The Brave & Balanced Homeschool with Mary Berghammer

Check out The Brave & Balanced Homeschool Planner Here!   Looking for the best homeschool planner? In this episode of The Brave and Balanced Homeschool, we’re talking all about homeschool planning, homeschool organization, and how to choose the right planner for your family. Whether you prefer a paper homeschool planner, spiral homeschool planner, online homeschool planner, or free printable homeschool planner, this episode will help you sort through the options with confidence. I share my honest experience after 22 years of homeschooling, using everything from printable planners and assignment notebooks to digital homeschool planners like Homeschool Planet. We also discuss how to plan for multiple children, track attendance, record grades, organize curriculum, and create a homeschool schedule that works in real life. You’ll also hear about my own Brave and Balanced Homeschool Planner—a simple, peaceful planner created for homeschool moms managing busy days without overwhelm. If you need homeschool planner ideas, homeschool scheduling tips, or encouragement for your homeschool journey, this episode is for you.   Free homeschool planners: https://connectingwithlittles.com/free-homeschool-planner/ https://momdelights.com/index.php/2022/07/15/free-undated-homeschool-planner/ https://www.notebookingnook.com/homeschool-planning-pages-2/ https://highland.hitcho.com.au/teacherforms.htm free unit study planner https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Unit-Study-Planner-1790387   Online planner: https://homeschoolplanet.com/   Printed Planner: https://wellplannedgal.com/  

To see all the links to the curriculum mentioned in this episode click HERE Teaching reading is one of the most important parts of homeschooling. In this episode of The Brave & Balanced Homeschool Podcast, I share the most successful way to teach your child to read at home based on my experience homeschooling four children — including one with moderate dyslexia. We talk about why phonics is the best foundation for learning to read, why sight reading can cause problems for struggling learners, and how repetition helps children build strong reading skills. I also share practical examples to help you confidently begin teaching reading in your homeschool. If you are a homeschool parent wondering how to teach your child to read, what reading curriculum works best, or how to support a child who struggles with reading, this episode will give you encouragement and practical direction. You’ll also hear my recommendations for strong phonics-based homeschool reading programs that can help your child become a confident and independent reader. Homeschooling becomes much easier once your child learns to read well, and in this episode I’ll walk you through the approach that worked in our homeschool.

Go here for the free resources mentioned in this episode https://whatabouthomeschooling.com/free-homeschool-resources/   As homeschool moms, we spend so much time researching homeschool curriculum trying to find that perfect one for our children. Unfortunately, there isn't a perfect homeschool curriculum, but there is a perfect book that you should be using not just in your homeschool but in your every day life. That book is the bible.  In this episode, you will learn why the bible really is the most important book in your homeschool and in your life. Imagine giving your children the best homeschool education, but not giving them the best foundation to build the rest of their lives upon? 

Be sure to visit my website and get the free newsletter www.whatabouthomeschooling.com Sonlight timeline book. Sonlight timeline figures Homeschool In the Woods Timeline figures  In this episode of The Brave and Balanced Homeschool, we’re diving into one of my favorite subjects and one of my facorite history tools — the timeline! Discover how using a timeline book or a “Table of Centuries” can make history come alive for your children and help them understand the flow of time and God’s story throughout history. I’ll share how I used timeline books from Sonlight and Homeschool in the Woods, plus how you can easily create your own budget-friendly version with just a notebook or binder. Whether you follow a Charlotte Mason approach or a more traditional homeschool method, a timeline will help your kids connect people, events, and centuries in a visual, lasting way. If you want your children to see how their own lives fit into the bigger picture of history — and enjoy learning it along the way — this episode is for you!

