The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast

Every homeschool parent fervently hopes to raise a child who loves to read. Once they find themselves loving a book, a series, or a subject and choose to immerse themselves in the pages of a book, we have won half the battle.  So, how do we encourage children to read? How do we make it so much a part of life that there is no option but to be a reader? Today, Mary Ellen and Ginny explain ten ways to raise a reader. Show Notes: 1. Be a reader. Let your child see you enjoying a book, magazine, or newspaper.  2. Fill your house with books. Go to the library, pick up books at sales, thrift stores, and garage sales, trade books with other moms, and put books on the Christmas lists. 3. Read aloud every day. Read aloud to the newborn, the toddler, and the primary and secondary ages. It cannot be overestimated how important it is, even for toddlers.  4. It must be a live experience; audiobooks are not the same. 5. It’s okay to be interrupted. Answer the questions, make funny noises, notice the pictures, and point to things. 6. Give emerging readers time; don’t rush it. Often, a child who has been struggling suddenly gets it. Be patient.  7. Reading at this age should inspire imagination, encourage curiosity, and be fun. 8. If you suspect a learning issue such as dyslexia, don’t panic. There are programs available to help you*. Many families deal with these issues; don’t let them quench a child’s desire to read. 9. When a child is reading independently, check in often and provide a wide selection. Don’t neglect comics and series of books. Create a culture of reading. 10. Don’t forget non-fiction! A book about video games is still a book. If your child loves dinosaurs, sharks, or the rainforest, get some books about it. Listener question:  This is an interesting one from Michael Lewis I was wondering if you would consider making the title a bit more generic to account for the fact that plenty of dads out there are considering dropping the 9 to 5 and full-time homeschooling.  The name of the podcast reflects our experience as homeschooling mothers, but we support and admire all the dads who have taken on the majority of homeschooling responsibility. Homeschooling is a whole family proposition, and whichever parent takes on the bulk of the teaching, leaving the other to take on the bulk of earning a living, knows that both are living lives of heroic virtue.   Homeschooling Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Special Services Seton Testing Services

While knowing the Four Rs (reading, ‘riting, ‘rithmatic, and religion) is essential for your child to succeed in life, it is also important to learn certain life skills to function well in the world. Today, Mary Ellen and Ginny discuss ordinary things your children need to know, like how to manage money, how to really clean a room, and how to plan and cook healthy meals.  Show Notes: Did you know that an entire Instagram account is dedicated to the hapless texts teens send their parents while trying to navigate life?  Questions such as:  What aisle is the pasta water in?  What’s my middle name?  Can I put the big silver pot in the microwave?   While knowing the Four Rs (reading, ‘riting, ‘rithmatic, and religion) is essential for your child to succeed in life, it is also important to learn certain life skills to function well in the world. So often, we hear of young people who cannot: Shop for groceries Do a load of laundry  Iron a shirt Sew on a button The result is that they cannot cope efficiently in life.  You can’t send your children into the world without teaching them how to care for themselves, their homes, and the people around them. Part of the problem is that an entire generation of people out there whose mommies did everything for them, and it shows. Let’s run through a few basic life skills your children need to know how to do. Managing money.  ·       Children should be taught the value of money. ·       How to keep track of it from a fairly young age.  ·       They must learn to save, give to charity, and spend wisely.  ·       Grasp the long view of money. Every stop at Chik-Fil-A is that much less in savings.  ·       Teach them to write a budget and stick to it. 2.     How to make small talk.  ·       Conversation is a life skill.  ·       You will be called upon to get to know strangers in business and social situations.  ·       You must make eye contact and speak in sentences. ·       Learn to ask polite questions, smile, and be courteous. 3.     How to really clean a room. ·       Start at the top and work your way down, dusting, vacuuming, and polishing. ·       Putting things away, fluffing pillows, and vacuuming curtains. ·       Washing windows, baseboards, and moldings. 4.     How to iron a shirt. ·       This skill will save money. ·       Your clothes will last longer. ·       And it’s a dying art and will impress friends, family, and prospective spouse. 5.     Taking care of a car. ·       Pumping gas, checking the oil, and changing a tire. ·       Jumping the battery, cooling an overheating radiator, and general maintenance. ·       Preparing for an emergency.  6.     How to read a map. How to plan and cook some healthy meals as well as how to grocery shop. Homeschooling Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services   Notes from Social Media Anastasia wants to know, "How do you challenge a high ability/gifted child? What’s the best way to do that without stifling their natural wonder and love of learning?" Ginny offered, "Anastasia, they still have to learn to apply themselves to academic tasks to build future study skills. But what keeps them engaged, challenged, and stimulates their wonder and love of learning is enrichment, which includes class trips and special programs of particular interest to them."

A recent social media meme asked, "Am I teaching my children for Heaven, or am I teaching them for Harvard?" Ginny and Mary Ellen address these important questions on the minds of many parents in today's podcast, thoughtfully defining the meaning of those destinations and guiding you to find your family's unique homeschooling solution.  Program Notes: First, no parent wants their child to go to hell, and we all recognize that only a handful go to that particular university or any Ivy.  So, what are we talking about?   Let's define some terms. Heaven means that we give our children a thoroughly Catholic education so they: Will stay close to the faith. Live virtuous lives. Go to Heaven.  Harvard means raising leaders for success in their: Community Country World Ability to get others to Heaven. Not every child is a good candidate for the Ivy League, but Every child can change the world—our job is to prepare them for that. We must: Form our children in the faith. Encourage pious practices. Teach them about the saints. Give them a rigorous academic education.   Practical Suggestions Great literature must be read to train getting past the 10-second social media blurbs.    They need the thoughts of great men and women to be great citizens themselves.   They need to learn how to think, form opinions, and process information, all through the lens of the Catholic faith.  A true understanding of science is what produces pro-life adults.   They have to aim for as high a place as their abilities can take them.  Can't Afford College?  Community college is a thrifty alternative.   Or join the military and let the GI bill pay for college.   Or take a year or two off to work and save. Very Important Life Lessons Let them play sports to develop discipline. If they like a particular sport, encourage them to work hard, stretch themselves, and strive for excellence. Sadly, too many young people have no idea how to present themselves in public.   Teach them gracious manners, self-sacrifice, and service to others. They will stand out. Attractive personalities do just that – they attract others. Hopefully, some of your children, the talented and lucky ones, will reach positions of power and authority. Our country and our world need them. But every one of them can: Serve on the parish council, your town board to keep the porn shop from opening in town, or your library board to keep offensive books out of the children's section. Organize the bus trip to the March for Life. Raise money for pregnancy centers. Start a travel baseball, softball, or soccer league in your town to keep kids busy with wholesome pursuits. Summary - Moral adults can improve the world in thousands of ways.  So don't teach for Heaven or Harvard – teach for both!   Homeschooling Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services   Notes from Social Media April asks if we have some encouragement for a family dealing with complex medical issues. "My question is: what would be the one thing you would share with a family to encourage them when they have a season where they are exponentially challenged, and they are spending more time praying than "educating"? I know what we do, but I'd love to hear what your combined experience offers your listeners. Thank you for sharing your talents." Mary Ellen replied, "April, when you're a medically complex family, you are basically required to be flexible. Plans, deadlines, and intentions all take a backseat to health. With this in mind, it also presents a wonderful opportunity to teach fortitude, discernment, gratitude, patience, etc. I hope that helps. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers."

Providing children with a Catholic education was considered so important to Irish, Italian, and Polish immigrants that parishes built the school BEFORE the church.  A lot has changed but Mary Ellen and Ginny remind us that one thing that has NOT changed is the serious obligation of Catholic parents to give their children an authentic Catholic education. Today they discuss how homeschoolers can best fulfill that obligation.   Show Notes: Years ago, providing children with a Catholic education was considered so crucial that parishes built the school BEFORE the church.  What changed?  Well, lots, but today, Mary Ellen and Ginny remind us that the one thing that has NOT changed is the serious obligation of Catholic parents to give their children an authentic Catholic education. They also discuss how homeschoolers can be best equipped to fulfill that obligation. Parents are required to give their children a thoroughly Catholic education – period. So, what does this mean for homeschoolers? Catholic materials have to be the default choice.  ·       There are a few legitimate reasons to use non-Catholic materials – a special needs child, could be one of them. ·       Money can be a factor if you truly cannot afford a Catholic option. 2.     Content is a critical issue in reading, science, and history. ·       Books should teach the Catholic Faith and give examples of the saints.   ·       Christian books can be downright anti-Catholic.  3.     It is imperative to teach the extraordinary accomplishments of faithful Catholics. Holy Mother Church is often portrayed as anti-science.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Some sources are quick to bring up Galileo but neglect to mention that: ·       It was Catholic cleric Nicolas Copernicus who first identified the sun as the center of our solar system.  ·       Augustinian Monk Gregor Mendel founded the field of genetics.   ·       Louis Pasteur, founder of bacteriology, was a devout Catholic who prayed the rosary daily.   ·       Seismology is often called the Jesuit science because of the order’s contributions.   That’s why you need a Catholic program!   4.     Your parish CCD program, even the best-intentioned of them, is Catholic-lite.   They cannot and do not replace daily religious instruction in your home.  Thirty hours a year just does not cut it.  And it includes a minimal Catholic history of accomplishment.  A Great Catholic program we love: Seton Home Study School Homeschooling Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services Society of Catholic Scientists Notes from Social Media Beth from Illinois wants to know: How much time is typically spent on kindergarten? My second child is on the way, and I am overwhelmed by the idea of managing a school schedule with a new baby at home.  Best advice: Don’t sweat it.  Maybe an hour to two during the day can be split up. Be flexible using baby’s naptime or downtime.  Now, as they start to crawl and walk, things get challenging. You’ll find more about that in our episode, The Secret of Teaching with a Toddler in the House.

Are you considering homeschooling but are not quite there yet? You may have bought a few books, read a few blogs, and followed a few Instagram accounts. It can be really hard to say, "We are doing this!" and jump in. Well, fear not: Ginny and Mary Ellen have helped thousands with their clear and simple practical advice, along with a generous helping of good humor. Listen now at the link below!  https://www.setonhome.org/podcast/   Program Notes: How Do I Get Started? Are you considering homeschooling but are not quite there yet? Have you dipped your toes in? You may have bought a few books or read a few blogs. It can be really hard to jump in and say “We are doing this!” Ginny and Mary Ellen have a few things to consider that might help you take the plunge.    So, if you think you should homeschool, we agree and have a few tips to help you get started. Check out the laws in your state. ·       HSLDA is an excellent resource for state rules. See the link in Resources below. ·       Discreetly check out the compliance your local school district requires.  ·       Look for local Facebook groups. ·       Veteran moms are an excellent resource for the ins and outs of reporting. ·       If you withdraw from public school, sending a letter stating you will homeschool is standard. ·       Provide the minimum of information. Too much information can cause trouble.   2.     Start with a boxed curriculum.  ·       In the first year, you might be more relaxed if you are enrolled somewhere.  ·       It's straightforward; you know all the bases are covered.  ·       As you gain experience, you can pick and choose or write your own. 3.     Get organized.   ·       Start getting your house in order.  ·       Be ruthless and get rid of everything not serving your family.  ·       Set up a system to easily plan your meals, tidy up, and grocery shop.  ·       Record a phone message:  "Schools in session. I'll return your call after dismissal." 4.     Get routines started.  ·       Envision your daily routine and rhythm.  ·       Establish play times, chore times, nap times, and bedtimes. ·       Schedules will make your first year of homeschooling much less stressful.  5.     Make a Plan.  ·       Decide on your start date, vacation days, and end date.  ·       Plan a few field trips and art projects.  ·       Get a teacher planner for each child. 6.     Time outside your home.  ·       Use good judgment in choosing activities. ·       Your first year is not the time to jump into outside activities. ·       Those activities will be available in the second semester or even next year. ·       Time may be your greatest asset, be a miser spending it in your first year.   Homeschooling Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)   Notes from Social Media Maria and Carrie posted on the podcast's FB page asking for tips on how to teach spelling.   There are two keys to successful learning:  repetition and multi-sensory.  Kids who struggle with spelling should write them 5 or 10 times each.  They see them, and the words go into muscle memory when they write them.  Even better, say them and spell them as they write them.  Book b-o-o-k Book.  Make it fun by letting them write words on a whiteboard or the patio floor using sidewalk chalk.  Before they test, have students march up and down, repeating the words and their spellings several times.

