The Homeschooling Journey: Tips and Encouragement for Going the Distance
By Sabrina Bjornstrom
Episodes are short, only about 10 minutes unless I have a guest where we talk a bit longer. So let's jump in. So happy you're here!
The Homeschooling Journey: Tips and Encouragement for Going the DistanceJan 16, 2024
141. Do You Think Your Child Might Have Dyslexia?
Some studies say that one in five kids has some form of dyslexia. Today I talk about some signs that might make you want to take a closer look, especially if your child is struggling to learn to read. Links: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/165314/overcoming-dyslexia-by-sally-shaywitz-md-and-jonathan-shaywitz-md https://www.dyslexia.com/book/the-gift-of-dyslexia/ Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
Special Announcement for 2024
Happy New Year to you all! Please take a moment to hear today's short announcement regarding the podcast!
Thanks so much for listening. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
148. Timeless Christmas Classics
Today's episode offers a few suggestions of famous Christmas stories to cherish with the whole family during these last weeks of Advent.
Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3fN_-rupwo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUZIVxQ0lIE
https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Father-Christmas-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0618512659
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
147. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Kids love scavenger hunts! Today I talk about a way to combine the fun of a scavenger hunt with a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas that the whole family will enjoy.
Link: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
146. Advent Activities for Kids
What are some ways to help our kids keep their hearts focused on the season of Advent leading up to Christmas? Today I offer lots of simple and fun ideas! Be sure to check out the links below.
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
https://www.amazon.com/Story-Christmas-Book-Advent-Calendar/dp/0761152504/ref=sr_1_6?crid=19OG8WJIXUSVJ&keywords=christmas+advent+calendar+book&qid=1669419626&sprefix=christmas+advent+calendar+book%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-6
https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/printable-jesse-tree-ornaments/
145. Don’t Miss Out on Your Blessings!
Reference: poets.org/poem/thanksgiving-1
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
144. In Gratitude to Homeschool Moms!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
143. How to Adapt to Dyslexic Challenges
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
142. Dyslexia Struggles Can Snowball!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
140. He Knows What He Is About!
Today I share a short meditation that has brought me strength and peace throughout my homeschooling journey and in many other aspects of my life. I hope you find that it touches you as much as it has always moved me.
Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/408029-god-has-created-me-to-do-him-some-definite-service
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
139. Homeschooling on a Budget
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
Links:
hoopladigital.com
kanopy.com/en
138. Answering the Critics of Homeschooling
Today's episode picks up from where I left off last week in offering my responses to a recent online forum for critics of homeschooling. Here's what they said... and what I'd like to share with them from my 28 years of experience.
https://stemeducationguide.com/why-people-look-down-on-homeschooling/
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
137. In the News: Why People Look Down on Homeschooling
Frequent news stories note the significant increase in homeschooling over the past several years. But not everyone is on board! A recent online forum asked people for honest critiques of the choice to educate kids at home. Here's what they said... and what I'd like to share with them from my 28 years of experience.
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
136. Finish Each Day and Be Done With It!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
135. Recognizing Their Strengths
We moms tend to worry about the areas where our kids struggle. But let's turn things around and talk about identifying and nuturing their God-given strengths.
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
Resources: https://www.amazon.com/Play-Their-Strengths-Approach-Parenting/dp/0736976175
134. They Used to Read!
Today I share a humorous and powerful reminder from an all-time favorite author. This episode is one for you to enjoy with the kids!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net Reference: https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/mike-teavee/
133. Easing Back Into School
How do you begin your new homeschool year? Today I talk about three simple ways to keep you and the kids enthusiastic about starting back into a new schedule!
https://rockyourhomeschool.net/first-day-of-homeschool-printables/
https://www.papertraildesign.com/
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
132. Overcoming Homeschool Distractions for Moms
Today I talk about three areas that can sabotage a successful and peaceful homeschooling journey. It's a good idea to be aware of them so you can make a plan!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
131. Homeschooling Alongside Your Kids!
Here's a reminder to take advantage of those opportunities to slow down and share in the excitement of learning new things with your children.
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
130. Five Reasons You Are Your Child's Best Teacher
It's time to gear up for a new school year! Today's pep talk will remind you of why you're going to do a great job!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
129. "Soul Surfer" Homeschool Mom!
Remember Bethany Hamilton, world-famous surfer, shark-bite survivor, and … guess what else? Be inspired by the uplifting words of this amazing young mom.
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
128. Teaching Reading is Way Easier Than You Think!
Teaching reading is usually pretty painless... kids just naturally want to jump right in! Join me for today's interview with lots of encouragement from Molly!
Resources for today's episode: ABeka Letters and Sounds; Bob Books; Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons; Montessori Method
I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast
Or email me at homeschoolingjourneypodcast@gmail.com
127. Homeschooling with Confidence and Humility
How can we balance being confident in our homeschooling while also knowing when to reach out for help? Today I interview a young mom who talks about the practicalities of walking this fine line.
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
126. Take Advantage of Your Kids' Natural Gifts
Today I encourage you to capitalize on your kids' natural gifts and talents! Learn to recognize their unique approaches to learning and understanding God's beautiful world.
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
125. The Delights of Reading to Toddlers!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
124. Flags, Fireworks, and Founding Fathers!
Today's episode focuses on some of the fascinating history behind our country's Fourth of July celebrations. Your kids will especially love finding out about the kid who designed the American flag!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
123. Psalm 23 for Homeschooling Moms
Today I share a powerful and uplifting reminder of God's perfect care for us. Take a few moments to rest in the promises of our Good Shepherd!
https://www.appleseeds.org/Ps-23_Explained.htm
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
122. Hero Dads!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
121. Time to Get Outside!
Link: www.1000hoursoutside.com/
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
120. Celebrating the End of Your Homeschool Year (Interview)
Today Stephanie joins me to talk about finishing another year of homeschooling. You'll love her genuine and gentle reminder to cherish the accomplishments of our children and to take joy in the beauty of our vocation as mothers.
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
119. Honoring Memorial Day
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
118. Finding Your Summer Rhythm
What do you want your summer days to look like? Structured? Or not too much? Today I give some pratical tips for making the most of this glorious time of refreshment!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
117. Thank You to the Moms
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
116. Persevering Through Hard Seasons
Today author and homeschool mom Carrie Strong talks about how she saw God's hand leading her to continue homeschooling in the midst of some challenging life circumstances. You'll be inspired by her gentle reassurances.
Check out Carrie's book and her website:
https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Homeschool-Resources-Real-life/dp/1664254250
strongroots.farm
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
115. A Daily Dose of Music
Do you take time to enjoy classical music with your kids? If not, you're missing out, not only on some powerful physical and mental benefits, but most of all on one of life's greatest joys! Today I offer some simple ways to make music appreciation happen in only 5-10 minutes a day!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
Resources:
Vivaldi Concerto for Two Trumpets, Allegro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVtLeR2K8sk
https://www.amazon.com/Year-Wonder-Classical-Music-Enjoy/dp/0062856200/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682467977&sr=1-2
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/classics-for-kids/id268565125
https://www.classicsforkids.com
https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/015671/Stories-of-Great-Composers-Book-and-CD.html
114. Do Report Cards Really Matter in Homeschooling?
Grading and report cards... do we really need them in our homeschooling? After all, we already know how our kids are doing. Today I talk about how, why, and when to think about grades.
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
113. Let's Talk About Homeschool Co-ops!
To be or not to be... in a homeschool co-op. That is the question! It's that time of year where many of us have to make this decision for next school year. In today's episode I go over the pros and cons and help you think about what's best for your family!
(Rebroadcast)
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
112. Sharing the Easter Story With Your Kids
Here's a fun project to teach your kids the true meaning of Easter! Resources mentioned: https://www.faithward.org/diy-resurrection-eggs-for-holy-week https://www.leafletonline.com/resurrection-eggs-35434?mc_cid=7103a4ca82&mc_eid=81f02bc958 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=resurrection+eggs+easter&crid=1P2HFLCRYLH90&sprefix=resurrection+eggs+%2Caps%2C115&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_18
I would be most grateful if you would take a moment to leave me a review on whatever platform you use. Thank you so much!
