The Homeschool Well Podcast | How to Homeschool, Christian Homeschooling, Homeschool Ideas

Measuring what matters in your homeschool (hint: it’s not just test scores!) | 144

Hi there homeschool mom!
 
In this final episode of our homeschool testing series, we’re talking about something that matters even more than academics…
...your child’s character, confidence, and emotional growth.
If you’ve been stressing about homeschool testing, evaluations, or academic gaps, this episode is your reminder that test scores don’t tell the whole story.
 
Because while homeschool testing and evaluations can measure academics…they can’t measure:
-character-confidence-resilience-emotional growth
And those are the things your kids will carry into adulthood.
 
In this episode, we talk about:
-why academic assessments don’t tell the whole story-what growth actually looks like in a homeschool-simple ways to start noticing and tracking it
Plus, we share a powerful reminder from Scripture about how true growth really happens.🤍
If you’ve ever worried about learning gaps, testing, or “falling behind”…this episode will give you a whole new perspective. 
 
We pray this is encouraging to you!♥️♥️
Kim and Jenny
 
👯‍♀️Want More Support?
Inside The Homeschool Well membership, you’ll get:
-weekly office hours (real help, real answers)-monthly workshops-private community (off social media 🙌)-support with homeschool testing & evaluations
👉 Learn more: thehomeschoolwell.com
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Links mentioned in the show
Five year Prayer Journal:
https://hosannarevival.com/search?q=five+year+journal&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
 
The Etiquette Factory:
https://theetiquettefactory.com/shop-products/homeschool-families-curriculum-coop/
 
 

Homeschool testing explained: Evaluations, assessments & what it all means | 143

Hi Homeschool mom!
 
In this episode of The Homeschool Well Podcast, we’re breaking down homeschool testing in a simple, encouraging way.
If you’ve ever wondered how to handle homeschool evaluations, what standardized testing for homeschoolers really means, or how to know if your child has learning gaps—this episode is for you.
In This Episode:
-the difference between homeschool testing and everyday assessments-what homeschool evaluations actually require-how standardized testing homeschool works-simple ways to identify learning gaps in your homeschool-how to choose the right test for your child-why test results are helpful—not harmful
We talk about:Norm-referenced tests Diagnostic tests Informal assessments 
Testing isn’t about proving—it’s about guiding.It gives you clarity so you can confidently support your child.
 
Hope this is informational and encouraging to you!
Blessings,
Kim and Jenny❤️❤️
 
👯 Need Help?
At The Homeschool Well, we help families with:
Homeschool testing & evaluationsKTEA-3 and Exact Path testingUnderstanding results + next steps
👉 Learn more: thehomeschoolwell.com/services

What to do when your homeschool child is “Behind” | 142

Hey homeschool mom!
 
What do you do when your child’s homeschool test results show they’re behind in something?
First—don’t panic.
In this episode of The Homeschool Well Podcast, we talk honestly about what many homeschool moms experience after homeschool testing, portfolio reviews, or assessments: discovering gaps.
And here’s the truth: gaps are normal.
Testing is simply a tool that helps you see where your child is growing and where they may need extra support. Instead of feeling discouraged, you can use those results to make a simple plan that moves your child forward with confidence.
If you’ve ever wondered:
• What if my homeschool test scores show my child is behind?• How do I help my child catch up in reading or math?• What do these homeschool assessment results actually mean?
This episode will encourage you and give you practical next steps.
What You'll Learn
✔ How to measure growth from your child’s starting point✔ How to turn vague test results into specific skills to work on✔ Simple ways to build a focused growth plan at home
We also introduce a new resource we’re super excited to share with you: Exact Path.
This adaptive homeschool diagnostic test identifies skill gaps and automatically creates a personalized learning path for your child in:
• Math• Reading• Language Arts
Students work on targeted skills for just a short time each week, making it a simple addition to your homeschool lesson plans.  And it's perfect for busy homeschool families!
Learn more here:👉 thehomeschoolwell.com/testing
(For Florida families using scholarships, this option is also available through Step Up for Students direct pay.)
 
We pray this episode is helpful and blesses you!
Kim and Jenny♥️♥️
 
👯‍♀️Connect with Us
If you’re looking for homeschool help, homeschool testing options, or homeschool support, we’re here for you.
Visit:🌿 thehomeschoolwell.com
Or send us a message through the contact form on our website.
🎙 Thanks for listening to The Homeschool Well Podcast — helping homeschool moms teach well, learn well, and be well.

