Your Morning Basket

In this episode of Your Morning Basket, host Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Dawn Garrett and Laney Homan share insightful strategies for incorporating picture study into your homeschooling routine. This episode discusses the benefits of picture study, such as creating a mental gallery of paintings for children to enjoy as well as highlighting that it's not about learning art history, but rather about observing and appreciating the details in a painting. Gain practical insights on how to conduct picture study sessions, including the basic method of observing a painting, discussing it with your children, and prompting them to think about and offer their own titles for the artwork. Whether you're new to picture study or looking for fresh ideas to invigorate your homeschooling curriculum, this episode has something for every homeschooling parent.Key Takeaways:Emphasize the value of setting a timer for 5 minutes to draw a painting as an exercise in attention, not about recreating the style of the artist.Highlight the importance of dividing a painting into thirds and showing each part to children, focusing on details like colors, brushstrokes, light, and texture. Discuss the process of telling a story about a picture to engage with the painting, emphasizing the use of details in the painting to guide the story.Encourage the community to share more ideas for picture study and other activities in a free homeschool portal.Stress the significance of building the habit of attention through picture study and other activities like nature study, music, and poetry.Recommend not revealing the title of the painting initially to encourage critical thinking, and suggest asking questions to prompt children to think about the painting and offer their own titles.Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Morning Time PlansArtistic Pursuits curriculumThe belated Party on Mansfield Mountain by Jerome B. Thompson"Impression Sunrise" by Claude MonetAngelica KauffmanJ.M.W. TurnerFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb151To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of “Your Morning Basket,” host Pam Barnhill and co-host Heather Tully, a mom of ten and a veteran morning time homeschooler, discuss the enriching experience of nature study. Parents will discover the benefits of incorporating nature study into their homeschool routine, learning how it can foster observation skills, connect children with science in a vivid and approachable way, and significantly benefit mental wellness by encouraging outdoor time.This episode covers practical tips for making nature study a seamless part of morning time, including building drawing and watercoloring skills as well as choosing specific topics for deeper exploration. Listen in for inspiring strategies to bring the wonders of the natural world into your homeschool.Key Takeaways:Nature study in homeschooling encourages children to observe and connect with science in a tangible and engaging way.Integrating nature study into morning time can be achieved through skill-building activities like drawing and watercoloring, and by focusing on thematic studies such as rocks or evergreens.Even without venturing outdoors, nature study can be effectively conducted at the table with resources like nature lore books and magnifying glasses for closer observation.Consistency in nature study can be fostered by forming groups for regular nature walks, thereby making the practice a communal and anticipated event.Nature study not only deepens child's understanding of the natural world but also promotes mental well-being by encouraging them to spend time outside, observing and appreciating their surroundings.Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Gather: Exploring the Wonder, Wisdom & Worship of Learning at HomeHeather Tully PhotographyEyes and No Eyes: Volume 1Among the Meadow PeopleThe Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir LawsCircle of Seasons; The Journal of a Naturalist's YearSimply Charlotte MasonFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb150To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

If you're a homeschooling parent looking for meaningful ways to engage with your high schoolers and bring joy to your homeschool routine, this episode of Your Morning Basket is for you. Join host Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Laney Homan and Dawn Garrett, as they discuss incorporating Morning Time for high schoolers and the importance of Morning Time, plans that cater to the whole family.Laney Homan shares her experience of using Morning Time plans with her senior high schooler and her 7-year-old, emphasizing the value of not making high school plans and engaging in enjoyable learning together. Dawn Garrett discusses making Morning Time count for high schoolers and provides insight into incorporating it into their daily routine.Discover how morning time plans offer valuable learning experiences for children of different ages, including high schoolers. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that will inspire and guide you in making Morning Time work for your high schoolers!Key Takeaways:Morning time plans for homeschooling high schoolers can be varied and flexible, incorporating activities that cater to different subjects and interests.Morning time plans include diverse activities, videos, picture study, poetry, and level-up activities suitable for older students.High schoolers can engage with morning time plans through activities like math, which includes advanced concepts suitable for their age and ability.Discover how morning time plans can benefit high schoolers and the whole familyLinks and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Month of Morning TimePicture Books Aren't Just for PreschoolersFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb149To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

