Podcast
Vintage Homeschool Moms
Hosted by Felice Gerwitz · EN
Preserving the best of the past with an eye to bless future generations the show offers no excuses, perfection or compromise. Felice hosts this weekly show on Monday at Noon Eastern, often with guests.
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7 Tips for Teaching Math to Kids of All Ages
4d agoTap to summarize VINTAGE HOMESCHOOL MOMS • EPISODE 435 Math the Easy Way: 7 Tips for Teaching Math to Kids of All Ages with guest Pat Murray of CTC Math | Hosted by Felice Gurwitz About This Episode Does your child love math or dread it? In this episode, Felice Gurwitz sits down with Pat Murray — a math teacher and coach of more than 36 years and the founder of CTC Math — to share seven practical, doable tips for teaching math to children of every age. From short, clear explanations and the power of rote learning to smart lesson sequencing and avoiding frustration, Pat unpacks what actually works after decades in the classroom and at home. He also serves up a couple of memory “magic tricks” (including a clever way to keep circle formulas straight) that make math genuinely fun. Whether you have a struggling learner or a strong one who just needs reinforcement, these are ideas you can put to work right away. About the Guest — Pat Murray Pat Murray has been a math teacher and coach for more than 36 years. The programs and courses he and his company have developed have helped students and families in the tens and hundreds of thousands across more than 72 countries. Pat is the founder of CTC Math, which offers self-paced online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning math. Pat and his wife, Mari, live in Sydney, Australia, and have 10 children and seven grandchildren (soon to be eight). 7 Tips for Teaching Math (Key Takeaways) Short, concise explanations. Clarity is everything — math should be easy to understand. Keep explanations to about 2–3 minutes for younger children and 5–7 minutes as they get older. Not all teaching methods are equal; find the one that makes the light switch on. Immediate practice and feedback. Have kids practice right after they learn something, and make sure they know quickly whether the first few answers are right or wrong — so they don’t spend 20 minutes reinforcing a mistake. Rote learning is your friend. Memorizing times tables, basic facts, and formulas frees up brainpower for algebra and problem solving later. Don’t buy the idea that it stifles creativity. Use stories to lock in formulas (see the “pie and rabbits” trick below). Mind the sequence of lessons. Textbooks often introduce the hardest material first. Scan a chapter, push the difficult topics to the back, and start with the easy wins so kids build confidence — success is what keeps them going. Go easy on discovery / inquiry-based learning. Left to figure math out on their own, kids lose interest fast (think of a Rubik’s Cube with no instructions). Teach by example and lots of worked examples first; save open-ended exploration for after they’ve mastered the basics. Use puzzles and problem solving. Sudoku, quizzles, and similar puzzles build interest and make math fun. Start simple for early success, add a reward system, and favor pen-and-paper — the connection between hand and brain matters for real thinking. Avoid frustration. Possibly the most important tip. Kids aren’t struggling on purpose. Getting angry can make them hesitant to come to you later — not just about math, but about anything. Stay calm and keep the door open. Don’t Miss The “pie and rabbits” memory trick for keeping circle formulas straight — two rabbits (2r) running around a pie for circumference (C = 2πr), and one rabbit squashed flat into a square for area (A = πr²). Pat’s algebra “magic trick” that always lands on 3: pick a number 1–10, double it, add 10, add your original number, subtract 1, divide by 3, then subtract your original number. Pat plans to post a short video explaining the algebra behind it. Resources & Links CTC Math — online video math tutorials, self-paced, one price covers everything a family needs. Start a free trial: ctcmath.com CTC Math offers a full 12-month money-back guarantee — 17 years running — so there’s no risk in trying it. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and the old Schoolhouse Crew Review. Host website: VintageHomeschoolMoms.com (find this episode and show notes — Episode 435) Felice Gurwitz / Media Angels: MediaAngels.com Vintage Homeschool Moms is a production of the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network. Visit our sponsor: Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in <a href="https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-reviews-core-curricula/math/grades-k-6/ctc-math?fbclid=IwAR1dxTSLIbHtpkQBtriK11lbQBnjnPvlTwtLZ3ei5wjSw0-xWwW911Qy1SA" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcathyduffyreviews.com%252Fmath%252Fctc-math.htm%253Ffbclid%253DIwAR1dxTSLIbHtpkQBtriK11lbQBnjnPvlTwtLZ3ei5wjSw0-xWwW911Qy1SA%26h%3DAT2KGtL83VA1ogqGc39Z8Bm8kOlBD4...
