Join Jonathan and Rebecca as they talk about our education system as a whole. Whether you homeschool or are considering it, this one is for you!
Link mentioned in the live: https://apple.news/A92hv52aLRsGRGGVdbbyNwA
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00:08 Welcome/Intro to today’s live!
2:23 Rebecca begins talking about how the process of creating a unit begins.
4:15 Meet Natalie who is on the writing team! She shares a bit about herself, what her role is, and shares her favorite thing about working at Gather ‘Round.
10:00 Nicole, our Writing Team Lead, jumps in to share what she does as a main student book writer. She also fills us in to how she first started using Gather ‘Round herself as a homeschool mom.
16:15 Join in here to meet Haley who is a part of our proofing team. Haley shares what her role includes for bringing a unit together as a part of the pre-proofing side of the process.
20:33 Esté, one of our illustrators, hops on to let us know where she fits into the unit process. You can even catch a couple of examples of her work and hear how long artwork can take. Esté also homeschools and shares what it is like to work and homeschool and how she balances it all.
26:00 Next up in the process is Stephen from the UK! Stephen is a designer for Gather ‘Round and primarily works in the ER-UE levels of the student books. Stephen homeschools along with his wife and shares what his work/life balance looks like, too! How do different time zones work for the team? Rebecca and Stephen talk about that here, too.
31:00 Meet Patrick! He primarily works on the post-proof side of things and is quality control for all the books once it has been designed. Not only does Patrick share about his role at Gather ‘Round, he touches on what it’s like to be behind the scenes and work with others on the team.
36:40 Rounding up the meet the team live is Carly from our Customer Service team! Carly really gives a glimpse into the heart of Gather ‘Round Customer Service. One person commented, “It’s like you’re giving me a hug throught the computer.” Tune in to hear what it’s like behind the scenes, how we stay connected as a team, and how there is even coordination in emails.
44:08 Jonathan jumps in to give us a glimpse of how the printing and shipping logistics work currently. It takes a lot of work from the warehouse from coordinating ordering supplies to passing off shipments to carriers that go all over the world!
46:30 Jonathan shares more about what he feels his role is as a supporter of Rebecca and this company.
47:40 Our team is made up of families who are committed to homeschooling their own children but also committed to the call of working together as a team.
48:43 God has called the Spooners to continue to grow and pursue what God has in store for them. Jonathan also shares a bit about what the future is looking like.
51:15 Gather ‘Round is a large team of people working together and coming alongside of the Spooners and one another. Customers are also a part of what God is doing in and through Gather ‘Round Homeschool.
53:30 Prayer is a big part of all that happens at Gather ‘Round.
56:45 Wrap-Up
00:05 Join Rebecca and family as she makes her coffee!
4:50 Rebecca answers a question about the history of flight and if it is any of our units.
5:27 When will James be released?
7:00 Rebecca talks about our catalog, pricing, and the sale a bit!
8:35 If you are brand new to Gather ‘Round, Rebecca gives some insight on what you may want to start with as far as our units. And, just some homeschooling tips in general. Our catalog is super helpful with some ways of helping you decide on a unit, too!
12:15 What are the differences in the student book levels?
16:00 The Catalog is a helpful tool on where to start with your student as well as being able to see our units in order of release in the very back.
17:40 Rebecca talks a little about some differences and features in our different units.
19:50 Christmas Around the World… and adaptations!
21:14 How does the Fitness Plan work?
24:20 What are the main differences between N. America, N. American Forest Animals, and National Parks of N. America?
29:40 Do you have any units that “match up?” Rebecca talks about how Gather ‘Round has minimalism and balance. Also, how our add-ons are truly add-ons.
31:42 Rebecca talks about order with our history units and a bit about world history for high school.
34:43 Would Dinosaurs, Rocks + Minerals, and Earth Science overlap or compliment each other?
38:32 What is the teaching style like with Gather ‘Round Homeschool? Listen here to learn about a bit of how it works and some of the backstory.
43:39 What does Ready to Read come with?
44:35 Accommodations/Recommendations for a student with dyslexia
46:40 Listen here for information about our Ready to Read program!
50:40 How to get Rebecca to a convention near you and future Gather ‘Round events
51:40 Why is schoolwork taking all day? Rebecca shares some tips.
