The Homeschool 5 in 10

Are you considering Clear Water Press's Cover Story curriculum for your preteen?  Would you like to know what another mom and another teen thought about the program?  Today I'm teaming up with my own daughter to share an honest review about our personal experience with this unique writing curriculum.For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen:Email | Website | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Clear Water Press's Cover StoryNote: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Are you considering The Mystery of History series for your homeschool?  Or, are you looking for a biblical worldview world history curriculum that provides a solid foundation for your children?  Today I’m looking at this 4-volume series and sharing an honest review based on our personal experience with each of the four textbooks.For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Mystery of History·        Usborne’s Timeline of World History·        All Through the Ages by Christine Miller·        Grammar Galaxy·        Mystery of History Volume I Playlist·        Oklahoma Field Trip databaseNote: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Trying to decide which math curriculum is right for your child?  This week I am joined by Karen Serna to chat about different math curriculums we have used over the years as we have tried to find that "perfect" fit for our kids. During this second part of our discussion, we take a closer look at the math curriculums we have used and break down the pros and cons each. It's a little longer episode, but it is filled with valuable information about each of the following math programs: Our discussion includes comments regarding the following curriculum:Singapore Math (KA-3B)Teaching TextbooksSaxon Math (3rd and up)Mathematical ReasoningSchormann MathHorizons MathMammoth MathArt of Problem SolvingMEPS Karen is a former analytical chemist and Bible school director and instructor, who is now entering her 10th year of homeschooling.   She, her husband, Art, and her two children are currently residing in Milwaukee, WI where they oversee City on a Hill, an urban ministry that seeks to end generational poverty through medical services and youth/adult programing. City on a Hill also provides educational experiences for those outside the realm of poverty so that they can more effectively serve the poor in their communities. If you would like to support City on a Hill or volunteer alongside Karen and her family, check out their website to learn more.For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen:Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestNote: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Trying to decide which math curriculum is right for your child?  This week I am joined by Karen Serna to chat about different math curriculums we have used over the years as we have tried to find that "perfect" fit for our kids. During this first part of our discussion, we talk about math learning methods (spiral approach vs. mastery approach) as well as the consideration of personality types when choosing math curriculum. Our discussion includes comments regarding the following curriculum:Singapore Math (KA-3B)Teaching TextbooksSaxon Math (3rd and up)Mathematical ReasoningSchormann MathHorizons MathMammoth MathArt of Problem SolvingMEPS Karen is a former analytical chemist and Bible school director and instructor, who is now entering her 10th year of homeschooling.   She, her husband, Art, and her two children are currently residing in Milwaukee, WI where they oversee City on a Hill, an urban ministry that seeks to end generational poverty through medical services and youth/adult programing. City on a Hill also provides educational experiences for those outside the realm of poverty so that they can more effectively serve the poor in their communities. If you would like to support City on a Hill or volunteer alongside Karen and her family, check out their website to learn more.For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestNote: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Considering All About Spelling?  This week I am joined by Karen Serna to chat about the ever popular spelling curriculum, All About Spelling .  Listen in as we discuss the pros and cons of the program for different types of students.  Karen is a former analytical chemist and Bible school director and instructor, who is now entering her 10th year of homeschooling.   She, her husband, Art, and her two children are currently residing in Milwaukee, WI where they oversee City on a Hill, an urban ministry that seeks to end generational poverty through medical services and youth/adult programing.   If you would like to support City on a Hill or volunteer alongside Karen and her family, check out their website to learn more. 

