Homeschool days aren’t always picture-perfect, and sometimes the toughest moments are the ones that teach us the most valuable lessons. In this episode of Journey Together, we sit down with members of our Mental Health Team to discuss the “big emotions” that can arise during learning, including frustration, overwhelm, perfectionism, shutdowns, and everything in between.

Together, we explore why emotional regulation is such an important part of a child’s development, how parents can respond with connection instead of guilt, and simple strategies you can use to support your child when feelings bubble up during the homeschool day.

Whether you’ve had a math meltdown, a writing refusal, or a day where everyone needed a do-over, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone and that emotional growth is learning.

Take a deep breath, grab a cup of something warm, and let’s walk this path together.

In this episode of Journey Together, we explore how bringing game-based elements into homeschool lessons can transform motivation, focus, and joy. Shannon sits down with experienced teachers to unpack why games work so well for learning, how to use simple strategies like points and challenges, and what to do when gamification doesn’t quite go as planned.

Whether you love digital tools or want to stay screen-free, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can use tomorrow — plus fun examples, creative tips, and a few reassuring reminders that learning doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful.

If your homeschool could use a spark of playfulness, this episode is your invitation to make learning feel like an adventure.

Join us as we embark on a global adventure without leaving the comfort of home! In this episode, we explore how to bring the world to your living room through virtual field trips, cultural lessons, creative activities, and books that open windows to diverse cultures. Whether you’re trying international snacks, tuning into global music, or diving into stories from around the world, this episode is packed with practical tips and heartwarming ideas to make learning about different cultures a joyful part of your homeschool day. Grab your cozy blanket and passport — the world awaits!

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Virtual Tour: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour
• The Louvre Virtual Tours: https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne
• Explore.org Live Animal Cams: https://explore.org/livecams
• NASA Virtual Tours: https://www.nasa.gov/nasa-at-home-virtual-tours-and-apps/
• Google Arts & Culture: https://artsandculture.google.com/
• Anthony-Thomas Candy Company Virtual Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDi8t-Yn-tM

• Books mentioned:
  • Festival of Colors by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal
  • A Cool Drink of Water by Barbara Kerley
  • One World, One Day by Barbara Kerley
  • Yoko by Rosemary Wells
  • All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
  • Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins
  • Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhà Lại
  • A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
  • Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
  • Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin