Ep. 127 - Benefits of Reading Aloud to Kids - Even After They Can Read

Ep. 127 - Benefits of Reading Aloud to Kids - Even After They Can Read

Should you still be reading aloud to your kids after they can read on their own? It turns out this is one of the most settled questions in all of education — and the answer has been sitting in a government report since 1985. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith walks through what the research actually says about reading aloud to kids, why it never expires, and why the book on your couch may outrank half of what's on your lesson plan. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] In this episode, you'll learn: * Why reading aloud to kids is called the single most important activity for building a reader * What the million word gap study found about read-alouds before kindergarten * Why the rare words in books almost never show up in everyday conversation * What MRI scans revealed about a child's brain during a read-aloud * How animated screens do the imagining that a book leaves to your child * Why reading aloud to older kids does NOT make them lazy readers * The difference between constrained and unconstrained reading skills * What kids themselves say they want most from being read to Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy] CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial [https://www.ctcmath.com/faith] — or purchase with the homeschool discount [https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=CF] LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math ✔ Use code HOME50 for $50 off your cognitive skills assessment 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment [https://learningrx.com/] Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings [https://summithealthshare.com/cf] Resources mentioned: * Free Quote of the Week Notecard [https://christy-faith.com/download-thanks-for-listening-gift] — the Emilie Buchwald quote from this episode, ready to print * My Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] — the free list, by subject * All of Christy-Faith's free homeschool resources [https://christy-faith.com/#freebies] * The Christy-Faith List [https://christy-faiths-list.com] — Find homeschool-friendly providers * Thrive Homeschool Community [https://christy-faith.com/thrive] * Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] — Christy-Faith's book Related episodes: * Ep. 107 — How to Reduce Screen Time for Kids [https://christy-faith.com/podcast/how-to-reduce-screen-time-for-kids/] * Ep. 61 — Are Schools Killing a Love of Learning? [https://christy-faith.com/podcast/are-schools-killing-a-love-of-learning/] * Ep. 92 — Behind the Screen (Part 1/6) [https://christy-faith.com/podcast/behind-the-screen-part-1-6-a-real-homeschool-day-at-my-house-nobodys-winning-awards/] — the start of Christy-Faith's vulnerability series ⭐ New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 [https://christy-faith.com/podcast/how-to-start-homeschooling-part-1-3-the-legal-stuff-choosing-the-right-approach/] — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. Connect with Christy-Faith: * Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool [https://www.instagram.com/christy_faith_homeschool/] * TikTok: @christy_faith [https://www.tiktok.com/@christy_faith] * Website: christy-faith.com [https://christy-faith.com] * Book: Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! * (00:00) - Should You Be Reading Aloud to Your Kids? * (01:53) - Welcome + Why This Episode * (02:50) - When Reading Aloud Feels Like a Chore * (04:03) - How Story Time Became “Literacy” * (06:55) - Am I Doing Enough? * (07:35) - The Million Word Gap * (08:47) - Why Book Words Beat Everyday Words * (12:37) - Inside Your Child's Brain During a Read-Aloud * (13:57) - What Screens Do Instead * (14:54) - “My Kid Can Read Now — Can I Stop?” * (16:22) - Constrained vs. Unconstrained Skills * (17:14) - Lifting Big Kids to a Higher Ledge * (18:01) - Beowulf and the Seventh-Grade Reading Circle * (19:49) - Why Kids Love Being Read To * (22:39) - What Kids Say They Want Most * (23:52) - Family Read-Alouds * (24:35) - Start Tonight — Even Five Minutes * (27:15) - Reading Is Worth It * (28:05) - The Quote and the Free Notecard

Ep. 126 - How to Homeschool a Child Who Won’t Sit Still

You've said "sit down, please" about twenty thousand times this week — and it's starting to feel personal. It isn't. Homeschool expert Christy-Faith unpacks what's actually happening in your child's brain, why the wiggling may be how the learning gets in, and the small shifts that make the morning stop being a fight. 🎁 Free Resource: 20 Questions to Kickstart Your Deschooling Adventure [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-20-questions-to-kickstart-your-deschooling-adventure] Twenty honest questions that help you spot the school-shaped rules you're still carrying — so you can put them down, one at a time. 👉 Free Download [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-20-questions-to-kickstart-your-deschooling-adventure] In this episode, you'll learn: * The attention-span rule of thumb every homeschool mom should know — a few minutes per year of age on a grown-up-chosen task * Why a 45-minute lesson is quietly asking your six-year-old to hold on three times longer than they can * The three expectations strangling your homeschool mornings — and permission to put all three down * What 54 studies and nearly 30,000 kids revealed about movement and learning * How to shorten and split lessons without falling behind * Why doing the hard subjects first changes the whole back half of your day * How to rescue your read-alouds — a still body was never the point * Loop scheduling and trimming your list so a lighter day actually gets finished * How to build the focus muscle one minute at a time * How to tell the difference between a kid being a kid and something worth investigating Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy] CTC Math ✔ My favorite online math program — a real teacher walks them through every lesson ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial [https://www.ctcmath.com/faith] 👉 Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families [https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=CF] Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings [https://summithealthshare.com/cf] Resources mentioned: * 20 Questions to Kickstart Your Deschooling Adventure [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-20-questions-to-kickstart-your-deschooling-adventure] — Spot the school-shaped rules you're still carrying * Sample Homeschool Schedules [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-sample-homeschool-schedules] — Real, doable rhythms you can borrow, including loop schedules * Quote of the Week Notecard [https://christy-faith.com/download-thanks-for-listening-gift] — A free printable of this episode's quote * Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] — Christy-Faith's book, including the chapter on deschooling * The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com [https://christy-faiths-list.com] * Thrive Homeschool Community: Get on the waitlist [https://christy-faith.com/thrive] * All of Christy-Faith's free resources [https://christy-faith.com/#freebies] Related episodes: * Ep. 82 — How Long Should a Homeschool Day Really Be? [https://christy-faith.com/podcast/how-long-should-a-homeschool-day-really-be/] * Ep. 64 — Overwhelmed by Homeschooling? How to Make It Manageable [https://christy-faith.com/podcast/overwhelmed-by-homeschooling-how-to-make-it-manageable/] ⭐ New to Homeschooling? Start with Episode 101 [https://christy-faith.com/podcast/how-to-start-homeschooling-part-1-3-the-legal-stuff-choosing-the-right-approach/] — the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin. Connect with Christy-Faith: * Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool [https://www.instagram.com/christy_faith_homeschool/] * TikTok: @christy_faith [https://www.tiktok.com/@christy_faith] * Website: christy-faith.com [https://christy-faith.com] * Book: Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! * (00:00) - The "Sit Down, Please" Morning * (04:16) - Expectation One: What Focus Actually Looks Like * (05:40) - Expectation Two: Redefining What "Done" Means * (06:35) - Expectation Three: The Wiggling Isn’t Disrespect * (07:50) - Shorten and Split the Lesson * (09:00) - What Deschooling Actually Means * (14:10) - Let Them Move on Purpose: 54 Studies, 30,000 Kids * (15:30) - Do the Hard Things First * (16:45) - Rescuing Your Read-Alouds * (20:51) - Trim Your List and Loop Your Subjects * (22:06) - Build the Focus Muscle Slowly * (23:00) - Check the Inputs Before You Worry * (27:30) - Is My Kid Normal, or Is Something Deeper Going On? * (31:55) - Where We Started, Where We Landed

Ep. 125 - How to Homeschool Without a Co-Op and Still Find Community | Throwback Thursday

Homeschooling can feel wonderful and lonely at the very same time — especially when there's no co-op nearby, or the ones around you just don't fit. Here's the good news: real community is absolutely possible without one. In this Throwback Thursday favorite, homeschool expert Christy-Faith busts the socialization myth and shares 8 natural ways to find your people, whether you're an extrovert or a shy park-bench introvert. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] In this episode, you'll learn: * Why homeschooling without a co-op does NOT mean your kids are missing out * The truth about homeschool socialization — and why school-style socializing was never the gold standard * 8 natural ways to build real community: faith groups, volunteering, playgroups, libraries, museums, neighbors, and more * How everyday errands and conversations grow your child's emotional intelligence and confidence * Simple scripts to break the ice with new homeschool families — even if you're shy * Why the depth of your friendships matters far more than the number * 3 doable action steps to start finding your people this week Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy] CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial [https://www.ctcmath.com/faith]  •  Get 50% Off for Homeschool Families [https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=CF] LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real, long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment [https://learningrx.com/] (use code HOME50) True North Homeschool Academy ✔ Cognia-accredited live online and self-paced courses for grades 6–12 ✔ Dual degree track or tech & trades diploma ✔ Small classes, college-ready rigor, faith-friendly environment 👉 Explore Courses & Get Started [https://truenorthhomeschool.academy/] Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings [https://summithealthshare.com/cf] Resources mentioned: * Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] — Christy-Faith's book; see Chapter 7 for the healthy-socialization checklist * How to Find the Best Homeschool Co-Op (And When to Walk Away) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ygvg_zxZ_g] * The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com [https://christy-faiths-list.com] * Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive [https://christy-faith.com/thrive] Connect with Christy-Faith: * Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool [https://www.instagram.com/christy_faith_homeschool/] * TikTok: @christy_faith [https://www.tiktok.com/@christy_faith] * Website: christy-faith.com [https://christy-faith.com] * Book: Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! * (00:00) - Introduction * (00:22) - Homeschooling Without a Co-Op Can Feel Lonely (You're Not Alone) * (01:17) - The Pressure to Justify Your Homeschool * (03:20) - The Socialization Myth, Busted * (04:17) - Depth Over Numbers: Real-World Socialization * (10:10) - Faith Communities & Starting a Small Group * (11:16) - Volunteering & Playgroups * (12:52) - Breaking the Ice at the Park * (13:50) - Libraries & Community Hubs * (16:18) - Museums, Science Centers & Your Neighbors * (17:57) - Clubs, Sports & Built-In Activities * (23:49) - Finding Your People Takes Time * (25:31) - 3 Action Steps to Take This Week * (27:01) - You Can Thrive Without a Co-Op

Ep. 124 - The Homeschool Boy Episode Every Mom Needs | Remembering Durenda Wilson

If you're raising boys, you already know they don't always learn the way school expects them to — and that can leave you wondering if something is wrong. In this throwback episode, homeschool expert Christy-Faith sits down with the beloved Durenda Wilson to talk about how boys actually learn and how to raise them into capable, confident men. We're revisiting this conversation in loving memory of Durenda. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 Free Download [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] In this episode, you'll learn: * Why boys often learn differently than girls — and what the brain research actually shows * How to let go of rigid scope-and-sequence without feeling like you're falling behind * Why movement, energy, and hands-on learning matter so much for boys * How to raise self-directed sons who take ownership of their own learning * The relationship-first approach that keeps boys from burning out on school * How to protect connection while still teaching resilience and hard things * Why sibling conflict is actually training ground for real life * How to homeschool with the long game in mind — raising capable, confident men Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy] CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial [https://www.ctcmath.com/faith]  |  👉 Get 50% Off [https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=CF] Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings [https://summithealthshare.com/cf] Resources mentioned: * Durenda Wilson — her books and podcast: durendawilson.com [https://durendawilson.com] * The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers: christy-faiths-list.com [https://christy-faiths-list.com] * Thrive Homeschool Community: christy-faith.com/thrive [https://christy-faith.com/thrive] About our guest: Durenda Wilson was a homeschooling author, speaker, and podcaster with more than 30 years of home education experience. A mom of eight — seven graduated — and grandmother of ten, she was a trusted voice at homeschooling conventions and the host of The Durenda Wilson Podcast. Her books include The Four Hour School Day, The Unhurried Homeschooler, and Unhurried Grace for a Mom's Heart. Durenda passed away recently, and this throwback is shared in loving memory of her. 👉 durendawilson.com [https://durendawilson.com] Connect with Christy-Faith: * Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool [https://www.instagram.com/christy_faith_homeschool/] * TikTok: @christy_faith [https://www.tiktok.com/@christy_faith] * Website: christy-faith.com [https://christy-faith.com] * Book: Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! * (00:00) - Introduction & Remembering Durenda Wilson * (01:34) - Meet Durenda Wilson & Her Heart for Boys * (03:48) - Why Boys Need a Different Approach * (06:36) - How Boys Actually Learn * (13:25) - Ditching Rigid Scope & Sequence * (16:32) - Raising Self-Directed, Resilient Sons * (21:13) - Raising Boys Who Become Capable Men * (24:15) - Relationship Over Busywork * (34:27) - Homeschooling with Long-Term Vision * (40:11) - Modeling a Balanced Life * (48:34) - Sibling Relationships as Training Ground * (54:14) - Final Encouragement

