Cait’s self-named “Lazy Unit Study” approach to homeschooling has long been a discussion topic on the podcast. In this episode, she shares what Lazy Unit Studies have become in her home now that her children are older, and the reality of interest-led learning for tweens and teens.
What Is A Lazy Unit Study?
Here is a very practical definition. Essentially, Cait found that her children’s learning interests often waxed and wanned. The more time she put into a unit study, the more frustrating their shifting interests became. Thus the lazy unit study was born.
It’s essentially doing the least amount of upfront planning and effort possible while still providing an enriching, engaging learning experience.
Why Lazy Unit Studies Are Perfect For Tweens And Teens
As her children have gotten older, the need to be flexible and honor their learning interests has only intensified. The Lazy Homeschoolers Approach To Unit Studies is even more valuable in the teen and tween years!
DON’T MISS OUR YOU DON’THAVE TO DO IT ALL HOMESCHOOL PLANNER!
Looking for more support homeschooling your teens and tweens? Cait’s Lazy Unit Study Course includes fun and practical tips for creating unit studies in your homeschool.
Many of us are homeschooling and mothering as we enter our own midlife season. In this episode of The Homeschool Sisters Podcast, Cait welcomes Vanessa Wright to discuss how we can create beauty and transition well as our children prepare to launch.
THE HOMESCHOOL SISTERS PODCAST WELCOMES VANESSA
Mothering (and Homeschooling!) In Midlife
Vanessa Wright is a trained Beautiful You Life Coach, writer, and speaker. She helps mothers in midlife create sustainable self-care practices via her signature FLOW method so they can reclaim their time, energy, and creativity. Her mission is to support and encourage mothers to take authentic action toward their goals and dreams and embrace the transitions and transformations of midlife motherhood.
She is a published author and was recently included in a collection of women’s essays and stories called This I Know Is True published by the kind press. For the last five years, she’s worked as the homeschool liaison and special projects coordinator for Big Life Journal. From 2018-2022, she was a contributing writer to The Homeschool Mom blog where she shared her family’s journey and encouraged others with her insight, tips, and reflections.
Prior to raising her children and homeschooling, she worked in marketing communications and public relations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and French from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
She is a long-time homeschooling mom to three teens. She loves hot tea, taking walks, overusing GIFs, and eating dark chocolate every single day. She and her family live in Raleigh, North Carolina.
FIND THE CONNECTION YOU CRAVE TO CULTIVATE THE HOMESCHOOL THAT IS IN YOUR HEART.
One thing I’ve learned in our 9+ (!!!) years of homeschooling is that homeschooling shouldn’t look anything like the public school of your past. I created NBL to be a safe space for creative parents and educators to authentically connect, share ideas, and support each other as they raise their wildly and wonderfully unique children and teens.
It’s time for our annual Poolside Professional Development episode. Each year, we encourage you to dedicate some time for yourself this summer!
The Beauty Of Poolside Professional Development
Maybe you’re in a bittersweet homeschool transition. Or maybe you’re barely making it through your most challenging homeschool season yet. Maybe you’re trying to figure out how to homeschool one kiddo, or perhaps you’re juggling many ages and stages. Or, you might be homeschooling children with multiple learning challenges.
No matter where you are right now, there’s something for you below and in this episode. Remember: you’ve got this!
10 Poolside Professional Development Ideas
(Psst! If you’re here for the Poolside Episode, it’s #10!)
1. New Beginnings and Homeschool Milestones, with Cait and Kara
If you’re looking to giggle and hang with some homeschool sisters, and maybe shed a happy tear or two, don’t miss this episode.
Kara and Cait share the nitty-gritty of how life has been the last few months, including some very big changes! Hear all about the reality of these homeschool milestones from a real-life, sister’s perspective.