Transcribe →Freedom and Economics with the Tuttle Twins
2w agoTap to summarizeHow can you teach children the ideals of freedom and economics in a way they will remember? Join your host, Felice Gerwitz, and Daniel Harmon, the Creator and Showrunner of the Tuttle Twins TV Show. Freedom and Economics ~ Episode 513 How often do you get a chance to talk to the creator of a television show? Well, today, I sat down with Daniel Harmon, a homeschooled dad of seven. Daniel is the creator and executive producer of the Tuttle Twins TV show. He is the co-founder of Harmon Brothers and Angel Studios. I’m sure many of you recognize that name. It is the studio that produces a favorite among many, The Chosen. Daniel is the father of seven and says the show for them and what he would have wanted as a kid. He claims his kids are his in-house focus group! As a fan of the Tuttle Twins novels, I purchased several sets for family and friends; it was my pleasure to bring you this interview. Sponsored by CTCMath.com Freedom and Economics Points discussed: Many believe economics is reserved for someone else to teach. Or it is up to the kids to learn it in higher level learning like college. Yet with the Tuttle Twins, both the book series and the TV show it is something that kids can actually understand. It is put in the context of the principles of freedom of your rights, and it’s not as complicated as it’s made out to be. They overcomplicate it in a way that does a lot of destruction to our economy, but it is not nearly as complicated as some like to make it out to be. Rights: You start from a basis. We all have rights, rights to life, to liberty, to property. The things that are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and in the Constitution. Those rights are defined by economist Frederick Bastia, who wrote the book The Law. These rights are inherent, God-given rights. Kids instinctively know this is true. If they have something that they’ve worked for, you can’t go and take that away from them. That’s unfair, right? That’s their property. Freedom of Life: If someone tries to hurt or kill a person, that is not fair. That’s my right to my life. You can’t take away someone’s life; this does not allow a person to have liberty, the ability to make their own decisions and to pursue their own dreams and passions and things like that. And people can’t also get in the way of that. Then, when you understand that, add economics. Economics: A high-level principle is putting policies into place that are beneficial. The policy needs to benefit more than one group. Not only in the short term but needs to benefit all groups in the long term. And kids get that as well. The policy needs to be something that’s not just favoring a given industry or corporation or something similar; it needs to be something that really creates a fair playing field for everyone. Freedom, Economics, and Business: More points discussed: The TV series is based on the books that have sold over 5 million copies It teaches about timeless principles of freedom and economics that are not being taught in schools or in culture It’s about a Grandma who takes her twin grandkids on adventures with her time-traveling wheelchair The show is free, has over 20 episodes released, and is available for FREE on the Angel Studios app (the same distributor that brought you The Chosen). Season 2 is available. We have an episode on socialism that features Kevin Sorbo Our mission is to reach 100 million kids with the idea of freedom The show is a co-viewing experience. Kids AND parents enjoy it and learn and discuss the concepts together. It has many jokes that go right over the heads of 8-year-olds but are intended to keep parents engaged. The website is TuttleTwins.tv The post Freedom and Economics with the Tuttle Twins appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →Stress Free Summer Learning
3w agoTap to summarizeIn today’s episode, “Stress Free Summer Learning,” I’ll share easy, flexible tips to keep your kids learning without the stress. From unit studies to outdoor adventures, get ready for a fun, low-key summer of growth! Stress-Free Summer Learning: Homeschool Tips for Fun and Growth ~ Episode 562 Summer is a time for relaxation and family memories, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to keep your children’s learning on track. In this episode, I’ll share streamlined homeschool schedules that maintain educational momentum without overwhelming you or your kids. If you’ve listened to this podcast before, welcome back, and you know I only share practical tips that don’t break the bank! If you are new, welcome friend (or soon-to-be friend), and I hope you enjoy some ideas for short lesson plans, including unit studies, outdoor learning, and simple yet impactful activities. Whether you’re a year-round homeschooler or just sprinkling in some summer learning when the kids are acting bored, this podcast is for you. Thanks to our sponsor! CTCMath.com Why Stress-Free Summer Learning Matters Summer can be a balancing act with vacations and family events. However, research shows that students can lose 20-25% of their reading and math gains over the summer, known as the “summer slide.” A flexible, streamlined schedule keeps kids’ brains engaged without turning summer into a grind. The key? Flexibility. Short, meaningful activities that fit your family’s rhythm make learning feel like a refreshing summer breeze. Here’s how to make it happen. Check out this related podcast for more summer inspiration. Tip 1: Embrace Unit Studies for Focused, Fun Learning What Are Unit Studies? Unit studies are a fantastic way to streamline summer learning by diving deep into one topic, for example, oceans, dinosaurs, or space, while covering multiple subjects. For example, an ocean unit study might include: Science: Exploring marine life, weather, water cycles, buoyancy, or even scuba diving. History: Learning about the history of scuba diving Literature: Reading non-fiction books on the subject. Art: Drawing marine life or creating a coral reef diorama. It can even be hands-on and practical. Playing in a pool or tub with items that sink or float, talking about air bubbles and compression, and asking if anyone is SCUBA certified for a hands-on lesson, or visiting a dive shop. Why Unit Studies Work for Summer Unit studies are flexible, interest-driven, and low-prep, making them ideal for summer. They’re perfect for multi-age homeschooling, allowing everyone to learn at their level, and they align well with Christian principles for faith-based learning. Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers Middle School: Explore biblical archaeology or stewardship with resources like Answers in Genesis or The Bible Project. High School: Focus on apologetics with Focus on the Family’s The Truth Project or Summit Ministries. How to Get Started Pick a Topic: Ask your kids what excites them. A library trip or family poll can spark ideas. Gather Resources: Use free printables, library books, or podcasts from the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. Plan Lightly: Aim for a few short activities each week. Incorporate Hands-On Fun: Visit an aquarium or build a model submarine from recyclables. Unit studies make learning feel like an adventure, keeping both you and your kids stress-free! Tip 2: Take Learning Outdoors The Power of Outdoor Learning Outdoor activities boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve focus, according to studies. Nature is a free, open classroom ready for exploration. Outdoor Learning Ideas Nature Journaling: Sketch plants or bugs and add a Bible verse like Psalm 19:1 (“The heavens declare the glory of God”). Younger kids can record observations on a phone. Math in Motion: Draw number lines with sidewalk chalk or measure angles in a scavenger hunt. Science Experiments: Build a solar oven or test objects in a kiddie pool. History on the Go: Visit a local historical site or discuss community history during a neighborhood walk. Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers Middle School: Create scavenger hunts with Scripture or use iNaturalist or Other Websites Here to identify plants and animals. High School: Map biodiversity or photograph architecture for a church history unit with Creation Ministries International. Tips for Success Keep It Simple: A blanket and books under a tree work wonders. Be Flexible: Schedule activities for cooler parts of the day. Involve Everyone: Include siblings or neighbors for group fun. Explore our Kids’ Planner for more outdoor activity ideas. Tip 3: Use Short, Focused Activities to Maintain Momentum Bite-Sized Learning Short activities fit busy summer days and keep kids engaged without feeling overwhelmed. They also leave room for spiritual growth. Examples of Quick Activities Morning Read-Alouds or Devotionals: Read from the Bible, or your favorite devotional. Or you can read one of the library books on the topic you are studying. Flashcard Fun: Use multiplication flashcards or SAT vocabulary during breakfast. Podcast Challenges: Try our 7-Day Just for Kids Podcast Challenge for character-building activities. Daily Writing Prompts: Spark creativity with prompts like “What’s in a treasure chest?” How to Make It Work Set a Loose Routine: Plan one activity daily or a few weekly. Use Timers: Keep sessions short and focused. Celebrate Small Wins: Praise efforts with high-fives or stickers (Galatians 6:9). These quick bursts keep skills sharp while preserving summer’s joy. Tip 4: Leverage Free Resources to Keep It Low-Cost Where to Find Free Summer Learning Tools Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive. Try these free resources: Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network: Podcasts like Vintage Homeschool Moms and free printables. Podcast Challenge for Kids here. Khan Academy: Free math and science lessons. Answers in Genesis: Creation science and devotionals. The Bible Project: Animated Bible study videos. Christian Book: Free homeschool printables. Library Programs: Summer reading challenges or STEM workshops. Community Events: Free museum days or local festivals. Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers Middle School: Use Keys for Kids or Lamplighter for character-building. High Sch...
