Unexpected Homeschoolers

Candace Crompton
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

We're not your typical homeschooling family. Actually, we never thought we'd even be standing here saying that we educate at home. But thanks to the world shutdown in 2020 and God's hand in it all, we have found something that allows all of us to thrive, both in the school setting and beyond. This podcast is for you if you're curious about homeschooling, want to learn how to travel hack so you can take your family on more trips around the globe for pennies, or if you just need some inspiration in your homeschooling journey. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and join in on the conversation!

  1. Feb 15

    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 resourcesHow to filter options through your "why" and core valuesPractical tips for evaluating curriculum quality and fitThe dangers of fear-based marketing and panic buyingHow to incorporate literature and your child's interests effectivelyThe power of asking your child what they want to learnTips for avoiding overwhelm at homeschool conferences and salesThe significance of trusting yourself and trusting God in your homeschool journey 00:00 - Embrace unplugging: How Brick helps reclaim your time from phone distractions00:28 - The importance of discernment in homeschooling choices01:02 - Are you homeschooling with intention or reaction?01:28 - How prayer guides our homeschooling decisions01:58 - Filtering decisions through faith and personal values02:26 - Starting with prayer when pivoting in homeschooling02:56 - Addressing fears around public school comparison03:26 - Developing your "why" and core values for homeschool planning03:55 - Using a mission statement to guide decisions04:24 - Creating decision filters: budget, curriculum length, curiosity, screen time05:08 - The value of literature over curricula05:37 - Trusting your intuition and God's guidance06:05 - Do your homework: preview and research before buying06:35 - How to evaluate publisher values and messaging07:05 - Asking for honest reviews and testing resources firsthand07:34 - Recognizing red flags in marketing and curricula08:11 - The importance of transparency and making informed choices08:41 - Avoiding costly or fear-based curriculum bundles09:11 - Recognizing that each child's needs are unique09:39 - Practical tips for avoiding impulse buying and flash sales10:09 - The benefit of borrowing or previewing curricula10:39 - Less is more: focus on quality literature and real engagement11:09 - Trust yourself and lean on the Lord for guidance11:38 - Involving your child in decision-making to boost engagement12:07 - Customizing your homeschool to fit your child's current needs12:37 - The benefits of asking your child what they want to learn13:06 - Exploring how literature can serve as a curriculum foundation13:36 - Avoiding fear-based marketing tactics and hype14:06 - The importance of doing your own homework and previews14:36 - Red flags: over-rigidity and exaggerated success claims15:05 - The value of transparency in curriculum providers15:35 - Embracing flexibility and changing course when needed The Good and the Beautiful curriculumPsalm 139 NIVBrick Phone Alternative-Get 10% OffLadder app for strength training - 30 Days Free InstagramYoutubeTikTok

    Discernment in Your Homeschool

  2. Jan 30

    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 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 Sign up for my Substack newsletter  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

    Travel Hacking 101

  3. Jan 23

    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.⁠Watch on YouTube ⁠Here⁠Sign 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

  4. Jan 17

    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 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

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

  5. 11/14/2025

    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 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

  6. 10/24/2025

    Homeschooling Around the Holidays

    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

    Homeschooling Around the Holidays

  7. 10/10/2025

    Outsourcing Your Homeschool

    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 ***Sign up for our weekly newsletter here Watch on YouTube Here homeschooling, education, collaborative learning, personalized education, teaching methods

  8. 10/03/2025

    One Year Since Helene & Acts of Kindness with Your Kids

    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

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About

We're not your typical homeschooling family. Actually, we never thought we'd even be standing here saying that we educate at home. But thanks to the world shutdown in 2020 and God's hand in it all, we have found something that allows all of us to thrive, both in the school setting and beyond. This podcast is for you if you're curious about homeschooling, want to learn how to travel hack so you can take your family on more trips around the globe for pennies, or if you just need some inspiration in your homeschooling journey. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and join in on the conversation!

Information

  • Creator
    Candace Crompton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Candace Crompton
  • Show Website
    Unexpected Homeschoolers