111. How to Choose Curriculum: It's That Time of Year! (Interview)
Today my daughter Rose joins me to talk about one of the best parts of homeschooling: choosing curriculum. We cover lots of practical questions: whether to use pre-planned curricula or choose your own piece-by-piece, how to know when something's just not working, and that all-too-common tendency to order too much from all those glossy catalogs!
110. Slow and Steady!
Did you know that homeschool mamas are the absolute rockstars of consistency? Today's episode is a tribute to you! Be encouraged by these four ways you model: "Slow and steady wins the race"!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
109. Why That Fear of Failure?
Let's figure out what is causing us to go down this rabbit hole! Today's episode focuses on five reasons why and how to nip them in the bud!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
108. Think You're Not Doing Enough? Hit the Pause Button!
Do you worry about not doing enough? Today I offer three quick shifts in mindset to deal with this widespread homeschooling fear.
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
107. It's All Greek to Me! Languages for Littles (Interview)
We typically think of learning languages as taking place in highschool. So why would a homeschooling mom want to start Latin and Greek with her very young children? Find out today as Rose talks about some surprising reasons why!
Resources:
https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/foreign-languages/greeknstuff/hey-andrew-teach-me-some-greek
https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/latin/prima-latina-set/
https://academyofclassicalgreek.com/
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
106. Simple Ideas for Lent
Resources mentioned:
www.zephyrhillblog.com/2014/03/printable-calendars-for-lent/
littleshootsdeeproots.com/kids-ideas-blog/40-lent-ideas-kids/
www.amazon.com/Bible-Stories-Collection-Ben-Kingsley/dp/B01JQXEML4
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or email me at bjornfam@comcast.net
105. Are You Asking Good Questions?
Resources: www.criticalthinking.com/building-thinking-skills.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtvSdBhD0ARIsAPf8oNlxEL7FY9BZR6LElvyeV9nB9dpDEScc1Kch8HxV6AwVbnHO5WDFHRgaAuvIEALw_wcB www.criticalthinking.com/critical-thinking-detective-book-1.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtvSdBhD0ARIsAPf8oNmB2bCFlrLv1Dwm2kO46aZx3Bp9DRyyGb8mVjdXv9tdcJF-IXort5UaAlCMEALw_wcB www.criticalthinking.com/critical-thinking-detective-book-1.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtvSdBhD0ARIsAPf8oNmB2bCFlrLv1Dwm2kO46aZx3Bp9DRyyGb8mVjdXv9tdcJF-IXort5UaAlCMEALw_wcB
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
104. Story Time: Critical Thinking with Little Ones
Resource:
heidisongs.blogspot.com/2019/07/how-to-teach-critical-thinking-skills.html
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
103. Forming Good Character in Your Kids (Interview)
What do "walking it backwards", shucking corn, and drawing on Bandaids have to do with teaching character life skills? Rose joins me today to talk about some gentle and fun ways to impress life lessons on kids. It's never to early to start thinking about these!
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
102. Fieldtrip Favorites!
Now's a great time to plan all those spring fieldtrips! Today I talk about some of our family favorites and how to take advantage of what's available in your area.
https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/135714/virtual-field-trips/
Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
101. Hands-On Life Skills (Interview)
Thanks so much for listening to this week's episode. I'd love to get your feedback! Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net
100. Top Ten Countdown!
Today in celebration of the 100th episode of the Homeschooling Journey Podcast, I do a countdown of the Top Ten All-Time Favorite episodes. My hope is that you'll go back and listen again to the practical and timeless wisdom my guests and I have shared with you over the past two years. And please reach out to me with topics you would like to see covered in the future. You are my inspiration for going forward in this endeavor!
Questions, comments, or suggestions? Message me on Instagram at homeschoolingjourneypodcast or at my email bjornfam@comcast.net