we discuss gender identity.We want our kids to be a peaceful presence, proclaiming the gospel with their lives despite growing up in this divided age. They need to be confident enough in their own hearts, and settled in their convictions. J. J. Seid sits down with Carole Joy Seid to talk about important books that will help us, as parents, disciple our children. Whether concerning faith questions or cultural pressures, we can prepare them to give an answer to the hope they have!Lots of rich books are discussed in this episode to help you navigate discipleship with your children.For a list of resources mentioned in this episode, click HERE.RESOURCES+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.+Attend one of our upcoming seminars in 2024!+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!CONNECTCarole Joy Seid of Homeschool Made Simple | Website | 2024 Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | PinterestMentioned in this episode:Ebook
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