Classical Conversations Podcast: Recent Episodes
Classical Conversations Inc.
Classical Conversations supports homeschooling parents by cultivating the love of learning through a Christian worldview in fellowship with other families. We believe there are three keys to a great education: classical, Christian, and Community.
Ever notice how your own love of learning shows up after you start homeschooling? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Amy Jones talks with Classical Conversations mentor Aimee Smith about the 15-year journey that took her from a nervous first-year Foundations tutor — who once got caught not knowing where to find things on the map — to a Classical Learning Cohort mentor helping other homeschool moms teach with confidence. Somewhere along the way, she picked up something she never expected: a real, honest love of learning.
Aimee opens up about the Classical Learning Cohort's five semesters (Classical Way, Invitation, Form, Assessment, and Catechesis) and how "hospitable assessment" reshaped the way she sees herself, not just her students. She also shares the moment she — an adult who'd never read the classics — cracked open the Iliad and Odyssey for the first time to tutor Challenge IV, and how that leap turned into teaching Online Learning Seminars on Homer's epics today.
Whatever stage of the homeschool journey you're in, Aimee's advice is simple: take one step, learn one thing alongside your child. You don't have to check every box — you just have to keep going. Tune in for an honest, encouraging conversation about growing up right alongside your kids.
Learn more about the Classical Learning Cohort, Online Learning Seminars, and Aimee's master's program: https://ccalumni.network/programs/
🎙️ Love this episode? You'll enjoy our other podcast too! Check out Refining Rhetoric: https://refiningrhetoric.com/
🔎 Find a CC Community Near You: https://classicalconversations.com/community-search/
📅 Upcoming CC Events: https://classicalconversations.com/events/
📚 Foundations Curriculum: https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/collections/foundations/
🛍️ CC Shoppable Catalog: https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/pages/shoppable-catalog/
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child
The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Your homeschool community can be part of this global mission by packing gift-filled shoeboxes full of quality toys, school supplies, and personal care items that are sent to children in over 100 countries. Through this project, Samaritan's Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. Make Operation Christmas Child part of your school year leading up to National Collection Week November 16-23.
Learn More at https://samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
Ever catch your kids — or yourself — speed-reading through a book just to check it off the list? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey talks with Tim Knotts, Director of Challenge Development for Classical Conversations, about the lost art of close reading: slowing down enough to actually understand a text, whether it's Scripture, a history document, or a confusing Russian novel. Tim introduces Classical Conversations' newest resource, Reasoning Together Words in the Word, built around the same 15 skills and three arts your family has been practicing since Foundations.
Tim walks Lisa through the four tools he built into the book to help students dig deeper: parsing, highlighting, annotating, and writing note cards. Each one gets paired with a single skill so kids aren't paralyzed by too many choices — but Tim's quick to point out these aren't new tricks, just old, trustworthy tools most of us learned somewhere along the way and quietly stopped using. He shares why parsing helps with everything from understanding Paul's letters to getting the joke in a good pun, and why note cards are secretly one of the best assessment tools a parent has — flip through your student's cards and you'll know instantly how closely they really read.
You don't need a Challenge IV student to benefit from this one. Whether your kids are Scribblers or you're the one who wants to read more deeply yourself, this conversation is a gentle nudge to slow down, read fewer things well, and let your soul get a little fatter for it. Tune in for a rich, encouraging look at what it means to build a family culture of real, careful reading.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations Plus Online Learning Seminars
OLS provides a unique opportunity for adult learners to engage with rich, meaningful content through 4- to 6-week online seminars rooted in classical, Christian education. Each seminar is facilitated by experienced Classical Conversations graduate parents who have walked the homeschooling journey and bring real-world wisdom to their teaching.
To learn more about the CC Plus Online Learning Seminars or to begin your journey of pursuing your next season of learning, go to https://ccalumni.network/programs/ and scroll down to find OLS.
Cate-whaaat? If you've ever heard the word "catechesis" and wondered what it means for your homeschool, this one's for you. In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Delise welcomes back Rachel Thompson and Amy Jones to unpack the Classical Conversations catechesis wheel — the diagram that puts God at the center and shows how every strand of learning connects back to His character — and to talk about what it really looks like to keep Christ at the center of home education, not as one more subject, but as the source everything else flows from.
Rachel and Amy open by sharing their testimonies — one who came to a personal faith as a young child, one who found it in college — a reminder that the Lord meets each of us right where we are. From there the conversation moves to the scriptures that compel us to disciple our children (Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 6, and the "new creation" of 2 Corinthians 5:17), how to marry rearing and schooling into one integrated lifestyle rather than separating "school time" from "God time," and how classical skills — resilience, perseverance, wrestling with hard truths — actually equip children to think higher thoughts about God. The three also speak tenderly to parents carrying shame or the false weight of believing their child's salvation rests on their shoulders, returning again and again to the gospel: there is no condemnation for those in Christ, and our calling is to be faithful, not perfect.
You don't have to have it all figured out. Keep pointing to Christ, keep learning alongside your children, and remember the mission at the center of it all: to know God and make Him known.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Classical Conversations Plus Classical Fellowship. The Classical Fellowship extends classical Christian formation into the years after Challenge, providing Christ-centered worldview formation, classical thinking skills, and Christ-centered community while graduates pursue their calling — whether college, trade, missions, or vocation. To learn more about the CC Plus Classical Fellowship or extend the classical conversation into your next chapter, go to https://ccnetwork.app/ClassicalFellowship
How do you plan a whole homeschool year without letting the plan crowd out the reason you started? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Delise Germond sits down with Kelli Wilt to talk about preparing for the new homeschool year while keeping God at the center — the mindset shifts, routines, and practical organization tips that make the difference before the first day of school ever arrives.
Whether you're heading into your very first Foundations year or you're a veteran mom sending a student into the Challenge program, this conversation is full of ideas you can put to work this summer.
You don't have to have the perfect plan. Start by lifting your eyes off the checklist and back to your child, remembering the real aim of the year: to know God and make Him known.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Classical Conversations Plus Online Learning Seminars OLS provides a unique opportunity for adult learners to engage with rich, meaningful content through 4- to 6-week online seminars rooted in classical, Christian education. Each seminar is facilitated by experienced Classical Conversations graduate parents who have walked the homeschooling journey and bring real-world wisdom to their teaching. To learn more about the CC Plus Online Learning Seminars or to begin your journey of pursuing your next season of learning, go to https://ccalumni.network/programs/ and scroll down to find OLS.
America is turning 250 — and there's never been a better time to bring US history to life in your homeschool. In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey sits down with Kelli Wilt and Amy Jones to explore practical, joyful ways homeschool families can celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence — from living history activities and patriotic family discussions to CC's Cycle 3 memory work and a sneak peek at the upcoming Foundations Curriculum 6th Edition.
Whether your children are preschoolers who just love a birthday party or older students ready to wrestle with what freedom really means, this conversation is full of ideas you can use this summer and all year long. Kelli shares how Cycle 3's American history memory work is perfectly timed for this milestone year, Amy offers hands-on activity ideas for the littlest learners, and the group unpacks a student essay contest open to all Essentials students for the 2026–27 school year — limited to exactly 776 words, naturally.
You don't have to have the perfect plan. Start with a flag, a story, and a question around the dinner table: What does freedom mean to your family?
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations Plus Online Learning Seminars
OLS provides a unique opportunity for adult learners to engage with rich, meaningful content through 4- to 6-week online seminars rooted in classical, Christian education. Each seminar is facilitated by experienced Classical Conversations graduate parents who have walked the homeschooling journey and bring real-world wisdom to their teaching.
To learn more about the CC Plus Online Learning Seminars or to begin your journey of pursuing your next season of learning, go to https://ccalumni.network/programs/ and scroll down to find OLS.
Are you spending more energy on SAT scores than on your child's character — and wondering if you've got your priorities backward? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Amy Jones sits down with 15-year CC veteran Rachel Thompson and co-host Delise Germond to make the case that true college readiness isn't built in a testing center — it's built in community, around the Word, one habit at a time.
Rachel shares what she's learned raising three CC kids — including a college senior — and why the skills colleges now prize most (resilience, collaboration, empathy, and perseverance) are the very things Classical Conversations builds from Foundations all the way through Challenge. From CC's community triangle to the Odyssey post-graduate program, Rachel and Delise walk through how classical Christian homeschooling quietly equips students for everything that comes after the diploma. Delise reflects on her own college experience — the misconceptions she carried in and the ones the Lord had to correct along the way — offering honest encouragement for moms who want to start well, even with a houseful of littles.
Whether your oldest is four or seventeen, this episode will refocus your homeschool on what actually matters: knowing God, seeking Him first, and trusting that the second things will follow. You don't need a perfect transcript. You need a child on a scavenger hunt for their Creator.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish.
It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" at https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/products/the-habits-of-a-classical-education-practicing-the-art-of-grammar
What if the gift you've had since childhood was always meant to glorify God — you just didn't know it yet? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Delise sits down with Mercy Koimburi, a Kenyan Classical Conversations homeschool mom and professional photographer, to explore how creativity, faith, and classical education are more connected than you might think.
Mercy shares how she discovered photography at age 11, how she uses it to capture emotion and tell stories of family and faith, and why she believes God placed that gift in her long before she had a name for it. From the math hidden inside every great photo — hello, Fibonacci sequence! — to how CC's classical framework shows up through her lens, this conversation is full of warm encouragement for homeschool moms who want to nurture the gifts in themselves and in their children. Mercy also opens up about her CC community in Kenya, what homeschool days look like on the other side of the world, and the Bible verses that have carried her through the hard days of the journey.
Whether you have a budding young artist at home or you're still figuring out how your own gifts fit into your homeschool life, Mercy's story will leave you inspired and equipped. You don't have to have it all figured out — he gently leads those who have young. Tune in and be encouraged.
Find Mercy's photography work at: https://www.mercykoimburi.com/
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish.
It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" at https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/products/the-habits-of-a-classical-education-practicing-the-art-of-grammar
What does it take to win the National Memory Master competition? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Kelli Wilt sits down with Nikolai — the 2026 National Memory Master Champion — along with his parents Olga and Jim, to hear the story behind his win. From six years of Memory Master to competing aboard the CC Family Cruise in the Caribbean, Nikolai's journey is equal parts inspiring and practical.
Olga and Jim share how their family leaned on community support, creative study methods (including a hand-built 3D-printed timeline!), and the family motto of "we do hard things" to prepare Nikolai for the biggest memory competition in Classical Conversations. Whether your foundation student is thinking about entering next year or you just love a great homeschool win, this episode is packed with encouragement and real prep tips straight from the champion himself.
Nikolai's advice to future competitors? "Just go for it — and do it for the glory of God, not for the glory of you." Tune in and get ready to cheer.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core
Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish.
It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" at https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/products/the-habits-of-a-classical-education-practicing-the-art-of-grammar
Want to start a book club for your homeschool family this summer — but not sure where to begin? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey and her guest Stephanie Meter explore how book clubs for all ages can build community, spark rich conversations, and raise lifelong readers. Whether you have a one-year-old or a high schooler working through philosophy, there's a book club format that works for your family.
From practical tips on discussion questions and activities to how Classical Conversations' common topics framework can deepen any book discussion, this episode is packed with encouragement for homeschool moms ready to make reading a shared adventure.
You don't need a perfect plan — you need good books, good people, and maybe a snack. Tune in and get inspired to start reading together this summer!
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
In this episode of Everyday Educator, hosts Amy Jones and Delise Germond sit down with author Abbey Wedgeworth (Help, I'm Ruining My Kids) to talk about what every homeschool mom actually needs heading into summer — a soul that's as prepared as your curriculum. Together they explore gospel-centered motherhood, the hidden ways our own sin and unhealed wounds show up in our homeschools, and why community is the lifeline homeschool moms can't afford to skip.
Whether you're a new homeschool mom wrestling with your first year or a seasoned classical education parent facing a hard season, this conversation will remind you that the gospel is good news for your motherhood too — imperfections, meltdowns, and all.
Abbey also shares insights from her book Help, I'm Ruining My Kids: A Gospel Guide for the Mom Who's Desperate for Change — a must-read for any mom who's ever wondered if she's doing more harm than good.
Resources:
Abbey Wedgeworth's Website
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
Does traveling with your homeschool family feel overwhelming — or just out of reach? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey sits down with CC veterans Courtney Sanford (Delightful Art Company) and travel agent Julie Denton to share practical, budget-friendly travel tips for homeschool moms. From using Google Flights Explore to find cheap international flights, to tying family trips to your CC history cycle, to handling travel disasters with grace — this conversation will inspire you to take learning on the road.
Whether you're planning a big summer adventure or a local field trip, Courtney and Julie share decades of wisdom on how to make travel educational, affordable, and genuinely fun — even with little kids in tow. Plus: how to pack carry-on only, find insider tips from waiters, and why "obstacles" are really just good stories waiting to happen.
Their best tips include using Airbnb and VRBO internationally, leveraging travel credit card points, renting an RV for a US road trip, and the sticker-on-a-water-bottle souvenir hack your kids will love. Don't miss the Sound of Music tour story — you won't regret it.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.
Ever wondered who's behind the voices on the Everyday Educator podcast? In this special episode, meet the full host panel — Lisa Bailey, Amy Jones, Kelli Wilt, Emma Bortins, and Delise Germond — as they share their personal homeschooling journeys, why they said yes to Classical Conversations, and what keeps them going. From 25-year veterans to a second-generation homeschooler just getting started, this conversation is the encouragement every homeschool mom needs.
From the history of the podcast (started in 2015!) to a panel of five hosts with decades of combined CC experience, this episode is a warm reintroduction to the Everyday Educator community. Whether you're brand new or a longtime listener, you'll feel right at home.
Learn more about the classical homeschooling journey: 👉 https://classicalconversations.com/blog/classical-education-curriculum/
🎙️ Love this episode? You'll enjoy our other podcast too! Check out Refining Rhetoric: https://refiningrhetoric.com/
🔎 Find a CC Community Near You: https://classicalconversations.com/community-search/
📅 Upcoming CC Events: https://classicalconversations.com/events/
📚 Foundations Curriculum: https://classicalconversations.com/collections/foundations/
🛍️ CC Shoppable Catalog: https://classicalconversations.com/pages/shoppable-catalog/
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: The Classical Fellowship
extends classical Christian formation into the years after Challenge, providing Christ-centered worldview formation, classical thinking skills, and Christ-centered community while graduates pursue their calling— whether college, trade, missions, or vocation.
To learn more about the the Classical Fellowship or extend the classical conversation into your next chapter, go to https://ics.regfox.com/cc-plus-undergrad-live
In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Delise Germond sits down with her mother and longtime homeschooling veteran Chelly Barnard to talk about why reading is the single most important skill you can give your child. From raising reluctant readers and navigating learning challenges, to building a lifelong love of books through read-alouds and classical education — this conversation is packed with practical encouragement for every homeschool mom.
Chelly and Delise get honest about their own reading journeys — including what it looked like to struggle, to teach differently, and to fall in love with books later in life. You'll hear real strategies for helping kids who resist reading, advice on when to seek outside help, and why classical Christian education uniquely positions homeschool families to raise voracious, articulate readers.
The episode wraps with a rich list of book recommendations — from Fahrenheit 451 and Stepping Heavenward to Winnie the Pooh and Beatrix Potter — plus a reference to Mortimer Adler's beloved essay "How to Mark a Book."
Whether your child loves reading or avoids it, this episode will encourage and equip you to make books a central part of your homeschool life.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish.
It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" during the April sale!
Did you know that art and math are speaking the same language — and your kids are already fluent? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Delise Germond sits down with Kirsty Gilpin and Babs Harrell — two of the women behind the Classical Conversations Math Map — to talk about why CC's homeschool math curriculum approaches every concept through the lens of art, and what that means for your family's math education.
Whether you're a self-proclaimed "not a math person" or a homeschool mom who wants more than a textbook, this conversation will reshape how you think about teaching math at home. Kirsty and Babs share how the Math Map connects shapes, symmetry, and dimensions to truth, beauty, and goodness — and ultimately, to God himself.
In this episode, you'll hear why even the most art-loving, math-avoiding parent can engage confidently with the CC Math Map, practical encouragement for where to start (hint: just talk about the booklet cover!), and why setting your highest math goal as "discovering God through math" changes everything.
Leigh Bortins' 2023 Math Map Book Club: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHxgkFMB45L23WKEks7BCNd3LBvJfIjVB&si=T5zP6gr_Rz69Phi5
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish.
It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" here during the April sale!
What does intentional play actually look like for preschoolers — and how do you build a community around it? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey is joined by Sherry Castillo and Delise Germond to discuss how to host a Scribblers Playdate that nurtures the whole child: fine motor skills, faith, social-emotional growth, and a love of learning.
Whether you're a homeschool mom with a 4-year-old or a grandmother wanting to invest in your grandchildren, this conversation will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to gather your people.
