Beyond the Lesson Plans

The Swamp of Sadness

Lora & Erin — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us as we dive into candid Reddit discussions about homeschooling, highlighting both the triumphs and challenges faced by families. This episode explores varied perspectives from homeschooling advocates, critics, and former students to paint a comprehensive picture of this educational choice.

The episode provides a balanced exploration, emphasizing that good homeschooling demands responsibility, engagement, and accountability, while acknowledging the systemic issues in public education.

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email: beyondthelessonplans2@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_thelessonplan_podcast?igsh=MWVuOHFhNGQ2YWliYQ==

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The Summer Shift

Lora & Erin — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:45:34 GMT

Grab your coffee and join us as we talk about what our summers looked like while we were homeschooling and things you can do to reset, rest and shift into the new school year.

Resources & Links:

Connect with us:

email: beyondthelessonplans2@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_thelessonplan_podcast?igsh=MWVuOHFhNGQ2YWliYQ==

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Enjoy your summer break and remember to embrace the slow, meaningful moments with your children!

The Pioneers Part 2

Lora & Erin — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of homeschooling, hearing firsthand accounts from parents who were homeschooling before it was legal, and discussing how the movement has evolved over the decades. Discover the challenges, victories, and lessons learned from the pioneers who shaped the path for today's homeschool families.

Resources & Links:

Connect with us:

email: beyondthelessonplans2@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_thelessonplan_podcast?igsh=MWVuOHFhNGQ2YWliYQ==

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Note: This episode covers a personal and historical journey of homeschooling. For more insights into current legislation or advocacy, visit the linked organizations.

The Pioneers Part 1

Lora & Erin — Fri, 22 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of homeschooling, hearing firsthand accounts from Sarah Lee and Sarah Beth, who were homeschooling before it was legal, and discussing how the movement has evolved over the decades. Discover the challenges, victories, and lessons learned from the pioneers who shaped the path for today's homeschool families.

Resources & Links:

Connect with us and Our Guests:

email: beyondthelessonplans2@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_thelessonplan_podcast?igsh=MWVuOHFhNGQ2YWliYQ==

Facebook: Facebook

Note: This episode covers a personal and historical journey of homeschooling. For more insights into current legislation or advocacy, visit the linked organizations.

Full Days Empty Tanks

Lora & Erin — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:05:06 GMT

In this episode, Lora and Erin share their real-life experiences balancing homeschooling, household chores, family routines, and personal time. They discuss how personality traits influence scheduling, the importance of involving children in chores, and strategies for maintaining sanity and family connection.

Links:

Connect with us:

email: beyondthelessonplans@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_thelessonplan_podcast?igsh=MWVuOHFhNGQ2YWliYQ==

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The Co-op Conversation

Lora & Erin — Fri, 08 May 2026 17:50:04 GMT

Are you currently homeschooling or considering homeschooling and wondering how co-ops can fit into your family’s education plan? This episode dives into the ins and outs of homeschool co-ops, from different styles and structures to community benefits and practical tips for joining or starting one.

Links:

Connect with us:

email: beyondthelessonplans@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_thelessonplan_podcast?igsh=MWVuOHFhNGQ2YWliYQ==

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A Custom Fit Education: Homeschool Styles & Curriculum

Lora & Erin — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Feel overwhelmed? Remember, there's no one right way to homeschool. Flexibility, family values, and your child's interests should guide your choices. In this episode of Beyond the Lesson Plans, we dive into the various homeschooling curriculum styles, sharing insights and practical tips to help you select the best approach for your family's unique needs.

Resources & Links:

Mystery of History
My Father’s World
Rainbow Resource Center
Teacher Pay Teachers
Rainbow Resources
Cathy Duffy Homeschool Curriculum Reviews
The 5 Flavors of Homeschooling: https://youtu.be/LKAkKvZIHz4?si=H4qera0qIHARkOy_

Connect with us:

email: beyondthelessonplans@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_thelessonplan_podcast?igsh=MWVuOHFhNGQ2YWliYQ==

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Learning Styles: Fact, Fiction or Both?

Lora & Erin — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Beyond the Lesson Plans where Relationships>Worksheets. In this Episode, we look for the truth about learning style. Are they a myth or a powerful tool? Most educators and parents believe in the concept, but recent research suggests something different. Erin and Lora explore the VARC model. Visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. Breaking down each style with practical insights. You'll discover that most people are a blend of styles, often overlapping and combining to create a unique learning signature. We share real-life stories about children who thrive when their education taps into their natural preferences like spelling songs, movement-based math, and tactile spelling tactics.

Links:

Learning Style Quiz: Free Learning Style Quiz: How Do You Learn?

HSLDA Quiz: What’s My Child’s Learning Preference?

The Power of Sent:

PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov)https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govSmell-Based Memory Training: Evidence of Olfactory Learning and Transfer to ... - PMC

Affiliate Links:

Spelling Power: https://amzn.to/4dNYayV

Times Tales: https://amzn.to/4mCTnTh

Math-U-See: https://amzn.to/4tXw1dz

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beyondthelessonplans2@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_thelessonplan_podcast?igsh=MWVuOHFhNGQ2YWliYQ==

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Diplomas at Home

Lora & Erin — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Beyond the Lesson Plans Where Relationships>worksheets. Homeschooling high school can feel intimidating!! Transcripts, credits, graduation requirements, prom, senior year celebrations… it can all start to feel like too much, too fast. But here’s the truth: you can do this.In this episode, we’re breaking it all down in a simple, encouraging way so you can move forward with confidence instead of fear. We’ll talk through what actually goes into high school at home, how transcripts and credits work, what you really need to know about planning for graduation, and how to still make space for the fun and meaningful moments like prom and senior celebrations.

Whether you’re just starting to think about high school or you’re already in the thick of it, this conversation is here to remind you that homeschooling through the high school years is not only possible but it can be a really beautiful season for your family.

Links:

Michigan High School Public School Graduation Requirements:

michigan high school graduation requirements

Michigan Homeschool Laws:

https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/2017/08/01/home_schools.pdf?rev=fef837db18ac4b75aa27c3ed78ff6679

HSLDA & HDLDA Military links:

HSLDA - Advocates for Homeschooling

Military Families

Homeschool Diploma:

Elevating Homeschool Graduations - HomeschoolDiploma.com

TEDx Algebra w/ John Bennett

https://youtu.be/xyowJZxrtbg

Books (Affiliate Links):

The Degree Free Way:

https://amzn.to/4cNu5hS

planning High School Courses:

https://amzn.to/4cLzl5E

Essential Electives for Homeschooling High School:

https://amzn.to/4eqs0JZ

Creating Transcripts for Your Unique Child: https://amzn.to/4tr2Ori

Connect with us at:

beyondthelessonplans2@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_thelessonplan_podcast?igsh=MWVuOHFhNGQ2YWliYQ==

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Homeschooling 101

Lora & Erin — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Ready to take the plunge into homeschooling? This episode breaks down the essentials of getting started, from legal requirements to choosing the right curriculum and building community. Perfect for new homeschoolers or those considering the switch!

We discuss:

The necessary step of withdrawing children from public school, including the importance of a withdrawal letter and record keeping
The role of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and membership options
Requirements across states, with focus on Michigan’s lenient regulations
How to create a flexible schedule by subject and semester, including block scheduling and year-round schooling
Different curriculum styles: traditional workbooks, Charlotte Mason, classical education, unit studies, and eclectic approaches
Learning styles: kinesthetic, visual, auditory, reading/writing, and how to adapt homeschooling to fit your child
The concept of de-schooling and transitioning from public school routines
Managing socialization through co-ops, sports, field trips, and community groups
Addressing common concerns about homeschooling: socialization, time management, and when to start

Resources & Links:

Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) - Membership options from $150 annually to $1,500 lifetime
Michigan.gov homeschooling resources - Graduation requirements and regulations
Five Flavors of Homeschooling - YouTube - Video on different homeschool styles
Books (Affiliate links)
Call of the wild & free -
https://amzn.to/415RxjM
Brave learner -
https://amzn.to/4bLc0jY
The way They learn -
https://amzn.to/4ruGVWl
The Well trained mind -
https://amzn.to/40ARe0k

Connect with Erin and Lora: beyondthelessonplans2@gmail.com

Welcome to Beyond the Lesson Plans

Lora & Erin — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:38:03 GMT

A conversation between Lora and Erin, two experienced homeschoolers, discussing their homeschooling journey, challenges, and the motivation behind starting a homeschooling podcast. They share insights, experiences, and plans for their podcast, 'Beyond the Lesson Plans'.

For questions and comments, email us at beyondthelessonplans2@gmail.com. we'd love to connect with you.