Search : Cindy West

"The truth of the matter is, you took this on as a job and it is your responsibility to educate your children." ~ Cindy West
Watch this full interview on our YouTube Channel.
Yvette Hampton and Cindy West dive into balancing academics with life skills and character building in homeschool. Discover practical tips on overcoming challenges, finding affordable resources, and encouraging growth in both moms and kids. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.
🌟 Episode Highlights:
Balancing academics and character building
Importance of faith-centered curricula
Resources for teaching advanced subjects
Affordable homeschooling solutions
Overcoming personal challenges in homeschooling
Encouraging growth and habit training
Embracing the homeschooling journey
Come back Wednesday and Thursday for the rest of this conversation.
Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Would you please consider a year-end gift to support the Schoolhouse Rocked ministry?
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift?
Get Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution on DVD with any donation to the Schoolhouse Rocked ministry.
Recommended Resources:
OurJourneyWestward.com
More from Cindy West on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Meet all of the new hosts - Aby Rinella, Meeke Addison, Kristi Clover, Cindy West, and Yvette Hampton
Affordable Homeschooling Guide
@OurJourneyWestward on Instagram
Podcast Recommendations:
Aby Rinella on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Kristi Clover on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Meeke Addison on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Thinking Dad Podcast
📚📖 Ready to start homeschooling? 🏠📓
🍿 Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution 🍿 for FREE today and get the 📖 Homeschool Survival Kit 📖 delivered to your inbox immediately!
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ Are you in need of a fresh vision for your homeschool? Join us for 4 days of Homeschool Encouragement at the Homegrown Generation Family Expo. Use the coupon code PODCAST to save 25% on registration today! 
Discussion Questions:
Cindy explained her background in education and her initial concerns with the public school system. What factors might lead a parent with a traditional education background to choose homeschooling?
The concept of "doing life with your kids" was emphasized by Cindy. How do you interpret this phrase, and what are some practical ways homeschooling families can embrace this approach?
Cindy highlighted the importance of fostering her children's individual gifts and passions through homeschooling. How might you identify and support your own children's unique interests?
Morning time routines, including worship and Bible study, have been a significant part of Cindy's homeschooling experience. How do you think such routines shape the day and the family's spiritual growth?
Cindy shared about reading aloud with her children and the memories it created. What are some favorite books or read-aloud experiences you've had with your children, and what impact did they have?
Homeschooling allowed Cindy's children to develop practical life skills, such as cooking and repairing small motors. Why do you think these non-academic skills are important in a homeschooling curriculum?
The flexibility to adjust their schedule was one of the benefits Cindy and Yvette discussed. Have you found this aspect of homeschooling to be a benefit in your home?
Cindy and Yvette both discussed the importance of having grace and adapting to their children's needs. How can parents effectively balance structure and flexibility in their homeschooling approach?
Be the most popular mom in your co-op. Get your Schoolhouse Rocked merch here.
SPONSORS:
CTCMath - CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today.
BJU Press Homeschool provides complete curriculum for preschool through 12th grade with both traditional textbooks and video courses available. Education from a Christian worldview reshapes how children see the world. BJU Press materials teach Christ's power and lordship through the Big Story of creation.
Apologia – Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Our mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through our print and digital curriculum and online classes.
The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows, like the Thinking Dad, Culture Proof, Homeschool Insights, and Made2Homeschool.
 
Connect with us:
@schoolhouse_rocked on Instagram
Schoolhouse Rocked on Facebook
Schoolhouse Rocked on YouTube
@SRHomeschool on Twitter
Schoolhouse Rocked Website (Blog, Newsletter, Support, Store, Movie, and More!)

"Balance serious academics with play and exploration to keep learning enjoyable." ~ Cindy West
Watch this full interview on our YouTube Channel.
In this insightful edition of our Homeschooling Through the Years Series, Cindy West joins Yvette Hampton to delve into the complexities of homeschooling during the middle school years. Discover how to balance serious academics with play and exploration, while allowing your child the independence they crave. Cindy shares her unique approach to unit studies and gives practical advice on nurturing passions and making learning enjoyable. Learn the importance of setting expectations and involving your children in their education for a tailored, stress-free learning experience. Don't miss out on Cindy's expert advice for homeschooling middle schoolers!" Middle school is a time for kids to assert independence and explore their passions."
Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Would you please consider a year-end gift to support the Schoolhouse Rocked ministry?
Recommended Resources:
Podcast Note-Taking Guide
Gameschooling! Cindy West on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Nature Schooling - Cindy West on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Cindy’s The Magical Marvelous Years of Middle School (Video Training Course)
Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids, by Kristen A. Jensen, MA
The Fallacy Detective, by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn
Facing the Facts: The Truth about Sex and You (God's Design for Sex), by Stan Jones and Brenna Jones
Sequence Board Game
 