Ep. 123 - Homeschool Hot Takes: Unschooling, Curriculum Overload, and Starting Later | Live Q&A

Is unschooling going too far — or is it exactly right? In this live Q&A from the Summer Homeschool Help Desk series, homeschool expert Christy-Faith pulls no punches on unschooling's real risks, curriculum overload, whether it's too late to start in high school, and what it actually takes to raise a well-educated child at home. 🎁 Free Resource: My Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] I spill the tea! No paid sponsorship placements! Grab the list, by subject, of the most reputable homeschool programs on the market (in my opinion). 👉 christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] In this episode, you'll learn: * Why Christy-Faith believes pure unschooling carries real risks — and what she calls educational neglect * The difference between unschooling, deschooling, and interest-led learning * How to use BJU Press without doing every single thing in the curriculum * Whether it's too late to start homeschooling in middle or high school (spoiler: it's not) * How working moms and single moms can realistically homeschool * What to do when your child can't spell and it's affecting their confidence * How to source curriculum so it doesn't require you sitting next to your kid every second * Real questions from real homeschool moms in the Summer Homeschool Help Desk Sponsors: BJU Press Homeschool ✔ Flexible curriculum to fit your family's needs ✔ Biblical worldview and critical thinking built in ✔ Hands-on learning for every grade level 👉 View Samples [https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/christy] CTC Math ✔ Get 50% off my favorite online math program ✔ Adaptive lessons so kids build confidence at their own pace ✔ Teaching, grading, and testing — all done for you! 👉 Free Trial [https://www.ctcmath.com/faith] | Get 50% Off [https://payments.ctcmath.com/purchase/homeschool-discount?tr_id=CF] LearningRx ✔ Backed by 35 years of research ✔ Real long-term help with ADHD and dyslexia ✔ Strengthens attention, memory, reading, writing, and math 👉 Get $50 Off Your Cognitive Skills Assessment [https://learningrx.com/] — use code HOME50 Summit Healthshare ✔ Save 40–60% vs. traditional health insurance ✔ See any doctor — no networks, no permission slips ✔ Free labs, office visits, prescriptions on select plans 👉 View Health Plans & Savings [https://summithealthshare.com/cf] Resources mentioned: * How to Homeschool Guide [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-how-to-homeschool-guide] — free 23-page ebook for anyone considering or just starting homeschool * 5-Minute Homeschool Style Finder [https://christy-faith.com/5-minute-homeschool-style-finder] — free quiz to discover your homeschool style in under 5 minutes * Free Curriculum Recommendations [https://christy-faith.com/download-free-curriculum-recommendations] — Christy-Faith's curated list by subject, no paid placements * Thrive Homeschool Community [https://christy-faith.com/thrive] — Christy-Faith's membership community for homeschool moms * The Christy-Faith List [https://christy-faiths-list.com] — free directory of homeschool-friendly businesses and providers Connect with Christy-Faith: * Instagram: @christy_faith_homeschool [https://www.instagram.com/christy_faith_homeschool/] * TikTok: @christy_faith [https://www.tiktok.com/@christy_faith] * Website: christy-faith.com [https://christy-faith.com] * Book: Homeschool Rising [https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising] 🎧 Love the show? Follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen — it helps more homeschool families find us! * (00:00) - Welcome to the Summer Homeschool Help Desk * (02:00) - Christy's Free Resources for Homeschool Moms * (06:45) - Spelling Struggles and Older Students * (11:35) - Curriculum Overload: How Much Is Too Much? * (18:00) - Is It Too Late to Pull My Kids Out of School? * (19:45) - Homeschooling While Working or in School Yourself * (28:45) - Christy's Hot Take on Unschooling * (36:15) - Single Moms, Working Moms, and Thrive * (38:40) - You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone