Unexpected Homeschoolers

Are you overwhelmed by the vast choices and noise around homeschooling resources? In this episode, Candace Crompton shares practical strategies for discerning what truly works for your family, helping you build a homeschool that aligns with your child's needs and your values.

• The importance of discernment in choosing curricula and resources
• How to filter options through your "why" and core values
• Practical tips for evaluating curriculum quality and fit
• The dangers of fear-based marketing and panic buying
• How to incorporate literature and your child's interests effectively
• The power of asking your child what they want to learn
• Tips for avoiding overwhelm at homeschool conferences and sales
• The significance of trusting yourself and trusting God in your homeschool journey

00:00 - Embrace unplugging: How Brick helps reclaim your time from phone distractions
00:28 - The importance of discernment in homeschooling choices
01:02 - Are you homeschooling with intention or reaction?
01:28 - How prayer guides our homeschooling decisions
01:58 - Filtering decisions through faith and personal values
02:26 - Starting with prayer when pivoting in homeschooling
02:56 - Addressing fears around public school comparison
03:26 - Developing your "why" and core values for homeschool planning
03:55 - Using a mission statement to guide decisions
04:24 - Creating decision filters: budget, curriculum length, curiosity, screen time
05:08 - The value of literature over curricula
05:37 - Trusting your intuition and God's guidance
06:05 - Do your homework: preview and research before buying
06:35 - How to evaluate publisher values and messaging
07:05 - Asking for honest reviews and testing resources firsthand
07:34 - Recognizing red flags in marketing and curricula
08:11 - The importance of transparency and making informed choices
08:41 - Avoiding costly or fear-based curriculum bundles
09:11 - Recognizing that each child's needs are unique
09:39 - Practical tips for avoiding impulse buying and flash sales
10:09 - The benefit of borrowing or previewing curricula
10:39 - Less is more: focus on quality literature and real engagement
11:09 - Trust yourself and lean on the Lord for guidance
11:38 - Involving your child in decision-making to boost engagement
12:07 - Customizing your homeschool to fit your child's current needs
12:37 - The benefits of asking your child what they want to learn
13:06 - Exploring how literature can serve as a curriculum foundation
13:36 - Avoiding fear-based marketing tactics and hype
14:06 - The importance of doing your own homework and previews
14:36 - Red flags: over-rigidity and exaggerated success claims
15:05 - The value of transparency in curriculum providers
15:35 - Embracing flexibility and changing course when needed

• The Good and the Beautiful curriculum
• Psalm 139 NIV
• Brick Phone Alternative-Get 10% Off
• Ladder app for strength training - 30 Days Free

• Instagram
• Youtube
• TikTok

In this episode of Travel Hacking 101, Candace Crompton provides a comprehensive guide to travel hacking, focusing on credit cards, the companion pass, and essential tools for managing travel rewards. She emphasizes the importance of understanding credit card rules, planning strategically for travel, and utilizing apps like Travel Freely to simplify the process. The episode is packed with practical tips and insights to help listeners maximize their travel experiences while minimizing costs.

Travel Freely App

BRICK - Take 10% off your order

Cards I Recommend Getting Started With

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Southwest Cards

Podcasts About Travel Hacking: ⁠Here⁠, ⁠Here⁠ & ⁠Here⁠

⁠Travel Freely App ⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠Tik Tok ⁠

⁠Watch on YouTube Here⁠

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• recipe of the week 
• Weekly recap 
• ⁠https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing⁠ 

00:00 Introduction to Travel Hacking

01:50 Essential Rules for Travel Hacking

04:21 Tools for Successful Travel Hacking

05:50 Introduction to Travel Cards

08:26 Understanding the Southwest Companion Pass

11:54 Exploring Card Perks and Benefits

13:38 Managing Credit and Card Strategies

14:53 Strategic Planning for Travel Hacking

travel hacking, credit cards, companion pass, travel rewards, travel tools, budgeting, travel planning, financial tips, family travel, travel strategies

In this episode, Candace Crompton shares her journey into travel hacking, detailing how her family has managed to travel extensively using points and rewards. She discusses the strategies she employed to accumulate nearly a million points in a short time, the various trips they took, and the benefits of traveling as a homeschool family. Candace also highlights the importance of using resources like the Travel Freely app to maximize travel rewards and offers insights into future travel plans.

IN THE EPISODE:

• Use the Travel Freely App to help manage credit cards and manage your points well - ⁠download here.⁠

• Watch on YouTube ⁠Here⁠

• Sign up for my Substack newsletter 

• recipe of the week 
• Weekly recap 
• ⁠⁠https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing⁠⁠ 

• Travel hacking can significantly reduce travel costs for families.