Recommended Middle School Curriculum:
Apologia Science
BJU Press Homeschool
CTCMath
 
📚📖 Ready to start homeschooling? 🏠📓
🍿 Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution 🍿 for FREE today and get the 📖 Homeschool Survival Kit 📖 delivered to your inbox immediately!
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ Are you in need of a fresh vision for your homeschool? Join us for 4 days of Homeschool Encouragement at the Homegrown Generation Family Expo. Use the coupon code PODCAST to save 25% on registration today! 
Discussion Questions:
1. **Understanding Middle School Dynamics:** How do the hormone and personality changes during middle school years impact a child’s approach to independence in academics, and how can parents navigate this transition effectively?
2. **Balancing Academics and Passions:** Cindy West talked about integrating a student’s passions into their studies, like creating a unit study on horses. How can parents identify and incorporate their child's interests into the curriculum to keep them engaged?
3. **Independence in Learning:** What are some effective strategies for allowing middle school students to exercise independence in their education without compromising academics?
4. **Handling Academic Tensions:** Cindy mentioned the normalcy of tensions when kids want to approach academics differently. What are some techniques to handle these situations without conflict?
5. **Involvement and Ownership:** How can involving students in the decision-making process of their education reduce their resistance to learning?
6. **Customized vs. Standardized Education:** What are the key advantages of a homeschool environment where the education can be tailored to individual learning styles compared to a standardized curriculum?
7. **Building Relationships Through Education:** How does balancing serious academics with play and exploration build stronger relationships between parents and their middle school children? How does it contribute to the child's overall education and perception of the school years?
8. **Gameschooling and Logic Learning:** Why is "gameschooling" and teaching logic critical during middle school years, and how can these methods be effectively integrated into a homeschool curriculum?
9. **Support Systems for Homeschooling Parents:** Cindy emphasized finding support from other moms. How important is a support network for homeschooling parents, and what are some ways to build such a network?
10. **Endurance and Commitment:** Cindy mentioned the importance of not giving up. What are some practical tips and motivational strategies for parents who are facing challenges in homeschooling their middle school children?
Be the most popular mom in your co-op. Get your Schoolhouse Rocked merch here.
SPONSORS:
CTCMath - CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today.
BJU Press Homeschool provides complete curriculum for preschool through 12th grade with both traditional textbooks and video courses available. Education from a Christian worldview reshapes how children see the world. BJU Press materials teach Christ's power and lordship through the Big Story of creation.
Apologia – Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Our mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through our print and digital curriculum and online classes.
The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows, like the Thinking Dad, Culture Proof, Homeschool Insights, and Made2Homeschool.
 
Connect with us:
@schoolhouse_rocked on Instagram
Schoolhouse Rocked on Facebook
Schoolhouse Rocked on YouTube
@SRHomeschool on Twitter
Schoolhouse Rocked Website (Blog, Newsletter, Support, Store, Movie, and More!)

"Parents should listen without judgment to foster open conversations with their kids." ~ Cindy West
Watch this full interview on our YouTube Channel.
Join Yvette Hampton and special guest Cindy West on this compelling episode of our Homeschooling Through the Years Series, as they dive into the challenges of parenting middle schoolers. Learn how to encourage your child's talents, navigate awkward friendships, and maintain open, non-judgmental communication about important topics, like personal hygiene, puberty, academics, and social media. Discover practical strategies for teaching kids about godly friendships, addressing hormonal changes, and fostering social skills. Don't miss out on Cindy's expert advice for homeschooling middle schoolers! 
Come back tomorrow for the rest of this conversation. 
Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Would you please consider a year-end gift to support the Schoolhouse Rocked ministry?
Recommended Resources:
Podcast Note-Taking Guide
Gameschooling! Cindy West on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Nature Schooling - Cindy West on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Cindy’s The Magical Marvelous Years of Middle School (Video Training Course)
Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids, by Kristen A. Jensen, MA
The Fallacy Detective, by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn
Facing the Facts: The Truth about Sex and You (God's Design for Sex), by Stan Jones and Brenna Jones
Sequence Board Game
 