In this episode you'll learn what the "scribbler" stage really is (ages 4–8), why play is the real work of childhood, how to structure a low-prep, high-impact playdate, the surprising fruit of multi-generational community, and why older moms hosting playdates is one of the most powerful gifts in a homeschool community.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by CC Graduate Degree in Latin Studies:
Classical Conversations is excited to announce the launch of our new accredited Graduate Program in Latin Studies, an 18-credit hour program designed specifically for homeschooling parents who want to deepen their understanding of classical Christian education in Latin writing and translation. This graduate program provides academic recognition for your dedication to classical learning while offering a pathway to advanced study in Latin through our partnership with Southeastern University.
Register today to secure your spot in this transformative educational experience. Click Here to Begin Your Classical Journey
Do you ever feel like you're not qualified enough to teach your kids? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Kelli Wilt and Amy Jones sit down to explore how Classical Conversations' five core habits of grammar — naming, attending, memorizing, expressing, and storytelling — can transform the way homeschool moms approach any subject, including geography. Whether you're in Foundations or beyond, these practical tools will give you the confidence to teach well without needing to be the expert.
Kelli Wilt, Lead of Program Development for Classical Conversations Multimedia and longtime CC director and tutor, walks through each habit with real-life examples — from how children name stuffed animals to how National Memory Master finalists draw the entire world from memory. You'll come away with a fresh perspective on why classical education works and how to put it into practice at your kitchen table today.
Kelli and Amy also discuss how the five core habits apply far beyond geography — from chemistry labs to literature — equipping your children with lifelong learning skills that go with them wherever God leads.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish.
It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of
Grammar" here during the April sale!
What if the secret to classical homeschooling isn't the right curriculum — it's the right habits? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey sits down with Amy Jones and Kelli Wilt to introduce The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar. Together they unpack the five core habits of classical learning, why wonder is the foundation of a truly classical Christian education, and why this book works alongside any curriculum you're already using. Whether you've been homeschooling for a week or a decade, this conversation will remind you why you started.
Lisa Bailey opens by sharing a realization she came to after years of homeschooling her own daughters: the best homeschool days were the ones that were more about home than about school. That insight is at the heart of The Habits of a Classical Education, CC's newest resource — a book that helps families develop the rhythms and relationships that make learning come alive, whatever curriculum they're using.
Kelli Wilt, lead of program development at Classical Conversations, introduces the five core habits using the acronym NAMES: Naming, Attending, Memorizing, Expressing, and Storytelling. Her own strongest habits are storytelling and memorizing — skills she developed almost by accident on long van rides with her children, weaving family history and memory work into the journey without her kids ever realizing it was intentional. She's quick to note that the habits didn't come out of nowhere: they're the fruit of a decade of conversations about how God designed human beings to learn.
Amy Jones, who hosts the Everyday Educator and was a co-author of the book, admits that memorizing is her hardest habit — not because she doesn't value it, but because she had never fully appreciated how foundational it is until working on this book. Her insight is one of the episode's best: the habits aren't subjects. They're a spine, a way of approaching anything new. She walks listeners through the simple exercise of teaching a child something — anything — and noticing that naming, attending, memorizing, expressing, and storytelling show up naturally in every real act of learning.
The episode's most beautiful section comes when the conversation turns to wonder. Amy quotes a line she encountered in her reading: "You learn nothing without wonder." Wonder, she explains, is God's invitation to his world. It's not an extra. It's the engine. And the habits, properly practiced, don't just cultivate wonder in a child's natural areas of interest — they introduce children (and adults) to wonders they never knew they had. Creation is the curriculum, as Leigh Bortins says, and the habits are the way we learn to read it.
What You'll Learn
- The five core habits of classical learning and the acronym that makes them easy to remember (NAMES)
- Why these habits aren't subjects — they're the way God designed every human being to learn
- Why the habits work alongside any curriculum you already own, not instead of it
- How Kelli and Amy each approach the habits differently — and what that means for your own family
- Why wonder is not a warm fuzzy feeling — it's an essential component of real education
- How the book is organized so that busy moms can read it in sections at soccer practice
- Why you don't have to be a perfect homeschooler for this to work — and what the book actually promises
- Why the habits apply to adults and older students too — not just little ones in the grammar stage
- What it means that education ought to be more about home than schooling
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations just released The Habits of a Classical Education—the long-awaited successor to The Core. This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish.
It's here! Order your copy of The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar here during the April sale!
Your student is approaching Challenge 4 — and suddenly the words "senior thesis" are everywhere. What exactly is it? Who's involved? And how do you help without taking over? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey sits down with Timothy Knotts, Director of Challenge Development at Classical Conversations, and CC grad and Challenge 4 tutor Daniel Shirley to walk parents through every stage of the Senior Thesis project — from choosing a topic all the way to the live defense. Consider this your field guide. Lisa opens by clarifying what the Senior Thesis actually is: a two-part project involving a research paper and a live defense in front of an audience that includes parents, peers, judges, and often extended family. It's one of the few programs in classical education that asks students to stand up, present what they've discovered, and answer unrehearsed questions in real time. Terrifying and wonderful, as Tim puts it. The heart of the conversation is the question of how to choose a thesis topic — and both guests are emphatic: the topic must come from genuine passion. Daniel offers three examples of thesis statements students should avoid — "the government should not be involved in mental health," "the Bible is the most important book in history," and "toothpaste is very important for dental hygiene" — and explains what all three have in common: they're too broad, too generic, or too obvious to be genuinely arguable. Tim adds that the thesis must be arguable not just to others, but by the student themselves. If they're not wrestling with it, they're not discovering anything. Tim offers a liberating reframe: the thesis statement itself is not set in stone. It should remain in conversation with the research and the writing all the way to the final draft. Students who discover they don't care about their topic two months before it's due — and try to start over — are usually headed for a train wreck. But students who remain open to refining their thesis as they learn more will find the process genuinely rewarding. Daniel frames the whole project as an Odyssean adventure: navigating by stars, not by GPS. The path is imprecise and full of course corrections. That's not a bug — that's the point. The capstone is meant to ask the student to truly wonder and discover, not to prove what they already think.
What You'll Learn • What the Senior Thesis actually is: the two parts, the people involved, and what it's really preparing students for • Why a thesis needs to be something the student can't not ask — and what happens when it isn't • Three examples of bad thesis statements (and what makes them bad) so your student doesn't make the same mistakes • Why the thesis should be treated like an adventure — not a dissertation • How the thesis statement should stay in conversation with the research and writing, all the way to the end • What parents should and shouldn't do — the vice of excess and the vice of deficiency • How to use memoria to help your student find a topic they genuinely care about • The role of a mentor (not the parent, not the director) and why the same question lands differently from different people • Research avenues CC families may not know about: CC Plus, the Steelman Library at SEU, and Adler's Synopticon • What book Tim recommends parents and students read together before Challenge 4 even begins
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish. It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" here during the April sale!
Does homeschooling have you ready to quit? You're not alone — and you're not failing. In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey and 7-year Classical Conversations mom DeDe Adetutu get real about the winter doldrums, talk about why finishing strong actually matters, and share the practical strategies — and a little Yoruba wisdom — that have helped their families push through to the finish line. This one is equal parts encouragement and action plan. Lisa Bailey opens by naming what so many homeschool moms feel but rarely say out loud: February is hard. The holidays are over, the calendar looks long, and even families who genuinely love what they do can hit a wall. Her friend's confession — "I just want to quit" — wasn't a crisis. It was completely normal. DeDe Adetutu jumps in with a key insight: the winter doldrums aren't random. They're the predictable aftermath of over-investing in holiday intentionality and under-investing in what comes next. We create the problem by making Christmas extraordinary and leaving January with nothing to look forward to. But she also offers a counter-perspective — maybe that emptiness isn't a problem to fix. Maybe it's rest. Winter isn't dead; it's dormant. And the ram, as DeDe's husband says, takes two steps back before charging forward. The conversation gets practical fast. DeDe shares what her family has developed over seven years of CC: annual photo reviews with the family after Christmas that double as goal-setting sessions, cross-country training that teaches kids what finishing strong feels like in their bodies, inside jokes that double as one-word pep talks, and short interval study sprints that make the final weeks manageable. Lisa adds her own toolkit — 30-minute focused work blocks, purposeful rest days that involve serving others, and the occasional backwards day to break the monotony for younger kids. What You'll Learn • Why the winter doldrums are actually something we create for ourselves — and what to do about it • Why finishing strong matters so much more than just getting to the end • How a senior cross-country runner's wisdom about the hardest part of the race applies to your homeschool right now • The Yoruba proverb DeDe's Nigerian husband shares with their family that reframes what rest is actually for • Practical strategies for beating mid-year burnout: interval study sessions, backwards day, British accent memory work, and more • Why it's okay to grieve unrealistic goals — and how to adjust them without quitting • What a German exchange student's dance move taught DeDe's family about finishing strong • Why seniors struggle to finish and what parents can do to help them stay present • How a plate of Belgian chocolate and a foundations geography lesson became one of the year's best memories • How Candyland might have been designed to teach kids how to handle disappointment
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Summit Ministries
Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line
This April, Classical Conversations is launching an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today. Don't miss the special CC Bookstore sale from April 7 - 28!
You may already recognize his voice. For thousands of Classical Conversations families, Charles Hall — known simply as "Internet Grandpa" — has become one of the most beloved figures in the homeschool community, reading rich living books aloud on YouTube and blessing families he has never met. In this episode of the Everyday Educator, host Kelli Wiltsits down with Mr. Hall to talk about how it all started, what it means to hear a human voice read a story, and what happens when faithful work runs into unexpected obstacles.
Charles Hall never set out to become Internet Grandpa. It started simply — reading picture books on YouTube so his grandchildren, scattered from Florida to Pittsburgh, could hear his voice. He made the videos unlisted at first, then figured there was no harm in making them public. What followed was something he never anticipated.
CC families discovered his recordings, and comments began pouring in — parents of struggling readers, moms multitasking through housework, kids making the transition from Foundations into Challenge who needed a warm, steady voice to carry them through books like The Secret Garden and Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. His subscriber count passed the number of friends and family, and Internet Grandpa was born.
Kelli opens the episode by sharing her own family's story — her daughter found Mr. Hall's recordings at exactly the right moment, helping her step into independence as a learner while her mom worked nearby. It's the kind of testimony that appears again and again in his comment section.
The conversation turns to why the human voice matters so much. Mr. Hall connects it all the way back to the womb — children hear their parents' voices before they are born, and that bond between voice and love is something no machine can replicate. Jesus, he notes, did most of his ministry through storytelling. People haven't changed much in 2,000 years.
He closes with a story about his son Christopher — a boy who hated reading, until his dad started leaving him at cliffhangers. One night his wife found Christopher in bed with a flashlight, finishing the chapter himself. That's what Internet Grandpa hopes for every child who hears his voice.
What You'll Learn:
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How a grandfather reading Narnia to his kids 40 years ago eventually became a YouTube ministry for thousands
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Why stories told by a human voice still matter in an age of AI — and what children hear even before they are born
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How Internet Grandpa's recordings have helped struggling readers, busy moms, and kids transitioning into CC Challenge
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The cliffhanger trick he used to turn his reluctant reader son into a flashlight-under-the-covers reader
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How to support, pray for, and stay connected with Internet Grandpa right now
Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/@InternetGrandpa
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Summit Ministries
Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure,
and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with
the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not
just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world.
Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome and Introduction
01:06 — How Did Internet Grandpa Begin? The Origin Story
01:53 — Reading Narnia to His Kids — 40 Years Before YouTube
02:22 — Recording for Grandkids Far Away and Going Public
03:05 — How CC Families Discovered Him
03:29 — Kelly's Personal Story: How Her Daughter Was Blessed by His Recordings
04:20 — What Drew Him to CC Challenge Books
06:03 — Early Books: The Secret Garden, Carry On Mr. Bowditch, Number the Stars
06:43 — When He Realized He Had Become Internet Famous
07:12 — The Comments That Have Encouraged Him Most
08:01 — Why Reading Aloud Still Matters: Stories, Hearts, and the Art of Attending
08:20 — Why Jesus Told Stories — and Why People Haven't Changed
09:52 — Why a Human Voice Is Different from AI
10:32 — What Children Hear Before They Are Born
11:41 — How He Hopes These Recordings Support Parents at Home
12:24 — Adventures in Odyssey, Car Trips, and Multitasking Moms
12:46 — What He Hopes Children Remember Years from Now
13:57 — The Demonetization Challenge: What Happened and What It Means
15:01 — The Difficult Decisions Demonetization Has Created
16:50 — Rumble and Patreon: Exploring New Platforms
19:09 — What the Ideal Platform Would Look Like
22:04 — How to Support Internet Grandpa Right Now
24:52 — What He Has Learned Through This Season of Difficulty
25:36 — Trusting God When the Path Is Unclear
27:48 — An Encouragement to All CC Families: Cultivate a Love of Books
28:15 — The Story of His Son Christopher and the Flashlight Under the Covers
30:06 — Prayer Requests and How to Stay Connected
31:15 — Where to Find Internet Grandpa: YouTube, Facebook, and CC Connected
31:50 — Closing Words from Kelly and a Final TTFN from Mr. Hall
What if the most important thing you teach your child has nothing to do with curriculum? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Emma Bortins sits down with her mother-in-law and Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins to discuss the ideas behind her new book, The Habits: Practicing the Art of Grammar. Together they explore how naming, attending, memorizing, expressing, and storytelling build the foundational habits that help children — and homeschool families — truly flourish. If you're a homeschool mom looking for a classical Christian approach to raising lifelong learners, this conversation is for you.
Leigh opens by sharing how it took her twelve years of homeschooling to truly understand what her husband had been telling her all along — that what children need most is consistency. It wasn't until she had a second set of young boys while her older sons were teenagers that the power of habits became undeniable. The routines she had built into Robert and John made it possible to keep the family functioning; without them, the whole thing would have fallen apart.
From that personal foundation, the conversation moves into the heart of the book: a framework of five habits — naming, attending, memorizing, expressing, and storytelling — that Leigh calls the building blocks of a grammar education. These aren't abstract academic concepts. They're what every good mother already does instinctively: naming the dog, teaching a toddler not to touch the stove, helping a child memorize where mom will be in Walmart. The point is to recognize these habits, name them, and practice them with intention.
The episode takes a fascinating turn when Emma asks about AI and technology. Leigh's position is clear: children under 12 don't need screens at all. Not because technology is inherently evil, but because children who never learn to entertain themselves, sit still, or be alone with their thoughts will struggle with self-control for the rest of their lives — with or without technology. The habits of self-governance have to come first.
The episode closes with Leigh's single most important piece of advice for new homeschoolers: find a mentor. Not a curriculum. Not a method. A person who seems to be doing it well and is willing to let you watch.
What You'll Learn
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What the art of grammar actually means — and why it's about far more than memorization
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The five core habits of the grammar stage: naming, attending, memorizing, expressing, and storytelling
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Why Leigh says attending is the one habit she'd tell every family to start practicing today
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How habits shape not just academic ability but character, self-control, and spiritual formation
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Why parents need to self-assess their own habits before they can effectively pass them on
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What Leigh thinks about AI and technology — and her recommendation for families with children under 12
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Why feeling inadequate to homeschool is universal — and why it's not actually the obstacle you think it is
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How the habits formed in the grammar years show up years later in college anatomy and chemistry courses
-
Where to find Leigh online and which books to read alongside The Habits
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Summit Ministries
Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome and Introduction
02:22 — Leigh's Reaction to Being Interviewed by Her Daughter-in-Law
03:10 — What Took So Long to Understand: The Role of Habits in Homeschooling
04:13 — How a Second Set of Young Boys Changed Everything
05:14 — What Her Husband Was Saying All Along — and When She Finally Heard It
06:40 — What Is the Art of Grammar? Beyond Memorization
07:33 — The Five Habits: Naming, Attending, Memorizing, Expressing, Storytelling
09:33 — Expressing and Storytelling in Everyday Family Life
10:19 — What Happens in Families Without Habits
12:04 — Emma's Daughter and the "Tell Stories, Dance" Moment
13:49 — It's Not Just What Students Know — It's How They Learn
15:45 — The One Habit That Distinguishes Flourishing Students: Self-Control
17:08 — Parents Must Self-Assess First: More Is Caught Than Taught
18:47 — Sitting on Daddy's Lap: Three Very Different Experiences
19:50 — Slowing Down in a World That Moves Too Fast
20:15 — AI, Technology, and Homeschooling with Humans
21:19 — Leigh's Recommendation: No Screens for Children Under 12
23:14 — Having the Conversation with Your Kids About Why
24:15 — How Habits Shape Character, Not Just the Mind
25:23 — You're Not Being Raised for Yourself — You're Being Raised to Serve
26:06 — The Story of Jonah's Timeout and What It Revealed About Siblings
27:15 — The Connection Between Intellectual Habits and Spiritual Formation
29:09 — How to Cultivate Spiritual Habits at Home: Find a Mentor
31:27 — There's No Single Answer — Fit the Liturgy to Your Family's Schedule
31:58 — Encouragement for Parents Who Feel Inadequate to Homeschool
33:55 — What Second-Generation Homeschoolers Bring to the Table
37:03 — If You Could Only Start One Habit: Attending
38:09 — Situational Awareness and Why It Matters for Everything
40:35 — How Early Habits Prepare Students for Logic, Rhetoric, and College
41:47 — What CC Students Say When They Call Home from College
42:32 — Thank You, Closing Thoughts, and Where to Find Leigh
Is pushing for Memory Master worth it — and what happens if your child doesn't make it? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Amy Jones sits down with veteran CC moms Courtney Bradshaw and Tunrade Schumann to talk about how to challenge your kids with Classical Conversations memory work without overwhelming them or pushing too hard. Whether you're aiming for Memory Master, Subject Master, or just want your child to engage more deeply with the Foundations curriculum, this conversation is full of warm, practical wisdom for every homeschool family.
