Show Notes: LifeSkills101 Podcast – “Boys with Pens” with Special Host, Beth Purcell In this special episode, we welcome Beth Purcell, a renowned writing coach from True North Homeschool Academy. Beth shares her expertise on teaching writing to boys, focusing on their unique linear thinking patterns. Beth starts by explaining linear thinking. It’s a straightforward, logical process that many boys naturally adopt. This way of thinking influences how they approach writing tasks. Understanding this linear mindset is key to teaching boys effectively. It’s not about changing how they think but lev ..read more

Show Notes: LifeSkills101 Podcast – “Teaching Strategies for Kids Who Don’t Like to Read or Write” This episode addresses a common challenge: teaching kids who resist reading and writing. We explore strategies to engage these learners and foster a love for literacy. First, understand each child’s interests. Use these topics to spark their curiosity in reading and writing. Tailored content can transform reluctance into eagerness. Introduce a variety of formats. Comics, graphic novels, and audiobooks offer alternative pathways to literacy. They make reading more accessible and enjoyable. Incorp ..read more

Show Notes: LifeSkills101 Podcast – “Why Science is the Most Important Subject in Your Homeschool” In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role of science in homeschooling. Science stands as a cornerstone of education, driving curiosity and critical thinking. First, science cultivates a sense of wonder. It encourages questions about the natural world. This curiosity fuels lifelong learning. Children explore, experiment, and discover through science. Second, science develops critical thinking skills. It teaches kids to analyze information, solve problems, and make informed decisions. These ..read more

  Show Notes: LifeSkills101 Podcast with Lisa Nehring – “Why Your Kids Must Study Geography” In this insightful episode, Lisa Nehring explores the value of studying geography. Despite not being in the core four (English, math, science, history), geography shines. It’s crucial for understanding history and social studies. Geography opens up the world, revealing how landscapes shape cultures and events. Firstly, the subject deepens historical context. It shows why certain events happened where they did. This understanding enriches students’ grasp of global history. It connects dots be ..read more

Show Notes: LifeSkills101 Podcast Episode – “The One Skill Your Kids Need to Graduate High School” In this episode of LifeSkills101, we delve into an essential skill. It’s not math or science. It’s the art of selling. Selling is crucial for high school graduates. It’s not just about business. It’s about communication and persuasion. Our kids use selling daily. They negotiate with peers, teachers, and even us, their parents. The One Skill: Selling First, selling teaches effective communication. Kids learn to express ideas clearly. They learn to listen and respond to feedback. This skill is vit ..read more

Portrait of a Learner: Creating a Learning Profile for Your Homeschooler Episode Summary: This insightful episode of our podcast takes a deep dive into the concept of creating a comprehensive learning profile for homeschoolers. We discuss the importance of focusing on a wide range of outcomes beyond academic achievement, including soft skills, tech skills, and character development. Learning Profiles Our conversation emphasizes the need for agility, adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to thrive in a global gig economy. Join us as we explore how to craft a holistic educational experien ..read more

In this thought-provoking episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the evolution of the American Dream, particularly how it has shifted from owning a home and achieving personal success to the almost universal expectation of attending college. We explore the implications of this shift, including the daunting burden of college debt, and discuss how homeschooling offers a unique pathway that might better align with the original ideals of the American Dream for many families. What You’ll Learn: The Traditional American Dream: We start by exploring what the American Dream has traditionally mean ..read more

Welcome to our latest chat on LifeSkills101, where we talk about the super important skills every young person needs to get ready for grown-up life. It doesn’t matter if they are planning to go to college, get a job right after school, or do something totally different, there are some skills that are just must-haves. Let’s dive into the three big ones: Being Your Own Boss (Agency), Knowing Who You Are (Integrated Identity), and Having a Bunch of Cool Skills (Competencies). What’s Being Your Own Boss (Agency)? First up, being your own boss, or Agency, is all about knowing you can change thin ..read more

In this show, True North Homeschool Academy Director, Lisa Nehring talks about the pragmatics of How to Graduate Your Homeschooler! We’ll cover: Who creates the Transcript Who issues the Diploma What is required to Graduate How to make graduation official Who oversees it all Are homeschoolers required to take the GED?   First things first  make sure you have legalities in order. Determine What Type of Transcript will you create – Vocational, College Prep or Honors Where’s Your Student Headed- think through post High School Options Ending Well  Once your students have comp ..read more

We’re thrilled to welcome a special guest on our podcast – Sara Greeb, a true maestro in Latin and Photography, and an esteemed instructor at True North Homeschool Academy! Join us for an enlightening conversation as we dive deep into the significance of studying classics in our image-driven culture and untangle the subtle differences between propagation and propaganda. In this episode, we explore the timeless wisdom of Neil Postman, particularly his insights in “Amusing Ourselves to Death.” Sara will shed light on why “The King is Not the Grammarians” and why the constant nature of human beh ..read more