2. What it’s Really Like to Homeschool an Only Child, with Jessica Waldock
Whether you began with only one child or only have one left learning in your home, the reality of homeschooling an only child is quite different than you might think! In this episode, Cait and Jessica talk about homeschooling one child and they debunk many popular myths.
3. When Homeschooled Kids Go to Public School, with Cait
So many sisters community members reached out asking for an update. If you have kids thinking about trying school, or if some of your children are in school right now after homeschooling, I bet you have all the feelings. (I know I do!) This episode is for you.
In this episode, I share my very real, raw experience as two of my three homeschooled children transitioned back into the school system this year. Learn what led up to the change and how her kids are doing now that they are in a brick-and-mortar school.
4. Intuitive Homeschooling with Camille Kirksey
Gosh, this was a fun conversation! Camille is so real and authentic and she has a huge heart for helping homeschool moms- even those of us who have been homeschooling for a while now! Plus, Camille has a real appreciation for teens (who tend to get a bad rap)!
No matter how long you’ve been homeschooling, you have probably asked yourself one or more of the following questions:
How do I manage the day-to-day realities of homeschooling without comparing myself to the picture-perfect homeschool family on Instagram?
What if I’m a secular homeschooler? What resources and communities are right for me and my family?
How do I bring out the best in my kids (and me) knowing that I can’t do all the things I’d like to do in our homeschool?
Learning how to embrace our own circumstances and lean into what we know to be true for our unique families can be a challenge. This episode answers all of the above questions and more!
5. Real-Life Homeschooling with Rachel Baker
Are you managing multiple ages and stages? Are you thinking about, or worried about, homeschooling high school? If so, this episode is for you!
This season, we’ve been chatting with real-life homeschoolers about the joys and challenges of the homeschool journey. In this episode, I chat with longtime podcast listener Rachel Baker. Rachel shares a real-life look at homeschooling from the perspective of a mom of four (ages 15, 13, 12, and 9).
6. Bittersweet Transitions in Our Homeschools, with Christy Kafka
Oh, this episode. I connected with Christy over Instagram ages ago and it was such an honor to chat with her this season about how bittersweet it can feel to have big kids. If you have tweens and teens and you’re feeling all the feelings, this one is for you.
Our long days of homeschooling eventually turn into months, seasons, and ultimately years. This episode is all about the seasons of transition in our homeschools, what we learn about ourselves in them, and the bittersweetness of seeing our children embrace their passions and independence.
7. Homeschooling Through Hard Things, with Laurel
This was such an inspiring conversation. The reality is, hard things happen. If you’re in a difficult season of life and trying to homeschool through it, this episode is for you.
In this episode, Laurel discusses the reality of homeschooling through a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, including specific resources and support that helped in such a difficult season.
8. Homeschooling Kids with Learning Differences: A Day in the Life, with Donnesa
If you are homeschooling outside-the-box kids, this episode is for you. Donnesa is a parent of unique learners. In this episode, she shares a glimpse into her average day of parenting and learning at home.
Taking an out-of-the-box approach to homeschooling out-of-the-box kids makes so much sense, especially in the day-to-day realities of homeschooling, but sometimes you can fall into the comparison trap, or worry about what your unique learners are or are not learning. Donnesa will inspire you in this episode!
9. 5 Things I’d Tell My Younger Homeschool Self
After nine years of homeschooling, with two of my three kids now in our local schools and one still at home with me, I find myself often nostalgic for the early years of homeschooling. If you’re new to homeschooling and you need some support, this episode is for you. And if you’re in a similar season and want to feel seen, this one is for you, too.
As I reflect back, I can see all the progress we’ve made. I can also see how much my perspective has changed in regard to education and homeschooling. In this episode, I am sharing 5 things I would tell my younger self back when we were first getting started homeschooling.
And that’s a wrap!
Our 10th episode this season is a BONUS.
LISTEN TO THE 2023 POOLSIDE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EPISODE:
WATCH A VIDEO REPLAY: 2023 Poolside Professional Development
Cait’s 2023 Poolside Professional Development Picks!
One thing I’ve learned in our 9+ (!!!) years of homeschooling is that homeschooling shouldn’t look anything like the public school of your past. I created NBL to be a safe space for creative parents and educators to authentically connect, share ideas, and support each other as they raise their wildly and wonderfully unique children and teens.
After nine years of homeschooling, with two of my three kids now in our local schools and one still at home with me, I find myself often nostalgic for the early years of homeschooling.
What I Would Tell My Younger Homeschool Self
As I reflect back, I can see all the progress we’ve made. I can also see how much my perspective has changed in regards to education and homeschooling.
In today’s episode, I am sharing 5 things I would tell my younger self back when we were first getting started homeschooling.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:
WATCH A VIDEO REPLAY: 5 Things I Would Tell My Younger Self
NEVER BOARD LEARNING
FIND THE CONNECTION YOU CRAVE TO CULTIVATE THE HOMESCHOOL THAT IS IN YOUR HEART.
One thing I’ve learned in our 9+ (!!!) years of homeschooling is that homeschooling shouldn’t look anything like the public school of your past. I created NBL to be a safe space for creative parents and educators to authentically connect, share ideas, and support each other as they raise their wildly and wonderfully unique children and teens.
Taking an out-of-the-box approach to homeschooling out-of-the-box kids makes so much sense, especially in the day-to-day realities of homeschooling.
Real Moms, Real Life Homeschooling
Cait is joined by Donnesa, a homeschooling mom and founding member of Never Board Learning. She shares a glimpse into her average day of parenting and learning at home. This episode is a sneak peek into what Never Board Learning Members have access to every single month!
THE HOMESCHOOL SISTERS PODCAST WELCOMES Donnesa
Donnesa is a self-described nerdy homeschool mom of two amazing young men. She has homeschooled both of her sons from the beginning.
During their journey, there have been learning challenges mixed in with plenty of ‘Aha!’ moments and the occasional bout of uncontrollable laughter. Their homeschool is a faith-based, student-led, eclectic style that includes getting engulfed in incredible books, playing and creating games, going for family walks, and exploring what the outdoors has to offer.
The Waldock Way brings you unique resources that help ignite a love of learning in your children. Their products encourage you to follow your children’s lead and learn alongside them every day.
Unit studies from The Waldock Way are designed to support you as you navigate interest-led homeschooling, and always include book lists, hands-on activities, games for learning, and videos to engage every learning style.
As a Homeschool Sister, you receive 15% off all Waldock Way products, using the code sisters15 – it’s a great time to give them a try. I think you’ll love all The Waldock Way has to offer.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: HOMESCHOOLING KIDS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES
WATCH A VIDEO REPLAY OF THIS HOMESCHOOL DAY-IN-THE LIFE
NEVER BOARD LEARNING
Find the connection you crave to cultivate the homeschool that is in your heart.
One thing I’ve learned in our 9+ (!!!) years of homeschooling is that homeschooling shouldn’t look anything like the public school of your past. I created NBL to be a safe space for creative parents and educators to authentically connect, share ideas, and support each other as they raise their wildly and wonderfully unique children and teens.
Homeschooling happens in the realities of our lives. This means that many of us find ourselves in difficult seasons of life, all while trying to help our children learn. Today’s episode is an up close look at homeschooling through really hard things.
Real Moms, Real Life Homeschooling
In this episode, Cait and Laurel discuss the reality of homeschooling through a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, including specific resources and support that helped in such a difficult season.
This includes:
Books to read
Online, prerecorded classes
Subscription boxes
Sisters in person and online!
THE HOMESCHOOL SISTERS PODCAST WELCOMES LAUREL
Laurel is a homeschooling mom living in Missouri. She loves Jesus, books, pizza & babysitting her granddaughter, Claire. In January 2020, at the age of 42, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Chemo, Covid, double mastectomy, radiation, 2 reconstruction surgeries, and throw in a cross country move for good measure, she as been through it all, and homeschooled through it all.
