Join us on this episode of Homeschooling in Real Life as we talk about the ins and outs of traveling with kids. On this episode we are NOT talking about vacation planning. Instead we are talking about giving your family a love for travel, a love for God’s world and a love for taking your love for Jesus around the world as a family ambassadors living on mission.

Live from the Teach Them Diligently convention floor in Nashville, TN, Kendra interviews family travel expert Jen Reyneri from WordTraveling.com. Listen as they discuss about traveling and finding the Glory of God all over the world. This episode will encourage you and motivate you as a homeschool family to show your children something more than your own backyard.

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:

WordTraveling with Jen Reyneri
Betty The Surf Dog Twitter Feed – Home of Betty the Surf Dog
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Music clips used on this episode:
Jet Airliner – Buy it on iTunes Here

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor, Now Programs!

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

The post Best of HIRL Holiday Series – Traveling With Kids appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

The Rise of African American Homeschooling

Last month, Fletch read an interesting article in The Washington Post called, Racism in Schools is Pushing More Black Families to Homeschool Their Children. The title alone was enough to get him interested, but in the article the writer discussed why there has been such a sharp rise in African American Homeschooling.

We thought this was a good discussion to have with our listeners, so we pursued the author for an interview.

Thanks to our sponsor! NowPrograms.com – visit the website for more information.

Dr. Ama Mazama, professor of African American Studies at Temple University and homeschooling parent, joins us for an important discussion. In our interview, Professor Mazama discusses her research and shares with us why she believes there has been a distinct rise in homeschooling among black families.

You will want to listen to this interview and join us as we explore the questions and challenges that this discussion creates.

Timeline
3:00 – Introduction
9:30 – Interview Part 1
35:20 – Interview Part 2

Show Notes

Dr. Mazama’s Biography

Racism in Schools is Pushing More Black Families to Homeschool Their Children.

Music clips used on this show:

“Night Cave” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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 of Homeschooling In Real Life.

The post Why The Rise In African American Homeschooling, Part 1 (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

When our students hope to go to college, the perennial question remains: how in the world will they pay for it? We decided to return to the topic of affording college with College Prep Genius Jean Burk because we know she has valuable information to share.

We think you’ll be encouraged and feel equipped as you help your college-bound student get the education they are pursuing!

Affording College EPISODE TIMELINE

1:32 – Fluff : Discussion on tragedy, college visits, real life. 
8:01 – Interview with Jean Burk, Part 1
25:43 – Interview with Jean Burk, Part 2
34:30 – Goodbye! The Show Is Over!

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
College Prep Genius

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:
None

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:

1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

CTC Math | Homeschoolers can save 50%! Details here.

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

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.

The post Affording College – HIRL Episode 126 (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Homeschooling, Halloween, and Harry Potter

Homeschooling, Halloween, and Harry Potter? Are we nuts?

Well, yes, but that didn’t stop us from tackling two hot-potato topics that homeschoolers traditionally love to argue over. You, too?

In this episode, replayed in honor of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast’s 11th Birthday and sponsor,  Fletch and Kendra talk about Halloween and the opportunity to love the places where God has put our families. We discuss fear and the life of the believer, and then Fletch elaborates about a character in the Harry Potter series that taught him a valuable lesson.

We promise if you listen, you won’t turn into a newt. You won’t be made fun of or persuaded to change your mind (unless the Holy Spirit does that), and we won’t send you out into the neighborhood looking for the scariest costume this year.

We just thought we’d put it all out on the table, with a big bowl of candy corn just to make sure we keep it sweet. Join us?

Show Notes for Episode #3

70 Vintage Halloween Costumes That Were Really Creepy, from Stuff You Should Know

From Christians and Halloween, Grace to You:

Evil spirits are no more active and sinister on Halloween than they are on any other day of the year; in fact, any day is a good day for Satan to prowl about seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). But “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). God has forever “disarmed principalities and powers” through the cross Christ and “made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them through [Christ]” (Colossians 2:15).

Dolores Umbridge Speech (YouTube clip) from Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix

For more information about this podcast or to connect with Fletch and Kendra directly you can follow HomeschoolingIRL  on Facebook and Twitter. Fletch blogs regularly on theMangoTimes and is a monthly contributor to the Homeschool Post. Kendra can be found on either of her blogs Preschoolers and Peace or on her author site, KendraFletcher.com.

The post HomeschoolingIRL Episode 3: Homeschooling, Halloween and Harry Potter appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Homeschooling Will Save Your Kids?

Most of us won’t say outright that we think homeschooling will save our kids, but many of us pack this idea in the back of our minds: if we only do it right, our kids will turn out to be good, godly adults.

Is that true? Can we trust that homeschooling will save your kids?

On this episode, we share our own homeschool journey. Where we think we got it right, where we know we got it wrong, and then we’ll bring some levity to the whole show by recommending some things we love and a new segment called “Q and A with K and A.”

 Join us for Homeschooling IRL Episode #4

Where we peel back the layers of our own hearts and expose the areas where we may be relying on our own good works to deliver our kids to the finish line.

