Road School Moms

Picture books have the ability to transform a homeschool into a place of imagination, wonder and character skills. We discuss all of this with Cheryl Bastian in Episode #182 of Roadschool Moms Radio.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher is behind the wheel from a SouthWest Florida location.  What is a picture book? A picture book is a work which combines literary eloquence with artistic merit--words and illustrations--working together to tell a story. Generally, picture books are written with 200-800 words (depending on the age of the targeted audience) on 28-32 pages. Historically, picture books have been written to the preschool through mid-elementary audience, yet these masterfully crafted gems speak to the hearts of readers of all ages. Wordless picture books Wordless picture books are just that, a book without words. The illustrations alone tell the story, unless, of course, the person holding the book chooses to imagine and craft the text. One of the Bastian's favorite wordless picture books is Jerry Pinkney's extraordinary The Lion and the Mouse, a retelling of Aesop's classic tale. This treasure won the 2010 Caldecott Medal for its illustrative excellence. These are words taken from Cheryl Bastian's post on picture books. Cheryl joins us for a look at how picture books can make an impact on our home through high school years. Cheryl's insight into how you can take one book and move it through different perspectives, art modalities and comparisons with other literature will make you look at those little books in a whole new way. Fostering Memories We each shared a few stories of memories we had around a picture book. Books can become part of the fabric of your family. Cheryl shared her memories as a child at the library hearing Blueberries for Sal. She connected with Sal in a way that helped her to learn empathy. Holly shares fond memories of bonding with her boys over picture books and a child's way of wanting to hear them over and over again! “Every child ought to know the pleasure of words so well chosen that they awaken sensibility, great emotions, and understanding of truth. ” — Gladys Hunt, Honey for a Child’s Heart, Zondervan, 2002, p. 18 What is a picture book? Books invites readers into learning and into the stories of others, gently, peacefully, and purposefully. There will be pondering.  A heart-changing impact, sometimes so subtly it will go unnoticed for a bit of time. Cheryl's post can be found at Cherylbastian.com  Cheryl invites you to visit that link for a list of picture books and other ideas to bring into your home. Follow the encouragement to learn something new every day from Learning Lifestyle Revival membership.  More about Roadschool Moms Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 180 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that?

Severe weather in the RV can be scary! Don't be scared, be prepared! The Roadschool Moms discuss in depth, more than 20 precautions to take during severe weather seasons in Episode #181 of Roadschool Moms Radio.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher is behind the wheel from a SouthWest Florida location.  This broadcast gives specific advice for those living the fulltime RV lifestyle; however, many topics discussed are beneficial to Roadschool Moms no matter where in the world you are!  Before You Hit the Road There are several ways to arm your family with the proper tools and precautionary measures to deal with inclement weather factors that may arise down the road. The key to this part of being prepared is to be proactive. A few things to do before you hit the road include * Download a good weather app with key features such as Accuweather or The Weather Channel * Gather adequate roadmaps for all areas of the journey ahead * Always travel with a weather radio with the seven NOAA channels * Keep a charged computer or tablet nearby with the appropriate cords * Maintain a current selection of various campground directories such as the Big Rigs Best Bets directory * Create an emergency survival kit as well as a bug out bag for each family member Finally, before you take off on the next road trip adventure, talk with all passengers, especially the kiddos, to demonstrate at least two (2) ways out of the RV in case of an emergency. A final inspection of the RV, tow vehicle, or toad is also non-negotiable. The last checkmark on the list to playing it safe is to put back sufficient cash to cover basic expenses including fuel, food, and accommodations for several days in case the family is displaced due to an accident or weather-related situation. Severe Weather in the RV Severe weather is scary no matter where in the world you live. Fulltime RVing families face even more challenges in weather-related situations. Often, RV travel takes place in regions of the country that are unfamiliar. Someone who grew up in Colorado may have no clue what to look for during hurricane season in Florida. A few no-brainer tips to remember are * Keep a mobile device charged at all times * Check satellite radio often for weather updates * If near the coast, be aware of tropical storms brewing * Keep fuel, propane, and water tanks full when weather predictions are unstable It is imperative to be weather aware when you are on the road. If you sense a change, pull over to a safe location and check the changing weather conditions. Remember, an RV is not a safe location during severe weather. Finding safe shelter is a must to avoid the risk of injury o even death. Retail stores, the library, a hospital, the post office, or any structure that you can reach with ample parking is good for an emergency. If it becomes necessary to pull over on the road, do not park next to a guard rail or any obstruction that will keep you from exiting the RV. Take No Chances The best advice is to take no chances during even the possibility of severe weather.

