Advertise on podcast: Coffee With Carrie: Homeschool Podcast

When homeschooling, what is something that has been around forever, is inexpensive, requires almost no equipment, has numerous benefits—and actually works? Carrie has a simple homeschooling “duo” that just might be the cure-all for almost any homeschool ailment or obstacle. You’ll have to listen to find out what this miracle combination is! Kick off Season 11 of Coffee With Carrie Homeschool Podcast with this slightly off-the-wall episode and homeschooling metaphor—and get a sneak peek at some exciting projects Carrie has coming soon. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee and conversation about the homeschool “castor oil and tummy pack” that just might cure almost everything. **CORRECTION:  Coffee With Carrie has 300+ episodes NOT 3,000.** Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

Carrie is taking a Sabbath break this week!  Last week concluded Season 10.  She is taking a much-needed break as she prepares to kick off season 11 and share some exciting upcoming projects.  Enjoy this week's oldie but goodie.  It is a compilation of "Take a Sabbath Week" and "What Does a Sabbath Week Look Like"- two episodes from Season 1 and Season 5.   Take a sabbath break!  What?  Take a whole week off of academics and formal lessons to rest, relax, and reset?  You read that right!  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee break.  In this week's podcast, Carrie shares how to apply the Sabbath Principle to your yearly homeschool calendar.  In Carrie's book, Just Breathe (& Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool in Simply & Enjoyably,  Carrie explains in Chapter 3 the importance of not only taking a Sabbath hour each day to recoup and reset and to take a Sabbath day each week to worship and to rest but to also schedule a Sabbath Week into your homeschool calendar. In this episode, practical advice and biblical principles are given to help you truly rest in the Lord and to simplify your homeschooling. Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

Language is an art, which is why it’s called Language Arts. Expressing ourselves, sharing our opinions, and communicating what we know—both verbally and in writing—is an art. Reading for pleasure and for learning is an art, too. Reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, speaking, writing, punctuation, and handwriting are all part of the art of language.  In this week’s episode, Carrie is talking with Clare Bonn, a homeschool mom and the Director of Curriculum Development & Services of Blackbird & Company ELA Curriculum. Clare and Carrie discuss practical ways to create a literature-rich education in your home, how to start and sustain a family read-aloud habit, and how build a family home library. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Clare and Carrie for a little coffee and conversation about literature-based education. Check out Blackbird and Company K-12 ELA Curriculum at https://blackbirdandcompany.com/ Follow Blackbird & Company on Instagram @ blackbirdandco Contact Clare at [email protected]  Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

It’s that time of the year. October is scary season:  the Great October Homeschool Freak Out!  This is the month when your carefully crafted homeschool plan comes back to haunt you.  The October Homeschool Reckoning is when Moms realize: "I didn't plan a homeschool. I accidentally created a homeschool monster." Your thoughtfully pieced together curriculum, classes, activities, schedules, and commitments start chasing you in October.  Turn your Great October Freak-Out into your Great October Reset. Don't throw anything into your curriculum graveyard just yet.  Listen to this week's episode.  Carrie shares five things you might want to reset before giving up or starting over.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, eat some chocolate, and take a little coffee break.  Don't freak out! You've got this. Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

Are you art-challenged? Even you can teach art!  Art is so much more than drawing or learning about great artists. Children need opportunities to draw, observe, create, and make things by hand. Creative expression should be an important part of every child’s day and education. In this week’s episode, Carrie is talking with Julie Abels, author of Anyone Can Teach Art and founder of Ridge Light Ranch. Julie and Carrie share how to include art instruction and art appreciation in your home education without an art degree. They also discuss how to add beauty and creativity to your homeschool week in just 20 minutes! And they even get into the hot topic of AI and human creativity. It’s a must-listen for homeschool moms who want to bring more art and beauty into their homes—even if they don’t consider themselves artists. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Julie for a little coffee and conversation about art. Get FREE “Drawing Botanicals like Linnaeus” Lesson at ridgelightranch.com/carrie Check Art Curriculum and Art Instruction videos at https://ridgelightranch.com/ Listen to Anyone Can Teach Art Podcast with Julie at https://ridgelightranch.com/anyone-can-teach-art/ Purchase Anyone Can Teach Art by Julie Abels https://link.amazon/B02sOKS7Q  Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

