From Oral Narration to Essay Writing: A Charlotte Mason Approach with Karen Glass

From Oral Narration to Essay Writing: A Charlotte Mason Approach with Karen Glass

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child move from oral narration to written narration (and eventually into formal essay writing) this conversation with Karen Glass is exactly what you need. Karen Glass, a longtime homeschool educator and Charlotte Mason expert, breaks down the entire writing journey in a clear, practical, and encouraging way. Karen explains what narration really is, why it matters, and how it naturally builds the foundation for strong writing skills. She walks through when to introduce written narration, what it should look like in the early stages, and how to avoid common pitfalls that frustrate both parents and students. One of the most helpful parts of this conversation is learning how to manage expectations. Many homeschool parents feel discouraged when written narrations don’t match the richness of their child’s oral narrations. Karen explains why this is completely normal and how writing develops over time with consistency and patience. You’ll also learn: * When to transition from oral to written narration * Why you should never stop oral narration * How to handle spelling, grammar, and handwriting * What realistic expectations look like for young writers * How to build consistency in your homeschool writing routine * When your child is ready for formal essay writing * Simple steps to introduce composition and structure * Why editing is the key to strong writing * How to help your child care about writing as a craft Karen also shares how narration naturally leads into composition, making formal essay writing far less intimidating than many parents expect. By focusing on clear communication, structure, and revision, students can grow into confident writers without the need for complicated programs. If you’re homeschooling using Charlotte Mason methods (or simply want a more natural, effective approach to teaching writing) this episode will give you both clarity and confidence. Show notes and transcript: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/charlotte-mason-narration-essay-writing/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/charlotte-mason-narration-essay-writing/] FREE Homeschool Planner Calendar: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/] Homeschool START Course: https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2148255817/KNcPGL3t [https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2148255817/KNcPGL3t] Getting Started With Shakespeare Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/exploring-shakespeare-children/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/exploring-shakespeare-children/] FREE 5 Day Gentle Homeschool Reset: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/gentle-homeschool-reset/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/gentle-homeschool-reset/] While you’re here, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-conversations-with-humility-and-doxology/id1526734966] in your podcast app? Send me a screenshot of your review and I’ll send you a $15 gift certificate to my shop! Just email me your review screenshot at Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com [Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com] Join Made2Homeschool for exclusive content and community: HumilityandDoxology.com/M2H ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠] FREE Homeschool Planning Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide/] Year of Memory Work: https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work [https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work] Follow Humility and Doxology Online: * Blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/] * Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology] * Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology] * YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/humilityanddoxology] * Amy's Favorites: ⁠⁠⁠https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites⁠⁠⁠ [https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites] This podcast and description contains affiliate links.

Wisdom and Wonder: Teaching Every Subject Through Nature Study with Eryn Lynum

Can nature study become the secret ingredient that transforms your homeschool? In this encouraging conversation, I talk with Eryn Lynum about how families can use nature study to teach homeschool subjects while helping children grow in wonder, wisdom, and faith. Eryn Lynum is a second-generation homeschool mom, certified Master Naturalist, author, and host of Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible. In this episode, she shares how studying God’s creation can become more than an “extra subject.” Instead, nature study can be woven into your homeschool day as a practical, meaningful tool for teaching core academic subjects. You’ll hear simple ideas for using nature study in: * Math: Explore measurements, percentages, patterns, and the Fibonacci sequence through sunflowers, pinecones, jellyfish, oceans, and God’s design in creation. * Language Arts: Use nature journaling, descriptive writing, poetry, storytelling, and classic literature inspired by the natural world. * History: Learn through the history of science, discovery, invention, taxonomy, microscopes, flight, and how scientific understanding has developed over time. * Art: Practice drawing, observing color and movement, and studying how nature has inspired artists, inventors, and engineers throughout history. * Science: Discover how curiosity and close observation lead children to ask better questions and understand the wisdom built into creation. We also discuss how nature study helps children develop a biblical worldview. Rather than separating faith from learning, families can use both Scripture and creation to point children back to their Creator. This episode also includes beautiful object lessons for family learning time, so get the kids to listen! * How pearls formed inside oysters remind us that God can bring beauty from hardship. * How sea glass reflects redemption and transformation through difficult seasons. * How the cuttlefish teaches children the importance of fleeing temptation quickly, just as Joseph fled sin in Genesis. If you’ve ever wondered how to fit nature study into an already full homeschool schedule, this episode is full of practical encouragement. You do not need elaborate plans or expensive curriculum. Sometimes stepping outside, visiting a creek, observing birds, or asking good questions is enough to spark wonder-filled learning. Show notes and transcript: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/teaching-every-subject-through-nature-study [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/teaching-every-subject-through-nature-study] FREE Homeschool Planner Calendar: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/] Homeschool START Course: https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2148255817/KNcPGL3t [https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2148255817/KNcPGL3t] Getting Started With Shakespeare Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/exploring-shakespeare-children/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/exploring-shakespeare-children/] FREE 5 Day Gentle Homeschool Reset: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/gentle-homeschool-reset/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/gentle-homeschool-reset/] While you’re here, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-conversations-with-humility-and-doxology/id1526734966] in your podcast app? Send me a screenshot of your review and I’ll send you a $15 gift certificate to my shop! Just email me your review screenshot at Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com [Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com] Join Made2Homeschool for exclusive content and community: HumilityandDoxology.com/M2H ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠] FREE Homeschool Planning Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide/] Year of Memory Work: https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work [https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work] Follow Humility and Doxology Online: * Blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/] * Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology] * Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology] * YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/humilityanddoxology] * Amy's Favorites: ⁠⁠⁠https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites⁠⁠⁠ [https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites] This podcast and description contains affiliate links.