Recommended Middle School Curriculum:
Apologia Science
BJU Press Homeschool
CTCMath
 
📚📖 Ready to start homeschooling? 🏠📓
🍿 Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution 🍿 for FREE today and get the 📖 Homeschool Survival Kit 📖 delivered to your inbox immediately!
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ Are you in need of a fresh vision for your homeschool? Join us for 4 days of Homeschool Encouragement at the Homegrown Generation Family Expo. Use the coupon code PODCAST to save 25% on registration today! 
Discussion Questions:
1. Cindy West mentions the importance of being proactive about discussing hormonal changes with middle schoolers. How can parents initiate these conversations in a way that feels natural and isn't embarrassing for their children?
2. Yvette Hampton shares her experience of introducing natural deodorant to her daughters at a young age. What are some other early steps parents can take to help their children manage personal hygiene during puberty?
3. How do Cindy and Yvette suggest parents deal with the awkwardness of friendships during middle school? What are their recommendations for fostering more comfortable and open discussions about making friends?
4. The episode emphasizes looking outside the box for friendships. What are some unconventional places or groups where middle schoolers might find meaningful friendships?
5. Cindy and Yvette talk about teaching children to discern between close friends and acquaintances. What are some practical ways parents can guide their children in evaluating potential friends?
6. How can a logical thinking curriculum and Bible studies on friendship aid in developing skills for making godly friendships?
7. Cindy shares a story of a child who found good friends among band members at their church. How do shared interests help in forming friendships, and what should parents look for in shared interest groups for their children? What boundaries should parents establish to protect their children when interacting with adults?
8. In discussing social media, Cindy and Yvette emphasize setting boundaries and having open discussions. What are some specific strategies or guidelines that parents can use to help their children navigate social media safely? Check out our Social Media series for more insights on this topic.
9. The episode highlights the importance of guiding middle schoolers in identifying positive and negative traits in friends. How can parents help their children make these distinctions in a constructive manner?
10. Perseverance in middle school homeschooling is promoted in the episode. What are some challenges parents might face during this period, and how can they overcome them while supporting their children's social and personal development?
Be the most popular mom in your co-op. Get your Schoolhouse Rocked merch here.
SPONSORS:
CTCMath - CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today.
BJU Press Homeschool provides complete curriculum for preschool through 12th grade with both traditional textbooks and video courses available. Education from a Christian worldview reshapes how children see the world. BJU Press materials teach Christ's power and lordship through the Big Story of creation.
Apologia – Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Our mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through our print and digital curriculum and online classes.
The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows, like the Thinking Dad, Culture Proof, Homeschool Insights, and Made2Homeschool.
 
Connect with us:
@schoolhouse_rocked on Instagram
Schoolhouse Rocked on Facebook
Schoolhouse Rocked on YouTube
@SRHomeschool on Twitter
Schoolhouse Rocked Website (Blog, Newsletter, Support, Store, Movie, and More!)

"Talk openly and proactively about challenging topics to prepare your kids for the world." ~ Cindy West
Watch this full interview on our YouTube Channel.
Cindy West joins Yvette Hampton for a deep dive into middle school for our Homeschooling Through the Years Series. In this episode, Cindy and Yvette discuss these crucial and challenging times filled with hormones, growth spurts, and awkward moments. Cindy shares her experiences and insights from homeschooling her own kids and offers invaluable advice on how to navigate these years with grace and joy. We also touch on topics like game schooling, nature studies, and creating a joyful learning environment.
Come back Wednesday and Thursday for the rest of this conversation. 
Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Would you please consider a year-end gift to support the Schoolhouse Rocked ministry?
Recommended Resources:
Podcast Note-Taking Guide
Gameschooling! Cindy West on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Nature Schooling - Cindy West on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Cindy’s The Magical Marvelous Years of Middle School (Video Training Course)
Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids, by Kristen A. Jensen, MA
The Fallacy Detective, by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn
Facing the Facts: The Truth about Sex and You (God's Design for Sex), by Stan Jones and Brenna Jones
Sequence Board Game
 
Recommended Middle School Curriculum:
Apologia Science
BJU Press Homeschool
CTCMath
 
