Being Wise with our Homeschool Time with Lindsay Percy

The Best Way to Learn to Read with Melanie Jeffrey

Tiffany welcomed Melanie Jeffrey, a former Ontario kindergarten through third grade teacher and phonics expert, to the Ultimate Homeschool Community Podcast to discuss reading instruction for homeschool families. Melanie shared her phonics-based approach that focuses on teaching children to read using simple CVC words (consonant-vowel-consonant) before advancing to more complex reading skills, emphasizing the importance of starting with short vowel sounds and using magnetic letters, color-coded consonants and vowels, and active learning techniques.    Highlights: Phonics Instruction for Homeschool Families Phonics Curriculum Benefits Discussion Phonics Teaching Strategy Discussion Phonics Learning Recommendations Early Reading Strategy Discussion About Melanie: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phonics-rules-for-kids-homeschool-kindergarten-reading/id1771772664 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phonics-rules-for-kids-homeschool-kindergarten-reading/id1771772664] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ToCIOUooqU9fXd9Q3dZG9 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4ToCIOUooqU9fXd9Q3dZG9] FREEBIE:  Phonics 101 Guide for MOMS! [https://phonics-rules-for-kids-2.kit.com/4647399525] Website: https://www.phonicsrulesforkids.com [https://www.phonicsrulesforkids.com]

Being Wise with our Homeschool Time with Lindsay Percy

Tiffany and Lindsay Percy continued their series on homeschooling preparedness, discussing how to incorporate life skills and emergency readiness into a homeschool curriculum while avoiding overwhelming children with fear-based learning.   They explored practical approaches including teaching basic first aid, food preservation, gardening, and household tasks as positive family responsibilities rather than chores, with Lindsay sharing how her family balances 2 hours of book work with 1-3 hours of hands-on learning activities like gardening and animal care. The conversation covered strategies for managing ADHD and neurodivergent children's learning styles, the importance of teaching children when they're naturally ready to learn, and creating consistent routines through structured tasks and reminder systems. They discussed measuring success not just by task completion but by the satisfaction and independence children gain from learning these skills, emphasizing that preparedness should enable families to act calmly rather than react from fear during emergencies.   Highlights: Homeschool Life Skills Discussion Teaching Children About Gardening Homeschool Life Skills Integration Strategies Hands-On Learning for Children Patience in Teaching and Learning Family Chore Management Strategies About Lindsay Percy: https://redhavenhealing.ca/ [https://redhavenhealing.ca/] About The Ultimate Homeschool Community: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool [https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool]

The Preparedness Plan Every Homeschool Family Needs with Lindsay Percy

In this episode, Tiffany and Lindsay Percy discuss practical food sovereignty and preparedness strategies for families navigating rising food costs and supply chain uncertainty. They share realistic, family-friendly steps to build resilience through gardening, food storage, emergency planning, and skill-building—without falling into fear or overwhelm. Highlights * Why food sovereignty matters in a world of rising grocery prices and supply chain disruptions * Lindsay's personal journey toward self-sufficiency after her cancer diagnosis * Simple ways to start growing food—even with limited space * Beginner-friendly crops like herbs, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes * Using containers, raised beds, and community gardens effectively * Building a practical food storage system one step at a time * Creating a family emergency preparedness plan with assigned roles * Essential items every family should keep in an emergency kit * Teaching children confidence and life skills through preparedness activities * The difference between healthy preparedness and fear-based survivalism About Lindsay Percy: Redhaven Healing [https://redhavenhealing.ca/] Motherhood did not begin gently for me. My journey began with infertility and hormonal challenges in my early twenties, followed by an aggressive cancer diagnosis just weeks after welcoming our second child.   In the years that followed, I walked through fear, depression, anxiety, grief, burnout, and seasons of feeling completely lost in my identity as a woman and mother. I know what it feels like to be overstimulated, to raise my voice and sit in guilt afterward, to wonder why connection feels harder than it should. Those experiences forced me to rebuild from the inside out, learning nervous system regulation, somatic healing, intuitive and spiritual grounding, and how to lead my home with steadiness instead of survival.   Today, I am a trained intuitive energy healer, somatic healing practitioner, and spiritual mentor, bringing both lived experience and professional training into the work I offer. My family’s shift toward homeschooling, homesteading, growing our own food, and living more intentionally was not aesthetic, it was necessary. The land, nourishment, rhythm, and presence restored something in us that crisis had shaken. About The Ultimate Homeschool Community: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool [https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool] Get our Free Homeschool Starter Guide: Tiffany Lynn Hernandez (@UltimateHomeschool) | Stan [https://stan.store/UltimateHomeschool]

A $15 Conference That Could Change Everything for Special Needs Families with Amy Bodkin

Sponsored by the Homeschool Counseling Network: https://www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com/ In this episode, Tiffany welcomes back Amy Bodkin to discuss her upcoming Supporting High Needs Learners at Home Conference and the growing need for community, support, and practical resources for families raising children with special needs. Amy shares her personal journey, her innovative membership community, and how she is helping families access assessments, advocacy, and meaningful connections without overwhelming costs. More Details: Families raising children with special needs often struggle to find affordable support, trustworthy guidance, and a community that truly understands their journey. In this episode, Amy shares how she created resources, assessments, and a thriving membership community to help families navigate those challenges. She also gives a behind-the-scenes look at her upcoming conference designed to connect parents with experts and practical solutions. This conversation is filled with encouragement, resources, and reminders that families do not have to walk this path alone. Highlights * Details about the Supporting High Needs Learners at Home Conference * Access to 20+ speakers including therapists, doctors, and specialists * Why the conference was designed to be affordable and family-focused * Amy’s journey from school psychologist to special needs entrepreneur * How her personal experiences shaped her mission to serve families * The benefits of ongoing psychological assessments and advocacy support * Free annual testing opportunities available through her membership community * Weekly activities for children including Minecraft, Dungeons & Dragons, book clubs, and social groups * Parent support opportunities, office hours, and community connection * Why building relationships and community can be just as important as educational resources About Amy Bodkin: https://amybodkin.com/product/special-needs-membership/ [https://amybodkin.com/product/special-needs-membership/] https://www.facebook.com/AmyBodkinEds [https://www.facebook.com/AmyBodkinEds] https://www.instagram.com/amybodkineds/ [https://www.instagram.com/amybodkineds/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bodkin-eds-175058169/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bodkin-eds-175058169/] https://www.youtube.com/@amybodkineds [https://www.youtube.com/@amybodkineds] https://amybodkin.com/shnlhome-2026/ [https://amybodkin.com/shnlhome-2026/] https://amybodkin.com/product/shnl-at-home-2026-registration/ [https://amybodkin.com/product/shnl-at-home-2026-registration/]   About The Ultimate Homeschool Community: Tiffany Lynn Hernandez (@UltimateHomeschool) | Stan [https://stan.store/UltimateHomeschool]

Gentle Parenting Vs. Discipleship and Financial Stewardship with Christina Gauden

In this episode, Tiffany sits down with Christina for an honest conversation about the importance of Godly parenting in today’s culture. Together, they discuss how parents can lovingly teach children boundaries, structure, responsibility, and consistency while still nurturing their hearts and individuality. The conversation explores the balance between helping children stay on track with schedules and schoolwork while also teaching them biblical character, self-discipline, respect, and personal responsibility. Tiffany and Christina emphasize that parenting is not just about academic success—it’s about raising children who know how to navigate life with wisdom, confidence, and strong values rooted in faith.  Highlights * The importance of Godly parenting in modern culture * Teaching children healthy boundaries and structure * Helping kids stay consistent with schoolwork and routines * Raising children with biblical character and responsibility * Balancing grace, discipline, and emotional connection * Why structure helps children feel safe and supported * Teaching self-discipline instead of constant external control * Encouraging respect, accountability, and strong work ethic * Parenting beyond academics and focusing on the child’s heart * Helping children grow into confident, capable adults grounded in faith About Ultimate Homeschool Community: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool [https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool]