Today is a great conversation with Marianne Smith about the programme from the US called 'Classical Conversations'. Based on the trivium model of a classical education, it offers many wonderful facets of a strong foundation for children from early years all the way up to highschool. If you are looking for ways to homeschool with a fun, engaging community, provide a proven pathway for your children's learning and feel trained and supported on the journey - then listen in.

Resources and contact: www.classicalconversations.com.au Email Marianne Smith: msmith@classicalconversations.com

Today I am joined by the lovely Penelope Foote. The twin sister of Rosie Boom, Penelope shares many beautiful characteristics with her, though she also has her own wonderfully unique gifts and experience of life to share from. Penny's books are our topic of conversation and I encourage all homeschool families to get their hands on these books. Join us for a relaxed conversation where we share a love of all things good books and the benefits of sticking with homeschooling, even when it feels tough.

Resources:

Find Penny's books here: Roiallbooks.com

Check out the Foote family's Homewood stove business and videos of the family (With Penny's lovely singing too!) Homewood Stoves

Are you in your first year of homeschooling? Are you approaching that milestone or perhaps you have just passed it? Sometimes the 'honeymoon' period of homeschooling during the first year can lead to a bit of a slump at a time when you had expected to be celebrating your one year anniversary more triumphantly. But don't despair - you are not alone! Remember that it's not just your children who are on a learning journey, but you are too. In today's episode, I will give you some pointers to help you get past the hump or a plateau in your homeschooling that can happen at any time - not just the first year mark. Join me, I'm so glad to have you along.

Resources:

Australian and New Zealand Homeschool Summit

Fearless Homeschool Membership

Fearless Homeschool also offers a FREE community you can join and a podcast I recommend. Check out the website and have a look around.

Note: These resource links contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Today I want to encourage you to get out into your garden, even if it's a small window box, and grow something. Sometimes we believe we don't have green fingers, or taming the weeds in the garden is just a mountain too high, but if we can lay aside our assumptions or unrealistic expectations of a perfect garden, we can achieve some wonderful learning and provide for our family in a few minutes this week. Join me for some inspiration and ideas to keep it simple and check out the link below for some great garden gurus who will teach you much, if you want to take it further. Gardening provides heaps of learning for our children and can save our sanity too with fresh air and sunshine to bring a fresh sense of fun to our practice of homeschooling.

Resources:

• https://charlesdowding.co.uk/

• (Also, check out his youtube channel)

• And a lovely New Zealand gardener: https://sarahthegardener.co.nz/

This is a frequently asked question and it is undergirded by fear. Fear of failure comes from a variety of roots but be assured, choosing to homeschool instead of sending your children to school is not going to fail them. Not academically, socially or practically. As homeschooling parents you are best equipped to lead your children with everything they need, into fullness of life. Join me to be encouraged and to lay aside those fears so that you can focus on the positives and grow meaningful relationships with your children that lead to engaged learners, and confident, capable adults.

Resources:

How Children Fail by John Holt

Available Here with free shipping

Growing Without Schooling magazine, no. 40 (1984) https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/John_Holt

With more insights into some ways that dads can support homeschooling mums on the journey, join me for another episode with ideas and inspiration. Homeschooling is a team effort for both parents and works better for everyone, parents and children, when dads are on the same page as mums and cheering their wives along. Positive, supporting homeschool dads really can make a huge difference to the happiness and success of homeschooling students. The investment is well worth it!

Resources:

Starkraving Dad: https://www.starkravingdadblog.com/tag/podcast/Book - However Imperfectly by Andrew Pudewa

In today’s episode, I’m sharing some ideas and resources specifically for the dads in our community. Homeschooling is a true team effort, even when Mum is the primary educator. Dads bring a unique dynamic to the family, though we know they often miss out on the daily rhythm while away at work. I also want to recognize the fathers who serve as primary educators—you are a vital and valued part of this movement. Join me for tips on how dads can stay engaged, support their partners, and enthusiastically lead their families on this journey.

Resources:

However Imperfectly by Andrew Pudewa

How do we create a positive learning environment at home? Do I need a dedicated room to homeschool in? Should I use the dining table? Is it OK for children to do their bookwork on the sofa, the floor or even their bed? Well, today’s episode is here to encourage you that it matters less where exactly you make a place for the children’s focused learning time, but more that you take time to consider it and make a plan that works for you and your children. Leaving it to unfold can become frustrating and resources can become lost and damaged. Join me today to glean some hints and tips from my experience and those I’ve seen making places work at home for a great learning environment.

Resources:

THEN - picnic Claudelands Park 11am 26 February 2026 The Home Educators Network