📚📖 Ready to start homeschooling? 🏠📓
🍿 Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution 🍿 for FREE today and get the 📖 Homeschool Survival Kit 📖 delivered to your inbox immediately!
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ Are you in need of a fresh vision for your homeschool? Join us for 4 days of Homeschool Encouragement at the Homegrown Generation Family Expo. Use the coupon code PODCAST to save 25% on registration today! 
Discussion Questions:
1. Cindy West mentions that she sees herself as an advocate for "creative, joyful homeschooling." What does joyful homeschooling mean to you, and how do you think it can be implemented during the middle school years?
2. Both Yvette and Cindy talk about their different experiences with middle schoolers. How do you think the dynamics of homeschooling change when you have a middle schooler as opposed to an elementary school student?
3. Cindy shares that she initially found middle schoolers challenging through her substitute teaching experiences but found homeschooling them to be "precious." What do you think are the key differences between homeschooling and traditional schooling that may account for this change in perspective?
4. Hormones and emotional upheavals are a recurring theme in the discussion. How do you handle or plan to handle conversations about puberty and the emotional changes that come with it?
5. Cindy and Yvette stress the importance of open communication with middle schoolers. What are some strategies you use or plan to use to create an open and honest communication channel with your child?
6. The episode touches on the influence of external factors like social media and YouTube on kids. How do you manage or plan to manage digital content and screen time for your middle schooler?
7. Cindy talks about teaching middle school co-op classes and how fulfilling that experience has been. What are the benefits and challenges you see in joining or forming a homeschool co-op, especially during the middle school years?
8. Yvette mentions the different ways her daughters have experienced the middle school years. How do you personalize homeschooling approaches based on each child's unique needs and developmental stages?
9. Discuss the importance of having both parents involved in the homeschooling journey, as highlighted by the interactions between Yvette and Garritt with their daughters. How can single parents or those with less involved spouses find support?
10. The episode ends with a teaser about discussing academics in the next part. Based on what's been discussed so far, how do you think academic expectations and strategies should shift during the middle school years?
Be the most popular mom in your co-op. Get your Schoolhouse Rocked merch here.
SPONSORS:
CTCMath - CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today.
BJU Press Homeschool provides complete curriculum for preschool through 12th grade with both traditional textbooks and video courses available. Education from a Christian worldview reshapes how children see the world. BJU Press materials teach Christ's power and lordship through the Big Story of creation.
Apologia – Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Our mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through our print and digital curriculum and online classes.
The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows, like the Thinking Dad, Culture Proof, Homeschool Insights, and Made2Homeschool.
 
Connect with us:
@schoolhouse_rocked on Instagram
Schoolhouse Rocked on Facebook
Schoolhouse Rocked on YouTube
@SRHomeschool on Twitter
Schoolhouse Rocked Website (Blog, Newsletter, Support, Store, Movie, and More!)

Cindy West is back on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast with Yvette Hampton to talk about homeschooling through the Christmas season. She shares how organization and planning are keys to peace and joy through the busy holiday season.
CONTEST - Win a Signed DVD!
We are celebrating the 500th episode of the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast by giving away 5 signed copies of Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution on DVD!
Visit SchoolhouseRocked.com/Contest for your chance to win.
Watch this full conversation on our YouTube channel.
 
Recommended Resources:
OurJourneyWestward.com
Cindy’s No Sweat Nature Study Class (Membership)
100+ Creative Nature Walks, Cindy West
No Sweat Nature Study Podcast
The Biggest Little Farm Documentary
Smithsonian Nature Guides
Peterson Field Guides
 
Christmas Resources:
The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas, by Ann Voskamp
Advent: Nature Study Through the Holidays, by Cindy West
 
Recommended Podcast:
Listen to Cindy West's Gameschooling Episodes on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Melissa Crabtree's Unit Studies Episodes from the Homeschool Survival Series on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
 
Support Schoolhouse Rocked!
Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Please consider donating to support Schoolhouse Rocked.
 
Sponsors
CTCMath - CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today.
BJU Press Homeschool provides complete curriculum for preschool through 12th grade with both traditional textbooks and video courses available. Education from a Christian worldview reshapes how children see the world. BJU Press materials teach Christ's power and lordship through the Big Story of creation.
The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) equips teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials which will aid them in training their students to become confident and competent communicators and thinkers. Using the Structure and Style™ writing method, IEW will give you the ability to fill young minds with language-building skills, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of excellent writing.
Apologia – Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Our mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through our print and digital curriculum and online classes.