Transcribe →Raising Constitution-Loving Kids with KrisAnne Hall
4w ago00:58:29Tap to summarizeLiberty First: Raising Constitution-Loving Kids with KrisAnne Hall (Replay) Show: Vintage Homeschool Moms Host: Felice Gerwitz Guest: KrisAnne Hall, JD — Constitutional attorney, author, and founder of Liberty First University Network: Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network Episode type: Encore / Replay (originally aired 2014 — refreshed for 2026) Constitutional attorney KrisAnne Hall joins Felice Gerwitz to show homeschool moms how to raise liberty-minded kids, why she walked away from a paycheck to teach the Constitution, and what every parent should know about Common Core and school choice. A timeless replay, updated for 2026. Episode summary In this fan-favorite conversation, host Felice Gerwitz sits down with constitutional attorney and homeschool mom KrisAnne Hall. KrisAnne shares the powerful story of how she chose to keep teaching the Constitution even when it cost her a $60,000-a-year government job, and how God provided for her family every step of the way. Together they talk about why liberty is a Judeo-Christian inheritance worth passing on, why most Americans can’t name the five freedoms in the First Amendment, and how parents — not the government — hold the real responsibility for raising the next generation. KrisAnne also answers listener questions about Common Core, charter and virtual schools, vouchers, and the best way for parents to get up to speed on the Constitution so they can teach it to their kids. It’s encouraging, challenging, and packed with the kind of “I never thought about it that way” moments KrisAnne is known for. Host’s Note — Updated for 2026 This episode first aired in 2014, when “Common Core” was the education debate at every co-op meeting and kitchen table. The heart of KrisAnne’s message — that liberty is a gift we steward for our children — hasn’t aged a day. But a few of the headlines have changed, so here’s a quick update so you’re listening with 2026 eyes: Common Core has largely faded — but the framework lingers. Several states formally repealed and renamed the standards, and roughly two dozen have revised or rebranded them. Here in Florida, Governor DeSantis signed an executive order to eliminate Common Core and replaced it with the B.E.S.T. Standards (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking), phased in beginning the 2021–22 school year, which notably weave civics and the U.S. Constitution through every grade. That said, education analysts point out that many “new” state standards still carry Common Core’s DNA — so KrisAnne’s underlying point about who controls curriculum (and who funds it) is as relevant as ever. School choice exploded. When this aired, KrisAnne urged caution about vouchers and warned that “where government pays, they will dictate.” Since 2021, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) have become the dominant model, and as of 2026 around 18–19 states offer universal eligibility. Florida now has universal school choice; Louisiana launched its LA GATOR program in 2025; and Texas’s $1 billion ESA program — the largest initial funding cap in history — launches for the 2026–27 school year. As you listen, it’s worth weighing KrisAnne’s “strings attached” caution against the new landscape and deciding where you land for your own family. Where to find KrisAnne now. She is the founder and president of Liberty First University (online courses from about $20/month at libertyfirstsociety.com), still writes and teaches, and hosts The KrisAnne Hall Show. Her books referenced in this episode — Not a Living, Breathing Document, Bedtime Stories for Budding Patriots, and Essential Stories for Junior Patriots — are still available, along with newer titles like Sovereign Duty and Liberty First: The Path to Restoring America. What you’ll learn Why KrisAnne walked away from a $60,000 government job rather than stop teaching the Constitution — and how her family saw God provide Why liberty is a Judeo-Christian inheritance, not a government grant The five freedoms in the First Amendment (and why “when one falls, they all fall”) Why she believes the government didn’t intrude into education — parents invited it The difference between government, charter, and virtual schools — and her caution on vouchers How busy, traveling, on-a-budget parents can still make homeschooling work The best resources for parents to learn the Constitution well enough to teach it Episode segments (Approximate — adjust the timestamps to match your final audio file.) [00:00] Welcome and introduction — how Felice met KrisAnne at a Fort Myers history fair [03:00] “History always repeats because human nature never changes” [06:00] KrisAnne’s homeschool partnership: teaching 265 times across 22 states [10:00] The day she had to choose: keep her job or keep teaching the Constitution [15:00] Esther, Mordecai, and stepping out in faith with no income <li class="font-claude-response-body w...
