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Better Together: Strengthen Your Family, Simplify Your Homeschool, and Savor the Subjects that Matter Most
Bring delight back to your homeschool.
Have you fallen into a routine of checking boxes? Do you wonder why you don’t have time to focus on building your children’s character and love of learning?
That can change.
"Better Together" teaches you how to design a part of your homeschool day where the entire family can learn together. This time, known as "Morning Time,” has exploded in popularity since its inclusion in Sarah Mackenzie's bestseller "Teaching From Rest". Now homeschool mom and former teacher Pam Barnhill breaks down the practice for every homeschooler.
Inside you’ll discover:
-Why every family can benefit from Morning Time — no matter what homeschooling method they use.
-The secret to building relationships by delighting in learning together.
-Resources, book lists, and ideas. You will return to our selections again and again.
-Examples and interviews from moms showing how Morning Time looks in their homes.
-Practical tips for a successful Morning Time.
"Better Together" is the indispensable guide to creating a time in your day to focus on the things that matter most in your homeschool.
Have you fallen into a routine of checking boxes? Do you wonder why you don’t have time to focus on building your children’s character and love of learning?
That can change.
"Better Together" teaches you how to design a part of your homeschool day where the entire family can learn together. This time, known as "Morning Time,” has exploded in popularity since its inclusion in Sarah Mackenzie's bestseller "Teaching From Rest". Now homeschool mom and former teacher Pam Barnhill breaks down the practice for every homeschooler.
Inside you’ll discover:
-Why every family can benefit from Morning Time — no matter what homeschooling method they use.
-The secret to building relationships by delighting in learning together.
-Resources, book lists, and ideas. You will return to our selections again and again.
-Examples and interviews from moms showing how Morning Time looks in their homes.
-Practical tips for a successful Morning Time.
"Better Together" is the indispensable guide to creating a time in your day to focus on the things that matter most in your homeschool.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2018
121 people are currently reading
2355 people want to read
About the author
Pam Barnhill
18 books229 followersPAM BARNHILL believes that you don’t have to sacrifice relationships to homeschool strong.
An award-winning educator and former journalist, she has a knack for breaking down big tasks into small, manageable steps and getting to the heart of the stories her listeners want to hear.
Pam is a homeschool speaker, the host of the Homeschool Solutions Show podcast, and the author of Better Together: Simplify Your Homeschool, Strengthen Your Family, and Savor the Subjects That Matter Most, a book about Morning Time.
Pam lives in the Deep South with her husband, three (mostly) awesome kids,
and a passel of family dogs.
Connect with Pam by emailing her at pam@pambarnhill.com or joining her mailing list at pambarnhill.com.
An award-winning educator and former journalist, she has a knack for breaking down big tasks into small, manageable steps and getting to the heart of the stories her listeners want to hear.
Pam is a homeschool speaker, the host of the Homeschool Solutions Show podcast, and the author of Better Together: Simplify Your Homeschool, Strengthen Your Family, and Savor the Subjects That Matter Most, a book about Morning Time.
Pam lives in the Deep South with her husband, three (mostly) awesome kids,
and a passel of family dogs.
Connect with Pam by emailing her at pam@pambarnhill.com or joining her mailing list at pambarnhill.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
November 24, 2019
Easy to read but packs a punch with inspiring ideas for your Morning Time! It sparked a fire in me that was beginning to die out. Highly recommend!
November 18, 2019
Pam has culled the best of the best for Morning Time into one easy-to-navigate resource. What I love most about this book is that it is formatted to be read cover-to-cover or flipped through like a quick-start guide so that you can find answers to your immediate questions and needs. I've been doing Morning Time for nearly 11 years and still found great nuggets within the pages that I hope to implement in my homeschool.
March 26, 2018
Very practical and helpful!
July 2, 2018
This is a good and helpful book if you are new to homeschooling or to the concept of “morning time”. I skimmed through the first few chapters (you don’t need to convince me, but if you do need convincing, read these chapters), but found the most value in the real life cameos of various homeschoolers and how they incorporate morning time into their day. However, only one of those moms (as I recall) has older tweens and teens. Most of the resources are for young children too, so while I am inspired to prioritize this table time, as we call it, I’d like more ideas for older kids and teens.
