Journey Through Homeschooling

Understanding Homeschool History and Defending Your Right to Home Educate

On this episode of the Journey Through Homeschooling podcast, Jami Thornsberry and Adonna Pryor take you on a deep dive into the history of homeschooling and why understanding that history is crucial for today’s families. Together, they trace homeschooling’s roots from ancient traditions through major shifts in American education, discussing how compulsory schooling laws, societal changes, and events like the COVID-19 pandemic have shaped the modern homeschool movement.
They highlight the challenges and victories that paved the way for homeschooling freedoms, from legal battles in the 1980s to the current landscape where homeschoolers must remain vigilant about new legislation. With firsthand stories, historical context, and practical insight, Jami Thornsberry and Adonna Pryor explore the ongoing need to protect homeschool rights, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and awareness.
Whether you’re a veteran homeschooler, just starting out, or simply curious about the movement’s legacy, this episode is packed with information that will empower you to know your history, appreciate the hard-fought freedoms you have today, and stay proactive in safeguarding them for the future.

How to Homeschool After Leaving Public School

In this replay episode of "Journey Through Homeschooling," hosts Jami Thornsberry and Adonna Pryor talk about "How to Homeschool After Leaving the Public School". Together, we'll navigate the intricacies of transitioning your children from public school to homeschool in the middle of an academic year. We'll explore strategies for creating a tailored educational plan, the importance of giving your child time to recover from school-related stress, and understanding the flexibility homeschooling provides. With homeschooling gaining acceptance and popularity, spurred by cultural shifts and safety concerns, this episode is a must-listen for parents considering homeschooling. We'll discuss everything from handling the emotional shifts to researching curriculums and legal procedures. Whether you're contemplating making the change or already immersed in the homeschooling experience, join us for practical advice and support on this pivotal journey. Stay tuned for insights that will empower you to create a learning environment that aligns with your family dynamics and educational philosophies.

Family Movie Night as Learning Time: Integrating Film Into Homeschool

Welcome to another episode of Journey Through Homeschooling with your hosts, Jami Thornsberry, and Adonna Pryor! In today’s conversation, the spotlight is on a surprisingly rich—and sometimes controversial—topic: using movies as part of your homeschool curriculum. Jami and Adonna dive into their personal experiences, sharing why and how films became a meaningful educational tool in their own families.
You’ll hear practical tips for curating family-friendly movie lists, creative ways to launch captivating unit studies from classic films, and great advice on fostering critical thinking and media literacy through discussion. Whether you’re curious about making historical dramas, musicals, or even old-school mysteries part of your learning routine, this episode is packed with ideas (plus a long list of family favorites!) to inspire your own movie nights—and maybe help you see movies as more than just “screen time.”
So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a heartfelt, insightful look at how movies can transform more than just your evening—they can enrich your homeschool journey, too!

Motherhood Unscripted Pt 5: Homeschool and Motherhood During the High School Years

Welcome to another episode of the Journey Through Homeschooling podcast! In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Jami Thornsberry and Adonna Pryor wrap up their series on the intersection of motherhood and homeschooling—this time diving deep into the challenges and blessings of homeschooling through the high school years.
Tune in as Jami Thornsberry and Adonna Pryor share their experiences navigating academic pressures, relational struggles, and the emotional transitions that both parents and teens face. They discuss common parental concerns like graduation requirements, record keeping, college admissions, and the fear of missing out on equipping their kids for adulthood.
But it’s not just about logistics—they highlight the importance of open communication, maintaining strong parent-child relationships, and respecting each teen’s unique personality and journey. With warmth and wisdom, they offer practical tips for fostering trust, encouraging independence, and partnering as parents, all while leaning into faith and gratitude during these growing-up years.
Whether you’re just starting your homeschool journey or facing the high school season, this episode is packed with encouragement and real-life advice to help you enjoy and thrive during these pivotal years.

Motherhood Unscripted Pt 4: The Middle School Years

Welcome to another episode of the Journey Through Homeschooling podcast, hosted by Jami Thornsberry and jAdonna Pryor. In today’s conversation, we dive deep into the intersection of motherhood and homeschooling during the middle school years—a season often met with anxiety and uncertainty for many parents. Together, Jami and Adonna share honest stories about navigating emotional ups and downs, the changes that come with puberty, and how family hardships can impact both homeschooling rhythms and your role as a mom.
You’ll hear practical advice on fostering independence and responsibility in your children, embracing flexibility, and providing a safe space for tough conversations. They highlight the rewards of watching kids grow in maturity and confidence, and discuss how learning through challenges—both academic and personal—can bloom into deeper relationships and new discoveries.
If you’re approaching or already in the middle school years of homeschooling, you won’t want to miss this encouraging, real-life perspective. Let’s get started on this week’s journey!

Motherhood Unscripted Pt 3: Practical Advice for Homeschooling in the Elementary Years

Welcome to the Journey Through Homeschooling podcast! In today’s episode, Jami Thornsberry and Adonna Pryor dive into the joys and challenges of homeschooling during the elementary years—a time packed with discoveries, sibling dynamics, and plenty of memorable "aha" moments. Drawing on personal stories (including a hilariously chaotic cemetery field trip), our hosts reflect on managing multiple kids of different ages, handling sibling squabbles, and finding the balance between discipline, character, and connection.
This episode is filled with practical wisdom for homeschooling families—whether you’re in the thick of toddler discipline or navigating the busy, adventure-filled elementary stage. You’ll hear about customizing lessons to reach all your children, encouraging sibling bonds, embracing natural consequences, and the importance of supporting yourself as a mom along the way. Grab your coffee, settle in, and get ready for an inspiring conversation about making the most of these busy, beautiful homeschooling years!

Motherhood Unscripted Pt 2: How Parenting the Early Years Shapes Your Homeschool

Welcome back to the Journey Through Homeschooling podcast! In this heartfelt and practical episode, hosts Jami Thornsberry and Adonna Pryor dive into the realities of early motherhood and the foundational years before formal homeschooling begins. Through candid stories and honest reflections, they tackle the expectations many new moms face, the importance of building strong family bonds, and the life lessons that come from letting go of perfect plans.
You’ll hear how both Jami and Adonna navigated the challenges of those first years—everything from unexpected health struggles to outside opinions—and how trust, flexibility, and a little creativity made all the difference. Together, they offer practical wisdom on nurturing young children through play, bonding, and reading. They discuss the vital role of following the Holy Spirit in both parenting and homeschooling decisions.
Whether you’re a new mom, considering homeschooling, or simply in the thick of raising young children, this episode will encourage you to embrace the season you’re in, build strong family relationships, and give yourself grace along the way.

Motherhood Unscripted: Learning Through Failure and God’s Grace in Homeschooling

In today's episode of the "Journey Through Homeschooling" Podcast, Jami Thornsberry and Adonna Pryor kick off a heartfelt new series exploring the intersection of motherhood and homeschooling. Drawing from decades of personal experience, Jami and Adonna open up about the joys, fears, and challenges that shape the parenting journey—from the overwhelming excitement of discovering you’re pregnant, to navigating sleepless nights and the complex process of discipling children.
They share honest reflections on how motherhood has transformed them, the importance of leaning on faith instead of striving for perfection, and the practical ways they have built rhythms of family worship and biblical worldview into their children’s lives. You’ll hear candid stories of ego-busting moments, lessons in asking for help, and how letting go of control can turn motherhood from a heavy burden into a beautiful ministry.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by parenting advice or burdened by the fear of “getting it right,” this episode reminds you that faithfulness, not perfection, is what matters—and that God truly does use broken vessels for extraordinary purposes. Get ready for encouragement, wisdom, and real-life tips to support you through every step of your homeschool and parenting adventure.

A Successful Homeschool Day: Creating a schedule that works (replay)

In this re-play episode, Jami and Adonna talk about how to create a schedule that works for you and your family.
As a homeschool mom it can be hard to feel that you are getting it all done.  Between school subjects, household chores, and so much more it is easy to feel overwhelmed.
In this episode, Jami & Adonna share their experiences, insights, and practical tips for creating a successful homeschool day.  

High School Homeschool Success: Legal Changes, Course Credits, and College Readiness Tips

Welcome to another episode of the Journey Through Homeschooling podcast with your hosts, Jami Thornsberry and Adonna Pryor. In this episode, we're recapping the recent High School 101 event—a must-listen for anyone navigating the homeschool high school experience. Jami and Adonna dive deep into the practicalities of planning for high school, understanding the latest legal requirements for homeschoolers in Tennessee, and the ins and outs of keeping records and assigning credits.
They also unpack valuable information from a Tennessee Tech University representative about dual enrollment options, highlighting how the college admissions landscape is shifting to become more accessible for homeschoolers—including changes in testing requirements and innovative ways to earn college credit, like CLEP exams and Modern States courses.
Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or just beginning to plan your child’s high school journey, this episode is packed with encouragement, resources, and actionable tips to make high school both rewarding and tailored to your student’s unique path. Stay tuned to hear how you can create a flexible high school experience and find the support you need at every step!