EPISODE 176| Why is hearing about other peoples’ homeschool stories important?  Because it can energize us and give us wonderful ideas on how to make our lives easier. It also gives us perspective on our lives on just how well we are doing and tips to make it easier. Join Janna and her guest, Tricia on making homeschooling work with four energetic boys and the magic of using stories to teach, especially with BookSharks. We'll also dive into how we balance homeschooling and sports, share handy organizational tips like binder calendars and color coding, and discuss teaching life skills alongside academics. Learn mental math tricks to smooth out those busy homeschooling and sports schedules. Tune in for a dose of homeschooling inspiration!

ABOUT OUR GUEST | Trisha Kondratek is in her seventh year of homeschooling her four boys, ages 7 to 12. As a family they chose to begin their homeschool journey as their oldest was going into first grade; which opened the door to more family time, traveling, and learning at each child's pace. Prior to homeschooling, Trisha was heavily involved in photography and the arts community, and now enjoys introducing her boys to the arts and humanities. Reading, exploring, and learning along side her boys has become the biggest bonus of being a homeschool mom. The family is more often than not spotted at the hockey rink or lacrosse field for practices or games in the evenings and weekends. Trisha, and the Kondratek family as a whole, are thankful for the quality time homeschooling has afforded them, even during the busy sports seasons.

QUOTABLES | Homeschooling with four boys, using BookSharks literature-based learning. (0:04)

Using literature to teach children, with a focus on BookShark curriculum. (8:32)

Homeschooling and sports involvement. (12:01)

Homeschooling and organization tips, including using a binder calendar and color-coding. (17:17)

Homeschooling and organization tips for busy parents. (21:23)

Homeschooling and life skills for children. (28:11)

Managing busy homeschool and sports schedule with mental math tricks. (32:38)

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.