Kids & Family
Gathering the whole family for learning can sound like a big challenge, but as Pam Barnhill, award-winning educator and homeschool mom of three, explains, it doesn’t have to be. In a recent chat on *The Homeschool Perspective* podcast, Pam shared her journey from public school teacher to homeschool mom and how her approach to family learning grew out of necessity—and a little bit of trial and error.
Pam, known for her practical, step-by-step teaching style, revealed that family learning isn’t about keeping every child on the exact same page but about creating shared experiences. Whether it’s reading together, tackling subjects like history or science, or even working through grammar concepts, Pam emphasizes that with the right tools, you can teach multiple kids of different ages together—saving time and creating lasting memories.
Her own homeschool routine includes starting the day with "morning time," where her teens come together for shared learning, discussions, and even a little fun. From Narnia read-alouds to studying logical fallacies, Pam proves that family learning can be engaging, efficient, and even downright enjoyable. She also reassures parents that not everything needs to be mastered the first time around—especially with the younger kids. Much of the early years are about exposure, and kids will circle back to these subjects later, diving deeper as they grow.
One of Pam’s standout pieces of advice? Family learning is all about adapting. As children grow and the seasons of homeschooling change, you may need to adjust your routines. That’s normal—and part of the beauty of homeschooling. And for those who feel overwhelmed by managing multiple levels of learning, Pam’s got your back. She’s developed resources that help break things down by age and skill level, so homeschooling families can dive into subjects like history or language arts with confidence.
If you’re curious about how to bring family learning into your homeschool, Pam’s message is clear: it’s possible, it’s practical, and it can be a lot of fun.
You can explore all of Pam’s wonderful resources, including her podcasts, at PamBarnill.com. Whether you’re looking for family learning guides, morning basket support, homeschooling encouragement, or just a few laughs along the way, Pam’s site is a goldmine for homeschool families.