  Have you been to a homeschool convention? We are talking the pros and cons of a convention near you in episode 180. The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher stops by Holly's back porch to talk about their homeschool convention experiences. Do you go to a homeschool convention every year? Are you going to your first one this year? Holly and Mary Beth share their experiences with a little twist.   The Newbie Attending a homeschool convention can be sensory overload. Plan ahead for what your intentions are for the event. * Is your spouse attending or going with another mom? We recommend making a plan and not taking your children into the exhibit hall. Why? * You can't concentrate on why you are there. * They get distracted, hungry, irritated and bored. * You leave frustrated and didn't accomplish your goals for the trip. Do your homework Research vendors ahead of time. Make a list of who you want to see. Map out your route and gather information to look at later. Leaving room for a variable is important. 12:38 Break The vendor perspective Holly shares her family's perspective as a vendor and speaker at homeschool conventions. You may be surprised at why you should give a little time to the smaller cottage industry booths. 18:30  What is the difference in a big name for-profit conventions and a state non-profit convention. Why should you care? Holly and Mary Beth will be in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the Chattanooga Homeschool Expo July 20-21. This episode of Roadschool Moms is sponsored by The Giles Frontier. Check out Blaze New Trails, Nature and community-based adventures for every family.   Roadschool Moms Information Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out the video – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Android users follow on Stitcher. Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. These roadschool defined adventures don’t stop there. Holly Giles, founder of The Giles Frontier, and Mary Beth Goff, creator of Road Trip Teacher, team up every week to offer listeners a fresh take on homeschooling from the back porch of your hom...

What makes a young entrepreneur? Is it innate or the environment? That is what we discuss in episode #179.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher stops by Holly's back porch to talk about raising young entrepreneurs.   What is it about a successful entrepreneur that sets them apart? Were they raised by entrepreneurs? Where they born with the desire or was it all in the way they were raised to look at life? Childhood 4:45 Mary Beth has always been in business for herself. She has had several successful businesses in different areas. Her dad taught her the ropes. He has always had his hand in business. His tenacity and drive were a big influence in Mary Beth's life. Risk 7:05 Learning to evaluate risk at a young age helps as you grow into adulthood. The nurturing of play is important. Exploration and imagination play a huge role in developing characteristics of a young entrepreneur. Problem-Solving 10:20 This starts on the playground. Let kids work out social issues and find their own boundaries. Helicopter parenting prevents children from experiencing natural interaction with other children. Critical thinking is a life skill that can happen naturally if we don't step in and solve every issue. Abilities Holly shares the story of her son Grayson and working through the stroke he suffered as a child. Teaching independence and self-motivation played a key role in his successful lawn business. 17:15 Break Grit Grit is the number one factor in many successful entrepreneurs. Don't give up. Work hard and don't sell your kids short of their abilities. Rabbit Trails 22:00 Mary Beth shares an awesome story about her son selling rocks at concert events. After that, the ladies move into their opinion on what is different in this modern culture that prevents success in our children today. Listen in as they banter frankly about the changes in our society.   Roadschool Moms Information Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out the video – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Android users follow on Stitcher. Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. These roadschool defined adventures don’t stop there. Holly Giles, founder of The Giles Frontier, and Mary Beth Goff, creator of Road Trip Teacher, team up every week to offer listeners a fresh take on homeschooling from the back por...

