Homeschool Hints Podcast

In this episode of “Homeschool Hints,” host Shanxi Omoniyi explores the data on homeschool graduates and how they fare in the real world. Despite myths and stereotypes of the isolated homeschooler, research over 40+ years demonstrate how they outperform public-school peers in terms of academics, social skills, community engagement, and self-esteem. See how you can homeschool with confidence and graduate confident, skilled young adults!--------------------------Best Moments:-Exploding the myth of "no data" regarding homeschool grads [0:48]-Facts on homeschoolers' academic achievement [1:21]-Research on graduates' social, emotional and psychological development [2:00]-Mental health statistics on long-term homeschoolers: a recent study's surprising findings [2:50]-3 takeaways for those at the beginning, or in the middle, of their homeschool journey [4:05]Resource #1 - Upcoming MPE homeschool graduation ceremony: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/graduation/Resource #2 - National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) Fast Facts on Homeschooling: https://nheri.org/research-facts-on-homeschooling/Resource #3 - Cardus Educational Survey (CES) on "Findings About Homeschooled Adults" including mental health, February 2025: https://www.cardus.ca/research/education/reports/diverse-outcomes-for-a-diverse-population/?Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Adelaide Olguin from TalkBox.Mom discusses foreign language success as a homeschool family, how it's never too early to educate. She also outlines common pitfalls that can stop you from learning languages easily.-Defining success in a foreign language: when everyone in your family is using it throughout the day to get things done [2:00]-The problem of starting with numbers, letters, and colors [4:40]-Natural language progression and how babies learn a language [7:05]-Tips on how to acquire language the way Charlotte Mason described as "living speech" [10:40]-How fluency is a path, a way of life, as opposed to a destination [12:00]-Pitfall #1: Expecting perfection [15:00]-Pitfall #2: Vocabulary lists [16:30]-Pitfall #3: Emphasizing mistakes [17:10]-Pitfall #4: Stressful deadlines [18:20]-Pitfall $5: Building the language, not extracting it [19:30]-Further details about the April 4-5 conference [20:40]-Live Q&A from the audience: Can students learn more than one language at the same time? [21:20]Resource #1 - Upcoming MPE homeschool conference & curriculum fair: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/Resource #2 - TalkBox.Mom: https://talkbox.mom/Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Kristi Windish of True Compass discusses the benefits of aptitude testing in this podcast episode. Learn how your homeschool high school student can make the best college, career and life decisions based on such assessments!-Kristi's educational journey, starting from her work in speech language pathology [0:30]-How to overcome challenges associated with making career and college choices [3:00]-Why assessments should go beyond interest inventories to include scientific research and data [5:30]-Some benefits of assessments across all levels of education [9:30]-Overview of services most commonly experienced by homeschool families, including group discounts [12:00]-Specific age requirements [17:10]Resource #1: https://www.truecompassllc.com/ (True Compass LLC website)Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/ (MPE conference)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Jason Jackson of Ricketts Great Books College describes the benefits of distance learning in this podcast episode. Discover how your homeschool student can enjoy an immersive, accountable, accessible yet affordable college experience that's free of distractions!-Jason's educational journey as a lifelong learner [1:00]-How the learning experience at Ricketts Great Books College dovetails with homeschooling [2:10]-Opportunities to gain different certifications throughout the program [6:00]-Some examples of the classic literature studied at the college [6:50]-Factors for homeschool families to consider when making college decisions [10:10]-Affordability: Students can get half of their fees credited back to them when successfully completing their course of study [12:30]-Coming to the March 6-7 homeschool conference [17:00]Resource #1: https://rickettsgreatbookscollege.org/ (Ricketts Great Books College website)Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/ (MPE conference)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Retired homeschool mama, author and podcaster Terri Hitt discusses our upcoming Women's Encouragement Day for homeschool moms.