Living Homeschool Life

Why Include Together Time in Your Homeschool Day?

In this episode Drs. Scott and Becky Aniol discuss what together time/morning time is and why it’s beneficial for families to do together time in their homeschool day. Scott also explains why we advocate for saying a creed in together time and the meaning behind “holy catholic church” and “descended into hell” in the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed. They also discuss the formative value of learning historic hymns, even if hymns seem unfamiliar or difficult, and offer tips and resources for learning hymns.

What Is a Living Library?

In this episode of Living Homeschool Life,“Living” librarians Michelle Howard and Sandy Hall talk with Becky Aniol about an amazing homeschool resource you might be missing out on—living libraries around the country and the world! They explain the concept of a living library being totally “other” from government-agenda-driven libraries, discuss what kinds of books to look for to build your own home library, and talk about how books should not be quantifiable but rather for the heart and for “becoming.” Resources Mentioned: Living Library Directory at Biblioguides: Biblioguidesbiblioguides.com [https://www.biblioguides.com/]libraries/ [https://www.biblioguides.com/libraries/] Valerie's Living Library achieved website: ArchiveWayback Machine [https://web.archive.org/web/]20160318000459/http://www.valerieslivinglibrary.com/ [https://web.archive.org/web/20160318000459/http://www.valerieslivinglibrary.com/] Book Sale Finder: https://booksalefinder.com/ [https://booksalefinder.com/]

What Is a Living Book?

In this episode of Living Homeschool Life, Becky talks with Emily Kiser and Liz Cottrill about the importance of books and the characteristics of a living book, and Emily shares examples of what a living book sounds like versus a non-living book on the same topic. They also discuss ways to cultivate a reading life.

Homeschool Curriculum Q&A

In this episode of Living Homeschool Life, Scott and Becky Aniol address some common questions and challenges facing homeschooling families today. From the pressure of constantly changing curriculum to understanding different Charlotte Mason approaches, they offer thoughtful guidance rooted in long-term faithfulness rather than quick trends. They discuss how to deal with curriculum FOMO and the temptation to always look for something better, while encouraging parents to stay consistent with what is working. They also explain the differences between Living Heritage and AmblesideOnline, helping families think carefully about what best fits their goals. Finally, they consider what children should memorize—and why it’s worth prioritizing rich, meaningful content over jingles and disconnected facts. 🔗 Read more on textbooks in a Charlotte Mason education: https://thediscerninghomeeducator.substack.com/p/did-charlotte-mason-really-use-textbooks

Helping Our Kids Love Beauty

Is education just about vocational training and information transfer, or is it something much deeper? In this episode of the Living Homeschool Life podcast, Scot and Becky sit down with David de Bruyn, pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church in Johannesburg, South Africa, to discuss a holistic, Christian vision for education. Drawing on insights from C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man and biblical principles from Deuteronomy 6, David explains why education is ultimately a process of inculturation—passing on a heritage of truth, practice, and right affections to the next generation.