Ready to document your homeschool year? | Homeschool portfolios explained | 141

Hey Homeschool Mom!
One of the simplest, unofficial ways to show your child’s academic growth is to keep a homeschool portfolio. A portfolio is simply a collection of samples that show learning, progress, and meaningful educational experiences throughout the year.
If you live in Florida, keeping a Florida homeschool portfolio may also be one way to meet Florida homeschool requirements -- through a portfolio review as part of your annual homeschool evaluations.
In this episode of The Homeschool Well Podcast, we explain how homeschool portfolios work, what to include, and how to keep one without feeling overwhelmed. Even if you don’t live in Florida, keeping a portfolio is a powerful way to document learning, build confidence in your child, and create a meaningful record of your homeschool journey.
We discuss:
• What a portfolio review is• Simple ways to document homeschool progress• How it can meet homeschool requirements in Florida
We pray this episode empowers you!
Kim and Jenny❤️❤️
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Free Resource!
👉Download our Homeschool Portfolio Checklist and see a homeschool portfolio example:thehomeschoolwell.com/store
 
Need Help with Homeschool Evaluations?
At The Homeschool Well, we support families with:
• Homeschool portfolio reviews• Homeschool testing and diagnostics• A supportive homeschool community
Learn more:thehomeschoolwell.com/services

Homeschool testing without fear! | 140

Hey Homeschool mom!
Does the phrase homeschool test make your heart race? 💛
In this episode, we kick off our March series on homeschool tests and evaluations — including Florida homeschool families navigating annual requirements.
If you’re wondering about:
• Portfolio reviews vs. formal homeschool tests• Achievement testing vs. diagnostic testing• How to prepare your child for a homeschool test
— this episode is for you.
Testing is not a verdict.It’s a tool.Your child is not a number.
We share practical ways to reduce anxiety, choose the right homeschool test for your goals, and use results to confidently guide your next steps.
 
Be empowered!
Kim and Jenny♥️♥️
 
Need homeschool help?
Inside The Homeschool Well homeschool community, we provide homeschool support through:
✔ Online homeschool testing✔ Florida homeschool portfolio reviews✔ Test result interpretation✔ One-on-one coaching✔ Ongoing homeschool support
You don’t have to figure out Florida homeschool testing alone.
Learn more at:👉 thehomeschoolwell.com/services
 
 

How to build confidence in a struggling learner (even when your homeschool curriculum isn’t working!) |139

Hey Homeschool Mom,
Are you watching your child struggle academically and wondering if you chose the wrong homeschool curriculum?
Friend… take a breath. 💛
In this episode of The Homeschool Well Podcast, we wrap up our series on modifying homeschool curriculum by speaking directly to the mom who feels discouraged.
You are not behind.You are not failing.And your child is not broken.
Sometimes the problem isn’t your child — it’s the approach.
God reminds us in Ephesians 2:10 that our children are His workmanship. He has already prepared good works for them. Struggle is not the end of their story.
 
In this episode you'll learn that:
-Growth isn’t about finishing the book — it’s about mastery, consistency, and perseverance.
-You can celebrate more victories than strictly "right" answers and finishing all the problems.
-You are the master of your homeschool curriculum.
 
For struggling learners, that may mean changing the approach that will build confidence and motivation.
Less volume. More mastery.
If this resonates with you, we’d love to invite you inside The Homeschool Well community, where we pray over and help Christian homeschool moms confidently modify curriculum, support struggling learners, and measure real growth — without fear.
👯‍♀️Join us at thehomeschoolwell.com.
Next week, we’re diving into assessments, portfolios, and measuring growth (without panic!).
Teach well. 
Kim & Jenny♥️♥️
 
Links from the show:
 
FAA Airport Design Challenge:
https://www.faa.gov/adc
 
National History Day:
https://nhd.org/en/contest/
 
Toyota Dream Car Contest:
https://www.toyota-dreamcarart.com/wining-artworks/
 
Find your local 4H group:
https://4-h.org/about/find/

Stop chasing shiny new homeschool curriculum — do this instead | 138

Hi homeschool mom!
Are you constantly tempted to ditch your homeschool curriculum and buy something new?
Friend… take a breath. 💛
 
In this episode of The Homeschool Well Podcast, we remind you again of this powerful saying:
You are the master of your curriculum. It is not the master of you.
 
If what you’re using isn’t working, you don’t need a total overhaul. You need thoughtful modification.
 
So many homeschool moms fall into the cycle of switching homeschool curriculum every time something feels hard, boring, or overwhelming. But constant change leads to frustration, wasted money, and inconsistent progress.
In this episode, we share more practical homeschool help to show you how to adjust your curriculum instead of replacing it.
Because consistency beats constant change.
 
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How to simplify overwhelming homeschool curriculum lessons
When it’s okay to skip non-essential assignments
Ways to make writing assignments more relatable and motivating
This is real, doable homeschool support for moms who want to stop chasing the next shiny program and start teaching with confidence.
If you’ve been feeling discouraged, stuck, or unsure whether your homeschool curriculum is the “right one,” this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and practical next steps.
And if you need deeper homeschool help, support, and strategy, join us inside The Homeschool Well Community — our online homeschool support group designed to help moms feel confident, capable, and equipped.
You don’t need a brand new curriculum.You need confidence to use what you have.
We’re here to help you teach well. 💛
Blessings!
Kim and Jenny♥️♥️
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Homeschool Help & Support
If modifying curriculum feels intimidating, you don’t have to do it alone.
 