Tunrade shares how her family dove headfirst into Memory Master from day one, with all four kids eventually earning the title — and each one also having that one hard year where it didn't quite come together. Those years, she says, turned out to be among the most valuable. Her daughter once went back as a Challenge A student to earn the one cycle she'd missed years earlier, simply because it still mattered to her. Tunrade herself has spent the last two years earning Mom Memory Master alongside her kids, with a third planned as her capstone.
Courtney offers a beautifully different perspective — her family never completed community Memory Master, but has celebrated Subject Masters, a "Master Swordsman" scripture challenge, and countless informal moments where the content showed up in unexpected ways: a college Western Civ class, a Challenge speech, a paper. She's candid about the seasons of life — including adopting three children mid-journey — that meant mom simply wasn't available, and why that's okay.
The conversation turns practical in the back half, with both moms sharing specific tips: starting with six weeks of consistent daily review, using CDs and flip books for independent study, leveraging Christmas break to tackle early weeks, pairing up with another Memory Master family for accountability and fun, and tailoring review methods to each child's learning style. Motivation strategies include review game parties, community check-ins, and Tunrade's beloved family tradition: a full week of unlimited screen time after Memory Master — which, she notes, usually loses its charm by day two.
The episode closes with a reminder that the real reward isn't the blue shirt. It's a child who knows how they learn, trusts their own mind, and isn't afraid of hard things.
What You'll Learn:
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The full Memory Master continuum — from Subject Master all the way to the National Memory Master Contest
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How two experienced CC families approached Memory Master very differently — and both thrived
-
Why the hidden benefits of Memory Master have almost nothing to do with memorization
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What to do when life gets hard and Memory Master just isn't happening this year
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Practical, age-by-age tips for making memory work fun (trampolines, hopscotch, hand motions & more)
-
How to use Christmas break strategically to get ahead on proofs
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Creative ways to celebrate and motivate kids through the February doldrums
-
Why kids who earn Memory Master aren't scared of hard things later in life
-
How Tunrade earned Mom Memory Master — and why Courtney is already eyeing it for her last round
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Summit Ministries
Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure,
and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with
the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not
just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world.
Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome & Introduction
00:22 — Amy's Homeschool Journey & Why This Topic Matters
00:48 — The Memory Master Continuum: Subject Master to National Contest
03:39 — Meet Courtney Bradshaw: 12 Years of CC, Academic Advisor & 7 Kids
06:30 — Meet Tunrade Schumann: 12 Years of CC, Social Media Director & Graduating Her First
09:18 — What It Means to "Graduate" as a CC Mom
12:09 — Why the Memory Content Is So Rich (and Funny College Moments)
13:21 — Tunrade's Family Memory Master Journey: All Four Kids, Every Cycle
15:09 — Mom Memory Master: When Your Kid Proofs You
16:15 — The Hard Year Every Child Had — and What They Learned From It
18:14 — How a Challenge A Student Went Back for the Cycle She Missed
20:06 — Courtney's Journey: Subject Masters, a Scripture Challenge & Meeting Kids Where They Are
25:28 — Subject Master Deep Dive: Latin, Geography & Leaning Into What They Love
28:34 — It's Not All or Nothing: Finding the Right Level for Your Family
30:33 — Practical Tips: How and When to Start Preparing for Memory Master
32:05 — Making Memory Work Fun: Trampolines, Hopscotch, Hand Motions & More
33:09 — Using Christmas Break to Get Ahead on Proofs
35:39 — Learning Styles: Why What Works for One Child Won't Work for Another
38:55 — The Proofing Timeline: What to Expect and When
40:09 — Keeping Kids Motivated Through the February Doldrums
41:35 — Review Games, Study Dates & Building Friendships Through Memory Master
44:09 — How Tunrade's Family Celebrates: The Week of Unlimited Screen Time
45:14 — The Real Reward: Kids Who Know How They Learn and Aren't Scared of Hard Things
46:33 — Closing Encouragement & Finding Your CC Community
Is progressive Christianity coming for your kids — and would you even recognize it if it was? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Amy Jones and co-host Emma Bortins sit down with author and apologist Alisa Childers to unpack what progressive Christianity actually is, why it appeals to young people, and how Christian homeschool parents can equip their children to stand firm in biblical truth. If you're raising kids in today's cultural climate, this conversation is one you can't afford to miss. Alisa shares her own story of encountering progressive Christianity through a pastor who slowly dismantled core doctrines of the faith, and how that crisis ultimately led her to study apologetics and write Another Gospel. She offers a clear definition of progressive Christianity — not by what it affirms, but by what it denies: substitutionary atonement, the authority of Scripture, the reality of hell, and the exclusivity of Christ. The conversation turns to the younger generation and how moral relativism has become the dominant worldview of Gen Z, making it harder than ever for kids to understand why biblical truth isn't just "your opinion." From there, the hosts dig into practical parenting strategies: why it's not enough to shelter kids, why you should actually show them progressive content and work through it together, and how modeling confidence in your faith can be more powerful than having a perfect answer.
What You'll Learn: - What progressive Christianity is — and the core doctrines it quietly denies - Why young people are so susceptible to progressive theology and deconstruction - How social media (including random TikTok videos) is influencing your kids' faith - Why the definition of "truth" may be the most important conversation you have with your child - A practical, age-by-age strategy for building spiritual resilience at home - How to show your kids progressive Christian content without it rattling their faith - Why holding a biblical sexual ethic feels different for Gen Z than it did for previous generations - The best apologetics resources for parents and students — including Alisa's new student edition
00:00 — Introduction & Welcome 00:29 — Introducing Alisa Childers: Author, Apologist & CCM Artist 02:18 — About Another Gospel & the Student Edition 03:09 — Alisa's Personal Story: How She Encountered Progressive Christianity 06:04 — What Is Progressive Christianity? Definitions & Core Denials 11:13 — Tracing the Gospel Arc: Where Progressive Christianity Goes Off the Rails 15:02 — Social Justice, Marxism & What Unites Progressive Christians 16:14 — Is Progressive Christianity Growing? What the Data Doesn't Show 21:21 — The Most Important Word: How You Define "Truth" Changes Everything 24:06 — Insulin or Ice Cream: Teaching Objective vs. Subjective Truth 28:40 — Loving Your Kids' Friends While Holding a Biblical Sexual Ethic 30:03 — Identity, Sexuality & Untying the Knots for the Younger Generation 36:06 — Social Media & Progressive Christianity: Where the Influence Is Coming From 40:10 — Practical Strategies: How to Raise Spiritually Resilient Kids at Home 44:25 — It's Okay Not to Have All the Answers: Modeling Faith Under Pressure 47:36 — Secondary Issues, Wrestling with Scripture & Holding Things in Tension 48:38 — Recommended Resources for Parents & Students 52:01 — Closing Thoughts: The Beauty of the True Gospel
Resources: https://alisachilders.com/
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Summit Ministries Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
In this episode of Everyday Educator, host Lisa Bailey is joined by Amy Jones and Ginny Tran to explore why memorizing matters — for your children and for you. From scripture memory to poetry and classical memory work, discover how memorization builds wisdom, shapes character, and hides beauty in your heart for life.
Amy and Ginny share their earliest memories of memorizing — from singing the books of the Bible at church to reciting Twas the Night Before Christmas by the warmth of a mother's voice — and what those moments reveal about how our brains and hearts learn together. Lisa adds her own stories along the way, including the surprising moment a long-forgotten song came back word-for-word on a Valentine's Day drive.
But this conversation goes far deeper than memory work checklists. They unpack why the environment of learning matters just as much as the content, how music plants truth in the mind like an earworm that never leaves, and why memorizing whole passages of Scripture — not just isolated verses — can train our children to think alongside Paul, alongside John, and ultimately, alongside God himself.
Whether you're in the thick of Memory Master season or simply looking for fresh motivation to make memorization meaningful in your homeschool, this episode will leave you inspired to see memory work for what it truly is: not a box to check, but a treasure to hide in the heart.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Summit Ministries
Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure,
and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with
the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not
just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world.
Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
The Classical Conversations Alumni Network
The Classical Conversations Alumni Network is a vibrant community space that builds bridges between CC families and graduates, provides exclusive professional opportunities, and highlights inspirational stories. CC families and graduates will be encouraged and anchored in a supportive community that celebrates the Classical Conversations journey long after Challenge IV.
Become a member of the Alumni Network today! Learn more by going to https://ccalumni.network/
What does it really mean to pass on virtue to your children—and how do you do it in the midst of everyday homeschool life? Join host Amy Jones and veteran homeschooler Chelly Barnard for a rich conversation about cultivating moral goodness in your home. Discover how Classical Conversations' Common Topics can help you define and teach virtue, why reading aloud to your kids well into high school matters more than you think, and practical ways to weave biblical truth into daily conversations without being "preachy." Chelly shares wisdom from 25 years of homeschooling experience, emphasizing that virtue isn't about rigid rules—it's about equipping children to flourish according to God's design. Whether you're wrestling with how to train your children's hearts or simply need encouragement that God fills in your deficits as a parent, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights for the everyday CC mom.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Summit Ministries Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
"The Habits of a Classical Education" Classical Conversations is releasing "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish. Pre-order your signed copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" from February 17th through March 14th, 2026, at https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/ – your personally signed book from Leigh will ship in May! https://classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/
Wondering if your child is ready to start Foundations? Join Delise Germond and Lisa Bailey in this episode of Everyday Educator as they discuss practical signs of school readiness for preschoolers and early learners. Discover how to prepare your child for Classical Conversations Foundations, navigate emotional development milestones, and build essential skills like following directions, fine motor development, and independent play. Learn when to start formal learning, how to give constructive feedback as a homeschool parent, and why emotional intelligence matters as much as academic preparation. Whether you're new to homeschooling or evaluating your child's readiness for Foundations, this episode offers encouragement and actionable strategies for starting your homeschool journey with confidence. Perfect for parents of toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students considering Classical Conversations or home education.
What you'll learn: • How to recognize signs your child is ready for formal learning • Ways to develop attention span and help children follow simple directions • Activities that build fine motor skills and handwriting readiness • Strategies for teaching emotional intelligence and naming feelings • How to create routines and expectations together as a family • Why sensory learning and developmental milestones matter • The key differences between homeschool and traditional school readiness
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Summit Ministries:
Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
What if learning Latin could actually be... fun? Join Lisa Bailey and Tobin Duby as they take you on a delightful journey through the world of Parent Practicum and Latin—two things that might sound intimidating but are actually gateways to lifelong learning for your entire family. Tobin shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from filming practicums across the country (including the tale of a toddler handing him her yogurt trash), while Lisa opens up about her own "hillbilly belt" moment that brought down the house. But beyond the laughter, discover why practicum is the perfect summer destination for homeschool families seeking community, encouragement, and practical tools. Then dive into Latin—not as a dusty academic subject, but as a mind-expanding adventure that helps children (and parents!) think more clearly, compose better sentences, and even understand Scripture in new ways. From "pater noster" rhyming when "our father" doesn't, to understanding why St. Paul's sentences are so deliciously complex, you'll discover why Latin is relevant for families with kids of all ages. Whether you're brand new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, this conversation will inspire you to mark your calendar for this summer's Latin-focused Parent Practicum. Because the best learning happens in community—and it's way more fun than you think!
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Summit Ministries:
Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
Join Delise Germond as she sits down with Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations and homeschool dad of three, for an engaging conversation about family legacy, educational freedom, and his new book Woke and Weaponized. Robert shares his personal journey from being one of the first 11 students in Classical Conversations to leading the organization for over 13 years. He opens up about the family values that shaped him—hard work, self-discipline, and carrying the family name with honor—and how he's now passing these principles to his own children through practical strategies like job cards instead of allowances and teaching them to work before they play. The conversation dives deep into Robert's extensively researched book, co-authored with award-winning journalist Alex Newman, which traces the historical roots of public education from Robert Owen's "Trinity of Evil" through Prussia to modern-day America. Discover the surprising truth about who's really funding the school choice movement and why educational independence matters now more than ever. Robert also explains what it means to become "anti-fragile" as a family—rejecting consumerism, living within your means, and building resilience that doesn't depend on government systems. Whether you're a homeschooling parent, educator, pastor, or anyone concerned about educational freedom, this conversation offers both warning and hope for raising the next generation to know God and make Him known.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman. Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information. www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
Summit Ministries
Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
What if the biggest moment in your child's classical education isn't just about academics—but about stepping into their God-given identity? Join host Kelli Wilt and special guest Charity Miner for an in-depth conversation about one of the most transformative experiences in the Challenge years: the senior thesis. Charity, a veteran Challenge IV director and homeschool mom who has shepherded three children through this process, shares the beauty, purpose, and profound impact of this capstone event. Discover why senior thesis is so much more than a research paper—it's a culmination of years of presentations, debates, and mock trials rolled into one powerful moment of defense. Learn how students choose topics that reflect who God made them to be, how parents can support without taking over, and why this experience prepares our children not just for college, but for defending their faith and ideas throughout their entire lives. Whether you're preparing for Challenge IV, currently in the midst of senior thesis, or simply curious about where classical Christian education leads, this episode will encourage and equip you for the journey ahead.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Summit Ministries
Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
CC Plus Odyssey Program
The Odyssey Leadership Program is a bridge from the security of the Challenge Program to the bright opportunities of the future! In partnership with Southeastern University, an accredited private, Christian university, The Odyssey Program provides Challenge IV graduates the opportunity to begin their college coursework while participating in a leadership and personal development program, launching them into leadership and life! 2026 Application season is open with limited seats. Learn more by going to https://classicalconversationsplus.com/odyssey-year/
Why do Challenge B graduates consistently name Mock Trial as their favorite memory—even the ones who cried through every rehearsal? Join host Lisa Bailey and guests Jennifer Hester and Emma Bortins for an encouraging conversation about Mock Trial—the pinnacle Challenge B experience that graduates remember most fondly, even when the journey is rocky. Jennifer shares her journey from terrified new director to confident guide, watching her son improvise courtroom testimony on the fly. Emma opens up about the drama, tears, and her infamous courtroom phrase repeated 15+ times: "That's not in my witness statement!" Lisa reflects on decades of watching 13-year-olds surprise judges, parents, and themselves with skills they didn't know they had. This episode covers the practical side of preparation—where to find resources on CC Connected, how to walk alongside your student without coaching, and why following the week-by-week schedule makes all the difference. You'll hear honest stories about hyperventilating students who become stars, skeptical parents who become believers, and how every Challenge B skill converges in this moment.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Summit Ministries:
Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
Feeling overwhelmed by homeschooling kids at different stages? You're not alone—and we've got the encouragement (and practical tips) you need! Join Delise Germond and Kelli Wilt, two full-time working homeschool moms at different stages of the journey, as they share honest, grace-filled advice for homeschooling young children. Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck in the daily grind, this conversation is packed with wisdom you can use today. Kelli opens up about her early years of hypercritical self-assessment, thinking she had to prove homeschooling was the right choice by making her children the "best" at everything. She shares how God shifted her expectations and why extending grace to yourself, your children, and your community changes everything. The biggest victories often come in moments of vulnerability when you realize you're not alone in the struggle. Discover why trying to recreate the classroom model at home feels like wearing shoes that are half a size too tight, and how embracing the discomfort of something new leads to a beautiful fit for your family. Learn why rhythms and routines beat rigid schedules every time, and how to build in margin for those big feelings that little people (and big people!) experience.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Online Learning Seminars
Online Learning Seminars offers live, interactive courses taught by CC graduate parents who are experts in their fields. Ranging from four to six weeks and approximately 1.5 hours of instruction per class, OLS offers a variety of courses including academic subjects that align with classical education principles. While some courses focus on practical skills, all courses are approached from a classical perspective of lifelong learning. Whether you want to learn something new or share your expertise as an instructor, join our OLS community today!
2026 Spring course offerings are open. Learn more by going to https://classicalconversationsinc.regfox.com/ols
Summit Ministries
Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc
Feeling ready for a reset after the holidays? Discover how to transform post-holiday blahs into purposeful new beginnings that energize your entire homeschool family.