www.whatabouthomeschooling.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558953637407   The world of homeschool curriculum can be both a blessing and a burden—so many options, but where do you start? In this episode of The Brave and Balanced Homeschool, we cut through the overwhelm by focusing on two key questions every parent should ask before choosing a homeschool curriculum. We’ll explore: How much time you realistically have to teach each day How long you plan to homeschool your children Whether you're looking for a full homeschool curriculum package, online homeschool options, or traditional textbooks, these questions will help you narrow your search and make confident choices. I also share personal examples of how our family used both online and parent-led homeschool curriculum during different seasons. You’ll also learn why your long-term educational goals matter when selecting a homeschool curriculum—especially if your child may return to public or private school later on. If you’re just beginning your homeschool journey or feeling stuck in decision fatigue, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and peace. 🎧 Tune in now—and don’t miss part two, where I’ll share specific homeschool curriculum recommendations and helpful resources!

Welcome back to The Brave and Balanced Homeschool Podcast! This is Part 3 of our “Getting Ready to Homeschool” summer series, and today we’re pressing pause on curriculum talk so we can get to the heart of your homeschool journey—your vision. Before we jump into what to teach and how to plan it all, let’s stop and reflect on why you want to homeschool in the first place. In this episode, I’ll walk you through my free Homeschool Vision Worksheet, a simple tool to help you lay a strong foundation for your year. We’ll talk about: Why your “why” matters more than your curriculum choice What your mission and values look like in your homeschool Choosing a guiding scripture and writing a prayer for the year How your vision will bring clarity when challenges come Grab a pen and paper, or download the free worksheet by joining the waitlist for The Brave and Balanced Homeschool Membership at www.whatabouthomeschooling.com Or just grab the worksheet here whatabouthomeschooling.kit.com/vision Let’s get grounded in purpose—so you can homeschool with confidence.

Click here for more info on The Brave and Balanced Homeschool Membership Part 2 of the “Getting Ready to Homeschool” Summer Series Do fears like “What if I fail my child?” or “I’m just not organized or smart enough” hold you back from homeschooling? You're not alone—and you're not disqualified. In this heart-to-heart episode, I’m speaking directly to the fears and doubts many new or potential homeschool moms feel. This is the encouragement-packed second part of the Getting Ready to Homeschool series, and it’s all about mindset, grace, and trusting that God equips those He calls. You’ll hear: The real reason those fears don’t disqualify you Why it’s okay to mess up (and how to recover when you do) Personal stories from my own homeschool journey—yes, even the flops! How your child learns powerful life lessons by watching you Gentle, practical encouragement to help you start with confidence Why connection matters more than curriculum Plus, I introduce the Brave and Balanced Homeschool Membership—created especially for new homeschool moms of elementary-aged kids. Get all the details on what’s inside and how to join the waitlist (no commitment required!) to grab your free Homeschool Vision Worksheet. 🎁 Visit WhatAboutHomeschooling.com to sign up for the waitlist and download your free resource.

Get on the Brave and Balanced Homeschool Membership wait list and grab the Homeschool Vision Worksheet here - WhatAboutHomeschooling.com Check out the Homeschool Legal Defense here - HSLDA.org Welcome to the Brave and Balanced Homeschool podcast! In this kickoff episode of our brand-new "Getting Ready to Homeschool" summer series, we're diving into the essential first steps every new homeschool parent should take before beginning their homeschool journey. Whether you're just starting to research homeschooling, preparing to homeschool for the first time, or looking for a refresh as a seasoned homeschool mom, this episode will guide you through foundational steps that bring peace and clarity. You'll learn: Why prayer and trusting God's timing is the best first step in your homeschool planning How to research your state’s homeschool laws and legal requirements using trusted resources like HSLDA A simple method for scheduling your homeschool year using a year-at-a-glance calendar and building in flexibility You'll also hear a personal story about homeschooling a child with dyslexia and how trusting God's timing brought long-awaited results. If you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, this episode offers practical, faith-based encouragement for getting started with homeschooling the right way. Listen now and start preparing for your best homeschool year yet! Plus, don’t forget to visit whatabouthomeschooling.com to join the waitlist for the Brave and Balanced Homeschool Membership and grab your free Homeschool Vision Worksheet!

🖋️ Mentioned resources are available at whatabouthomeschooling.com In today’s episode of The Brave and Balanced Homeschool, we’re diving into one of those foundational homeschool topics—writing. Specifically, we’re talking penmanship: should you teach your homeschooled children cursive or print first? I’ll share my personal experience teaching writing to my four children, what I’ve learned along the way, and why I might do things differently if I had the chance to start over. You’ll hear about the surprising benefits of cursive writing, how it compares to print, and why actual writing (yes, with pencil and paper!) beats typing every time. We’ll also look at how cursive might support children with learning differences like dyslexia, and I’ll give you some practical tips and curriculum suggestions if you’re thinking about teaching cursive from the start. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or simply rethinking your approach to penmanship, this episode will encourage you to choose what works best for your family—with confidence and peace. 🖋️ Mentioned resources are available at whatabouthomeschooling.com

Check the What About Homeschooling Website:  www.whatabouthomeschooling.com Mentioned is this episode: Saxon Math at christianbook.com DIVE and  Shorman Math Saxon placement tests Robinson Curriculum Homeschool classifieds for used homeschool books. In this episode of The Brave and Balanced Homeschool, we dive into Saxon Math, a secular curriculum known for its structured, incremental approach with plenty of review. While Saxon is not a Christian-based program, it is a solid, traditional math curriculum that has been used in public schools and by homeschoolers alike. If you’re confident in math or willing to learn alongside your child, Saxon Math is a fantastic, proven curriculum. However, if you prefer more structured teaching support, DIVE or Shorman Math may be better options—especially for higher-level math. Or you can look into how Art Robinson taught his children, or rather how they taught themselves, using Saxon Math.  

Make sure to visit my homeschool website www.whatabouthomeschooling.com Mentioned in this episode: Shurley English HSLDA Sonlight timeline Book   In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges homeschool families face during tough times. Whether you're dealing with personal struggles or family stress, it's essential to know when to pause or slow down homeschooling to prioritize well-being. We also explore how to recognize when your current curriculum isn't working and how to adjust your approach, whether it’s modifying teaching methods or switching to a new homeschooling curriculum altogether. If you're feeling overwhelmed by your homeschooling journey, this episode offers practical advice and solutions to help you find balance, adjust, and thrive.

https://www.whatabouthomeschooling.com https://www.teachingtextbooks.com   In this episode, I dive into one of my all-time favorite homeschool math curricula—Teaching Textbooks. If you’ve been looking for a self-grading, online math program that simplifies the homeschooling, you’re in the right place! I share how Teaching Textbooks has been a game changer for my family, providing flexibility, ease of use, and a stress-free grading system. From the ability to access lessons on-the-go to customizing grading for each child, Teaching Textbooks offers everything a busy homeschooling parent could need. I also discuss how the curriculum supports students from grades 3 through high school and provides lifetime access to grades—perfect for homeschoolers who need to track progress or meet state requirements. Plus, there's a gem that I wish I had known about when my kids were younger—free math tutoring over the phone! If your child struggles with a lesson, just call and get real-time help from the Teaching Textbooks team. Listen in for a detailed review, pros and cons, and a bonus—how to get your first 15 lessons free to see if Teaching Textbooks is the right fit for your homeschool.

In episode 30, I talk about how to choose the best homeschool math curriculum for your child. We cover three key points: the importance of including math fact memorization, deciding whether math manipulatives are necessary for your child, and choosing between detailed lesson plans versus simplified ones. Tune in for tips on finding the right fit for your homeschool needs! Visit my website: https://www.whatabouthomeschooling.com Alpha School

Make sure you grab your free downloads. Click the link, and grab them while they are still available! www.whatabouthomeschooling.com/podcast   Homeschooling after the holiday season can be a little difficult. How do you help your homeschooled children keep motivated to finish the school year? How about yourself? Do you feel a little bored with the same day to day homeschool tasks? Listen in for some simple ideas to help you get through the end of the homeschool year.