May 7, 2025
Heartily enjoyed this practical book. Just a few caveats: it’s all about Morning Time. All of it. I felt a tad misled by the title and think that term should be in there (at least the subtitle). But I gleaned lots of ideas/recommendations for resources as we expand our own Morning Time.
Sadly, many of the links are broken as this book is now seven years old.
Also, the author is a Catholic and Classical Conversations mom, so some adaptation is needed as I apply to my own homeschooling philosophy.
Sadly, many of the links are broken as this book is now seven years old.
Also, the author is a Catholic and Classical Conversations mom, so some adaptation is needed as I apply to my own homeschooling philosophy.
May 7, 2019
Practical Morning Time advise, scenarios, and resources, but it is also Grace-filled.
February 18, 2018
I first heard of Morning time two years ago on Pam's website pambarnhill.com. Pam had Your Morning Time Basket Guide (pdf) available which I read and have used her awesome printables! Better Together is her new book format of Your Morning Time Basket Guide. This is such a valuable little book that all homeschooling mama's should own. If you are looking for a way to bring your whole family together to connect, build relationships,to learn together, to cultivate truth, goodness and beauty Morning Time is the perfect thing to do.
Better Together helps you understand what morning time is and aspects that you can have as a part of your morning time. The three that Pam discusses are ritual, reading and recitation.
It doesn't matter what "type" of homeschool teacher you are be it Classical, CM, Traditional, Unschooling- morning time will benefit not only your homeschool but your family and home.
Better Together list lots of resources that you may want to use in your Morning Time Basket.
Better Together helps you understand what morning time is and aspects that you can have as a part of your morning time. The three that Pam discusses are ritual, reading and recitation.
It doesn't matter what "type" of homeschool teacher you are be it Classical, CM, Traditional, Unschooling- morning time will benefit not only your homeschool but your family and home.
Better Together list lots of resources that you may want to use in your Morning Time Basket.
August 11, 2018
I found this book extremely helpful in bringing me back to some of the early reasons why I chose to homeschool. For years I did a version of morning time (without knowing it was called that!) and have drifted away from it as my older kids have had more independent work to do. I am excited to get back to this "all together school" time this year and hopefully build some togetherness as a family and focus on the things that really matter.
*I struggled a bit with the theology of the author but this isn't something that spoiled the book for me.
*I struggled a bit with the theology of the author but this isn't something that spoiled the book for me.
July 31, 2024
A in depth look at morning time and what it can do and how you can tweak it to fit your family seasons and needs. I liked the interviews with other moms to see how they did morning time. I also liked all of the resources that were mentioned, will definitely be looking into some of those
September 21, 2023
A deep dive on the enjoyment and effectiveness of Morning Time. Lots of recommendations on resources, looking forward to trying some of them out!
October 6, 2020
I love the idea of starting our homeschool day with the subjects and things that we all most enjoy rather than forcing math. We have been doing this already in the past couple weeks, and it feels like we've accomplished so much by 10. I also really loved all of the resources she included especially in the appendix.
April 1, 2021
Some much needed inspiration to get back to Morning Time as we have gotten out of the habit lately.
March 30, 2018
Clear, concise, and charming. Good boost of encouragement to do what I already love doing
April 20, 2024
Full of great ideas, reminders, and practical tips, "Better Together" is a handy homeschool help for any parent looking for ways to implement a Morning Time structure (however relaxed or formal). In fact, I wouldn't even limit it to homeschool families; anyone who does morning devotions or bedtime stories with their kids (or desires to) is already living this concept and could find things of value here! There are some good recommended resources listed as well as short interviews with real-life moms describing the different ways they do Morning Time in their own families.