Transcribe →Best Homeschool Tips
Jun 15Tap to summarizeBest Homeschool Tips – Survey Response – Episode 501 Homeschooling can be a wonderful experience, and in this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, we discuss the best homeschool tips. We surveyed our listeners. Join me to find out what they advised. Thanks to our sponsor CTC Math. CTC is a highly rated math curriculum for homeschooled students for grades K-12. The family math package makes it ideal for large families at one low price. Visit the website for more information. Last week I shared a milestone episode, 500, and the topic was Homeschool Do Overs; this episode is a continuation with a twist; I selected some of the best advice for homeschool moms who answered our survey. While the question centered on the idea of a homeschool do-over, I found that their advice better fit the category of “The Best Homeschool Tips.” Check out Homeschool Do-OVER here. During my years of homeschooling, I’ve received the most encouragement from like-minded families. I still consider my past homeschool friends to be among my closest, the reason. They experienced what I experienced; they put aside their goals and aspirations to focus on their relationship with God, their spouse, their children, their home, and their homeschool. These ladies were faithful, and most continued the homeschool journey throughout high school. Everyone did what was best for their family; my friends are wonderful news. Keep your eyes on what you and your family think is important, and ignore the rest. I learned that extended family might be well-meaning – yet, we have to decide what is best, which is a good place to start. If you have not taken the time to decide on your family goals, begin there. Best Homeschool Tips As a synopsis of the pages of recommendations and suggestions, I’ve placed them in categories; Faith, Family, Homeschool. I have edited the comments to make them easier to read on-air and kept the names anonymous! If you hear a comment you made on the survey and want to share your name, visit the podcast page at Vintage Homeschool Moms, look for episode 501, Best Homeschool Tips, and leave your comment there! See if any of these ideas resonate with you! Faith Tips: God’s to-do list and my to-do list are often very different. This mom shared that while she did make plans and lists, she found her day would go so much better when she placed her plans into God’s hand and asked him to help her accomplish what He wanted her to do. This same person shared that she prayed about her homeschool year and would lay out the curriculum and ideas, even extra curricula, before the Lord. I love this idea because being in God’s will is the goal for us as Christians. One mom said she wished she had focused more on the Bible/Apologetics and given her kids a solid foundation to launch them into a world that doesn’t value what we value. [This friend is one of the main reasons people homeschooled in the past, and it seems to have fallen off. It should be one of your main goals as homeschooling.] I would have prayed more. My passion for praying for God’s will has grown as my walk with the Lord has grown. Praying correlates to my daily peace of mind and joy, which spilled over into my homeschool classroom and my girls who were a part of it. Praying together as a family nightly and sharing praise reports. What had God done in your life each day? Homeschool Tips: You may have regrets, but choosing to homeschool your children will never be one of them. Another mom wished she had unschooled and not tried to mimic public school in the early years. Another shared she never intended to homeschool and was, and I quote, “literally thrust into it with no other options at the time. I had no time to research…it was just gone. We only planned to homeschool one year…but this fall is the start of our 12th year, with 13 more years to go.” She said the younger kids definitely will benefit from my early misses. (I love this!) Another stated she wished she had been homeschooled from the start! [In fact, many of you said the same thing!] She began homeschooling when her daughter was in middle school, and it has been the biggest blessing for the family. She feels she missed out on time with her daughter. This is what many people say. Take more field trips and fun days in junior high and high school. Another mom shared she wish she had made school more fun. Have the children each try a class at the local college for dual enrollment, realizing it wasn’t all or nothing. (I did this with two high school students, and it worked extremely well. I was still part of their schooling; they took classes at home and experienced college-level classes where I could help them with good study habits.) This same mom shared that they would not stop doing math over the summer as I did for too many years, as her kids would have benefited from the extra practice. Helped her high schoolers prepare for and take CLEP exams. CLEP exams give a student credit for the class instead of having to take it in college. If your student tests well, this is a good option. One mother shared that her third child, for many reasons, went into a private school in the seventh grade. The world pulled him away from us, and we have major regrets. Another mom said she allowed her daughter to mainstream back into public school in 10th grade. She lasted two years before begging to homeschool again. It caused a lot of unnecessary trauma for the entire family. She said, knowing what I know now about what goes on in those institutions, she wouldn’t let any of her children set foot in public school again. [Friends, don’t think private or Christian schools are the answer; we can be hands-off. We must often grab our kid’s hearts early on; if not, we can start today! I published a book some years back, Secret Code Time: Creating an Unbreakable Bond Between Parent and Child. It is available on my website in limited qualities in print and eBook. I also have podcasts on the topic of kids and relationships. This is key! I wish I had focused on child-led learning sooner. I wish I had been better at making life skills part of our learning when my kids were younger. (We have a Life Skills podcast with Lisa Nehring that you should check out on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. Another said she wished they had more fun and more often. One mom said she would be confident about homeschooling, which comes from experience. Another mom said to avoid the online “all in one” curriculum. She admitted that using books with mom, lead teaching takes more time and work, yet she felt more in control and recognized the gaps her children had sooner. She said with online learning, her kids rushed through lessons, and it seems retained little. She also said it was difficult to change in middle and high school. I would encourage this mom that it is not too late to change, and while it might include allowing them to stay in this curriculum until she figures out what she wants to teach and how, it will be something she does not regret. Testing for learning difficulties early on so that intervention and different curricula would be used. Some parents spoke about specific curriculums. I don’t want to be negative about certain curriculums, but I want to say that Charlotte Mason’s inspiration is great, especially in her younger years. Avoid bandwagon curriculums or groups. We use unit studies early on in my children’s homeschool, and I loved the idea of learning together and supplementing with math and reading when needed. Family: One mom said – that when homeschooling multiple children, remember they were individuals, which would have released expectations that they would learn similarly. I wish I had modeled self-care a little bit more. Another mom said, “I … know my children better than anyone, and I love them more than anyone, and looking at the result, I would spend less time worrying about what other people think, including family members who are passive-aggressive toward homeschooling or just plain don’t understan...