55:55 “I have 2 boys ages 9 and 12. What would be a good unit to start with?”
58:06 Apps that will let you highlight or add textboxes on top of the text. We don’t allow editing on our digital files and they are password protected. This is to keep things safe and secure and protect our files from being changed.
59:20 Wrap-Up
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Lacking motivation? Feeling low? You've probably heard the saying, "You set the tone..." but what does that actually look like? Today we're talking about thankfulness PLUS I have a free printable for those who join in!
00:30 Welcome
1:35 Intro to today’s Bible study
3:50 Prayer
4:55 Defining some words (Joy, Happy, Delight, Exult, Rejoice)
21:00 What hope have I given up on?
24:00 Am I doing things I have not been asked to do?
30:30 What do I need to lay down or surrender?
36:00 What is stealing from my joy?
41:24 Am I taking time to be in God’s presence?
46:44 Am I seeking worldly things for fleeting happiness or going to God in my weakness?
53:15 Wrap-up: Take some time to thank the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Psalm 119:111)
58:45 Closing Prayer
Watch the LIVE here!
00:30 Welcome/Intro
4:14 Updates on what God is doing (Rebecca shares what has been on her heart)
5:40 Who am I? Rebecca talks a bit about her background, writing, and what inspired her to create Gather ‘Round Homeschool.
8:45 Disconnect
17:35 Less is More
18:21 Education + Connection
19:16 Gather ‘Round Homeschool is different
20:00 What type of education are we going after?
23:01 What is the goal or big picture?
24:22 Updates/Questions/2024 updates
42:30 Wrap-Up
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It's been a hot second! Join us in our RV in a campground as we share some personal updates of what God has been doing plus I'll be talking about life skills and some of the incredible things to expect so far! Let's chat!
00:36 Welcome!
3:20 What have the Spooners been up to? They share a little about what’s been going on lately, where they’ve been, the search for a property… walking through this season of life.
13:55 Gather ‘Round Updates: Launched Middle Ages Teacher’s Guide Mp3 and Rocks + Minerals full unit. Multiple units and projects are going on in the background. For the upcoming unit schedule, North American Forest Animals and Energy have been switched.
15:34 Life Skills is well on its way!
19:40 When will there be another sale?
20:40 Listen in here as Rebecca discusses more details on Life Skills and what will be included… very interactive and motivating! Besides life skills, we’ll also include Bible skills.
31:25 Will there be more pre-orders in the future? What about dates for releases?
37:11 Retreats, events, and requesting Rebecca to speak… what the future could look like. You can request Rebecca here: https://gatherroundhomeschool.com/pages/request-rebecca
43:05 Work for Gather ‘Round Homeschool– Rebecca shares a bit about what the company is looking for. You can see open positions and apply here: https://gatherroundhomeschool.com/pages/positions
48:00 What are deep dive edits and how often are they done?
49:30 Weekly Seatwork pages are now in our Freebies section on the app and will no longer be in the student books.
51:50 Logistics of how reserving a place to hold a Gather ‘Round event could work.
57:50 Jonathan and Rebecca wrap things up by talking a bit more about what they are looking for in a property in the US.
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If you're brand new to homeschooling, come here some of the top tips for getting started—plus learn more about Gather 'Round Homeschool and how it works.
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Have questions about Gather 'Round! Get instant answers direct from the creator! This is your chance to get a behind the scenes look!
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What if I told you you could homeschool all your kids together with just one curriculum and ease into this whole thing. With our Back to School going on right now, this is the perfect time to learn more. Come join our live chat, ask your questions, see how this whole thing works, and let's shop together!
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On February 23, 2023, it came to our attention that a direct competing curriculum company had created a nearly hour-long damaging video condemning us for our most recent US History unit. Even without the use of our name, it was immediately clear that they were speaking of our company and many people started emailing in. The video called into question the credibility not only of our most recent US History 6 curriculum, but our credibility in general. In response, we have received angry, offended, fearful, and questioning emails and comments from our customers, demanding a response. The fact that our credibility had been called into question and that our customers did, in fact, deserve a response, prompted us to sleep on it, pray about it, and then release a public statement. Jonathan and I went live on February 24th, 2023 to address the concerns, but it seemed that to many, this was not considered good enough as they wanted specific rebuttals to some of the examples submitted in the competitor's video. We are aware of the fact that we are not going to convince everyone, but we thought a written response may be more clear for those who are still doubting our credibility based off the damage that has already been done.