*end of book review and beginning of personal anecdotes*
In the spirit of these vignettes sprinkled throughout the book, here are some of our own practices in regards to Morning Time:
We have been living out this concept [of a convivial morning meeting full of the wide feast of riches/liberal arts, enjoyed together in community] in our family/homeschool for many years, and under many names, guises, and circumstances (this year, it exists under the unimaginative title "our together stuff" 😂😝). It's been wonderful and looks different in different stages and seasons. I've enjoyed gleaning more ideas and perspectives from this book.
Currently, there are four separate "Morning Times" (so to speak) going throughout the day (if I'm lucky!) and each one is unique but all are fulfilling.
1) Preschooler and I have one (which she dubbed "School-Time Books") over breakfast with Bible time, hymn, poetry, nursery rhymes or short stories, maybe a nature book. We watch birds visit the feeders and perhaps put on some classical music or nature melodies. Sometimes we eat breakfast outside and skip the books, just absorbing the quiet beauty of nature.
2) After breakfast, the big kids and I gather in the living room (while preschooler plays nearby) for a Bible chapter, an on-this-day-in-history reading, writings of the Founding Fathers or important documents, poetry, Shakespeare, an epic or retelling, history text, family history/regional heritage, perhaps some mythology or fairy tales or nature lore. Goes by that lame moniker "Together Stuff" (to distinguish from their independent work).
3) Throughout the day, in snatched moments, for my own continuing education, I work on 3-6 titles from a stack of dozens which are in play, attempting to always do a Bible/prayer devotional reading, a hymn backstory, and a poem daily; then additionally to read small bits of others such as some nature writing, an education/parenting title, an epic or classic, a theological work, something about or by Tolkien or Lewis, writings by Charlotte Mason or about her method, a generally battered and obscure vintage thrift-store-find from the early twentieth century, a Shakespeare play, and a fairy tale, myth, or legend. I never, EVER get to read from all of them in a day (perhaps I am overly ambitious and shouldn't have so many going at a time) but the slow and steady--if intermittent--plodding to which I aspire still feeds the soul. This is currently nameless but is subconsciously regarded as "tackling that mountain-stack of beauty in hope and desperation" or something equally wordy.
4) Bedtime. Something organic that I've always done with my kids from their tiny days (but now in which the biggest ones have ceased to participate), it currently consists of a small portion of a bedtime-themed anthology (poetry, songs, stories, prayers) and/or a Bible story (and maybe a couple of picture books if we get started early enough), the Priestly Blessing from Numbers chapter 6, prayer, then hymns and praise songs.
When the teens were elementary-age (and younger), we called it "Bible Time" and would read Scripture/Bible stories and a devotional, sing our "Hymn Packet" (the ones we had been learning which we made into a small flip-book) and tell a little make-it-up-as-you-go story (usually about a pair of [brother and sister] mice having adventures, or the pantry escapades of an olive and his food-friends). We would also read from kids' classics (chapter books) before bed; now they have their own nightly routine with their dad which involves movies instead of books...but is still, in a very relaxed sense, a convivial meeting wherein they definitely discuss ideas.
Different shapes in different seasons. All worth it and all with value. Every little bit helps. Even on the messy days that don't go as planned.
Thanks for sticking with me to the end. Maybe you found some ideas that sparked, or some encouragement to keep on keeping on. Sally forth! Your work with your children is of the greatest value. Thank you for investing in their precious souls. 🩷
*end of book review and beginning of personal anecdotes*
In the spirit of these vignettes sprinkled throughout the book, here are some of our own practices in regards to Morning Time:
We have been living out this concept [of a convivial morning meeting full of the wide feast of riches/liberal arts, enjoyed together in community] in our family/homeschool for many years, and under many names, guises, and circumstances (this year, it exists under the unimaginative title "our together stuff" 😂😝). It's been wonderful and looks different in different stages and seasons. I've enjoyed gleaning more ideas and perspectives from this book.
Currently, there are four separate "Morning Times" (so to speak) going throughout the day (if I'm lucky!) and each one is unique but all are fulfilling.
1) Preschooler and I have one (which she dubbed "School-Time Books") over breakfast with Bible time, hymn, poetry, nursery rhymes or short stories, maybe a nature book. We watch birds visit the feeders and perhaps put on some classical music or nature melodies. Sometimes we eat breakfast outside and skip the books, just absorbing the quiet beauty of nature.
2) After breakfast, the big kids and I gather in the living room (while preschooler plays nearby) for a Bible chapter, an on-this-day-in-history reading, writings of the Founding Fathers or important documents, poetry, Shakespeare, an epic or retelling, history text, family history/regional heritage, perhaps some mythology or fairy tales or nature lore. Goes by that lame moniker "Together Stuff" (to distinguish from their independent work).
3) Throughout the day, in snatched moments, for my own continuing education, I work on 3-6 titles from a stack of dozens which are in play, attempting to always do a Bible/prayer devotional reading, a hymn backstory, and a poem daily; then additionally to read small bits of others such as some nature writing, an education/parenting title, an epic or classic, a theological work, something about or by Tolkien or Lewis, writings by Charlotte Mason or about her method, a generally battered and obscure vintage thrift-store-find from the early twentieth century, a Shakespeare play, and a fairy tale, myth, or legend. I never, EVER get to read from all of them in a day (perhaps I am overly ambitious and shouldn't have so many going at a time) but the slow and steady--if intermittent--plodding to which I aspire still feeds the soul. This is currently nameless but is subconsciously regarded as "tackling that mountain-stack of beauty in hope and desperation" or something equally wordy.
4) Bedtime. Something organic that I've always done with my kids from their tiny days (but now in which the biggest ones have ceased to participate), it currently consists of a small portion of a bedtime-themed anthology (poetry, songs, stories, prayers) and/or a Bible story (and maybe a couple of picture books if we get started early enough), the Priestly Blessing from Numbers chapter 6, prayer, then hymns and praise songs.
When the teens were elementary-age (and younger), we called it "Bible Time" and would read Scripture/Bible stories and a devotional, sing our "Hymn Packet" (the ones we had been learning which we made into a small flip-book) and tell a little make-it-up-as-you-go story (usually about a pair of [brother and sister] mice having adventures, or the pantry escapades of an olive and his food-friends). We would also read from kids' classics (chapter books) before bed; now they have their own nightly routine with their dad which involves movies instead of books...but is still, in a very relaxed sense, a convivial meeting wherein they definitely discuss ideas.
Different shapes in different seasons. All worth it and all with value. Every little bit helps. Even on the messy days that don't go as planned.
Thanks for sticking with me to the end. Maybe you found some ideas that sparked, or some encouragement to keep on keeping on. Sally forth! Your work with your children is of the greatest value. Thank you for investing in their precious souls. 🩷
February 4, 2021
This book was an unsought, unexpected, unforeseen surprise.
I have always included some kind of Morning Time in our homeschool and very early on, I listened to much of Pam Barnhill’s podcast. I confess, having practiced gathering, reading, and reciting with my kids for years I thought I knew all there was to know about morning time and so I didn’t expect anything new from the book. I did not expect several quotes to end up copied into my journal. I didn’t expect it to provide the spark I needed to finally work in poetry, composer, and picture study. I didn’t anticipate being swept up and encouraged in the glorious vision of pursuing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty as a family . But all this happened anyway.
I suppose it means God provides grace even in our bookshelves.
I have always included some kind of Morning Time in our homeschool and very early on, I listened to much of Pam Barnhill’s podcast. I confess, having practiced gathering, reading, and reciting with my kids for years I thought I knew all there was to know about morning time and so I didn’t expect anything new from the book. I did not expect several quotes to end up copied into my journal. I didn’t expect it to provide the spark I needed to finally work in poetry, composer, and picture study. I didn’t anticipate being swept up and encouraged in the glorious vision of pursuing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty as a family . But all this happened anyway.
I suppose it means God provides grace even in our bookshelves.
