Homeschool Better Together with Pam Barnhill

In this episode of Your Morning Basket, host Pam Barnhill welcomes Jennifer Pepito, the host of the Restoration Home podcast, to chat about creating a sacred home environment. They dive into the inspiration behind Jennifer's newest book, "Habits for a Sacred Home," which draws from the monastery movement and the impact of spiritual disciplines on history. The conversation covers the specific practices that are essential for nurturing a literature-based homeschool and the role of daily prayer in creating a peaceful and connected community within the home.

Pam and Jennifer talk about the importance of a rule of life, which helps families identify their core values and live according to those values. To make it practical, the book includes different rules from St. Benedict paired with biographical sketches of women in history who exemplified those rules. The book also offers a study guide, recipe, prayer, scripture verses, and a pre-order offer with additional resources.

This episode is a treasure trove for homeschooling parents looking to infuse their homes with meaningful practices and spiritual disciplines. To get access to the resources and the pre-order offer, you can visit habitsforasacredhome.com.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the concept of a rule of life or a mission statement for homeschooling, and how it can provide a vision and direction for the education of children, as well as decision-making about curriculum and activities.
• Experience the joys and benefits of incorporating daily prayer and poetry recitation into the homeschool routine, fostering a sense of spirituality and connection within the family.
• Explore the idea of stewardship within the home, including the importance of teaching children responsibility through daily chores and room care, and the impact of cultivating inner calm through quiet time practices.
• Learn about the historical significance of the monastery movement and see how this can inspire mothers to create a sense of community and stability within their homes, especially in turbulent times.
• Embrace the freedom and peace that comes from living according to the values and disciplines of a sacred home, and how this approach can help mothers and families weather the challenges of our culture while living out their faith and values.

Links and Resources

• Your Morning Basket+
• Morning Time Plans
• Mothering by the Book: The Power of Reading Aloud to Overcome Fear and Recapture Joy by Jennifer Pepito
• Habits for a Sacred Home book by Jennifer Pepito
• Restoration Home Podcast
• The Peaceful Press
• The Peaceful Press Curriculum
• 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
• At Home with Sally Podcast
• The Read Aloud Revival
• Atomic Habits by James Clear

In this episode of Your Morning Basket, host Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Dawn Garrett and Laney Homan share insightful strategies for incorporating picture study into your homeschooling routine. This episode discusses the benefits of picture study, such as creating a mental gallery of paintings for children to enjoy as well as highlighting that it's not about learning art history, but rather about observing and appreciating the details in a painting. 

Gain practical insights on how to conduct picture study sessions, including the basic method of observing a painting, discussing it with your children, and prompting them to think about and offer their own titles for the artwork. Whether you're new to picture study or looking for fresh ideas to invigorate your homeschooling curriculum, this episode has something for every homeschooling parent.

Key Takeaways:

• Emphasize the value of setting a timer for 5 minutes to draw a painting as an exercise in attention, not about recreating the style of the artist.
• Highlight the importance of dividing a painting into thirds and showing each part to children, focusing on details like colors, brushstrokes, light, and texture. 
• Discuss the process of telling a story about a picture to engage with the painting, emphasizing the use of details in the painting to guide the story.
• Encourage the community to share more ideas for picture study and other activities in a free homeschool portal.
• Stress the significance of building the habit of attention through picture study and other activities like nature study, music, and poetry.
• Recommend not revealing the title of the painting initially to encourage critical thinking, and suggest asking questions to prompt children to think about the painting and offer their own titles.

Links and Resources

• Your Morning Basket+
• Morning Time Plans
• Artistic Pursuits curriculum
• The belated Party on Mansfield Mountain by Jerome B. Thompson
• "Impression Sunrise" by Claude Monet
• Angelica Kauffman
• J.M.W. Turner

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb151

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of “Your Morning Basket,” host Pam Barnhill and co-host Heather Tully, a mom of ten and a veteran morning time homeschooler, discuss the enriching experience of nature study. Parents will discover the benefits of incorporating nature study into their homeschool routine, learning how it can foster observation skills, connect children with science in a vivid and approachable way, and significantly benefit mental wellness by encouraging outdoor time.

This episode covers practical tips for making nature study a seamless part of morning time, including building drawing and watercoloring skills as well as choosing specific topics for deeper exploration. Listen in for inspiring strategies to bring the wonders of the natural world into your homeschool.

