Recently, I wrote about homeschool information overload, and how hard it is to sort through all the homeschooling information out there. You really can get lost! When I found out Compass Classroom was releasing a series called Homeschool Made Simple, I was intrigued, but super skeptical. There was no way I was going to share anything with all of you that was only going to ADD to your homeschool stress.
I asked if I could take a look at the videos before they were released, and they graciously agreed. I am so thankful I did this, and thankful they allowed me the opportunity! I am VERY pleased with what I saw, and am excited to be able to introduce you to it!
Homeschool Made Simple is hosted by Carole Joy Seid, a homeschool mom who has been helping families work through the logistics of homeschooling for nearly 30 years. The set contains 6 workshops on how to keep a simple literature-based homeschool using your Bible and a library card (with a smattering of other resources thrown in). Yes – it really IS that simple!
You can purchase the set as a download (the way I watched them) or as a DVD series. Here’s a quick Introduction video you can watch to give you an overview of Homeschool Made Simple:
I literally devoured these workshops! Many things Carole said resonated with my soul. Her heart for homeschooling is very much in step with mine. I also learned a lot (yes, you CAN learn something new even after homeschooling for 12 years!). She had a fabulous idea for a survey of world history, and I loved her thoughts on math.
The only caveat I have is that she recommends specific curricula. It’s only about 3 different times she mentions specifics, and while I’m sure it will be helpful for some people, I also know there are homeschool moms out there who might hear her suggestions and think they need to replace what is working for them with Carole’s suggestions – just in case they aren’t doing it “right”. However, I do not think this small personal issue of mine is worth scrapping all the wonderful information Carole shares in these workshops.
Homeschool Made Simple addresses both small and large families and their unique circumstances. She gives extremely practical, doable advice that is spot on. Everything is presented from a Biblical worldview and is centered around discipleship of your children. This series is what I would recommend to any mother struggling with burnout. I’d also recommend this to new homeschoolers to give them a solid start without a lot of extras. And I know I will be watching Homeschool Made Simple over and over again because it refreshed my soul. I came away from the time I spent watching the videos feeling so relaxed and calm about our homeschool day. I am very thankful Compass Classroom decided to produce these videos. They are a tremendous asset to the homeschooling community.
If you’ve never heard of Compass Classroom, I highly recommend you check them out. We own their Economics class (read my review HERE) and Modern Parables (you can read my review of it HERE), and their Visual Latin program has garnered rave reviews. They have history, Bible, logic, Greek, and so much more! It’s been fun to watch their company grow, and everything they have added to their site has been thoughtful, Biblical, and very easy to use.
If you end up buying this series, I would love if you would come back and comment on this post and let me know some of the things you enjoyed about the workshops. And if you know a homeschool mom (young or old) who could use some encouragement, snag a copy for her! It will be such a blessing to both of you!
Alana says
I ordered this right after I read your email. Due to sickness, we had a modified school time and then I settled in to watch the workshops. Refreshing is so right! We’ve homeschooled for 13 years and still have many more to go as the youngest of our seven is only 3. Even though I can recognize the signs of burn-out and being overwhelmed, sometimes it’s so hard to make the changes needed to get back to where we need to be. These workshops pointed me in the right direction and made it seem, well…simple. :0). I know that I’ll be watching these again and again. Thanks so much for bringing them to our attention!
Amy says
You are so welcome!
Anna Mary says
I got an email on this series from Compass Classroom and wasn’t sure if I would get anything out of it since I’ve been homeschooling 16 years. I’m so glad you recommended this series. I purchased it because of your review. It is so good! I am struggling with burnout and I have 7 kids left at home and the youngest is 7 months old! Yikes. Anyway, I really felt like finally someone understood what I was wanting our homeschool to be and that I’m not crazy. Thanks so much for sharing it with us!
Amy says
You are so welcome! I wondered the same thing when I saw it, but immediately realized it was perfect no matter where you are on your journey. I was so encouraged! I’m so glad you were too!
Ellie Reimer says
This looks amazing! I really hope I win the raffle, as this is just what hubby and i need!
Patti says
I have 6 amazing kids at home and 1 forever 7 month old in heaven. My youngest just turned one. I am homeschooling my older 3 (ages 9,7&5) and chasing after two 3 year olds and my 1 year old. To say I’m experiencing burnout would be an understatement. I’m always looking for ways to simplify our homeschooling. I constantly feel stressed and overwhelmed. I feel that this would be a huge blessing to have! I may just have to purchase it during Black Friday and watch it over our Christmas break. 🙂