The One Tool Every Homeschooler Needs to Teach Critical Thinking

Want to teach your homeschooler how to think—not just memorize? Discover the Five Common Topics: a flexible tool that builds critical thinking, deep learning, and better communication in every subject.

📝 Show Notes:

What if you had a simple, flexible, powerful tool that could teach your kids to think deeply about anything?

In this episode, Lisa Nehring and Gina Noble-Glenn dive into the Five Common Topics—an ancient method (thank you, Aristotle!) that works beautifully in modern homeschooling. Whether you’re classically inclined or just want a stronger framework for conversation and learning, this method is your go-to for developing thinking, reasoning, and relational skills in your kids.

It’s not a curriculum. It’s a mindset shift—and one that works across ages, subjects, and life itself.

🔑 In This Episode:

What the Five Common Topics are (and how to use them across any subject)
Why “define your terms” may be the most underrated thinking tool of all time
How to talk about worldview, authority, and context without heated debates
The difference between relationship and circumstance (and why your teen needs both)
Why comparing and contrasting builds deep understanding—not just trivia
How to start applying these topics today, even if you’re using textbooks, printables, or unit studies
How to help your kids become resilient thinkers, not just good test takers
Stories from real homeschooling moms who’ve used these tools successfully

📚 Want to Go Deeper?

Check out our mini guide:
Five Common Topics: Not So Common Anymore
(co-authored by Lisa and her son—a great family project!)
Use it to create conversations, unit studies, and critical thinking moments across your homeschool.

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Lisa Nehring

Author, Publisher, Curriculum Developer at True North Homeschool Academy

Lisa Nehring has been married for over 30 years, has five children, 2 graduate degrees and a black belt in homeschooling. She has homeschooled since 1991 and wrote a Master’s Thesis on Why Parent’s Homeschool, the Literature Review being,A History of Education in America.

Lisa Nehring and her husband, Dr. David Nehring, a Clinical Psychologist, and Biblical Scholar speak together on a wide variety of topics, including education, classical education, vision, mission, parenting, marriage, and more.

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