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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Best Homeschool Tips
2w agoTap 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
3w agoTap 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 help. That’s exactly wh...
Transcribe →Just For Kids Time Capsule
4w ago00:15:46Tap 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...
Transcribe →Happy Kids Don’t Need Wi-Fi
May 400:18:47Tap to summarizeRaising happy kids is a goal for most parents. Many of us have learned the hard way that indulgent children who are self-absorbed in “screen-time” are often the least delightful to be around and seem distant. In this episode, Felice Gerwitz shares how she centered her homeschool lifestyle away from screens and toward family engagement, ultimately fostering a close-knit family. Happy Kids Don’t Need Wi-Fi: Reclaiming Family Joy Sponsored by CTCMath.com In this upside-down world, it’s often hard to believe that raising truly happy kids is still possible. In today’s episode, I tackle the real issues plaguing our families and share the essential “arsenal” every Christian home needs. Your home should be a safe haven—a place of peace, protection, and joy for those you love most. Homeschool families have such a wonderful advantage because our children are with us every day. I’m so thankful for the brave pioneers who fought for our freedom to homeschool in all 50 states. Raising happy kids is something every parent longs for, no matter how young or old your children are. It’s only possible when we keep a clear vision and focus in this noisy, cluttered world. We’re constantly bombarded by news, social media, and endless shiny distractions. Many of us also carry fear about what the future holds. That’s why I made some deliberate decisions for my own family—choices that truly changed our lives for the better. Learning from the Past and Looking to the Future When my husband and I were young parents, we moved to what people in our area called “the country.” We bought 2.5 acres of swamp land and built a simple three-bedroom, two-bath home. My husband cleared non-native trees, dug a pond for fill dirt, and raised the house so floodwaters wouldn’t reach us. That land gave us the gift of getting away from it all. For seven blessed years we had no cable TV. We only received local news and a few stations, so the television stayed off most of the time—except for rented VHS movies. Instead, our children Neal and Christina explored the outdoors, dug in the dirt, fished in our pond, and learned about God’s creation. We read stacks of books, played games, and homeschooled in a very simple way because homeschool textbooks were hard to find back then. We went on field trips almost every week. I turned every outing into a learning adventure—even car rides became mini faith lessons, grammar reviews, or counting games. (“How many blue cars or trucks can you count?”) A few years later we had three more children, and life was still much the same—until cable and Wi-Fi made their way into our neighborhood. I was determined things wouldn’t change… but of course they did. It’s hard when Dad comes home bone-tired and just wants to veg in front of the television with the kids. My husband would sneak in a treat before supper (without the kids seeing!) and then head outside to play with them. That gave me a few precious minutes of alone time and helped me plan ways to encourage family reading instead of constant screen time. One compromise that worked well for us was Friday night pizza and movie night. It helped balance my desire for almost no television with my husband’s natural inclination to turn it on whenever he saw it! Homeschooling was my daily opportunity to steer our children toward hands-on learning while weaving in precious family time. Our Household Routines That Made a Difference Here are some of the simple rhythms we kept in our home: Prayer comes first—Bible study or a short religious lesson every morning. No television or video streaming without explicit permission and a clear time limit. Daily time outdoors to explore and play. Each child pursued a hobby or sport they loved. Regular family reading time. Shared family meals around the table. Consistent evening routines. Family prayer time together every night. If your husband (or wife, if you’re a homeschool dad listening) isn’t fully on board yet, don’t worry. You have the entire homeschool day to gently incorporate these values. That’s exactly what I did to strike a peaceful balance between what Mom and Dad thought was important. The Growing Screen-Free Movement I’m so encouraged to see more young parents today keeping their children off digital devices and choosing hands-on, nature-based activities and even “antique” toys instead. While the average screen time for U.S. kids is still very high, a wonderful pushback is growing among parents who feel disconnected from their children because of technology. The truth is simple: when children are busy interacting with siblings and friends, they are happier and more engaged in ways that really matter. In your homeschool, this is easy to put into practice. Set aside screen-free blocks and fill them with hands-on science activities (like those in my Creation Science Study Guides), drawing, painting, crochet, needlepoint, or building projects. Give your kids some chairs, sheets, and blankets and watch them build a fort in minutes—it’s wonderful for problem-solving skills! Once the fort is up, add pillows and books. Be sure to crawl inside and join them—they will love it! Making Memories Outdoors I’m not a natural camper at heart, but for most of our homeschool years we camped four or five times a year. We traveled all up and down the coast of Florida—from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Keys to Florida Caverns State Park in the north. We turned those trips into rich learning experiences without the kids even realizing it was “school.” They learned directions, how to read a compass, navigation by the stars and sun, vegetation, and animal habitats. We joined guided nature walks when we could, and in the evenings we told stories around the campfire. Even rainy days brought joy! We’d bundle everyone into the car, go out for breakfast, and sometimes make new homeschool friends—like the family that invited all fifteen of us into their home on a soggy day. What a blessing! Practical Ideas You Can Use Right Away You can easily add simple STEM activities or DIY projects to your day. Ask your children what topics they’re excited to learn more about. Consider low-tech gifts for birthdays—wooden train tracks, building sets, art supplies, or sports equipment. Just last week while my grandchildren were visiting, we pulled out our huge bin of wooden train tracks. My grandson built an elaborate layout all by himself that stretched under coffee tables and partway down the hallway. He was so proud and happy! The older children designed custom t-shirts with the Cricut (computer time was limited to design and printing only). Everyone stayed happily engaged, talking, laughing, and creating together—with far fewer meltdowns than video games usually cause. That was one of the main reasons I limited screens with my own children—the constant bickering that seemed to come with them! My Prayer for You I pray you’ll sit down and create your own list of screen-free activities and then truly enjoy time with your children. Sneak in some learning whenever you can, and just watch them. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the joy that returns to your home. Happy kids really don’t need Wi-Fi—they need our presence, prayer, play, and a family that points them to Christ. For More Listening on the Vintage Homeschool Moms Podcast If you enjoyed today’s episode, you may also like these: Best Homeschool Scheduling Advice Top 10 Parenting Secrets with Felice Gerwitz Overcoming Homes...