Inside The Homeschool Well Community, we offer:
Monthly live workshops (including our February workshop on curriculum modification)
24/7 homeschool support forum
Direct messaging
Practical strategy and encouragement
A growing library of homeschool help and resources
Join us at 👉 www.thehomeschoolwell.com

How to homeschool multiple kids (without burning yourself out!) | 137

Hey Homeschool mom!
Homeschooling multiple kids can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re trying to teach different ages, learning styles, and grade levels all at once.
In this episode, we share simple homeschool strategies to help you teach multiple kids together, reduce homeschool burnout, and create personalized learning for your kids without doubling or tripling your workload. You don’t need separate curriculum for every child — you just need to modify what you already have.
In this episode you'll learn:
✔️ How to teach multiple ages together using shared subjects✔️ Simple systems that help prevent homeschool burnout✔️ Encouragement for overwhelmed homeschool moms
We also share real-life homeschool tips like journaling, busy boxes, audiobooks, manipulatives, and independent learning routines that actually work in real homes.
We pray this empowers you!
Kim and Jenny❤️❤️
 
Need More Support?👯‍♀️
Inside The Homeschool Well, we help families with homeschool coaching, personalized learning strategies, workshops, community support, and practical homeschool resources.
Visit thehomeschoolwell.com to learn more.

Hate your homeschool curriculum? Modify it, mama — you’re the boss! | 136

Hey Homeschool mom!
Is your homeschool curriculum leaving you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck?
Before you buy something new, take a breath — because chances are, you don’t need a replacement. You need a better fit for your homeschool day.
In this episode, we offer real homeschool support and practical homeschool help as we walk you through how to modify curriculum to match your child’s learning style, your own homeschool style, and your family’s unique rhythm.
This conversation is all about flexible homeschooling, building confidence in your homeschool journey, and remembering that you are in charge of your academic planning — not the curriculum.
Say it with us: You are the master of your curriculum. It is not the master of you.
 
🛠️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How to identify what’s really causing frustration in your homeschool
Simple ways to adjust lessons without starting over
How flexibility leads to stronger outcomes and less stress
Learning struggles happen everywhere, in every educational setting. Give yourself grace, mama.  You are not failing — you’re becoming a student of your child.
 
We pray this episode blesses you!
Kim and Jenny❤️❤️
 
🤍 Ready for Personalized Homeschool Support?
If curriculum feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do this alone.
At The Homeschool Well, we provide:
✨ Weekly Office Hours for community members✨ Direct messaging inside our homeschool community✨ 1:1 Coaching & Strategy Sessions with follow-up support
Visit thehomeschoolwell.com/services to learn more and book time with us. We’d love to help you find confidence, clarity, and peace in your homeschool.

Are you running on empty? Hope for tired homeschool moms | 135

Hey, homeschool mom,
Are you worn out?  Maybe exhausted from advocating for your child, navigating school transitions, or carrying the weight of homeschooling every day?
If your homeschool journey started after leaving public or private school — especially if you’ve walked through IEPs, 504 plans, therapies, or special needs — this episode is for you.
In today’s Homeschool Well Podcast, we speak directly to tired homeschool moms who feel burned out, overwhelmed, or alone. We talk honestly about homeschool burnout, the emotional toll of advocating for your child, and what it really feels like to step into homeschooling while already running on empty.
Using Isaiah 40:31 as our foundation, we remind you that God sees you, walks with you, and renews your strength — even in this hard season.
You don’t have to have your entire homeschool journey figured out, and you definitely don’t have to do this alone! 
In this episode, you’ll hear:
✨ Why homeschool burnout is real — especially after leaving traditional school✨ A reminder that God meets you in this season and walks with you step by step✨ Three simple ways to care for yourself while homeschooling
 
Homeschooling doesn’t have to be lonely. You don’t have to carry all the caps on your head by yourself.
 
TEACH WELL. LEARN WELL. BE WELL.
 
Blessings!
Kim and Jenny❤️❤️
 
👯‍♀️Ready for support?
At The Homeschool Well, we offer:
🌿 A homeschool support group and online membership🌿 Monthly workshops (including our upcoming February workshop on Modifying Curriculum for your Learner)🌿 Weekly office hours and strategy sessions🌿 A forum where moms connect, pray, and encourage one another🌿 Practical homeschool help and resources — especially for families navigating special needs
Join us at thehomeschoolwell.com and become part of a homeschool community that walks this journey with you.