Homeschooling Down South

This week, Sheila Catanzarite shares how notebooking inspired her homeschool approach to help her raise confident, expressive daughters and continues to inspire her as she helps homeschool families rethink what writing can look like at home. If writing feels stressful in your homeschool, this conversation may change the way you think about it. Sheila explains how living books, short lessons, narration, and notebooking colored her homeschool. She explores the difference between receptive and expressive language, and why both matter. Sheila’s incredible resources, including a living language arts curriculum and a language lab, remind us about the human aspect of communication to connect with one another, heart-to-heart and soul-to-soul. You’ll be convicted to take on a more experimental approach to language arts and believe that the path to your children’s writing can transform from writing for perfection to writing with a confident voice. Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press Shiela Catanzarite Living Verse Language Arts Curriculum The Living Language Lab Shiela Catanzarite’s Instagram Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Homeschool planning does not have to mean rigid schedules or a binder full of paper you never use. Jenn Dickerson of Homeschool Planning shares the flexible system that helps families stay organized, keep simple records, and build a homeschool rhythm that actually fits real life.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by curriculum choices, behind on planning, or unsure what to keep for records, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. Jenn explains how she turned trial and error into practical tools for homeschoolers who want structure without feeling trapped. Helpful planning tips abound for new homeschoolers, multi-age families, and anyone who wants a simpler way to manage the invisible work behind homeschooling. If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start building a system that supports your family, this one is for you. Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press Homeschool Planning Homeschool Planning Instagram Homeschool Planning Facebook Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

What if your next homeschool field trip was an indoor skydiving lesson that left your kids braver, your group more connected, and your whole family eager to go back? Today we talk about Kayla’s first visit to iFLY Atlanta—and how an exciting day in the wind tunnel became a memorable mix of fun, science, and confidence-building. We talk with podcast friend Whitney about how to set up the field trip, and what she loves about iFly and homeschooling. We learn what to expect, from hands-on demonstrations about weight and surface area to the safety briefing and the moment you float in the tunnel. Kayla explains why the experience felt less intimidating than expected, upping the excitement for the second flight, and how the instructors help flyers have an amazing flight.Our conversation also discusses the value of going on field trips in community. If you’re looking for an adventurous educational outing for your homeschool group or family, tune in for a firsthand look at iFLY’s field trip experience. Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press iFly iFly Field Trips A & A Play on Instagram Whitney’s Instagram Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Today we are re-releasing Episode 16, our conversation with friend of the podcast and mentor to so many homeschooling moms, Jennifer Henn. We are sharing her words and wisdom as a celebration of her life and legacy. Please keep the Henn family in your prayers. If you would like to support them, please visit this fundraiser run by our friends at Unite Homeschool Network . Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Homeschooling gets a lot more beautiful when you stop treating poetry like a performance and start treating it like play. In this episode, Rachel Donahue, homeschooling mom and Chief Creative Officer at Bandersnatch Publishing, shares why poetry belongs in every homeschool. She explains why beauty matters so much in education and why the right poem can stay with a child for life. Rachel also explains how to make poetry feel inviting instead of intimidating, and how a home filled with books, rhythm, and art can help kids grow in confidence, language, and wonder. Through the conversation, she helps remove the pressure around teaching and learning poetry and reminds us to bring back the freedom and play - for our kids and ourselves. Learn about Bandersnatch Publishing’s mission to find a home for beautiful virtuous books that might otherwise fall between the cracks. This episode is for everyone: homeschool parents, book lovers, poetry skeptics, and anyone looking for practical encouragement to build a home culture full of beauty, confidence, and good books. Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press Bandersnatch Books Flicker Press Bandersnatch Books on Substack Rachel Donahue on Substack Rachel Donahue Instagram The Banderpod Bandersnatch Instagram Bandersnatch TikTok Bandersnatch Facebook God’s Grandeur by Gerard Manley Hopkins Shel Silverstein Jennifer Trafton Rhyme Zone Bandersnatch by Diana Pavlac Glyer Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Angela Smith, homeschool veteran mom and founder of Inquisicook, turned a childhood frustration into a homeschool kitchen curriculum that gives kids real science, real cooking skills, and real confidence. If you’ve ever wanted your children to do more than follow a recipe, this conversation will show you how food can become one of the most practical, engaging subjects in your homeschool. Angela shares how early homeschooling, years of trial and error with curriculum, and a growing love of science and hospitality eventually sparked the idea for Inquisicook.You'll discover why cooking is one of the best ways to teach science in a way kids can immediately use, her path to building a program around food science and culinary arts, and why she designed it to help students become intuitive cooks instead of recipe followers. We break down the practical side of the program and what to expect if you bring Inquisicook into your homeschool. Angela shares how the course helps kids build confidence, learn from mistakes, and understand the “why” behind what happens in the kitchen.This episode is packed with encouragement and practical ideas to blend faith, life skills, and science into one meaningful learning experience. Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press Inquisicook Inquisicook Instagram Inquisicook Facebook Inquisicook YouTube Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Kayla and Kat chat with Shelby Gwinn and Joni Harrison, the women behind The Homeschool Issues, a growing online homeschool magazine created to highlight the many different ways families homeschool. From a book club connection that turned into a creative partnership to the launch of a publication built around community, flexibility, and honest storytelling, Shelby and Joni share how their homeschool experiences shaped both their friendship and their work.The Homeschool Issues features everything from homeschool moms and student success stories to local events, book reviews, and free educational opportunities for families, all while emphasizing there is no “right way” to homeschool. They reflect on the value of finding peace in your homeschool, the skills that homeschooling can build for life after graduation, and their dream of raising up young writers and active, thoughtful citizens. If you love hearing homeschool stories that are equal parts encouraging, practical, and inspiring, this conversation is for you. Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press The Homeschool Issues The Homeschool Issues Instagram The Homeschool Issues Facebook New York Times Article Lego Masters Dude Perfect Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Season 2 continues with an historic bang as we welcome Linda Lacour Hobar to the podcast. Tune in to hear about Linda’s homeschool journey and her beautiful wisdom about how Mary and Martha would homeschool today. Linda has created a living history curriculum, forged from her love of people and their stories, that is complete, chronological, and Christ-centered. In this episode, Linda shares about The Mystery of History, advice on history in the homeschool, and cheers on the education we gain as we learn alongside our kids. Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press The Mystery of History King Arthur Bundle - use code downsouth2026 for 20% off through 11/30/26 Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Nick Robinson begins our second season sharing insight and wisdom from a homeschool dad. Nick shares how he and his wife navigate being working parents and sharing the homeschooling load. He also gives us an overview of the Classical Conversations model - if you have ever been curious, all your answers are right here! Nick shares about leaning into God’s open doors to create free and paid content to help homeschool families with fun and memorable songs to help remember facts from math to history. The best part? You can trust his Christ-centered approach. Nick has some inspiring and encouraging words for families as the new homeschool year - and our new season! - begins. Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press Visit The Homeschool Helper and use code DOWNSOUTH for 15% off The Homeschool Helper YouTube The Homeschool Helper TikTok The Homeschool Helper Instagram Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Thank you for joining along this summer during our summer series exploring additional aspects of homeschooling down south. In this final episode of the summer series, we talk about getting back into our homeschool routines in the next few weeks, the curriculum we’re using, what we’re looking forward to, and advice for new homeschoolers who are just getting started. Wherever you are on your homeschool journey, we’ve got something for you. And join us next week when we kick off season 2! Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press LIFEPAC by AOP Five in a Row WILD Learning Play ‘n Talk Play to Learn with Katie Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

We are celebrating our experience at The Southeast Homeschool Expo - as exhibitors and presenters. In Part 2 we’re talking about the workshops we hosted. If you missed a workshop, we share a little highlight reel with you and help you find the episodes we discussed. Hear all about our experience - including what presenting during major venue renovations was like for us. We gush more about the blessings and interactions we had with attendees and look forward to future homeschool events. Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press Southeast Homeschool Expo - July 30-31, 2027 - Atlanta, Georgia Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

We're celebrating our experience at The Southeast Homeschool Expo - as exhibitors and presenters. In Part 1 we’re talking about the blessings and interactions at our booth during the 2026 Expo. Hear all about the behind the scenes experiences and what we loved about exhibiting. Come back next week for Part 2, when we’ll share about our experience leading workshops. Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press Southeast Homeschool Expo - July 30-31, 2027 - Atlanta, Georgia Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Has Homeschooling Down South inspired your next adventure? It certainly has ours. In this episode, we're reflecting on the incredible opportunities the podcast has brought into our lives, from hosting field trips and creating learning guides to discovering new places, attending homeschool conferences, and building friendships within the homeschool community. Join us as we look back on the experiences that have shaped our homeschool journey and share why saying "yes" to new adventures has been one of the best decisions we've made. If you're looking for homeschool inspiration, field trip ideas, and encouragement to get out and explore, this episode is for you! Show Notes: Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press Science Education Day at the Braves LEGO Discovery Center Chattahoochee Nature Center Georgia State Parks Weather Education Day at the Braves Smith-Gilbert Gardens Christina Cook UNITE Homeschool Network Creative Discovery Museum Tennessee Aquarium Red Clay State Historic Park Chattanooga Audubon Society Tuesdays in the Field at the Georgia Aquarium Great Homeschool Conventions Teach Them Diligently Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Do you celebrate the little wins in your homeschool or are you always racing toward the next milestone? In this episode, we're talking about why the smallest celebrations often have the biggest impact. From finishing a math workbook to completing a read-aloud or mastering a new skill, we're sharing simple, meaningful ways to recognize your child's progress and create joyful homeschool memories along the way. We swap some of our favorite family traditions, including birthday celebrations, themed book parties, celebration jars, special treats, and spontaneous adventures that make learning unforgettable. You'll also hear how celebrating everyday moments helps build confidence, strengthen family connection, and remind your children that growth is worth recognizing every step of the journey. Homeschooling isn't just about reaching the finish line, it's about finding joy in the process. Whether you're looking for fresh homeschool motivation, fun family traditions, or simple ways to make learning more meaningful, this episode is full of practical ideas to help you celebrate the journey, not just the destination. Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press Shop our learning guides, stickers, and celebration kits at: Homeschooling Down South - Payhip Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Tired of gifts that end up forgotten in a toy bin? In this episode, we're sharing our favorite homeschool gift ideas that actually get used (and loved!) all year long. Whether you're creating a Christmas wish list, planning for birthdays, or helping grandparents find meaningful gifts, we've rounded up our favorite memberships, subscriptions, educational resources, experiences, and practical supplies that support your homeschool without adding more clutter. From zoo memberships and magazines to Snap Circuits and creative tech, we cover gifts that spark curiosity and create lasting memories. We also talk about something homeschool parents don't ask for often enough: gifts for you . From conference tickets and curriculum funds, to a day off or quality homeschool supplies, we're encouraging you to ask boldly for the things that will truly support your family and make your homeschool life more sustainable. If you're ready to trade piles of plastic for gifts that keep giving long after the wrapping paper is gone, this episode is packed with ideas you'll want to save and share. Theme Song: Together by Sara Ernst, Wild Pickle Press Check out our Amazon gift guide ! For the kids: Ranger Rick Magazine Spark Magazine Highlights Magazine Nat Geo Kids Nat Theo Club Writings From the Wild For moms: Wild + Free bundles Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook You’re invited to email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics!