Please note that we welcome criticism and we thank God for this opportunity to re-evaluate how we can make Gather 'Round even better. While I will give some context and understanding about our sources below, we are committed to excellence and, in an effort to restore confidence, will make sure we include even more of our cross-references in the future.
What makes a good source?
This is such a debatable question. Everything has bias. Everything has opinions. This is something that we talk about in detail in US History 6. In fact, in lesson 15, students are encouraged to see if they can find the author's bias in their Gather 'Round book! No history book, even a primary source, is written without a perspective. Where there is an author behind a piece of writing, there is an opinion—it's just a matter of how veiled it is. My greatest challenge with this unit was to thoroughly understand both extremes and present all the angles leaving room as much as possible, for you to come up with your own conclusions rather than me being the “trusted source” that just told you what to believe with guided facts—the true definition of propaganda.
Just because something ends in .gov or .edu doesn't make it a trusted or reliable source—even if that is what a college or university would look for. Part of the reason that we homeschool is that much of our educational system and the verbiage of our society and even much of our government and the overall system is left-wing and progressive, often not making it the highest or most unbiased source of information. Each source must be, then, questioned, tested, and considered. Just because someone was “there” in a primary source, does not mean that what they write is accurate. As such, we must look to multiple sources, and often history is most understood long after it has been judged, all sides considered, and carefully assessed by secondary sources, professionals, intellectuals, and yes, even the common man with no degrees on their shelves.
What sources does Gather ‘Round use?
Not every piece of information that is in our materials is sourced. Sometimes we hire researchers with PhDs or degrees. Where possible, we write from experience and our own knowledge on a topic, and sometimes things are common knowledge and do not need to be cited. We never include anything (even our own experience or knowledge) without cross-referencing every piece of information to make sure that what we publish is reliable, up-to-date, and trustworthy. On top of our due diligence, we pray over every lesson we write, submitting it to God and asking Him for the truth to be revealed.
We do have a policy of using .gov and .edu sites wherever possible, and where not, we have our fact checkers corroborate facts and information on at least 2-3 other sites to make sure that what is written is accurate. Do we get every single detail right, every time? No. I wish that were possible, but what I can tell you is that when an issue is brought to our attention, we listen with humility and do our best to act swiftly when something needs to be corrected. As an extra layer of accountability and accuracy, we also often subject our units for review to outside opinions.
You used CNN, YouTube, and other untrustworthy sources?
Some of the sources that are used (particularly in our US History 6 unit) are things such as media articles, YouTube videos, or even opinion pieces. Some of these videos or articles that are referred to in our units are from historians with degrees who have channels or blogs that teach people about their areas of expertise. Others (such as the case in a few in US History 6) are watched simply to gain an understanding of some of the extremes, and yes, opinions that the public has in order to clearly express two different viewpoints or perspectives on the matter and paint a broader picture of how history is interpreted by the people in general.
Please note that US History 6 is primarily current events, meaning that some of the sources are the news. Furthermore, Gather 'Round has always had a value system of looking at both sides of the story in order to give a clear account not only of what happened, but what people say about it on both sides of the coin—leaving you as the parent to decide and discuss with your children. This is an approach in many of our units that you will find. It is my belief that the mindset of “spoon-feeding” facts to our kids and never discussing the controversies, opinions, or debates that surround those facts, is everything that is wrong with education. As such, this is the unapologetic approach of our curriculum at large and this is something that will not be changing, as we believe in raising children that can identify and be sensitive and discerning to the nuances and layers of meaning behind those facts, how they impacted people, and come up with their own convictions that are balanced, true, and strong.
As to the claims about "many, many, many mistakes and misinformation" in our books. I will outline a few of the examples below.
1. The video opens by exposing a typo in the curriculum about Jimmy Carter. This had already been submitted by one of our customers privately and has been edited and revised in both our print and digital formats.
