AI Tools for Special Needs Homeschooling and What to Know About Testing

Homeschool Dads, Family Relationships, and Creative Homeschool Projects

In this revisited episode of The Homeschool Show, Amanda and Melanie kick off Season 5 with the first installment of a series focused on homeschool dads. Through conversations with Matthew McDill and Tom Gurganus, they explore how fathers contribute to homeschooling in different seasons of family life, the importance of spiritual leadership, supporting a homeschooling spouse, and the lasting impact of simply being present with their children. Amanda and Melanie also share a simple art activity that helps children build creativity using everyday objects and their imagination. Resources  NCHE Dads [https://nche.com/dads/] Community

Homeschool Testing, Reading Readiness, Curriculum Questions + Starting a Homeschool

In episode 212 of The Homeschool Show, Amanda and Melanie revisit some of the most common questions homeschool families ask, especially those finishing their first year or preparing to begin. They discuss annual testing requirements, when children need to be tested, options for standardized testing, and what families should know about filing a notice of intent in North Carolina. They also talk about accredited curriculum, how much time young children typically spend on schoolwork, reading readiness, and why learning timelines can vary widely from child to child. Along the way, they offer practical perspectives on reducing pressure and helping children learn at a pace that fits their development. Resources Thrive! 2026 Recordings [https://nche.com/2026-conference-recordings/]

Hormones and Homeschooling + Thrive! Conference Tips

Amanda and Melanie talk about navigating hormones during the homeschool years, from puberty to perimenopause, and the ways emotional and physical changes can affect both parents and children. They share personal experiences, discuss the importance of communication and recognizing what may be happening beneath behavioral changes, and encourage families to approach these seasons with understanding and grace. The conversation also includes practical Thrive! conference tips for both first-time and returning attendees, including planning workshop schedules, preparing for the vendor hall, building in breaks, staying hydrated, and making connections with other homeschool families. Amanda and Melanie also reflect on the end of the show’s fifth season and look ahead to what’s coming next. News and Upcoming Events * Thrive! [https://nche.com/thrive/]Homeschool Conference  * Thrive! conference app

Homeschool Questions: ADHD, Graduation, Multiple Kids, and NCAA Sports

In Episode 210 of The Homeschool Show, Amanda and Melanie answer common homeschool questions from parents navigating everything from early elementary struggles to high school graduation planning. They discuss feeling unprepared to homeschool, managing multiple children at different grade levels, homeschooling students with ADHD, and how to create a positive learning environment when both parent and child feel overwhelmed. They also explain what North Carolina homeschool law actually requires regarding school schedules and graduation, share practical encouragement for new homeschoolers, and talk through what families need to know if a student wants to pursue NCAA college athletics. In addition, the episode highlights the upcoming Thrive! Conference and recognizes several North Carolina homeschool students for excellence in academics and writing. News and Upcoming Events * Thrive! Conference preregistration [https://nche.com/thrive/registration/]  * Impact University [https://impactuniv.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23518154611&gbraid=0AAAABBWDgK0QwwlBzMy8xfZ041M2WI6xN&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2YDQBhD_ARIsAE1qeScU03ifIlCR45zrf9JtnJ36U849DzqMv11PwUPtNQpzXgTWC8dU0FcaAoSqEALw_wcB] in Clemmons

Social Media Etiquette + Finishing the Homeschool Year

In Episode 209 of The Homeschool Show, Amanda and Melanie talk about social media etiquette and online safety as part of their Real World Readiness series. They share practical guidance for families on setting boundaries, teaching empathy, protecting personal information, and helping teens think carefully about what they post. They also emphasize the importance of parents leading by example and staying actively involved in their children’s digital lives. They also walk through key end-of-year homeschool responsibilities, including standardized testing, graduation options, transcripts, and updating information with the Division of Non-Public Education. In addition, they discuss how families can transition into summer while maintaining learning rhythms and preparing for the next school year. Resources Mentioned * NCHE testing [https://nche.com/helps/testing/]information page * NCHE high school transcript [https://nche.com/helps/high-school/transcript/]template * DNPE [https://www.dnpesys.nc.gov/NPEPublic/logon.aspx] homeschool portal * LearningRx [http://www.learningrx.com/homeschool]homeschool partnership News and Upcoming Events * Thrive! Conference preregistration [https://nche.com/thrive/]