Who says Catholic homeschool students can't enjoy school spirit and connection with their fellow students? Not Seton Home Study School! Seton has an online forum, Catholic Harbor, to provide just those things and more. Listen to learn more! --- Draper Warren Bio: Draper Warren is the Director of Admissions at Seton and the Admin of Catholic Harbor. He is a Seton alumnus and graduate of Christendom College. He has worked at Seton for over 25 years, earned an MBA, and is currently completing a doctoral degree in educational leadership at Marymount University. --- Show Links: https://www.setonhome.org/student-life/catholic-harbor/ https://www.catholicharbor.com

Venerable Fulton Sheen said. "There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate The Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be."  These words could easily be applied to homeschooling. Too many people react negatively when they hear of a family homeschooling, but these impressions could not be further from the truth. Today, Mary Ellen and Ginny take on the naysayers' challenge with Debunking Seven Myths and Misconceptions About Homeschooling, arming you with the real story.   #1 Parents are not qualified to teach their children.  This is ridiculous, considering a child learns more in the first five years of life than in the remainder of their lives, and that's entirely due to the parents. You can find all kinds of resources to help you teach. #2. Homeschooled children don't get to socialize.  This is the most pervasive myth about homeschooling. People always bring it up, and it is just not true. Numerous studies prove that homeschooled kids excel in socialization.  Bottom Line - School socialization is virtually useless: This generation is the unhappiest we have witnessed in modern history. Kids—the vast majority of whom are in school—are miserable, so socialization is not what it is cracked up to be. 3. It's harder for homeschooled students to get into college.  This may have been true at some point, but now colleges are actively recruiting homeschooled students.  4. Only parents with advanced degrees can homeschool.  That is not true. Any parent can homeschool. If you are unfamiliar with the material, there are teacher's editions, videos (YouTube, Khan Academy), and some home study schools have counselors. Online classes are also an option. As long as you are directing your child's education, you are homeschooling. You don't have to be the one teaching every class. Also, it is fun to learn alongside your kids. Public school teachers all have degrees, many advanced, and that system is a disaster. Parents would almost have to try to do worse. 5. Homeschoolers need to experience diversity.  This is a funny criticism since public school classrooms are strictly geographical in their composition. You are sitting in a room with people who make up your neighborhood. How diverse is that? However, homeschooled students get out into the world, travel, feed their curiosity, volunteer, and have the opportunity to explore the world as they learn about it. 6. You can't work outside of the home and homeschool.  Again, not true. You can homeschool at any time of day or any schedule that works for you. You have to be organized and sometimes let something go (your floor may be sticky for a while), but it can be done and done well. 7. Homeschoolers can't participate in extracurricular activities.  Homeschool kids play on soccer teams, go to dance classes, and participate in the same club leagues and other organizations that other kids do. Because their time is better managed, they also have an opportunity to follow up on their interests. They have time to read for pleasure, craft, tinker with Legos, or build forts in the yard.   There will always be naysayers when you choose a path different from the norm. When you prayerfully decide that homeschooling is right for your family, do not let the Debbie Downers of the world rob you of the peace that comes with knowing that your child is growing and learning in a loving, safe environment from parents who want the best from them.   Resources: Homeschooling and the Question of Socialization Revisited, Richard G. Medlin, Stetson Univ. Richard G. Medlin, Stetson University (A wealth of information here, See: Publications)   Homeschooling Information: Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

Do you have a child who is hesitant to try new things? Who would rather sit and stare at a book because they are convinced, they can’t do it, even before they try?  Today, Ginny and Mary Ellen discuss how confidence can be encouraged in even the most hesitant children and chart a map of seven key lessons for building self-confidence in your homeschooled child. The Hesitant Child Do you have a child who is hesitant to try new things? Who would rather sit and stare at a book because they are convinced they can’t do it before they even try? Self-confidence is an essential life skill, enabling a child to face challenges, cope with frustration, and try their best at new things.  Seven Key Lessons to Build Self-Confidence in your homeschooled child. 1. First and foremost, self-confidence is knowing you are a child of God. He has given you gifts and talents and expects you to use them. When you know that, it becomes easier to believe in yourself. One of the best results of self-confidence is the ability to do the right thing even when it is unpopular, which is part of life in the world today.  2. Model confidence for your children. Tell them that sometimes new things make you nervous or stressed out, but they mostly turn out fine.  We were not created to worry but to try to discern God’s will for us. Sometimes, that means doing something new or out of our comfort zone.   3. Praise sincerely. That doesn’t mean constantly. Constant praise diminishes the effect and kids know insincerity when they hear it. It’s a “you get a sticker for everything” culture. Praise when something is truly praiseworthy and make it meaningful.  It doesn’t have to be direct praise.  You tell Daddy that little Johnny took over for you to make dinner when you were called away.  He was a lifesaver.  You don’t have to say to him directly.  Everyone will know that he saved the day. And he’ll know it, too.   4. Help them set realistic goals. Some kids will set the bar for themselves too high for their developmental age. 5. Guide them in problem-solving, ask why something isn’t working, help troubleshoot the problem, and let them work it through. 6. Let them fail. It’s the best teacher.  Let them see that sometimes, even our best efforts are not enough to reach a goal, and that’s okay. 7. Give them responsibilities and their completion opportunities to earn privileges. Children gain confidence in their abilities when they accomplish something – not when they get an unearned trophy. Start with household responsibilities such as yard work or babysitting. As they gain skills, they can market them.  Epilogue: Two of my grandkids were hired to help at a large family gathering – mainly to entertain little ones.  They did that but also helped with party cleanup.  Got glowing reviews and tipped!) Homeschooling Information Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

To Learn Online or Not – That's the Question Online homeschooling programs offer a tempting solution for busy parents. However, it's essential to consider both the benefits and drawbacks.  Today, Ginny and Mary Ellen cut through the noise to provide practical, no-nonsense advice, wrapped, as always, in their unique humor and warmth.   Little kids – preschool and primary grades.   Overall, there are advantages to Online Learning, but sitting a child this age in front of a screen gets a big thumbs down, with just a few exceptions. Kids this age need to be:   Jumping around. Sniffing flowers. Chasing bunnies, real or imagined. These activities develop imagination, observational, and communication skills. It's their chance to tell you what they have seen, heard, touched, and smelled.  Stuck in the house? - Give them blocks, Legos, or a whiteboard with markers—not a screen.  A word or two on Handwriting: Have you seen children's Handwriting recently? Does it look like chicken scratch? Most young children can't read cursive, and virtually none can write it.  They will whine but need to sit and practice penmanship for hours.  Writing, cutting, and pasting builds small motor skills and reinforces learning.     Is online education ever appropriate in younger years? Two opportunities stand out: Online Language Lessons Being bilingual does great things for children's brains. Online language lessons are a solution. Enrichment Programs For instance, if students study bees in science and are very interested, an online enrichment lesson or video could be beneficial. But an even better solution might be a trip to the library.   Online for Middle and High Schoolers?   The PROS: Online Can be Appropriate for Older Kids - Upper-level and even middle-school math, science, and foreign languages. Even before high school, moms may need help teaching grammar and diagramming. Teaching Textbooks has been a lifesaver in many homeschools. Online classes allow kids to hear lectures from experts or watch videos that expand on a textbook lesson. As students mature, it will be easier to put screens in perspective. The CONS: Isolation - It is psychologically unhealthy to be isolated.  This generation has more diagnosed mental illness and higher suicide rates than any before it. Human beings are social creatures - we need social interaction. We don't get that in front of a screen. Tongue-tied - We've all passed groups of teens who stand near one another but never look up from their phones. They don't know how to communicate. Teens struggle to get jobs because they lack social confidence.  None of this gets better if they stare at a screen all day.   Homeschooling Information Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

Many of us started homeschooling to pass on our Catholic faith and get our kids to heaven. But in the back of our minds, when we can think past laundry and dishes and driving kids to activities, we hope they can exert a positive influence here on earth.  Our guest offers a career track to fulfill that influence in a Christ-centered manner. Dr. Maura Wenzel’s nursing career satisfies her desire to serve, love others as Christ loves, and see Christ in every patient. Her choice may be a perfect fit for your Catholic homeschooler.   Program notes: Now more than ever, why do we need nurses with a solid moral compass?  Dr. Wenzel is a Clinical Associate professor at the Catholic University of America’s Conway School of Nursing. As a former U.S. Navy nurse, Dr. Wenzel has experience in many fields of nursing, including surgical, emergency, and perioperative nursing. Dr. Wenzel is passionate about nursing, nursing education, and weaving the Catholic Faith throughout her courses.  She and her husband and three young children live in southern Maryland. An inside look at this gratifying profession.  ● What attracted her to nursing? ● What are the emotional or spiritual traits that make the best nurses?   ● How did homeschooling help you develop them? ● What high school courses are most important?  ● What is the difference between R.N., BSN, and APRN?   Why is Catholic University so attractive to Catholic homeschoolers? Catholic—The beautiful campus, in a very safe part of Washington, D.C., is steeped in Catholic culture. Surrounded by the U.S. Conference of Bishops, next to John Paul II Shrine, there is an abundance of priests and nuns on campus and many opportunities for daily mass. Professional – An education from an excellent faculty, teaching in a new state-of-the-art nursing building with a floor replicating a hospital wing. Receive a nursing education that clearly emphasizes the role of ethics, values, and spirituality in health care in a city with many partnering hospitals for clinical experiences.   “Nursing is an excellent profession for those who wish to serve but in a much more spiritual way. It is an opportunity to love others as Christ loves and to see Christ in every patient.  As a young nurse, I found my deep faith in our Lord to be the framework through which I was able to process many challenging patients, situations, and long hours.  Still, in a much more substantial way, it helped me to persevere through new and challenging medical ethical dilemmas. The world has shifted since my early nursing days, and the challenges we Catholic nurses face now are even more difficult to navigate.” Dr. Maura Adams Wenzel   Resources Conway School of Nursing The Catholic University of America Seton Magazine: Answering the Nursing Call to Duty by Dr. Maura Wenzel  Homeschooling Information Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

