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Homeschool is a Work of Heart

Melissa Webb
88 episodes   Last Updated: May 01, 25

Our "traditional" American education system is evolving! With school choice, families with a heart for homeschooling can do just that. Families can personalize their children's learning, increase interest and motivation, enjoy out-of-seat learning, travel more, strengthen family bonds, avoid negative influences, and provide higher academic achievement. If you have a heart for homeschooling, this space is the perfect place to find inspiration and encouragement. 

Episodes

Send us a textIn this episode, we will dive into the fascinating world of etymology—the study of word origins. I explore four compelling reasons to teach word roots and how they deepen vocabulary, boost reading comprehension, enhance spelling, and sharpen writing skills. I also suggest fun, simple ways to incorporate word study into daily lessons, including games, journals, and word detective work. You'll also appreciate the trusted resources linked below. Words have stories, and those stories help our children grow as confident communicators, so let's do this.Write On!📚 Links & Resources Mentioned:Books & Workbooks:Word Roots by The Critical Thinking Co. 👉 Available at Rainbow ResourceVocabulary from Classical Roots by Lee Mountain 👉 Available at Rainbow ResourceEnglish from the Roots Up by Joegil Lundquist 👉 Available at AmazonThe Etymologicon by Mark Forsyth 👉 Kindle version on Amazon – approx. $5Websites/Apps:Etymonline.com – Free etymology dictionaryMembean.com – Root-based vocabulary learning (approx. $6/month)Merriam-Webster’s Kids Dictionary – Kid-friendly definitions & word origins
Send us a textDo you need a little spark in your homeschool routine? This week’s podcast is music to your ears—literally! 🎶 Whether you're curious if background tunes can help your child focus or you're just looking for fresh, fun ways to energize learning at home, this episode is packed with research-based insights and creative tips. Discover how music can inspire joy, improve memory, and even calm chaos during your school day. Tune in and walk away with new ideas to make homeschooling more harmonious for everyone!Write On!
Apr 17, 2025
Having vs. Helping
Send us a textAre your kids keeping a gratitude journal? That’s wonderful! But what if we took it a step further? In this episode, we’ll explore the beautiful shift from simply having to actively helping, and why starting a Contribution Journal might be just what your homeschool needs. You’ll hear the key differences between gratitude and contribution, the long-term impact of encouraging kids to serve others, and three easy, heartwarming ways to contribute a family habit. If you’re ready to teach your kids empathy, purpose, and kindness, this 20-minute chat will inspire you to start something truly meaningful today.Write On!Links Mentioned in Episode 86Making Caring Common Project Bingo Cards from Write-On-Webb Teachers Pay Teachers Store
Apr 10, 2025
Synonym Toast
Send us a textWhat if your child’s next question could lead to your best homeschool unit yet? In this episode, we explore the fascinating life of Peter Mark Roget—the man behind the thesaurus—and discover how his love for order and words brought peace to a chaotic mind. Get ready! You’ll be inspired to follow your child’s curiosity, embrace the unknown with them, and keep learning fun. Plus, I’ll share how even the quietest thinkers might be your home’s greatest legacy. Don’t miss this beautiful blend of history, heart, and homeschool inspiration.Write On!
Apr 03, 2025
You're Priceless
Send us a textArtificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing education, but can it replace parent-teachers like you and me? I don’t believe so. However, AI can make us even better humans by highlighting what makes us uniquely us.Specifically, in this week's episode, I'd like to expand on my three beliefs that keep fear away and bring people closer during the age of advanced technology.  💡 Human Touch is Irreplaceable – AI can’t match the emotional connection and sincerity we bring to teaching. 💡 Integrity Matters – AI doesn’t teach values; we do. 💡 AI is a Tool, Not a Teacher – It assists but doesn’t love, care, or understand as only parents do. AI is powerful, but you are priceless. Tune in to hear why your role in your child's life will always matter most! Write On!
Mar 27, 2025
Check Yourself
Send us a textHey, Homeschoolers!Are you looking for a way to help your child become more independent, confident, and self-motivated? Teaching your children the art of self-evaluation can set them up for success now and in the future. In this episode, we’ll explore how helping your children reflect on their actions, hold themselves accountable, and set meaningful goals can improve their work and develop a growth mindset. We'll dive into practical ways you can implement self-evaluation during schoolwork, chores, and everyday life. Plus, I’ll share a fun challenge you can do with your kids this month to practice these skills together. Let's make self-evaluation a natural part of your homeschool routine.Write On!
Mar 20, 2025
The Labels We Give
Send us a textWelcome to this week's episode, where we’re diving into a belief that may be holding kids back—shyness. Many of my students hesitate to read their work aloud, not because they are shy but because they’ve been told they are. Labels shape self-perception, and well-meaning adults often reinforce limiting beliefs without realizing it. But what if we replaced “shy” with “thoughtful” or “observant”? Small shifts in language can empower children instead of confining them. Join me! Let's explore how words shape identity, how we can break this cycle, and how to encourage confidence instead. Let’s rethink the labels we give our kids—because they’re listening, and they believe us. Write On!
Send us a text👋 Hey Homeschoolers! How intentional are you when it comes to teaching technology skills throughout your learning week? Digital literacy is a skill that must be taught. In most states, that begins in kindergarten. While it may not feel like subject matter that speaks to you, it is vitally important that we learn and instruct our children in the many facets of technology today. It's not enough to learn our ABCs and 123s. We must be teaching technology.As mentioned in this episode, here is a PDF Tech Skill Standard K8 to help you. If you have trouble opening the document, search online for Common Core State Standards K-8 Technology Skills Scope and Sequence.If you're interested in our writing and technology programs, visit www.writeonwebb.com. Write On!
Send us a textThis week, we're exploring the numerous reasons many families choose homeschooling—beyond academics. While homeschooling fosters strong family bonds, a safe and nurturing environment, and, most importantly, character development, much more is involved in this selfless decision! If you are considering homeschool education or need a loving reminder of why you do what you do, please tune in to discover how prioritizing "nice" can shape a kinder, more compassionate world and how it all starts in our homes.Mentioned in this episode.Episode 58: How to Calm Your ChildWrite On!
Send us a textIs your child unmotivated to learn? Is getting daily schoolwork done a chore for everyone in your household? You're not alone.Not to worry! I have some ideas for you. In this week's episode, we'll talk about practical ideas that will build excitement around learning and offer some mindset management for everyone involved.Write On!Want to leave a glowing review for the show? That would mean so much. Here's how. Directions: How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review Link