Welcome to a brand new season of Homeschool Better Together—and a new voice behind the mic! I’m your new host, Laney Homan, and today I’m joined by our HBT community manager (and Charlotte Mason wisdom guru), Dawn Garrett, for a conversation that's near and dear to both our hearts: Community-Based Learning.

Truth be told, I’ve never been much for formal, lockstep co-ops (raise your hand if you’re allergic to group projects with rigid requirements and committee meetings that last for-e-ver 🖐). Turns out, Dawn couldn’t see herself fitting in those boxes either—so we’re talking about all the ways homeschoolers can build meaningful, creative, low-pressure community learning that’s flexible, affordable, and fits real life.

In this episode, we share stories from our own homeschools, compare notes on creative learning groups (spoiler: sometimes all you need are two families, a stack of art supplies, and a desperate desire to keep the paint off the carpet), and break down the biggest benefits of adding some organic connection alongside your at-home days.

Dawn spills the beans on what worked for her family—from impromptu art clubs in the living room, to literature-lovin’ library meetups, to Shakespeare performance groups that grew entirely out of “who’s willing to show up and recite lines?” And I share how, for my kids, homeschool community wasn’t always about the academics—it was a lifeline for real friendships, support for mom (can I get an amen?), and finding encouragement from others in the shared messy middle.

Curious how to make these grassroots groups work for your family? Wondering if community learning ever counts for high school credit? Need a nudge to just send that text and start something simple? You’re in the right place. Grab your coffee, put the baby in the swing, and let’s get real about what community-based learning can look like for you.

1. Real-life stories of community learning groups that worked (and why “co-op” doesn’t have to be intimidating)
2. How to kick off a grassroots learning group without losing your freedom (or your mind)
3. Creative models for homeschool community—from art clubs and PE meetups to project fairs and bowling days
4. The often-overlooked benefits of community learning—friendships, accountability, positive peer pressure, and mom sanity
5. How to handle the “I need control” factor (hint: you’re not the only one!)
6. Why your kids don’t need more busywork, and how to keep group learning low-pressure
7. Simple ways to turn community experiences into high school credit (it really does count!)
8. Encouragement for making friends (for your kids and yourself) even if you’re brand new or starting small
9. Honest thoughts about seasons with (and without) co-ops—and how to know what’s best for right now

Ever feel like you’re drowning in homeschool advice, but your confidence is getting lost in the flood? You’re not alone—and in this episode, I’m joined by our amazing Member Success Manager, Laney Homan, for a real talk chat about filtering all those voices and finally trusting your own judgment.

We’ll dish on how the “information overload” of today’s homeschool world is light-years away from the early days of conventions and catalogues. (Spoiler: The algorithm does not know what you actually need.) We get candid about how too many voices can stir up self-doubt—making you second-guess decisions or chase the elusive promise of a homeschool formula that simply doesn’t exist.

Want to know who is actually worth listening to? We’ll share how to spot a wise mentor, why good community matters (but isn’t everything), and how to sidestep the guilt bombs and prescriptive “this is the only way” messaging that can wreck your confidence.

Plus: A big announcement! Laney’s taking over as host for the next season of the podcast, and I couldn’t be more excited for the new combos and encouragement she’ll bring to your earbuds.

1. Why today’s homeschoolers are swimming in input—and how it’s different from the “good ol’ days.”
2. Why information overload can actually sabotage your confidence (and what to do instead)
3. How to filter curriculum promises, “expert” advice, and the allure of homeschooling quick fixes
4. What makes a good homeschool mentor—and giant red flags to dodge
5. How to find real encouragement and honest support (without sliding into a homeschool pity party)
6. The three levels of community…and why local support still matters
7. Ways to avoid the shame/should/“if you don’t, you’ll fail” trap
8. Pam’s biggest soapbox about absolutes and humility in homeschool leadership
9. Why Laney will be your new host for the next season (and why that’s downright awesome!)

1. Join our free Homeschool Better Together Community

Are you overwhelmed by the pressure to create Pinterest-perfect holiday memories in your homeschool? (Spoiler: so was I, and I’ve got some epic fails to share as proof!) If you’re feeling weighed down by Christmas school plans, elaborate crafts, and a to-do list longer than Santa’s, this episode is your permission slip to do less and experience more peace.

This week, I’m sharing why “Christmas School for the Soul” is a better plan than another jam-packed checklist. We’re reframing holiday homeschooling: less pressure, more joy. I’ll tell you about my own holiday mishaps (candy kiss countdown disaster, anyone?), what I’ve learned about letting go of perfection, and exactly how a simple morning time routine can offer both you and your kids the holiday anchor you actually need.

Let’s trade “doing more” for making meaning and let beauty do the heavy lifting. Whether you’re on top of things or not, this is your invitation to step off the treadmill and just be together. (Bonus: Don’t miss your FREE Advent Morning Time plans, made for your heart, not your checklist.)

• Why you might need Advent Morning Time as much as your kids do
• How “Christmas School for the Soul” can be your stress antidote
• The danger of the holiday homeschool perfection trap (plus, my own hilarious fails)
• Three steps to a simpler, soul-filling holiday homeschool
• Why choosing a single “anchor” tradition is enough
• How to replace “more” with “meaningful” (and cut the guilt)
• How music, art, and poetry can do the hard work for you (so you don’t have to!)
• The real reason behind doing school during the holidays—and how to reclaim peace

• FREE Advent Morning Time Plans
• Join our free homeschool community