January 10, 2019
Super quick read that is full of resources and tips! Geared more for those with multiple kids, but I took away a few ideas. I’m new to “Morning Time” but while reading this book, I became immediately inspired to implement it in our house. I love the idea of blocking off a part of the day to learn together as a family - whether its reading aloud, listening to a podcast, or reciting poetry - it will be a great way to bring the family closer together while exploring new subject matter. The chapters in this book end with an “interview” with a mom and what her morning time looks like. Lots of great examples and ideas for families.
November 29, 2019
If you have never heard of Morning Time, this is a great book to introduce the concept as well as give many examples of how it can be done. If you are familiar with Morning Time, this book will encourage what you already know. I loved the rich nuggets of truth sprinkled throughout and it has encouraged me to keep doing what I am doing in this season of homeschool. My biggest takeaway is that we may feel like we are only brining a grain of sand and it may not feel like much, but bringing a grain of sand over and over and over will eventually build a mountain.
January 30, 2025
This would be a fantastic book for a new homeschooler. I found it very inspirational, even though we already do many of these things. It’s always fun learning about the “history” of morning time. My own mom did a version of it, back in the early 90’s when she started homeschooling (Charlotte Mason/Classical style, before it was cool, lol). She called it “praise time”, because music was her thing, and she wanted to start our day out that way. It’s one of my earliest homeschool memories.
I love Pam, and all her resources. I’m glad I picked this up on a whim. It was an encouragement to me.
I love Pam, and all her resources. I’m glad I picked this up on a whim. It was an encouragement to me.
June 5, 2023
This was a quick read while being both super practical and inspiring. I have used Pam Barnhill’s “Plan Your Year” homeschool planning method and am already familiar with and DO a morning time with my kids, but this was refreshing and gave helpful tips I needed before I start planning for the next school year. I read a library copy, but I will probably purchase my own just to reference it again in the future!
March 26, 2024
A great read for getting started with “Morning Time” and a HUGE resource for things to include in your morning time. I also loved that each chapter in the second part ended in an interview with another homeschool mom about her morning time.
“Basket” is one of my favorite parts of our homeschool and I’m glad to have this book on my shelf to use as a resource.
“Basket” is one of my favorite parts of our homeschool and I’m glad to have this book on my shelf to use as a resource.
March 3, 2018
Oh my! I can't say enough good things about this book!! I have so many highlights to go back to. If Morning Time is something you've considered for you homeschool, this is the "how to" to get you started.
March 6, 2018
Better Together gave me the motivation I needed to refocus the remaining year. Chapter after chapter I was encouraged and inspired to be more diligent in my Morning Time efforts. I can't wait for tomorrow morning to get here!
March 18, 2018
A great tool for any homeschool family that wants to start incorporating morning time into their routine. We already do a version of morning time, but I did picked up some good pointers on how to make our time better and more efficient.
August 10, 2018
Wonderful resource for any homeschooling parent who wants to either begin Morning Time in their home or change it up a bit. Many practical tips for structuring, organizing, planning, and implementing MT, and a fantastic list of suggested books to include on just about every potential topic. Don't miss this book if you're searching for someone to take you by the hand and show you how to do it! Pam is a treasure!
August 18, 2020
An easy read with a lot of encouragement for homeschool families. A good reference for homeschool resources as well. A reminder to keep the important things at the heart of your homeschool as well as really practical ways to do that.
January 4, 2022
I sucked this book down like a smoothie! Morning Time answers nearly all my desires for our home school, and though we've been doing it for years now, this book was just the refresher I needed before spring semester. It was practical, inspiring, and encouraging.
February 21, 2024
This has so many good ideas for the ritual Morning Time that are so helpful for homeschoolers to incorporate. With different insights and ideas from various families, everyone can glean something from this well organized book.
April 17, 2018
I didn't think I needed this book. I bought it to support the author who hosts one of my favorite podcasts, Your Morning Basket. But I was impressed with the abundance of good ideas and found myself taking notes to plan for next year. So whether you're a seasoned home school mom or a mom of littles trying to find some order in your day, this book has much to offer.
August 12, 2019
A good book about morning time. What it is, examples of how to make it work for your family and many resources.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews