Episode 4 – Rachel Lance, Insights and Motivation from a New-to-Homeschooling Mom
Homeschooling is a challenge and an adventure. Join us as we interview Rachel Lance, a mom of two who was thrown into homeschooling during a pandemic while working full time and obtaining a graduate degree. In this podcast you’ll hear Rachel’s thoughts on homeschooling during a pandemic, the desire to be near family during uncertain times, and the challenges of juggling work, earning a degree, and working. You’ll learn about Rachel’s desire, and a few of her methods, to reduce chaos and inspire her children to enjoy learning. If you feel like you were thrown into homeschooling and want to hear from another mom who is navigating the uncertain waters of juggling many hats and feeling overwhelmed, this podcast is for you. You’ll hear a few curriculum suggestions and gain a little inspiration, too.
Rachel Lance recently returned to homeschooling when the COVID crisis accelerated her plans to start back up after finishing her doctorate. Ready or not, she’s all in on this life-long learning journey with her husband, their two kids, and one impertinent rabbit. Together, they love a good long road trip, camping, hiking, coffee, libraries, and gardening.
Show notes are below.
This episode is sponsored by Apologia. We are HUGE fans of Apologia and we both have used this curriculum throughout our homeschool journeys. This series is literally our favorite science series offered in the homeschool arena. We encourage you to spend a few minutes visiting their site to see why. Or visit our website to see the many articles we have written about it.
Quotes from Rachel Lance
15:15 When you dive in during a pandemic I’ve got to get them off these goofy apps from the school and I’ve got to get some order.
15:40 The goal [is to] keep them engaged. Right now we just need to be engaged and we need to be keeping chaotic on the outside of our walls and keeping interest and a love of learning going on the inside of our walls.
28:00 I hope that I can encourage other people that are finding themselves pivoting into homeschooling to adjust their expectations and find what you’re most interested in and find what your kids are interested in and just dive in.
28:30ish It is your journey and nobody can tell you how to do it. We can help you, but, in the end, you need to do what is right for your family.
The Story of Rachel Lance, a New-to-Homeschooling Mom
Homeschooling Family Background
Rachel is from Alaska, but now lives outside Chicago (for work). Being here has been a blessing. Love their area, it has been perfect for the leaping off point for adventures and great access to city but not living inside the city itself. We are excited about moving back to Alaska… Rachel had a wake up call during Covid. She realized she was living in a small bubble and now she realizes both her and her husband want to be closer to family should anything like this happen again. Where there are lots of cousins. And you are not urban, rural, or suburban. That’s Alaska.
Rachel is currently pursuing her doctorate, while working, and homeschooling. She has been doing this about a year now. Prior to this, her kids where in a charter school while she was finishing up her degree. The covid crisis and the struggle it placed on the educational aspect made the decision to homeschool easier. It eliminated all of the online school chaos by just homeschooling. Her husband has been unemployed during covid (he is a lighting engineer for big events like concerts) so he is able to be very involved in all aspects of their homeschool.
Did you know there is actually something called “Revenge bedtime procrastination?” Listen to the podcast to learn more.
Homeschooling Style
Homeschooling style is eclectic, which is kinda the point of homeschooling.
Routines
Homeschool wisdom from my perspective?
- Routine! The hard is lack of routine even somewhat for homeschool families…lack or order to days and weeks because of lack of normal activities outside the home.
- Work plans. They give an idea of what to expect each day and the ability to check items off. Same with chores. Some control for kids, sense of accomplishment. And mom gets some control, too. Discuss some rewards like a coffee date with mom or baking bread on weekends.
- 4 hour school day. Finish school in the mornings, done by lunch. Durenda talks about the 4-hour school day. Can get a little crazy in the afternoons!
Homeschooling Tips
Importance of showing kids we stick to something. Mom guilt is outrageous but the flip side is kids learn to navigate a difficult world. Maybe not perfectly but doing it. We adjust expectations but we get it done.
Homeschool Life Plan
Will continue to homeschool. If we can do it during 2020 and 2021, we should be able to do it next year! We haven’t been able to do the experiences so far, but we’re going to be hands-on and adventure-driven once things open up.
Fun Fact: Rachel’s husband decided to use his talents to do something fun and to help them live he homeschool dream of roadschooling eventually. They’ll be taking a van on these adventure. The van is currently gutted. The goal is just to finish “building” van and have it ready to rent as a weekender soon. Only 2 seats in front and rest for living.
Links to resources mentioned in the podcast and other important links
Life of Fred math
Apologia science Astronomy on Saturday mornings
Paths of Exploration history and language and some science (easy for multiple kids)
Simple curriculum and living books.
How to make homeschool fun!!
Believe in Unicorns Coloring Book: 50+ Beautiful Mythical Unicorn Coloring Pages.
Diamond Painting Kits for Adults, Teens or Tweens
Our game recommendations on Amazon on how to make homeschool fun!
Homeschool Road Trips and you can find us on our Facebook Page and Group
Fun Printable Site: Only Passionate Curiosity
Our snarky irreverent view of homeschooling: Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
