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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm

https://www.virtual-highschool.com/, https://www.mrgmediaministries.com/, https://www.homeschoolcompanion.org/, https://

Homeschool Companion, PO Box 413, Smithsburg, MD (2026)

10/07/2026

These interviews will air this week on the Life Talk Radio network. For brick-and-mortar stations, the airtime is 11:05 am EST.

The interview begins around the halfway mark, at about 11:15 am. For more information, check your local listing or listen at ltr.streamon.fm.

Once it airs on Life Talk, you can find it as a podcast on most outlets, including https://lifetalk.net/homeschool-companion-podcast/. Spotify, iHeart, Apple, InTune, and others.

Oct 12 HSC_1256_Arise From Grief_Amy Joob Part 1
This edition of Homeschool Companion begins with an introduction to the book, Our God Is Bigger Than That, In Arts-n-Crafts, we learn about making a bonfire, creating an opportunity for family connection, outdoor fun, and an important lesson in fire safety.
Curriculum Corner begins our conversation about second-grade benchmarks, exploring the skills and milestones children are working toward during their early childhood learning. Then we segue into our interview with Amy Joob, author of Arise from Grief, as she shares insights from her journey and her message of hope.

Oct 13 HSC_1257_Arise From Grief_Amy Joob Part 2

We begin with a devotion from Michelle Adams’s book, Our God Is Bigger Than That. Since we’re visiting the farm, Arts-n-Crafts takes us into the corn maze, where navigating becomes fun lessons in problem-solving, direction, and perseverance. Curriculum Corner we ask: Can your child identify personality traits in the characters they meet in stories? Then we conclude our interview with Amy Joob, author of Arise from Grief. Whether you are in the throes of grief or supporting someone who is, this interview offers profound wisdom, encouragement, and action steps.

Oct 14 HSC_1258_Battle Cry: Love Goes to War_Debra McNinch 1

Our devotion is about facing the fear of threats on the farm and trusting God when we feel vulnerable. In Arts-n-Crafts, we enjoy the beauty of the farm as we pick pumpkins and spend time getting to know the farm animals. Curriculum Corner asks whether our second grader can write a letter or make a simple shopping list using practical writing skills. Our special guest is Debra McNinch, author of Battle Cry: When Love Goes to War, we learn more about how to minister to our prodigals.

Oct 15 HSC_1259_Battle Cry: Love Goes to War_Debra McNinch 2

This edition of Homeschool Companion begins with a devotion that looks at the fear a little mouse may have when facing the farmer’s cat—and reminds us that God is bigger than That. In Arts-n-Crafts, we encourage families to try something new by taking a workshop in homemade jam-making or candle pouring. Curriculum Corner takes us into the benchmark of reading and writing large numbers. Then we conclude our interview with Debra McNinch, author of Battle Cry: Love Goes to War, bringing encouragement to parents whose children are no longer in contact with them or have walked away from the faith.

Oct 16 HSC_0483_The Star Namer and the Unchosen_Peggy Consolver 1

Homeschool Companion begins our devotion with the topic of, “Time,” reminding us to treasure the moments God gives us and make the most of each day. In Arts-n-Crafts, we get creative as we learn how to make a paper salamander. Curriculum Corner takes us into high school planning as we look at how many math credits students need for graduation. We’ll explore the importance of keeping track of high school credits and making sure our students are prepared to meet graduation requirements.
Then we segue into our interview with Peggy Consolver, about her sequel to Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer.

--
Michael Gamblin & Rose Gamblin

Executive Producer & President

MRG Media Ministries

P O Box 413

Smithsburg, MD. 21783

O: 301-824-3162

[email protected]

09/30/2026

Oct 05 HSC_1252_Esteemed:_Jamie Hulker Part 1
We begin with our devotion, “Moving Adventures,” encouraging families to embrace new experiences. In Arts-n-Crafts, we make special friend cards and plan a fun park meet-up. Curriculum Corner takes us into the preschool years as we explore important benchmarks and focus especially on social-emotional learning. Then we transition to our interview with Jamie Hulker, author of Esteemed: God and His View of Women.
Jamie shares insights from her book as we explore the value, dignity, and purpose God gives to women.

Oct 06 HSC_1253_God and His View of Women_Jamie Hulker Part 2

This edition of Homeschool Companion begins with our devotion, “Freedom of Speech,” encouraging families to appreciate the ability to express ideas, listen respectfully, and communicate with grace. In Arts-n-Crafts, we explore creative activities centered around freedom of speech. Curriculum Corner focuses on an important preschool benchmark: language and literacy, exploring ways young children develop communication skills and a love for words. We conclude our interview with Jamie Hulker, about her book, Esteemed: God and His View of Women.

Oct 07 HSC_1254_Making a Difference_Joan Hunter Part 1

Our devotion, “Making a Difference,” encourages families to discover how small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. In Arts-n-Crafts, we learn about the Civil Air Patrol and add a playful adventure with a family game of Hide-and-Seek. Curriculum Corner explores the preschool benchmarks for cognitive development and early math. We’ll discover simple ways parents can turn everyday moments into opportunities for building strong thinking and mathematical skills. Then we begin our interview with Joan Hunter, author of 365 Days of Hope and Healing. Joan shares encouragement for those who are sick.

