In this episode of “Your Morning Basket,” host Pam Barnhill and co-host Heather Tully, a mom of ten and a veteran morning time homeschooler, discuss the enriching experience of nature study. Parents will discover the benefits of incorporating nature study into their homeschool routine, learning how it can foster observation skills, connect children with science in a vivid and approachable way, and significantly benefit mental wellness by encouraging outdoor time.This episode covers practical tips for making nature study a seamless part of morning time, including building drawing and watercoloring skills as well as choosing specific topics for deeper exploration. Listen in for inspiring strategies to bring the wonders of the natural world into your homeschool.Key Takeaways:Nature study in homeschooling encourages children to observe and connect with science in a tangible and engaging way.Integrating nature study into morning time can be achieved through skill-building activities like drawing and watercoloring, and by focusing on thematic studies such as rocks or evergreens.Even without venturing outdoors, nature study can be effectively conducted at the table with resources like nature lore books and magnifying glasses for closer observation.Consistency in nature study can be fostered by forming groups for regular nature walks, thereby making the practice a communal and anticipated event.Nature study not only deepens child's understanding of the natural world but also promotes mental well-being by encouraging them to spend time outside, observing and appreciating their surroundings.Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Gather: Exploring the Wonder, Wisdom & Worship of Learning at HomeHeather Tully PhotographyEyes and No Eyes: Volume 1Among the Meadow PeopleThe Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir LawsCircle of Seasons; The Journal of a Naturalist's YearSimply Charlotte MasonFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb150To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:Navigating High SchoolGo from anxiety about homeschooling the high school years to confidence you can prepare your teen for college, trade school, a career or any other opportunities life throws their way. Navigating High School is a guide to confident homeschooling! Get confident in your ability to plan for high school, meet your teen’s needs, and launch them successfully into whatever next step awaits them. Join now: https://pambarnhill.com/navigating/Navigating High School

If you're a homeschooling parent looking for meaningful ways to engage with your high schoolers and bring joy to your homeschool routine, this episode of Your Morning Basket is for you. Join host Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Laney Homan and Dawn Garrett, as they discuss incorporating Morning Time for high schoolers and the importance of Morning Time, plans that cater to the whole family.Laney Homan shares her experience of using Morning Time plans with her senior high schooler and her 7-year-old, emphasizing the value of not making high school plans and engaging in enjoyable learning together. Dawn Garrett discusses making Morning Time count for high schoolers and provides insight into incorporating it into their daily routine.Discover how morning time plans offer valuable learning experiences for children of different ages, including high schoolers. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that will inspire and guide you in making Morning Time work for your high schoolers!Key Takeaways:Morning time plans for homeschooling high schoolers can be varied and flexible, incorporating activities that cater to different subjects and interests.Morning time plans include diverse activities, videos, picture study, poetry, and level-up activities suitable for older students.High schoolers can engage with morning time plans through activities like math, which includes advanced concepts suitable for their age and ability.Discover how morning time plans can benefit high schoolers and the whole familyLinks and ResourcesYour Morning Basket+Month of Morning TimePicture Books Aren't Just for PreschoolersFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb149To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:Navigating High SchoolGo from anxiety about homeschooling the high school years to confidence you can prepare your teen for college, trade school, a career or any other opportunities life throws their way. Navigating High School is a guide to confident homeschooling! Get confident in your ability to plan for high school, meet your teen’s needs, and launch them successfully into whatever next step awaits them. Join now: https://pambarnhill.com/navigating/Navigating High School

If you're a homeschooling mom looking for ways to incorporate current events into your homeschool, episode 148 of Your Morning Basket is a must-listen! Join host Pam Barnhill and returning guest, Carl Azuz the host and executive producer of The World From A to Z as they delve into the world of news and media literacy. Pam and Carl discuss the importance of engaging kids in meaningful conversations about global events and navigating the complex landscape of media and news consumption.Carl shares his experience as a news presenter for CNN and his reasons behind creating, "The World From A to Z," a nonpartisan news show designed to provide a well-rounded look at international events, cultures, and stories for students. Discover how "The World From A to Z" can help bring current issues to your homeschool in a family-friendly manner.Key Takeaways:Learn how, The World From A to Z provides a well-rounded perspective on news and culture.As homeschoolers, we have a unique opportunity to engage our kids in critical thinking conversations about what's happening in the world. Carl shares his journey from CNN to creating The World From A to Z, a family friendly news outlet for students.Carl encourages multiple perspectives and fact-checking in an ever growing digital age. Learn how discussing news and current events can help our children think critically and have meaningful discussions.Encourage our children to have well-rounded perspectives, especially on controversial topics. Encourage our children to bridge disagreement and polarization within their communities with factual news information. The World From A to Z runs a fresh, nine minute episode each weekday.Links and ResourcesYour Morning Basket PlusThe World From A to ZCarl Azuz's YouTube channelCarl Azuz on Your Morning BasketPoynter InstituteSonlight Homeschool CurriculumFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb148To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:Navigating High SchoolGo from anxiety about homeschooling the high school years to confidence you can prepare your teen for college, trade school, a career or any other opportunities life throws their way. Navigating High School is a guide to confident homeschooling! Get confident in your ability to plan for high school, meet your teen’s needs, and launch them successfully into whatever next step awaits them. Join now: https://pambarnhill.com/navigating/Navigating High School

In this episode, discover practical strategies to combat burnout in your homeschool with Pam Barnhill and co-hosts, Ali Madej and Meg Angelino. You will gain valuable insight on using Morning Time and other tools to engage your children during times of curriculum fatigue, seasonal illness, new baby, or overall burnout. This candid conversation acknowledges the natural ebbs and flows in the homeschooling journey and the importance of extending grace to both parents and children during periods of burnout. The team offers practical insights into managing grading and striking a balance between pleasurable learning and skill subjects.Tune in to Your Morning Basket Podcast and start your journey towards a more intentional and joyful homeschooling approach today.Key Ideas About Morning Time and BurnoutUtilize library apps, such as; Hoopla, Libby for audiobooks and online resources to engage kids in learning during times of burnout.Embrace the fun and learning potential in Explorations, read-aloud time, and strewing to keep kids engaged.Explore strategies for managing burnout, including; managing mom's health, starting with enjoyable subjects, and outsourcing subjects.Emphasize the importance of balance and grace for both the homeschooling parent and the children during times of burnout.See Morning Time as a fundamental tool to combat burnout. Links and ResourcesYMB+HooplaLibbyLife of FredPut Your Homeschool Year On AutopilotDenise Gaskin on YMBHandbook of Nature StudyFor full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb147To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:Navigating High SchoolGo from anxiety about homeschooling the high school years to confidence you can prepare your teen for college, trade school, a career or any other opportunities life throws their way. Navigating High School is a guide to confident homeschooling! Get confident in your ability to plan for high school, meet your teen’s needs, and launch them successfully into whatever next step awaits them. Join now: https://pambarnhill.com/navigating/Navigating High School

Join Pam Barnhill and co-hosts Meg Angelino and Laney Homan as they delve into the purpose and structure of morning time in homeschooling. In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of setting goals for morning time, its role in fostering lifelong learning and family connections, and strategies for making it a valuable and efficient part of the homeschool day. They share their personal experiences, tips, and insights on how to incorporate morning time into various homeschooling philosophies and its impact on family life.Key TakeawaysMorning Time is adaptable and can work for families regardless of their homeschooling philosophy, prioritizing what is important for each family.It provides an opportunity to include academic subjects, making homeschooling more efficient by teaching everyone at once.It's important to incorporate enjoyable elements for each family member in morning time, using it as a fun way to introduce less favored subjects.The hosts share their approaches to homeschooling and how morning time aligns with their individual philosophies.Tips and insights are provided for moms looking to implement morning time in their homeschooling routine.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to https://pambarnhill.com/ymb146To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:Navigating High SchoolGo from anxiety about homeschooling the high school years to confidence you can prepare your teen for college, trade school, a career or any other opportunities life throws their way. Navigating High School is a guide to confident homeschooling! Get confident in your ability to plan for high school, meet your teen’s needs, and launch them successfully into whatever next step awaits them. Join now: https://pambarnhill.com/navigating/Navigating High School

Join hosts Pam Barnhill and Dawn Garrett as they revisit a classic episode of "Your Morning Basket" with Sonya Shafer, a homeschooling veteran, speaker, and writer specializing in the Charlotte Mason style of education. In this flashback episode, Sonya shares valuable insights into the power of narration and its role in developing children's personalities and engagement with books. Listen for practical tips for implementing narration, the effectiveness of oral compositions, and the benefits of using living books to foster the imagination.Key Takeaways About Narration:Learn how narration can engage children with books, develop their personalities, and enhance their oral composition, memory, and language skills. Understand the importance of grace for both parents and children as they navigate the learning process, emphasizing patience and trust. Explore the introduction of different types of narration, such as descriptive, expository, and persuasive, to students at various grade levels, and the stages of integrating these compositions into their education. Gain advice on encouraging children's narration skills without over-analyzing, to foster higher-level thinking and a love for storytelling and expression. For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb145To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:Navigating High SchoolGo from anxiety about homeschooling the high school years to confidence you can prepare your teen for college, trade school, a career or any other opportunities life throws their way. Navigating High School is a guide to confident homeschooling! Get confident in your ability to plan for high school, meet your teen’s needs, and launch them successfully into whatever next step awaits them. Join now: https://pambarnhill.com/navigating/Navigating High School

Get into the holiday spirit with the Your Morning Basket Podcast's special episode, "The Team's Favorite Christmas Books." Join host Pam Barnhill as she welcomes Betsy Cypress, Meg Angelino, Genie Shaw, Ali Madej, Jeanette Pascua, Laney Homan, Katy Wallace, and Dawn Garrett as they share their personal favorite Christmas picture books and family traditions. From heartwarming stories to meaningful activities, you'll discover new books to read and find inspiration for creating meaningful traditions with your own family. Don't miss out on this festive episode that will add warmth and joy to your holiday season.Key Takeaways: Discover new Christmas picture books to enjoy with your family, including Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson and The Adventure of Christmas by Lisa Welshell.Start your own family traditions inspired by the podcast team's favorite activities, such as wrapping Hershey's Kisses as a countdown to Christmas or visiting neighborhood Christmas light displays.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb144To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.Mentioned in this episode:Navigating High SchoolGo from anxiety about homeschooling the high school years to confidence you can prepare your teen for college, trade school, a career or any other opportunities life throws their way. Navigating High School is a guide to confident homeschooling! Get confident in your ability to plan for high school, meet your teen’s needs, and launch them successfully into whatever next step awaits them. Join now: https://pambarnhill.com/navigating/Navigating High School

In this episode of Your Morning Basket Podcast, hosts Pam Barnhill, Laney Homan, and Dawn Garrett talk about how to make morning time work for your family. They discuss how long Morning Time should be and why treating it as a separate activity is essential. The hosts share their experiences and tips on incorporating different subjects into morning time, like history, science, and skill work. They also give practical advice on balancing content area work with skill work, especially if you have multiple children. They also discuss whether you should have separate morning time activities for different age groups and the importance of having designated times for everyone to come together. Join the hosts as they give helpful advice on setting goals for morning time and making it a fun and meaningful part of your daily routine.Key Takeaways:Morning time should be seen as a separate activity, treated with importance and joy. Balancing content area work and skill work is a challenge, especially with multiple children. Skill work is often done outside of morning time. It's acceptable and beneficial to have separate morning time activities for different age groups if it works for the parent and benefits the child. Identifying priorities and deciding who needs to be present for certain activities is crucial in optimizing morning time. Setting goals for morning time, considering the ages of your children and the season of life, is an essential part of making it a successful practice.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb143To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.

Tired of the daily grind of homeschooling? Join Pam Barnhill and her team as they share how Your Morning Basket Plus Explorations can breathe new life into your homeschool. In this episode, Pam is joined by team members Ali and Laney to discuss how using Explorations as the basis for elementary homeschool subjects can nurture relationships, reduce stress, and encourage a love of learning. Hear real-life examples of how topics like baseball, ponds, artwork, and nature have captured children's imaginations across various ages. Discover how activities in music, poetry, picture study, and more can provide a rich learning experience tailored to each child's interests and abilities. If you're looking for an engaging way to teach multiple ages, subject areas, and learn alongside your children, take advantage of this insightful conversation. Let explorations help you rediscover the joy and meaning at the heart of homeschooling.Key Takeaways:Morning Basket Explorations can be the core of an elementary homeschool curriculum, covering subjects like science, history, art, and more.Explorations nurture relationships between siblings as they learn together on topics tailored to their individual levels.High-interest topics like baseball, ponds, fairy tales, trains, and more encourage kids to dive deep into subjects over a month.Consistent activities in each plan, like music, poetry, and picture study, provide a well-rounded experience.Focus is on learning and making connections rather than output of worksheets or compositions.For full show notes and a transcript of today’s episode, head to pambarnhill.com/ymb142To join our free homeschool community, you can create an account right here.