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com

We are pleased with their continued excellence in education and dedication to the homeschool community. It is due to sponsorships that our programs continue to come to you without cost. Please visit the website and check out their curriculum.

SHOW NOTES: EPISODE 4 – HOMESCHOOLING WILL SAVE YOUR CHILDREN, PART 1

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace) podcast every two weeks as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

Enjoy This Podcast? Check these out!

Faith and Homeschooling

Moms Fill Up Your Tank

The post Special Replay! Homeschooling Will Save Your Kids, HIRL appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hate math? And I hate teaching science. And writing. Or . . .

Let’s get real homeschoolers. Most of us have at least one subject we don’t enjoy teaching. What? That is difficult to justify when we are the ones in charge of teaching all the subjects.

So what is a homeschooling parent supposed to do when there are core subjects that must be covered, but there is no motivation by mom or dad to get that subject done every week, or they feel unqualified to teach it?

In this episode of HomeschoolingIRL, Fletch and Kendra discuss the reality of teaching multiple subjects to multiple grade levels and resources for getting some help. Join them as they encourage their listeners to think a little bit outside of the proverbial box.

Episode Timeline for I Love Homeschooling But I Hate Teaching Math

Thanks to our sponsor CTCMath, a wonderful Math curriculum for the entire family of school-aged children. This one-stop shop has grades K-12; check it out. Homeschoolers can save 50%!

5:28 Studio Discussion Part 1 (Sponsored by Compass Classroom) – Sharing our strengths and weaknesses
14:00 Studio Discussion Part 2 (Sponsored by Grapevine Studies) – Staying a step ahead
20:47 Studio Discussion Part 3 – Practical suggestions from Fletch and Kendra
30:14 Listener questions – Fletch’s tie-dye wardrobe and parenting with grace.
35:18 Advent Resources/Interview with Amanda White from Truth in the Tinsel

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every two weeks as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

Enjoy this podcast? Try these:

6 Reasons Your Child Hates to Write

I Hate Homeschooling Let Me Tell You Why

The post I Love Homeschooling But I Hate Teaching Math – HIRL Episode 31 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Hard times! As much as we might like it to be, life is not all ponies, rainbows, and watercolor daisies.

On this episode of HomeschoolingIRL we discuss the issue of homeschooling when life gets hard. Difficulties can look different in every family – marital stress, tragedies, health challenges, financial loss – and we’ll consider how each of these hardships can put unusual stress on a homeschooling family.

What is our response? What should it be? Join us as we interview homeschooling mom and blogger Linda Difino, who shares her story of homeschooling through multiple hard times.

For complete show notes and links to what we discussed on this episode, go to our website: HomeschoolingIRL.com

Thanks to NOW Programs, this evidence-based program helps students learn differences.

For the rest of the year, we will be running a “Best of” series of the Homeschooling IRL episodes. Many of these episodes were earlier episodes that you might have missed. Enjoy!

The post Homeschooling Through Hard Times appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

You are going to want to grab your spouse for this episode! Fletch and Kendra dive right into the middle of the topic and discuss how the stress of homeschooling can leak into your marriage relationship.

Throughout this episode, you will hear live interviews conducted with couples on the floor of the Teach Them Diligently Conference in Nashville, TN. Be prepared for answers that you might not expect!

Fletch and Kendra also spend time talking and laughing with TTD conference founders and directors David and Leslie Nunnery about the challenges we’ve seen in our own marriages and some helpful ideas on how to preserve intimacy in the middle of family, life, and school.

 Pull up a chair and prepare to get real with Fletch and Kendra as we look at What Homeschooling Does To A Marriage.

Thanks to our sponsor, CTCMath.com – we are pleased for their continued excellence in education and dedication to the homeschool community. It is due to sponsorships that our programs continue to come to you without cost. Please visit the website and check out their curriculum.

 For complete show notes and links to what we discussed on this episode, go to our website: HomeschoolingIRL.com

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace) podcast every two weeks as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

Enjoy this episode? Check out these:

Top Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcasts

Homeschool Lifestyle
Last Minute DIY Tips
Money Saving Field Trips
All About Teaching
Raising Spiritually Strong Kids
Six Homeschooling Insider Tips
Best Staycations for Kids
Avoid Curriculum Pitfalls
Top 10 Parenting Secrets
45 Family Date Night Ideas

The post What Homeschooling Does To A Marriage – HIRL Episode 17 (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Homeschooling Through the Storm: Navigating Difficulties with Linda Difino

Hard Time Episode | Introduction:

Welcome back to HomeschoolingIRL, your go-to podcast on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network! In this episode, we tackle a crucial topic that every homeschooling family may encounter at some point – homeschooling when life gets hard. Whether it’s dealing with marital stress, tragedies, health challenges, financial loss, or any combination of these, we understand that these hardships can place unique strains on a homeschooling household.

