Is December feeling rushed, busy, or chaotic in your homeschool? In this episode, we’re talking about “Christmas School”—a restful, simple approach to homeschooling during the holiday season that focuses on connection, picture books, and meaningful family traditions (instead of checking boxes or pushing through curriculum). You’ll hear: ✨ What Christmas School actually is ✨ How to create a peaceful December rhythm for your large family ✨ Our favorite picture books, simple activities, and Christ-centered traditions ✨ How to slow down, savor the season, and still keep your homeschool anchored in faith If you’ve been craving a gentler pace, more snuggly read-alouds, and space to enjoy Advent with your kids, this episode will help you design a December that feels calm, connected, and joy-filled. Perfect for: Christian homeschool moms, large families, Charlotte Mason leaners, and any mama who wants a peaceful, Christ-centered homeschool during the holidays. → Sign up for the weekly encouragement newsletter 💬 If you want to go deeper or talk through your homeschool in a personal way, stay tuned — I’m opening up one-on-one coaching calls soon! Come join a Community of moms just like you! Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER Email me: bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com

In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Jeffrey, the voice behind the Phonics Rules for Kids podcast. Melanie shares her journey from classroom teacher to phonics coach, explaining how she built a structured, sequential phonics-based curriculum to teach young children (and even struggling readers) to decode, blend, and read confidently. We cover: The core phonics rules every parent and educator should know How to model phonemic awareness and blending at home Common roadblocks in early reading — and how to overcome them Proven intervention techniques for children who struggle with reading Why structured literacy is essential — even in a homeschool setting Melanie’s best tips for building a daily reading routine that actually works If you’re a homeschool mom, teacher, or parent who’s ever felt overwhelmed by phonics curriculum or unsure where to start, this conversation delivers clarity, actionable strategies, and encouragement. Join us to discover how simple phonics skills, when modeled and practiced correctly, can turn your child into a confident and fluent reader. Connect with Melanie Podcast Phonics Rules for Kids  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ToCIOUooqU9fXd9Q3dZG9 Website: https://phonicsrulesforkids.com Email: melanie@phonicsrulesforkids.com  FREEBIE: 7-STEP HOMESCHOOL KINDERGARTEN PHONICS GUIDE! https://phonics-rules-for-kids-2.kit.com/251782068d 📬 Mentioned in this episode: → Sign up for the weekly encouragement newsletter 💬 If you want to go deeper or talk through your homeschool in a personal way, stay tuned — I’m opening up one-on-one coaching calls soon! Come join a Community of moms just like you! Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER Email me: bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com

In this episode, we explore how homeschooling a large family isn’t just a curriculum choice—it’s a profound opportunity to build family culture, deepen your walk with God, and give your children gifts that last a lifetime. We’ll unpack the five key gifts of homeschooling—time, relationship, spiritual formation—and show you how to lean into these in your home filled with many children, many ages and many rhythms. You’ll hear: Why time matters most in a large-family homeschool and how you can reclaim it purposefully. How homeschooling gives you the priceless gift of relationship—with each child, as mother, and as a family unit. Ways to integrate spiritual formation into daily life so faith becomes woven into your home culture. What learning together looks like in a homeschool environment and how that benefits your large family dynamic. How you can build a family culture through intentional homeschooling, traditions and faith-based routines. If you are a Christian homeschool mom navigating multiple grades, littles and bigs, longing to build faith-filled routines and a home culture of connection, this episode is for you. Let’s dig into the gifts and move from overwhelm to intentional joy. 📬 Mentioned in this episode: → Sign up for the weekly encouragement newsletter 💬 If you want to go deeper or talk through your homeschool in a personal way, stay tuned — I’m opening up one-on-one coaching calls soon! Come join a Community of moms just like you! Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER Email me: bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com