Oct 08 HSC_1255_Serving Together_Joan Hunter Part 2

We begin with our devotion, “Serving Together,” encouraging families to realize the joy of working, serving, and growing together. In Arts-n-Crafts, we turn up the fun with a spaghetti challenge and even a friendly toilet-paper battle designed to get everyone laughing and moving. Curriculum Corner focuses on the preschool benchmark of physical well-being, exploring ways children can develop healthy habits, coordination, movement, and confidence. We conclude the show with our featured guest, Joan Hunter, who has been involved in the healing ministry for more than thirty years.

Oct 09 HSC_0482_It’s Not About the Pie_Nicki Corinne White Part 2

Our devotion, “Time,” encourages families to slow down, treasure each moment, and make room for what matters most. In Arts-n-Crafts, we get creative with LEGO as we build a zipline using LEGO pieces and everyday items we can find around the house.
Curriculum Corner features a review of Math-U-See, exploring how this hands-on math program can support families in developing mathematical understanding. Next, we explore the heart of hospitality with our featured guest, Nicki Corinne White.

09/24/2026

Sept 28 HSC_1248_The Scarlet Thread_Dorla Schlitt Part 1
We begin with our devotion, “Wildfires, Smoke, & Safety,” In Arts-n-Crafts, we turn our attention to fire extinguishers and learn some important safety skills that every family should know. During Curriculum Corner we explore using The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread as a creative and engaging Bible curriculum. Our special guests are Dorla and John Schlitt, author of The Adventure of the Scarlet Thread: The Promise Fulfilled. Join us as we talk with them about the inspiration behind the book and educator’s guide and how families can use it to make Bible learning meaningful and memorable.

Sept 29 HSC_1249_The Promise Fulfilled_Dorla Schlitt Part 2
This edition of Homeschool Companion begins with our devotion, “The Joy of Shared Meals”. In Arts-n-Crafts, we head into the kitchen to make delicious breadsticks and end with an old-fashioned family game night. Curriculum Corner focuses on Early Childhood curriculum, exploring ways to make those first learning experiences engaging, hands-on, and developmentally appropriate. We conclude our interview with Dorla Schlitt as she shares more about her books, The Adventures of the Scarlet Thread: A Promise Fulfilled and The Educator’s Guidebook. Discover how these resources can help.

Sept 30 HSC_1250_Stewardship_Mark Minnella Part 1
We begin with our devotion, Disaster Response, reminding families that it is important to be prepared and ready to help others. In Arts-n-Crafts, we turn cleaning into a family project as we clean out closets and find creative ways to turn unused items into a fundraiser. Curriculum Corner asks an important question: Why should we intentionally teach and engage our preschool-aged children? Our special guest is Mark Minnella, who joins us to discuss financial issues and the importance of stewardship.
We’ll consider practical ways families can develop wise attitudes toward money.

Oct 01 HSC_1251_Family Financial Issues_Mark Minnella Part 2
Today’s devotion is titled Our Unique Family, and celebrates the special qualities, gifts, and strengths that make every family one of a kind. In Arts-n-Crafts, we explore ways children can respond safely when they hear sirens and turn an important safety lesson into an engaging family activity. Curriculum Corner highlights creative preschool learning strategies, including story bins and sticky-wall art. We continue our conversation with Mark Minnella about the financial issues facing families today.

Oct 02 HSC_0481_It’s Not About the Pie_Nicki Corinne White Part 1
This edition of Homeschool Companion begins with our devotion, Looking Ahead at the Days to Come. In Arts-n-Crafts, we get creative and learn how to make fun, colorful bath bombs that are perfect for family projects or homemade gifts. Curriculum Corner explores the importance of beginning very young and helping children develop mathematical thinking through everyday activities and playful learning. Our special guest is Nicki Corinne White, who has a passion for studying and teaching God’s Word, leading Bible studies and discipling young women.

Hope you join us for our webinar on Wednesday, September 30 at 2:00 PM ET. Email me at myhomeschool companion@gmail.com ...

09/23/2026

Hope you join us for our webinar on Wednesday, September 30 at 2:00 PM ET. Email me at myhomeschool [email protected] for the code.

09/17/2026

Homeschool Companion Interviews will air this week on the Life Talk Radio network. For brick-and-mortar stations, the airtime is 11:05 am EST.
The interviews begins around the halfway mark, at about 11:15 am. For more information, check your local listing or listen at ltr.streamon.fm.
Once it airs on Life Talk, you can find it as a podcast on most outlets, including https://lifetalk.net/homeschool-companion-podcast/. Spotify, iHeart, Apple, InTune, and others.

Sept 21 HSC_1244_Sacred Sight-Glenda Durano
We begin with our devotion, Care Packages, reminding us that thoughtful acts of kindness can bring comfort and encouragement to those we love. In Arts-n-Crafts, we put love into action by creating care packages. Curriculum Corner examines the various physical signs of school stress. We then transition to our interview with Glenda Durano, author of Sacred Site: Finding Hope Through Heartache. Glenda shares insights from her book and the journey of discovering hope amid life’s difficult seasons.
Sept 22 HSC_1245_America’s 250th Birthday_Dr. Alex McFarland
This edition of Homeschool Companion begins with our devotion titled Comfort. In Arts-n-Crafts, we create simple stress-relief toys and enjoy a delightful Teddy Bear Picnic. Curriculum Corner examines behavioral signs of stress in children, helping parents recognize changes in emotions, actions, and daily routines. Our featured interview is with Dr. Alex McFarland from Truth and Liberty, where we discuss faith, truth, and the values that shape our families.
Sept 23 HSC_1246_The Timothy Plan_Austin Sperry Part 1
This show begins with our devotion, Life Lines. In Arts-n-Crafts, we practice emergency drills and learn the importance of knowing when and how to call 9-1-1. Curriculum Corner examines signs of academic stress, helping parents recognize when children may need a change in their learning approach. Our Questions Parents Ask segment explores, “Can I homeschool without a college degree?” We then turn to our interview with Austin Sperry of The Timothy Plan, discussing faith-based principles and thoughtful financial stewardship.
Sept 24 HSC_1247_The Timothy Plan_Austin Sperry Part 2
We begin with our devotion, Gratitude, encouraging families to recognize and give thanks for the many blessings found in everyday life. In Arts-n-Crafts, we create paper hearts labeled with the things we are grateful for. Curriculum Corner explores practical ways to help children manage stress and discover a healthier balance between learning, rest, and family time. We continue our interview with Austin Sperry about The Timothy Plan and the principles of faith-based financial stewardship.
Sept 25 HSC_0480_The Grumble Free Year_Tricia Groyer part 2
This edition of Homeschool Companion begins with our devotion, When to Say Yes. During Arts-n-Crafts, we explore the importance of keeping art supplies on hand. Curriculum Corner features the High School Handbook, offering practical guidance for families navigating the high school years. We conclude our interview with Tricia Goyer, a two-time Carol Award winner and author of seventy books. Tricia, founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries and leader of a teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, Arkansas, shares insights from her experience serving families. In this concluding conversation, we explore practical ways to combat complaining and cultivate gratitude.

09/11/2026

10 Assessment Ideas for Multi-Grade Teachers

Teaching several grade levels in one classroom makes assessment challenging. While one student is learning fractions, another may be working on algebra. One child may need extra reading practice while another is ready for advanced material.

The best assessment tool isn't necessarily an app, test, or complicated gradebook.

Sometimes it's a conversation, an observation, an exit ticket, or a student saying, “Let me show you what I can do.”

The assessment shouldn't simply answer, “What grade did the student earn?”

A better question is: “What has this student learned, and what should come next?”

Don't assess students just to discover what grade they deserve. Assess them to discover what they need next.

Here are 10 simple ways to find out. Note: each number is a live link. Click on it for more information.

1. Try a Two-Minute Exit Ticket
Before students leave a lesson, ask them to write one thing they learned and one thing they still don't understand. Google Forms, index cards, or notebooks all work.

2. Ask Students to Teach
Say, “Pretend I'm a student. Teach this to me.” Or elementary kids can teach a stuffed animal. Explaining a concept often reveals more understanding than answering ten multiple-choice questions.

3. Listen to Them Read
Read to your students every day. They will love, “A Chapter-a-Day.” It is also important to spend a few minutes listening to individual students read aloud. Note fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, and comprehension. Five minutes can tell you a lot.

4. Use Quick Games
Kahoot!, Socrative, Quizalize, and similar tools can make review fun. Don't focus on who wins. Look at the results to discover who is ready to move on and who needs help.

5. Watch Students Work
Sometimes the best assessment is observation. Watch a student solve a math problem, conduct an experiment, write a paragraph, or complete a project. Keep brief notes about what you notice.

6. Let Students Show What They Know
Not every assessment needs to be a test. Let students create a poster, model, video, presentation, book, demonstration, or other project that proves they understand the objective.

7. Build Portfolios
Save examples of student work throughout the year. Digital tools can help, but a simple folder works too. Comparing September's work with March's work makes growth visible.

8. Use Simple Rubrics
A rubric doesn't need twenty categories. Try four: Understanding - Accuracy - Communication - Improvement
Adjust your expectations according to each student's age and ability.

9. Encourage Peer Feedback
Multi-grade classrooms have a special advantage: students can learn from one another. Older and younger students can read work, listen to presentations, ask questions, and offer constructive suggestions.

10. Keep an Individual Progress Record
Instead of recording only percentages and letter grades, track important skills for each student:
Not Yet → Developing → Proficient → Ready to Advance
This gives you something much more valuable than another grade. It tells you what to teach tomorrow.

08/19/2026

Working on our websites.

07/07/2026

Discover how personalized educational consulting can support your homeschooling journey. Our website offers valuable resources and expert guidance to help you navigate academic choices with confidence. Explore the tools and insights available to empower your family's learning experience. Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help.

Homeschool Companion

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