Looking for ways to add a little spice to your fall?  Today we are going to be talking about five fun lesser-known holidays that can enhance your homeschool and increase your child’s understanding of history, build character, and open new doors for learning.  This podcast is filled with amazing resources and ideas that you will be able to implement without ever leaving home!For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Nature Study Live·        Outschool·        Discover Oklahoma·        Virtual field trips I mentioned in episode 11·        Khan Academy·        Easy Peasy All-in-One-Homeschool·        Increase individuals’ IQ statistics·        Encompass Preschool Curriculum·        Signing Time ·        ASL alphabet, colors, common signs·        Deep cleaning checklistNote: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Are you getting ready to study geography in your homeschool?  Most people know to study the country’s location and possibly the demographics when studying geography, but the most impactful areas of geography lie beyond the landscape.  As you begin to study geography, you will want to make sure you have plans to incorporate these five things to leave a lifelong impression on your children’s hearts and minds. For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·         My First Trip Around the World Online Curriculum·        Geography Now YouTube Channel·        Passport to the World by Craig Froman·        Peter Menzel’s books·        Child Labour Around the World Video·        Give. Hope. Global.·        Mr. History on YouTube·        Janet and Geoff Benge Books·        Window on the World by Operation World Resources·        Pray for the World ·        Operation WorldNote: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Why is creativity so important? When is the best time to foster this important skill? What activities that naturally foster curiosity and creative thinking? We are continuing to answer questions and more in a mini-series about Fostering Creativity in Kids with retired child psychologist and early childhood specialist Dr. Connie Eslinger.  This final episode discusses the importance and automatic creativity of outdoor play spaces.For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Roxaboxen·        Encompass Preschool Curriculum Note: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Why is creativity so important? When is the best time to foster this important skill? What activities that naturally foster curiosity and creative thinking? We are continuing to answer questions and more in a mini-series about Fostering Creativity in Kids with retired child psychologist and early childhood specialist Dr. Connie Eslinger.  This fourth episode discusses the importance and automatic creativity of loose parts play.For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Roxaboxen·        Encompass Preschool Curriculum Note: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Why is creativity so important? When is the best time to foster this important skill? What activities that naturally foster curiosity and creative thinking? We are continuing to answer questions and more in a mini-series about Fostering Creativity in Kids with retired child psychologist and early childhood specialist Dr. Connie Eslinger.  This third episode discusses the importance and automatic creativity of block play.For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Natural Wood Shape Blocks ·        Colorful Shape Blocks·        Alphabet Blocks·        Blocks with Colorful Centers·        Cardboard Blocks·        Foam Blocks·        Encompass Preschool Curriculum Note: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Why is creativity so important? When is the best time to foster this important skill? What activities that naturally foster curiosity and creative thinking? We are continuing to answer questions and more in a mini-series about Fostering Creativity in Kids with retired child psychologist and early childhood specialist Dr. Connie Eslinger.  This second episode discusses the importance of storytelling, both as a parent and a child.For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Story Cubes ·        Encompass Preschool Curriculum Note: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Why is creativity so important? When is the best time to foster this important skill? What activities that naturally foster curiosity and creative thinking? Today we are going to start taking a detailed look at these questions and more in a mini-series about Fostering Creativity in Kids with retired child psychologist and early childhood specialist Dr. Connie Eslinger.  This first episode provides a wonderful introduction to the series and gives some fun ideas to kick off the series using wordless picture books.For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Jean Piaget·        Wordless Picture Book Suggestions Note: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Looking for ways to add a little spice to your summer?  Today we are going to be talking about five fun lesser-known holidays that can enhance your homeschool and increase your child’s understanding of fine arts, science, geography, handwriting, and more.  This podcast is filled with amazing resources and ideas that you will be able to implement without ever leaving home! 1:05 World Music Day (fine arts)2:31 International Joke Day (handwriting and public speaking)5:23 National Ice Cream Day (science)6:39 National Love is Kind Day (character)7:33 National Coloring Book Day (fine motor skills) For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.   For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Gena Mayo’s online World Music Elementary course·        My First Amazing Journey Around the World·        Music is for Everyone by Jill Barber·        We are Music by Brandon Stosuy  ·        Make your own shekere·        Make your own rainstick ·        Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. Magazines·        Kid-friendly Jokes·        Episode 17, Making Grammar Fun with Dr. Melanie Wilson·        Download a free sample of Mathematical Reasoning level D or F·        Blueberry ice cream recipe·        Our “I” is for Ice cream unit·        The science behind ice cream·        Teach Me to Serve: 99 Ways Preschoolers Can Learn to Serve and Bless Others by Kristen Tiber·        Love Does by Bob Goff Note: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