Join Lisa Bailey as she welcomes Alicia Clark and Ginny Tran for an encouraging conversation about embracing fresh starts after the holiday season. Whether you experience post-holiday letdown or sail smoothly into January, this episode offers practical wisdom for families ready to refocus. The conversation explores how different families navigate the transition from busy holidays into a new year. Alicia shares how her family uses that restful week between Christmas and New Year's to regroup and prepare their hearts for what's ahead. Ginny describes how her family keeps excitement going by always looking forward to the next fun thing, from extended family celebrations to summer camp. The discussion dives deep into the power of assessment and goal-setting, particularly the importance of bringing children into these conversations. Both guests share how they help their kids understand not just what they're learning, but why they're learning it. From five-year-olds setting reading goals to eleven-year-olds tackling triple crown memory master, the conversation illustrates how ownership and understanding can motivate students of all ages. The episode also addresses promoting balanced growth in mind, body, and spirit. Alicia and Ginny emphasize recognizing where God is already at work in your family's life and joining Him there. They encourage parents to present a "feast" of opportunities without demanding mastery of everything, following children's curiosity to build relationships that last.
This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
National Number Knockout 2027
Does your student think math is boring? What if they stopped seeing math as drill work and started seeing it as an exciting mental sport? That's the power of National Number Knockout, a nationwide mental math competition that's transforming how students think about numbers.
Here's how basic Number Knockout works: Students ages 10-14 use three dice and a 6x6 grid to create as many mathematical equations as possible in just 60 seconds. It's fast, strategic, and seriously addictive. In spring of 2027, 16 national finalists will compete aboard a Caribbean cruise for grand prizes.
But the real win? Whether your student makes it to nationals or just plays at home, they're building lightning-fast mental math skills and genuine mathematical confidence—watching them fall in love with mathematics. National Number Knockout—where math becomes a game, and every student can win. Visit www.classicalconversations.com/n2k to find free resources and learn about the 2027 competition.
What if the most magical Christmas memories have nothing to do with the number of gifts under the tree? In this heartwarming episode, we're taking you on a journey across borders to discover how families in the United States and Mexico celebrate Christmas—and what we can learn from their beautiful, Christ-centered traditions. Join host Lisa Bailey as she sits down with Amy Jones (Classical Conversations curriculum developer and grandmother of ten) and Araceli Day (Academic Advisor for CC Mexico) for an intimate conversation about childhood memories, family traditions, and keeping Jesus at the center of our celebrations.
You'll discover:
- The profound symbolism behind a traditional Mexican piñata
- Why one family celebrates Three Kings Day instead of Christmas morning presents
- How a Jesse Tree can teach your children the prophecies of Christ's coming
- The nine-night tradition of Las Posadas that brings entire neighborhoods together
- Practical ways to combat commercialism without becoming the "Grinch"
- Why engaging all five senses can transform your family's Advent experience
But here's the real gift: Both guests share one simple practice that can revolutionize your Christmas season—no elaborate preparations required, no Pinterest-perfect crafts, just meaningful moments that point your family back to the reason for the season.
Whether you're drowning in holiday stress or simply longing for more meaning amid the tinsel and shopping lists, this conversation will refresh your perspective and equip you with practical wisdom to create a Christmas your children will remember forever—for all the right reasons.
This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
National Number Knockout 2027
Does your student think math is boring? What if they stopped seeing math as drill work and started seeing it as an exciting mental sport? That's the power of National Number Knockout, a nationwide mental math competition that's transforming how students think about numbers.
Here's how basic Number Knockout works: Students ages 10-14 use three dice and a 6x6 grid to create as many mathematical equations as possible in just 60 seconds. It's fast, strategic, and seriously addictive. In spring of 2027, 16 national finalists will compete aboard a Caribbean cruise for grand prizes.
But the real win? Whether your student makes it to nationals or just plays at home, they're building lightning-fast mental math skills and genuine mathematical confidence—watching them fall in love with mathematics. National Number Knockout—where math becomes a game, and every student can win. Visit www.classicalconversations.com/n2k to find free resources and learn about the 2027 competition.
Feeling overwhelmed by homeschooling? You're not alone. In this heartfelt conversation, host Delise Germond sits down with Kamilah Carter for an honest discussion about the challenges of homeschool motherhood—and the God who equips us for every moment. Kamilah opens up about a recent crisis that left her feeling helpless, sharing how she learned to lean on community, trust God in the fire, and recognize her daily need for grace.
Together, they explore:
- Why the gap between our expectations and reality can leave us feeling like we're drowning
- The importance of Christian community in our homeschool journey
- How God uses our children to refine us and reveal our need for Him
- Practical wisdom about understanding our children's developmental stages
- The truth that God has fully equipped us through His Word for every good work
This isn't a conversation full of Pinterest-perfect advice or organizational hacks. Instead, it's a raw, encouraging reminder that homeschooling is a spiritual journey that requires us to return to the cross again and again—and that's exactly where God meets us.
This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman.
Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information.
www.WokeAndWeaponized.com
What happens when homeschool moms and their almost-grown kids get brutally honest about the best, worst, and most surprising moments of their classical education journey? Join Lisa Bailey for a heartfelt journey through the homeschool years with special guests Kelli Wilt, her daughter Libby, and Lisa's daughter Stephanie Meter. In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, three generations share their unfiltered perspectives on Classical Conversations, from favorite years and best assignments to honest regrets and surprising lessons learned.
Whether you're a brand-new homeschool parent or deep into your journey, you'll gain valuable insights on:
- Navigating parent-as-tutor dynamics
- Building lasting friendships through Classical Conversations
- The unexpected ways homeschooling transforms parents, not just students
- Why both graduates plan to homeschool their own children
- Practical tips on assignments, timeline projects, and Latin learning
This honest, laughter-filled conversation offers both encouragement and practical wisdom for homeschool families at every stage. Perfect for Classical Conversations families and anyone considering the classical Christian homeschool model.
This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.
Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
What if the best thing you could do for your child's education today is to send them outside? Join Lisa Bailey for an inspiring conversation with Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins and Ginny Yurich, creator of the 1000 Hours Outside movement and author of "Homeschooling: You're Doing It Right Just By Doing It." Discover how unstructured outdoor play develops every facet of child development—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. Ginny shares research-backed evidence that complex outdoor movements literally build brain structure and protect against cognitive decline. Both Leigh and Ginny share their paths to home education, from recognizing the limitations of institutional schooling to embracing a lifestyle of family-centered learning. Learn why they believe homeschooling is less about perfect curriculum and more about living life alongside your children. Hear honest stories about the modern childhood crisis—from kindergarteners facing 8-hour academic days to middle schoolers pulling out their hair from stress. The conversation challenges our cultural assumptions about what children truly need to thrive.
Resources:
https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/
This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College:
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
What if the simple act of cutting paper hearts or eating cinnamon rolls could become a cherished memory that lasts a lifetime? Join Lisa Bailey and Emma Bortins for a heartwarming conversation about the power of family traditions during the holiday season and beyond. As a young mother expecting her second child, Emma shares insights on starting new traditions while honoring those from both her and her husband William's families. Lisa brings decades of experience creating meaningful moments that have shaped her daughters' lives—including a 38-year Christmas tradition that will make you rethink how your family celebrates.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why traditions are more than routines—they're the stories that knit hearts together
- How to blend traditions from different families without spinning out of control
- Creative examples like the Christmas cross tradition, storytelling plates, and Thanksgiving ad libs
- The surprising truth about who really keeps family traditions alive
Whether you're just beginning your homeschool journey or you're a seasoned family looking to refresh your traditions, this conversation will inspire you to be intentional about creating moments your children will treasure forever. Perfect timing as the holidays approach!
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College:
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling?
Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
"Wait, we're supposed to do WHAT in front of everyone next week?" If those words just sent a little panic through your heart, take a deep breath. Kelli and Lisa have been there, done that, survived the chaos, and they're here to tell you it's going to be better than fine—it might even be fun. Join host Delise with Classical Conversations veterans Kelli Wilt and Lisa Bailey for an encouraging conversation about family presentations in CC community. Whether you're preparing for your first family presentation or you're a seasoned homeschooler looking for fresh ideas, this episode takes the fear out of public speaking and shows how holiday-themed presentations offer unique opportunities to share your family's story and build deeper community connections.
Kelli and Lisa share heartwarming and hilarious stories from years of family presentations—including an escaped hamster that turned opening assembly into a community-wide search party, and a musically-challenged dad whose off-beat performance endeared him to children all year long.
What You'll Learn:
- How to define and approach family presentations in Classical Conversations
- Why weekly presentations give children lifelong confidence in public speaking
- Creative holiday presentation ideas for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentine's Day, and more
- Practical preparation tips: respecting 5-7 minute time limits, practicing at home, and involving your children in planning
- How to consider each family member's personality and strengths when assigning roles
- Why visual aids and audience engagement matter when presenting to a room full of children
- The importance of teaching your children to be active, engaged listeners during other families' presentations
Your community isn't looking for perfection or professional presentations—they simply want to know your family better. The only way to do a family presentation wrong is not to do it at all. This episode will leave you equipped, encouraged, and ready to share what makes your family unique with your Classical Conversations community.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Classical Conversations Alumni Network
Classical Conversations launched its Alumni Network in May 2025, creating the first comprehensive platform for CC graduates and parents to stay connected beyond Challenge IV. Discover job opportunities, network with fellow alumni, and access exclusive content featuring CC success stories.
Learn more at https://ccalumni.network/ and join the community that's empowering CC alumni and parents to connect, thrive, and inspire through their shared legacy of Christian, classical education.
What if the learning challenge that terrifies you most could become your greatest gift as a homeschooling parent? Join host Lisa Bailey in this heartfelt conversation with veteran homeschool moms Karin Carpenter and Courtney Bradshaw as they share their journeys educating children with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences.
In this honest and encouraging episode, you'll discover:
- Early warning signs of learning challenges (including surprising indicators like eye rubbing and trouble with stairs)
- Practical accommodations that worked in real classical homeschool families
- Why labeling a child's diagnosis too early—or too late—can both have consequences
- How sensory input, movement, and alternative learning methods benefit ALL learners, not just those with diagnosed differences
- The surprising ways learning challenges deepened these mothers' faith and revealed their own pride
- Why home education may be the ideal environment for neurodivergent learners
- Real stories of children with dyslexia earning master's degrees and heading to law school
Karin and Courtney offer practical wisdom without sugar-coating the struggles, reminding us that our children are not their diagnoses. Through tears, prayer, and persistence, these moms learned to become students of their own children—and in the process, the Lord transformed their hearts.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.
Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
CC Graduate Certificate in Classical Studies
Classical Conversations is excited to announce the launch of our new accredited Graduate Certificate in Classical Studies, a 12-credit hour program designed specifically for homeschooling parents who want to deepen their understanding of classical Christian education. This graduate certificate program provides academic recognition for your dedication to classical learning while offering a pathway to advanced study through our partnership with Southeastern University.
Register today to secure your spot in this transformative educational experience. https://ics.regfox.com/ma-certificate
What if gratitude isn't just a polite "thank you," but a powerful spiritual discipline that transforms how we see God, our trials, and even our daily blessings? Join Amy, Michelle, and Charity for a heartwarming conversation about cultivating gratitude in our homes and hearts. In this special Thanksgiving episode, these three friends explore the true meaning of gratitude—from Webster's 1828 definition to powerful biblical passages that shape how we practice thankfulness.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- How gratitude is "an emotion of the heart excited by a favor or benefit received"—and why it matters for our spiritual formation
- Meaningful scriptures on thankfulness, including insights from Romans 1, Psalm 100, and 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- Practical family traditions for cultivating gratitude
- Literary and personal examples of grateful living
- How to help children understand the cost of gifts and develop genuine appreciation
- The powerful connection between gratitude and grace in our daily walk with the Lord
Whether you're looking for fresh ideas to incorporate into your family's Thanksgiving celebrations or simply need encouragement to cultivate a more grateful heart, this conversation will inspire you to embrace what Alexander Maclaren called "the crowded kindnesses of God."
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Classical Conversations Alumni Network
Classical Conversations launched its Alumni Network in May 2025, creating the first comprehensive platform for CC graduates and parents to stay connected beyond Challenge IV. Discover job opportunities, network with fellow alumni, and access exclusive content featuring CC success stories.
Learn more at https://ccalumni.network/ and join the community that's empowering CC alumni and parents to connect, thrive, and inspire through their shared legacy of Christian, classical education.
The holidays can be the most wonderful—and most complicated—time of the year. From navigating family dynamics to keeping Christ at the center while culture shouts louder, how do we love our neighbors well when everything feels extra?
Join Lisa Bailey, Delise Germond, and Alicia Clark for an honest, refreshing conversation about navigating the holiday season with grace. These three homeschool moms get real about the joys and stressors of the holidays—from gift-giving anxiety and packed schedules to tricky family encounters and teaching kids about Santa (or not!).
You'll laugh, nod along, and maybe even tear up as they discuss:
- The tension between materialistic pressure and generous gift-giving
- How to set expectations early (before the post-turkey bombshell!)
- Managing the "busyness of good things" while leaving margin for rest
- Teaching children to focus on Jesus when culture is screaming something else
- Practical ways to love your neighbors during emotionally tender seasons
- What to do when relatives press hot-button issues at family gatherings
- Creative approaches to Halloween that honor your values
Whether you're a holiday enthusiast or someone who dreads the stress, this conversation offers wisdom, solidarity, and actionable ideas for making the season truly about loving God and loving others well. Plus, you'll get some genius life hacks (double batch those favorite recipes!) that just might save your December sanity.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College:
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.
Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
What if homeschooling could feel like discovering Narnia while everyone else is just playing hide and seek? In this inspiring episode of Everyday Educator, Lisa Bailey connects with Janine Bell, Country Coordinator for Classical Conversations in the United Kingdom, for a fascinating conversation about building classical Christian communities across the pond. Janine shares her family's pioneering journey as home educators in a country where most people still think homeschooling is illegal—and how God has used Classical Conversations to transform not just education, but entire family cultures.
What You'll Discover:
- The surprising history of home education in the UK (and why most Brits thought it was against the law!)
- How Classical Conversations is helping rebuild community and authentic conversation in a culture known for its "stiff upper lip"
- The story of the UK's first CC graduate and the miraculous provision of classical Christian universities
- Real barriers facing home educators in Britain—including pending legislation that could restrict parental freedom
- Why British Christians struggle with the idea that homeschooling might be "hiding their light" (and Janine's powerful response)
- How God is using "the new dog to teach the old dog" as America shares classical education with its British roots
- Janine's transparency about her own doubts and discoveries—from making report cards at home to becoming the UK's country coordinator—offers hope to every parent who wonders if they're equipped for this calling. Her passion for seeing families discover the "Narnia" of classical community is absolutely contagious.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.
Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Forget the red pen and grade book—what if the best way to assess your child's learning had nothing to do with tests at all?
In this episode of the Everyday Educator, Lisa Bailey sits down with veteran homeschoolers Deb Switzer and Tim Knotts to revolutionize how we think about assessment in classical education. Both seasoned parents and community directors share their hard-won wisdom about moving beyond artifact-grading to truly knowing what our children are learning—and who they're becoming.
What You'll Discover:
- Why conversation trumps testing as the gold standard for assessment
- How to set meaningful learning goals that look different for each child (even in the same family!)
- The truth about Blue Book assessments—what they are, how to use them well, and common pitfalls to avoid
- Practical strategies for assessing younger children through narration and wonder
- Why assessing virtue and character matters as much as academic milestones
- How to help students learn to assess themselves—a crucial life skill
Whether you're navigating Foundations with littles or guiding a Challenge student through their first Blue Book, this conversation offers both encouragement and concrete tools for the journey. Deb and Tim's transparency about their own learning curves reminds us that we're all growing alongside our children.
This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Feeling in over your head with homeschooling? You're not alone.
Every homeschool parent hits that wall—when the toddler is pulling everything off the shelves, five kids are asking questions at once, and you're wondering if you're failing everyone, including yourself. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, veteran homeschool moms Courtney Bradshaw and Karin Carpenter join host Amy Jones to talk about the seasons when homeschooling feels overwhelming. In this episode, you'll discover:
- · Why those "in over my head" moments are actually normal (and might even be necessary)
- · How to recognize when you're spread too thin—and what to do about it
- · The surprising antidote to homeschool loneliness (hint: it's not just about finding time)
- · Practical strategies for recalibrating when everything feels like too much
- · Why celebrating others' victories can sustain you through your own hard days
- · How to assess whether the problem is your curriculum, your schedule, or your heart
Both Courtney (mom of seven, including three adopted from foster care) and Karin (veteran of 15+ years homeschooling four children) share vulnerable stories from their own journeys—the days they wanted to quit, the moments they crashed at Jesus' feet, and the unexpected ways God met them in their weakness. Their wisdom is hard-won and deeply encouraging.
This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
The Classical Learning Cohort
Are you ready to invest in your own education? Would you like to learn alongside others? Check out the Classical Learning Cohort!
Learn More! Register for a free online event at www.classicalconversations.com/cohort
Ever wonder why some homeschool families seem to have it all figured out while others are still drowning in chaos weeks into the school year? The secret isn't perfect planning—it's finding your groove. Join Lisa Bailey and seasoned homeschool veteran Jennifer Hester for a candid, rapid-fire conversation about what it really takes to get into the homeschool groove. Jennifer brings over a decade of classical education experience as both a parent and tutor, shepherding her own kids from foundations through Challenge levels while pursuing her doctorate. You'll discover the real reason community day leaves everyone exhausted (hint: it's not just you), Jennifer's genius crock-pot lunch hack that will change your community day forever, and why the jump to Challenge levels is harder on parents than students. Jennifer shares her car ride conversation strategy that unlocks deeper connections with your kids and explains how letting go of elaborate lesson plans actually made her a better tutor. The conversation covers which grade transitions hit families the hardest and how to ease the adjustment, along with honest insights about everything from forgotten shoes to flashcard drawers. This isn't your typical "homeschool perfectly" advice. Instead, Jennifer proves that finding your groove isn't about perfection—it's about creating sustainable rhythms that work for your unique family.
