The landscape of faith-based learning is shifting. Jonathan Edmondson joins us to discuss the post-COVID boom in Christian education, from the “modern one-room schoolhouse” to the Herzog Foundation’s free resources for parents and educators looking to start their own programs.
Are you looking for a college model that balances academics with real-world readiness? Explore how Excel College uses a faith-based liberal arts approach and practical experience to prepare students for a meaningful life and career.
We had a great time getting together with thousands of you over the last year, and we’re excited to see what God has in store for all of us as we gather again in 2026. Toward that end, we’re THRILLED that it’s finally time to share the schedules and exciting details about our 2026 Teach Them Diligently events! We cordially invite you to join us for a Facebook Party! In addition to announcing the schedules,
Can I let you in on a little secret? Every homeschool parent (yes, every single one) reaches that point where the shiny new plan doesn’t feel so shiny anymore. Maybe the curriculum that looked amazing in July feels overwhelming now that September is here. Maybe your schedule seemed manageable—until real life showed up with laundry, meals, and tired kids. Or maybe you just feel like you’re juggling too many good things all at once. (I spoke with
Like a hidden tumor, small struggles in family life cause outsized pain. Here’s how to stop ignoring them and find healing, hope, and freedom at home.
Have you ever ended a homeschool day thinking: All I did today was correct behavior? I just read an email from a mom noting that she started the morning with hope and a plan. But before the first subject was done, someone was dragging their feet. Another child was bickering. Someone else rolled their eyes at a simple instruction. By lunchtime, she was exhausted—not from teaching math or phonics, but from refereeing, correcting, and reminding. It
Every homeschool parent I’ve ever talked to has had at least one year they’d love to forget. Maybe it was the curriculum that never clicked, the schedule that left everyone frazzled, or the mornings that felt like a constant battle. Sometimes the problem isn’t even one big thing—it’s the slow drip of little frustrations that wear you down until homeschooling feels heavier than it should. If that’s how you felt at the end of last
I have spent so many Sunday nights planning and looking ahead, trying to wrap my head around all that the kids and I needed to do during the week to come. It seemed like there was always a mix of anticipation and nervous energy. I was thinking about that and about all of you tonight, as I know that a new week is ahead, and for many, Back2Homeschool season is officially here. It’s easy it is
Recently, I sat down with a young mom at our church who’s preparing to homeschool. She told me why she wanted to homeschool, and she was very missional and excited as she talked about it. Though she was excited, there was some nervous energy in the room. When she pulled out her notebook I understood why. Her first questions were about curriculum, co-ops, and planning. That’s so common. We know our mission—to disciple our children and follow
Last week, we rented a house at Murrells Inlet, SC. The waves from the Atlantic were only a short walk away which was great since I consider myself to be a world-class body-surfer. The waves are my favorite part of the beach, and I had ample opportunity to enjoy them with my son-in-law. On Thursday, I woke up to a dense fog rising off the water. We couldn’t see the beach from the house, and
Ever feel overwhelmed trying to figure out the right way to teach your child to read? You’re not alone—and this week’s episode is here to bring you clarity and encouragement. Leslie Nunnery sits down with Melissa Jenkins, founder of Little Shoes Academy, to talk about the science of reading—what it is, why it matters, and how you can confidently use it in your homeschool. Melissa brings wisdom, practical tips, and a heart for helping families
Music is one of the most powerful discipleship tools available to Christian families. In this new episode, Leslie Nunnery and guest Janis Dalrymple explore how incorporating Scripture-based music into your home can transform the way your children memorize, meditate on, and love God’s Word. Whether you’re musically trained or not, this conversation offers actionable steps and encouragement for parents who want to make Scripture a natural part of their family culture. Meet the Guest: Janice
In this episode of the Teach Them Diligently podcast, Leslie Nunnery is joined by Jeff Reep, a career counselor, homeschooling dad, and advocate for intentional parenting. They discuss the surprising statistics about students changing majors (66%) and graduates regretting their decisions (40%)—and how parents can play a crucial role in avoiding these pitfalls. Jeff shares practical strategies for helping your children explore careers early, pray about their future, and make informed decisions. From fostering open
