Homeschool Minnesota

In this episode, Christy Faith shares insights on choosing the right homeschool co-op, understanding different educational philosophies, and building a supportive homeschooling community. Perfect for homeschooling parents seeking practical advice and encouragement. Links: To find Christy-Faith's Thrive community: https://christy-faith.com/thrive To Find Christy-Faith's podcast: https://christy-faith.com/podcast/ To find out your homeschooling style! https://christy-faith.com/5-minute-homeschool-style-finder To purchase Homeschool Rising by Christy-Faith: https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Christy Faith and her community02:02 Christy Faith's homeschooling journey and resources04:22 What is a homeschool co-op and why consider joining09:15 Questions to ask before joining a co-op15:37 Understanding co-op organization and financial structure22:41 Parent involvement and expectations in co-ops27:29 Red flags and warning signs in co-op communities35:31 Encouragement for overwhelmed homeschooling parents

This episode features Dr. Brian Ray and Dr. Douglas Pietersma from the National Home Education Research Institute discussing recent research on homeschooling, its outcomes, and societal implications. Discover how homeschooling compares to public and private schooling and why it continues to grow in popularity. Links: To find out more about NHERI: https://nheri.org/ To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Homeschooling Research and Key Findings01:22 Overview of NEIR and Its Role in Education Research03:55 Significance of the Recent Homeschooling Studies05:00 Details of the Nationwide Homeschooling Study06:28 Historical Context and Growth of Homeschooling in America08:23 Factors Driving the Growth of Homeschooling10:20 Systemic Benefits of Homeschooling for Children12:18 Diverse Demographics and Inclusivity in Homeschooling14:08 Research Methodology and Bias Control in Studies19:32 Academic Achievement Results and Interpretation23:07 Homeschooling Compared to Private and Public Schools28:13 Early Childhood Education and Homeschooling Outcomes35:42 Socioeconomic and Racial Patterns in Homeschooling41:56 Future Trends and Policy Implications45:43 The Role of Tax Dollars and Government Funding48:39 Why Families Choose Homeschooling Today52:25 Changing Motivations for Homeschooling Over Time55:14 Biblical and Philosophical Foundations of Homeschooling58:03 Impact of COVID-19 on Homeschooling Trends01:00:20 Resources and How to Access NEIR Data01:04:34 Supporting Homeschooling Through Research and Donations

In this episode of Homeschool Minnesota, Dayle Annand speaks with Craig Harrison about his experience as a homeschool dad and primary teacher for his two sons. Craig shares how he came to view parents as a child’s best teachers, the challenges he faced stepping into homeschooling, and the mindset shift that helped him see caring for his family as part of his calling. He also discusses the thinking behind his book, Your Child’s Best Teacher, and why he believes homeschooling is valuable not only for families, but for faith, character, and society as a whole. The conversation offers encouragement for parents who wonder whether they are qualified to homeschool, especially when life feels busy or complicated. Craig emphasizes that homeschooling is less about having all the answers and more about loving your children, teaching them how to learn, and creating a safe, godly environment where they can grow in both knowledge and character. It’s a hopeful, practical episode for any parent considering or currently walking the homeschool journey. Links: To purchase Craig's book, Your Child's Best Teacher: https://a.co/d/05ocjT0X To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ: https://homeschoolminnesota.org/ Chapters 00:00 - Introducing Craig Harrison and why his homeschool-dad perspective matters02:10 - Do moms and dads teach differently in homeschooling?03:50 - Why homeschooling felt hard for an engineer to step into05:35 - Rethinking “provide” as care, not just income07:05 - Why Ephesians speaks specifically to fathers08:43 - The pressure of both parents working and still trying to homeschool09:17 - Other dads facing the same doubts and tensions11:15 - Why some mothers also feel conflicted about staying home12:28 - Why Craig wrote Your Child’s Best Teacher14:55 - Building a defense of home education from the start16:32 - Why statistics strengthen the case for homeschooling18:08 - The cultural influence of a growing homeschool population19:06 - A homeschool gathering that showed the character of the next generation21:14 - What to say to parents who feel unqualified to homeschool22:16 - Yes, you can do it, even through high school24:12 - Why children remember how you make them feel26:19 - Teaching kids who they are and how to learn27:12 - The “dragons” dads fight and why sacrifice matters28:37 - Closing encouragement and future conversations with Craig