In this episode from the archives, The Cavins were your typical public school family until their oldest daughter started to experience difficulty in her math classes. After homeschooling now for four years, they share a few of the things they've learned and experienced in making this switch for their family.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

1. what prompted the Cavins to start homeschooling
2. how the Cavins chose this method
3. what happens when dad and mom have a shared vision
4. how the family cut back their screen time
5. protecting time together at night
6. how the parents have become readers themselves
7. the spiritual growth they've seen in their children

RESOURCES

+Click here for a complete list of books mentioned in this episode

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Musical Lessons in Your Home: Voetberg Music Academy

Use code HOMESCHOOL20 for 20% off lessons

Voetberg Music Academy

Join Us in Costa Mesa, CA January 31, 2026

HMS 2026 Seminars

Do you ever find yourself looking for the ”right way to homeschool?” Sometimes we get swept up in doing what others are doing and then find ourselves frustrated with the results. But how do we develop confidence to do what's right for our family, even if it isn't what everyone else is doing?

In this episode from the archive, Carole sits down with her long-time friend, Kristina, to talk about their family’s experience homeschooling.

In this episode, you’ll hear about

1. Homeschooling multiple children
2. Kristina’s experience using other methods
3. How she learned to pay attention to her own intuition
4. The value of the right book at the right time and the detriment of the wrong book at the wrong time
5. A natural way to see what a child learns as they read a book

RESOURCES

+Click here for a complete list of books mentioned in this episode

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Make some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!

HMS 2026 Seminars

Get 20% off lessons at Voetberg Music Academy using HOMESCHOOL20 code

Voetberg Music Academy

In this episode from the archive, Dr. Jerry Root shares with Carole stories about his college days and finding faith by reading C.S. Lewis, the “author who opens more than wardrobe doors.” As we read Lewis, he leads us into portals of many other authors and books, especially old books. This week, we're discussing how reading Lewis's work spiritually forms us.

Dr. Root also shares how he helps others to begin with C.S. Lewis’s works—whether you love fiction, satire, novels, or nonfiction—and gives encouragement for fanning the flame of your child’s curiosity. Share the wonder of the great books and Lewis’s legacy with your family!

RESOURCES

+Click here for a complete list of books mentioned in this episode

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Donate to our homeschooling ministry

Make some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!

HMS 2026 Seminars

Grab a blanket and some hot chocolate for a Christmas read aloud with Carole and Papa Panov! Today Carole reads a very special story: Papa Panov's Special Day.

RESOURCES

+9 Great Christmas Books for Children and Families

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Grab our FREE family library book list here

+FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Donate to our homeschooling ministry

Make some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!

HMS 2026 Seminars

In this episode from the archive, Carole sits down with Kara Beck, a veteran homeschool mom of eight, who shares her honest journey through decades of homeschooling. They discuss the real-life challenges and victories of homeschooling a large family. You'll hear how Kara Beck tailored education for each child, what she gleaned from her mentoring relationship with Carole, and how she taught her kids to love learning as a lifestyle—not just a subject for a grade. Join us to be inspired!

RESOURCES

+Click here for the books mentioned in this episode

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Donate to our homeschooling ministry

Make some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!

HMS 2026 Seminars

One of our favorite parts of the Advent and Christmas seasons is bringing out our favorite books to share as a family. It is so special to read these stories year after year and discover new books with themes of love, compassion, and light. We love how excited our kids get when they see their old friends once again. If you're looking for Christmas books, this episode is for you.

RESOURCES

+Click here for a complete list of the books mentioned in this episode

+Buy some of our favorite books here! 10 Of Those + $1 shipping!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Donate to our homeschooling ministry

Make some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!

HMS 2026 Seminars

Biographies may be just what your child needs to learn how to live out their faith in Jesus in real life! In this episode from the archive Carole Joy Seid sits down with acclaimed author and historian Dr. Lyle W Dorsett. He discusses the role biographies can have as a supplement to the stories in the Bible, in deepening your walk. Join us!

RESOURCES

+Click here for a complete list of the biographies listed in this episode

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

Make some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!

HMS 2026 Seminars

The Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids From Crossway

Try CTCMath-Half Price Discount

As we inch toward Thanksgiving and Christmas, life begins to ramp up a bit. You might be wondering if you have to stick your usual homeschool routines amidst all the activity of the holidays.

In today’s episode, Carole talks with Sonya Manson about what their family of ten has done over the years of homeschooling during the holidays. Sonya shares how they focus on what matters most to their family. How do you adjust routines, create meaningful Advent traditions, select budget-friendly Christmas books, and cultivate an outward focus of service with your kids? You’re sure to have some nuggets of inspiration after listening to this episode from the archive!

RESOURCES

+Click here for a list of books mentioned in this episode!

+Build Your Family’s Library: Grab our FREE book list here

+Get our FREE ebook: 5 Essential Parts of a Great Education.

+Attend one of our upcoming seminars this year!

+Click HERE for more information about consulting with Carole Joy Seid!

CONNECT

Homeschool Made Simple | Website | Seminars | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Mentioned in this episode:

The Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids From Crossway

Try CTCMath-Half Price Discount

Make some new HMS friends at our upcoming seminar!

HMS 2026 Seminars