It's time to think outside the box!  The number one reason veteran homeschool moms burn out or give up is because they try to do school at home.  The first mistake many new homeschooling moms make is they try to replicate traditional school at home.  Why are you modeling your home education after the very thing you are trying to escape?  Don't do school at home.  Think outside the box.  Let's do "school" differently this year.  This week, Carrie shares how to think outside the curriculum box and how to get out of the classroom mindset.   If you are new to homeschooling, you will need the reassurance and encouragement to change your mindset.  If you are a seasoned homeschooling mom, you probably need these important reminders.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee break. Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

If you have a toddler, preschooler, TK, Kindergartener or 6 year old, you don't want to miss this Coffee With Carrie Homeschool episode.  If your children are past this stage, then make sure you share this episode with friends who are thinking of homeschooling their little ones.  In this week's episode, Carrie explains the seven essentials of preschool and kindergarten and how to create a nurturing, learning environment with and without formal curriculum.  If you have little ones or you are new to homeschooling, you don't want to miss this episode.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee break.  Guide to Early Years Home Education:  CLICK HERE Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

To teach or not to teach Shakespeare? That is the question!   If you are thinking, "There’s no way I can teach Shakespeare to my kids!" or "There is no way my kids will enjoy learning about Shakespeare and his plays.  I don't understand him.  How in the world will my little guys get it?" then you need to join Carrie for this week's little coffee break.  Yes!  You can teach Shakespeare. And Yes! Your children will love it!  Have no fear! It's time for some Shakespeare!  It is not only doable but can be quite fun to add a little Shakespeare to your homeschooling.  In this week's coffee break, Carrie shares five simple strategies to reading and enjoying the plays of Shakespeare.  She also gives some fun and practical tips for introducing the Bard, his old English banter, and the beauty of Shakespearean language.  Carrie even gives ideas on how to incorporate games, drama, and Legos (yes, even Legos) into your Shakespearean studies.  For links, books, and activities mentioned in this week's podcast, go to Coffee With Carrie Website.  The blog article "Summer of Shakespeare" has all resources with links mentioned in this episode plus more! Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

Join Carrie for this little coffee break.  In this episode, Carrie shares fun and simple ways to incorporate math picture books, games, read aloud, and problem-solving activities into your Morning (or Basket) Time.  Carrie shares how to use and rotate SIX of her favorite "Go To" Math Resources during morning basket time.  These super fun, quick, (and inexpensive) ideas are sure to be a hit with you and with your family.  Exploring math and practicing computation as a family can be as easy as pi!  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up and join Carrie for little coffee and conversation about taming those math tears and fears. Math Picture Book List (PDF file):  CLICK HERE Recommended Math Picture Books with Amazon Links:  CLICK HERE Recommended Games (Including Math Games) with Amazon Links:  CLICK HERE BedTime Math APP:  CLICK HERE Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

There’s a beautiful new trend in the homeschooling community: grandparents partnering with parents to homeschool their grandkids!  Do you work full-time or part-time and need extra support homeschooling your child? Are you a single parent who could use an additional hand? Or do you have a parent or mother-in-law who would love to play a more active role in your child’s education?  If so, you’ll love this week’s conversation with Valerie Costanza and Chris Gonzalez. Carrie sits down with this dynamic mother-daughter team who have been homeschooling Valerie’s daughter—and Chris’s granddaughter—Camila, together for the past eight years. From the very beginning, homeschooling has truly been a team effort.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie, Valerie, and Chris for a little coffee and conversation about homeschooling together and generational home education. Join our Costa Rica Culture & Nature Study Adventure Trip for Homeschoolers: https://coffeewithcarrie.org/costa-rica-trip Register before August 8th to get Early Enrollment Discount ($200 off your trip).  Use code EarlyEnrollment2027 https://www.educationaltravel.com/register TRIP ID # 4345 Info About WorldStrides:  https://worldstrides.com/en-us Got Specific Questions about Costa Rica Trip?  Set up a conference call:  https://calendly.com/mdefrancisco8892/30min?month=2026-06  Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

