S5E113: Building Literacy At Home

S5E113: Building Literacy At Home

Author: Robyn Robertson November 30, 2021 Duration: 1:37:45

Building Literacy At Home

This is episode 113 and I am excited to share this Clubhouse discussion on building literacy at home. In this special episode I invited three moms that share my passion for learning in the natural world. All three of my co-hosts are former school educators and two of the three are now homeschooling parents.

Lesley Jones Sessler is a progressive educator, blogger at WatchMonkeyMama and school principal turned unschooler.

Elsa E. Jones is a professional development consultant with a specialization in birth to 5 years. She is also an early childhood equity and social justice activist, Chair and Professor of Early Childhood Education.

Demetria Giles is a school designer, education consultant and homeschooling mom to her son.

Ways We Can Build and Support Literacy At Home

Are you homeschooling or unschooling and concerned about your children learning to read? Tired of boring writing curriculum that no one in your family wants to really do? Are you looking for other ideas on how to support reading, writing and literacy in your home?

This episode will leave you empowered to support joyful learning in your home with tools and ideas from infancy to the later years.

We explore:

  • Learning to read and write- what is literacy?
  • How to offer nonstop exposure
  • Listening, Conversation, Retelling and Artistic Expression- a story doesn't always mean what's in a book
  • Literacy through play and building from infancy
  • Reading isn't just the words on a page- other ways in life that we "read" and communicate
  • Access and Exposure
  • Different kinds and levels of stories
  • Higher Order Thinking Skills
  • Reasons to write
  • Digital Literacy and changes for the future

Dive a Little Deeper and Other Resources

I offer a free, welcome community for Parents and Educators on the Clubhouse App. Join my Club, Honey! I'm Homeschooling on Clubhouse and be part of our weekly discussions that are held 4 times a week. Download the app or go to my Club link~ Honey! I'm Homeschooling.

If you would like to learn more, I recommend you listen to my previous interview with Demetria Giles; From School To Homeschool. You can connect with Demetria via Instagram drosewritings

You can connect with Lesley through her blog https://watchmonkeymama.com/category/homeschooling/ or on Instagram.

Elsa, Lesley and Demetria can all be found on the Clubhouse app.

Would you like to support the podcast? Become a patron~ https://www.patreon.com/honeyimhomeschoolingthekids

Enjoy this episode? Share it on social media. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyimhomeschoolingthekids/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Robyn Robertson hosts Honey! I'm Homeschooling The Kids, a conversation that goes far beyond curriculum choices and into the heart of what it means to learn and grow together as a family. This isn't about presenting a perfect blueprint; instead, each episode feels like an honest chat with a friend who gets it, exploring the nuanced realities of choosing an educational path outside the conventional system. You'll hear from a diverse range of voices-experienced homeschoolers, unschooling advocates, educational researchers, and parents just figuring it out-all sharing their stories, challenges, and triumphs. The discussions naturally weave through parenting philosophies, cultural perspectives on childhood, and practical advice for nurturing a rich, engaging home life. Tuning into this podcast means finding a supportive community and thoughtful reflections on creating a family culture that prioritizes connection, curiosity, and joy. It’s for anyone curious about alternative education or simply seeking inspiration for a more intentional and fulfilling life with their kids.
Author: Language: en-ca Episodes: 100

Honey! I'm Homeschooling The Kids
Podcast Episodes
S8E166: Am I Doing Enough? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:58
Am I Doing Enough? This is a question that plagues all homeschoolers from time to time. In this episode, Robyn Robertson of Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids and Kelly Edwards of 90-Minute School Day conclude their 4-par…
S8E165: Curriculum Conundrum: Dispelling Myths, Embracing Freedom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This episode is part 2 of 3 of our LIVE summer conversation series on "How to Be an Awesome Homeschooler." Kelly Edwards from “90-Minute School Day” and Robyn Robertson of “Honey! I’m Homeschooling the Kids” dive into th…
S8E164: Homeschooling: How Do I Not Screw This Up? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Welcome to "How to Be an Awesome Homeschooler!” In this episode, we dive into the joys and challenges of homeschooling. We ask the following questions: What does it mean to be successful in homeschooling? How does that d…
S8E163: Summer Series Sneak Peek: How To Be An Awesome Homeschooler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:22
Welcome to How to Be an Awesome Homeschooler! Join hosts Kelly Edwards, creator of The 90-Minute School Day, and Robyn Robertson, creator of Honey! I'm Homeschooling the Kids, as they introduce and dive into their exciti…
S7E162: Homeschool and Unschool Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:07
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S7E161: Technology, Digital Learning and The Impacts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:15
The Impacts of Technology on Learning The world of learning today looks a lot different from the learning world that I grew up in. When my kids were younger they loved the story I told of a memorable day in my first grad…
S7E160: Overcoming Fears and Doubts with Erica Kesilman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:55
Overcoming Fears and Doubts Homeschooling fears got you down? Parenting doubts keeping you paralyzed? Does the worry and fear wear you down? Erica Kesilman joined me on this episode to talk about the fears and doubts we…
S7E158: Why We Want Our Kids To Take Risks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:09
This community conversation was all about risk taking. My friends Kelly Edwards and Tira Hunter joined me to lead this this community conversation on the importance of allowing our kids (and teens) to take risks and what…