Cindy West is back on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast with Yvette Hampton to discuss the benefits and joys of nature studies. In this episode we discuss why Cindy says "nature study IS science," how nature study impacts children, how to do nature study with multiple ages and what to do if a child (or a parent) doesn't love taking nature walks and nature journaling?
CONTEST - Win a Signed DVD!
We are celebrating the 500th episode of the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast by giving away 5 signed copies of Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution on DVD!
Visit SchoolhouseRocked.com/Contest for your chance to win.
Watch this full conversation on our YouTube channel.
 
Recommended Resources:
OurJourneyWestward.com
Cindy’s No Sweat Nature Study Class (Membership)
100+ Creative Nature Walks, Cindy West
No Sweat Nature Study Podcast
The Biggest Little Farm Documentary
Smithsonian Nature Guides
Peterson Field Guides
 
Christmas Resources:
The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas, by Ann Voskamp
Advent: Nature Study Through the Holidays, by Cindy West
 
Recommended Podcast:
Listen to Cindy West's Gameschooling Episodes on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Melissa Crabtree's Unit Studies Episodes from the Homeschool Survival Series on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
 
Support Schoolhouse Rocked!
Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Please consider donating to support Schoolhouse Rocked.
 
Sponsors
CTCMath - CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today.
BJU Press Homeschool provides complete curriculum for preschool through 12th grade with both traditional textbooks and video courses available. Education from a Christian worldview reshapes how children see the world. BJU Press materials teach Christ's power and lordship through the Big Story of creation.
The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) equips teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials which will aid them in training their students to become confident and competent communicators and thinkers. Using the Structure and Style™ writing method, IEW will give you the ability to fill young minds with language-building skills, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of excellent writing.
Apologia – Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Our mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through our print and digital curriculum and online classes.

Cindy West is back on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast with Yvette Hampton to discuss the benefits and joys of nature studies. In this episode we discuss why Cindy says "nature study IS science," how nature study impacts children, how to do nature study with multiple ages and what to do if a child (or a parent) doesn't love taking nature walks and nature journaling?
CONTEST - Win a Signed DVD!
We are celebrating the 500th episode of the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast by giving away 5 signed copies of Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution on DVD!
Visit SchoolhouseRocked.com/Contest for your chance to win.
Watch this full conversation on our YouTube channel.
 
Recommended Resources:
OurJourneyWestward.com
Cindy’s No Sweat Nature Study Class (Membership)
100+ Creative Nature Walks, Cindy West
No Sweat Nature Study Podcast
The Biggest Little Farm Documentary
Smithsonian Nature Guides
Peterson Field Guides
 
Christmas Resources:
The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas, by Ann Voskamp
Advent: Nature Study Through the Holidays, by Cindy West
 
Recommended Podcast:
Listen to Cindy West's Gameschooling Episodes on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
Melissa Crabtree's Unit Studies Episodes from the Homeschool Survival Series on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast
 
Support Schoolhouse Rocked!
Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Please consider donating to support Schoolhouse Rocked.
 
Sponsors
CTCMath - CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today.
BJU Press Homeschool provides complete curriculum for preschool through 12th grade with both traditional textbooks and video courses available. Education from a Christian worldview reshapes how children see the world. BJU Press materials teach Christ's power and lordship through the Big Story of creation.
The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) equips teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials which will aid them in training their students to become confident and competent communicators and thinkers. Using the Structure and Style™ writing method, IEW will give you the ability to fill young minds with language-building skills, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of excellent writing.
Apologia – Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Our mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through our print and digital curriculum and online classes.

What in the world is “Gameschooling?” It’s where fun meets education and it can literally bring life to your entire homeschool day! Yvette Hampton and Cindy West finish their conversation this great way to make homeschooling fun (and still fabulously educational).
Sometimes it’s hard to get rid of the “traditional school” mindset as we know it and venture into new ideas. But incorporating games into our homeschool creates countless opportunities for learning, social and communication skills, building relationships, creative thinking, problem solving, and…FUN!
Partner with us!
Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support Schoolhouse Rocked.
Without the support of the homeschool community we could not produce The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast. Whether or not you can donate, we ask that EVERY listener support the show by sharing it with your friends and family, by leaving a review on iTunes, and by praying for our team.
Watch this full conversation on our YouTube channel.
 