&nbsp; There is no such thing as bad weather. Yes, I know you may be socked in with rain or snow, but we are tackling the silver lining of bad weather on episode #178.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher stops by Holly's back porch to talk about days to consider no bad weather. No matter the season, winter, spring, summer, or fall, many planned outings have been canceled due to bad weather. How can you take that disappointment and turn it into something fun? The Mess Mary Beth and Holly share that their number one reason for halting the outdoor fun due to bad weather is the clean up afterward. Moms have this vision of the end in mind. Where dirt, mud, snow, and water end up on their floors along with a pile of clothes that need washing. The Memories Holly shares fond memories of playing in the rain at her grandparent's house. Mary Beth loves to recall how she enjoys hearing the sound of the rain on the roof. Both share childhood memories of storms and hurricanes where everyone piles in the middle of the living room and plays cards to the lantern light. This memory seemed universal to wherever you live. Free Yourself Let go, mamas! Free yourself and your children. Have a few tricks up your sleeve to let go and go outside. Keeping a few items stashed in the garage will make it easy and fun to take a walk in the rain, make some snow queens. We even suggest hot cocoa and a read aloud under a park pavilion. Invest Invest in a little fun with your kids when they least expect it. Say yes to getting out of your comfort zone. We share some indoor activities along with movies and audio books to keep it real. A lightning storm is no time to head outdoors. Holly and Grant after the unexpected sled ride. The hurricane Facebook video Mary Beth and Holly talked about. Books to enjoy: The Umbrella, by Jan Brett Sunbread, Elisa Kleven Roadschool Moms Information Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out the video – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Android users follow on Stitcher. Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. These roadschool defined adventures don’t stop there. Holly Giles, founder of <a rel="NOFOLLOW" href="http://www.

&nbsp; &nbsp; How do you define motherhood? Yes, that is a loaded question that we are tackling on episode #177.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher stops by Holly's back porch along with Kristin Drake to talk about motherhood.  Who defined motherhood for you? Kristen shared a poll she took among friends for this podcast and the results were all different. * My mom. * My best friend's mom. * My aunt. * A homeschool speaker. * A school teacher. The results show we don't realize that we are pouring into people's lives with what we say, even when we don't know it. Grab the pile of laundry, some tissues and let's go! This podcast had a direction before the three of us came together. However, thoughts, emotions, giggles, and God played a bigger role in what we share with you today. We got a little carried away with our time, but it is time well spent. If you are looking for encouragement to know you are enough, you matter and there is always hope in Jesus then stay tuned. We giggled too much, (edited some out) hit some weighty topics and shared some truth about the baggage we carry into motherhood. In the end, we all agree that you shouldn't set yourself up for failure instead, give yourself GRACE. When you know better, do better and building relationships with our kids is the most important. &nbsp; Roadschool Moms Information Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out the video – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Android users follow on Stitcher. Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. These roadschool defined adventures don’t stop there. Holly Giles, founder of The Giles Frontier, and Mary Beth Goff, creator of Road Trip Teacher, team up every week to offer listeners a fresh take on homeschooling from the back porch of your home and behind the wheel across America’s backyard. Roadschool Moms:  Season 12 &nbsp;

Are you on a curriculum crunch to get it all done? Close your curriculum planner for a while and listen in to Episode #176 of Roadschool Moms Radio.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher stops by Holly's back porch to talk about the curriculum crunch.   Do you have a deadline? Mary Beth begins by sharing she is the culprit for wanting to get it all the curriculum done. Not her children. Holly has been down that road many times before of feeling like she is in a curriculum crunch and says she will not fall victim to that this year. Convention Season is Coming! 4:45 Convention season is coming and not everyone likes the convention halls but it is a great place to see curriculum up close and get new ideas. Mary Beth says FPEA was the first one she attended a few years ago and after a brief visit to the exhibit hall her kids were over it. Mary Beth was caught up in the shiny boxes and was quickly adding to their plan. It was her kids that called her out on adding too many things to the curriculum plate. 5:30 Holly shares how we should take a good look at what we already have and see that so many great companies actually add in literature, history, and science altogether. Companies like Notgrass and Apologia have a plethora of extra stuff if you choose to add it in. Holly picks one and rotates. You will lose your mind if you try to do it all. It's important to take your time with what you are working on an not rush through your child's learning. Bringing School Home Doesn't Work for Everyone 9:20 Mary Beth and Holly banter about how they learned the hard way and how they now shift their thinking in education. Solutions 15:15 * Build on their strengths, not weaknesses. * Be realistic about the amount of time you have. * Make a list of what is important to your family. Personal Stories 25:07 Holly says she has a "one-room schoolhouse" mentality and schools accordingly.  Mary Beth says you don't have to do it all. Share the learning with siblings, family members, and outside sources. Roadschool Moms Information Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out the video – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Android users follow on Stitcher. Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. These roadschool defined adventures don’t stop there. Holly Giles, founder of The Giles Frontier, and Mary Beth Goff,

Campfires evoke fond childhood memories. The Roadschool Moms crew pulls up a chair by the crackling campfire for Episode #175 of Roadschool Moms Radio.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher stops by Holly's back porch this week to sit by the campfire. The sky is clear and the fire is warm on this crisp spring night. Laughter from the Giles, Drake, and Goff families permeate the air from the discussions that arise from intentional family time such as these.  It wasn't long until the kids gathered with flashlights for an impromptu game of Capture the Flag. &nbsp;  Making lifelong memories Mary Beth and Holly sit by the embers of the evening campfire. Five adults and six children spent the evening roasting hot dogs, making s'mores and playing outdoor games. After the party moved indoors, Mary Beth and Holly stayed out by the fire to relive fond memories related to campfires. These veteran homeschooling mamas encourage roadschool moms everywhere to pass along their own childhood stories to their kids. What old-fashioned fun and games would today's homeschoolers still thoroughly enjoy? The answer is sure to surprise and delight! What are the memory makers in your life? Mary Beth shares camping memories with her parents that is synonymous with hot dogs. Holly's grandparent's indoor double fireplace is revealed as the site for roasted marshmallow perfection. Mary Beth and the gang Fun, Games and Family Time An evening campfire is a perfect place to bring back games like telephone, concentration, 20 questions and family storytelling. Singing songs and playing capture the flag are all-time favorites too. Kristen (prayer team) and Derek Holly and Curtis Recipes From campfire strawberries, pie irons and foil packet meals, the Roadschool Moms have it covered. Email subscribers are invited to download their favorite campfire recipes. Follow the encouragement to learn something new every day from Learning Lifestyle Revival membership. Use SPRINGFEVER as the discount code  for $5 of the first month’s membership to see what’s inside.  More about Roadschool Moms Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out the video – It’s as easy as 1-2-3! Android users follow on Stitcher. Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadscho...

