In an enlightening exchange, Mary Ellen and Ginny discuss the remarkable but often overlooked value of a Liberal Arts education.    Michael Yost of Thomas More College joins our hosts today, revealing why a Liberal Arts education may be the wisest, most valuable choice your student could ever make. This conversation could change everything if college is in your family's future.   The Remarkable and Increasing Value of a Liberal Arts Education Michael Yost is the Senior Admissions Officer at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts. He is a 2018 graduate of the college where he m ..read more

Is your homeschooling experiencing the “End of the Winter Blues?” Are you frustrated that you and the kids have been cooped up way too long? Ginny and Mary Ellen have the tonic for that. Their formula is simple, and their solutions are straightforward. Their insight, ideas, and effective routines will help you manage everything.   How to Homeschool and Not Lose Your Mind (PART II) This is part two of our topic. If you missed one, listen to the episode posted last week. Last week, we covered discipline, early rising, prayer, and focusing on what is right for your family. So, let’s jump bac ..read more

Are you considering homeschooling your child with special needs? Are you already in the trenches and feeling like you aren’t doing well? This show could be a lifesaver. Mary Ellen has been there, and Ginny has a wealth of knowledge to bring to the subject. Let’s tackle the five things you need to know about homeschooling a child with special needs.   Five Things You Should Know About Homeschooling a Child with Special Needs *** Stay tuned to the end of the show to hear our big announcement. ***   First, the Big Things You Should Know… about homeschooling your child with special needs ..read more

Sometimes, situations we might have avoided if given a choice are the greatest blessings. Today's guest has written an inspiring book about a little boy who brings joy to all who know him. Today's podcast will touch your heart, bring a smile, and open a gift of unexpected proportions. Life-changing inspirations can come wrapped in unexpected ways.    Super J and the Power of Love                      Jennifer Nelson is a wife, homeschooling mom of seven children, and the founder of an international prayer ministry for women with ..read more

For homeschooling moms seeking to advance in the spiritual life, the Church offers many opportunities, including the Rosary, Daily Mass, Spiritual Reading, and Liturgy of the Hours. But as a homeschooling mom with limited time, how do you choose from among these excellent practices? In today's podcast, author and moral theologian Fr. Jeffrey Kirby is here to help you prioritize your choices to advance in your spiritual life.   Father Kirby has an important message for our listeners at the end of the podcast.    Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, STD - Spiritual Direction for the Homeschooling M ..read more

Music Appreciation There is lots of music beyond Disney! An excellent place to start is encouraging your children to listen to fine music. One good thing about the World Wide Web is you can find excellent classical music. You can also find explanations of the various pieces if you are interested.    Teaching music in the home (for the non-musical mom) Carnival of the Animals (Camille Saint-Saens): Various parts of the piece represent different animals. In Danse Macabre, the xylophone sounds like bones. Amahl and the Night Visitors (Gian Carlo Menotti) is a Christmas opera a ..read more

Join Ginny and Mary Ellen in a lively, joyful discussion on the saints, our great friends and allies on our homeschooling journey. And as always, they share their experiences with their unique blend of humor, love, and practical advice.  Prepare for dozens of examples from the saints to inspire and guide your homeschooling family in faith formation and education. - Welcome to the lesson book from our family of saints!       Exploring the Lives of the Saints in Our Homeschools ● Studying the lives of the saints gives our children models of virtue, holiness, and faith. ● Know ..read more

Mary Ellen and Ginny introduce to Emily Malloy, whose floral design career began as an apprentice who swept petals and leaves off the floors of a rapidly growing floral shop in Philadelphia.  She rose to manager and floral designer. Her work has appeared in Elle Décor, Green Wedding Shoes, the National Catholic Register, and the Ember Journal. Emily is the food and floral design editor at TheologyofHome.com. She and her husband live in Mississippi with their four children.     Emily Malloy, Theology of Home IV: Arranging the Seasons In this fourth installment of Theology of Home ..read more

Teaching and learning do not have to be dry and boring. In fact, for homeschoolers, it can be quite the opposite. We are free to expand our studies beyond the text and be creative. Today, Ginny and Mary Ellen take us on a journey to a world of ways to expand your studies with lapbooking, notebooking, novels, videos, you know, the fun stuff. There's a treasure chest of resources for you and the kids. You're going to find something here that you will love.   Expand Your Studies with the Fun Stuff   Lapbooks are a fun way to collect and creatively display what you are learning. · S ..read more

Homeschooling with small children in the home will, at times, push you to the end of your patience. But these times will pass.  For now, take a breath as Ginny and Mary Ellen discuss tips, insights, and lessons on turning trying times into life-shaping opportunities. Learn how to lighten your load while training the kids to be big helpers and prepare them to be better students and caring adults. You've got this.   Homeschool Roadblocks: What to Do When You Are Drowning   This may sound like a health and safety or first aid podcast, but don't be fooled. A podcast buddy, Meg Gan ..read more