The transitional period between childhood and adolescence can be daunting. However, it is also key to shaping their spiritual growth.

Carole Joy Seid and Rachel Winchester discuss the importance of understanding middle schoolers' developmental needs. Cultivating an environment where children are free to embrace both their lingering childhood tendencies and the emerging traits of independence and responsibility is key.

This episode from the archive will encourage you to savor the middle school years with your child, helping you navigate this transitional period with confidence and joy. Homeschooling middle schoolers can be enjoyable!

RESOURCES

+Minding Your Own Business by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore

+The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood by Dr. Bill Sears

+$10 Preschool Interview with Carole and J.J.

+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: Use code HOMESCHOOL20 for 20% off lessons

Voetberg Music Academy

Come get encouragement for homeschooling at one of our seminars this year!

HMS 2026 Seminars

These years are when the "better late than early" approach is so important as parents prepare their elementary-aged kids for a gradual transition to more serious studies in middle and high school.

When homeschooling elementary-aged children, we want to take things slowly. Academics should build over time to prevent academic burnout.

Carole and Rachel discuss integrating study, work, and service by doing short, concrete lessons in phonics, real-life math, and handwriting. And of course, they encourage reading out loud to develop a love for reading!

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

Learn More about CTCMath

Mentioned in this episode:

Come get encouragement for homeschooling at one of our seminars this year!

HMS 2026 Seminars

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

Voetberg Music Academy

Have you wondered what the best approach to educating your preschooler is? In this episode, we delve into the crucial preschool years and the essential aspects that lay the foundation for educational success.

Rachel and Carole emphasize the importance of viewing preschool as a time for bonding, laying the foundation for future success, and fostering a love for learning through work, service, and study. They recommend focusing on life skills, character development, and nurturing attachment and bonding with children during these early years, rather than early academics. Join us as we encourage parents to listen to their intuition and to enjoy these sweet and formative years.

RESOURCES

+$10 Preschool Interview with Carole and J.J.

+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: Use code HOMESCHOOL20 for 20% off lessons

Voetberg Music Academy

Come get encouragement for homeschooling at one of our seminars this year!

HMS 2026 Seminars