Transcribe →Mother’s Day Gifts She’ll Love
Apr 27Tap to summarizeMother’s Day Gifts, aka “What Mom Really Wants,” is the topic for today’s podcast. As a long-time mom – my first child was born in 1980 – I’ve had some experience *WINK* celebrating Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day has been a time of joy and, truthfully a time of hardship! We moms want to be grateful for whatever we have. While this is true, and I am grateful, I’ve also struggled. Listen as I share some tips for the best Mother’s Day gifts ever, and be sure to subscribe to the Vintage Homeschool Moms podcast! This episode is brought to you by CTCMath.com – a wonderful math curriculum for all of your homeschool needs, or to brush up on new skills. Mother’s Day Gifts – What Mom Really Wants Episode 271 New Here? Check Out These Popular Episodes: 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 I’m including something personal at the end — so stay tuned for Mother’s Day Gifts that I now learn to except and enjoy! I’ve had some exhausting Mother’s Days! When my children were little, I was sleep deprived, and I don’t do well with little sleep. I’m not one of those people that thrives on four hours or less and feels so productive. No, I’m the crash and burn Mom who would fall asleep while nursing my baby in the middle of the day. When baby number two came along, baby number one was a wild-man two-year-old, and he kept me awake in the day, so no worries about falling asleep! At least baby number one was sleeping through the night, and two, well, let’s say she finally slept all night at age four! Then came numbers three, four, and five. A larger home, and guess what? Our home turned into a party central. All of the family came for Mother’s Day dinner, and somehow my day turned into a frustration for all. The kids and my husband had to help clean up, I had to cook, and everything had to be perfect when the first mom came! I finally became wise and learned that with these easy tips, I could reclaim my Mother’s Day! First of all, I had to think about what I really wanted to do. Did I want to go out to a costly meal? Did I want a gift that we couldn’t really afford? Did I want to stress my husband and kids by wondering, “What does mom really want for Mother’s Day? Truthfully the best Mother’s Day gift is to be appreciated and loved. Those precious handwritten cards with “Mommy, I love you!” are the ultimate best! Mother’s Day gift selection for me from my family was not working! After years of costly presents, presents that didn’t fit, household items I didn’t want, and the worse, costly flower bouquets ordered and delivered by the florist–have you seen how much they cost?! I said enough! We needed to cut back financially and it was getting so out of hand. It all came to a head, after the following event. One Mother’s Day, after church and breakfast, my husband decided to take the three younger children fishing. Our subdivision has many small ponds and drainage streams/ ditches where fish abound. He was doing this to give me “alone time.” As I sat with my feet propped up, enjoying my day, my older son came home and looked smug. I knew something was up! Later I learned from the little kids–you’ve gotta love them; they can’t keep a secret–“Dad called up Neal and asked him to buy and bring us flowers — your Mother’s Day gift — to us– at the pond! Isn’t that great Mom?” So much for secrets. I certainly gave flower delivery an entirely different spin! Yes, as my husband walked in to hand me flowers! A gift. And I was grateful, especially for the smaller price tag, but I decided that day…it’s now or never time to take charge of my own Mother’s Day gift! First, my sanity tips for Mom, and next, my ideas for the best gifts ever — or ones I’d enjoy! Here are my Mother’s Day Sanity tips: 1. If you are cooking, make an easy meal: Baked Ham, store-bought scalloped or mashed potatoes, frozen or canned veggies, and prepared salads. 2. Do a potluck. Everyone loves to show off a special recipe. Assign different entrees or sides and desserts to those attending and let everyone else help with the meal. 3. Use paper products. The trees will survive another day. 4. Flowers. Buy yourself some. You can get them locally at a discount. Make your own arrangements. Hint: Use all of one color and baby’s breath for filler. You can not mess up. I promise! 5. Do something for you. Is it a 15-minute uninterrupted shower or soak in the tub? Is it a manicure? Is it a book that you want to read? What I’ve learned from the thirty-eight years of being a mom… many times, your family wants you to have the perfect day because they really do love and appreciate you; they need help! Being proactive goes a long way to making your day wonderful! My favorite Mother’s Day gift was going to church, then out to the beach, and one of our favorite casual restaurants. There is a pizza restaurant that has an extensive sandwich, and salad menu as well. Here we can sit with an amazing view and enjoy each other’s company. The food is delicious and then we can go to the beach and enjoy a few hours before it gets too hot! When we get home, the kids help clean out the car; it gets vacuumed while I shower. Then, prep for an evening meal handled by my now grown-up teens and husband! Things have changed but then, I had to ask for the change, something we moms don’t want to do! Suggestions for Great Mother’s Day Gift Ideas: 1. Gift Subscriptions – sometimes there are subscriptions I won’t buy for myself and I really want. This is my top list. DO you have any you would add? Audible Kindle Unlimited or other eReader subscriptions Streaming movie channels – like Hallmark *wink Streaming radio channels 2. Coupons from kids I love you mommy notes! Neck messages “Chore upgrade” coupons Car wash 3. Flower bushes Rose bushes Flowers planted Mulch Tree planted 4. Household Trash emptied each day! House cleaned Floors cleaned 5. Devices Sleeve for laptop New phone case eReader Battery charger Relax. Have Fun. Enjoy Your Day. Enjoy this podcast? Listen in to these: Tips to Strengthen the Mother-Daughter Relationship Flowers for Mom The post Mother’s Day Gifts She’ll Love appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →Math The Easy Way (Special Replay)