Interested in any of the resources mentioned in this episode. Just go to my website and find links to all of them. Being able to homeschool my children was one of my life's greatest blessings! One thing I did with my children almost every school day was read aloud. In this episode, published right before Christmas, I share one of my favorite Christmas stories as I read it aloud to you. I hope you enjoy it!

www.whatabouthomeschooling.com Have you ever shed tears over homeschooling? I mean have you ever been so discouraged at teaching your children or about a learning challenge and not knowing how to help them? I have. There were many times that I just didn’t know what to do. Do you lay awake at night worry about whether they will be prepared for college or be able to be successful in the workplace? This is the episode for you! Listen in and get some homeschool encouragement.

www.whatabouthomeschooling.com It's almost Christmas! It's time to make some memories with your children and pass on those cherished traditions! How do you homeschool during Christmas time? Should you even homeschool during the holiday season? How much time should you take off from homeschooling for the holidays? Listen in to find out how I homeschooled during the holidays for over 22 years.

Check out my website:      www.whatabouthomeschooling.com Are you a homeschool mom who wants to know more about alternative homeschool curricula? Have you heard of Charlotte Mason and want to find out more about her philosophy of education? You will want to listen in on this episode of the What About Homeschooling podcast. If you want to know more about Charlotte Mason and how to add some of her techniques to your homeschool, go check out these websites: Amblesideonline SimplyCharlotteMason CharlotteMasonHomeschooling  

www.whatabouthomeschooling.com Need some help choosing the best homeschool curriculum for your children? Here is my 2nd homeschool curriculum review! In this episode I review a wonderful unit study homeschool curriculum called A World of Adventure by Learning Adventures. Learning Adventures    

One of the challenges of homeschooling is choosing the best homeschool curriculum for your family. I want to help you get started homeschooling by providing some homeschool curriculum reviews. For my first review, I chose Sonlight, a literature-based homeschool curricula. Mentioned in this episode  WhatAboutHomeschooling.com                                             whatabouthomeschooling.com store                                             Sonlight.com                                             Sonlight podcast                        

www.whatabouthomeschooling.com How do you homeschool a kindergartener? What homeschool curriculum should you use? How long does it take to teach a kindergartener each day? Can you homeschool kindergarten for free? Where do you start? I’m glad you asked. Give me a few minutes, and I will help you with all these questions. Mentioned in this episode: Homeschool Legal Defense Association                                             Abeka scope and sequence                                             Bob Jones scope and sequence                                             Simply Charlotte Mason                                             AmblesideOnline

Is it possible to homeschool and work at the same time? Yes, it is! I homeschooled my children and worked part-time and full-time. Listen in and see how I made it through those years while working and homeschooling at the same time. https://www.whatabouthomeschooling.com Mentioned in this episode: for homeschool laws: HSLDA.org for online curriculum:  Abeka.com  Bjupress.com  Monarch

Have you ever thought, "I'm not smart enough to homeschool my children"? , I want to help you see that you are more than qualified to teach your children at home if you feel that this is what God is calling you to do. I want to give you some knowledge of what is available to you, so you feel more comfortable, empowered, and confident that you can homeschool your children. Mentioned in this episode: www.whatabouthomeschooling.com www.teachingtextbooks.com  www.abeka.com    

Simple Homeschooling Tips for Beginners https://www.whatabouthomeschooling.com Click on either link above and go get my free download, Homeschooling Tips for Beginners! Do you have fears around homeschooling your children? Are you looking at circumstances beyond your control and letting them influence your decisions about homeschooling? Sometimes we need to move forward in faith despite the things going on around us, and trust God for the outcome.  

Homeschooling preschool. You can go all in on a preschool homeschool curriculum that guides you with lesson plans etc. or you can just get some simple supplies and do it on your own. Or, if you choose, you don’t have to do either of these. You can simply wait to start school until they are older.  Mentioned in this episode: HSLDA www.whatabouthomeschooling.com/blog/homeschooling-preschool

One the best things about homeschooling is having flexibility. So what does it mean to have flexibility, and why is it so important when homeschooling your children? Listen to this episode of the What About Homeschooling podcast to find out. Mentioned in this episode: The Shurley Method English Made Easy.   Be sure to visit https://www.whatabouthomeschooling.com  to get your free download of my booklet Homeschool Tips for Beginners and Anyone Who Needs a Refresher.

Since the school year is coming to an end for a lot of homeschoolers, I thought I would talk about that transition time into the summer months and then getting back into a homeschool routine in the fall. Be sure to visit my new website to get a free digital download of my booklet Basic Homeschooling Tips! Just click on the link at the top of the page. https://www.whatabouthomeschooling.com    

Are you starting to feel the drudgery in your homeschool doing the same thing day after day after day after day? Are you getting that antsy feeling like you need a change? Keep up the homeschool momentum by doing one or all of these things.

It takes more time to homeschool a child with dyslexia. Here are some tips to keep moving ahead in their school work. Mentioned in this episode: Librivox.org  Amazon.com-search for "reading guides".

Have you ever wondered what the bible says about educating your child at home or if you should homeschool your child? Listen to this episode to find out what God says about teaching your children. To read about The Old Deluder, Satan law click here.

Want to hear what a homeschool graduate has to say about her homeschool experience? Did she miss out on anything by not going to school? Would she do anything different? What advice does she have for moms who are thinking about homeschooling their children?

Are you looking for more homeschool options? Need a little help with keeping records such as grades and attendance while homeschooling? An umbrella school may be a good option for your family. You can check HSLDA.org to see if they have any umbrella schools listed in your state. For TN and FL, you can check out homelifeacademy.org

Are you homeschooling and suspect your child has dyslexia? How can you homeschool a child with dyslexia? I did it, and here's what worked for my child.  Go to christianbook.com to find all the curricula mentioned in this episode including: Why Johnny Can't Read, Alpha-Phonics, Spell to Write and Read, and Sequential Spelling. The Barton Reading and Spelling program can be found here: Bartonreading.com

Are you wondering how you can homeschool all your children at the same time? In this episode, I share a few simple tips on how to make this work. Mentioned in this episode: Mystery of History curriculum   https://themysteryofhistory.com/

There are so many benefits to reading whole books in your homeschool. If you are not sure how to add this into your day with all the other things you are already doing, listen in for a few minutes. I have some helpful ideas. Mentioned in this episode: learning-adventures.org  Librivox    www.sonlight.com  www.amblesideonline.org

There are many different ways to keep track of everything you have  to do each day in your homeschool. Here are a few suggestions to get you started scheduling all of those things. Mentioned in this episode: Homeschool Tracker- www.Homeschooltracker.com  

We can't see our children's future, but there is One who holds the future in His hands. Listen in for a few moments and be encouraged to put your faith into practice as you homeschool your children, and trust God for the outcome.  

In this episode I interview a homeschool graduate. This graduate just happens to be my oldest daughter, Kassandra. She answers 5 questions about homeschooling from the perspective of the child or student. Did she miss out on anything, because she was homeschooled? Did she like being homeschooled? Listen in to find out the answers to these questions and more!

Are you worried about teaching everything to your child? Maybe you didn't do so well in school when you were a child, and you're not sure if you can teach your children all they need to know. Here are 4 Reminders to help you overcome those fears and doubts.   Curricula mentioned in this episode: www.teachingtextbooks.com          www.Abeka.com

There are so many great reasons to homeschool your children. To keep this episode short, I mention just 3 advantages of homeschooling, but they are good ones.

Have you started homeschooling, or are you still thinking about homeschooling? Here are 2 things I recommend for those of you new to homeschooling. Homeschool Legal Defense Association www.hslda.org  

How did I start homeschooling my children when I had never even heard of homeschooling? Here's the beginning of the story.