How do we create a positive learning environment at home? Do I need a dedicated room to homeschool in? Should I use the dining table? Is it OK for children to do their bookwork on the sofa, the floor or even their bed? Well, today’s episode is here to encourage you that it matters less where exactly you make a place for the children’s focused learning time, but more that you take time to consider it and make a plan that works for you and your children. Leaving it to unfold can become frustrating and resources can become lost and damaged. Join me today to glean some hints and tips from my experience and those I’ve seen making places work at home for a great learning environment.

Resources:

THEN - picnic Claudelands Park 11am 26 February 2026 The Home Educators Network

Today's episode is for everyone. Whether you are already in the throes of homeschooling teens, or you are still looking forward to it - yes, I mean that - then it's always good to be a step ahead. I admit that I haven't got this all sussed out, or done it perfectly, but I have done my best to embrace the teen years in our boys and I have seen them enjoy being very motivated in pursuing their goals through homeschooling. So, I know it is possible! Join me today and share this episode with others you know who are home educating teenagers. We're all in this together!

Resources:

Nathan Wallis - Neuroscience Educator

He’ll Be OK - Celia Lashly

Growing With by Kara Powell

This episode will hopefully help to encourage you to reflect on your own routine for your homeschool days. Perhaps you have been struggling to find the balance between freedom in the day and getting certain tasks done? Perhaps you have a child who LOVES to know exactly what is happening when and another (or yourself perhaps) who are more fluid and prefer to go with the flow? Join me to hear about some ways to find the balance and some ideas that may help you establish routines and rhythms that work for YOUR practice of homeschooling.

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Email: sheena@homeschoolcoaching.nz

Website: www.homeschoolcoaching.nz

Yes, getting started into another homeschooling year can sometimes feel daunting. We feel that we just didn't get to the things we hoped we would over the summer break, and perhaps we feel on the back foot following a tough year last year. Don't be dismayed, today I'll encourage you with some tips to help you find ways to get started, eliminate overwhelm and actually enjoy getting your practice of homeschooling off to a positive start for 2026!

Resources:

Season 1: Episode 10 - When Family are Negative about Homeschooling

www.homeschoolcoaching.nz

Welcome back! And happy New Year! After a lovely summer break here in NZ, I'm getting 2026 underway gently! I hope you can join me today as I offer some encouragement to ease in slowly but with intentionality, to the new school year. However you do it, taking a planned, but gentle approach will likely help both you and your children find the best success through Term 1. I'll be here with weekly episodes to inspire and encourage you. Today's episode will help you to ease back into your routines and rhythms. Take a few minutes to listen, then make sure to take another opportunity to intentionally plan next steps for this year for your family. Your practice of homeschooling will be so much better as a result!

If you'd like to get in touch with me directly, check out the contact details on my website. www.homeschoolcoaching.nz/contact

In this final episode for 2025, I'll be talking about record keeping. Do we need to keep records of our children's learning? What's the point if we don't have to report to the Ministry of Education to evidence progress of learning? And how should I keep records? All of these questions will be addressed so tune in and join me. This is the final episode of 2025 and I'll be taking a bit of a break in January, but the show is returning in early 2026. I hope you enjoy a great New Year celebration with your family wherever you are in the world. Thanks for journeying with me and helping this podcast to be the success it's been in 2025.

Resources:

https://www.nchenz.org.nz/recordkeeping (There are further resources available in the members area, check it out if you are a NCHENZ member)

Have you ever felt frustrated that there isn't a group that meets in your area that meets the needs or interests of your children? Would you like to get together with other homeschooling families, but you don't know where to begin, or it just seems too daunting? Joining me today is a seasoned homeschooler who has been helping to run a local group for 16 years! Nicole will let you see that it isn't so scary organising a homeschool activity or regular meet up. Together we discuss the benefits to our family when we invite others to join us on the journey, and it is well worth a little time and planning.

Resources:

TPOH S1 E6 - Participating in Local Homeschool Group

There is also additional information and a detailed outline about setting up a homeschool group already waiting for you on the NCHENZ website: https://www.nchenz.org.nz/guide-for-groups

Today's episode is actually a special episode for me because it's a goal that I set myself when I started out this podcast thing! I'll tell you more about it there. Do join me and celebrate not only my achieved goal, but also recognise your own ways to celebrate a job well done for yourself and your children. Let's celebrate this year together before it's done!

Resources:

However Imperfectly by Andrew Pudewa