Unexpected Homeschoolers

Discernment in Your Homeschool

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 [https://www.thegoodandthebeautiful.com/] * Psalm 139 NIV [https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.139.3.NIV] * Brick Phone Alternative-Get 10% Off [https://www.getbrick.app/CANDACE63039] * Ladder app for strength training [https://joinladder.com/referral?utm_source=ios_app&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=96239cfe-89d0-4717-8776-124ea0ae0eee&utm_campaign=share&utm_content=referral_lp] - 30 Days Free * Instagram [instagram.com/unexpectedhomeschoolerspod] * Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedHomeschoolers] * TikTok [www.tiktok.com/unexpectedhomeschoolers]

Travel Hacking 101

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 [https://my.travelfreely.com/share?ref=70918] BRICK - Take 10% off your order [https://www.getbrick.app/CANDACE63039] Cards I Recommend Getting Started With Chase Sapphire Preferred Chase Sapphire Reserve Southwest Cards Podcasts About Travel Hacking: ⁠Here⁠ [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/2Mi5pz4BY4whh2dZfentGy/episode/0M7opLnBJ6SdEq6jP81fyE/details], ⁠Here⁠ [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/2Mi5pz4BY4whh2dZfentGy/episode/5fehFZFmldPyx8eSS5f7Aw/details] & ⁠Here⁠ [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/2Mi5pz4BY4whh2dZfentGy/episode/1LWPFiO5jXpo6mEpDtlPu9/details] ⁠Travel Freely App ⁠ [https://my.travelfreely.com/share?ref=70918] ⁠Instagram⁠ [http://www.instagram.com/unexpectedhomeschoolerspod] ⁠Tik Tok ⁠ [http://www.tiktok.com/unexpectedhomeschoolers] ⁠Watch on YouTube Here⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedHomeschoolers] Sign up for my Substack newsletter  * recipe of the week  * Weekly recap  * ⁠https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing⁠ [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

Where Travel Hacking Has Taken Us in 2 Years

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.⁠ [https://my.travelfreely.com/share?ref=70918] * Watch on YouTube ⁠Here⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedHomeschoolers] * Sign up for my Substack newsletter  * recipe of the week  * Weekly recap  * ⁠⁠https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing⁠⁠ [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

New Year Intentions - And They're Not What You Expect

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 [https://joinladder.com/referral?utm_source=ios_app&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=96239cfe-89d0-4717-8776-124ea0ae0eee&utm_campaign=share&utm_content=referral_lp] Whoop - Free Trial and Band [https://join.whoop.com/D3FD1C] Izzy Pilates [https://www.youtube.com/@izzy.samuel] Move with Nicole Pilates [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEbbyBuyQiHpKiOMj9GFhVw] Book: "I Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen...And 10 Lies We Tell Ourselves" [https://go.shopmy.us/p-38985582] ShopMy: Fitness Finds [https://shopmy.us/candacecrompton] Podcasts About Travel Hacking: Here [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/2Mi5pz4BY4whh2dZfentGy/episode/0M7opLnBJ6SdEq6jP81fyE/details], Here [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/2Mi5pz4BY4whh2dZfentGy/episode/5fehFZFmldPyx8eSS5f7Aw/details] & Here [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/2Mi5pz4BY4whh2dZfentGy/episode/1LWPFiO5jXpo6mEpDtlPu9/details] Travel Freely App [https://my.travelfreely.com/share?ref=70918] Instagram [www.instagram.com/unexpectedhomeschoolerspod] Tik Tok [www.tiktok.com/unexpectedhomeschoolers] Watch on YouTube Here [https://www.youtube.com/@UnexpectedHomeschoolers] Sign up for my Substack newsletter  * recipe of the week  * Weekly recap  * https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing [https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing]

Let's Talk the Charlotte Mason Method

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 [https://app.whoop.com/advanced_labs_early_access?code=B4A971A1] Tin Can Landline for Kids - $10 Off [https://tincan.refr.cc/refer-a-friend/u/baileycrompton?s=klf] Charlotte Mason Resources [https://liketk.it/5xQ3i] Ambleside Online [www.amblesideonline.com] Simply Charlotte Mason Website [www.simplycm.com] Favorite Coil Binding System [https://rstyle.me/+JGq_wx_xtbMD7Y0C-iWnog?li=5ac3f5d9-6a66-11ef-831f-0a58a9feac02&lpm=exact&pt=product_gallery] Follow us over on social here [www.instagram.com/unexpectedhomeschoolerspod] & here [www.tiktok.com/unexpectedhomeschoolers]! Subscribe to the Friday Flip Weekly Newsletter Here [https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing] 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