This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.
Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise
Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!
Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026
Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group.
Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!
What comes after Classical Conversations? If you've loved the journey of learning alongside your children but wonder where they can continue growing in faith and academics, this conversation is for you. Join Lisa as she explores Judson College with Director of College Life Jake Hatfield and CC graduate Elinor Taylor. Discover how this small North Carolina college creates a seamless bridge from Classical Conversations to higher education through their Great Books program, where students wrestle with Augustine, Dante, and Aquinas in seminar-style discussions. Elinor shares how her CC foundation in memorization, writing, and Socratic dialogue prepared her to thrive in college, while Jake explains their unique house system that builds lifelong community around their mission to "equip students to give their lives for the cause of Christ in the church, among the nations, and in every aspect of society." Whether your student dreams of ministry, missions, or the marketplace, learn how Judson's five C's (calling, confession, curriculum, community, and cost) might be the perfect next chapter for your family's educational adventure.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable. Ready to answer your calling?
Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life.
https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Can you really do Classical Conversations without all the technology? What does homeschooling look like when you're juggling a full-time job? And how do you prepare for a successful CC year without losing your mind over the summer? Join Kelli Wilt and Lisa Bailey in this special Q&A episode of Everyday Educator! Drawing from over two decades of homeschooling experience, Lisa tackles real questions from the CC community about memory work without technology, summer preparation for a successful year, navigating upper-level students, homeschooling as a working parent, and overcoming first-generation homeschooler fears. This candid conversation offers practical wisdom for both new and seasoned classical educators, emphasizing relationship-building, flexibility, and trusting the journey. Whether you're just starting out or transitioning to challenge levels, you'll find encouragement and actionable advice for your classical homeschool adventure.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College:
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.
Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
What if the "chaos" of homeschooling multiple children is actually the secret to better learning? Two experienced homeschool moms with 7 and 8 children respectively share their hard-won wisdom on successfully educating large families. Courtney and Sarah break down the myths about homeschooling multiple children and reveal practical strategies for managing different ages, handling the chaos of littles during lessons, and creating a rhythm (not rigid schedule) that works. From filling little cups first thing in the morning to empowering older siblings as learning mentors, they offer concrete solutions for common challenges like toddlers climbing on tables during grammar lessons and juggling individual needs without losing your sanity. Whether you have two kids or ten, you'll discover why doing fewer things well beats trying to recreate separate grade-level classrooms at home, and how the one-room schoolhouse model actually makes learning more natural and effective for everyone.
This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College:
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Ever wish you could sit down with a homeschool graduate and ask: "What do you wish someone had told you?" Here's that conversation. In this episode, host Lisa Bailey interviews a recent Classical Conversations graduate who completed the entire program. This candid conversation reveals the unvarnished truth about homeschooling's challenges and triumphs from someone who lived it. The discussion covers essential wisdom about procrastination, time management, and learning to take ownership of your education. Listeners hear about the notorious Challenge B year when parent-child relationships are tested, the moment when all the pieces of classical education finally connect, and how tools like anti-charts and logical thinking continue serving graduates in real-world situations. For parents questioning their educational investment and students feeling overwhelmed by Challenge program responsibilities, this conversation provides both encouragement and practical strategies drawn from lived experience navigating the full classical education journey.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort and Judson College:
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.
Feeling overwhelmed by homeschool chaos? You're not alone—and there's hope! Delise and Lisa chat with experienced homeschool mom Emily Phillip about the reality of creating sustainable rhythms for your homeschool family. Whether you're managing littles or navigating the challenge years, discover practical strategies for building routines that work—from morning flags that anchor your day to teaching teens independence through scheduling. Learn why "anything worth doing is worth doing poorly at first," how to give yourself grace during overwhelming seasons, and why slowing down might be the secret ingredient your family needs. Perfect for moms at every stage of the homeschool journey who want to move from surviving to thriving.
Resources:
Emily’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emilythehomeschooler Blessings and Motherhood episode with Emily: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJGep_dcueU
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College:
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
CC Plus Concurrent Enrollment:
The Concurrent Enrollment Program is a flexible opportunity to earn college credit from an accredited Christian university while honoring homeschool families and program parameters contained in the Challenge Guide. Your student can remain in community while earning college credit for the work they are already doing which means community and mentoring stay in place while practicing the skills of learning through college!
Register now or learn more by going to classicalconversationsplus.com/concurrent-enrollment-program.
Does the thought of preparing for a new homeschool year feel overwhelming? You're not alone! Join host Lisa Bailey with seasoned homeschool veterans Amy Jones (22 years of experience!) and Courtney Bradshaw (Academic Advisor and mom to seven) as they share battle-tested strategies for launching your Foundations year with confidence.
From setting realistic family learning goals to creating peaceful learning spaces, managing supplies for multiple children, and transitioning kids from summer mode back to academics—these moms reveal the secrets that can make or break your homeschool year. Whether you're a first-time Foundations family or returning with a new mix of ages, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom you can implement right now.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College and Classical Conversations Plus Undergraduate Program
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Classical Conversations Plus Undergraduate Program
Your Purpose Made Approachable…
Whether that is a degree, a discipline, or a deeper understanding of interests, CC Plus Undergrad can help. Our unique relationship with Southeastern University provides multiple opportunities and options for enrolling as a degree-seeking student at Southeastern University, which allows for a continued pursuit of lifelong learning, making passion and purpose approachable whether you are a CC graduate or CC parent.
To learn more about the CC Plus Undergrad Program or to begin your journey of pursuing your next season of learning, go to www.classicalconversationsplus.com/undergraduate-program
Are you staring at that Essentials schedule feeling somewhere between curious and completely overwhelmed? You're definitely not alone! Whether you're a nervous first-timer wondering how your little one will survive a full day at community, or you're coming back for round two, this episode is your roadmap to Essentials success.
Join host Kelli as she sits down with two CC veterans who've walked this path: Ginny, fresh from her first year juggling both tutoring AND parenting an Essentials student (spoiler: she survived!), and Lanelle, a 20-year CC veteran who now helps develop the very curriculum your kids will be learning. Together, they tackle the big questions every parent asks: What mindset shifts do I need to make? How do I prep without stressing? What does this actually look like at home? And most importantly—how do I hold it all with grace when the tears come (and they might)?
Packed with practical tips, honest stories, and that "easy plus one" wisdom that will change your whole approach, this conversation will leave you feeling equipped, encouraged, and maybe even excited about the Essentials journey ahead.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College and 2026 Classical Conversations Family Cruise
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable. Ready to answer your calling?
Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life.
https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Have you heard? The Classical Conversations 2026 CC Family Cruise will set sail on May 16, 2026. This exciting adventure is open to all CC families and alumni. It will include the National Memory Master Competition, National Commencement, and special CC family activities. Interest is booming with over 800 people interested in cruising with us and cabins are selling out fast!
Book your cabin now at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026
Remember, to participate in the CC activities you need to book through the CC group. Grab your sunscreen, your beach bag. and join us on board!
Feeling overwhelmed about the upcoming school year? You're not alone. In this episode of Everyday Educator, academic advisors Deb and Emily break down exactly how to set your family up for a stellar Classical Conversations Challenge year—without the stress. They reveal the one resource most parents skip that leads to major headaches later, share why doing assignments alongside your student creates the most memorable learning moments, and give level-by-level insider tips that will save you from common pitfalls. Whether you're a first-time Challenge parent or a seasoned homeschooler, discover how small preparation steps now can transform your entire year from chaotic to confident.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College and the Classical Learning Cohort:
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable. Ready to answer your calling?
Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life.
https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving assessments, while experiencing transformative growth as a classical Christian educator.
Want to learn more? Attend a free, online, Experience the CLC event at classicalconversations.com/cohort.
What if the secret to thriving in motherhood isn't doing more, but doing less? In this heartfelt conversation, veteran homeschool moms Shelly Stockton and Amy share hard-won wisdom about mentorship, marriage, and motherhood through the lens of Titus 2:3-5. After collectively homeschooling for nearly 50 years and raising eight children, these "Titus 2 women" offer refreshingly honest insights about their biggest mistakes—like being too busy and losing sight of priorities—and the mentors who shaped their journeys. From practical advice on loving your husband first to speaking life over your children, this episode provides both encouragement for weary moms and a roadmap for those entering a new season of mentoring others. Whether you're in the thick of raising little ones or wondering what comes next after the homeschool years, you'll find wisdom, grace, and hope for every stage of motherhood.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College:
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable. Ready to answer your calling?
Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life.
https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Are you accidentally teaching your children that performance matters more than their hearts? In this eye-opening episode, host Lisa Bailey sits down with homeschool veteran Alicia Clark to explore a counter-cultural truth: the families who put relationships before academics often end up excelling at both. With 11 years of Classical Conversations experience and three children ranging from 9 to 15, Alicia reveals why heart-first homeschooling creates stronger students AND stronger families.
You'll discover:
-
- Why the "little years" might actually be the hardest to homeschool (and it's not what you think)
-
- The surprising truth about what creates teachable children
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- How to recognize when heart issues are masquerading as academic struggles
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- Why math often becomes the great "heart revealer" in homeschool families
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- The "cat years" phenomenon and how to stay connected with middle schoolers
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- Simple rhythms that build relationship while maintaining academic progress
The bottom line: Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. When we shepherd our children's hearts first, we create an atmosphere where learning flourishes naturally—and we raise adults who know how to love their world well.
Whether you're drowning in curriculum choices or wondering if you're "academic enough," this conversation will remind you that the most important lessons happen in the heart, not the textbook.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable. Ready to answer your calling?
Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life.
https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
"Am I really ready for this?" If you've ever wrestled with doubts about starting your homeschool journey, you're definitely not alone.
In this encouraging episode of Everyday Educator, host Kelly Wilt sits down with two seasoned homeschool moms, Lynne and Dede, who share their honest stories about taking the leap into homeschooling—even when they didn't feel completely prepared. From overcoming fears about what others would think to discovering that homeschooling doesn't mean recreating a classroom at home, this conversation offers practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for parents standing on the edge of this big decision. Learn why "readiness" isn't about having everything figured out, how God's grace fills the gaps we feel so deeply, and why community is essential for the journey. Whether you're a parent considering homeschooling or already walking this path, this episode reminds us that God doesn't always call the equipped—He equips those He has called.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable. Ready to answer your calling?
Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life.
https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
What if the biggest challenge to homeschooling a child with special needs isn't the child—but getting yourself out of the way? Join host Lisa Bailey as she sits down with two homeschooling moms, Ginny Tran and Jody Priest, who share their real-world experiences raising children with Down syndrome, Tourette's, and OCD. From discovering diagnoses to navigating daily learning challenges, these mothers offer honest insights about slowing down, riding the waves of changing needs, and finding strength in community. Whether you're homeschooling a neurodivergent child or simply wondering how to better serve each child's unique learning style, this conversation will challenge you to see every child's "special needs" as simply different ways of experiencing the world.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.
Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Have you heard? National Memory Master and National Commencement are moving to the Classical Conversations family cruise in 2026. This cruise isn’t just to celebrate CC graduates and memory masters, it’s for all CC families! You can connect with CC leaders and families at all stages of their journey and turn education into a memorable family adventure as you explore the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Check out our landing page at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026.
What if the secret to making math enjoyable for your kids was already sitting in your game closet? Join Delise Germond and Babs Harrell, two self-proclaimed "non-math moms" who discovered their love for numbers later in life, as they share creative ways to weave mathematical thinking into your family's summer activities. From turning Uno into algebra practice to finding God's patterns in stop signs, this episode will completely transform how you view math education. Whether your child is 3 or 13, you'll walk away with practical ideas that prove math isn't just about worksheets—it's about discovering the beautiful order God placed throughout His creation. Plus, hear Babs's inspiring story of how prayer and perseverance helped her succeed in a master's level math course, proving it's never too late to embrace the challenge of learning something new.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort and Judson College
The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving assessments, while experiencing transformative growth as a classical Christian educator. Want to learn more? Attend a free, online, Experience the CLC event at classicalconversations.com/cohort.
At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable. Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
Did you know your kitchen is already a fully-equipped science lab? Join host Delise Germond and guest Amy Jones as they explore how to embrace scientific wonder during the summer months without the overwhelm. Amy, a seasoned homeschool mom of four, shares practical ways to integrate science exploration into daily rhythms—from breakfast table observations to backyard investigations. Discover why rest and wonder are essential to learning, how to manage the "mess" of hands-on science, and get a treasure trove of simple activity ideas using everyday household items. Whether you're dealing with science anxiety or looking for fresh inspiration, this conversation will help you see that science is everywhere—and your home is the perfect laboratory for fostering curiosity and discovering God's amazing creation.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Have you heard? National Memory Master and National Commencement are moving to the Classical Conversations family cruise in 2026. This cruise isn’t just to celebrate CC graduates and memory masters, it’s for all CC families! You can connect with CC leaders and families at all stages of their journey and turn education into a memorable family adventure as you explore the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Check out our landing page at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026.
What if summer reading could be the highlight of your child's day instead of a dreaded chore? Forget everything you think you know about summer reading! Lisa, Delise, and Kelly Wilt reveal the secret that transforms reluctant readers into eager learners: making reading active. Whether you have a natural bookworm or a kid who'd rather be anywhere but sitting still, discover practical strategies for every type of learner. From blanket fort reading nooks to Mad Hatter tea parties, these aren't just reading activities—they're memory-making adventures that keep young minds sharp all summer long. Learn how to turn any book into a hands-on experience, why your kitchen might be the best reading classroom, and how to help active kids see reading as their next great adventure. Plus get book recommendations that hook even resistant readers and discover resources that give you instant activity ideas. Say goodbye to summer slide and hello to a season where learning feels like play!
Resources:
Book Series Mentioned
- Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery
- Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
- Redwall series by Brian Jacques (especially recommended for boys)
- Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish
- Sandra Boynton books (including "Snuggle Puppy")
Specific Books Referenced
- Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
- Bread and Jam for Francis by Russell Hoban
- Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
- How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
- Agatha Christie mysteries
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by The Math Map: Digits, Integers, and Fractions
The Math Map series by Classical Conversations offers a unique, Christ-centered approach to mathematics that emphasizes the language of math in a natural learning environment. The curriculum follows a "one family schoolhouse" approach with consistent 32-page booklets that focus on building foundational mathematical skills in a classical, structured environment. Discover how your family can celebrate God's design of mathematical order.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map today to transform your family's math experience!
What do charging elephants and frustrated homeschool parents have in common? More than you might think. In this engaging episode of Everyday Educator, Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins shares her recent adventure taking a photography course in Botswana with her husband. What started as a vacation quickly became a masterclass in learning dynamics when Leigh realized she naturally learns classically—even when her instructor doesn't teach that way. Through five days of "butting heads" with her teacher while capturing stunning wildlife photos, Leigh discovered profound insights about perseverance, community learning, and why the perfect classroom setup still leads to conflict. This episode offers encouragement for homeschool parents who struggle with difficult learning days, showing that even adult learners face challenges and that giving up is often the default human response. Leigh also introduces the new MathMap Monomials program for Challenge B students.
Key Discussion Points: • Why even "perfect" learning conditions still involve struggle and conflict • How community support prevents students from giving up • Why it's the student's responsibility to learn, not the teacher's to educate • The importance of tailoring instruction to different learning styles • How cross-training and "breaking things" are essential parts of learning • Why parents often become the biggest obstacles to their children's learning
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by The Math Map: Monomials
The Math Map Monomials helps families practice introductory algebraic computation together using classical skills that prepare students for the mathematical conversation of the ages. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map/ today to transform your family's math experience!
Can your kids spot a red herring in a political debate? In this engaging episode, hosts Lisa and Delise chat with Kathy Gibbens, creator of the "Filter It Through a Brain Cell" podcast, about teaching critical thinking to the next generation. Kathy shares how watching her daughter's Challenge A class master logical fallacies during the chaos of 2020 inspired her podcast—while their peers got caught in emotional roller coasters, these students remained remarkably calm and clear-headed because they simply couldn't be fooled by bad thinking. The conversation explores cognitive biases, those mental shortcuts that can limit our ability to see truth clearly, and discusses how acknowledging our biases leads to more humble, curious conversations. With practical insights on responding to disagreement with curiosity rather than defensiveness and navigating AI's role in education, this episode equips parents to raise children who don't just know truth—but love it enough to seek it wisely.
Resources:
https://www.filteritthroughabraincell.com/
Fallacy Detective: https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/products/as059?srsltid=AfmBOorID38ZsDkPd7-z2QFdefk01Gfvle4z8Zw52655qXArZsM7JjwI
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Copper Lodge Library 2025 New Releases
Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases and take advantage of savings of up to $30 off in April.