• Accumulating points requires strategic planning and understanding of rewards programs.

• Using points for flights and accommodations can lead to almost free travel experiences.

• Traveling during off-peak times can maximize point value and savings.

• The Travel Freely app is a valuable tool for managing travel rewards.

• Family trips can be both fun and economical with the right strategies.

• Southwest Airlines offers great options for families traveling with kids.

• Traveling as a homeschool family provides flexibility in planning trips.

• Understanding the changes in credit card applications is crucial for maximizing points.

• Creating memorable family experiences through travel is a key benefit of travel hacking.

travel hacking, family travel, points, Southwest Airlines, travel tips, budget travel, travel freely app, travel strategies, travel experiences, homeschooling

In this episode of the Unexpected Homeschoolers podcast, Candace Crompton reflects on her intentions for the new year, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal goals with the natural rhythms of life. She discusses the need to slow down during the winter months, allowing for rest and family time rather than succumbing to the hustle culture prevalent in American society. Candace shares her personal resolutions, which include prioritizing health, reading more books, and creating a cozy home environment that encourages creativity and relaxation. She also touches on the significance of saying 'no' to commitments that detract from family time and personal well-being, advocating for a more intentional approach to life and homeschooling.

Links from Today's Episode

Ladder App - Free 30 Day Pass

Whoop - Free Trial and Band

Izzy Pilates

Move with Nicole Pilates

Book: "I Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen...And 10 Lies We Tell Ourselves"

ShopMy: Fitness Finds

Podcasts About Travel Hacking: Here, Here & Here

Travel Freely App

Instagram

Tik Tok

Watch on YouTube Here

Sign up for my Substack newsletter 

• recipe of the week 
• Weekly recap 
• https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing 

In this conversation, Candace Crompton discusses the Charlotte Mason method of education, emphasizing the importance of literature, read-alouds, and a slower, more thoughtful approach to learning. She shares her personal experiences with her children, the challenges of traditional schooling, and the benefits of year-round education. Candace also provides resources for parents interested in implementing the Charlotte Mason method and reflects on her journey towards this educational philosophy.

Ads & Links From the Show

Whoop Advanced Labs

Tin Can Landline for Kids - $10 Off

Charlotte Mason Resources

Ambleside Online

Simply Charlotte Mason Website

Favorite Coil Binding System

Follow us over on social here & here!

Subscribe to the Friday Flip Weekly Newsletter Here

Takeaways

The Charlotte Mason method emphasizes narration and understanding over rote writing.

Literature plays a crucial role in fostering a love for reading in children.

Read-aloud sessions significantly enhance children's vocabulary and comprehension.

Charlotte Mason education encourages a slower pace to avoid burnout.

Year-round schooling allows for flexibility and reduces stress for parents and children.

Resources like 'Honey for a Child's Heart' can help find quality literature for children.

Ambleside Online offers free resources for Charlotte Mason education.

The importance of engaging children in a way that fosters a love for learning.

Transitioning to a new educational method can be daunting but rewarding.

Taking breaks and enjoying family time is essential during the holiday season.

Charlotte Mason, homeschooling, education, literature, read-alouds, year-round schooling, resources, parenting, learning methods, curriculum

In this episode of the Unexpected Homeschoolers podcast, Candace Crompton discusses how to embrace the winter season in homeschooling. She emphasizes the importance of slowing down during the colder months, keeping core subjects alive in a gentle manner, and integrating creative seasonal activities into learning. The conversation highlights the value of family connection, acts of kindness, and the benefits of a slower pace for both children and parents.

Ads & Links from the Episode

Whoop Advanced Labs: Skip the Waitlist and Get Your Lab Work Integrated with your WHOOP Device Today: https://app.whoop.com/advanced_labs_early_access?code=B4A971A1

Snag a holiday gift for yourself or a friend with my code CROMPTONCHRONICLES10 at www.lindsayletters.com

Sign up for my weekly newsletter & receive the Homeschool Winter BucketList PDF :) https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/okqbbv2g26

Takeaways

Winter is a time to slow down and embrace a different rhythm.

Core subjects can be taught in a more comforting and hands-on way during winter.

Baking and crafting can be integrated into learning as valuable educational activities.

Acts of kindness during the winter season help teach children empathy and generosity.

Creating a cozy atmosphere at home enhances the learning experience.

Using technology like AI can help in planning seasonal learning activities.

Slowing down allows families to notice and appreciate the little things in life.

Homeschooling provides the flexibility to opt out of the rush of traditional schooling.