In an enlightening exchange, Mary Ellen and Ginny discuss the remarkable but often overlooked value of a Liberal Arts education.    Michael Yost of Thomas More College joins our hosts today, revealing why a Liberal Arts education may be the wisest, most valuable choice your student could ever make. This conversation could change everything if college is in your family's future.   The Remarkable and Increasing Value of a Liberal Arts Education Michael Yost is the Senior Admissions Officer at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. He is a 2018 graduate of the college where he met his lovely bride. They are the proud parents of three beautiful children.  Tapping into Mr. Yost's expertise as Senior Admissions Officer, our hosts discuss: How affordable is Thomas More College? Work-study opportunities. Why is the Rome Semester integral to their education? The Admission Department's view of "Mom diplomas." The value of extracurriculars on the college application.   Full disclosure by Mary Ellen: I have a daughter who graduated from Thomas More College, so I am partial to the college; it's dear to me.    What makes Thomas More College a unique experience compared to other colleges? The focus is on a college education rather than training.  Students learn to be fully rational, knowledgeable creatures capable of understanding themselves, their Maker, and the world around them. They are trained to be talented communicators, able to process information rapidly and clearly.  Skilled in communication abilities needed in a world driven by data and information.   The Thomas More College Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts.  Our Program consists exclusively of the great works of the Western canon, deliberately organized in our single, integrated program of studies.  By carefully guiding in-class conversations, our exceptional faculty start students down the path of Wisdom in a mode more characteristic of discovery than instruction.  These aspects set the College apart from most other institutions of higher learning, yet the College is truly unique in its emphasis on the necessity of experience.  Each student sees first hand the impact of culture in our mandatory semester in Rome, begins the study of philosophy by studying the natural world in our Natural History course, and learns the value of craftsmanship in our Guild program.   The Rome Program – Integral to the Thomas More Education In their Rome semester, Thomas More College sophomores  Traverse catacombs and cloisters, piazzas, and palazzos. Explore the heart of the Christian West. Experience the history of Christendom written in the stones and on the ceilings, in the streets and the cemeteries, and in the skyline dominated not by skyscrapers but by the dome of St. Peter's.   Statistics: After four years at Thomas More College, each student has Written at least 64 papers. Participated in 1,792 seminar hours Translated over 1,000 lines of Homer, Cicero, and other Classical authors. Read 10,000 pages of the Great Books. Traveled over 8,400 miles to and from Rome, Italy. Visited over 100 baroque churches, Roman architectural sites, Renaissance piazzas, and catacombs. See it all here.    Thomas More Resources FAQs Meet Michael Yost The Rome Program: An Integral Part of the TMC Experience   Homeschool Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services  

Let's All Keep Chickens! Dalia Monterroso is the passionate author of "Let's All Keep Chickens! The Down-to-Earth Guide to Natural Practices for Healthier Birds and a Happier World," and her enthusiasm for this homeschool-friendly topic is contagious.   She is a popular teacher on the basics of backyard chicken keeping. In today’s show, Dalia talks with Ginny and Mary Ellen about her book, which is gaining popularity among homeschooling families who appreciate its educational value as part of their learning curriculum.    Program Notes: Dalia is the creator of the website and YouTube channel "Welcome to Chickenlandia," podcast "Bawk Tawk," and an online course called "Chickenlandia's Backyard Chickens 101". She also hosted a TEDx talk titled "I Dream of Chickens."  She is also the author of "Let's All Keep Chickens! The Down-to-Earth Guide to Natural Practices for Healthier Birds and a Happier World," a comprehensive guide for beginners and experienced chicken keepers.   Getting started 1. Is it legal to own chickens where you live? 2. What is the expense and the daily care?  3. Is there a good number of chickens to start with?  4. What's your best advice for frugally getting started? 5. What are the recommended breeds?   Chickenlandia for Homeschoolers 1. Why does chicken keeping resonate with homeschooling families?  2. What unexpected life skills can kids gain from interacting with chickens?  3. How do you integrate chicken keeping into your curriculum?  4. How does chicken keeping help us connect better with ourselves and each other?   Resources "Let's All Keep Chickens! The Down-to-Earth Guide to Natural Practices for Healthier Birds and a Happier World Dalia's website and YouTube channel "Welcome to Chickenlandia." Her online course is called "Chickenlandia's Backyard Chickens 101." Dalia's TEDx talk titled "I Dream of Chickens."    Homeschool Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

Is your homeschooling experiencing the “End of the Winter Blues?” Are you frustrated that you and the kids have been cooped up way too long? Ginny and Mary Ellen have the tonic for that. Their formula is simple, and their solutions are straightforward. Their insight, ideas, and effective routines will help you manage everything.   How to Homeschool and Not Lose Your Mind (PART II) This is part two of our topic. If you missed one, listen to the episode posted last week. Last week, we covered discipline, early rising, prayer, and focusing on what is right for your family. So, let’s jump back in. Household – three things must be done daily. 1 – Laundry: washed, dried, folded, and put away. 2 – Meals: menu plan, grocery plan, and a well-stocked pantry. 3 – School: math, reading, and religion. Keys to Success Simplify your home and life as much as possible. Eliminate clutter. Minimize time out of the house. Before you join a co-op or pod school - Discern carefully! They sound attractive, but: Will it be worth it? They require everyone to be up and dressed for outside the house. Drive time there, entertaining the non-co-op kids, and a drive home. Don’t buy the socialization nonsense.  Let them be friends with their siblings, cousins, neighbors, and teammates. Socialization occurs outside of academic situations all the time. Basic Rules of Life – Children Pray with them. Instill discipline. Give them meaningful work. Basic Rules of Life – Older Boys Maintain a schedule. Should have physical work. Occupy their time as much as possible. Teens should get paying jobs, gaining valuable skills that their peers lack. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. Spend time outside every day. Even 15 minutes makes a difference. Kids need vigorous exercise and lots of fresh air. Better concentration in class, and standardized test scores went way up. Homeschool strategy in a nutshell Pick a program and stick with it. Simplify your curriculum. Don’t follow trends (stay off the internet). Minimize the outings. Do school every day. Strengthening your marriage is very important.  Schedule a home date regularly. Welcome him when he arrives. Praise him often and speak well of him. Listen to his concerns and involve him in your decisions.   Homeschool Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