-Introduction to her book [0:30]-How Terri's homeschool experience shaped her parenting journey [3:00]-Terri's ministry to moms and godly motherhood mentoring, after her daughter died unexpectedly [4:50]-What moms can look forward to gaining at the Jan. 31 Women's Encouragement Day [7:40]-How women can feel "appreciated and understood" by attending such events [10:30]-Further free resources available [12:00]Resource #1 - Women's Encouragement Day: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/womens-encouragement-day/Resource #2 - Follow Terri Hitt on Instagram: www.instagram.com/terrihitt/Resource #3 - Visit Terri Hitt's website: terrihitt.comContinue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Upcoming events in January and beyond include:Homeschool youth ages 13 and older can apply for our conference Youth Leadership Team, or YLT, program.Homeschool Students ages 12 and older can now enter their creations in our first ever Creative Arts Showcase during our March 6-7 homeschool conference. Registration is FREE for MPE members.Homeschool dads get a special night out from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30! Enjoy fellowship, a friendly and optional chili cook-off, a session with speaker John Blackburn from The Forge, and dessert. All homeschool dads (or those considering homeschooling) are welcome!Our next Women’s Encouragement Day will be 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Jan. 31 at Journey Bible Church in Olathe. Discounted pricing is available between now and Jan. 4.Our Kansas Homeschool Capitol Day will be Feb. 6. We encourage families to start setting up appointments now to meet their legislators during this event. Take your children on a free virtual chess trip with MPE at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12! This fun, interactive lesson will explore chess fundamentals, beginner strategies, and creative problem-solving skills that build confidence both on and off the board.The instructor, Steven Bloom, is a former top-ten chess player. He’s known for making chess engaging and easy to understand—even for complete newcomers or players with some experience.Finally, registration is open for our February Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks! More details on discounts and times are available on our website. Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Isaac Durst, former head of school at the Principled Academy (now ValuesandVirtues.org), discusses the importance of character education in maturing and developing homeschool students.-How Values & Virtues got its start as Principled Academy [1:50]-Why homeschool families are passionate in asking questions and taking charge of their children's learning [4:40]-Some of the academic successes linked to character education [7:00]-How to involve "head, heart, and hands" in building virtue and values within children [10:30]-Some of the best ways to navigate the valuesandvirtues.org website [12:20]-How to help students connect the dots between classic stories and real-life application [15:30]-Next steps for people interested in learning more [18:20]Resource #1: https://valuesandvirtues.org/ (Values & Virtues website)Resource #2: Homeschool Conference & Curriculum FairContinue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Wondering how to prepare your homeschool students for higher education? Brian Barber from Central Christian College of the Bible recommends his best tips in this interview - including internships, volunteering, and personality tests.-Brian's own educational journey as a homeschool grad [1:00]-His experience with homeschool graduates attending college [2:30]-How the COVID-19 pandemic affected higher education, including technology and counseling [4:20]-Why scheduling flexibility will be more important to colleges and attendees in the future [7:40]-Steps for parents wanting to help their children adapt to an ever-changing jobs market, life after graduation [8:50]-Gaining job advice from other families, homeschooling and non-homeschooling [13:00]-Tips for first-time homeschool conference attendees [16:10]Resource #1: https://cccb.edu/ (Central Christian College of the Bible website)Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/ (MPE conference)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Annette Vaughn wrote "Dear Homeschool Mom" covering unique aspects, circumstances and seasons of homeschooling to help parents throughout their journey - many of whom are first-generation homeschoolers!-How Annette got the inspiration for her book [1:30]-Ways in which she chose the different "ages and stages" of homeschooling, highlighting unique circumstances and situations from each family [8:00]-The huge need for homeschool encouragement as many parents are first-generation homeschoolers [13:20]-How to deal with specific arguments against, and questions about, homeschooling [14:50]-HSLDA's Compassion fund and how all proceeds from the book will benefit homeschool families through HSLDA [18:00]Resource #1: https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Homeschool-Mom-Letters-Encouragement/dp/B0FS7FB8CK (Annette Vaughn's "Dear Homeschool Mom" book on Amazon)Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/ (MPE conference)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Terrie Hellard-Brown of Hypurpley Press explores various tips and methods homeschool parents can use to value the uniqueness of each child and how to best their needs.-Terrie's homeschool journey as an overseas missionary originally getting faulty diagnoses for her special-needs children [0:30]-The inspiration behind Hypurpley Press [3:30]-Some challenges of being a homeschool mom with children who have complex medical needs, including multiple surgeries [7:20]-How to spark everyday discipleship and have important conversations with our children, especially those who have autism and other special needs [22:00]-Tips for first-time attendees at the March 6-7 MPE homeschool conference [37:10]Resource #1: https://terriehellardbrown.com/ (Terrie's website)Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/ (MPE conference)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Deborah Burns, founder of the Medical Transcription Service and retired homeschool mom, explains how she entered this industry and now helps other families with this work-from-home opportunity.