The Brave & Balanced Homeschool with Mary Berghammer

Homeschool Curriculum: Why the Bible Really is the Most Important Book

Go here for the free resources mentioned in this episode
https://whatabouthomeschooling.com/free-homeschool-resources/
 
As homeschool moms, we spend so much time researching homeschool curriculum trying to find that perfect one for our children. Unfortunately, there isn't a perfect homeschool curriculum, but there is a perfect book that you should be using not just in your homeschool but in your every day life. That book is the bible. 
In this episode, you will learn why the bible really is the most important book in your homeschool and in your life. Imagine giving your children the best homeschool education, but not giving them the best foundation to build the rest of their lives upon? 

39-Bringing Homeschool History to Life--How to Use Timelines in Your Homeschool

Be sure to visit my website and get the free newsletter www.whatabouthomeschooling.com
Sonlight timeline book.
Sonlight timeline figures
Homeschool In the Woods Timeline figures 
In this episode of The Brave and Balanced Homeschool, we’re diving into one of my favorite subjects and one of my facorite history tools — the timeline! Discover how using a timeline book or a “Table of Centuries” can make history come alive for your children and help them understand the flow of time and God’s story throughout history.
I’ll share how I used timeline books from Sonlight and Homeschool in the Woods, plus how you can easily create your own budget-friendly version with just a notebook or binder. Whether you follow a Charlotte Mason approach or a more traditional homeschool method, a timeline will help your kids connect people, events, and centuries in a visual, lasting way.
If you want your children to see how their own lives fit into the bigger picture of history — and enjoy learning it along the way — this episode is for you!

38-Choosing Homeschool Curriculum

www.whatabouthomeschooling.com
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The world of homeschool curriculum can be both a blessing and a burden—so many options, but where do you start? In this episode of The Brave and Balanced Homeschool, we cut through the overwhelm by focusing on two key questions every parent should ask before choosing a homeschool curriculum.
We’ll explore:
How much time you realistically have to teach each day
How long you plan to homeschool your children
Whether you're looking for a full homeschool curriculum package, online homeschool options, or traditional textbooks, these questions will help you narrow your search and make confident choices. I also share personal examples of how our family used both online and parent-led homeschool curriculum during different seasons.
You’ll also learn why your long-term educational goals matter when selecting a homeschool curriculum—especially if your child may return to public or private school later on.
If you’re just beginning your homeschool journey or feeling stuck in decision fatigue, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and peace.
🎧 Tune in now—and don’t miss part two, where I’ll share specific homeschool curriculum recommendations and helpful resources!

37 Why Should I Homeschool: Creating Your Homeschool Vision Part 3 of the Getting Ready to Homeschool Summer Series

Welcome back to The Brave and Balanced Homeschool Podcast! This is Part 3 of our “Getting Ready to Homeschool” summer series, and today we’re pressing pause on curriculum talk so we can get to the heart of your homeschool journey—your vision.
Before we jump into what to teach and how to plan it all, let’s stop and reflect on why you want to homeschool in the first place. In this episode, I’ll walk you through my free Homeschool Vision Worksheet, a simple tool to help you lay a strong foundation for your year.
We’ll talk about:
Why your “why” matters more than your curriculum choice
What your mission and values look like in your homeschool
Choosing a guiding scripture and writing a prayer for the year
How your vision will bring clarity when challenges come
Grab a pen and paper, or download the free worksheet by joining the waitlist for The Brave and Balanced Homeschool Membership at www.whatabouthomeschooling.com
Or just grab the worksheet here whatabouthomeschooling.kit.com/vision
Let’s get grounded in purpose—so you can homeschool with confidence.

36- Afraid You'll Mess Up? How to Homeschool with Grace and Confidence

Click here for more info on The Brave and Balanced Homeschool Membership
Part 2 of the “Getting Ready to Homeschool” Summer Series
Do fears like “What if I fail my child?” or “I’m just not organized or smart enough” hold you back from homeschooling? You're not alone—and you're not disqualified.
In this heart-to-heart episode, I’m speaking directly to the fears and doubts many new or potential homeschool moms feel. This is the encouragement-packed second part of the Getting Ready to Homeschool series, and it’s all about mindset, grace, and trusting that God equips those He calls.
You’ll hear:
The real reason those fears don’t disqualify you
Why it’s okay to mess up (and how to recover when you do)
Personal stories from my own homeschool journey—yes, even the flops!
How your child learns powerful life lessons by watching you
Gentle, practical encouragement to help you start with confidence
Why connection matters more than curriculum
Plus, I introduce the Brave and Balanced Homeschool Membership—created especially for new homeschool moms of elementary-aged kids. Get all the details on what’s inside and how to join the waitlist (no commitment required!) to grab your free Homeschool Vision Worksheet.
🎁 Visit WhatAboutHomeschooling.com to sign up for the waitlist and download your free resource.

35- Getting Ready to Homeschool – Part 1 of the Homeschool Summer Series

Get on the Brave and Balanced Homeschool Membership wait list and grab the Homeschool Vision Worksheet here - WhatAboutHomeschooling.com
Check out the Homeschool Legal Defense here - HSLDA.org
Welcome to the Brave and Balanced Homeschool podcast! In this kickoff episode of our brand-new "Getting Ready to Homeschool" summer series, we're diving into the essential first steps every new homeschool parent should take before beginning their homeschool journey.
Whether you're just starting to research homeschooling, preparing to homeschool for the first time, or looking for a refresh as a seasoned homeschool mom, this episode will guide you through foundational steps that bring peace and clarity. You'll learn:
Why prayer and trusting God's timing is the best first step in your homeschool planning
How to research your state’s homeschool laws and legal requirements using trusted resources like HSLDA
A simple method for scheduling your homeschool year using a year-at-a-glance calendar and building in flexibility
You'll also hear a personal story about homeschooling a child with dyslexia and how trusting God's timing brought long-awaited results.
If you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, this episode offers practical, faith-based encouragement for getting started with homeschooling the right way.
Listen now and start preparing for your best homeschool year yet!Plus, don’t forget to visit whatabouthomeschooling.com to join the waitlist for the Brave and Balanced Homeschool Membership and grab your free Homeschool Vision Worksheet!

34- Cursive or Print? Teaching Writing in Your Homeschool

🖋️ Mentioned resources are available at whatabouthomeschooling.com
In today’s episode of The Brave and Balanced Homeschool, we’re diving into one of those foundational homeschool topics—writing. Specifically, we’re talking penmanship: should you teach your homeschooled children cursive or print first? I’ll share my personal experience teaching writing to my four children, what I’ve learned along the way, and why I might do things differently if I had the chance to start over.
You’ll hear about the surprising benefits of cursive writing, how it compares to print, and why actual writing (yes, with pencil and paper!) beats typing every time. We’ll also look at how cursive might support children with learning differences like dyslexia, and I’ll give you some practical tips and curriculum suggestions if you’re thinking about teaching cursive from the start.
Whether you’re new to homeschooling or simply rethinking your approach to penmanship, this episode will encourage you to choose what works best for your family—with confidence and peace.
🖋️ Mentioned resources are available at whatabouthomeschooling.com

33- Saxon Math, DIVE, Shorman Math, and the Robinson Homeschool Curriculum

Check the What About Homeschooling Website:  www.whatabouthomeschooling.com
Mentioned is this episode:
Saxon Math at christianbook.com
DIVE and  Shorman Math
Saxon placement tests
Robinson Curriculum
Homeschool classifieds for used homeschool books.
In this episode of The Brave and Balanced Homeschool, we dive into Saxon Math, a secular curriculum known for its structured, incremental approach with plenty of review. While Saxon is not a Christian-based program, it is a solid, traditional math curriculum that has been used in public schools and by homeschoolers alike.
If you’re confident in math or willing to learn alongside your child, Saxon Math is a fantastic, proven curriculum. However, if you prefer more structured teaching support, DIVE or Shorman Math may be better options—especially for higher-level math. Or you can look into how Art Robinson taught his children, or rather how they taught themselves, using Saxon Math.
 

32-When Homeschooling is Hard

Make sure to visit my homeschool website www.whatabouthomeschooling.com
Mentioned in this episode:
Shurley English
HSLDA
Sonlight timeline Book
 
In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges homeschool families face during tough times. Whether you're dealing with personal struggles or family stress, it's essential to know when to pause or slow down homeschooling to prioritize well-being. We also explore how to recognize when your current curriculum isn't working and how to adjust your approach, whether it’s modifying teaching methods or switching to a new homeschooling curriculum altogether. If you're feeling overwhelmed by your homeschooling journey, this episode offers practical advice and solutions to help you find balance, adjust, and thrive.

31-Homeschool Curriculum Review - Math - Teaching Textbooks

https://www.whatabouthomeschooling.com
https://www.teachingtextbooks.com
 
In this episode, I dive into one of my all-time favorite homeschool math curricula—Teaching Textbooks. If you’ve been looking for a self-grading, online math program that simplifies the homeschooling, you’re in the right place! I share how Teaching Textbooks has been a game changer for my family, providing flexibility, ease of use, and a stress-free grading system.
From the ability to access lessons on-the-go to customizing grading for each child, Teaching Textbooks offers everything a busy homeschooling parent could need. I also discuss how the curriculum supports students from grades 3 through high school and provides lifetime access to grades—perfect for homeschoolers who need to track progress or meet state requirements.
Plus, there's a gem that I wish I had known about when my kids were younger—free math tutoring over the phone! If your child struggles with a lesson, just call and get real-time help from the Teaching Textbooks team.
Listen in for a detailed review, pros and cons, and a bonus—how to get your first 15 lessons free to see if Teaching Textbooks is the right fit for your homeschool.