Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills your child can learn—but where do you start? In this episode, we're sharing how to teach public speaking at home, no matter your student’s age or confidence level. From building poise through simple daily habits to structuring speeches and presentations, we’ll walk you through practical tips, activity ideas, and resources you can use right away. Whether your child is naturally outgoing or more reserved, you’ll learn how to help them find their voice and speak with confidence.

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National Speech & Debate Association | Connect. Support. Inspire.

American Speech and Debate Association

National 4-H Council

Toastmasters International -Youth Leadership Program

Model United Nations | United Nations

The 8 best debating games to engage students | ESU

Encouraging Language Skills during Family Board Games - North Shore Pediatric Therapy

The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin.

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We've had so many new listeners lately, we thought we should share this episode from last year, discussing the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling!

Whether you're a homeschooler or know someone who is, people often have a lot of questions about homeschooling. What is it? How does it work? How do homeschooled kids differ from their publicly schooled peers? Today, we're tackling all the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling!

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00:07:01 - "Is it legal?" 00:10:10 - "How do homeschoolers graduate?" 00:11:50 - "Do you have to have a degree to homeschool?" 00:15:40 - "Should a homeschooler take a GED?" 00:17:33 - "How do homeschoolers get into college?" 00:21:25 - "How do homeschoolers get a diploma?" 00:22:30 - "Can homeschoolers take standardized tests?" 00:25:15 - "What about sports?" 00:26:33 - "Can homeschoolers go to prom?" 00:31:43 - "How do homeschoolers date?" 00:34:17 - "Can I homeschool through high school?" 00:38:50 - "Do I need to keep records and grades?" 00:40:48 - "Will my kid be weird?" 00:45:46 - "What curriculum should I use?" 00:48:41 - "Can I get a tax break for homeschooling?" 00:48:57 - "Do I need to use an accredited homeschooling program?" 00:49:14 - "How much does it cost?" 00:49:31 - "How do I get started?"

The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin.

No homeschooler wants to feel like they’re fumbling through the year. But the truth is, everyone makes mistakes. In this episode, we’re counting down the top 10 homeschooling mistakes to avoid, from overscheduling and curriculum overload to neglecting self-care and forgetting to enjoy the journey. Whether you're a first-year homeschooler or a seasoned pro, we’ve got tips and insights to help you sidestep these common pitfalls and create a more peaceful, productive homeschool life.

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The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin.

If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

In this episode, we share our experiences attending the Texas Homeschool Expo in San Antonio! From exciting new curriculum finds to inspiring conversations with fellow homeschoolers, we give you a behind-the-scenes look at what made the event so special. Whether you were there or not, you’ll come away with fresh ideas, encouragement, and a few laughs as we reflect on our time at one of Texas’s biggest homeschool gatherings.

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Texas Homeschool Expo

SEA Homeschoolers: Secular, Eclectic, Academic

Khanmigo, The Tutor AI From Khan Academy

Outschool

Nicole The Math Lady

The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin.

If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Starting your first year of homeschooling can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help! In this episode, we cover everything a new homeschooler needs to know to begin with confidence. From choosing curriculum and setting a schedule to handling doubts and building a support system, we break it all down into manageable steps. Whether you're pulling your child out of school or starting fresh, this is the episode we wish we'd had in our first year!

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The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin.

If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

In this episode, we discuss The Joy of Slow by Leslie M. Martino, a book that encourages families to embrace a slower, more intentional pace of life. We explore how its themes apply to homeschooling, parenting, and everyday living — from resisting the pressure to overschedule, to finding meaning in the quiet moments. Whether you’ve read the book or are just curious about the slow living philosophy, this conversation offers inspiration and practical takeaways for creating a more peaceful homeschool rhythm.

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Buy The Joy of Slow, by Leslie M. Martino on Amazon

The above is an Amazon Associate link. You can help us keep the lights on if you click through and buy the book we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin.

If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Summer school for homeschoolers offers unique opportunities that public school families miss out on. Today, we're offering practical advice for making summer learning fun and effective. Whether you’re continuing your curriculum, catching up on a few subjects, or exploring new interests, we share ways to keep education alive without losing the joy of summer. Summer is a great time for homeschooling, with lots of enriching opportunities that only come around this time of year.

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Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder | Food and Nutrition Service

2025 Summer Reading Lists | Association for Library Service to Children

The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin.

If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

There are so many different styles of homeschooling that families can implement for their learning lifestyle. From classical to unschooling, Charlotte Mason to unit studies, we break down what each style looks like in practice—along with the unique benefits and challenges they bring. Whether you're new to homeschooling or considering a shift in your current approach, this episode offers clarity and inspiration to help you find the right fit for your family.

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Waldorf Education: 100+ Years of Transformative Learning | AWSNA

The spark of unfolding knowledge | Charlotte Mason Institute

Charlotte Mason method homeschool curriculum and helps

AmblesideOnline - Charlotte Mason Curriculum

Christian Group Homeschool Programs | Classical Conversations

Memoria Press: Christian Classical Education

For more information about the homeschooling styles mentioned on today's show, check out these past Happy Homeschooler Podcast episodes:

055: What Is Gameschooling?

063: What Is Unschooling?

077: Alternative Homeschooling Styles

091: What is The Charlotte Mason Method?

093: What is The Montessori Method?

094: Get Out in Nature!

109: All About the Waldorf Method

113: All About Worldschooling

141: Getting Kids Outside (w/ Barefoot University)

154: How To Create Unit Studies

The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin.

If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!