If you're a homeschooling mom looking for ways to incorporate current events into your homeschool, episode 148 of Your Morning Basket is a must-listen! Join host Pam Barnhill and returning guest, Carl Azuz the host and executive producer of The World From A to Z as they delve into the world of news and media literacy. Pam and Carl discuss the importance of engaging kids in meaningful conversations about global events and navigating the complex landscape of media and news consumption.Carl shares his experience as a news presenter for CNN and his reasons behind creating, "The World From A to Z," a nonpartisan news show designed to provide a well-rounded look at international events, cultures, and stories for students. Discover how "The World From A to Z" can help bring current issues to your homeschool in a family-friendly manner.Key Takeaways:Learn how, The World From A to Z provides a well-rounded perspective on news and culture.As homeschoolers, we have a unique opportunity to engage our kids in critical thinking conversations about what's happening in the world. Carl shares his journey from CNN to creating The World From A to Z, a family friendly news outlet for students.Carl encourages multiple perspectives and fact-checking in an ever growing digital age. Learn how discussing news and current events can help our children think critically and have meaningful discussions.Encourage our children to have well-rounded perspectives, especially on controversial topics. Encourage our children to bridge disagreement and polarization within their communities with factual news information. The World From A to Z runs a fresh, nine minute episode each weekday.Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket PlusThe World From A to ZCarl Azuz's YouTube channelCarl Azuz on Your Morning BasketPoynter InstituteSonlight Homeschool CurriculumFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb148To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, discover practical strategies to combat burnout in your homeschool with Pam Barnhill and co-hosts, Ali Madej and Meg Angelino. You will gain valuable insight on using Morning Time and other tools to engage your children during times of curriculum fatigue, seasonal illness, new baby, or overall burnout. This candid conversation acknowledges the natural ebbs and flows in the homeschooling journey and the importance of extending grace to both parents and children during periods of burnout. The team offers practical insights into managing grading and striking a balance between pleasurable learning and skill subjects.Tune in to Your Morning Basket Podcast and start your journey towards a more intentional and joyful homeschooling approach today.Key Ideas About Morning Time and BurnoutUtilize library apps, such as; Hoopla, Libby for audiobooks and online resources to engage kids in learning during times of burnout.Embrace the fun and learning potential in Explorations, read-aloud time, and strewing to keep kids engaged.Explore strategies for managing burnout, including; managing mom's health, starting with enjoyable subjects, and outsourcing subjects.Emphasize the importance of balance and grace for both the homeschooling parent and the children during times of burnout.See Morning Time as a fundamental tool to combat burnout. Links and ResourcesYMB+HooplaLibbyLife of FredPut Your Homeschool Year On AutopilotDenise Gaskin on YMBHandbook of Nature StudyFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb147To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Join Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Meg Angelino and Laney Homan as they delve into the purpose and structure of morning time in homeschooling. In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of setting goals for morning time, its role in fostering lifelong learning and family connections, and strategies for making it a valuable and efficient part of the homeschool day. They share their personal experiences, tips, and insights on how to incorporate morning time into various homeschooling philosophies and its impact on family life.Key TakeawaysMorning Time is adaptable and can work for families regardless of their homeschooling philosophy, prioritizing what is important for each family.It provides an opportunity to include academic subjects, making homeschooling more efficient by teaching everyone at once.It's important to incorporate enjoyable elements for each family member in morning time, using it as a fun way to introduce less favored subjects.The hosts share their approaches to homeschooling and how morning time aligns with their individual philosophies.Tips and insights are provided for moms looking to implement morning time in their homeschooling routine.