Remember Episode 35? When the term “Franken-schooling” was coined. Today we’re talking about our Franken-schools! Hang out with us as we dissect our homeschools and put the pieces together to create our own beautiful, unique, and let’s be honest, kind of quirky homeschools; but we also remember how important it is to hold those pieces together with safety pins, not superglue. Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook We’d love to hear from you! You can email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics.

Join us as we share our Teach Them Diligently conference experience. If you want the ins and outs of this incredible conference experience, we’ve got highlights and advice so you can walk into the 2027 conference in the know. We talk about the fun we had in Pigeon Forge. We highlight the refreshment we both gained from the Christian care at the conference, as well as all the fun we had in this mountain playground. Show Notes: Teach The Diligently Pigeon Forge Sky Fly The Island Made Makers Nature’s Workshop Plus The Peaceful Press The Mystery of History Ranger Mike Foundation Worldview Celebrate Kids - Dr. Kathy Koch Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook We’d love to hear from you! You can email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics.

Kat shares her experiences from the 2025 Charlotte Mason Institute gathering. If you love the Charlotte Mason applied philosophy, this episode for you! And if you’re curious and want to know more about Mason’s approach, this episode is also for you! Hear about a beautiful conference experience at Epworth by the Sea and how this conference is different than so many other homeschool gatherings; from immersive sessions to acknowledging the needs of those homeschooling one child, it was a worthwhile venture. Show Notes: Charlotte Mason Institute Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook We’d love to hear from you! You can email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics.

This episode explores the Great Homeschools Convention held in Greenville, South Carolina. It’s the second in our series featuring homeschool conferences and conventions held in the southeast. Hear about navigating such a large conference, the surprising speakers, and how we both reflect on our homeschool journeys through experiencing the convention. We share our exhibit hall surprises, our workshop highlights, and our favorite moments in Greenville. If you’re ready to check out one of the largest and most notable homeschool conventions in the country, this episode will provide tips and guidance for your experience. Plus, we share some sweet wins and ways this convention affirmed our homeschool decisions, building up our confidence. Show Notes: Great Homeschool Conventions Author Sarah Dean Bandersnatch Books Heroes Path Publishing Rebekah Lovell Nick Freitas Institute for Excellence in Writing Memoria Press Rugged Meats Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook We’d love to hear from you! You can email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics. Show Notes: Great Homeschool Conventions Author Sarah Dean Bandersnatch Books Pheebee Books Rebekah Lovell Nick Freitas Institute for Excellence in Writing Memoria Press Rugged Meats Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook We’d love to hear from you! You can email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics.

Kat shares her experiences from the past four Wild + Free Conferences in Franklin, Tennessee. Whether you’re new to Wild + Free, the conference, or you’re a seasoned Wild + Free mama, this episode explores the beauty of conference weekend in Tennessee. Hear about attending and volunteering at the conference, what special experiences group leaders have, and the way homeschool moms are refreshed. They say, ‘all good things are wild and free,” and that means you! Show Notes: Wild + Free Visit us: Homeschooling Down South TikTok Instagram Facebook We’d love to hear from you! You can email us at hello@homeschoolingdownsouth.com if you have any suggestions for episode topics.