2. A specific example that was brought up was the paragraph about Osama bin Laden, see below from our unit:
"Some felt that President Clinton did not take the threat of terrorism seriously enough. In fact, when the Sudanese government became aware that Osama bin Laden was in its country, it monitored al-Qaeda and offered to give its members over to the United States along with the history of all its activities there. The Clinton administration refused, saying it didn’t have enough evidence. The Sudanese government warned them that Osama would go to Afghanistan, but the US’s response was, “Let him.” What would have happened if the threat had been stopped there? What could have been avoided all together? One thing was for certain: the United States would never again have such an opportunity at its disposal, and its relationship with al-Qaeda was far from over."—Lesson 5 "The Rise of Terrorism" US History 6.
They go to the source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/oct/17/afghanistan.terrorism3
Our unit states that "When the Sudanese government became aware of Osama . . . " and our accusers say that that is a misrepresentation of the source, which states that America had demanded that Sudan release all of their terrorists. However, after our team evaluated the paragraph above, we feel that this is a leap, as the curriculum does not say how they became aware, nor when. It simply states that they offered to give its members over to the United States, which is exactly what it says in the source: "Khartoum offered to hand Bin Laden over to Saudi Arabia, or, potentially straight to America, says el-Mahdi, the spy chief."—Astill, James. “Osama: the Sudan years.” The Guardian. Guardian News & Media Limited, October 16, 2001. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/oct/17/afghanistan.terrorism3.
This was, of course, cross-referenced with other posts sharing similar sentiments such as: this one, page 62 and 63 on this one (from intelligence.senate.gov) show that the situation was very convoluted and also confirm the base sentiment that were presented. Because sources vary (from primary to secondary sources), this was taught in a way that did not give direct facts, dates, or details. Rather stating what all the sources agree on: that Sudan went to America. The US had nothing on him at the time and so they said to send him away. Some feel to this day that the Clinton administration made a mistake. This is what any level of research reveals and what the lesson clearly states.
Please note, the paragraph about Osama bin Laden has a disclaimer at the beginning that “some say”. It is not taught as fact, it is taught as a perspective on history that some people have and ends with “what do you think?” series of questions. What is stated as "certain" is that the US government would never again have such an opportunity on their hands, which was true and is a verifiable fact just through living through history and knowing the events that would unfold in the search for Osama.
All the other examples shown are, in our opinion, subjective opinions and perspectives similar to the example above. The only actual error is the typo listed in point number 1 that was corrected. We continue, as always, to carefully monitor our units and feedback to make sure things are clear.
As to the claim about us using no primary sources.
This is false. There are many government websites that are used in the sources, in that lesson alone the sources list the FBI website as one of our sources used. Both primary and secondary sources were consulted in our research and fact checking.
As to the claim that Brittanica is not a trusted source—it is secondary and the accusation that its use proves that we are not credible or trustworthy.
I found many different examples of colleges and universities that accept it as a source. Where it draws concern is when it is an isolated source, as it does not give a complete picture and shows that you did not do complete research. In fact, one Brittanica article that was cited in the Jimmy Carter lesson was written by Jimmy Carter himself—a primary source about his presidency from the most primary source there is.
The video lumps Britannica into a similar category as Wikipedia and this is a misrepresentation. Wikipedia is open-source and unvetted. While Britannica and History.com type sources are vetted, edited, fact-checked, and written by identifiable and credited authors.
Yale says on their site that: "Any source can be used as evidence that someone believes the idea you quote. . . If the Harvard Crimson publishes a negative article about Yale's football team, you probably can't trust that it's an unbiased assessment. But such an article can still be cited as evidence that 'some people have negative opinions about Yale football.'" (https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/using-sources/principles-citing-sources/scholarly-vs-popular-sources)
In Summary: If you’ve done some of my units, specifically the ones I have written—you know me. You know my heart, you know that I write carefully, in a balanced way, and always with God in the center of it all. I research carefully and extensively. I will look up ten different sites on one topic to get a balanced view before I write anything about anything.
In our history as a company, we have had a few different writers, I didn’t write everything. And this is something we will definitely take into account and look at our units carefully for and make sure that if nothing else, we find and include more sources in order to restore confidence in the heart of our customers. However at this point, we will not be providing a list of sources for everything we have written, nor will we be releasing more samples of the unit for customer review. As is the case with any other publication company, you are welcome to buy the units and read them for yourselves to test the materials.