Mother’s Education: Charlotte Mason for Homeschooling Moms with Beth Howard

What does it look like to homeschool faithfully through changing family seasons, chronic illness, and the everyday realities of motherhood? In this encouraging homeschool conversation I spoke with Beth Howard about Charlotte Mason homeschooling, mother’s education, lifelong learning, and finding joy in the daily work of home education. Beth Howard is a writer and educator whose work focuses on helping mothers continue their own intellectual and spiritual growth while homeschooling their children. In this conversation, Beth shares how her family began homeschooling, how her approach has changed over time, and why Charlotte Mason principles have become such an important framework in her home. If you are a homeschool mom feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or stuck, this episode offers practical homeschool encouragement and realistic wisdom. Beth talks honestly about navigating homeschooling while managing chronic pain and autoimmune illness. She explains why hard homeschool days are often connected to stress, health, or outside pressures rather than curriculum problems, and why faithfulness matters more than perfection. You’ll also hear a thoughtful discussion about mother’s education and why learning is not only for children. Beth shares how she created her own rich educational life during a painful health season through books, notebooks, nature study, and intentional learning. She explains how mothers can pursue truth, beauty, and goodness in small ways, even with little children at home. If you love topics like Charlotte Mason homeschool methods, classical homeschooling, mother culture, homeschool habits, nature study, homeschooling with littles, and Christian homeschool encouragement, this episode is for you. Show notes and transcript: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/mothers-education-beth-howard [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/mothers-education-beth-howard] Life Skills Now: https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/LSN5/arsloan/ [https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/LSN5/arsloan/] Homeschool START Course: https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2148255817/KNcPGL3t [https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2148255817/KNcPGL3t] Getting Started With Shakespeare Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/exploring-shakespeare-children/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/exploring-shakespeare-children/] FREE 5 Day Gentle Homeschool Reset: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/gentle-homeschool-reset/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/gentle-homeschool-reset/] While you’re here, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-conversations-with-humility-and-doxology/id1526734966] in your podcast app? Send me a screenshot of your review and I’ll send you a $15 gift certificate to my shop! Just email me your review screenshot at Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com [Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com] Join Made2Homeschool for exclusive content and community: HumilityandDoxology.com/M2H ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠] FREE Homeschool Planner Calendar: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/] FREE Homeschool Planning Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide/] Year of Memory Work: https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work [https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work] Follow Humility and Doxology Online: * Blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/] * Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology] * Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology] * YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/humilityanddoxology] * Amy's Favorites: ⁠⁠⁠https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites⁠⁠⁠ [https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites] This podcast and description contains affiliate links.

