Homeschooling from Scratch: Essential First Steps and Wisdom for Your Family – Whitney Newby

2026 Homeschool Curriculum Picks: What These Real Moms Are Using This Year – Aby Rinella and Kristi Clover

Ready to plan an amazing homeschool year? ⁠Aby Rinella⁠ [https://schoolhouserocked.com/episodes?category=Aby Rinella] and ⁠Kristi Clover⁠ [https://schoolhouserocked.com/episodes?category=Kristi Clover] kick off your homeschool year with confidence! Veteran homeschool moms, Aby Rinella⁠⁠ [https://schoolhouserocked.com/episodes?category=Aby Rinella] and ⁠⁠Kristi Clover⁠⁠ [https://schoolhouserocked.com/episodes?category=Kristi Clover] walk you through their curriculum planning process [https://schoolhouserocked.squarespace.com/episodes?category=Curriculum] for the new year and share what they’re actually using in their own homes, from tried-and-true classics to new discoveries. Learn how to make school smooth—and fun!—while keeping Christ at the center of your family’s education. This is your go-to guide for equipping your family with excellent, biblical homeschool resources! What You’ll Learn: * How to choose curriculum that fits your family’s values and learning styles * How to incorporate practical subjects like financial stewardship and nutrition * Tips for balancing academics with real-life skills * Ways to personalize learning for your child’s strengths and interests * How to nurture a lifelong love of learning and reading in your kids * How to keep your homeschool focused on God’s truth * Favorite resources for great read-alouds and book lists Real reviews of top homeschool curricula for math, language arts, history, science, and more! Get our FREE Homeschool Curriculum guide here to make your planning simple. [https://SchoolhouseRocked.com/episodes/2026-curriculum-picks-special] Recommended Resources: ⁠Find all of the homeschooling resources recommended in this episode here.⁠ [https://SchoolhouseRocked.com/episodes/2026-homeschool-planning-special] ⁠ [https://www.schoolhouserocked.com/contact] Sponsors: ⁠BJU Press Homeschool⁠ [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/] is dedicated to providing homeschool families with academically strong curriculum rooted in a biblical worldview. They offer a complete curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, available in both traditional textbooks and video courses. By teaching through the lens of Christ’s power, they help students view the world through the transformative story of God’s creation ⁠CTCMath⁠ [https://www.ctcmath.com/] specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today. ⁠⁠Simply Piano⁠⁠ [https://www.hellosimply.com/simply-piano-homeschooling?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=schoolhouserocked] is the interactive piano learning app that helps kids discover the joy of playing music step by step. The app listens as they play and gives real-time feedback, making learning encouraging, engaging, and fun. Kids can explore music and grow in confidence at their own pace. Start you free trial with Simply Piano today! The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. ⁠Visit the website for more great shows⁠ [https://biblicalfamilynetwork.com/], like ⁠Culture Proof⁠ [https://podcast.cultureproof.net/], ⁠the Renton Rathbun Show,⁠ [https://rentonrathbun.com/podcast]⁠Thinking Dad⁠ [https://podcast.thinkingdad.net/], ⁠the Nicki Truesdell Podcast,⁠ [https://nickitruesdell.com/podcast/]‍ ‍⁠Gospel Shaped Family,⁠ [https://gospelshapedfamily.com/podcast/] and ⁠Homeschool Insights⁠ [https://podcast.homeschoolinsights.net/]. Chapters: 00:02:57 Everyone's favorite homeschooling topic - Curriculum 00:04:08 Tip for buying curriculum - watch for sales throughout the year 00:05:41 Homeschool Math Curriculum 00:10:30 It's ok to get help. It's ok to not teach every subject yourself. 00:12:16 It's ok to switch. 00:12:21 Make sure you don't leave holes in math instruction 00:15:20 There are many different math options to fit different learning styles. 00:16:52 Don't skip consumer math! 00:17:29 Language Arts Curriculum 00:30:10 Our favorite History and Government Curriculum 00:32:06 Beware of watered down worldview in curriculum 00:37:22 Science Curriculum Picks 00:46:52 Health and Nutrition 00:48:39 Extra Subjects - Bible, Dual Enrollment, CLEP, Electives 00:59:10 Knowing your kids well helps you choose great curriculum to fit them 00:59:38 Hang on to great curriculum once you find it 01:00:31 Keep notes on what works and doesn't 01:01:26 Reading together is a critical part of homeschooling 01:02:21 Tips for helping struggling readers 01:04:17 This is what really matters in homeschooling 01:05:53 Final Encouragement

Planning Your Homeschool Year with Confidence: Practical Tips and Traditions from Veteran Moms – Aby Rinella and Kristi Clover

Ready to plan an amazing homeschool year? Aby Rinella [https://schoolhouserocked.com/episodes?category=Aby Rinella] and Kristi Clover [https://schoolhouserocked.com/episodes?category=Kristi Clover] team up to demystify homeschool planning—from organizing last year’s work to designing a flexible, Christ-centered academic plan. Learn how to include your kids in decision-making, embrace homeschool freedom, and kick off your year with meaningful family traditions. Ideal for Christian homeschool moms seeking practical advice and real encouragement! What You’ll Learn: * The first steps every homeschool mom should take before planning * Building a master plan for multi-age, multi-level homeschooling * Tips for involving kids in choosing curriculum and routines * Balancing structure and flexibility in your homeschool day * Easy record-keeping strategies every mom needs * The importance of seeking God first in your planning process Recommended Resources: Find all of the homeschooling resources recommended in this episode here. [https://SchoolhouseRocked.com/episodes/2026-homeschool-planning-special] We want to hear from you! Is there a guest you’d like to hear from or a subject you’d like us to discuss on the podcast? How can we be praying for you? Talk to us here. [https://www.schoolhouserocked.com/contact] Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/] is dedicated to providing homeschool families with academically strong curriculum rooted in a biblical worldview. They offer a complete curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, available in both traditional textbooks and video courses. By teaching through the lens of Christ’s power, they help students view the world through the transformative story of God’s creation CTCMath [https://www.ctcmath.com/] specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today. ⁠Simply Piano⁠ [https://www.hellosimply.com/simply-piano-homeschooling?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=schoolhouserocked] is the interactive piano learning app that helps kids discover the joy of playing music step by step. The app listens as they play and gives real-time feedback, making learning encouraging, engaging, and fun. Kids can explore music and grow in confidence at their own pace. Start you free trial with Simply Piano today! The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows [https://biblicalfamilynetwork.com/], like Culture Proof [https://podcast.cultureproof.net/], the Renton Rathbun Show, [https://rentonrathbun.com/podcast]Thinking Dad [https://podcast.thinkingdad.net/], the Nicki Truesdell Podcast, [https://nickitruesdell.com/podcast/]‍ ‍Gospel Shaped Family, [https://gospelshapedfamily.com/podcast/] and Homeschool Insights [https://podcast.homeschoolinsights.net/]. Chapters: 01:32 Two hosts together - Aby Rinella and Kristi Clover 01:53 A long-time tradition—the yearly curriculum special 02:08 The most fun time of the homeschool year - planning season 03:14 How do you close out the school year? 05:34 It's time to plan for the next school year 05:56 What is the first step in planning for the new school year? 10:28 How do you choose homeschool curriculum? 13:05 Should our kids help choose curriculum? 16:17 Do you surprise your kids with their curriculum, or show them early? 20:38 First day of school traditions 22:06 How do you set expectations for your kids for the school year? 26:59 First steps to homeschooling success 37:23 This is why homeschool freedom matters 44:42 Coming Next Week - Our Annual Curriculum Special!

Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary: Raising Faithful Patriots – Tim Barton