-Deborah's homeschool journey from "terrible preconceptions" to huge fan [0:30]-How her family doctor "recruited" her into becoming a medical transcriptionist [4:00]-Some of the challenges of working from home [4:50]-Artificial intelligence (AI) and some of the ways it's changing the medical transcription industry [6:50]-Some of the benefits of working from home [8:20]-Differences between medical transcription and medical coding/billing [10:30]-Next steps for people interested in learning more [12:40]Resource #1: https://www.medtranscription.com (Medical Transcription Service website)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Joan Samuell explores the health benefits and advantages of Norwex and microfiber cleaning for homeschool households. Check out her vendor booth at our March 6-7 conference and curriculum fair!-Joan's homeschool journey [0:30]-Cleaning products for every household, and what to look for in microfiber cloths [2:50]-Tips to get the children involved in nontoxic cleaning [4:30]-Streamlined cleaning processes [6:00]-Startling statistics over the 87,000 chemical ingredients used in the US, yet still to be tested for their impact on human health [8:40]-Resources and tips for homeschool moms seeking more information [12:20]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/ (Homeschool Conference & Curriculum Fair)Resource #2: https://www.norwex.com/?r=joanbryansamuell&store=us (Joan Samuell's website)Resource #3: https://www.facebook.com/groups/joansVIP (Joan Samuell's Facebook VIP group)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

In this podcast episode, Author JA Webb explains his journey from atheist to Christ-follower who writes award-winning suspense thriller fiction that is male-centric in a speculative setting. Check out his books at our March 6-7 homeschool conference and curriculum fair!-JA's experience as former atheist turned Christ-follower [0:30]-What made him decide to write Christian fiction [6:00]-How he heard about MPE [9:10]-Some of the challenges to becoming a published author [10:30]-JA's tips to aspiring young authors [12:40]-Advice for homeschool moms seeking to encourage their sons in writing [14:10]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/ (Homeschool Conference & Curriculum Fair)Resource #2: https://jawebbauthor.com/ (JA Webb's website)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Sean and Caroline Allen homeschool their nine children ages 1 to 21. Learn their guidelines for choosing the right homeschool priorities this year and setting up your family for success!-Perspective after 20+ years of homeschool experience [1:30]-How to homeschool after having been homeschooled [4:40]-Building on the legacy of previous homeschool generations [5:30]-How to stay organized without getting overwhelmed [6:50]-Finding the balance between routines vs. strict time schedules [8:20]-Setting the "grand vision" for your homeschool [9:40]-Advice for first-time homeschoolers [12:30]-Different homeschool trends over the years [19:00]-How to combat social media pressure over homeschooling [22:30]Resource #1 - https://thewellorderedhomeschool.com/ and https://www.chalkfullofdesign.com/Resource #2 - Sean Allen's "No Ordinary Days" podcast: https://thewellorderedhomeschool.com/pages/podcastResource #3 - MPE Women's Encouragement Day: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/womens-encouragement-day/Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Upcoming events in September and beyond include:The first graduation meeting for our Class of 2026 will be Monday, Sept. 8, at Garrett Chapel at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe.A field trip opportunity for MPE members only will be Sept. 12 at Vita Craft headquarters in Shawnee. Homeschool children grades 2 and higher can take a tour of the manufacturing facility producing handcrafted, multi-ply stainless steel cookware. Field trip participation is limited to 20 students.Our Homeschool Family Fun Night Out will be Oct. 9 at Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter and Cafe in Independence. A fellow homeschool family runs this business and is excited to see us there!Our PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test opportunity will be available to homeschooled students on Oct. 16. The deadline for registering is 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10.Finally, this Thursday (Aug. 28) is the last day to register for our Sept. 14-26 Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks! Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Struggling to homeschool unique learners? Whether you’re navigating curriculum adjustments, motivation challenges, or poor executive function skills, coaching helps you gain clarity, build confidence, and create a thriving learning environment. -Recent shifts in the homeschool world over special ed resources [1:10]-The staggering data of families (50%) who choose to homeschool because of a specialized health need or learning need [2:20]-How to differentiate between coaching, counseling, and mentoring [3:05]-Unpacking the mindsets holding us back from success in teaching our children [4:00]-FAQ: What if I don't feel qualified or trained enough to teach my unique learner? [6:30]-The program's format and schedule from September 2025 through May 2026 [7:40]-Some of the benefits in joining a coaching community: "space and grace," virtual and in-person meetups, confidentiality, etc. [13:10]Resource #1: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/unique-learners-coaching-program/ (Unique Learners Coaching Program)Resource #2: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/events/homeschool-conference/ (Homeschool Conference & Curriculum Fair)Resource #3: Homeschoolers.com (Suzanne Wandling's website)Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Explore ways to make your homeschool planning more intentional as this list of life skills from Lyndsey Mimnagh's "Treehouse Schoolhouse" can inspire all ages through family-centered learning!