Memory-making activities can be just as valuable as traditional education.

Reflecting on family values and education is essential during the winter months.

homeschooling, winter learning, core subjects, seasonal activities, slowing down, family education, kindness, creative learning, homeschooling tips, education philosophy

In this conversation, Candace Crompton discusses the benefits of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the teaching process. She highlights that homeschooling is not solely the responsibility of the parent and that involving others can enhance the learning experience for children. Additionally, she stresses the ability to customize education to fit the unique needs of each child, allowing for a more effective and enjoyable learning environment.

Ads & Links from the Episode

Hoffman Academy Piano Lessons

Tin Can Phone - Get $5 off your order here

Shop All Links Here

Points and Miles Podcast Episode

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Watch on YouTube Here

homeschooling, education, collaborative learning, personalized education, teaching methods

In this episode of the Unexpected Homeschoolers podcast, host Candace Crompton reflects on the impact of Hurricane Helene a year later, shares insights from her flood relief drive, and discusses the importance of involving children in acts of kindness. She also introduces two sponsors: Whoop, a fitness tracking device, and Ladder, a fitness app, offering exclusive free trials for listeners.

Ads and Links

Ladder Workout App: ⁠30 Day Pass with this link

Get a free WHOOP and one month free when you join with my link

Toys for Tots

Angel Tree

MUSC Children's Hospital

Join Our Emails Here! (And receive your free Homeschool Checklist Canva Template)

Head here or here TODAY, Friday, October 3rd to post your favorite acts of kindness on our social media posts.

Find every item we share on the podcast here.

• Reflecting on Hurricane Helene's impact a year later.
• Insights from the flood relief drive in North Carolina.
• Involving children in acts of kindness.
• The importance of community support during disasters.
• Whoop: A distraction-free fitness tracker.
• Ladder: Professional training programs in an app.
• Teaching children about giving and empathy.
• Creating homeless kits with children.
• Supporting local charities and community drives.
• The power of prayer and community support.

Hurricane Helene, flood relief, acts of kindness, Whoop, Ladder, fitness tracking, homeschooling, community service

In this episode of the Unexpected Homeschoolers podcast, Candace Crompton shares her insights on homemade cooking, emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients and the simplicity of making staples from scratch. She discusses various recipes, including butter, mayonnaise, bread, tortillas, sauces, and more, encouraging listeners to embrace homemade alternatives for better taste and health. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to sign up for her newsletter for recipes and updates.

**Sign up for our emails to recieve your free Kitchen Staples E-Book HERE! :)

Ads from Today's Episode:

• Tin Can Phone: Save $5 with this link

• Ladder Workout App: 30 Day Pass with this link

• Thankful Homesteading Recipes (the Oreo one I mentioned) can be purchased here

• Shop Wholesale at Azure Standard here

• Shop all the items you heard in today's episode here

Follow us on social here, here and here! :)

Please email prayer requests to us here

homemade cooking, recipes, butter, mayonnaise, peanut butter, bread making, tortillas, sauces, baking, cookies, ice cream, granola bars, chicken nuggets

In this conversation, Candace Crompton discusses the challenges and strategies of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of creating margin in both home and homeschool life. She shares insights on planning, intentionality, and the significance of family time, while also addressing the need to manage screen time and distractions.

The conversation highlights the value of reflecting on the purpose of homeschooling and balancing activities to ensure meaningful family interactions. Additionally, Candace provides resources for time management and encourages listeners to safeguard their time for deeper connections with loved ones.

Ads & Resources from this Episode

Whoop: Get a free month when you use this link.

Tin Can Phones: Get $5 off a phone when you use this link

Shop anything we share here on our LTK

Write the Word Journals

Brighter Day Press Planner

Support Turning Point USA here

Click here to download my AI Cleaning Schedule

Takeaways

• Creating margin in your home and homeschool life is essential.

• Being intentional with planning can alleviate stress.

• Family time should be prioritized over extracurricular activities.

• Outsourcing tasks can help manage overwhelming responsibilities.

• Setting screen time limits is crucial for maintaining focus.

• Reflecting on your 'why' for homeschooling can guide your decisions.

• Planning vacations during off-peak times can enhance experiences.

• Saying no to unnecessary commitments can free up time for family.

• Engaging in meaningful conversations with family is vital.

• Time is a fragile resource that should be cherished.

homeschooling, family time, planning, margin, time management, screen time, intentionality, resources, parenting, balance

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Prayer and Quiet Time

15:06 Creating a Family Calendar

21:58 Setting Phone Limits for Better Focus

26:53 Eliminating Fluff in Education

32:15 Valuing Time and Family Connections