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb146To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Join hosts Pam Barnhill and Dawn Garrett as they revisit a classic episode of "Your Morning Basket" with Sonya Shafer, a homeschooling veteran, speaker, and writer specializing in the Charlotte Mason style of education. In this flashback episode, Sonya shares valuable insights into the power of narration and its role in developing children's personalities and engagement with books. Listen for practical tips for implementing narration, the effectiveness of oral compositions, and the benefits of using living books to foster the imagination.Key Takeaways About Narration:Learn how narration can engage children with books, develop their personalities, and enhance their oral composition, memory, and language skills. Understand the importance of grace for both parents and children as they navigate the learning process, emphasizing patience and trust. Explore the introduction of different types of narration, such as descriptive, expository, and persuasive, to students at various grade levels, and the stages of integrating these compositions into their education. Gain advice on encouraging children's narration skills without over-analyzing, to foster higher-level thinking and a love for storytelling and expression. For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb145To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Get into the holiday spirit with the Your Morning Basket Podcast's special episode, "The Team's Favorite Christmas Books." Join host Pam Barnhill as she welcomes Betsy Cypress, Meg Angelino, Genie Shaw, Ali Madej, Jeanette Pascua, Laney Homan, Katy Wallace, and Dawn Garrett as they share their personal favorite Christmas picture books and family traditions. From heartwarming stories to meaningful activities, you'll discover new books to read and find inspiration for creating meaningful traditions with your own family. Don't miss out on this festive episode that will add warmth and joy to your holiday season.Key Takeaways: Discover new Christmas picture books to enjoy with your family, including Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson and The Adventure of Christmas by Lisa Welshell.Start your own family traditions inspired by the podcast team's favorite activities, such as wrapping Hershey's Kisses as a countdown to Christmas or visiting neighborhood Christmas light displays.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb144To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of Your Morning Basket Podcast, hosts Pam Barnhill, Laney Homan, and Dawn Garrett talk about how to make morning time work for your family. They discuss how long Morning Time should be and why treating it as a separate activity is essential. The hosts share their experiences and tips on incorporating different subjects into morning time, like history, science, and skill work. They also give practical advice on balancing content area work with skill work, especially if you have multiple children. They also discuss whether you should have separate morning time activities for different age groups and the importance of having designated times for everyone to come together. Join the hosts as they give helpful advice on setting goals for morning time and making it a fun and meaningful part of your daily routine.Key Takeaways:Morning time should be seen as a separate activity, treated with importance and joy. Balancing content area work and skill work is a challenge, especially with multiple children. Skill work is often done outside of morning time. It's acceptable and beneficial to have separate morning time activities for different age groups if it works for the parent and benefits the child. Identifying priorities and deciding who needs to be present for certain activities is crucial in optimizing morning time. Setting goals for morning time, considering the ages of your children and the season of life, is an essential part of making it a successful practice.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb143To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Tired of the daily grind of homeschooling? Join Pam Barnhill and her team as they share how Your Morning Basket Plus Explorations can breathe new life into your homeschool. In this episode, Pam is joined by team members Ali and Laney to discuss how using Explorations as the basis for elementary homeschool subjects can nurture relationships, reduce stress, and encourage a love of learning. Hear real-life examples of how topics like baseball, ponds, artwork, and nature have captured children's imaginations across various ages. Discover how activities in music, poetry, picture study, and more can provide a rich learning experience tailored to each child's interests and abilities. If you're looking for an engaging way to teach multiple ages, subject areas, and learn alongside your children, take advantage of this insightful conversation. Let explorations help you rediscover the joy and meaning at the heart of homeschooling.Key Takeaways:Morning Basket Explorations can be the core of an elementary homeschool curriculum, covering subjects like science, history, art, and more.Explorations nurture relationships between siblings as they learn together on topics tailored to their individual levels.High-interest topics like baseball, ponds, fairy tales, trains, and more encourage kids to dive deep into subjects over a month.Consistent activities in each plan, like music, poetry, and picture study, provide a well-rounded experience.Focus is on learning and making connections rather than output of worksheets or compositions.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb142To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Join Pam, Dawn Garrett, and Meg Angelino as they bust some myths about those "extras" in homeschooling. We're airing out all the misconceptions we have heard about Morning Time through the years and today, we're here to set the record straight. Combining subjects? Totally a game changer. Tune in to get a sneak peek into our own Morning Time secrets and see why keeping it simple is key. And hey, don't stress - remember to find the joy and avoid that homeschool burnout. Whether you've got toddlers or teens, we'll chat about how Morning Time is a fit for everyone. Bring the family in on this one! 🌞📚🎉Key Takeaways:Incorporating additional subjects and activities in homeschooling lightens the day and makes it easier to teach core subjects.Combining children in their studies is a good use of time and energy, allowing them to learn from each other.Morning Time doesn't have to be elaborate; even one extra activity alongside reading aloud and memorizing a Bible verse can be effective.Morning Time helps prevent homeschool moms from burning out and provides an opportunity to engage in activities they enjoy.Morning Time is suitable for a wide age range of students and can be adapted to each child's maturity level, with older students even gaining high school credits through Morning Time activities.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb141To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of Your Morning Basket, host Pam Barnhill is joined by Betsy Cypress, the newest Your Morning Basket team member. Pam and Betsy introduce the Wonder World Podcast for kids. Pam records the show with her daughter Olivia each week, while Betsy is the researcher and writer behind each episode. Episodes explore fascinating topics, including historical events, science, and fun trivia. The Wonder World podcast aims to spark curiosity and encourage listeners to learn about various subjects, covering everything from roller coasters and sports to culture and history. Pam and Betsy also share tips for engaging reluctant writers, discuss the benefits of Wonder World, and highlight the power of podcasts in facilitating fun and engaging learning experiences. Join them for a delightful and informative conversation about a new show that will inspire and entertain the entire family.Key Takeaways:The Wonder World podcast covers many topics, including fun holidays, history, science, poetry, jokes, and trivia.The goal of the podcast is to provide education in a fun and exciting way for curious kids and their families.Wonder World is mentioned as a "ready-made morning time" resource that can be listened to during lunch, extending the listening experience.The podcast aims to provide enjoyable learning experiences beyond what can be found in textbooks.Find the Wonder World Podcast here.Find the Wonder Kids Club here.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb140To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode, host Pam Barnhill explains why homeschooling parents should not try to recreate a classroom environment in their homes. Drawing from her experience as a homeschooling mom and former public school teacher, Pam discusses the limitations and unnecessary structures often associated with traditional classrooms. She explores the freedom and flexibility inherent in homeschooling and encourages listeners to develop their unique structures and approaches that align with their family's needs. Pam also introduces the concept of a morning basket or morning time as an alternative to traditional classroom structures, highlighting its benefits for bringing families together to learn and grow.Key Takeaways1. Homeschooling allows for freedom and flexibility that traditional classrooms often lack.2. Traditional classroom structures do not necessarily serve homeschooling families well.3. Developing unique structures and approaches that work for your family is key in homeschooling.4. Morning baskets or morning time can be a valuable alternative to traditional classroom structures, promoting family togetherness and shared learning experiences.5. Letting go of age-segregated structures and preconceived notions about certain books and materials can enhance the homeschooling experience.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb139To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Join Pam Barnhill and Heather Tully as they dive into a unique concept for homeschooling mothers - the Mother's Morning Basket. This September, join a virtual gathering of like-minded moms as you feed your mind and soul. This session is all about fairy tales!Not only will this enrich you, but it will also provide inspiration and ideas for your own children's morning time. Heather brings her 20 years of homeschooling experience, demonstrating how to incorporate picture study, music appreciation, nature study, and more into your routine. It's time to embrace the chance to learn, grow, and share together.Key Takeaways:A Mother's Morning Basket is personal time for mothers to nurture their intellectual and creative interests during the home-school year.The Mother's Morning Basket involves activities such as Bible reading, personal poetry reading, novel reading, and self-education.The program allows moms to engage and grow intellectually alongside their children. The aim is to foster an environment where learning and growth are seen as integral parts of life, not just schoolwork.The Mother's Morning Basket is also a teaching tool for mothers. It provides them with techniques to structure their children's Morning Time more effectively.Keep learning activities simple and realistic for consistency.The Mother's Morning Basket sessions are expected to provide inspiration, camaraderie, and practical guidance for homeschooling moms.