How can Christian homeschool families celebrate America’s 250th birthday in a way that honors God above all? Join Aby Rinella [https://schoolhouserocked.squarespace.com/episodes?category=Aby%20Rinella] and Tim Barton [https://schoolhouserocked.squarespace.com/episodes?tag=Tim%20Barton] as they uncover the spiritual roots of our nation, compare differing worldviews, and tackle the tough question of patriotism vs. discipleship. Get practical, biblically sound advice for leading your homeschool with courage, wisdom, and a heart for the gospel. What You'll Learn: [https://schoolhouserocked.squarespace.com/episodes?tag=Tim%20Barton] * The spiritual and historical reasons for America’s enduring Constitution * The dangers of patriotism without Christ as the foundation * The three basic moral systems and why objective, biblical morality matters * Tips for sharing truth and discipling your children in today’s culture * Creative ideas for marking America’s 250th anniversary with your family Recommended Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wallbuilders.com⁠ [https://wallbuilders.com/] ⁠The American Story: The Beginnings, by David Barton and Tim Barton⁠ [https://amzn.to/4u4usuy] ⁠The American Story: Building the Republic, by David Barton and Tim Barton⁠ [https://amzn.to/4d5mATO] ⁠Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with WallBuilders⁠ [https://wallbuilders.com/250th-anniversary/] ⁠The New England Primer by David Barton⁠ [https://amzn.to/3Pc86Z8] ⁠More books by David Barton and WallBuilders⁠ [https://amzn.to/4eCdnU7] ⁠More from Tim Barton on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast⁠ [https://schoolhouserocked.squarespace.com/episodes?tag=Tim%20Barton] ⁠Excellent American History Books for Kids⁠ [https://nickitruesdell.com/excellent-american-history-books-for-kids/] Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BJU Press Homeschool⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/] is dedicated to providing homeschool families with academically strong curriculum rooted in a biblical worldview. They offer a complete curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, available in both traditional textbooks and video courses. By teaching through the lens of Christ’s power, they help students view the world through the transformative story of God’s creation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CTCMath⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.ctcmath.com/] specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Piano⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.hellosimply.com/simply-piano-homeschooling?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=schoolhouserocked] is the interactive piano learning app that helps kids discover the joy of playing music step by step. The app listens as they play and gives real-time feedback, making learning encouraging, engaging, and fun. Kids can explore music and grow in confidence at their own pace. Start you free trial with Simply Piano today! We want to hear from you! Sponsors:The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the website for more great shows⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://biblicalfamilynetwork.com/], like ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Culture Proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcast.cultureproof.net/], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Renton Rathbun Show,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rentonrathbun.com/podcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinking Dad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcast.thinkingdad.net/], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Nicki Truesdell Podcast,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://nickitruesdell.com/podcast/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gospel Shaped Family,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://gospelshapedfamily.com/podcast/] ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homeschool Insights⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ [https://homeschoolinsights.net] Chapters: 01:55 Excited to celebrate America's 250th anniversary 03:18 How long do most nations stand? 03:49 What is the average length of a constitution in world history? 07:12 Our Constitution is built on a different framework than any other 09:20 Can you be a conservative without Christ? 09:50 America First, but not God First 23:29 How should we balance our faith and our patriotism in light of the Gospel? 32:29 We have a duty to love others AND to share the Gospel with them 33:47 Courage is central to the Gospel; Cowardice is a sin. 37:28 How can homeschool parents prepare their kids to celebrate our nation's history

Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary: Rediscovering Our True History and Biblical Foundation – Tim Barton

Tim Barton [https://schoolhouserocked.squarespace.com/episodes?tag=Tim%20Barton] joins Aby Rinella [https://schoolhouserocked.squarespace.com/episodes?category=Aby%20Rinella] to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and dive into incredible story of America’s founding—rooted deeply in biblical principles. Learn how those truths shape our nation today. Homeschool moms, this episode is packed with insights on teaching history, biblical foundations, and how to boldly stand for faith and freedom in this pivotal moment. What You'll Learn: [https://schoolhouserocked.squarespace.com/episodes?tag=Tim%20Barton] * How the Bible influenced America's Founding Fathers and government * Why Christian involvement in government is crucial * The true meaning of "separation of church and state" * How to teach American history honestly—from victories to shortcomings * How biblical worldview equips kids for today's cultural challenges Recommended Resources: ⁠Wallbuilders.com [https://wallbuilders.com/] The American Story: The Beginnings, by David Barton and Tim Barton [https://amzn.to/4u4usuy] The American Story: Building the Republic, by David Barton and Tim Barton [https://amzn.to/4d5mATO] Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary with WallBuilders [https://wallbuilders.com/250th-anniversary/] The New England Primer by David Barton [https://amzn.to/3Pc86Z8] More books by David Barton and WallBuilders [https://amzn.to/4eCdnU7] More from Tim Barton on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast [https://schoolhouserocked.squarespace.com/episodes?tag=Tim%20Barton] Excellent American History Books for Kids [https://nickitruesdell.com/excellent-american-history-books-for-kids/] Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BJU Press Homeschool⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/] is dedicated to providing homeschool families with academically strong curriculum rooted in a biblical worldview. They offer a complete curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, available in both traditional textbooks and video courses. By teaching through the lens of Christ’s power, they help students view the world through the transformative story of God’s creation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CTCMath⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.ctcmath.com/] specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Piano⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.hellosimply.com/simply-piano-homeschooling?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=schoolhouserocked] is the interactive piano learning app that helps kids discover the joy of playing music step by step. The app listens as they play and gives real-time feedback, making learning encouraging, engaging, and fun. Kids can explore music and grow in confidence at their own pace. Start you free trial with Simply Piano today! We want to hear from you! Sponsors:The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the website for more great shows⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://biblicalfamilynetwork.com/], like ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Culture Proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcast.cultureproof.net/], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Renton Rathbun Show,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rentonrathbun.com/podcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinking Dad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcast.thinkingdad.net/], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Nicki Truesdell Podcast,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://nickitruesdell.com/podcast/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gospel Shaped Family,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://gospelshapedfamily.com/podcast/] ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homeschool Insights⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. [https://homeschoolinsights.net] Chapters: 02:41 Celebrating 250 Years of American History 04:19 Why is it important to revisit our nation's biblical and spiritual foundation? 11:43 Christians played an important part in American History 11:59 Why should Christians be involved in politics now? 12:49 God created three human institutions - Family, Church, Government 21:28 The truth about the separation of church and state 30:09 It is critical to teach REAL history! 33:08 Helping homeschool parents navigate History education 36:31 Biblical examples of faith 45:52 Recognizing the sins of the founding fathers - God used them anyway! 47:08 Ending slavery in the United States 51:12 Homeschool families have the privilege of teaching true history with a Biblical worldview 52:11 Are America's best days behind us? 55:42 Is there a revival happening in America" 59:37 An inspiring story of God's divine direction in the founding of America