No textbook? No problem!  You can teach history without relying on dry, boring textbooks filled with sound bites, half-truths, political agendas, or revisionist narratives. Did you hate history class growing up? Are your kids bored to death when it’s time for history lessons? If you’re looking for a fresh way to make history come alive in your homeschool, then grab a cup of coffee and take a break with Carrie.  This week features an updated version of the popular “History Alive” episode from Season 1. Carrie shares practical, engaging, and inexpensive ways to teach history to the entire family.  In the first part, she shows how to organize your history lessons for the year and include everyone in the family. In the second part, Carrie offers six super easy and simple ways to make meaningful connections and help history feel relevant to your kids.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and learn how to teach history in a way that’s truly engaging and fun for the whole family. Field Trip Opportunity:  Join our Costa Rica Culture & Nature Study Adventure Trip for Homeschoolers.  Go to www.coffeewithcarrie.org / Costa Rica Trip for details or to sign up. Info About WorldStrides:  https://worldstrides.com/en-us Got Specific Questions about Costa Rica Trip?  Set up a conference call:  https://calendly.com/mdefrancisco8892/30min?month=2026-06  Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

Is gentle homeschooling truly effective, or does it risk leaving children unprepared compared to a rigorous, structured approach?  In this episode, Carrie sits down with Christina Carpenter to explore the Gentle vs Rigorous Home Education debate.  Christina is a homeschool mom of four with over 15 years of experience (and one high school graduate), founder of Authentic Joy in the Journey, and creator of Bloom & Blossom conferences. They explore the definition what is “gentle” and “rigorous” homeschooling, examine what each looks like in daily life, and discuss how a gentle, wonder-filled education can also be rich, deep, and academically strong.  Carrie and Christina address common criticisms head-on: Is a gentler rhythm “lazy,” does it lack discipline, will it create educational gaps, or does it fail to prepare children for the future. Both Carrie and Christina share the key benefits they have seen in their own families and offer practical wisdom on the strengths and qualities this approach cultivates.  For moms just starting out or transitioning from a more traditional, highly structured style, this episode provides simple, actionable steps to begin shifting toward a gentler rhythm in the home.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Christina and Carrie for a little coffee and conversation about gentle homeschooling. Check out Christina's Website:  https://www.christinacarpenter.org/ Learn about her 2027 Bloom & Blossom Mom Conference:  https://www.christinacarpenter.org/bloom-and-blossom-conference Connect with Christina on Instagram and TikTok  @authenticjoyinthejourney Join our Costa Rica Culture & Nature Study Adventure Trip for Homeschoolers. Sign up at  https://coffeewithcarrie.org/coming-soon Info About WorldStrides:  https://worldstrides.com/en-us Got Specific Questions about Costa Rica Trip?  Set up a conference call:  https://calendly.com/mdefrancisco8892/30min?month=2026-06  Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