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb138To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In today's episode, we examine the world of morning time and its incredible potential for young learners. We'll be joined by Rachel Monreal, a homeschooling mom who has discovered the magic of morning time and how it has transformed her homeschooling journey with her preschool and elementary-aged kids.We'll explore Rachel's journey through the challenges of homeschooling young children, finding balance amidst the pressures of traditional education, and rediscovering the joy of learning for both parent and child. Rachel will share her insights on including toddlers in morning time, adapting curriculum, and ultimately creating a structured plan that aligns with her family's core values.Rachel shares her practical tips for implementing morning time, her favorite resources from our "Little Explorers Plan," and how she manages to prioritize consistency in her educational routine. Let's dive in!Key Takeaways:Morning time can be a rich and enjoyable educational experience for preschoolers.Morning time provides an opportunity to align education with core values, such as faith, family relationships, language learning, and skill development.Consistency is key for a successful educational routine, and creating a structured plan can help achieve this.The "morning basket" or "morning time" approach in homeschooling can bring joy, closer relationships, and less stress to the learning experience.Morning time can be adapted to fit the needs and ages of children in a flexible and adaptable manner.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb137To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

In this episode of the Your Morning Basket podcast, host Pam Barnhill discusses the importance of creating a flexible homeschool schedule that aligns with your family's values and goals. Pam shares practical tips and tools for overcoming the challenges of feeling overwhelmed by all the subjects, avoiding falling behind and building margin into your homeschool schedule.Pam encourages listeners to embrace rabbit trails and unexpected learning opportunities, as well as to build in margin to allow for emergencies or unexpected events. She also introduces the concept of a minimum viable day and loop scheduling to maintain structure and balance in your homeschool routine.If you want to create a homeschool schedule that aligns with your family's values and goals, this episode is a must-listen. Check out this Your Morning Basket podcast for more practical tips and tools for your homeschool journey.Find the shownotes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/ymb136

In this episode of the Your Morning Basket podcast, host Pam Barnhill discusses how to assess learning in your homeschool morning time. She explains the importance of setting goals, self-assessment, parent observation, and real-world application in evaluating your children's progress. Pam also shares practical tips on how to incorporate morning time activities into traditional assessment models, including issuing transcripts for high schoolers. However, she emphasizes that non-traditional methods of assessment, such as building relationships and fostering a love for learning, are just as important in evaluating the success of your morning time routine. If you're looking for ways to measure your homeschooling progress beyond traditional tests and grades, be sure to tune in to this insightful episode!Find the show notes for this episode at https://pambarnhill.com/ymb135

In this episode, we talk to Barbara, a homeschooling mom who shares her experience with implementing Morning Time into her homeschooling routine. Barbara talks about her journey to discovering Morning Time and how she initially struggled with finding resources to use. She shares how Morning Time has helped her create a connection with her children, and how it has become a grounding and warming up exercise for the day. Barbara also talks about how she uses Morning Time to bring in other aspects of learning, such as grammar and history.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb134To download a sample of our free Month of Morning Time plans visit us here.To join our free homeschool community of Morning Time moms, you can create an account right here.For a done-for-you Morning Time experience complete with over sixty sets of Morning Basket plans, live events where we teach your kids, and support with your new Morning Time habit join Your Morning Basket Plus today!

In this episode of the Your Morning Basket podcast, host Pam Barnhill interviews Mystie Winckler, creator of Simply Convivial and author of The Convivial Homeschool. They discuss the importance of creating a convivial atmosphere in the home while homeschooling and how it leads to greater enjoyment and success in learning. Mystie emphasizes that the atmosphere of the home is the atmosphere of homeschooling and that it is essential for mothers to put a smile on their faces and enjoy homeschooling to create an enjoyable atmosphere. They also discuss practical tips for adding joy to your homeschool days.

Yep, we're going there. Being a good homeschool mom is an important responsibility that involves creating a consistent, balanced, and flexible educational atmosphere according to the family's values and beliefs. It also entails having the courage and determination to do what is right, even in challenging situations. Join Laney and me as we chat about what being a good homeschool mom even means, how YOU have to define it, and some tips that help you know when you are on the right track -- all delivered with a dose or realism and encouragement. We also discuss how Morning Time can help create family connections and provide structure so that homeschool moms can be more effective in their work. For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb132To download a sample of our free Month of Morning Time plans visit us here.To join our free homeschool community of Morning Time moms, you can create an account right here.For a done-for-you Morning Time experience complete with over sixty sets of Morning Basket plans, live events where we teach your kids, and support with your new Morning Time habit join Your Morning Basket Plus today!