Singing the Bible with Randall Goodgame

In this episode I chat with singer-songwriter Randall Goodgame to explore the powerful connection between music, Scripture memory, and family discipleship. Randall, the creator behind Slugs and Bugs and the Scripture Hymnal, shares how his journey into writing word-for-word Scripture songs began not in a studio, but in his own home. Faced with helping his young children memorize Bible verses, he discovered that setting Scripture to music made memorization not only easier, but joyful. From that simple beginning grew a body of work that has helped countless families hide God’s Word in their hearts. In this conversation, Randall discusses how music uniquely engages the brain and why songs become such a lasting part of our memory. He explains his songwriting process, including how he chooses Scripture passages and matches musical tone to the meaning of the text. He also shares behind-the-scenes insights into the challenges of turning certain passages into songs—and how those challenges often lead to deeper understanding. We also dive into the role of joy and humor in the Christian life. Rather than diminishing the seriousness of Scripture, Randall explains how laughter and childlike faith actually reflect a deeper trust in God. One of the most encouraging parts of this episode is Randall’s honesty about family devotions. Despite creating devotional resources used by families around the world, he openly shares his own struggles and reminds listeners that faithfulness matters more than perfection. Together, they discuss simple, practical ways to build meaningful family rhythms without unrealistic expectations. Whether you are a homeschooling parent, a ministry leader, or simply someone who loves Scripture and music, this conversation will encourage you to think differently about how truth takes root in our hearts. You’ll also hear practical advice for turning around difficult homeschool days, fostering gratitude in your family, and creating a home environment where God’s Word is both central and joyful. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your children remember Scripture, build lasting faith habits, or bring more joy into your family discipleship, this episode is for you. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend who would be encouraged by this conversation. Show Notes and Full Transcript: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/singing-the-bible-with-randall-goodgame/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/singing-the-bible-with-randall-goodgame/] Life Skills Now: https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/LSN5/arsloan/ [https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/LSN5/arsloan/] Homeschool START Course: https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2148255817/KNcPGL3t [https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2148255817/KNcPGL3t] Getting Started With Shakespeare Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/exploring-shakespeare-children/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/exploring-shakespeare-children/] FREE 5 Day Gentle Homeschool Reset: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/gentle-homeschool-reset/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/gentle-homeschool-reset/] While you’re here, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-conversations-with-humility-and-doxology/id1526734966] in your podcast app? Send me a screenshot of your review and I’ll send you a $15 gift certificate to my shop! Just email me your review screenshot at Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com [Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com] Join Made2Homeschool for exclusive content and community: HumilityandDoxology.com/M2H ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠] FREE Homeschool Planner Calendar: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/] FREE Homeschool Planning Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide/] Year of Memory Work: https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work [https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work] Follow Humility and Doxology Online: * Blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/] * Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology] * Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology] * YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/humilityanddoxology] * Amy's Favorites: ⁠⁠⁠https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites⁠⁠⁠ [https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites] This podcast and description contains affiliate links.

From Homeschool Mom to Empty Nest with Retired Homeschooler Dawn Garrett

What happens after homeschooling ends? In this encouraging and honest conversation, I talk with veteran (now retired) homeschool mom Dawn Garrett about life after graduating all three of her children. If you’ve ever wondered what comes next after years of homeschooling (or if you’re approaching the end of your homeschool journey) this episode offers wisdom, perspective, and reassurance. Dawn Garrett shares her experience transitioning from full-time homeschool mom to a new season of life filled with unexpected quiet, reflection, and opportunity. Together, we discuss the emotional, spiritual, and practical aspects of this major life shift, including identity, purpose, and what it means to let go while still nurturing strong relationships with adult children. You’ll hear insights on what truly matters in homeschooling, from the importance of family rhythms like worship and rest to the long-term impact of reading great books together. Dawn also reflects on what she might have done differently, offering encouragement for homeschool moms in every stage, from those just beginning to those nearing graduation. This conversation also explores how to navigate the transition when adult children are still living at home, how to shift from authority to friendship, and how to embrace a slower, more reflective pace after years of structured homeschooling days. Topics covered include: * Life after homeschooling ends * Homeschool mom identity and purpose * Transitioning to an empty nest * Launching adult children successfully * Emotional adjustment after homeschooling * Encouragement for new and veteran homeschool moms Whether you’re in the thick of homeschooling or standing on the threshold of what comes next, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and a gentle reminder that every season has its purpose. Don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement in her homeschool journey! Show notes and transcript: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/from-homeschool-mom-to-empty-nest [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/from-homeschool-mom-to-empty-nest] Life Skills Now: https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/LSN5/arsloan/ [https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/LSN5/arsloan/] Homeschool START Course: https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2148255817/KNcPGL3t [https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2148255817/KNcPGL3t] Getting Started With Shakespeare Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/exploring-shakespeare-children/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/exploring-shakespeare-children/] FREE 5 Day Gentle Homeschool Reset: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/gentle-homeschool-reset/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/gentle-homeschool-reset/] While you’re here, would you take a minute to leave a rating and review [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-conversations-with-humility-and-doxology/id1526734966] in your podcast app? Send me a screenshot of your review and I’ll send you a $15 gift certificate to my shop! Just email me your review screenshot at Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com [Amy@HumilityandDoxology.com] Join Made2Homeschool for exclusive content and community: HumilityandDoxology.com/M2H ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.made2homeschool.com/a/2147529243/KNcPGL3t⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠] FREE Homeschool Planner Calendar: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/free-homeschool-planner-calendar/] FREE Homeschool Planning Guide: https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide/ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/homeschool-planning-guide/] Year of Memory Work: https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work [https://humilityanddoxology.com/year-of-memory-work] Follow Humility and Doxology Online: * Blog ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.humilityanddoxology.com/] * Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/HumilityAndDoxology] * Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/humilityanddoxology] * YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/humilityanddoxology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/humilityanddoxology] * Amy's Favorites: ⁠⁠⁠https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites⁠⁠⁠ [https://humilityanddoxology.com/favorites] This podcast and description contains affiliate links.