Looking for a cure for spring fever? Episode #174 tackles this homeschool dilemma right here on Roadschool Moms Radio.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher is on Holly's back yard swing on one of the first spring days of the year. These veteran homeschool mamas remind that if life learners are restless this time of year, turn them loose! Releasing all that kid-energy outside will surely turn into something educational along the way. Harnessing those experiences is the subject of this podcast.  Breathe New Life into Your Homeschool Mary Beth and Holly share how the classes at The Frontier bring spring to families in Central Florida.  A recent visit to the oldest pool in Florida on a backyard roadschool trip with their roadschoolers is also a podcast highlight. The duo share how an impromptu adventure such as this can encourage the whole family to learn something new everyday.   Kids ready for a backyard roadschool adventure!  Turn off the tunnel vision! (6:00) Tunnel vision is a view to keep out of productive homeschool days. Both women encourage roadschool moms everywhere to fight this phenomenon that affects the mood of your whole household. Instead, let the mood shift naturally with each season change. Spring is a great time to refresh and recharge the attitudes for every member of the family. (13:00) While nature studies are mentioned on past episodes, this show reveals how to start a nature tote or backpack. This tool brings simplicity to nature study. Mary Beth proposes the idea of creating nature journalling pages for Roadschool Mom listeners. The free printables are part of a series available to email subscribers. (19:26) There's no better time to refresh family read-aloud lists. The RSM spring book list is hot off the press from The Gathering Table inside the Learning Lifestyle Revival membership. Use SPRINGFEVER as the discount code  for $5 of the first month's membership to see what's inside. (21:53) Mary Beth and Holly wrap up this broadcast with talk about gardening, canning and their favorite herbs. "Plant seeds in your family." Learn a few spring tidbits about protecting birds of prey and have you heard of falconry? Holly shares a Central Florida favorite, ARC. Searching for the Debary pool at dusk. Whooaa mosquitos! Wild Oranges Mary Beth, Holly and their families take a spur of the moment<a rel="NOFOLLOW" href="https://youtu.

Are you missing a piece of the puzzle is the question for Episode #173 of Roadschool Moms Radio.  The replay is a live recording by the Roadschool Moms team from the back porch and behind the wheel. Holly Giles, the creator of The Giles Frontier, broadcasts from central Florida.  This week, Mary Beth Goff, the Road Trip Teacher is alongside her co-host at Kristen Drake's dining room table. The trio talk about everyday whimsy while the focus quickly becomes how people come into our lives at just the right time. God's timing is always perfect.  Be Present Be present at the moment to be able to see God working in your life. (3:28) How Kristen and Holly met. Each had prayed for a person in their life for different purposes. God used a mutual friend and a pool party to bring them together. (10:19) Mary Beth shares how she tries to go it alone and Kristen tells her it is the enemy telling her a lie. "God created us to be relational people". (15:00) break Be a piece of the puzzle The women talk about how using kind words in everyday situations can be part of the puzzle for others, even complete strangers. Bringing this idea into our homes and marital relationships is even more important. Lead by example. More about Roadschool Moms Looking for a roadmap for your next learning adventure? Scroll through the RSM library on iTunes to find more than 170 podcast replays.  Subscribe to us on iTunes, rate the show and leave a review. Not sure how to do that? Check out our video on the 3 easy steps.  Android users can use the Stitcher.com app to listen. Homeschool enrollment is on the rise. As a result, more and more families are moving into a home on wheels. Further, the Roadschool Moms record this broadcast to present resources that meet the challenges of today’s roadschooler. These roadschool defined adventures don’t stop there. Holly Giles, founder of The Giles Frontier, and Mary Beth Goff, creator of Road Trip Teacher, team up every week to offer listeners a fresh take on homeschooling from the back porch of your home and behind the wheel across America’s backyard. Roadschool Moms:  Season 12 We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor, Like Arrows! FamilyLife’s first feature film LIKE ARROWS, explores the joys and heartaches of parenting with a story that spans over 50 years. Join us in theaters across America for a special 2 night showing of LIKE ARROWS followed by exclusive after-show content with the film-makers, including celebrated faith-based film-makers Alex and Stephen Kendrick as well as FamilyLife Today’s Dennis and Barbara Rainey and Bob Lepine. You’ll leave encouraged and equipped with powerful next steps to make Christ the center of YOUR parenting. LIKE ARROWS will be in theaters for two nights only, MAY 1ST and 3RD. To view the trailer and find theater info, visit the link below. If you missed the movie in theatres be sure to check out the Digital, DVD and Blueray versions on the website, LikeArrowsMovie.com <a rel="NOFOLLOW" href="http://bit.