Welcome back to the Smiling Homeschooler Podcast! This week, we’re asking the question: Does learning always have to be fun to be valuable? In today’s world, it feels like everything has to be exciting, engaging, and entertaining to matter. But what about the times when things feel… well, boring? Can kids still learn deeply even when they aren’t entertained? And is it possible that growth and learning are still happening, even during those boring moments? We’ll dig into these questions and more—and we think you’ll find the answers encouraging! We want to thank Teaching Textbooks for making The Smiling Homeschooler possible. Their match curriculum helps thousands of homeschoolers smile each and every day, and we would encourage you to check it out for next school year over at teachingtextbooks.com.    Also, today’s show is being underwritten by Samaritan Ministries, a community of Christians who pay one another’s medical bills, helping families take a safe step of faith as they feel God’s leading in career or ministry changes, or in bringing moms home. You can learn more at SamaritanMinistries.org/familyman   Have a great week and don't forget to smile!