Apr 2000:36:57Tap to summarizeMath The Easy Way – Episode 435 Special Replay Are you ready for math the easy way? Enjoy my special guest Pat Murray – he’s been a math teacher and coach for more than thirty-six years. And would you believe that Over that time, the programs and courses Pat and his company developed have helped students and families numbering in the tens and hundreds of thousands in more than seventy-two countries. So no matter where you live this information is accessible! Pat and his beautiful wife Maree live in Sydney Australia, have 10 children, and 7 grandchildren – soon to be 8 (next month). So, we are going to delve into seven of the most valuable tips for teaching math to kids –of all ages. I was amazed that your math programs have one low cost for a year, per family and it covers grades 1 through high school which is amazing and only a man with a big family understands what a blessing that is to parents with many children…. Short concise explanations – clarity is important. Immediate practice – get them to practice it quickly and feedback. Rote learning memorizing, times tables, important facts. [Great examples given on the audio!] The sequence can make a difference. Start with the easiest stuff first, encourage success. Discovery and inquiring learning that is taught first by example. Puzzles and problem solving – a fun activity. Build interest. Parents – avoid frustration. Kids will avoid help, due. Pat shares a mathematical trick – kids can learn as a parent to impress their kids. 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 Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way! The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”. Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly. Visit ctcmath.com today to start your free trial. The post Math The Easy Way (Special Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →Creating an Unbreakable Bond with Your Child
Apr 13Tap to summarizeCreating an Unbreakable Bond with Your Child (Secret Code Time) Podcast: Vintage Homeschool MomsHost: Felice GerwitzNetwork: Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network Sponsored by CTCMath.com Episode Summary How do you build a strong, lasting connection with your child—especially when communication feels strained? In this episode, Felice Gerwitz shares a powerful and practical concept called “Secret Code Time”—a simple, intentional way to create safe, judgment-free conversations with your kids. Inspired by the book Secret Code Time, this strategy helps parents foster trust, improve communication, and strengthen relationships at any age. Whether your child is talkative or reserved, young or a teen, this episode offers encouragement and actionable steps to help you reconnect. If you’re new to Vintage Homeschool Moms, you might also enjoy these episodes: 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 Key Takeaways It’s never too late to repair or strengthen your relationship with your child Daily expressions of love build trust and emotional security Kids need a safe space where they can talk without fear of judgment or punishment Listening (not fixing) is the most important part of communication Small, consistent moments together matter more than big events What Is “Secret Code Time”? “Secret Code Time” is a designated, intentional moment between parent and child where: The child can share openly The parent listens without interrupting, correcting, or disciplining There is no fear of gossip, shame, or immediate consequences This time can be triggered by a simple phrase like: “It’s Secret Code Time” Some families even personalize it with a number, phrase, or inside joke. How to Implement Secret Code Time 1. Create a Safe Environment Let your child know: They won’t get in trouble during this time You’re there to listen, not lecture 2. Listen First, Respond Later Avoid: “You should have…” “Why didn’t you…” Instead: Listen fully Ask if they want feedback afterward 3. Keep It Simple Secret Code Time can happen: In the car While running errands During a walk Over dessert or coffee 4. Make It Your Own There’s no perfect formula—adapt it to your family rhythm. Tips for Families with Multiple Kids Rotate one-on-one time (even short moments count) Pair time with everyday tasks (like cooking together) Use a simple schedule if needed Allow both spontaneous AND planned connection time Faith & Parenting Connection Felice emphasizes modeling faith through: Daily prayer with and for your children Demonstrating honesty and integrity Living out your beliefs (not just teaching them) Children learn more from what they see than what they’re told. Understanding Your Child’s Heart Take fears seriously—even if they seem small Be present and comforting (“Jesus with skin on”) Limit overstimulating media befor...
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