Transcribe →Cleaning with Kids
Jun 8Tap to summarize Cleaning With Kids From the Vintage Homeschool Moms show with Felice Gerwitz Sponsored by CTCMath.com I’ll be honest: I never liked cleaning. For years I got no pleasure out of it at all. I still remember my mother-in-law saying, “Doesn’t everything just look so great after you clean?” and thinking, yes — but by the time I got there I was too worn out to enjoy it. So when I tell you I’ve come a long way on cleaning, and on cleaning with my kids, I mean it. Here’s how it happened, and what I’ve learned along the way. New Hear? Give these podcasts a listen 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 A little house that taught me a lot Our first home was about 1,200 square feet. My mother sweetly called it a dollhouse — her positive spin on tiny bedrooms. It turned out to be the perfect place to learn how to clean and clean well. There simply wasn’t room for junk to pile up. I’m a big fan of shelving, so I had my husband put shelves up in the living room and down the hall, and that helped tremendously. The real lesson took me years to absorb: you need a place for everything. Back then, when company was coming, we’d just dump everything into the spare bedroom and shut the door. That is not a system. When we moved into our current home, we jumped from 1,200 to 2,800 square feet. I looked at all that cabinet space under the bathroom sinks and thought, I will never fill this up. Of course I did. More room actually made the house junkier, because there was always somewhere to set things down. Around that time I started a publishing business, which gave me the perfect excuse to finally hire a cleaning lady. It freed me to work — but I still kept the family picking up, and my kids still had chores. When everyone pitches in Years later we added on again so my father could move in with us. By then the house had grown to seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, and two stories — far too much to pay someone else to clean. So my husband sat down and divided up the work. I’d been married to this man for many years and couldn’t recall him ever volunteering to clean, so I was curious what he had in mind. “I’ll do all the floors,” he said — and if you knew how much tile we have, you’d know that’s no small offer. Going room by room, we discovered something useful: every room can be divided into age-appropriate jobs. There are things the little ones can do, things the older kids handle, and things that belong to Mom and Dad. Over time everyone settled into the tasks they actually enjoy, and it’s remarkable how that works out. One of my daughters loves to pop in her earplugs and run the floors — that’s her thing. The boys are happiest on the lawn mower, weed-eating, and taking care of the pool. One liked setting the table, another emptying the dishwasher. Nobody likes dishes — except my husband, who actually enjoys them. And we all love to cook. The point is, when people get to lean into what they like, the work stops feeling like a battle. Do’s and don’ts for little ones The big “don’t” is harsh chemicals. We’re serious about non-toxic in our house, so I don’t buy many cleaners — most we make ourselves or buy from gentler companies. I do keep some bleach, but I never hand bleach or ammonia to a child; those are far too harsh. For years we made our own mild homemade window cleaner, and the kids loved it, because what kids really love is a spray bottle. Honestly, you can fill one with plain water and they’ll be just as thrilled. Good jobs for little ones: dusting with a cloth, sweeping with a smaller adjustable handle, and using one of those lightweight battery-powered swivel sweepers. Ours started out costing around $99 when they first appeared and now go for about $15. They don’t last forever, but they’re perfect for small hands, and during the years we had them our floors were spotless because everyone wanted a turn. Heavier vacuums are usually too much for a little one, but a vacuum wand can work. Why ask kids to clean at all — especially someone like me, who avoided it for years? Because it builds genuine character. Even when we could afford help, I never let the cleaning lady do my children’s rooms top to bottom. The kids still straightened their rooms, stripped their own sheets, put away their clothes, and helped fold laundry. I didn’t want them to feel entitled. And I always kept the little ones nearby while they worked — in the same room or close enough that I could keep an eye on them. Room by room Bathrooms. My braver daughter lets her kids clean the toilet under close supervision; I never have. She still laughs about the day one of her children proudly dragged a dripping toilet brush through the house to show her — doubling the work, since now the floors needed sanitizing too. My rule was simple: Mom does the toilet, tub, tile, and showers. The kids handle floors, faucets, sink bowls, and mirrors. My favorite trick for little ones is a magic eraser on the baseboards and doors — the spots I always neglected because I hated bending down. Our big white baseboards show every fingerprint, and those erasers clean them beautifully. Long-handled scrub brushes on the sinks are another winner; kids love to scrub. Bedrooms. The children help strip their sheets, and with supervision they love loading the washer — though I always say, “only Mommy does the soap.” We dust weekly and de-junk as we go. If a stray Lego or little toy turns up, I ask them to put it back where it belongs before it gets broken. I keep dresser tops clear, and we tackle just one or two drawers a week. Do that consistently and the whole dresser stays organized — and because the kids helped, they keep it neater. Every few months we pull the beds from the wall to vacuum behind them, and once a year, usually in summer, we do the heavy lifting: everything comes off the shelves, gets dusted well, and goes back. It’s a process, not an overnight project. Right now we’re in the middle of converting our schoolroom for high school, swapping out two wobbly desks we’d tightened and repaired for fifteen years — and even mid-project, the tidied-up space is finally giving me that good feeling my mother-in-law described. Kitchen. A magic eraser is wonderful here too, depending on your appliances. We have all stainless now, and while I love the look, I found the old white porcelain easier to clean — and stainless products tend to be harsher, so I only let the older kids use them. I always teach the same spraying habit: spray into the cloth, or stand back so you don’t catch the overspray in your face. With little ones, I clean and they buff afterward. They love the gadgets, so I tease my grandkids when they walk in — “We’re going to clean!” — and they cheer. We too often skip letting little ones help because we assume it’ll be more work, but my mother-in-law eventually went from wishing the kids would get out of the way to wondering how she’d ever manage without their he...
Transcribe →Just For Kids Time Capsule
Jun 100:15:46Tap to summarizeHey kids! Have you ever wondered about time capsules? What about a just for kids time capsule? Time Capsules are treasure boxes filled with pieces of today that you can open years from now. Imagine digging up a box from the past and seeing what life was like for someone just like you! In this fun Just For Kids episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, we’ll explore what a time capsule is and get your ideas flowing for one you can make at home. Create a Homeschool Time Capsule ~ Episode 579 Just For Kids– Fun Faith-Filled Memory Activity for Kids What Is a Homeschool Time Capsule? A time capsule is a special container you fill with items, notes, drawings, or small treasures that capture a moment in your life. You seal it up and place it somewhere you won’t be tempted to look at it! Give it to your parents or place it somewhere that is out of reach. It would be fun to bury it in the backyard or somewhere that is clearly marked (with permission!). When you open it later, those things become memories that tell a story about who you were, what you loved, and what was happening in your world. Think about stories you’ve read or shows you’ve watched where explorers find old coins, letters, or toys from long ago. Those discoveries spark excitement and help us learn about the people who came before us. Your own time capsule can do the same thing for your future self or even your children one day! Sponsored by CTCMath.com Why Make a Time Capsule with Your Family? Do you ever think, “I’m sure to remember this!” and then forget? That happens to all of us. We have a great day at an event like a county fair or a birthday party. Think about one thing you ate or something you purchased or won? Maybe you are part of a band or play sports. Did you get a ribbon or special honor? One time, my children played baseball (and my daughter played softball). When they received the “King’s Award,” it showed godly character and good sportsmanship. They knew I thought that was the best award, even better than getting “Most Valuable Player.” (Of course, a mom would think that is the best!) What is important to you? What hobbies do you have? What is a favorite book or book series that you read? A homeschool time capsule helps preserve these special moments and reminds us of God’s blessings in our daily lives. Time Capsule Ideas You can put almost anything in your time capsule—as long as it’s safe and won’t spoil. Here are some original ideas to spark your creativity: A photo of you and one of your family. Your favorite day so far. What is something wonderful that has happened to you that you want to remember? A letter to your future self. What would you tell yourself in five or ten years? Something that is happening in our world today. A handwritten “Top 10 Things I’m Thankful to God For” list from right now. A small drawing or a list of your favorite Bible verses. Why is it meaningful? Your current favorite bookmark (or one you decorated yourself) with the title of your favorite book (or series). Your favorites. Whether this is a sport, a collection, a television series, or something else. What is your “favorite” right now if you had to pick one? A favorite worship song or song you like. (You can list more than one.) A sketch or photo of the view from your bedroom window or homeschool desk. A “day in the life” note describing what a normal homeschool morning looks like for you this year. A special rock, shell, or something you’ve collected from nature, on a family adventure, with the date and place written on it. A sample page from your prayer journal. The wrapper or label from your favorite snack (or homemade treat) that your family enjoys together. What would you put in? My recommendation is to use something waterproof or place it in a waterproof container if you are storing it outside. Something like a plastic container with a tight lid, or even a giant mason jar. Decorate the outside to make it look special. Write the date on it and when you plan to open it—maybe in five years, ten years, or when you turn eighteen! Scripture to Remember “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20). I hope your time capsule reminds you of what is important to you and how our lives are always changing. What is important today isn’t always important in the future, and a time capsule is a snapshot of time that demonstrates this to us in a real way. Listen to the full episode for even more ideas, questions to ask each other, and ways to make this a meaningful family project. More Vintage Homeschool Moms Episodes for You to Enjoy Just For Kids: Fun with Scripture Memory Homeschooling with Little Ones: Making Memories Creative Homeschool Projects That Last Family Faith Activities for All Ages Simple Homeschool Keepsakes and Traditions Recommended Resources from Media Angels Store Organize IT Planners – Wonderful for tracking special memories and projects to include in your time capsule. Character Counts Planners – Faith-filled tools to help kids reflect on godly character moments worth preserving. The post Just For Kids Time Capsule appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →Time Boosters for the Busy Homeschool Moms
May 25Tap to summarizeTime Boosters for the Busy Homeschool Mom: Simple Productivity Tips That Actually Work Are you constantly overwhelmed by your homeschool schedule, household responsibilities, and endless to-do lists? In this encouraging episode of Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network’s Vintage Homeschool Moms, host Felice Gerwitz shares practical and faith-filled strategies to help busy homeschool moms reclaim their time, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters. Sponsored by CTCMath, this episode offers realistic productivity advice for homeschool families who feel like there are never enough hours in the day. Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone Do you ever feel like: Your homeschool schedule is impossible to keep up with? Your to-do list never gets shorter? You’re constantly busy but not accomplishing what matters most? You end each day exhausted and discouraged? Felice reminds homeschool moms that the problem often isn’t laziness or failure—it’s unrealistic expectations, poor prioritization, and trying to do too much at once. In this episode, she shares simple mindset shifts and practical systems that helped her balance homeschooling, parenting, business ownership, podcasting, and family life more peacefully and effectively. Key Takeaways from This Episode 1. Take Time to Recharge Spiritually One of the biggest productivity boosters isn’t another planner—it’s spending intentional time with God. Felice encourages moms to: Begin the day with prayer and Scripture Create quiet moments throughout the day Invite children into a peaceful, faith-filled atmosphere Focus on spiritual renewal instead of constant hustle She reminds listeners that an empty vessel cannot continue pouring into others. 2. Identify What’s Stealing Your Time Sometimes the biggest time-wasters are habits we don’t even notice: Constant phone interruptions Checking emails at the wrong times Starting unnecessary tasks before leaving the house Overcommitting daily schedules Procrastination disguised as productivity Learning to recognize these patterns can dramatically improve your homeschool day. 3. Create a Simple Planning System Felice shares an easy A-B-C-D-E planning method for organizing: Daily priorities Weekly responsibilities Monthly goals Her system helps moms: Delegate responsibilities Identify tasks only they can do Prioritize effectively Reduce mental overload Stop feeling guilty about unfinished lists 4. Focus on What Truly Matters At the heart of this episode is an important reminder: If there was only one thing you could accomplish today, what would matter most? For Felice, it’s making sure her children and family know they are loved. This episode challenges homeschool moms to: Reevaluate priorities Let go of perfectionism Focus on relationships over performance Build a peaceful homeschool atmosphere Mentioned in This Episode Goodbye Survival Mode by Crystal Paine Flourish at Home by Mary Jo Tate Media Angels resources and online classes American History and Government courses from Media Angels Encouragement for Homeschool Moms Homeschooling isn’t about accomplishing every task perfectly. It’s about building relationships, nurturing faith, and creating a home centered on what matters most. If you’ve been feeling burned out, discouraged, or behind, this episode will encourage you to slow down, simplify, and take back control of your time with grace and purpose. Listen to More Encouraging Homeschool Podcasts Discover more homescho...