Key Takeaways:

• Nature study in homeschooling encourages children to observe and connect with science in a tangible and engaging way.
• Integrating nature study into morning time can be achieved through skill-building activities like drawing and watercoloring, and by focusing on thematic studies such as rocks or evergreens.
• Even without venturing outdoors, nature study can be effectively conducted at the table with resources like nature lore books and magnifying glasses for closer observation.
• Consistency in nature study can be fostered by forming groups for regular nature walks, thereby making the practice a communal and anticipated event.
• Nature study not only deepens child's understanding of the natural world but also promotes mental well-being by encouraging them to spend time outside, observing and appreciating their surroundings.

Links and Resources

• Your Morning Basket+
• Gather: Exploring the Wonder, Wisdom & Worship of Learning at Home
• Heather Tully Photography
• Eyes and No Eyes: Volume 1
• Among the Meadow People
• The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir Laws
• Circle of Seasons; The Journal of a Naturalist's Year
• Simply Charlotte Mason

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb150

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

If you're a homeschooling parent looking for meaningful ways to engage with your high schoolers and bring joy to your homeschool routine, this episode of Your Morning Basket is for you. Join host Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Laney Homan and Dawn Garrett, as they discuss incorporating Morning Time for high schoolers and the importance of Morning Time, plans that cater to the whole family.

Laney Homan shares her experience of using Morning Time plans with her senior high schooler and her 7-year-old, emphasizing the value of not making high school plans and engaging in enjoyable learning together. Dawn Garrett discusses making Morning Time count for high schoolers and provides insight into incorporating it into their daily routine.

Discover how morning time plans offer valuable learning experiences for children of different ages, including high schoolers. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that will inspire and guide you in making Morning Time work for your high schoolers!

Key Takeaways:

• Morning time plans for homeschooling high schoolers can be varied and flexible, incorporating activities that cater to different subjects and interests.
• Morning time plans include diverse activities, videos, picture study, poetry, and level-up activities suitable for older students.
• High schoolers can engage with morning time plans through activities like math, which includes advanced concepts suitable for their age and ability.
• Discover how morning time plans can benefit high schoolers and the whole family

Links and Resources

• Your Morning Basket+
• Month of Morning Time
• Picture Books Aren't Just for Preschoolers

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb149

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

If you're a homeschooling mom looking for ways to incorporate current events into your homeschool, episode 148 of Your Morning Basket is a must-listen! Join host Pam Barnhill and returning guest, Carl Azuz the host and executive producer of The World From A to Z as they delve into the world of news and media literacy. Pam and Carl discuss the importance of engaging kids in meaningful conversations about global events and navigating the complex landscape of media and news consumption.

Carl shares his experience as a news presenter for CNN and his reasons behind creating, "The World From A to Z," a nonpartisan news show designed to provide a well-rounded look at international events, cultures, and stories for students. Discover how "The World From A to Z" can help bring current issues to your homeschool in a family-friendly manner.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how, The World From A to Z provides a well-rounded perspective on news and culture.
• As homeschoolers, we have a unique opportunity to engage our kids in critical thinking conversations about what's happening in the world. 
• Carl shares his journey from CNN to creating The World From A to Z, a family friendly news outlet for students.
• Carl encourages multiple perspectives and fact-checking in an ever growing digital age. 
• Learn how discussing news and current events can help our children think critically and have meaningful discussions.
• Encourage our children to have well-rounded perspectives, especially on controversial topics. 
• Encourage our children to bridge disagreement and polarization within their communities with factual news information. 
• The World From A to Z runs a fresh, nine minute episode each weekday.

Links and Resources

• Your Morning Basket Plus
• The World From A to Z
• Carl Azuz's YouTube channel
• Carl Azuz on Your Morning Basket
• Poynter Institute
• Sonlight Homeschool Curriculum

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb148

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, discover practical strategies to combat burnout in your homeschool with Pam Barnhill and co-hosts, Ali Madej and Meg Angelino. You will gain valuable insight on using Morning Time and other tools to engage your children during times of curriculum fatigue, seasonal illness, new baby, or overall burnout. 

This candid conversation acknowledges the natural ebbs and flows in the homeschooling journey and the importance of extending grace to both parents and children during periods of burnout. The team offers practical insights into managing grading and striking a balance between pleasurable learning and skill subjects.

Tune in to Your Morning Basket Podcast and start your journey towards a more intentional and joyful homeschooling approach today.

Key Ideas About Morning Time and Burnout

• Utilize library apps, such as; Hoopla, Libby for audiobooks and online resources to engage kids in learning during times of burnout.
• Embrace the fun and learning potential in Explorations, read-aloud time, and strewing to keep kids engaged.
• Explore strategies for managing burnout, including; managing mom's health, starting with enjoyable subjects, and outsourcing subjects.
• Emphasize the importance of balance and grace for both the homeschooling parent and the children during times of burnout.
• See Morning Time as a fundamental tool to combat burnout. 

