Latecomers: Homeschool Podcast

Host Katy interviews Leslee Pennywell, a certified reading specialist and elementary ELA curriculum coordinator with experience teaching grades 1 and 4 and providing K–5 reading intervention. They talk about how to teach kids to read in a clear, step-by-step way, why reading practice at home matters, and why some kids need a lot more repetition—especially kids with dyslexia. Leslee explains the difference between working with sounds versus working with letters, why “guessing” from pictures is...

In this episode, host Katy addresses the message she receives the most. "I'm thinking about homeschooling! What do I need to know?" She lays out everything she would tell someone trying to figure out if they want to homeschool and what first steps she would give them if they decide they want to try it. This episode is jam-packed and full of useful advice. The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie Cathy Duffy (reviewer of curriculum!) "Who Was..." book series To support this podcast use...

Katy welcomes listeners and introduces her conversation with Rachel Davidson, a former business owner and educator who pivoted to homeschooling after her kids were already in school. Rachel shares how commuting to private school, lack of time, and her daughter’s anxiety led their family to “give it a try,” though their first online, private-school-style program wasn’t a fit. In their second year, they found a better stride and describe benefits like more sleep, less stress, more family time, ...

Katy shares a summer update and shares about finishing her Latecomers Retreat field guides, now available on her website. Reflecting on a tricky homeschool year with fewer field trips, she’s joining an outdoor nature co-op and focusing on mindset, gratitude, and strong relationships with her kids. She unpacks self-care vs. selfishness from a Christian perspective, describing self-care as “fuel in the tank” that builds patience, generosity, and long-term homeschooling longevity. She explains h...

On the Latecomers Podcast season two, Katy records from her minivan during co-op and shares a transparent faith-focused episode about feeling imposter syndrome and like a failure as a homeschool mom. She talks about perfectionism, why constant discouragement doesn’t line up with how scripture shows God empowering and guiding parents. To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram! And join the Face...