Raising Emotionally Healthy and Rooted Kids in a Broken World – Mary DeMuth

Kristi Clover [https://www.schoolhouserocked.com/episodes?category=Kristi%20Clover] welcomes bestselling author and international speaker Mary DeMuth [https://www.schoolhouserocked.com/episodes?tag=Mary%20DeMuth] as they dive deep into practical ways Christian homeschool families can help their children develop a strong foundation in Christ. Learn how to create a safe home environment, model transparency, and support your kids through challenges—all from a biblical perspective. What You’ll Learn: * How to model authentic faith and emotional resilience for your children * The balance between protecting and preparing your kids for real-world struggles * Practical steps to foster open communication and emotional safety at home * Why apologizing as a parent is powerful for your family’s growth * Insights on building your child’s identity in Christ Recommended Resources: New free resource in the Schoolhouse Rocked Store! The Homeschool Methods Guide [https://www.schoolhouserocked.com/store/p/homeschool-methods-guide] One of the biggest challenges for homeschool families is figuring out WHICH homeschool approach fits their family best. That’s why we created our brand-new Homeschool Methods Guide [https://www.schoolhouserocked.com/store/p/homeschool-methods-guide]—a comprehensive resource designed to help parents understand the most popular homeschooling philosophies and methods. ⁠Restory Your Life: How Jesus Reframes Your Past, Rewrites Your Present, and Redefines Your Future, by Mary E. Demuth⁠ ⁠More Books by Mary DeMuth⁠ [https://amzn.to/4uvifz0] ⁠MaryDeMuth.com⁠ [https://www.marydemuth.com/] ⁠@MaryDeMuth⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/marydemuth/] on Instagram ⁠Pray Every Day Podcast⁠ [https://www.marydemuth.com/prayeveryday-2/] ⁠KristiClover.com/homeschooling⁠ [https://www.kristiclover.com/homeschooling] Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BJU Press Homeschool⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/] is dedicated to providing homeschool families with academically strong curriculum rooted in a biblical worldview. They offer a complete curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, available in both traditional textbooks and video courses. By teaching through the lens of Christ’s power, they help students view the world through the transformative story of God’s creation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CTCMath⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.ctcmath.com/] specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simply Piano⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.hellosimply.com/simply-piano-homeschooling?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=schoolhouserocked] is the interactive piano learning app that helps kids discover the joy of playing music step by step. The app listens as they play and gives real-time feedback, making learning encouraging, engaging, and fun. Kids can explore music and grow in confidence at their own pace. Start you free trial with Simply Piano today! We want to hear from you! Sponsors:The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the website for more great shows⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://biblicalfamilynetwork.com/], like ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Culture Proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcast.cultureproof.net/], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Renton Rathbun Show,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://rentonrathbun.com/podcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinking Dad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcast.thinkingdad.net/], ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Nicki Truesdell Podcast,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://nickitruesdell.com/podcast/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gospel Shaped Family,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://gospelshapedfamily.com/podcast/] ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homeschool Insights⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ [https://homeschoolinsights.net] Chapters: 03:10 Our Past Affects How We Parent 03:25 Our kids can be hurt even when we try to protect them. 03:59 Raising healthy kids in a broken world 04:23 The importance of modeling an authentic relationship with the Lord 07:00 Protecting our kids without overprotecting our kids 11:05 Creating a safe setting for our kids to feel free to be honest and real 15:45 Practical steps for guiding our kids through challenging seasons 18:41 How do we help our children break the bad patterns we've modeled? 20:54 How do we redeem parenting mistakes?