Transcribe →Homeschool Time Capsule
May 1800:20:21Tap to summarizeThe idea of a time capsule isn’t new, but what about a homeschool time capsule? Something you can store and look back upon at the beginning or end of your new school year? In this encouraging episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, Felice Gerwitz shares a simple, faith-filled idea that adds a beautiful new dimension to making memories and remembering God’s faithfulness in your homeschool journey. Sponsored by CTCMath.com Homeschool Time Capsule ~ Episode 578 Preserve Memories, Faith & Family Legacy ~ Vintage Homeschool Moms with Felice Gerwitz Whether you’re just starting homeschooling or have years of experience, this project doesn’t take much time, uses household items, and is perfect for families who want to remember the good times, learn from the challenges, and pass on a legacy of faith to the next generation. Homeschool Time Capsule Suggestions What a homeschool time capsule is and why it’s a powerful tool for your family Step-by-step instructions: How to make one that’s simple, meaningful, and durable What to include: Photos, artwork, handwriting samples, favorite Bible verses, prayers, milestones, and more Best storage ideas so no one peeks too soon Suggested timelines (end-of-year to next year, or beginning to end of school year, 5 years, 10 years, or graduation) How to open it with celebration, gratitude, and family fanfare Using the capsule as a learning tool: What worked in your homeschool? What didn’t? Fun ideas from the kids: What they want to save for the family time capsule Scripture connection: Creating your own “stones of remembrance” (Joshua 4) Why This Matters for Homeschool Families. In the busyness of lesson plans and daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s hand at work. A homeschool time capsule helps you pause, give thanks, and treasure the heart lessons alongside the academics. It becomes a beautiful way to show your children (and future grandchildren) how your family loved, learned, and followed Christ together. Practical Ideas to Get Started Gather a sturdy container (plastic bin, wooden box, or large mason jar) Include current photos, copywork, drawings, height charts, and family prayers Let each child contribute something special Pray over the capsule before sealing it Plan a joyful opening with snacks, praise music, and storytelling Next Episode: Kids Homeschool Time Capsule – How each child can create their own unique one. Personal ownership, independence, and even deeper faith reflection! Additional Vintage Homeschool Moms Episodes for Listening These episodes offer more encouragement on memory-making, reflection, family bonding, and evaluating your homeschool year: Backyard Bible Adventures – Faith and fun activities that build lasting memories. Creating an Unbreakable Bond with Your Child (Secret Code Time) – Practical ways to deepen family connections. How to Evaluate Your Homeschool Year (With a Simple Teaching Checklist) – Reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Renew Your Homeschooling: Finding Your Why – Encouragement to stay rooted in purpose. Curriculum Confessions: What Worked and What Flopped – Honest reflections on homeschool lessons learned. Thanksgiving Memory Book – A wonderful companion for creating family memory books and preserving special traditions. Media Angels Book & Resource Recommendations Enhance your time capsule project and ongoing homeschool journey with these faith-filled resources from Felice Gerwitz at MediaAngels.com/store: A Few Minutes with God eBook + Study Guide – Perfect for including personalized Scripture reflections and family devotionals in your capsule. Creation Science: A Study Guide (and related Creation Astronomy/Geology packs) – Hands-on projects that create wonderful mementos and science memories. Secret Code Time eBook – Builds on the unbreakable bond theme and makes a great addition to family time capsules. Character Counts Planners and Organize IT Planners – Printables ideal for tracking milestones and goals to include in your capsules. Resources & Links Printable questionnaires and faith-based time capsule ideas (search Christian family sites for “faith time capsule printable”). Related Scripture: Joshua 4, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Sponsor: CTCMath.com – Make math moments that last! Share & Connect Tag your photos #VHMTimeCapsule and join the conversation in the Ultimate Homeschool Moms community. How will your family create memories this year? About Vintage Homeschool Moms Hosted by Felice Gerwitz, Vintage Homeschool Moms preserves the best of the past while blessing future generations. Encouragement, practical tips, and faith-filled wisdom for Christian and Catholic homeschool families. Part of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. Subscribe & Never Miss an Episode Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | RSS | Email Complete show notes help you jump-start your own adventure at home. Check out more podcasts on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. The post Homeschool Time Capsule appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →Backyard Bible Adventures
May 1100:30:02Tap to summarizeFaith and fun do go hand-in-hand. In this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms, your host Felice Gerwitz shares a great way to make Backyard Bible adventures a reality. Complete show notes help you jump-start your own adventure at home. Check out more podcasts on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. Sponsored by CTCMath.com Backyard Bible Adventures for Tweens Episode Low-Cost Outdoor Explorations That Deepen Faith and Connect Kids to God’s Creation As a homeschool mom who has led countless Bible camps and volunteered at summer programs, I often returned home worn out yet inspired. That experience sparked a desire to create something simpler and more meaningful for my own family. I developed a days-of-creation themed curriculum that turned everyday backyard moments into powerful faith lessons. With help from my college-aged daughter, Christina, co-author of the Truth Seeker’s Mystery Series, we designed hands-on activities and a complete supply list. Today, we offer the Creation Camp as printable student workbooks, along with a parent guide and a full supply list, at MediaAngels.com/store. (Limited ready-to-go kits with supplies may be available soon—join our mailing list for first notice!) These outdoor adventures bring Genesis to life through nature, science, and Scripture. They work especially well for tweens, who thrive when they lead activities, mentor younger siblings, and explore God’s world right outside the door. Best of all, everything stays low-cost and screen-free, using items you already have at home or can find cheaply. Why Backyard Bible Adventures Work for Multi-Age Families Tweens crave independence yet still love family connection (for the most part). These backyard Bible adventures let them take charge, while younger children can join in with simpler tasks. My favorite end result is making memories and giving the kids time to think. These goals are a double blessing. I built these ideas on the foundation of our original Creation Camp, giving them a fresh outdoor twist. Your children can journal observations, map their “Bible journeys” using a compass, and help set up and build creation stations with simple experiments that make Genesis feel alive and real. How to Host Your Own Backyard Bible Adventure Camp Run this as a full-week camp or spread it across weekends, whatever fits your family’s schedule. Each day focuses on one or two creation days, with tween-friendly challenges that build observation and problem-solving skills, which foster connections to Scripture. I’ve included a key Bible verse and journal prompt for each session to encourage reflection. Grab your family Bible and dive deeper as the Holy Spirit leads! Feel free to use your favorite version. Day One and Two: Light, Darkness, and the Waters Begin with a simple “Light and Dark Exploration” on a sunny afternoon. Use a magnifying glass for the Sun’s Heat experiment: place a small piece of chocolate on a plate and focus sunlight on it. Watch it melt as you discuss how God created light on Day One and separated it from darkness. (This will lead the children to expand their search for other things to redirect the sun’s light. Warning: leaves and paper may be set on fire. Ask me how I know!) Shift to water with a “Make It Rain” activity or paper boat float-or-sink test. Fill a clear bowl with water, add food coloring and a drop of dish soap to create swirling “storms.” Another fun activity is to create paper boats (experiment with different shapes and sizes) for the float test. My kids were creative and used aluminum foil (because paper gets waterlogged fairly quickly). Allow them to think and be as creative as they can! Kids love predicting outcomes and testing household items. These quick experiments open natural conversations about God’s power over creation. You can also add competition with a boat design that stays afloat the longest. The kids can add pennies or other equal-weight items to test the strength of their design. Bible Verse (Genesis 1:3-7) Journal Prompt: Draw or describe what happened in one of the light or water experiments. Then write: “How does seeing God’s power over light and water help me trust Him more in my own life?” Day Three: Dry Land and Plants Outdoor activity is best in your backyard (or on a small patio). Even if your yard is mostly grass, concrete, or limited in variety, this day still works beautifully with simple adjustments. Give each child a notebook or sheet of paper and send them on a “Creation Collection Hunt.” Challenge them to find as many different examples of God’s “kinds” as possible: rocks, pebbles, twigs, grass blades, leaves, flowers, weeds, or any natural items in the yard. If your backyard is sparse, take a quick 10-minute walk around the block or neighborhood, or bring in a small bag of potting soil, dried beans/lentils from the pantry (as fast-sprouting “seeds”), and a few extra leaves or flowers. Set up a simple “Dry Land Model” using two shallow trays, aluminum pans, or even cookie sheets. Fill one with soil, sand, or dirt from the yard to represent dry land. Fill the other with water. Let the tweens arrange their collected rocks, twigs, and plant items on the “land” side to show how God separated the waters and brought forth dry ground. Next, plant fast-sprouting seeds such as radish, bean, or lentil seeds in clear plastic cups or recycled yogurt containers filled with potting soil or yard dirt. Place them in a sunny spot and have tweens measure the growth and sketch changes in their journals each day. For a hands-on land-and-plant connection, do leaf rubbings or a simple pressed-plant collage: Place leaves or flat flowers under plain paper and rub with the side of a crayon or pencil to reveal beautiful designs. Or glue collected leaves, seeds, and small twigs onto paper to create a “God’s Kinds of Plants” mosaic. Younger children can help sort items by type, water the planted cups, or make their own rubbings. Bible Verse (Genesis 1:9-11) Journal Prompt: Sketch one item collected. Write about how God designed even the smallest details with purpose and what that teaches you about His care for you. Day Four: Sun, Moon, and Stars Build a homemade sundial using a stick and rocks to track shadows through the day. At dusk, create “sparkling stars” with pipe cleaners or poke constellation patterns (like Orion) into Dixie cups and shine a flashlight through them onto a sheet. Try the meteorite impact demo: fill a cookie sheet with flour, sprinkle paprika on top, and drop small rocks from different heights. This leads naturally into a faith-building discussion about comets and the young-earth timeline. Comets are like dirty snowballs of ice, dust, and rock. Each time they pass near the sun, some ice melts, releasing dust that becomes meteors. Scientists note that short-period comets last only about 10,000 years or less before disintegrating. If the solar system were billions of years old, would comets be gone? Yes! Yet we still see them. The “Oort Cloud” theory remains an unproven guess with no direct evidence. Therefore, I trust the Bible’s timeline: God created the heavens and the earth thousands of years ago, which explains why comets and meteors still exist today. End with evening stargazing (use a red light to preserve night vision) and verses about the heavens declaring God’s glory. Bible Verse: (Genesis 1:14-17) Journal Prompt: Draw the sundial shadow or a constellation you observed. Reflect: “How do the sun, moon, and stars remind me that God keeps perfect order in the universe—and in my life?” Day Five: Fish, Birds, and a Scavenger Hunt Adventure Transform your yard into a nature detective zone. Use a scavenger hunt list to find everyday items made from rocks, minerals, coal, or petroleum (pencil, plastic bag, aluminum can). Add a Bible-journey map: draw a simple backyard map, label “stations” inspired by Abraham’s travels or the Israelites’ wilderness wanderings, and hide clues. Use a compass to navigate, rea...
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