AND DON’T MISS OUR YOU DON’THAVE TO DO IT ALL HOMESCHOOL PLANNER!
The Waldock Way brings you unique resources that help ignite a love of learning in your children. Their products encourage you to follow your children’s lead and learn alongside them every day.
Unit studies from The Waldock Way are designed to support you as you navigate interest-led homeschooling, and always include book lists, hands-on activities, games for learning, and videos to engage every learning style.
As a Homeschool Sister, you receive 15% off all Waldock Way products, using the code sisters15 – it’s a great time to give them a try. I think you’ll love all The Waldock Way has to offer.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: HOMESCHOOLING THROUGH HARD THINGS
Our long days homeschooling eventually turn into months, seasons, and ultimately years. Today’s episode is all about the seasons of transition in our homeschools, what we learn about ourselves in them, and the bittersweetness of seeing our children embrace their passions and independence.
REAL MOMS, REAL LIFE HOMESCHOOLING
As part of a new 2023 Sisters Series, Cait welcomes Christy of christy.kindness.mischief. Together they discuss what real life looks like over the course of a decade of homeschooling transitions, including a day to day example of homeschooling high school.
Find out:
How Christy’s life changed when two of her three teens went to public school
What about math and science experiments!?
Favorite homeschool resources
What a typical day looks like in Christy’s home
How important it is to think about life after homeschooling
The bittersweetness of seeing our children embrace their passions and independence.
… and so much more!
THE HOMESCHOOL SISTERS PODCAST WELCOMES CHRISTY OF christy.kindness.mischief.
Christy is a life-long learner living with her husband and three children (ages 17, 15, and 15) in the Southwest. They’re obsessed with books and big ideas, and spend their time hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and binge-watching TV shows.
AND DON’T MISS OUR YOU DON’THAVE TO DO IT ALL HOMESCHOOL PLANNER!
The Waldock Way brings you unique resources that help ignite a love of learning in your children. Their products encourage you to follow your children’s lead and learn alongside them every day.
Unit studies from The Waldock Way are designed to support you as you navigate interest-led homeschooling, and always include book lists, hands-on activities, games for learning, and videos to engage every learning style.
As a Homeschool Sister, you receive 15% off all Waldock Way products, using the code sisters15 – it’s a great time to give them a try. I think you’ll love all The Waldock Way has to offer.
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: Bittersweet Transitions In Our Homeschool
As part of a new 2023 Sisters Series, Cait welcomes longtime podcast listener Rachel Baker. Together they took a real life look at homeschooling from the perspective of a mom of four (ages 15, 13, 12, and 9).
Find out:
Rachel’s approach to managing multiple ages
How she uses Morning Time in her homeschool
Favorite homeschool resources (including Rachel’s obsession with the library!)
What a typical day looks like in Rachel’s home
How Rachel’s husband contributes to daily life
… and so much more!
The Homeschool Sisters Podcast Welcomes Rachel Baker!
My name is Rachel from Waterloo, Illinois and I’m a homeschool momma of four (15, 13, 12, and 9).
I’ve been homeschooling my kids from day one, although I never foresaw myself being a home educator. I’ve been listening to The Homeschool Sisters Podcast for a few years, and I have to say it’s my favorite homeschool podcast because it’s so real and down-to-earth. It has brought me lots of laughs and also calmed me down on those school days when I just felt like I didn’t do enough or failed in some way.
Somehow myself and my kids have made it to my oldest now being in high school and still homeschooling! Preparing and planning for high school has really opened my eyes to what is necessary and what’s not necessary for my kids’ education and helped me relax a lot (because I’m finally breaking out of using 100% boxed curriculum and coming up with at least some of my own ideas). Anxiety meds have helped with that too! 😉
My kids have been homeschooled from the very beginning, I’ve been very involved in local homeschool co-ops (from serving on the Board to teaching classes like art, book club, writing, American Literature, etc), and for fun, I take nature-inspired photographs that I sell in a local farmers’ market. My husband and I sample new cheeses each Sunday night and feature them on Instagram, @cheesedatenights.
I have a passion for homeschooling and empowering new mommas who also want to partake on the homeschooling journey.
AND DON’T MISS OUR YOU DON’THAVE TO DO IT ALL HOMESCHOOL PLANNER!
The Waldock Way brings you unique resources that help ignite a love of learning in your children. Their products encourage you to follow your children’s lead and learn alongside them every day.
Unit studies from The Waldock Way are designed to support you as you navigate interest-led homeschooling, and always include book lists, hands-on activities, games for learning, and videos to engage every learning style.
As a Homeschool Sister, you receive 15% off all Waldock Way products, using the code sisters15 – it’s a great time to give them a try. I think you’ll love all The Waldock Way has to offer.
No matter how long you’ve been homeschooling, you have probably asked yourself one or more of the following questions:
How do I manage the day to day realities of homeschooling without comparing myself to the picture perfect homeschool family on Instagram?
What if I’m a secular homeschooler? What resources and communities are right for me and my family?
How do I bring out the best in my kids (and me) knowing that I can’t do all the things I’d like to do in our homeschool?
Learning how to embrace our own circumstances and lean into what we know to be true for our unique families can be a challenge. Today’s episode answers all of the above questions and more!
Intuitive Homeschooling With Camille Kirksey
Camille empowers homeschool parents to be themselves and authentic in their homeschool journey and in their relationships with their kids.
She is a homeschool expert and mindset coach who encourages, empowers, and educates parents (whom she calls ‘homeschool facilitators’) to bring out the best in their children and themselves.
Since 2013, Camille has taught thousands of homeschool facilitators how to successfully educate their children by making the process easier, more authentic, and joyful through her blog, courses, workshops, coaching, and books.
In today’s episode, Camille shares a real life look at how we can embrace our own intuition as homeschooling parents in all ages and stages.
(And be sure to check out our sponsor, The Waldock Way. Use the code sisters15 to save in the shop.)
And don’t miss our You Don’tHave To Do It All Homeschool Planner!
The Waldock Way brings you unique resources that help ignite a love of learning in your children. Their products encourage you to follow your children’s lead and learn alongside them every day.
Unit studies from The Waldock Way are designed to support you as you navigate interest-led homeschooling, and always include book lists, hands-on activities, games for learning, and videos to engage every learning style.
As a Homeschool Sister, you receive 15% off all Waldock Way products, using the code sisters15 – it’s a great time to give them a try. I think you’ll love all The Waldock Way has to offer.
How Do Homeschooled Kids Do When They Return To Public School?
Many of us wonder what would happen if our children were to transition out of homeschooling and into a traditional school setting.
Would my child be behind?
How would they do socially?
Could my child keep up in a classroom?
What It’s Like To Make The Transition Back To School After Homeschooling
In this episode, Cait shares her very real, raw experience as two of her three homeschooled children transitioned back into the school system this year.
Learn what led up to the change and how her kids are doing now that they are back in the classroom.
And don’t miss our You Don’tHave To Do It All Homeschool Planner!
And be sure to check out our sponsor, The Waldock Way. Use the code sisters15 to save in the shop.
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:
THE WALDOCK WAY
The Waldock Way brings you unique resources that help ignite a love of learning in your children. Their products encourage you to follow your children’s lead and learn alongside them every day.
Unit studies from The Waldock Way are designed to support you as you navigate interest-led homeschooling, and always include book lists, hands-on activities, games for learning, and videos to engage every learning style.
As a Homeschool Sister, you receive 15% off all Waldock Way products, using the code sisters15 – it’s a great time to give them a try. I think you’ll love all The Waldock Way has to offer.
