Latecomers: Homeschool Podcast

Certified Reading Specialist, Leslee Pennywell joins us for a conversation all about helping and inspiring our kids to read. Leslee has some invaluable advice for helping kids find the type of reading that excites them and where to focus our attention as homeschool parents.

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Host Katy interviews Leslee Pennywell, a certified reading specialist and elementary ELA curriculum coordinator with experience teaching grades 1 and 4 and providing K–5 reading intervention. They talk about how to teach kids to read in a clear, step-by-step way, why reading practice at home matters, and why some kids need a lot more repetition—especially kids with dyslexia. Leslee explains the difference between working with sounds versus working with letters, why “guessing” from pictures isn’t real reading, and what early warning signs to watch for when reading isn’t clicking. She also shares when it’s time to consider testing, why a formal diagnosis can help later (including college accommodations), and what to look for when choosing a reading curriculum. Katy teases part two, which will cover older readers, motivation, and what they’re reading.

All the links:

Redeeming Love book

God Of The Woods book

Remarkably Bright Creatures audiobook

The Correspondent Audiobook

Read Aloud Family audiobook

Sold A Story Podcast

Example of a "Sound Wall"

Storyworks kids magazine

Girls Garage

Big Little Lies book

What Alice Forgot book

The Things We Cannot Say book

The Nightingale book

The Husbands book

The Midnight Library book

As an Amazon Associate, when you use these links you help support the podcast!

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In this episode, host Katy addresses the message she receives the most. "I'm thinking about homeschooling! What do I need to know?" She lays out everything she would tell someone trying to figure out if they want to homeschool and what first steps she would give them if they decide they want to try it. This episode is jam-packed and full of useful advice.

The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie

Cathy Duffy (reviewer of curriculum!)

"Who Was..." book series

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Katy welcomes listeners and introduces her conversation with Rachel Davidson, a former business owner and educator who pivoted to homeschooling after her kids were already in school. Rachel shares how commuting to private school, lack of time, and her daughter’s anxiety led their family to “give it a try,” though their first online, private-school-style program wasn’t a fit. In their second year, they found a better stride and describe benefits like more sleep, less stress, more family time, and greater flexibility through co-ops, tutors, and outside classes. They discuss stereotypes, the difficulty of blocking outside opinions, and how homeschooling can protect a child’s love of learning and support introverted kids. Rachel advises getting spouses aligned, asking experienced homeschoolers questions, and trying it if it’s on your heart.

Make sure you follow along with Rachel on Instagram! @racheldavidsoncreative

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Katy shares a summer update and shares about finishing her Latecomers Retreat field guides, now available on her website. Reflecting on a tricky homeschool year with fewer field trips, she’s joining an outdoor nature co-op and focusing on mindset, gratitude, and strong relationships with her kids. She unpacks self-care vs. selfishness from a Christian perspective, describing self-care as “fuel in the tank” that builds patience, generosity, and long-term homeschooling longevity. She explains her daily self-care routines (quiet mornings outside with coffee, Bible recap, favorite mugs, eye patches) and her bigger yearly reset: a homeschool planning retreat with a friend in Fredericksburg, Texas. She details her retreat guides (two-night, three-night, and no-travel), plus optional concierge help, exclusive podcast episodes, and an upcoming social media giveaway.

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On the Latecomers Podcast season two, Katy records from her minivan during co-op and shares a transparent faith-focused episode about feeling imposter syndrome and like a failure as a homeschool mom. She talks about perfectionism, why constant discouragement doesn’t line up with how scripture shows God empowering and guiding parents.

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In this episode of the Latecomers Podcast host Katy Tullos interviews homeschool mom and author Katie Viera. Katie shares her unexpected homeschool journey as well as her journey to publishing her book, Into The Field: Tennessee Summer. Katie is relatable and encouraging, give her a follow on Instagram to stay in the loop for her upcoming second book in the Into The Field series for early readers.

Find Into The Field: Tennessee Summer on Amazon!

Follow Katie on Instagram.

Katie mentions her Yeti coffee mug, The 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge, and Glow Kids.

Katy Tullos mentions reading Johnny Tremaine with her kids as a part of their U.S. History reading list.

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In the latest episode of the Latecomers Podcast, Katy kicks off Season 2 with reflections on her first year of podcasting and her own late start to homeschooling. She offers encouragement to new homeschoolers starting mid-year, discusses deschooling, and shares tips for choosing curriculum and setting values, goals, and limitations. Katy also highlights the importance of joining the homeschool community and promotes an upcoming Latecomers homeschool planning retreat.

Katy mentions a few past episodes in this episode, find them linked here!

Deschooling Episode

Goals, Values and Limitations Episode

Comparing Traditional School to Homeschool Episode

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In this episode Katy talks with social media reform advocate, Nicki Petrossi about digital safety for kids. From topics such as Roblox, social media, Ai, and school devices this is a great resource and starting place for anyone wanting to learn more. *This episode contains sensitive topics such as child harm, suicide, and sexual exploitation of children*

Nicki Petrossi is a former social media executive turned social media reform advocate. In late 2023, Nicki launched Scrolling 2 Death, a podcast for parents who are worried about social media. It’s a safe space to elevate the human experiences of children online and educate parents on how to keep them safe.

In 2025, Nicki launched Tech-Safe Learning Coalition, which supports parents related to issues with school tech, and The Heat is On, an investigative mini-series and parent movement to hold Big Tech accountable for harm to children.

Nicki also travels the world as an event speaker, inspiring families, educators and lawmakers through online safety education and awareness.