Sometimes, homeschooling can feel like the most overwhelming, frustrating, impossible thing to do, especially at the end of winter. You and the kids have been stuck in the house, and the work seems never-ending. It just feels gloomy. We've all been there.    But it's a new day, and Ginny and Mary Ellen are here with ideas and a plan that includes humor, smiles, and simple, effective methods to succeed with your family's homeschooling. Welcome to Episode One of Season Two – It's great to be back with you!   How to Homeschool and Not Lose Your Mind (PART I) There are no magic bullets. Methods or systems will only work if you are disciplined.  Focus on your children's needs,  Make a plan for the day, and stick with it.  Schedules work—even when they don't.  Do what works for your family, not what works for another family.  Copying other mom's systems can lead you astray and waste precious time. The internet can be a tool, but it also makes you crazy.  OTOH, if a homeschooler has it all together, become her best friend. See what she does. Get up early as best and often as you can.  This is your prayer time, personal grooming, caffeine, and prep for the day. Start your morning the night before.  Lay out clothes for the day the night before.  Straighten the house before going to bed. Pray Center your homeschool on God and petition Our Lady.  Use visual reminders (statues, pictures, holy cards). Frequent confession. Put it on the schedule. Start each day with prayer.  Say the Angelus at lunchtime. Consult your husband.  Find out his priorities for his household/homeschool.  Bring your problems to him.  Make him the principal of your homeschool.  If a kid is difficult, this is a "dad has to make him" job.  Dad: 1. Warn Junior before you leave for work (If your mother tells me….)  2. Call at lunch (Do you remember what I told you this morning?)  3. First thing dad says when he gets home (Junior, what kind of a report does mom have for me?)   Homeschool Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

Are you considering homeschooling your child with special needs? Are you already in the trenches and feeling like you aren’t doing well? This show could be a lifesaver. Mary Ellen has been there, and Ginny has a wealth of knowledge to bring to the subject. Let’s tackle the five things you need to know about homeschooling a child with special needs.   Five Things You Should Know About Homeschooling a Child with Special Needs *** Stay tuned to the end of the show to hear our big announcement. ***   First, the Big Things You Should Know… about homeschooling your child with special needs.  What do we mean by special needs?  When we speak about children who have educational issues outside the norm, we mean children who have been diagnosed with a neurological or physical condition that impairs learning or makes learning particularly challenging in some way. How to get a diagnosis – and how not to. The how-NOT-to is on social media. If you ask a question, people may respond based on their own experience – BUT they don’t know the facts of your case. Let’s say you tell little Johnny to put his navy-blue shirt on, and he comes out with his maroon one. He seems to do this all the time.  ● He could have attention deficit disorder.  ● He could have a hearing loss.  ● He could have an auditory processing disorder. ● He could be colorblind.  ● Or it could be nothing to be concerned about at all. See a professional if you are worried. If $ is a problem, you can often get an evaluation from your local public school district.   Five Essential Things You Should Know 1. You Can Do This There is a myriad of resources to help you navigate your student’s challenges. You don’t need a degree in special ed; you are an expert in your child.  2. Sometimes, Doing Less is More With a challenged child, sometimes doing less is more. It may take a challenged child longer to graduate than the typical 12 years. That’s fine. If you need to go an extra year or even two, there are no worries about that.  3. Life Skills can be as Critical as Academic Skills There are certain special needs children for whom life skills are just as critical as academic skills. They may not be able to do algebra, but they need to know how to count up change in the grocery store, navigate a bus route, or cook for themselves.  4. Routines and Rhythms Creating a daily routine or rhythm can be extremely helpful. If your child learns what to expect and when there is a lot less anxiety, that makes learning much easier.  5. Asking for Help is Not a Failure Sometimes, you need the services of an expert, be that a speech therapist or a reading specialist. You are still directing the education of your child, and you are still the manager.   Special Announcement.  When we started this podcast over a year ago, we were filled with ideas and enthusiasm, and the past year has been a great blessing. Still, we are starting to get a wee bit burnt out, so to keep the episodes you enjoy coming along, we will make some changes.  First, we are taking a hiatus for a few months to regain our bearings.  Beginning January 1st, we will be on break until March 1st. This breather will give us time to catch up on some neglected projects and write new material for upcoming podcast episodes. Next, we are changing from a weekly format to an every-other-week format.  This format change is for a couple of reasons. 1. We don’t want you to look at your inbox, see it full of us, and be exasperated. It’s hard to listen every week, and if you feel behind, you might not be inclined to stick with us.  2. The other reason is that we feel much more energized when we have that little break.    We hope you will start tuning in again in March when we come out of the gate with all kinds of new material. In the meantime, there are about 60 episodes you can listen to in our archive if you miss the sound of our New York accents.   Homeschool Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