Episode Highlights:

1. Understanding the Different Hardships:

– Every family faces their share of challenges, and homeschooling families are no exception. Our hosts delve into various hardships that homeschooling parents may encounter, ranging from personal struggles to external factors.

2. Interview with Linda Difino – A Homeschooling Warrior:

– Our special guest, Linda Difino, a homeschooling mom and blogger, shares her inspiring journey of homeschooling through multiple difficult times. Linda candidly discusses how she and her family faced adversity head-on and managed to keep their homeschooling journey on track.

3. Coping Strategies for Homeschooling Families in Hard times

– Amidst the chaos of challenging times, it’s crucial to have effective coping strategies in place. Our hosts and guest offer valuable insights into maintaining a sense of balance, patience, and resilience in the midst of adversities.

4. Finding Support and Community in Hard Times

– Homeschooling can sometimes feel like a solitary journey, especially during tough times. The podcast highlights the importance of building a strong support system and engaging with a supportive homeschooling community to share burdens and gain encouragement.

5. Embracing Flexibility during Hard Times

– One of the key takeaways from this episode is the significance of embracing flexibility in homeschooling. Our experts discuss the need to adjust expectations and curricula during trying times, while still ensuring the educational needs of children are met.

6. Redefining Success in Hard Times

– In challenging circumstances, it becomes essential to redefine success in homeschooling. Our hosts encourage listeners to focus on the growth, resilience, and character development of their children, rather than just academic achievements.

Conclusion:

In this thought-provoking episode, we’ve explored the intricate relationship between homeschooling and life’s hardships. Through the uplifting story of Linda Difino, we see that with determination, adaptability, and a strong support system, homeschooling can endure even the most trying times.

Join us as we navigate the uncharted waters of homeschooling through adversity, and remember, you are not alone. Together, as a community, we can rise above life’s challenges and provide an enriching homeschooling experience for our children.

Tune in now and let’s grow stronger together in this homeschooling journey!

Enjoy this podcast? Check out these:

Homeschool Lifestyle
Last Minute DIY Tips
Money Saving Field Trips
All About Teaching
Raising Spiritually Strong Kids
Six Homeschooling Insider Tips
Best Staycations for Kids
Avoid Curriculum Pitfalls
Top 10 Parenting Secrets
45 Family Date Night Ideas

A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor: 

  CTCMath.com

The post Homeschooling Through Hard Times appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

College Admissions and the Helicopter Parent

Have you ever heard that sound? The rhythmic whirring of blades as they chop through the air? That is the sound of a helicopter parent hovering over their homeschooled child getting ready for college. That’s right, we are back at it again with an interview and discussion about college admissions and the need to keep your hands off as your teach your high school graduate to make life choices.

Join us as we spend time in the studio with Aimee Stauf. Aimee is a homeschool graduate, and then she worked as a resident advisor before graduating and now working Patrick Henry College as an admissions counselor. This very knowledgeable guest offers all of us great advice as we prepare our homeschool graduates for their college education. Join us and jump out of your helicopters! You are in for a great episode.

EPISODE TIMELINE
:50 Fluff – Graduations, Baseball,  1970’s Summer, Big Announcement
8:15 College Admissions – Aimee Stauf, Patrick Henry College
27:25 The show is over. Goodbye!

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
Patrick Henry College Admissions
Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website
Fletch Twitter
Kendra Twitter

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
All of them

Music clips used on this episode:
None

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:

1. Follow this link to our iTunes page.
2. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes
3. The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page.
4. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smart phone.
5. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5-stars (hint hint!).
6. Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock!

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

1. You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below.
2. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
3. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION.

BECOME A PATRON AND SUPPORT HomeschoolingIRL

Hey HIRLers! Do you enjoy what we have created on the podcast? Have you ever wondered what you could do to help us continue to make great shows? Just like the great artists of the past, in order to provide great shows, we need patrons to financially support our creative efforts.

Please consider becoming a patron and supporting Homeschooling In Real Life? 

Follow this link and head over to Patreon.com and show your support of our show!
Thank you!

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

CTC Math

Check out these cool HomeschoolingIRL Coffee Tumblers from HIRLer Cyndi Newman

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

Be sure to listen to more:

ABC’s Of Early College

The post College Admissions and the Helicopter Parent – HIRL Episode 105 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

During a recent homeschooling convention where we were speaking, an older gentleman approached the Homeschooling in Real Life booth and asked what we might know about grandparents who homeschool. He was planning to help his daughter homeschool her children, and he was there to gather information.

The topic of grandparents who homeschool is an exciting one! The possibilities for how a grandparent might help out in the homeschool setting are endless, and the opportunities for discipleship are indeed beautiful. 

We’re joined by “vintage” homeschool mom Felice Gerwitz of the Vintage Homeschool Moms podcast as we discuss the ways in which grandparents can contribute to the education of their grandchildren. 

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:
Vintage Homeschool Moms
Media Angels

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:
Grandma’s Hands by Keb Mo – Buy It Here on ITunes

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor – CTC Math

The post Grandparents Who Homeschool – HIRL Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.