Today’s episode is a sit down conversation about my homeschooling plans for November. You will hear all about the books I am planning to read and a little update on how things are going for us these days.  Grab a cup of coffee and get ready to put some books on hold from your library.  Don’t forget to sign up for my Newsletter. You will receive the Free November Book List as well as weekly encouragement straight to your inbox.  Free November Book List 📬 Mentioned in this episode: → Sign up for weekly encouragement: newsletter Feeling stressed out while homeschooling? Take a listen to these episode for some tips on how to bring joy back to your days.  Burned out already? 4 Grace-Filled way to rekindle Joy in your Homeschool Rest is Possible for Homeschool moms Come join a Community of moms just like you! Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER Email me: bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com

Do you ever feel like all you do is correct and redirect your kids all day long? You love your children deeply — but the constant discipline, reminders, and redirections are leaving you drained and disconnected. In this honest and grace-filled episode, I share how God opened my eyes to the heart behind overcorrection and what was really standing in the way of connection with my kids. Together we’ll talk about: ✨ The 3 root causes of overcorrecting — fear, lack of boundaries, and unrealistic expectations ✨ How repentance and grace open the door to rebuilding connection ✨ Simple ways to reconnect with your kids after a hard day If you’re a Christian homeschool mom longing for a more peaceful, joy-filled home — this conversation will help you trade control for connection and remind you that God’s mercy is new every morning. 📬 Mentioned in this episode: → Sign up for the weekly encouragement newsletter 💬 If you want to go deeper or talk through your homeschool in a personal way, stay tuned — I’m opening up one-on-one coaching calls soon! Come join a Community of moms just like you! Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER Email me: bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com

Are your homeschool days ruled by checklist, schedules, and never-ending-to dos? What if there’s a better way? One that prioritizes connection over completion. In this episode, we explore, what it really looks like to build a homeschool day around relationships instead of rigid routines.  You’ll hear practical ideas for creating a heart-centered homeschool rhythm, how to balance structure with spontaneity, and why deep connection with your kids is the foundation for learning and discipleship. Whether you are new to homeschooling or feeling burned out by the pressure to ”do it all,” this episode will help you shift from stress to presence without sacrificing progress.  💬 If you want to go deeper or talk through your homeschool in a personal way, stay tuned — I’m opening up one-on-one coaching calls soon! Join the Newsletter!!! Come join a Community of moms just like you! Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER Email me: bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com

Feeling homeschool burnout? You’re not alone—and you’re not failing. In this encouraging episode, I share 4 simple and effective ways to overcome homeschool burnout and rekindle joy in your daily rhythm. Whether you’re homeschooling multiple ages, feeling stretched thin, or just need permission to slow down, these practical tips will help. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Infuse your interests into homeschool days ✔️ Take intentional breaks (without guilt) ✔️ Get outside or plan life-giving field trips ✔️ Care for yourself as a homeschool mom This episode is for Christian homeschool moms—especially those with large families—who are longing for a more peaceful, sustainable homeschool life rooted in joy, not overwhelm. 🎧 Press play and let’s breathe some fresh hope into your homeschool week. 💬 If you want to go deeper or talk through your homeschool in a personal way, stay tuned — I’m opening up one-on-one coaching calls soon! Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER Email me: bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a homeschool centered on great books and peaceful rhythms—but felt overwhelmed by rigid curricula or too many moving parts—this episode is for you. I’m sharing 4 simple, real-life ways we’ve built a literature-rich homeschool in a house full of kids (and noise, and mess, and real life). Whether you’re new to Charlotte Mason-style learning or just looking to simplify your homeschool days, these tips will help you make space for meaningful reading, connection, and Christ-centered rhythms—no perfection required. You’ll hear about: Choosing (or modifying) a curriculum that values living books Anchoring read-alouds in your natural routine Seasonal reading that builds family memories Including a mix of book types for multi-age learning Grab a cozy drink and let’s talk about building a home where books and peace go hand in hand. ✨ Mentioned Resources: Honey for a Child’s Heart The Read-Aloud Family Give Your Child the World The Peaceful Press, The Good and the Beautiful, Ambleside Online, and more 💬 If you want to go deeper or talk through your homeschool in a personal way, stay tuned — I’m opening up one-on-one coaching calls soon! Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER Email me: bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com

Some of our most meaningful homeschool days haven’t been the ones where we checked every box, but the ones where we slowed down, gathered on the couch, and got lost in a story. In this heartfelt episode, I’m sharing the why behind our literature-rich homeschool and how stories have shaped not only our learning but our family culture, faith, and connection. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or simply needing a reminder of the beauty in this journey, this episode is a gentle encouragement to choose wonder over rush, and connection over perfection. We’re not diving into the practicals just yet—those are coming soon—but today is about remembering the power of a well-told tale and the life it brings to our homes. Resources & Links: Fellowship of the ring  Gandalf ”All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you.” Miss Rumphius The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe Share this with a fellow homeschool mama who needs encouragement today 👉 Want help building a routine that works for YOUR family? Book a 1:1 coaching call with me at bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER

Feeling rushed as the fall season kicks off? In this episode, we’re slowing down to talk about simple, life-giving fall traditions that you can implement — without adding more to your to-do list. Whether you’re a busy Christian homeschool mom juggling toddlers and teens or just starting your homeschool journey, you’ll walk away with easy, meaningful ways to bring rhythm, joy, and peace into your fall days.  These fall homeschool ideas aren’t about doing more — they’re about doing what matters most. 👉 Mentioned in this episode: our few favorite fall picture books, family traditions, and how to build a peaceful seasonal rhythm for your homeschool. Resources & Links: Share this with a fellow homeschool mama who needs encouragement today 👉 Want help building a routine that works for YOUR family? Book a 1:1 coaching call with me at bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER

👉 Want help building a routine that works for YOUR family? Book a 1:1 coaching call with me at bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com Feel like you’re constantly behind in your homeschool plans? In this episode, we’re flipping the script with reverse planning — a gentle, grace-filled approach to tracking what actually gets done each day. I’ll walk you through how I use a planner and a simple whiteboard system to visually organize our homeschool week (yes, even with toddlers in the mix!). This method works beautifully for large Christian homeschool families, helps you stay encouraged instead of overwhelmed, and builds momentum without the pressure of rigid checklists. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the trenches, this approach can bring more peace, clarity, and confidence to your homeschool days. Resources & Links: 👉 Share this with a fellow homeschool mama who needs encouragement today Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER

Do you want to meet with the Lord daily, but feel too tired, too distracted, or too stretched thin by homeschooling and motherhood? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing 4 small, practical shifts that have helped me create space to connect with God — even in the midst of long days, little ones, and never-ending to-do lists. If you’ve been struggling with consistency in your quiet time, or feeling guilty for not ”doing enough,” this episode will encourage you with a real-life approach to spiritual rhythms for busy Christian moms. This isn’t about more pressure — it’s about finding grace-filled routines that help you grow in faith right where you are. Perfect for: Christian homeschool moms, moms of large families, moms rebuilding spiritual habits, and anyone who wants a more consistent walk with God without guilt or perfectionism. Be sure to follow the podcast because I share weekly homeschool and motherhood encouragement.  Resources & Links: 👉 Share this with a fellow homeschool mama who needs encouragement today Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  Find me over at the blog  bringingjoytothesedays.com Set up your mentor meeting with me  bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER Episode Mentioned: Episode 15

Are you caught in the cycle of “when things calm down” or “once I’m getting more sleep” before you’ll really focus on your relationship with God? Maybe you feel too overwhelmed by diapers, homeschooling multiple grades, and making dinner… again. But here’s the truth: there will never be a perfect time—and your spiritual life matters now more than ever. In this episode, I’m sharing the top 3 reasons Christian homeschooling moms—especially in large families—must stop waiting and start prioritizing their faith today. Not when the babies sleep through the night. Not when the homeschool year ends. Now.  What you’ll hear: Why you don’t have to for the “right season” to walk with God Encouragement for moms who feel spiritually dry and overwhelmed Your kids don’t need a perfect homeschool plan as much as they need a mom walking closely with Jesus. Be sure to follow the podcast because in the next episode, I’ll be sharing super practical ways I stay connected to God through all the chaos—yes, even with babies, toddlers, and teens in the same house. Resources & Links: 👉 Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode 👉 Share this with a fellow homeschool mama who needs encouragement today Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  Find me over at the blog and find links to today’s resources bringingjoytothesedays.com Set up your mentor meeting with me  bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER

Are you trying to figure out what preschool should look like in your  homeschool? In this episode I’m sharing the preschool curriculum choices that are working in our home—simple resources that fit into a busy day with multiple kids. Whether you’re wondering if preschool curriculum is even necessary, or you’re just looking for gentle ideas to guide your littlest learner, I’ll walk you through what we’re using and why.  Bible Study mentioned in this episode: https://www.bsfinternational.org/ Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  Find me over at the blog and find links to today’s resources bringingjoytothesedays.com Set up your mentor meeting with me  bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER

In today’s episode I’m sharing our 3rd grade homeschool curriculum picks for the year! If you’re teaching multiple kids and looking for a faith-based homeschool plan that actually works in real life, this episode is for you. I walk through each subject we’re covering and explain why these resources work well for our large, busy household. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a looking for some inspiration I hope this encourages and equips you with practical ideas. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: Our full 3rd grade curriculum lineup Why we chose faith-based resources How we keep it simple and Christ-centered Tips for teaching third grade in a large family setting Encouragement for overwhelmed moms in the trenches  Perfect for: Christian homeschool moms Families homeschooling multiple children Anyone planning a 3rd grade homeschool year Moms looking for faith-filled, real-life curriculum ideas Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  Find me over at the blog and find links to today’s resources bringingjoytothesedays.com Set up your mentor meeting with me  bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER

Looking for a  homeschool plan for your 5th grader — especially when you’re juggling multiple kids? In this episode I’m walking you through exactly what we’re using for 5th grade homeschool curriculum this year. In this episode, you’ll hear: Our full 5th grade homeschool curriculum plan How we handle independent work + group learning Real-life tips for homeschooling multiple ages Perfect for: Christian moms homeschooling in large families, looking for curriculum that’s both faithful and flexible. Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  https://www.facebook.com/groups/709841218257166 Find me over at the blog bringingjoytothesedays.com Set up your mentor meeting with me  bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER

Struggling to find the right 10th grade homeschool curriculum for your teen — especially in a large Christian family setting? In this episode, I’m sharing our real-life curriculum picks for 10th grade, how we chose them, and what’s actually working in our home. Whether you’re balancing multiple ages, planning faith-based high school subjects, or just feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement for your journey.  Topics Covered: Our  10th grade curriculum lineup Faith-based resources we trust Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  https://www.facebook.com/groups/709841218257166 Find me over at the blog bringingjoytothesedays.com Set up your mentor meeting with me  bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER

Are you a Christian homeschool mom trying to simplify your day while teaching multiple kids? In this episode, I’m sharing the exact family subject resources we use in our large family homeschool—including Bible, history, science, and more! Learn how we combine ages, stay Christ-centered, and make learning more peaceful (and practical) for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to streamline your homeschool, you’ll find encouragement and real-life tips to make family-style learning work beautifully. Join the Newsletter!!! Join the Facebook Community today  https://www.facebook.com/groups/709841218257166 Find me over at the blog bringingjoytothesedays.com Set up your mentor meeting with me  bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER

In This Episode: What Marvelous Mondays look like in our home How we manage busy Tuesdays and Thursdays Balancing family subjects and independent learning Real-life reflections from our first 3 weeks of Term 1 Helpful Links & Resources: Previous Episode: Year-Round Homeschooling Schedule Join the Facebook Community today  https://www.facebook.com/groups/709841218257166 Find me over at the blog bringingjoytothesedays.com Set up your mentor meeting with me  bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER

Are you curious about how year round homeschooling really works? In this episode  I’m sharing our year round homeschool schedule and breaks to keep learning consistent but flexible. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or considering a year round approach, this episode will give you practical ideas and encouragement Join the Facebook Community today  https://www.facebook.com/groups/709841218257166 Find me over at the blog bringingjoytothesedays.com Set up your mentor meeting with me  bringingjoytothesedays@gmail.com GET YOUR FREE SIMPLE HABIT TRACKER