In this week’s coffee date, Carrie welcomes Ingrid Fincher of Healthy Holy MomLife to discuss how homeschooling moms can create healthy, Christ-centered rhythms that nurture their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being in every season of motherhood. Together, Carrie and Ingrid discuss practical ways overwhelmed moms can care for their spiritual, emotional, and physical health without adding more pressure to their already full plates. Ingrid shares realistic self-care for busy homeschooling moms, and how daily and weekly rhythms can help mothers cultivate peace, purpose, and sustainability in their homes. Whether you are feeling exhausted, stretched thin, or simply longing for more balance, this conversation is filled with practical tools and biblical encouragement to help you thrive instead of merely survive.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Ingrid for a little coffee and conversation. Learn more at https://www.healthyholymomlife.com/ Connect with Ingrid on Instagram @healthyholymomlife Join Healthy Holy Momlife All Access Membership:  https://www.healthyholymomlife.com/p/home  Listen to Truth Over Trends Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/truth-over-trends-podcast-biblical-womanhood-faith/id1774374017 Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

In this week’s Coffee Break, Carrie sits down with one of her closest friends, Georgina Tanefski—better known in our homeschool community as Señora T.  A bilingual speaker with over ten years of teaching & tutoring experience, Señora T has been teaching Conversational Spanish to homeschoolers through fun, engaging, and inexpensive activities. She has successfully taught her own children and grandchild, along with hundreds of homeschool families across Southern California. In this episode, Carrie and Señora T discuss the many benefits of learning a second language and how to do it naturally—without declensions, conjugations, or endless grammar drills. If you’re looking for a relaxed and effective way to help your children learn Conversational Spanish (or any second language) at home, this episode is for you. Pour yourself a cup of espresso, put your feet up, and join Georgina and Carrie for a little coffee and conversation about learning Spanish. Sign up for Señora T's Conversational Spanish Class (In Pasadena, CA Area):  FitSport Kinetics Accelerator Homeschool Program: https://fitsportkinetics.com/academic-classes/  Practice Your Conversational Spanish in Costa Rica!  Join our Costa Rica Culture & Nature Study Adventure Trip for Homeschoolers: https://coffeewithcarrie.org/costa-rica-trip Register before August 13th to get Early Enrollment Discount ($200 off your trip).  Use code EarlyEnrollment2027 https://www.educationaltravel.com/register  TRIP ID # 4345  PROGRAM ID:  DeFrancisco-4343 Info About WorldStrides:  https://worldstrides.com/en-us Got Specific Questions about Costa Rica Trip?  Set up a conference call:  https://calendly.com/mdefrancisco8892/30min?month=2026-06  Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.

It's time to declutter and build a habit of organization.  "Instead of seeing items as objects, see them as magnets for your attention" (James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits).  Let's get rid of (or at least re-organize) those "magnets"!  In this week's episode, Carrie shares some of her secrets how to get (and stay organized) by decluttering not only your space but your mind as well.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and sip, sort, and simplify your home and mind with Carrie this week. Resources Mentioned in This Week's Episode: Adjustable Drawer Dividers: https://amzn.to/4u4ylQb Index Card Holder:  https://amzn.to/4uBBYgn Clear Plastic Storage Bins for Refrigerator: https://amzn.to/4tqSWgE Under Bed Storage Bin:  https://amzn.to/4wonylB Nuuly Clothes Subscription PaperBack Swap Club Pango Books: Buy & Sell Books with Other Readers Join our Costa Rica Culture & Nature Study Adventure Trip for Homeschoolers: https://coffeewithcarrie.org/costa-rica-trip Register before August 13th to get Early Enrollment Discount ($200 off your trip).  Use code EarlyEnrollment2027 https://www.educationaltravel.com/register  TRIP ID # 4345  PROGRAM ID:  DeFrancisco-4343 Info About WorldStrides:  https://worldstrides.com/en-us Got Specific Questions about Costa Rica Trip?  Set up a conference call:  https://calendly.com/mdefrancisco8892/30min?month=2026-06  Support the show Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based LearningPurchase Homeschool High School:  A Handbook for Christian EducationPurchase Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee):  Homeschool Simply & Enjoyably.   Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session:  Coffee With Carrie  Subscribe to Coffee With Carrie email newsletter for FREE Morning Time Plans and monthly tips  https://coffeewithcarrie.org Follow on Instagram @coffeewithcarrieconsultant.