Sometimes, situations we might have avoided if given a choice are the greatest blessings. Today's guest has written an inspiring book about a little boy who brings joy to all who know him. Today's podcast will touch your heart, bring a smile, and open a gift of unexpected proportions. Life-changing inspirations can come wrapped in unexpected ways.    Super J and the Power of Love                      Jennifer Nelson is a wife, homeschooling mom of seven children, and the founder of an international prayer ministry for women with pregnancy complications, infertility, and miscarriages. Her joyful spirit is infectious, and her deep faith informs everything she does, and she does a lot! We found her to be such an inspiration, and we know many of you will as well. The book we're discussing today, Super J and the Power of Love, is her first published work - the first of many, we hope. Super J is a little guy with Down syndrome. Meeting the real Super J some years ago inspired Jennifer to write the book. ● I love the way you dealt with aborting Downs kids – in a very child-appropriate way, ● Super J's superpower is his heart – his ability to love without conditions. ● The book does not encourage tolerating those who may be different – but celebrating them! Homeschool Influenced ● Our author, Jennifer, was homeschooled, as was the book's Illustrator, Sam Estrada.  ● Jennifer homeschools her children and shares how homeschooling formed her worldview. ● Our hosts share how differently-abled kids are well accepted in homeschool support groups. Super J and the Power of Love This book is a perfect gift for parents who may have just gotten a prenatal diagnosis and not just for Down Syndrome.   To purchase the book - www.deogratiasco.com  To learn more about Sam Estrada, the remarkable Illustrator - www.prostrada.com To learn more about Jennifer's ministry - www.travelingrelicsofstgianna.com Instagram  @sisterhoodofthetravelingrelics @superJthebook Homeschool Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services   

For homeschooling moms seeking to advance in the spiritual life, the Church offers many opportunities, including the Rosary, Daily Mass, Spiritual Reading, and Liturgy of the Hours. But as a homeschooling mom with limited time, how do you choose from among these excellent practices? In today's podcast, author and moral theologian Fr. Jeffrey Kirby is here to help you prioritize your choices to advance in your spiritual life.   Father Kirby has an important message for our listeners at the end of the podcast.    Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, STD - Spiritual Direction for the Homeschooling Mom Father Kirby has authored several books, including the focus of our podcast, A Year with the Popes, Daily Meditations with the Vicar of Christ.   A Path Toward Spiritual Advancement A Year with the Popes, Daily Meditations with the Vicar of Christ.  ● There are 365 meditations – one for each day of the year. ● Each day has a theme with a short explanation. ● A reading on the theme from a pope, a saint, or a council. ● A short examination of conscience. ● A short closing prayer.   The Time Dilemma  The Church has many resources available to homeschooling families, but many families are short of time. Father Kirby guides us in prioritizing these excellent choices: ● Daily Mass ● Daily prayer life: Rosary? Divine Mercy Chaplet? Liturgy of the Hours? ● Frequent Confession ● Adoration ● Parish missions ● Spiritual reading: Scripture? Meditations? ● Retreats ● Pilgrimages   Resources Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services A Year with the Popes: Daily Meditations with the Vicar of Christ   More about Father Jeffrey Kirby, STD: Father Kirby is a moral theologian, Papal Missionary of Mercy, and the Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Indian Land, South Carolina. He holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Holy Cross University in Rome, a Bachelor of Arts in History, and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.  Father is also a Papal Missionary of Mercy.  The Missionaries of Mercy are priests – diocesan or religious – who have been commissioned by the Holy Father to give particular emphasis to the duty shared by all priests to "hear confessions and preach on behalf of and promote the Sacrament of Reconciliation." They are to be an intentional, visible expression of the mercy of God.   In 2016, Father Kirby was recognized by Governor Nikki Haley and granted the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, for his service to local communities and young adults throughout the state.

Music Appreciation There is lots of music beyond Disney! An excellent place to start is encouraging your children to listen to fine music. One good thing about the World Wide Web is you can find excellent classical music. You can also find explanations of the various pieces if you are interested.    Teaching music in the home (for the non-musical mom) Carnival of the Animals (Camille Saint-Saens): Various parts of the piece represent different animals. In Danse Macabre, the xylophone sounds like bones. Amahl and the Night Visitors (Gian Carlo Menotti) is a Christmas opera about the Three Kings visiting Jesus.  Peter and the Wolf (Sergei Prokofiev) is A fairy tale for children where different instruments represent characters. The Planets (Gustav Holst) Music represents the solar bodies and the classical origin of their names. For example, Mars is the source of war. 1812 Overture (Great for boys!) The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake (Pytor Illich Tchaikovsky)  The Messiah   After I discouraged Disney Fantasia (Leopold Stokowski) Disney graphics set to classical music. Also Fantasia 2000   If you live near a major city, find out what is nearby.   ● Broadway/Off-Broadway productions ● University productions ● Opera ● Ballet ● Symphony Orchestras ● Band concerts Even if you do not live in a city or lack the cash, you can almost always find: ● Community college or high school concerts/plays ● Bands in the park during the summer.   Music Theory and Performance The very best ways for kids to learn to read music are: ● Instrument lessons (easy to find independent of schools) ● Choral lessons (more challenging, but sometimes churches have kids’ choirs) Online courses are available for instrumental, choral, and reading sheet music.   Study parts of bands and orchestras (Andre Rieux videos online)   ● Learn sections:  strings (orchestras only), woodwinds, brass, and percussion. ● Make scrapbooks with pictures of musical instruments. Label them with section and soprano, alto, tenor, or bass. ● Define: conductor, soloist Let kids make their instruments:   ● drums from oatmeal boxes or by stretching balloons over empty jars ● Fake cymbals by smashing two pot lids together ● Maracas: Decorate small pringle containers or empty plastic water bottles and fill them with dry beans or popcorn. Tape plastic spoons to empty plastic Easter eggs, fill and decorate.  ● Homemade xylophone out of water glasses filled to different levels   Composer Study ● Learn about the great composers, their music style, and their influences.   There is so much to explore. We hope this sampling helps you get on track.   Learn More About Seton Home Study School Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