Scrolling 2 Death

Find Nicki on Instagram

Sign up for The Heat Is On newsletter

Tech Exit by Clare Morell

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Tech Safe Learning

The Digital Dilusion by Jared Cooney Horvath

10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World by Jean Twenge

Screen Strong

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In this episode, Katy shares her personal experiences and struggles, including dealing with the end-of-semester blues.

Goals, Values, and Limitations episode

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In this episode of the Latecomers Podcast, host Katy addresses the emotional challenges and decisions involved in homeschooling. Katy emphasizes the importance of transitioning from fear-based motivations to empowered, wisdom-based choices.

The Power of TED book

Mini episode "Go Outside"

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Katy chats with "retired" homeschool mom, Donna Norris. The mother of four homeschool graduates, Donna has tons of insights and advice for homeschool moms still in the trenches.

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In this bite size episode Katy shares about the two ways that going outside has saved her sanity and her school day.

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In this episode Katy interviews long time friend and now fellow homeschool latecomer, Melissa. Both Katy and Melissa didn't initially consider homeschooling but have come to love it. Melissa, who has taught in the public school system for two decades, shares her experience of starting to homeschool her children in ninth grade. They discuss the challenges and benefits of homeschooling. They also talk about the role of community and creativity in making homeschooling work while both parents work full-time.

Links You'll love!

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Find Melissa's favorite erasable pens and highlighters!

Revisit your middle school days with good ole Gelly Roll Pens.

Bible Recap

Katy's new old-fashioned alarm clock.

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In this episode of the Latecomers Podcast, host Katy discusses the unexpected challenges she faced during the start of her homeschool year, including a sudden wisdom teeth extraction and a family trip. Broadcasting live from her minivan, she emphasizes the importance of being able to pivot and adapt as a homeschool parent. Katy shares her experiences of adjusting the school schedule, managing expectations, and maintaining a flexible mindset.

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Here are some resources for you while I'm down for a bit recovering from some dental surgery!

Pam Barnhill Resources.Pam is a wealth of knowledge and is a great homeschool mentor no matter the style you find yourself drawn towards.

"How to Plan for Homeschooling With Multiple Kids."

"Choosing the Best Curriculum for You With Cathy Duffy."

"Help I Never Planned to Homeschool!"

Of course I'm going to include some episodes from the G.O.A.T., my North Star, Sarah Mackenzie.

"10 Homeschooling Mistakes I've Made (so you can avoid them)"

"Sally Clarkson's Advice to Her Younger Self."

"Andrew Pudewa is Back!"

ScreenStrong Families will educate you on how to protect your kids from the mental and emotional effects of screens on our kids. They have a podcast with both expert guests and testimonials, and have some excellent workbooksso that you can bring your kids in on the decision to limit screen time as a team.

Scrolling 2 Death was started by a mom concerned about the effects of social media, YouTube and other apps like Roblox that are used to endanger and exploit kids and teens. This one can be a bit intense as it shares the hard truths about sextorting and suicide among youths. I'd encourage you to at least familiarize yourself with this resource (her Instagram is a great place to start!)so you can be involved in all her work to create real legislative change.

Books:

The Read Aloud FamilyDuh, you guys knew this one was going to be top of the list.

Teaching From Rest

For the Children's Sake

Becoming Homeschoolers by Monica Swanson, this is a great resource if you are leaving the traditional school classroom and making the switch to homeschool!

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In this episode of the Latecomers Podcast, host Katy welcomes author, Teresa Wells, to discuss Teresa’s debut book and her journey from teaching in public schools to becoming a published author in her 60s. They delve into the themes of lifelong learning, societal pressures on moms, and the importance of embracing the current season of life. Teresa shares insights from her historical fiction book set in 1895 Texas, her personal experiences, and the challenges and rewards of pursuing dreams later in life. The episode also touches on homeschooling decisions, family dynamics, and finding contentment in chosen paths.

Get Teresa's book on Amazon!

Follow along with Teresa online

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Follow Katy on Instagram

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

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In this episode of the Latecomers Podcast, host Katy reflects on her year of homeschooling, discussing five areas she wants to improve and five aspects she's proud of. Katy encourages listeners to evaluate their own lives for areas of improvement and celebrate their victories.

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Whether you're a homeschooling parent or not, this episode offers a peek into how reading aloud can transform your family dynamic. Plus, there's a giveaway for fans eager to get their hands on the book! Host Katy Tullos and Tara Noel chat about the life-changing book 'Read Aloud Family' by Sarah McKenzie. They reminisce about meeting Sarah, explore the joys and benefits of reading aloud to their kids, and share practical tips from the book. They highlight how incorporating these practices has enriched their family life, making reading not just educational but a source of fun and connection.

The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie

All things Sarah Mackenzie

Everyday Reading Blog (find book recommendations, and cute reading logs for the family)

Ep. 11 with Tara Noel: What Should I Do With My Kids Over Summer Break?

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Follow along on Instagram! @latecomerspodcast

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

And join the Facebook group!

In this episode of the Latecomers Podcast, host Katy shares insights and questions to help parents decide whether homeschooling is the right choice for their family. Katy empathizes with listeners who are at a crossroads regarding their children's education and offers thoughtful questions focused on academic, social, moral, ethical, and financial considerations. She also delves into the personal readiness of parents to embark on homeschooling, addressing emotional, physical, and practical aspects. Katy emphasizes the importance of community and encourages discussions with experienced homeschoolers. The episode wraps up with the actionable steps for parents to take over the summer to gain clarity on homeschooling and a homeschool "word of the day."

Episode 2: Goals, Values and Limitations

Episode 12: What Should I Do With My Kids Over Summer Break?

Follow Katy on Instagram: @latecomerspodcast

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Join Katy and her husband at the Ignite Marriage Retreat this September!

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