Enjoy this delightful conversation with Odelia Chan, a homeschooled young adult who is both a writer and an entrepreneur. In this episode, Odelia (who is the second-oldest of eight children) shares how her mom custom made their education and curriculum to the interests and talents of each child, while challenging them in areas that needed work. Odelia shares what she loved most about being homeschooled and begins to share what she found challenging, including grappling with doubts.
Rowan talks with Rod Cumberland of HENB, Home Educators of New Brunswick, about home schooling in that province and about an upcoming conference. They also discuss parental rights and the government’s role in education, and Rod has some good advice for home school fathers and for new homeschoolers.
Scott and Rowan discuss the history of the one-room schoolhouse in Canada, and how it began as an extension of the home. Over the years the philosophy of education changed to one of centralization and institutionalization. Scott shares advice for new homeschoolers and a new post-secondary opportunity for Canadian homeschoolers.
Are you considering home schooling in Nova Scotia or already teaching your children at home there? Check out the Home Schooling Journey in Nova Scotia Conference and learn about other helpful resources to support you in Nova Scotia, as well as the rules about registration and reporting.
Scott Campbell, a homeschooling father, shares his family’s journey to homeschooling. Then, he and Rowan talk about the Brocksden Country School Museum and the opportunity it gives for a homeschool field trip. Combining history with education is one of the host’s favourite things to talk about.
Rowan shares about how curriculum fairs and conferences can be overwhelming, but then gives some advice and encouragement about how to prevent and deal with that. She also gives an update on what conferences she will be attending and some interviews that will be coming up on the podcast.
Now that you’ve considered the big picture of the rhythms of your calendar year and aspirational goals for your family, it’s time to make a detailed plan for your curriculum subjects. Rowan shares a very helpful tip in the form of a question that will put you in the driver’s seat of the curriculum rather than having the courseload drive you!
In this podcast you will learn to plan your homeschool year by first looking at the big picture of your goals, purpose and vision. Then you will examine the annual rhythms of your calendar to get a realistic idea of how to map out your school days and manage expectations. Veteran homeschooler Rowan Atkinson shares some tips and ideas for planning a great year.
Is your homeschool family prepared for an emergency? Rowan gives practical tips on preparing for emergencies for 72 hours and beyond. You don’t have to be a crazy prepper to be ready for a crisis.
Tips for making Advent meaningful although the ideas about simplifying and serving others are relevant no matter what holiday you celebrate.
Rowan interviews children’s picture book author Laurie Vandenhurk, who moved to Tanzania to serve the people there while homeschooling her children. Learn how village life in Tanzania impacted her and her family, and has now formed the basis for her books in the It Takes A Village to Raise a Child series.
Rowan interviews the director of the Alberta Home Education Association to learn about homeschooling in Alberta. Find out how AHEA advocates on behalf of Alberta homeschoolers and enjoy a philosophical discussion of parental roles and the role of government in the education of children..
Rowan and Stephanie discuss unschooling as self-directed learning. An inspirational conversation that also asks real questions about parenting and trusting that children can direct their own learning.
Christine Dittman shares how she runs a Lego business while homeschooling her ten children.
An exploration of the concept and purpose of testing and whether or not these ideas apply in the homeschooling context.