Join Ginny and Mary Ellen in a lively, joyful discussion on the saints, our great friends and allies on our homeschooling journey. And as always, they share their experiences with their unique blend of humor, love, and practical advice.  Prepare for dozens of examples from the saints to inspire and guide your homeschooling family in faith formation and education. - Welcome to the lesson book from our family of saints!       Exploring the Lives of the Saints in Our Homeschools ● Studying the lives of the saints gives our children models of virtue, holiness, and faith. ● Knowing more about the saints helps kids understand and connect with their Catholic faith.  ● It's essential to know that many saints were sinners first. Their lives were transformed through a willingness to be open to grace and a sincere desire to follow Christ.  ● Listen for the "aha moment."   Saints for Homeschool Parents - Because we welcome all the help we can get! ● Thomas Aquinas (the dumb ox) is the patron saint of academic progress.  - He defined the four cardinal virtues as prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude.  - Doctor of the Church and is considered one of the greatest theologians who ever lived.  - He was recruited as a boy by Dominicans.  - His family imprisoned him for a year before allowing him to take vows.  - He is a model of Perseverance. ● St. Elizabeth Ann Seton homeschooled her children.  - The first American-born saint.  - Widowed with four young children in a foreign land. - Disowned by her in-laws. - She started schools and an order of nuns she nurtured like her children. ● St. Monica is a patroness of patience, perseverance, and mothers.  - Mother of Saint Augustine. - Prayed for decades for her wayward son and NEVER gave up on him. - Her prayers resulted in her son becoming one of the Church's greatest saints. ● St. John Bosco is a patron saint of students and magicians.  - Believed in educating children from a place of love. ● St. Marcellin Champagnat, patron of education and teachers. - Founded the Marist Brothers.  - He struggled as a student and was beaten, but with determination and perseverance, he completed his education.  - He wanted to teach all children to love Jesus. ● St. Jean Marie Vianney (The Cure of Ars) was such a poor student that he barely made it out of the seminary – but became the patron saint of parish priests ● St. Expeditus is the patron saint of expeditious solutions to overcome procrastination.    The Takeaway Explore ways to foster a personal connection with the saints through: - Prayers - Devotions - Traditions Celebrate feast days with: - Food - Crafts - Movies - Visits to shrines Research patron saints for their names and activities.   Resources ● Butler's Lives of the Saints  ● Art books (Seton's) ● Picture books (Tomi DePaolo, Demi, Diane Stanley, Ethel Pochoki) ● Vision books ● Holy Heroes/Glory Stories ● Movies: Song of Bernadette, A Man for All Seasons, The Scarlet and the Black.   Learn More About Seton Home Study School Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services

Mary Ellen and Ginny introduce to Emily Malloy, whose floral design career began as an apprentice who swept petals and leaves off the floors of a rapidly growing floral shop in Philadelphia.  She rose to manager and floral designer. Her work has appeared in Elle Décor, Green Wedding Shoes, the National Catholic Register, and the Ember Journal. Emily is the food and floral design editor at TheologyofHome.com. She and her husband live in Mississippi with their four children.     Emily Malloy, Theology of Home IV: Arranging the Seasons In this fourth installment of Theology of Home, Emily Malloy explores the vibrancy and life of the garden. With her expertise as a florist, Malloy brings a wealth of practical ideas for incorporating flowers into our homes as we march through nature's seasons and the Church's liturgical calendar.    Yet this edition, like the rest of the series, does not stop at the material level. Remembering mankind's beginnings in the Garden of Eden, Arranging the Seasons sumptuously illustrates and highlights our intrinsic need for beauty within the human heart.   Explored within this edition of Theology of Home are the deeper questions of life, family, love, and God that animate our efforts to cultivate the earth. In simple and small ways, it will inspire us to layer our lives and homes with the intangibles that turn the stuff of matter into a song.   ·      Your thoughts on beauty are so very Catholic and necessary in a world that seems to value the opposite. So many books on gardens and growing focus on the utility, but yours makes the point that beauty is necessary. Can you expand on that?   ·      Nature's beauty is absolutely a religious experience. As we record this, my garden is dying down for the winter, but I still see butterflies hovering and hummingbirds sipping nectar. It does give one delight and gratitude to God for His creation.   ·      Please tell us how you plan your gardens. Are they well planned and laid out, or is there a randomness to them?   ·      There are a lot of practical suggestions in the book for designing, arranging, and even how to make a boutonniere and wrapping a presentation bouquet. I'm so glad you included the very practical for the craft-impaired like myself.   ·      You homeschool your children. How was it writing, photographing, and designing this book while homeschooling? The children are in several photos (pg 256 is my favorite). Did it become a family endeavor?   ·      Gardening can be expensive, but a lovely garden can be done on a shoestring. Anyone can save marigold seeds to plant next spring, and bulbs multiply over the years. When gardening buddies divide perennials, they often want to rehome their plants. Anyone with a few feet of dirt or room for some pots can enjoy them.   ·      What we cannot see in our Creator, we can see in His creation. It is with the gift of the flower—a powerful representation of the love of God—that we can bridge not only home and garden but also the eternal and the everyday.   Purchase Emily's book at Theology of the Home Seton Home Study School Seton Testing Services