Podcast
Homeschool Made Simple
Hosted by Homeschool Made Simple · EN
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.
40episodes
Episodes
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298: Is There A “Right” Way to Homeschool?
Jan 700:25:40Tap to summarizeDo you ever find yourself looking for the ”right way to homeschool?” Sometimes we get swept up in doing what others are doing and then find ourselves frustrated with the results. But how do we develop confidence to do what's right for our family, even if it isn't what everyone else is doing?In this episode from the archive, Carole sits down with her long-time friend, Kristina, to talk about their family’s experience homeschooling.In this episode, you’ll hear aboutHomeschooling multiple childrenKristina’s experience using other methodsHow she learned to pay attention to her own intuitionThe value of the right book at the right time and the detriment of the wrong book at the wrong timeA natural way to see what a child learns as they read a bookRESOURCES+Click here for a complete list of books mentioned in this episode+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!+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:Make some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!HMS 2026 SeminarsGet 20% off lessons at Voetberg Music Academy using HOMESCHOOL20 codeVoetberg Music Academy
Transcribe →297: Spiritual Formation and Intellectual Curiosity- Lessons from C.S. Lewis
Dec 3100:33:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode from the archive, Dr. Jerry Root shares with Carole stories about his college days and finding faith by reading C.S. Lewis, the “author who opens more than wardrobe doors.” As we read Lewis, he leads us into portals of many other authors and books, especially old books. This week, we're discussing how reading Lewis's work spiritually forms us.Dr. Root also shares how he helps others to begin with C.S. Lewis’s works—whether you love fiction, satire, novels, or nonfiction—and gives encouragement for fanning the flame of your child’s curiosity. Share the wonder of the great books and Lewis’s legacy with your family!RESOURCES+Click here for a complete list of books mentioned in this episode+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!+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:Donate to our homeschooling ministryMake some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!HMS 2026 Seminars
Transcribe →296: Snuggle In for a Family Read-Aloud, Papa Panov’s Special Day
Dec 1700:19:03Tap to summarizeGrab a blanket and some hot chocolate for a Christmas read aloud with Carole and Papa Panov! Today Carole reads a very special story: Papa Panov's Special Day.RESOURCES+9 Great Christmas Books for Children and Families+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!+Grab our FREE family library book list here+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:Donate to our homeschooling ministryMake some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!HMS 2026 Seminars
Transcribe →295: Having a Mentor Can Make All the Difference in Homeschooling
Dec 1000:29:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode from the archive, Carole sits down with Kara Beck, a veteran homeschool mom of eight, who shares her honest journey through decades of homeschooling. They discuss the real-life challenges and victories of homeschooling a large family. You'll hear how Kara Beck tailored education for each child, what she gleaned from her mentoring relationship with Carole, and how she taught her kids to love learning as a lifestyle—not just a subject for a grade. Join us to be inspired!RESOURCES+Click here for the books mentioned in this episode+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!+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:Donate to our homeschooling ministryMake some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!HMS 2026 Seminars
Transcribe →294: Cozy Up with Carole’s Christmas Classics
Dec 300:27:03Tap to summarizeOne of our favorite parts of the Advent and Christmas seasons is bringing out our favorite books to share as a family. It is so special to read these stories year after year and discover new books with themes of love, compassion, and light. We love how excited our kids get when they see their old friends once again. If you're looking for Christmas books, this episode is for you.RESOURCES+Click here for a complete list of the books mentioned in this episode+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!+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:Donate to our homeschooling ministryMake some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!HMS 2026 Seminars
Transcribe →293: Discovering Jesus Through the Lives of Christians Who Came Before Us with Dr. Lyle Dorsett
Nov 2600:24:58Tap to summarizeBiographies may be just what your child needs to learn how to live out their faith in Jesus in real life! In this episode from the archive Carole Joy Seid sits down with acclaimed author and historian Dr. Lyle W Dorsett. He discusses the role biographies can have as a supplement to the stories in the Bible, in deepening your walk. Join us!RESOURCES+Click here for a complete list of the biographies listed in this episode+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:Make some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!HMS 2026 SeminarsThe Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids From CrosswayTry CTCMath-Half Price Discount
Transcribe →292: Make Christmas Richer with Books, Experiences, and Service
Nov 1900:34:36Tap to summarizeAs we inch toward Thanksgiving and Christmas, life begins to ramp up a bit. You might be wondering if you have to stick your usual homeschool routines amidst all the activity of the holidays.In today’s episode, Carole talks with Sonya Manson about what their family of ten has done over the years of homeschooling during the holidays. Sonya shares how they focus on what matters most to their family. How do you adjust routines, create meaningful Advent traditions, select budget-friendly Christmas books, and cultivate an outward focus of service with your kids? You’re sure to have some nuggets of inspiration after listening to this episode from the archive!RESOURCES+Click here for a list of books mentioned in this episode!+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:The Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids From CrosswayTry CTCMath-Half Price DiscountMake some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!HMS 2026 Seminars
Transcribe →291: Homeschool Made Simple’s Next Chapter
Nov 1200:38:53Tap to summarizeToday, Rachel Winchester, Carole and J. J. Seid share some exciting news about the next phase of our ministry. We explain what this change means for our mission to serve and equip parents, but now with additional opportunities—more accessible resources, expanded seminars, and a succession plan that protects the heart of what we do. We’d love to have you join us!RESOURCES+https://homeschoolmadesimple.net/donate/+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:Big Theology for Little Hearts Series From CrosswayTry CTCMath-Half Price DiscountMake some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!HMS 2026 Seminars
Transcribe →252: Nature Study Made Simple by Encouraging Curiosity and Awe with Eryn Lynum
Feb 12, 2025Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →251: Nurture Faith and Curiosity with Nature-Focused Learning
Feb 5, 2025Tap to summarizeRachel 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
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