In this episode of the Teach Them Diligently podcast, host Leslie Nunnery discusses the evolving landscape of higher education with Andrew Chambers, head of campus life at Excel College. They explore the unique approach of Excel College, which emphasizes building healthy families and communities, real-world experience, and service opportunities. Andrew shares insights on the college’s response to Hurricane Helene, highlighting the significant role students played in disaster relief efforts. The conversation also touches on the
On this episode, Leslie Nunnery welcomes Whitney Newby to discuss the heart of homeschooling and how perspective shifts can transform the way we navigate challenges as homeschool moms. Whitney shares her personal journey from juggling full-time work as a nurse to embracing the beautiful chaos of homeschooling four young children. Together, Leslie and Whitney unpack the importance of preaching truth to yourself, finding joy in the mundane, and recognizing the unique assignments God gives us
Leslie Nunnery talks with Jonathan Edmondson from the Herzog Foundation about the organization’s mission to support and enhance Christian education. They discuss the various programs and resources offered by the foundation, including free training for educators, support for co-ops, and innovative approaches to curriculum. Jonathan shares insights on the rapid growth of Christian education in response to recent societal changes and emphasizes the importance of equipping parents and educators to create effective learning environments. The
Beyond the books and lessons, homeschooling is about nurturing hearts and minds. Join Leslie and September McCarthy as they explore the emotional and spiritual dimensions of this incredible journey. Learn how to create a loving learning environment, foster a growth mindset, and prepare your children for a lifetime of learning. About the Guest: September is the wife of 34 years, mom to ten children, Nonna to 12 and has been homeschooling for 28 years. September
Teach Them Diligently is thrilled to partner again this holiday season with many wonderful Christian homeschool creators to provide families with beautiful materials for this Christmas season. These curriculums will walk families through wonderful materials that are focused on Christ and the true meaning of Christmas. We hope your family is encouraged, and we would love to hear how these materials have impacted your Christmas season. 1. Treehouse Schoolhouse Treehouse Schoolhouse- A Connected Christmas is an invitation
Homeschool Experience. When I say this, what kind of emotion does it illicit. Excitement? Meh? Dread? To me, an experience is something that engages more than one of our senses because when it does it crosses over into a new level. It is no longer an event or a concert or spectacle. It is sensory and becomes more memorable and impactful. When we engage more than one of our 5 senses– vision, hearing, taste, smell,
Join host Leslie Nunnery and guest Bradley Pierce, a co-founding attorney of Heritage Defense, as they delve into the essential laws that every parent, especially homeschoolers, should be aware of. From understanding your rights in interactions with social services to knowing the age restrictions for leaving children home alone, this episode provides valuable information to protect your parental rights and ensure your family’s well-being. Meet the Guest: Bradley Pierce is a co-founding attorney of Heritage
In this episode, Leslie and Kirk Martin discuss the challenges of parenting children with big emotions. Kirk shares his personal experiences and insights on how to approach parenting with compassion and understanding. Leslie and Kirk will explore practical strategies for calming children, the importance of validating their emotions, and the role of parents in managing their own responses. The conversation emphasizes the need for movement, relationship-building, and creating a supportive environment for children to express
Join us as we dive into the world of family-friendly filmmaking with author and educator Sherri Seligson. Discover how her journey from homeschooling to curriculum writing led her to the heart of Hollywood’s family-friendly movie scene. Learn about the exciting new film “The Wild Robot” and how it’s inspiring families across the country. We’ll also explore the importance of supporting family-friendly content and the impact it can have on our children’s values. About the
God has called us to think generationally; live purposefully; and do the essential. “…how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more.” (Gal. 4:9) It has been raining the last few days, but usually, I go hiking three to four days per week in a state park near our house. This park has become a big part of our family
We are excited to introduce you to TUVU! TUVU is a brand new social media platform built on Christian principles and designed for families. It was created to meet the needs of families and churches that were not being met by other existing platforms. TUVU aims to provide a refreshing and guilt-free social media experience by implementing strict moderation and a subscription-based model. The platform focuses on connection rather than addiction, and aims to combat