-Lyndsey's background as a childhood educator, missionary and entrepreneur [1:00]-How to build the right environment for family-centered learning [3:10]-Living literature vs. twaddle, and some options to help build a reading appetite in our children [4:00]-When to introduce books with more serious themes at appropriate ages [6:20]-Defining "success" in your homeschool [9:40]-How to teach life skills to your children even if it wasn't modeled in your own childhood [12:00]-Some challenges to teaching life skills, and how to overcome them [14:50]-Specific ways to think holistically about education [19:10]-Tips for homeschool parents starting this school year [21:50]Resource #1 - Treehouse Schoolhouse website: https://treehouseschoolhouse.com/collections/all Special discount code:HOMESCHOOLHINTS1515% off your total order. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other promos. Expires six months after episode release.Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Jennifer Moreno started her homeschool journey as a "COVID homeschooler." She recounts withdrawing her then-4th grade son in 2020 during the pandemic and learning all about homeschooling from the ground up: curriculum, community, working in addition to homeschool, and more!-How "everything was in disarray" in public schools during 2020 [1:04]-Researching homeschool after growing up "public school educated" [1:52]-Teachers in public school vs. the public-school system [4:00]-How to get through the "tough days" of homeschooling [6:20]-Her experience working part time and even full time while still homeschooling [7:48]-Building a homeschool support system [8:14]-FAQ: How do you choose homeschool curriculum? [11:36]-Lessons learned in the first 1-3 years of homeschooling [15:12]-Some of the surprises of homeschooling: not stuck doing schoolwork, more time for family "adventures," seeing your child's academic strengths firsthand, etc. [18:30]-"Amazing" community of homeschool moms [21:10]-The importance of 20-plus years of homeschooling for a new perspective (e.g. Women's Encouragement Day) [22:08]-Practical ways to plug into homeschooling resources and connections [23:24]-One thing she would change if she had to go back and redo homeschooling [25:50]Resource #1 - MPE website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Continue the conversation!Website: https://midwesthomeschoolers.org/Email: podcast@midwestparenteducators.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwestparenteducators/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpeinkc/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpeinkcPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mpeinkc/ Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Upcoming events in June and beyond include:Earlybird seller registration for our Used Curriculum Sale closes May 31, and the final deadline is June 7. The sale will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14. We’ll also have a free how-to-homeschool workshop from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. just before the sale opens.Sign up now for the best pricing on our Homeschool Day at the K, July 28. The Royals will face off against the Atlanta Braves at 6:40 p.m. that Monday. It’s also free T-shirt night!Our next First Aid + CPR class will be Aug. 2 at Journey Bible Church in Olathe. These certification courses can benefit childcare providers, babysitters, and others who interact with children on a regular basis! The next Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks are Sept. 14-26. Please sign up as soon as possible if you have a strong preference on times and dates. Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe

Upcoming events in May and beyond include:Our class of 2025 will be graduating May 9 at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe. This is a FREE event and a wonderful peek into the world of life after homeschooling!The next Great Wolf Lodge Homeschool Weeks are May 4-16. There are still a few spots left, but availability is VERY limited since we’re competing with events like a NASCAR race and Mother’s Day weekend within that timeframe. Please sign up as soon as possible if you have a strong preference on times and dates.Seller registration for our Used Curriculum Sale opens May 1. This year the sale will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14. We’ll also have a free how-to-homeschool workshop from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. just before the sale opens.Sign up now for the best prices on our Homeschool Day at the K, July 28! Rates increase the closer we get to the event. The Royals will face off against the Atlanta Braves at 6:40 p.m. that Monday. It’s also free T-shirt night! Get full access to Homeschool Hints at homeschoolhints.substack.com/subscribe