So where does that leave you? If you haven’t read US History 6 yet, I urge you to do that. Sit down before reading it to your kids and test it for yourself.
And may we, as the body of Christ, begin to grow in our discernment and confidence so that not every voice sways us one way or another. May we learn to stand on our own two feet, trust our own decisions and the things we have seen, and yes, my goodness, test everything with His Word!
If after testing, like our competitors, you have found us wanting, please, walk away. Do what is best for your children and don’t ever look back. But don’t listen to the voices: mine or theirs. Obey God. Do what He tells you to do, and walk forward with all confidence into the great calling not only on your life but the lives of your children.
In today's live we'll be talking about color-coding, some of the challenges of doing it all, keeping everyone engaged, and making it through your day without a second application of antiperspirant!
00:25 Welcome
2:25 Specific prayer request for the Spooner tour
3:00 How is Gather ‘Round Homeschool designed to work with multiple ages?
8:00 Tips and Strategies for making Gather ‘Round work?
9:10 What is the color coding found in some of the Teacher’s Guides and how did it come about?
18:50 Notebooking
23:00 Reluctant writers
25:10 Teaching and Student Book work ideas
33:00 Units that were favorites with the Spooners
37:30 Update on where writing is at for US History 6
41:57 St. Patrick’s unit, Growing Up with God, and Rocks + Minerals are coming!
44:20 Two new Bible Reading Plan products are on our site! Check them out HERE!
47:35 Battle Plan Concordance and Journal coming soon!
51:57 Pray with the Spooners as they get ready to go on tour
53:17 Gather ‘Round In-Person Retreat is this April… Pray about coming! God is going to do something great! It’s going to be a time of connection and worship.
]]>Do you have a burning question about Gather 'Round? Come and learn more about our approach to reading, what the seatwork pages are, the differences between the years, and more! Let's talk philosophy! Plus, a few updates!
00:35 Hear about the latest podcast! You can listen to Gather 'Round with Rebecca Spooner Episode #9: Freedom at any of the links below:
Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Gather 'Round App, OR on the blog at www.homeschoolon.com (this is where you'll find the time code notes).
1:50 What will be in this LIVE (FAQs, updates, questions at the end)?
3:15 We are redoing our read thru the Bible in a year plan! Listen here to find out how this will work. It’s going to be a great resource with a ton of bonuses!
8:00 Growing Up With God and US History 6 updates
18:55 Rebecca discusses the FAQs we hear often:
60:00 Math may be in the future!
63:45 Closing/Wrap-up/Convention Schedule
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1:00 Welcome/Happy New Year
3:20 Rebecca shows us a new product! 2023 Dated Calendar and One Year Undated Calendar
6:25 Gather ‘Round Homeschool In-Person Retreat! We are only 4 months away from this retreat and we’d love for you and your family to join us! Check it out and register HERE!
8:45 Homeschooling under the government- Join Jonathan and Rebecca as they talk about this important topic. Funding, qualifications to homeschool, requirements/restrictions, standards that don’t make sense, questionable content, high school, and college are just a few points. Be encouraged to pray and seek out what is best for your family.
1:11:10 US History 6 (1974-2022) update with more to come next week!
1:14:35 Growing Up with God- tune in here as Rebecca talks about her vision and layout for this unit as well as what may be included. This is going to be one of the most important units of 2023.
Continue to pray for all that God has for Gather ‘Round Homeschool in 2023!
]]>1:25 Jonathan gives an update on preparations for the Gather ‘Round 2023 tour.
4:00 Rebecca gives an update on US History 6 and when it may be released.
9:40 More Than Words Level 3 Update
10:14 Rebecca gives all the details on Sports + PE including what the add-ons will be.
13:40 Update for Lifers
15:00 Gather ‘Round Minecraft Server
17:20 New podcast episode available. Available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify our app, and on the blog at Homeschoolon.com (this is where you'll find the time code notes).
19:53 New samples are available HERE.
20:15 Gather ‘Round US Retreat 2023. Check out all the info and register HERE.
26:55 Rebecca talks about an upcoming unit, Growing Up with God.
32:50 Thoughts on deadlines and trusting in what God says (work, family, and balancing it all)
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00:25 National Parks is LIVE! You can see it HERE! You can also check out the free sample HERE!
2:00 Thank you to everyone who is sharing about Gather ‘Round Homeschool!
2:35 Feedback is valuable here at Gather ‘Round Homeschool! Thank you to our customers for your emails, testimonies, and conversations in our free app and social media.
3:10 Want to know a little more about what Gather ‘Round Homeschool is? New here? Listen in here!
3:51 Rebecca does a flip-through of our new National Parks of North America unit! See what’s in some of the Teacher’s Guide and a Student Book and learn a little bit about the Mayden family that you’ll follow along with as they travel to these amazing national parks!
10:40 Progress is being made on US History 6 and Sports + PE (We haven’t forgotten about Growing Up with God… stay tuned about that one).
14:00 A new podcast is available! Available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify our app, and on the blog at Homeschoolon.com (this is where you'll find the time code notes).
16:58 Rocks + Minerals in year 4 is already in the early writing stages. The other year 4 units will follow but no set dates.
20:16 If you are looking for a unit that talks about cultures of the world, you could check out our connecting continent units that are woven in among others starting in Year 1 to Year 2.
21:00 Not sure about leveling your child? Or what level is best to start with if your child isn’t a strong reader? Listen here to find out what each level has to offer and what may be a good fit.
22:28 Rebecca talks a bit about Letters + Numbers and Ready to Read and how they could work for your child.
27:07 Will any equipment be needed to complete the Sports + PE unit? Rebecca dives into a little bit of what will be included in this unit.
31:25 There’s an amazing add-on for our Sports + PE unit that you’ll want to hear about!
34:56 Wrap-up and looking ahead
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Come let us return unto the Lord… we have lots to talk about but I felt the pull to start with worship.
00:20 Join Jonathan & Rebecca for a time of prayer and worship
12:00 Prayer
17:05 New releases! Rebecca shows the new writing tracks and My Side of the Mountain Mini Unit Novel Study.
21:55 New Chemistry Periodic Table Puzzle available HERE!
22:30 There is new merch available on the websites (Rebecca shares about sizing and even has on a lot of the merch in this video)
24:15 Rebecca and Jonathan reflect on the Edmonton retreat and what to look forward to for the US retreat in April 2023. Find out more info and register for the US retreat HERE!
36:10 What launches are coming up? National Parks one-day sample that includes a lesson from the teacher’s guide, all student book levels, both cursive and manuscript seatwork journals, and even the TG MP3 from that lesson!
41:50 Sports + PE and USH6 are tentatively going to be released before Christmas. Growing up with God, God Doesn’t Make Mistakes, and the Gather ‘Round Homeschool Magazine are on deck as well but we are uncertain about the release dates.
44:00 Year 4 units that are scheduled to come out in 2023 can be found on our website HERE and Rebecca talks about all the behind-the-scenes things going on.
46:58 What will Growing Up with God be about? Rebecca chats a little bit about what God is laying on her heart.
53:15 Listen in here for a few words from Rebecca on dealing with shame and guilt from the enemy.
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1:05 Edmonton Retreat is this weekend! Rebecca shares all the details!
7:10 Early bird registration closes tomorrow for the US Gather ‘Round Retreat 2023. You can snag your tickets and find more details HERE!
10:08 Gather ‘Round with Rebecca Spooner episode 6 is available HERE! Rebecca shares a bit about what this one is all about.
11:50 Rebecca gives some updates on our remaining Year 3 units.
14:40 If you haven’t already, be sure to follow Gather Round Homeschool on Instagram for reels and stories and maybe even a post here and there.
15:15 Expectations for next week (live and newsletter).
15:45 Rebecca shares about her thoughts on recording the retreats as well as FOMO.
00:55 Intro/Welcome
4:10 Step #1: As the parent, do a triage/preliminary assessment of what you’ve been doing
9:30 Step #2: Stop asking people and ask God
10:12 Step #3: Ask your family and bring them into the conversation
13:00 It’s okay to stop and take a breath
15:35 Our kids need a wake-up call
19:55 Teaching kids to think for themselves
22:40 Our kids need us to say “enough”
25:50 Our kids need character
27:38 Hard work and good sleep matters
28:42 Laziness, excuses, and procrastination– Rebecca shares how getting out of what’s comfortable helps with motivation
32:00 What do you homeschool?
37:20 Raising kids to be adults who are confident in who they are in Christ
42:55 Rebecca shares her vision for Gather ‘Round Homeschool retreats and how it involves kids
45:40 Listen here for more Canadian retreat info and the US retreat (more info HERE)
50:12 Have you listened to the latest podcast?
51:05 Update on shipping from one-day sale and when our holiday specials end
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2:25 Details about our One Day Sale coming up on October 4th!
6:15 Gather ‘Round US Retreat 2023 is happening!! This is not like a convention… think of it more of a family camp/retreat. It’s going to be a great time for us to GATHER together! Find out more HERE.
11:50 Rebecca shares some details on accommodations, food, and facilities at the location for the US Retreat 2023.
18:05 A few details are shared about the men’s breakfast and the teen night at the US retreat.
22:00 A side track to talk about buying candy :)
25:44 How Gather ‘Round Homeschool works.
Gather Groups: https://gatherroundhomeschool.com/pages/groups
30:50 National Parks writing and life updates (Jonathan joins in on the conversation)
37:50 The Gather ‘Round Canadian Retreat in Edmonton is filling up FAST! Register HERE soon!
40:45 Rebecca and Jonathan share their thoughts on comparing different educational models, changing views, and most of all, finding FREEDOM in teaching your kids.
57:00 Wrap-up and review
]]>3:50 New Podcast episode is available HERE!
7:30 Canadian Retreat is a GO! We have new page on our website for conventions and retreats where you can register. The page will be updated with more info as details come together. Check it out HERE!
11:28 US retreat details coming next week!
16:55 Gather ‘Round Minecraft server is opening 09.21.22! Find out more HERE!
20:11 Binding options– No more left bound but we will offer unbound. Hear more details from Rebecca here…
22:35 Register your groups! Rebecca talks about our new program. You can also find out more HERE.
33:00 Q & A w/ Rebecca and Jonathan
35:35 FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)-- Every family is different and your school year will look different than others. Take your thoughts captive of failure and fear and listen in here for more on this subject.
]]>4:20 Sneak peek into Middle Ages—Rebecca flips through some of the Teacher’s Guide and talks about some themes throughout. Check out Middle Ages HERE!
10:34 Thanksgiving Update! Rebecca gives a quick view of our Thanksgiving add-on and more!
16:18 Rebecca speaks a bit on her vision for Gather ‘Round Homeschool math… in the future.
18:25 Canadian + US in-person Gather ‘Round updates.
19:32 Rebecca answers a question about our seatwork. Retreat Canada 2022!
22:10 Sports + PE
24:40 What if I feel like I’m always “behind” with homeschooling?
28:22 Podcast Update-- Gather ‘Round with Rebecca Spooner
30:05 National Parks of North America and My Side of the Mountain novel study unit updates
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1:00 Welcome—Did you get our latest newsletter? Check your emails or you can see it HERE!
2:50 Gather ‘Round with Rebecca Spooner—NEW Podcast Alert! Episode 1 is called Sustainable Rhythms… Tell us what you think!
Available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify our app, and on the blog at Homeschoolon.com (this is where you'll find the time code notes).
8:00 Launch ESTIMATES—No time associated with units other than Year 3 being out in this year and Year 4 out within next year. Rebecca shares how close launch is for Middle Ages. Also, Thanksgiving is being bumped from year 4 to year 3.
13:25 Find out when our Christmas units will be available this year!
15:20 What units are coming up next?
17:10 Gather ‘Round Canadian Retreat! Get tickets HERE!
19:00 Free one week sample available for Psychology from Year 3 is available HERE! Find out a little bit about this special unit.
24:30 Co-ops/Groups updates and clarification. Check out all the info HERE!
27:35 Q & A—Rebecca discusses our US History mini units and how to incorporate them, plans for new merch, US property search, Renaissance (Year 4), and more!
36:30 Jonathan joins in and shares life updates and visiting the states again.
47:30 More information from Rebecca about the Edmonton Gather ‘Round Retreat.
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