Links and Resources

• YMB+
• Hoopla
• Libby
• Life of Fred
• Put Your Homeschool Year On Autopilot
• Denise Gaskin on YMB
• Handbook of Nature Study

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb147

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Join Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Meg Angelino and Laney Homan as they delve into the purpose and structure of morning time in homeschooling. In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of setting goals for morning time, its role in fostering lifelong learning and family connections, and strategies for making it a valuable and efficient part of the homeschool day. 

They share their personal experiences, tips, and insights on how to incorporate morning time into various homeschooling philosophies and its impact on family life.

Key Takeaways

• Morning Time is adaptable and can work for families regardless of their homeschooling philosophy, prioritizing what is important for each family.
• It provides an opportunity to include academic subjects, making homeschooling more efficient by teaching everyone at once.
• It's important to incorporate enjoyable elements for each family member in morning time, using it as a fun way to introduce less favored subjects.
• The hosts share their approaches to homeschooling and how morning time aligns with their individual philosophies.
• Tips and insights are provided for moms looking to implement morning time in their homeschooling routine.

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb146

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

We are so excited about this coming year!

In 2024, we will help you solve the lack of motivation, interest, and effectiveness in your homeschool. We know you struggle with these areas (because we have too).

And instead of just helping you feel like a better homeschool teacher, we will help you become a better homeschool teacher.

Confidence comes with improved ability, not just feeling like you're doing enough.

Today, we are opening the doors to Elevate All Access. This year-long program includes the tools and support you need to become the teacher your kids deserve.

The one that will help them learn.

Elevate All Access includes the programs that will help you succeed in your homeschool all year. It includes:

• Ten monthly masterclasses exploring how students learn, how kids can be motivated, and how you can be a more effective homeschool teacher. We'll be using Why Don't Students Like School as our guide. Each class will have a discussion, an extension of the material, and actionable steps and challenges to help you make an immediate difference in your homeschool.
• The spring and fall sessions of the Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp will help you build the consistency muscle that will revolutionize your homeschool.
• Access to our monthly (weekly in the summer) Finisher's Club so you can be in regular contact with mentors to help you troubleshoot issues with planning, curriculum choice, lessons, and more. These sessions allow you to regularly carve out time to work on your homeschool so homeschool tasks don't get lost.
• Our All-Day and Half-Day planning sessions so you can start each semester prepared for whatever life throws at you.

The program's value is $400, but we are pricing it at only $190. And if you buy it before December 31, you can get it for only $165. (A payment plan is available.)

For about the price of a takeout pizza each month, you get homeschooling support and actionable coaching all year.

Sign up by December 31 and use the code ELEVATE24 for $25 off! Doors close on January 5.

Join hosts Pam Barnhill and Dawn Garrett as they revisit a classic episode of "Your Morning Basket" with Sonya Shafer, a homeschooling veteran, speaker, and writer specializing in the Charlotte Mason style of education. In this flashback episode, Sonya shares valuable insights into the power of narration and its role in developing children's personalities and engagement with books. Listen for practical tips for implementing narration, the effectiveness of oral compositions, and the benefits of using living books to foster the imagination.

Key Takeaways About Narration:

• Learn how narration can engage children with books, develop their personalities, and enhance their oral composition, memory, and language skills. 
• Understand the importance of grace for both parents and children as they navigate the learning process, emphasizing patience and trust. 
• Explore the introduction of different types of narration, such as descriptive, expository, and persuasive, to students at various grade levels, and the stages of integrating these compositions into their education. 
• Gain advice on encouraging children's narration skills without over-analyzing, to foster higher-level thinking and a love for storytelling and expression. 

For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb145

To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Dive into a special episode of our podcast where we bring you exciting details about the upcoming We Gather Together Beach Retreat from January 25 to 28, 2004, on Alabama's picturesque Gulf Coast. Expect mild temperatures, warm sands, and an enriching environment perfect for homeschooling parents and enthusiasts.

Our guest, Lucy Duggar, a devoted mom and retreat alumni, shares her invaluable experiences from last year's gathering and her anticipation for the next. With a focus on educational philosophy, morning basket routines, and the essence of homeschooling, this retreat promises to be a nurturing getaway. Discover mentorship, relaxation, and community while enjoying the beach's serene backdrop.

Sign up by November 30 at pambarnhill.com/retreat, and for questions, email [email protected]. Don't miss out on this rejuvenating and educational retreat experience!