Cindy West is passionate about homeschooling joyfully and loves to share strategies to tackle things that tend to steal joy in the day-to-day grind. A 19-year veteran of homeschooling with a master’s degree in education, Cindy has graduated two children and is currently homeschooling an 8th grader. She’s a Charlotte Mason homeschooler at heart but knows that any method or curriculum must be adjusted to work with the needs of individual families and even individual children. One of her specialties is helping parents figure out the best ways to tweak homeschooling to find great success. She teaches monthly, online Homeschool Masterclasses to parents and regularly shares creative and encouraging homeschooling solutions on her blog, Our Journey Westward. She has written several helpful books and curricula such as Homeschooling Gifted Kids and the popular NaturExplorers series. Teaching twice monthly, online classes to 1st-8th graders during No Sweat Nature Study LIVE lessons is one of her very favorite pursuits ever. She and her students have so much fun learning science and creating nature journal pages together!
Recommended Resources:
Find Cindy’s GAME RECOMMENDATIONS here: 100 Educational Games for Homeschooling
Read Homeschooling Gifted Kids: A Practical Guide To Educate and Motivate Advanced Learners
 
Where to find Cindy:
instagram.com/ourjourneywestward/
facebook.com/OurJourneyWestward
pinterest.com/cindykwest/
ourjourneywestward.com/shop/
nosweatnaturestudy.com
homeschoolmasterclasses.com
 
If you are considering homeschooling or just need some great homeschooling encouragement, please check out HomegrownGeneration.com for over 9 hours of FREE homeschool videos from the Homegrown Generation Family Expo.
 
New, lower price! FULL ACCESS to the Homegrown Generation Family Expo is just $10!
 
Please take a minute to visit our sponsors and thank them for helping to bring you The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast. We ONLY work with companies we know and love! We happily recommend these companies and their products.
Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Visit CTCmath.com today to start your free trial today.
 
The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) equips teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials which will aid them in training their students to become confident and competent communicators and thinkers. Using the Structure and Style™ writing method, IEW will give you the ability to fill young minds with language-building skills, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of excellent writing.
 
Classical Conversations leads the home-centered education movement by teaching parents and students the classical tools of learning so that they can discover God's created order and beauty. Share the love of learning through a Christian worldview and fellowship with other families. Our families thrive using three keys to a great education: Classical, Christian, and Community.

What in the world is “Gameschooling?” It’s where fun meets education and it can literally bring life to your entire homeschool day! Yvette Hampton is back with Cindy West to talk about about this great way to make homeschooling fun (and still fabulously educational).
Sometimes it’s hard to get rid of the “traditional school” mindset as we know it and venture into new ideas. But incorporating games into our homeschool creates countless opportunities for learning, social and communication skills, building relationships, creative thinking, problem solving, and…FUN!
Join us tomorrow for the conclusion of this conversation.
Partner with us!
Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support Schoolhouse Rocked.
Without the support of the homeschool community we could not produce The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast. Whether or not you can donate, we ask that EVERY listener support the show by sharing it with your friends and family, by leaving a review on iTunes, and by praying for our team.
Watch this full conversation on our YouTube channel.
 
Cindy West is passionate about homeschooling joyfully and loves to share strategies to tackle things that tend to steal joy in the day-to-day grind. A 19-year veteran of homeschooling with a master’s degree in education, Cindy has graduated two children and is currently homeschooling an 8th grader. She’s a Charlotte Mason homeschooler at heart but knows that any method or curriculum must be adjusted to work with the needs of individual families and even individual children. One of her specialties is helping parents figure out the best ways to tweak homeschooling to find great success. She teaches monthly, online Homeschool Masterclasses to parents and regularly shares creative and encouraging homeschooling solutions on her blog, Our Journey Westward. She has written several helpful books and curricula such as Homeschooling Gifted Kids and the popular NaturExplorers series. Teaching twice monthly, online classes to 1st-8th graders during No Sweat Nature Study LIVE lessons is one of her very favorite pursuits ever. She and her students have so much fun learning science and creating nature journal pages together!
Recommended Resources:
Find Cindy’s GAME RECOMMENDATIONS here: 100 Educational Games for Homeschooling
Read Homeschooling Gifted Kids: A Practical Guide To Educate and Motivate Advanced Learners
 
Where to find Cindy:
instagram.com/ourjourneywestward/
facebook.com/OurJourneyWestward
pinterest.com/cindykwest/
ourjourneywestward.com/shop/
nosweatnaturestudy.com
homeschoolmasterclasses.com
 
If you are considering homeschooling or just need some great homeschooling encouragement, please check out HomegrownGeneration.com for over 9 hours of FREE homeschool videos from the Homegrown Generation Family Expo.
 