What will your children remember about you when you are gone?  Have you thought about that? The longer I am a parent, the more I long to leave my children with a godly legacy and loving memories.  But a legacy like that doesn’t just happen.  It takes intentionality, and these 5 actions are a great place to start. 1:42 Dinner4:10 Vacations6:10 Date nights8:18 Traditions9:45 Collections of Memories For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.   For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Family Dinner Statistics from The Scramble·        Family Dinners Nourish Mental Health in Adolescents from McGill University Newsroom·        67 Family Travel Statistics and Trends from Ash the Traveler·        14 Benefits of Taking Family Vacations from Money Crashers·        Teen Stress Statistics from American Psychological Association·        Shutterfly·        Chatbooks·        Make Your Own Audiobooks tutorial·        Storyworth Note: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Does your child know what is ok to share and what is not?  Do they know how to share other’s content legally?  Today we are talking 5 copyright laws every student needs to know because not knowing could cost your child $150,000! 1:53 What’s legal?4:30 Creative Commons vs. Public Domain5:56 Bible Quotes and Recipes7:06 Images, Music, and Video8:59 Your Child’s Own Works For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.   For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Fair Use Law FAQs·        Stanford University’s Fair Use Guidelines·        Plagium·        Bible Gateway·        YouTube’s Audio Library·        Wikimedia’s Commons database·        Clkr.com·        Public Domain Archive·        U.S. Copyright Office·        The Cost of Copyright Infringement Note: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Are you considering Apologia’s What We Believe series for your homeschool?  Or, are you looking for a biblical worldview curriculum that provides a solid foundation for your children as they grow older?  Today I’m looking at this 4-volume series and sharing an honest review based on our personal experience with each of the four textbooks.  As you consider this curriculum, you will want to make sure you have thought about these five things before you begin.1:26 What This Series is Not2:34 Hot Topics5:02 Consider Pairing5:58 How to Schedule6:45 What to Buy (or Not) For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.   For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Apologia’s What We Believe series·        Mystery of History·        And the Word Became Flesh Bible Study Note: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Have a child who wishes grammar wasn’t so boring? Today Dr. Melanie Wilson, author of Grammar Galaxy, shares some simple ways to make grammar fun no matter what curriculum you use.  1:36 Find Mistakes3:09 Fun Sentences4:40 Homophones7:11 Games8:27 Stories For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.   For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Homeschool Sanity Show·        Fun to Learn Books·        Grammar Galaxy·        Organized Homeschool Life·        Great Homeschool Conventions·        Canva·        HUGE List of Free Grammar Games·        FREE List of Online Grammar Games·        FREE List of Grammar Board Games·        Using Alexa in Your Homeschool·        Interview with Melanie discussing her first Grammar Galaxy book Note: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Do you own an Alexa device? If so, have you ever considered how you can use it in your homeschool?  And, if not, listening to today’s podcast may just convince to give Alexa a try, even if just on your phone.  Today’s podcast is not only filled with creative ideas and how-to’s regarding the use of Alexa in your homeschool, but also comes with three printable cheat sheets so you can immediately start using Alexa to enhance your homeschool today! 2:11 Keep track of time5:41 Listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks7:42 Watch movies and documentaries8:09 Learn something9:56 Have funFor a transcript of today’s show (which includes the free cheat sheet printable) visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Insider Radio Statistics·        Tech Crunch Statistics·        Oberlo Statistics·        Safe at Last Statistics·        Encompass Preschool Curriculum·        Echo Dot 3rd Generation·        Echo Dot 4th Generation·        Echo Dot 4th Generation with Clock·        Echo Show 8 2nd Generation·        Echo Show 10 3rd GenerationNote: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Today is the last day of our 3-part series on homeschool planning.  We have talked about planning our annual calendar, plugging our subjects into a weekly schedule, and today we are going to break down a typical homeschool day and discuss the pros and cons of different options.  0:33 How many hours?2:12 How flexible?5:53 What other activities?6:31 Preschoolers?8:18 How can I have less stress?For a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        Brain Break Printable Cards·        Brain Balance Center Statistics·        Simply Charlotte Mason on Short Lessons·        Car schooling IdeasNote: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy. 

Need help scheduling all those subjects into your week? While this is going to look different for everyone, today we are going to focus on five popular schedules and discuss the pros and cons of each so you can make the best choice for your family.1:02 Period Scheduling2:24 Block Scheduling6:58 Loop Scheduling8.55 Spiral Scheduling9:40 Checklist SchedulingFor a transcript of today’s show visit TheHomeschool5in10.com.  For more homeschooling takeaways, tips, and resources, become a Homeschool 5 in 10 Insider.Connect with Kathy Gossen: Email | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestLinks from today’s episode:·        More about the Waldorf Block·        Comparison of online homeschool planners ·        Free printable planner·        Free Google Sheets planning template.  Note: Some links maybe affiliate links.  For more info, please read my disclosure policy.