New, lower price! FULL ACCESS to the Homegrown Generation Family Expo is just $10!
 
Please take a minute to visit our sponsors and thank them for helping to bring you The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast. We ONLY work with companies we know and love! We happily recommend these companies and their products.
Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Visit CTCmath.com today to start your free trial today.
 
The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) equips teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials which will aid them in training their students to become confident and competent communicators and thinkers. Using the Structure and Style™ writing method, IEW will give you the ability to fill young minds with language-building skills, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of excellent writing.
 
Classical Conversations leads the home-centered education movement by teaching parents and students the classical tools of learning so that they can discover God's created order and beauty. Share the love of learning through a Christian worldview and fellowship with other families. Our families thrive using three keys to a great education: Classical, Christian, and Community.

What in the world is “Gameschooling?” It’s where fun meets education and it can literally bring life to your entire homeschool day! Yvette Hampton talks with Cindy West about this great way to make homeschooling fun (and still fabulously educational).
Sometimes it’s hard to get rid of the “traditional school” mindset as we know it and venture into new ideas. But incorporating games into our homeschool creates countless opportunities for learning, social and communication skills, building relationships, creative thinking, problem solving, and…FUN!
Join us Wednesday and Thursday for the rest of this conversation.
Partner with us!
Has the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast been a blessing to you? Support from our listeners allows us provide resources, support, and encouragement to homeschooling families around the world. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support Schoolhouse Rocked.
Without the support of the homeschool community we could not produce The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast. Whether or not you can donate, we ask that EVERY listener support the show by sharing it with your friends and family, by leaving a review on iTunes, and by praying for our team.
Watch this full conversation on our YouTube channel.
 
Cindy West is passionate about homeschooling joyfully and loves to share strategies to tackle things that tend to steal joy in the day-to-day grind. A 19-year veteran of homeschooling with a master’s degree in education, Cindy has graduated two children and is currently homeschooling an 8th grader. She’s a Charlotte Mason homeschooler at heart but knows that any method or curriculum must be adjusted to work with the needs of individual families and even individual children. One of her specialties is helping parents figure out the best ways to tweak homeschooling to find great success. She teaches monthly, online Homeschool Masterclasses to parents and regularly shares creative and encouraging homeschooling solutions on her blog, Our Journey Westward. She has written several helpful books and curricula such as Homeschooling Gifted Kids and the popular NaturExplorers series. Teaching twice monthly, online classes to 1st-8th graders during No Sweat Nature Study LIVE lessons is one of her very favorite pursuits ever. She and her students have so much fun learning science and creating nature journal pages together!
Recommended Resources:
Find Cindy’s GAME RECOMMENDATIONS here: 100 Educational Games for Homeschooling
Read Homeschooling Gifted Kids: A Practical Guide To Educate and Motivate Advanced Learners
 
Where to find Cindy:
instagram.com/ourjourneywestward/
facebook.com/OurJourneyWestward
pinterest.com/cindykwest/
ourjourneywestward.com/shop/
nosweatnaturestudy.com
homeschoolmasterclasses.com
 
If you are considering homeschooling or just need some great homeschooling encouragement, please check out HomegrownGeneration.com for over 9 hours of FREE homeschool videos from the Homegrown Generation Family Expo.
 
New, lower price! FULL ACCESS to the Homegrown Generation Family Expo is just $10!
 
Please take a minute to visit our sponsors and thank them for helping to bring you The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast. We ONLY work with companies we know and love! We happily recommend these companies and their products.
Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Visit CTCmath.com today to start your free trial today.
 
The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) equips teachers and teaching parents with methods and materials which will aid them in training their students to become confident and competent communicators and thinkers. Using the Structure and Style™ writing method, IEW will give you the ability to fill young minds with language-building skills, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of excellent writing.
 
Classical Conversations leads the home-centered education movement by teaching parents and students the classical tools of learning so that they can discover God's created order and beauty. Share the love of learning through a Christian worldview and fellowship with other families. Our families thrive using three keys to a great education: Classical, Christian, and Community.