In this heartfelt episode of The Everyday Educator, host Kelli Wilt welcomes the 2025 National Memory Master Champion, Evangeline, and her parents, Jason and Trisha. Together, they reflect on the journey of preparing for and competing in the National Memory Master competition—from discovering Classical Conversations to walking across the stage in triumph.
Hear how Evangeline mastered her memory work (and the timeline—twice!), how her community supported her with creativity and prayer, and why her family views the experience as much more than just a competition. This inspiring conversation offers encouragement to homeschool families everywhere and a deeper look at how character, faith, and learning come together in Classical Conversations.
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by The Math Map: Monomials
The Math Map Monomials helps families practice introductory algebraic computation together using classical skills that prepare students for the mathematical conversation of the ages. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map/ today to transform your family's math experience!
What happens when the homeschool books close for summer? In this episode of Everyday Educator, discover how seasoned homeschool moms balance freedom and structure during the summer months. From beach trips and bedroom makeovers to spiritual growth and preparation for the next school year, our guests share candid stories and practical wisdom about creating meaningful summer rhythms that refresh both parents and children. Whether you're wondering if academics should continue or how to manage household chaos during vacation season, this conversation offers encouraging insights for every stage of the homeschool journey.
Resources:
Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity by Nancy Pearcey - Amazon
Episode Sponsored by The Math Map: Digits, Integers, and Fractions
The Math Map series by Classical Conversations offers a unique, Christ-centered approach to mathematics that emphasizes the language of math in a natural learning environment. The curriculum follows a "one family schoolhouse" approach with consistent 32-page booklets that focus on building foundational mathematical skills in a classical, structured environment. Discover how your family can celebrate God's design of mathematical order Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map today to transform your family's math experience!
What lasting legacy will your educational choices leave for generations to come? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey engages Delise and Olivia Walsh in a heartfelt conversation about building legacies through homeschooling. As second-generation homeschoolers now teaching their own children, they explore how educational choices shape family identity, discussing both the tangible and intangible inheritances that connect generations. The conversation moves beyond academic achievements to reveal how homeschooling fosters unique family cultures centered around learning, truth-seeking, and worship, offering listeners encouragement about the lasting impact of intentional family education.
Episode Sponsored by: Copper Lodge Library 2025 New Releases
Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases.
Ever wondered what's lost in Bible translations? In this enlightening episode, Delise interviews Kevin, founder of Biblingo, a language learning software for Biblical Greek and Hebrew. Kevin, a homeschooling father of four with a PhD from Hebrew University, explains how learning the original biblical languages provides a richer understanding of Scripture beyond what translations can offer. He shares how Biblingo makes these languages accessible through immersive learning with visual content, and how even young children can successfully learn to read Hebrew and Greek. Kevin discusses his family's experience implementing these languages in their homeschool routine and encourages listeners that consistency is key to mastering biblical languages.
Episode Sponsored by: Biblingo
Biblingo is a fun, interactive mobile and web app for learning Biblical Hebrew and Greek. Our proven methodology has been used by students as young as 4 and as old as 70, so you can learn along with your kids at any age. Transform how you read the Bible by learning Greek and Hebrew today! Visit Biblingo.org/homeschool for special homeschool pricing and use the code CC24-25 for an additional 15% off.
Learning Latin is absolutely attainable—for everyone! If you don’t believe that statement yet, you certainly will after you listen to guest Alexis Carrico in this episode. Alexis shares her story of learning Latin with her dyslexic son, and discovering the truth that everyone can learn what God has for them to learn with the right tools and attitude. Full of practical wisdom and giving us the inside scoop on her Jam with Latin program, this podcast will encourage your family to learn Latin—and like it.
https://www.jamwithlatin.com/
Consider your habits: are they good or bad? What good habits do you want to introduce to your children? What’s the best way to grow good habits? Listen this week as Lisa, Delise, and Amy Jones explore how good habits help us mine the richness of homeschooling.
Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases and take advantage of savings of up to $30 off in April.
Parents, what do you remember about Blue Book exams from your school days? How will you approach them with your own students? Listen in this week as Lisa and Emily Martin talk about the differences between tests and assessments; you’ll get a whole new perspective on end-of-the-year Blue Books! Our year-end assessments should be celebrations that point us back to our mission: to know God and to make Him known!
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment. Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com.
Feeling overwhelmed as your homeschool year winds down? You're not alone. Join host Lisa and veteran homeschooling mom Deb as they tackle the unique challenges of ending the academic year with purpose and celebration. These seasoned educators share heartfelt stories of triumph, tears, and transformation that occur in those crucial final weeks. Discover practical strategies for helping your children overcome end-of-year paralysis, manage multiple projects, and recognize their growth—both academic and spiritual. From calendar management to creating individual connection time with each child, this episode delivers actionable advice for turning exhaustion into exhilaration as you cross the finish line together.
America’s Christian Credit Union is proud to partner with Classical Conversations to provide a full suite of banking services to CC communities across the country. Whether you’re a Licensed Director looking for better business banking or a family seeking a financial partner that shares your values, we are here to serve. We invite you to join ACCU and enjoy the many benefits of membership, including competitive returns on deposits, low-rate loans, and a nationwide network of shared branches and surcharge-free ATMs via the Co-Op Network. Click here to learn more.
"Learning is a lifestyle, not just something you do at the school table." Join hosts Lisa Bailey and Delise Germond as they unveil an exciting new format for the Everyday Educator podcast, bringing together perspectives from different stages of the homeschooling journey. From grocery store math lessons to impromptu research sessions with curious kids, discover how education happens naturally in everyday moments. The hosts explain their expanded presence on YouTube and social media, inviting listeners to connect and share their own everyday educator experiences.
The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving assessments, while experiencing transformative growth as a classical Christian educator. Want to learn more?
Attend a free, online, Experience the CLC event at classicalconversations.com/cohort.
Are you a curious person? Do you LIKE to learn new things? What are the habits of good learners? What does a lead learner do? If you need encouragement to become a lead learner in your homeschool, join Lisa as her guests Delise Germond and Kelli Wilt give some practical tips (and some true confessions!) for becoming a lead learner for life.
The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving assessments, while experiencing transformative growth as a classical Christian educator.
Want to learn more? Attend a free, online, Experience the CLC event at classicalconversations.com/cohort.
Do you want to become a “keeper of the books”? In week’s episode guests Jennifer Courtney and Timothy Knotts talk about how to build a home library and pass along the love of reading in your family. They also introduce us to some new and old Copper Lodge Library editions that really are books worth holding on to!
Celebration. Skills practice. Self-confidence. Choices. Accomplishment. Joy. FUN! What are we talking about? The Faces of History project in Essentials, of course. By now most communities are in the thick of preparation for this “capstone” of the Essentials year. If you’d like some guidance, some fresh ideas, or just a little encouragement, listen in as Courtney Bradshaw, Sarah Pederson, and Kelli Wilt give Lisa some tips and inspiration.
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment. Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com
Parents, would you like to be a better teacher for your children? How about a better learner, for yourself? The Classical Learning Cohort is on a mission to help us all become better learners as we discover how to ask better questions and as we understand how to love those in front of us more hospitably. John and Rebecca Seo join Lisa in this episode, introducing us to the joys of the CLC and sharing how improving our skills will help us “flourish to the finish” of our journeys.
This week, explore all things “Protocol”—who it’s for, what to do, where to go, who can help. Academic Advisor Deborah Switzer lays it all out for Lisa and her listeners, while helping us understand the real point of all the pomp and circumstance.
Discover the joy of learning in arts-integrated classes that combine academic subjects with fine art. From cycle-specific history to biology to art history, our passionate teachers make learning creative, memorable, and fun! Registration is open now for summer and fall classes. Classical Conversations families enjoy $10 off any live class with the coupon code: CCFAM10OFF Visit www.delightfulartco.com and make learning delightful!
What’s a “capstone event”? What’s a “Mock Trial”? Inquiring minds want to know, and answers are just a listen away. Join Lisa as Academic Advisor Emily Martin provides the “why” “what” and “how” of Challenge B’s Mock Trial project. Find out how to help your student embrace all this event has to offer, sharpen their thinking skills, and develop the confidence that doing hard things brings.
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment. Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com
Classical educators read A LOT! Our students also read a lot and are introduced to a myriad of characters through the years. As parents and students discuss these books and characters, we may find that we’ve learned more than we realized about human nature in general and ourselves in particular. Listen to this episode with Stephanie Meter, Exposition Developer, as she shares how stories pass on insights that surface when we need it.
Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.
Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com
How is a transcript like a movie trailer? Which is made first, the trailer or the movie? Listen to the final episode in our series with Rachael Moriarty and discover how attending well to the education you live with your children will make creating a transcript easy and celebratory.
Tools for Transcripts Online Conference - www.classicaltools4change.com
Listen this week as Lisa and Rachael Moriarty continue their discussion on assessing. This episode explores the practicalities of assessment as well as the lifelong benefits. Join the conversation to learn how to discover how to make assessment the snapshot of your year, not the whole picture!
Tools for Transcripts Online Conference- www.classicaltools4change.com
What is assessment? When do we need to assess? What’s the connection between Sabbath and assessment? If these questions resonate with you, or if you just know you need to practice assessment within your homeschool even if you don’t want to, this episode is for you! Join Lisa as she gleans wisdom and new ideas from veteran homeschool mom and classical educator Rachael Moriarty. This is the first in a 3-part series!!
Tools for Transcripts Online Conference- www.classicaltools4change.com
Join Lisa and guest Kelli Wilt for some easy ideas for practicing memory work, whether Memory Master is your family’s goal or not. Find out how much fun preparing as a family can be, and what lasting benefits are realized by students who sharpen their skills of memorization.
Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey.
Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/
Burning questions need answers! Today on the episode Lisa answers some recent questions posed by listeners, from beginning this awesome/scary/new journey to keeping “finished early” teens plugged in.
Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey.
Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/
Please enjoy this special holiday re-run of one of our most downloaded episodes.
One of the more profound lessons “from down the road” may well be that there is more to homeschooling than academic pursuits. Join veteran homeschool moms Shelly Stockton and Lisa Bailey as they discuss building character, spiritual habits, relational maturity, and practical life skills while living and learning at home with their girls. Discover how a classical education lived out in community (both home and CC) provides the environment for learning the biggest lessons of life.
Merry Christmas from the Everyday Educator Podcast family! We hope you will enjoy this collection of Christmas thoughts and read alouds, and hope you might share it with your family. May the power and beauty of Christmas be yours this season.
If Christmas is feeling a little flat at your house, maybe you need to take another look at the “old familiar story”. Join guest pastor David Bailey as he shares ideas on reconnecting with the wonder of Christmas by thinking about the story in fresh ways.
Classical Learning Cohorts help CC Directors, Tutors, and Parent-Teachers grow in confidence and competence with the classical tools of learning and as classical educators. Curious about our cohorts or ready to apply for a seat? Register at classicalconversations.com/cohort
The homeschooling journey may look different for every family; it may indeed be like a kaleidoscope, changing the view as you “change the filter”! Sometimes it helps to hear from others on the same path. This episode introduces you to Charity Brown and Delise Germond, two homeschool moms on different ends of the journey. Listen, and be encouraged.
Life is busy! Download audio versions of the articles from the Catalog and listen while you’re in the car, working out, or forward an episode to a friend. To listen to articles that will equip and encourage you no matter where you are in your homeschooling journey go to ClassicalConversations.com/Catalog-Articles
Looking for a great family read aloud this Advent season? Or a family-friendly movie to take in? Listen in to this review of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! A favorite read for years, a new version of the movie is in theaters now. A few faithful fans (and CC moms!) have some heartfelt reasons to recommend it to your family!
Kick off the Christmas season with a heartwarming story that captures the true joy and meaning of Christmas. Filled with laughter, unforgettable moments, and a message of love and grace, this movie will remind you that no one is beyond the reach of hope.
Bring the whole family and don’t miss out—see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on the big screen now in theatres! Buy Tickets Here
As we dive into the holiday season, we’re all looking for ways to simplify our routines, celebrate memorably, and welcome guests warmly. Join Lisa and guest Amy Jones for some practical (and inspiring) ideas on how to draw everyone into your holiday rhythm.
Life is busy! Download audio versions of the articles from the Catalog and listen while you’re in the car, working out, or forward an episode to a friend. To listen to articles that will equip and encourage you no matter where you are in your homeschooling journey go to ClassicalConversations.com/Catalog-Articles
Does the idea of pursuing Foundations Memory Master intrigue your family or intimidate your family? Whether you’re on the fence, or rarin’ to go, this episode of EE podcast will encourage you. Kelli Wilt joins Lisa to discuss how the Memory Master opportunity can be a stretch and grow opportunity for the whole family.
Classical Learning Cohorts help CC Directors, Tutors, and Parent-Teachers grow in confidence and competence with the classical tools of learning and as classical educators.
Curious about our cohorts or ready to apply for a seat? Register at classicalconversations.com/cohort
Is assessing ever a blessing?? According to guest Kelli Wilt, that depends on your perspective! Join host Lisa Bailey as Kelli shares how Blue Book exams can be a celebration of what we know, and an opportunity to indulge in some deep conversations. Parents, you’ll hear some helpful tips for preparing for Blue Books all semester long; directors, Kelli gives some great practical ideas for making Blue Books fun!
Conversations, wonder, art, patterns…does this sound like math time at your home? If not, maybe you’d enjoy math more if you made the switch to The Math Map! If you are wondering about this classical, one-room-schoolhouse approach to math, listen as Curriculum Assistant Babs Harrell gives us an inside look at an amazing new resource: The Math Map.
Life is busy! Download audio versions of the articles from the Catalog and listen while you’re in the car, working out, or forward an episode to a friend. To listen to articles that will equip and encourage you no matter where you are in your homeschooling journey go to ClassicalConversations.com/Catalog-Articles
Listen in this week as Academic Advisor Emily Martin shares practical tips and wisdom for enjoying the science fair project as a family. What exactly will your student learn? How can you be the best advisor and lead learner for this segment of the Challenge A journey? Don’t give up—listen in!
Curious about homeschooling? Want to see Classical Conversations in action? Visit an Open House, where you’ll interact with parents, students, Tutors, and Directors in a local setting and discover the joy of our community-based approach. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience homeschooling in action! Find an Open House near you at https://classicalconversations.com/events/.
When your children are very young, what does homeschooling look like? Is there a schedule? Do I need lesson plans? What curriculum do I use? Parents who want to know how “getting started” should look will love this episode! Amy Jones joins Lisa to share some thoughts worth remembering and some encouragements that will start your journey off on the right foot. Practical ideas shared with love and humor!
Curious about homeschooling? Want to see Classical Conversations in action? Visit an Open House, where you’ll interact with parents, students, Tutors, and Directors in a local setting and discover the joy of our community-based approach. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience homeschooling in action! Find an Open House near you at https://classicalconversations.com/events/
If shepherding your Challenge student through unfamiliar assignments has you scratching your head, this is the podcast for you! Experienced mom and CC director Deborah Switzer joins Lisa to talk about making learning together a blessing. Bonus: get all the inspiration and practical help you need to make the Art Grant Proposal (Challenge II) a favored assignment.
Celebrating together! Has your student or community done something noteworthy? We are collecting these stories, accomplishments, and events to celebrate and share the excitement of homeschooling. Please provide as much information as possible to completely tell the story. Share your story at http://www.classicalconversations.com/celebrate-together
What’s the best part of a treasure hunt, the prize or the hunt? Listen in as Lisa and guest Jennifer Courtney explore how the best education is the treasure hunt your family makes through God’s creation. The simple yet profound process of “echoing in celebration” is explored, and the catechesis wheel comes to life as these experienced homeschool moms recall some lessons that shaped their understanding.
Blog post to check out! https://classicalconversations.com/blog/catechesis-wheel/
Discover the clarity you need to make the best decision for your family’s educational needs at one of our Information Meetings. Connect with experienced CC parents, learn about our unique classical, Christian programs, and find out if attending an Open House is your next step.
Take control of your homeschooling journey by attending an Information Meeting. Find an Info Meeting near you at https://classicalconversations.com/events/.
Reading, ‘Riting, “Rithmetic…we all know we want our kids to know the basics. But surely that’s not all, and certainly those aren’t the most important “basics”! Listen to some thoughts from veteran homeschool moms Brittany Lewis and Kelli Wilt as they talk to Lisa about planting the seeds of some more important fruits of knowledge.
Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey. Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/
For parents with multiple kids, homeschooling can feel like a juggling act! How can we make the ideal of the one-room schoolhouse come alive at our houses?? This week’s guest, Denise McLain, offers encouragement and practical tips for larger families who want to learn together. Bonus: hear how The Math Map has revitalized her family’s math education!
Curious about homeschooling? Want to see Classical Conversations in action? Visit an Open House, where you’ll interact with parents, students, Tutors, and Directors in a local setting and discover the joy of our community-based approach.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience homeschooling in action! Find an Open House near you at https://classicalconversations.com/events/.
It’s the ultimate crossover episode . . . Delise and Ginny are joined by CC legend and host of the Everyday Educator podcast Lisa Bailey! Lisa recently became a grandmother, so in this conversation, she chats about parenting versus grandparenting. As a parent, she was often so focused on doing everything right that she missed out on opportunities to enjoy the small, simple moments of her children just growing up. But now, as she is blessed with the chance to relive those moments with her grandson, she can be more present and treasure every minute. Of course, with the much-anticipated release of Scribblers at Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learning, Lisa also talks about her involvement in creating this new Classical Conversations® resource and what it really means to play intentionally with our children. Finally, she shares some practical tips for setting boundaries as a parent and emphasizes the importance of asking our children questions instead of rushing in to give them the answers. As you listen, we hope Lisa’s wisdom and joy shines through this conversation and leaves you inspired and uplifted!
Show notes: blessingsandmotherhood.com/savoring-moments-with-lisa-bailey
Why is having a conversation so hard? Maybe it’s just certain conversations… or certain people…! What IS a good conversation, anyway? Listen in this week as guest Daniel Shirley helps Lisa define a good conversation, a good conversationalist, and some really good ways to encourage good conversations at home and in community. It’ll be good, we promise.
Take control of your homeschooling journey by attending an Information Meeting. Find an Info Meeting near you at https://classicalconversations.com/events/.
What IS morning time? How do I “do it”? What do I need? Can I do it with ALL my kids? If these are your questions as you begin the new homeschool year, this week’s Everyday Educator guest will bless you. Amy Jones joins Lisa to talk about a way to connect your family as you begin your homeschool day, setting the tone for a lifetime of learning. With practical ideas for little ones, older ones, and multiple ages, this episode will inspire you and reassure you!
Celebrating together! Has your student or community done something noteworthy? We are collecting these stories, accomplishments, and events to celebrate and share the excitement of homeschooling. Please provide as much information as possible to completely tell the story. Share your story at http://www.classicalconversations.com/celebrate-together
As Foundations communities gear up, families gather supplies, expectations, and sometimes worries! If you’re wondering how to get the most out of your Foundations experience, this week’s guest will give you the answers. Courtney Bradshaw, Foundations Academic Advisor, shares the tips and truths that have brought her family through 11 years of Foundations.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/
As the new academic year begins, we offer families some encouragement from a couple of moms who may be farther along the journey than you are now. Join Lisa and guest Kelli Wilt as they share the lessons that a look in the rearview mirror has revealed to them—lessons about their children, about their schedules, their assumptions, and the hardest job you’ll ever love.
The Secret Garden is a beloved classic novel. The footnotes include word definitions, pronunciations, and historical context to support life-long learning, enabling students to deepen their reading and thinking skills. Wide margins encourage note taking and having “conversations” with the book and its author.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at CopperLodgeLibrary.com.
As you and your student approach the Challenge years, you may be considering all the changes ahead. Maybe you are wondering how to navigate all the new responsibilities, and assignments, and even a new schedule. But you may not have recognized the bigger challenge of Challenge! Join Tim Knotts as he sheds some light on how parents and students can continue the journey together and meet the challenge!
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at copperlodgelibrary.com.
What’s the best thing to do as you begin to homeschool? Start your own library! How to begin, what to include, when to share your books, where to keep all those books?? Listen as self-professed “Keeper of the Books” Jennifer Courtney shares about her own library and her journey to promote a culture of reading in all her communities. Great inspiration AND practical suggestions abound.
CC parents, tutors, and Directors – are you looking to level up your skills in guiding and assessing your student’s learning at home or in community? Join this Spring semester’s Classical Learning Cohort! https://classicalconversations.com/cohort/
You likely know all the academic reasons to study Latin alongside your kids; but, do you know the best one? Listen this week as homeschool mom, Support Representative and Latin student Heatherly Sylvia offers some thought-provoking (and potentially convicting) reasons to study Latin alongside our children.
Celebrating together! Has your student or community done something noteworthy? We are collecting these stories, accomplishments, and events to celebrate and share the excitement of homeschooling. Please provide as much information as possible to completely tell the story. Share your story at http://www.classicalconversations.com/celebrate-together
Calling all families with questions about “dual enrollment” and the Challenge program! You need to listen to this week’s episode, as Daniel Shirley shares with Lisa the details of CC Plus and all its benefits for families. Daniel offers counsel for assessing a student’s readiness for concurrent enrollment, as well as ideas on how to get started with registration. Whether you’re thinking about starting this fall or fall of 2030, we’ll give you good things to consider!
At Classical Conversations®, we believe that education is the responsibility of the family, with support from fellow believers. The Classical Learning Cohorts meet regularly online to practice the tools of learning with discussion, presentations, and assessment.
Join the conversation at classicalconversations.com/cohort.
Take your family on a “road trip” this summer, between the pages of a book—or two! Reading opens doors to strange new lands and wonderfully amazing experiences. Reading together opens up worlds of possibilities for great conversations with those we love the most. Our last Summer Book Club of the year shares stories from Africa.
Copper Lodge Library offers a collection of stories presented in a beautiful series of books for the whole family to enjoy. Build a family culture by reading these stories together and have meaningful conversations about wisdom and virtue.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/
Reading can magically transport us to faraway places, introduce us to new people, and teach us new skills. Reading is also a gateway to great conversations and exciting explorations. In this week’s episode, Lisa shares three stories from Exploring Insects with Uncle Paul and provides some great conversation starters and ideas for further family explorations. Don’t miss it! (It’s also a great read aloud moment for your kids!)
New to the Copper Lodge Library this year is English Epic Poetry, a collection with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and selections from Canterbury Tales and Paradise Lost.
Build a family culture by reading these stories together and have meaningful conversations about wisdom and virtue. Even in the less overtly religious poems of Sir Gawain and Canterbury Tales, readers find Christian themes like courage, forgiveness, and right use of power.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/
Do you need some suggestions for helping busy kids slow down long enough to enjoy read aloud time? Here’s an idea: stay active! There are lots of ways to enjoy a good story while you move. Listen in this week as Lisa shows you how as she reads 3 more stories from Kings of Rome.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at copperlodgelibrary.com.
Settle back and spend some time chasing your imagination this summer-pick up a book! Reading as a family draws us together and gives us something to savor. Listen in this week as Lisa shares some stories from the Cycle 1 resource Ancient World Echoes. She’ll also offer some great tips on how to make the stories stay alive after the reading ends.
At Classical Conversations®, we believe that parents can provide quality education for their children. Yet, parents often feel unsure of how to accomplish this goal. Our Classical Learning Cohort program can help! Grow as the Lead Learner in your homeschool at classicalconversations.com/cohort
How do you feel about…spiders?? In Week 2 of our Summer Book Club, Lisa shares more tips on reading as a family, and offers more ideas for generating conversation and activity after you read. Exploring Insects with Uncle Paul is our focus, and you’ll love this introduction to the Copper Lodge Library selection that has a distinct Cycle 1 connection.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at copperlodgelibrary.com.
Looking for some refreshment this summer? Spend a little time reading aloud together as a family! Listen in this week as Lisa shares three big benefits of reading as a family. Bonus? Lisa reads aloud three stories from the Copper Lodge Library’s Kings of Rome series (a perfect lead in to Cycle 1!!), AND offers some conversation tips for diving deeper into the story.
Want to raise readers? Surround your family with books! This week’s guest, Jennifer Courtney, offers simple ideas on how to whet your family’s appetite for reading. Listen for suggestions on how to build a family library as well as ideas on Cycle 1 “resources” to collect for next year.
CC parents, tutors, and Directors – are you looking to level up your skills in guiding and assessing your student’s learning at home or in community? Join this Spring semester’s Classical Learning Cohort! https://classicalconversations.com/cohort/
Everybody enjoys knowing the “inside story” of familiar things; listen in this week and discover the behind-the-scenes workings of CC’s Copper Lodge Library. You’ll meet the editor, find out how those footnotes were created, and get a glimpse into what’s available for your family. Listen in as Lisa and Stephanie Meter discuss libraries (public and personal) and why reading as a family brings us together.
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at copperlodgelibrary.com.
Are you amazed by what your Foundations students memorize every year? Do you wonder if you could “do it too??” On this episode of Everyday Educator Kelli Wilt and Elise DeYoung offer tips and tricks for memorizing, gleaned from rubbing shoulders with National Memory Masters. Not ready for a “competition”? Listen for tips on making memory work a joy from mommas with years of learning-as-a-family experience!
More information about Great Wolf Lodge and Exclusive CC Discount Code found in the CC Connected Learning Center > Member Benefits and Additional Resources Document.
https://www.greatwolf.com/
Join guest host Kelli Wilt as she welcomes and celebrates CC’s 2024 National Memory Master, Ewan Fisher. Ewan and his mom, Kim, join Kelli and share their family’s story of life in CC, the pursuit of the Memory Master title, and how the family has been blessed by Ewan’s goal. You’ll get plenty of inspiration to learn as a family as you listen.
If you’ve ever wondered about the “Plus” of CC Plus, this week’s episode of the Everyday Educator will answer your questions. Listen in as Daniel Shirley, Undergraduate Program Manager for CC Plus, shares from experience the beauty and benefit of this fine program. And, you might be as surprised as Lisa was to find that CC Plus isn’t just for Challenge students anymore!
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at copperlodgelibrary.com.
Guess what? Scribblers At Home won the Illuminations Gold Award! Maybe you haven’t heard much about Scribblers, or maybe you thought it wasn’t really for your family. Listen in as Amy Jones helps us see that Scribblers isn’t just an “on ramp” for young homeschoolers, it’s an “ongoing ramp” for all of us! You’ll be interested to hear how families of all ages are using this resource, and how your family might find it’s just what you’re looking for also.
You’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/.
Foundations parents, are you interested in knowing more about Memory Masters and National Memory Masters? Listen in as Kelli Wilt and Elise DeYoung give Lisa all the information. You’ll find out more than how to, though…You will hear how these “competitions” are actually about celebrating students and families. I think you’ll be inspired to see memorizing in a new way…
Make April 26 a Family Day at theater! #UnsungHeroMovie opens everywhere beginning April 26. From the creators of Jesus Revolution comes Unsung Hero. Tickets on sale now. Visit https://tickets.unsunghero.movie/.
If you want all the information on Practicum 2024, listen to Part 2 of the conversation between Jill Philbrick and Lisa Bailey. You’ll discover how to discover God in math, how to model the skills of learning math for your kids, how to become part of the “greater conversation”, and how to redeem your own education in ways you might not imagine. Exploring The Math Map in community will be an investment that pays dividends!
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at copperlodgelibrary.com.
Why go to Practicum? Will you really learn anything “practical”? Listen as Lisa and Jill Philbrick answer this question and give you some enticing reasons to register for the 2024 Practicum. You’ll be encouraged by Jill’s testimony and intrigued by our 2024 topic as well!
You’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/.
So, what does homeschooling look like when Community Days are done for the year? Do you wonder what you should/could/will do? Listen in as Amy Jones and Lisa talk about what God has for us as we move into a slower-paced season. This episode offers encouragement for your heart and practical suggestions for your days!
Classical Conversations® is constantly striving to build relationships with like-minded organizations to assist families in their homeschooling journey and in furthering our mission to know God and to make Him known.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/relationships/ for more information.
Have you struggled with end of the year assessments in the past, wondering what good they do and how to go about them? Have you wondered what assessment and celebration have in common?? Listen in as Lisa and guest Jill Philbrick discuss the importance of celebration (It’s biblical!) and share some great ways to celebrate as a family and community all that the Lord has done in the year past.
Learn more about the IAC at https://associationforcreation.org/. To find your exclusive CC Discount code go to CC Connected> Learning Center> CC Members Beneftis.
As we enter this season of finishing and ending (Faces of History, Mock Trial, Graduation!) your family is likely looking for ways to celebrate the accomplishments of the year. This week, guest Kelli Wilt and host Lisa Bailey encourage you to celebrate “classically” as your festivities begin. How can you nurture a spirit of joyful remembrance? How might this season of celebration prepare you for heaven??
Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at https://copperlodgelibrary.com/
You may have heard about The Math Map, but do you “get it”? Do you know what’s so different, why you should use it, and how it could change math experiences for your family? If you’d like to find these answers and more, listen to Leigh Bortins cast her vision for The Math Map on this week’s episode. Included are personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of encouragement.
Are you looking to become a better “everyday educator”? Join other homeschool parents in your area at a 2024 Practicum event! https://ccpracticum.com/
For families living the last days of their homeschool journey, and families contemplating moving on before finishing that last challenge, this one’s for you! Listen in as Brittany Lewis, long-time Challenge director and lover of students, shares how vital and beautiful that “last leg of the climb” can be. You’ll hear insights on the benefits of Challenge IV and some details about the Senior Thesis as well.
· CC parents, tutors, and Directors – are you looking to level up your skills in guiding and assessing your student’s learning at home or in community? Join this Spring semester’s Classical Learning Cohort! https://classicalconversations.com/cohort/
Some families love it, some worry about it…Mock Trial is always discussion worthy! How can parents help their students make the most of the Mock Trial experience? What can parents do to help? Listen in as Stephanie Meter, long-time Mock Trial-lover and Challenge B tutor, outlines how students benefit from their participation, and how Mock Trial is very much the synthesis of Challenge B learning. You will be inspired!
Are you looking for a good family movie that will encourage deep conversation with your family? Sam Sorbo’s latest movie “Miracle in East Texas” will fit the bill! A “tall tale based on an absolutely true story”, the movie is full of rich characters, wrestlings with truth, and a redeeming end. You’ll love hearing the behind the scenes reasons to love it, too. Listen in, then go stream the movie with your family.
Download the free discussion guides now at https://www.sorbostudios.com/miracle-in-east-texas/downloads/homeschool-packet
“Children know, need, and love the truth”, so says film star, writer, and lecturer Sam Sorbo. Listen in as Sam shares her reasons for “emancipating” her children from the modern education system. In Part 1 of this 2-part podcast, Lisa and Sam discuss the whys and hows of homeschooling. You’ll love hearing her heart for her family, and her heart for helping you love your family in the best ways!
Download the free discussion guides now at https://www.sorbostudios.com/miracle-in-east-texas/downloads/homeschool-packet
Homeschooling parents: you homeschool to give your children a most excellent education, right? But what does teaching children—your own and others—teach YOU? Listen as guest Cynthia Knotts, veteran CC mom and tutor, shares the surprising benefits of tutoring on her family. If you’ve ever considered becoming a tutor, Cynthia’s insights may just tip the scale.
The Copper Lodge Library series from Classical Conversations® preserves history's best stories for future generations. View the library on ClassicalConversationsBooks.com.
Have you started your Faces of History project yet? Are you excited? Worried? Confused? Listen in as today’s guest, Courtney Bradshaw, gives a great synopsis of this project. You’ll discover the why, the how, and the what else of FOH and be encouraged while you make notes!
Classical Conversations® Relationships: Exclusive Discounts for CC Members!
Are the doldrums of January getting you down? Jazz up January by instituting a “January Term” in your homeschool! Listen in this week as Lisa and guest Amy Jones talk about the refreshment that comes when you take a week or two to learn something new together. Full of super-practical suggestions, this episode is one of my favorites because it reminds us to be real about our struggles and to enjoy the journey we’re on.
Could it really be THAT easy? Is the key to success…small habits? Listen in this week as veteran homeschoolers Lisa Bailey and Kelli Wilt ponder the power of routine to activate productivity and achieve success. What small habits can you begin now that will strengthen your family and position you all for a more peaceful life?
As we all prepare for the new semester, it is natural to look back on the fall and determine: What didn’t go so well? What should I change? How can we “do better”? These frank questions have value, but only alongside another assessment: What went WELL? How did we grow in non-academic ways? Listen as guest Brittany Lewis shares some wonderful insights and encouragements!
The holidays—thrilling, frantic, moving, and full—have come and gone…and maybe they’ve left you strangely unmotivated to begin the school routine again. What’s up with that, and how do we all keep going? Listen in as Lisa and guest Jennifer Courtney acknowledge the January blahs AND offer insights to ease you into and through the transition back to your “real life”!
The final installment of the Simplify Advent series shares some easy ways to serve as a family; listen in as Jamie Hays and Lisa reminisce about serving opportunities when they were children and as they give some inspired suggestions for serving as a family now. How can your family bless others this Christmas?
Looking for some fresh ideas for celebrating in simply ways this Advent season? Amy Jones and Lisa discuss how to explore together as a family, chasing your child’s curiosity and finding deeper meaning in the Christmas story. You’ll gain some good ideas for family fun, and hear some personal memories from the Jones and Bailey families!
This week’s Simplify Advent podcast centers around reading together. Listen as veteran homeschool dad and ardent reader Tim Knotts shares some great ideas for Advent family reading. Tim and Lisa offer some great hows and whys of family reading, as well as some specific ideas on the what!
Families searching for ways to celebrate Advent without becoming crazy or crazy busy: Everyday Educator has some suggestions! Listen each Tuesday for ideas on using the Scribblers verbs of Pray, Play, Read, Explore, and Serve as encouragements to celebrate simply and celebrate together. This episode features Kelli Wilt and Lisa sharing ideas on Playing Together as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Looking for some ways to simplify your Christmas celebrations this year? Listen every Tuesday in December to Everyday Educator’s Simplify Advent podcasts; we’ll be discussing ways to deepen our celebration of Jesus’s birth as families. You’ll hear some great ideas and enjoy some sweet fellowship and encouragement. This week is about how praying together can lead us to profound celebration of God’s greatest gift.
What’s Thanksgiving about for your family? How to you celebrate? WHAT do you celebrate? This episode of The Everyday Educator might give you some new ideas… Listen with the whole family, as you travel or as you prepare the feast and maybe give thanks in a new way this year.
Wish you could talk to an experienced homeschooler, just to ask a few questions? Wondering if your thoughts, reactions, and questions are “normal”? Join Lisa and her guest Melissa Ellison for this week’s episode and you’ll hear the truth from a couple of veterans. Answers for your mind, encouragement for your heart!
Wish you could talk to an experienced homeschooler, just to ask a few questions? Wondering if your thoughts, reactions, and questions are “normal”? Join Lisa and her guest Melissa Ellison for this week’s episode and you’ll hear the truth from a couple of veterans. Answers for your mind, encouragement for your heart!
Why would families with OLDER students want Scribblers? Just ask some who have tried it out! Scribblers helps families chart the course for homeschooling, but it also helps create a family culture of learning that lasts. Parents are discovering that the charts make explaining ideas (even to Challenge students) easier, and the activities draw families together in play with has intention. Listen as KatieBeth and Lisa finish their conversation about learning as a family.
Whether you’re considering the possibility of homeschooling or wondering how to add some zest to what you’re already doing, this episode of the Everyday Educator is for you. Join Lisa and guest KatieBeth Pierson as they discuss lessons learned along their way and give some very practical ideas on resources and ideas that will transform your family learning.
Whether your family reads together already, or you’re looking for good ideas on how to develop that habit, this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast is for you. Listen as guest Brittany Lewis gives us some great insights on why to read together, what material to try, and how to get started. Best of all, there is hope for turning reluctant readers into family readers. You’ll be blessed by the listening!
What happens when homeschooling is over? How does your relationship with your kids change? How are YOU changed by homeschooling? Listen in as David Bailey, a dad to two “grown-up girls” who were homeschooled all the way through, shares his thoughts on homeschooling…and beyond!
If you’ve been considering writing out your family’s mission statement—or wondering if you need one—this week’s Everyday Educator episode is for you. Host Lisa and guest Kelli Wilt come clean about their lack of such a statement in the early years but share some excellent reasons to have one now! Full of wise counsel, practical tips, and honest reflections these ladies will bless your day!
Homeschooling...it’s not just for your kids! Have you ever thought about homeschooling as the beginning of educating yourself? If you have questions about “educating yourself”, this episode of EE is for you. Guest Heatherly Sylvia, a passionate lifelong learner, will inspire you to stay curious, to keep learning, and to see the life of a learner as one that pleases the Lord. Come for practical tips, stay for the encouragement!
God is wooing us to Himself with the wonder and beauty in His world. When we chase the wonder in creation, we draw near to the creator and find what He is waiting for us to discover. Listen this week as guest Amy Jones describes how a classical, Christian community can help your family promote more wonder in your homeschool. And, hear how one of the activities from Scribblers At Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learners can open your family’s eyes to wonder in your own backyard.
Classical Conversations believes that classical education prepares us to accept the responsibilities of Christian freedom. What ARE those responsibilities, and how do we as parents prepare our children to accept them? Listen in this week as homeschool mom Charity Brown shares with Lisa some heady thoughts AND some practical tips on raising Godly kids who are ready to be ambassadors for Christ in the world.
Searching for the right schedule to regulate your homeschool days this year? You probably suspect that finding the perfect schedule might be impossible…but finding the right rhythm is exactly what Lisa’s guest Jennifer Courtney is ready to discuss! On this week’s podcast you’ll hear some great suggestions for crafting your family’s learning plan, hear a few “non-negotiables” mentioned, and even learn the “Leigh Bortins way” of schooling with multiple kids of different ages and abilities.
It’s time to start Foundations; are you ready? Listen in as Courtney Bradshaw, CC Academic Advisor, gives us some tips for getting ready for a fantastic year with our Foundations students. From seeing the big picture to getting your home ready, Courtney has the news that will help you and your children start the Foundations year off right. (She also gives you the insider info on where to go for great downloadable helps and a place to get your questions answered.)
To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, wonder is when Divinity makes its presence known. How can we learn to be better “wonder-ers”? Join host Lisa Bailey as her guest Amy Jones leads us to think about the connection between time, space, questions, and wonder. Here’s the good news: Wonder is a skill you can build! Listen, and commit to finding wonder as you go this fall.
What do you want to teach your children while you homeschool—besides reading, writing, and arithmetic? What “life skills” are you determined to pass on—and how compatible is teaching those skills with your classical, Christian education plan? On this episode of the Everyday Educator, guest Stephanie Meter talks to her mom Lisa about what skills she took from homeschooling into adulting. It’s an entertaining and eye-opening episode!
What’s the best way to ready yourself and your student for the upper Challenge program? How can you position your family to make the most of this amazing learning opportunity? Listen as guest Brittany Lewis shares insights and encouragements that make Challenges II-IV super appetizing; you’ll appreciate Brittany’s thoughtful tips on how best to prepare and on the skills you and your child will gain.
It’s almost time to begin the Challenge year! Want some help to get ready? Listen in as Lanelle Lowe, experienced mom, tutor, and curriculum developer, gives us some preparation tips for Ch A, B, and I. Find out what the uniques are for each level, and what your family has to look forward to as you learn together this year. You’ll get the scoop on all the “learning curves” for both students and parents and learn how to meet the challenges.
Didn’t always love math? Then you have lots in common with Leigh Bortins, creator of The Math Map, CC’s developing math curriculum for families! On this episode, listen as guests Leigh Bortins and Kirsty Gilpin share how studying math in a new way might be the key to seeing God’s riches in creation, in art, in music, in building, in literature…You’ll be encouraged by the thoughts of studying math together as a family, with purpose that goes beyond practicality
Looking for something fun to read (or listen to) and something fun to do after reading? Listen as Lisa shares some reasons to read stories of all kinds with your kids; this week’s read alouds include a poem, a fable, and 2 nature stories. Lisa also offers ideas on how to continue the conversation after the story is over, as well as some inspired ideas that will bring life to your storytime.
How do you savor a story? In today’s podcast, Lisa shares some ways to appreciate and enjoy stories with your family, extending the fun and making the read-aloud experience even more memorable. Listen as she shares a poem (celebrating the vigor dads bring to story time) as well as two American Tall Tales that might inspire your family to spin a yarn or two of your own!
Read Aloud time is not just for fiction; try some biographies, some poetry, a travel log, a bird watching guide…Reading starts conversations, and conversations lead to explorations and explorations create family memories! This week we say, “Happy Birthday, America!” Join Lisa for this All-American Read Aloud, and enjoy bringing stories to life with your family this holiday.
Ready for another story? Listen in as Lisa shares tips on making stories come alive and why you should read and listen with your children this summer. This week, listen to some tall tales of Paul Bunyan, and get some insights on his inventions and some encouragements to make some inventions of your own this summer!
What’s so special about reading aloud? Whether you’re looking for reasons to read aloud this summer, or just someone else to read aloud for you, this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast will deliver! Join Lisa as she shares tips on making read alouds come to life, and enjoy a read aloud of “The Frogs and the Crane” and “Over in the Meadow”—plus some great ideas to take this selections to the next level.
What makes Scribblers At Home: Recipes From Lifelong Learners such a “must-have” resource? Who might want it? Who might benefit the most? Why are we so excited?? Listen in as Lisa and Shelly Stockton reminisce about their early days of homeschooling and how Scribblers provides so much of what they wish they had known then. How can this one book meet so many families where they live?
If you’ve got questions about the CC Masters Program, you will find answers on this week’s podcast with Lynn Doto. Maybe you’ve wondered how anyone could find time for extra studying; perhaps you question why you “need” a degree to validate your time spent homeschooling. Lynn and Lisa explore the CC Masters Program with Southeastern University, answering practical “how” questions as well as bigger “why” questions. You will come away understanding the Masters of Arts degree as a way to “love a life of learning” as well as training in loving your neighbor well.
Join guest host Kelli Wilt as she chats with National Memory Master winner Lousana and her mother Renée Gouchard. Discover the wonderful world of memory mastery and gain insights into Lousana's study techniques and her triumphs and challenges along the way. We hope this episode inspires your family to take on the challenge by shedding some light on the incredible abilities and aspirations of these exceptional students.
Have you ever wished someone would come alongside you and show you some ways to make homeschooling more fun? Ways you could intentionally encourage play with a purpose? This month on the Global Homeschool Minute, we welcome Lisa Bailey to the podcast. A homeschooling veteran, Lisa shares her excitement about Classical Conversations’ newest curriculum, Scribblers @Home, which will be released this spring. This relaxed, enjoyable, at home curriculum is designed by experienced parents with a desire to share what they wish they had known when they started out. Scribblers, packed with “recipes” for parents to enrich their homeschooling, will help you create a family culture of learning.
Whether you are new to homeschooling or already a seasoned Classical Conversations parent, come catch the excitement for this new curriculum!
Lisa Bailey is the host of Everyday Educator, a long-running Classical Conversations podcast, and is also the Lead Curriculum Developer for the Global Curriculum team of our publishing company, Classical Conversations MultiMedia (CCMM). Since joining the Classical Conversations family in 2004 as a Challenge B Director, Lisa has graduated two daughters out of the Challenge program and has served in various roles within the company. In this episode, Robert and Lisa discuss her homeschooling journey from why she first chose to homeschool to the importance of committing long-term to the homeschool process.
It’s the ultimate crossover episode . . . Delise and Ginny are joined by CC legend and host of the Everyday Educator podcast Lisa Bailey! Lisa recently became a grandmother, so in this conversation, she chats about parenting versus grandparenting. As a parent, she was often so focused on doing everything right that she missed out on opportunities to enjoy the small, simple moments of her children just growing up. But now, as she is blessed with the chance to relive those moments with her grandson, she can be more present and treasure every minute. Of course, with the much-anticipated release of Scribblers at Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learning, Lisa also talks about her involvement in creating this new Classical Conversations® resource and what it really means to play intentionally with our children. Finally, she shares some practical tips for setting boundaries as a parent and emphasizes the importance of asking our children questions instead of rushing in to give them the answers. As you listen, we hope Lisa’s wisdom and joy shines through this conversation and leaves you inspired and uplifted!
“The best part of community is_______.” How would you fill in that blank? (Is it the accountability? The comradery? The encouragement?). For many CC families, community is what keeps us moving forward! Listen in as long-time CC mommas Jennifer Courtney and Amanda Butler share insights on the value of community for students and families; their thoughts might surprise you; they will inspire you.
What’s the big deal about Practicum? What’s it all about? How will it help me and my family? If you’re wondering about Practicum, and trying to decide whether to go, and what you’ll find once you get there, this week’s podcast is for you! Join Lisa as she talks to Krystal Cano about the best reasons to attend Practicum this year; you’ll discover how first-time attenders and seasoned Practicum lovers alike will delight in the layered learning and the sweet community to be found.
Springtime brings flowers, birds, and …eagerness to be DONE with school! Are students in your family having a hard time staying focused? Listen in as Kathy Donegia joins Lisa to talk about how the partnership between student, parent, and community helps us all finish well. Kathy shares how her Challenge IV students find blessings in learning together in community and making memories through family discussions as well.
What’s the big deal about Rhetorical events? How important are they? How can I help my student do something I’ve never done?? If thoughts like this have ever crossed your mind, here is a podcast for you! Join host Lisa Bailey and guest Brittany Lewis for an enlightening look at CC’s Rhetorical events, from science fair to senior thesis. You’ll see just what your students are gaining as they practice the skills they’ve honed for years, and how those skills are lived out within a community of friends.
Community days are ending for the year….but that doesn’t mean the learning is done! Join veteran homeschool mom Denise McLain for some tips on how to keep the family learning together! Denise and Lisa share some ideas for learning some new things, practicing some “old” skills, and taking our families into the community as we learn to love our neighbors well.
Have you ever questioned the usefulness of our classical tools outside of academic pursuits? How, for instance, could they help a plumber, or a missionary, or an army captain? Answer: they prepare us for LIFE! Listen in as guests Angela and Emma Oxford share about the classical tools of learning and how they help us have conversations that lead to sharing Jesus, no matter where we are.
Guest host Delise Germond invites Lisa Bailey to share the Why, the What, and the What Next about CC’s newest resource, Scribblers At Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learners. Listen in and hear about the beginnings of Scribblers, the behind-the-scenes stories, and the features that will make learning together easy for families. Scribblers at Home is ready to be delivered to your door now, so visit classicalconversationsbooks.com and order your copy today.
Why did God give your children to you? What does He want you to tell them? Show them? Do alongside them? At Classical Conversations, we believe God trusts parents with their children! Charity Brown and her husband believe they’ve been called primarily to shepherd the hearts of their children toward God. Listen to hear just what things look like in their home…
What are your most memorable homeschooling moments? What do you want your children to remember about your home and the learning you do together? Join Lisa today as she talks to Chelly Barnard about the best ways to cultivate the memories we want to keep! Chelly provides an honest look back at what worked, what didn’t, and what she finally decided were the most important memories to make.
What’s “Protocol” all about? Is it just about good manners and fancy outings? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Listen as guest Sarah Davis breaks it down for us, sharing how Protocol is actually about honor, mercy, grace, and loving your neighbor. “It’s not about ‘putting on airs’, but about elevating the people you’re with!”
What do you wish you knew about Challenge B? About Challenge B students? About Mock Trial? This week’s guest offers a wealth of insight from a lifetime of experience! Join host Lisa Bailey as she talks to Stephanie Meter about how Mock Trial is actually the perfect capstone to the Challenge B year, synthesizing the skills of Challenge B in a way that transforms the students.
Have you ever asked yourself this question: “Why should I consider homeschooling?” The purpose we assign to education will often answer the question for us! But…are we practicing what we preach? How can we practically align our purposes with our daily routines, our lesson plans, even our assessments? Listen in as guest Julie Melendez and host Lisa Bailey offer honest testimony to what this can and does look like at home.
If you’re intrigued by the bits and pieces you’ve recently heard about Scribblers At Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learners, you will definitely want to listen to this episode! Amy Jones joins Lisa as they share how Scribblers sets families up to delight in learning together. All of us “want to do it right” when it comes to educating our kids; Scribblers gives us ideas and encouragement to create natural and winsome ways to learn together at home.
Do you know someone who is considering joining a Classical Conversations community? This episode of the Everyday Educator will answer so many “why” and “what” questions for potential families! Denise Moore shares the real reasons families get involved, and what the real benefits are to those who invest in a CC journey. Beyond that, Denise’s honest reflections remind us ALL of why we want to be involved, and how we are parents are benefiting!
If you’re looking for a quick overview of the CC Challenge program, or if you’ve ever wondered which challenge is the BEST, this episode of the Everyday Educator has the information you’re looking for! Listen as Tim Knotts, Heatherly Sylvia, and Karin Carpenter advocate for their favorite Challenge, giving us all insights into the fun parts, the stretching parts, and the family blessing of each of our Challenge levels.
Have you ever thought, “What’s the big deal about memorizing anyway?” This episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast will shed some light on this question! Listen in as Kelli Wilt and Olivia Walsh share how memory is something to be celebrated by all of us; they’ll also give us the details of what a Memory Master is, what a NATIONAL Memory Master is, and what blessings families can find from pursuing each! Bonus: hot-off-the-press details on how to get involved in the 2023 National Memory Master Competition!
Here in the winter months, after the fun of the holidays, the homeschool days can seem looooong. It is easy to forget that we are not alone on this journey! We all have a CC story to share, and hearing about someone else’s journey feeds our community mindset. Listen in this week as international homeschoolers (and Country Coordinators) Koreen Mazurek and Dawna Ferguson share how running toward something instead of away from something makes homeschooling a richer experience—wherever you are!
New Years, for most of us, means new beginnings. Whether it's a new goal or recommitment to a habit we're already cultivating, New Years acts as a marker for us to turn over a new leaf. This week Lisa is joined by Kelli Wilt to discuss what it means to "raise adults," and explore what it looks like beginning with the end in mind.
Please enjoy this special holiday re-run of one of our most downloaded episodes.
One of the more profound lessons “from down the road” may well be that there is more to homeschooling than academic pursuits. Join veteran homeschool moms Shelly Stockton and Lisa Bailey as they discuss building character, spiritual habits, relational maturity, and practical life skills while living and learning at home with their girls. Discover how a classical education lived out in community (both home and CC) provides the environment for learning the biggest lessons of life.
In this final Advent episode, join Lisa as she considers how God spoke all the love languages as He become Emmanuel. Consider with your family how God incarnate has come to you—and how you might live Him before your neighbors this Christmas!
In this third Advent devotional, host Lisa Bailey encourages us to consider that joy is a choice. What allows us to choose joy when life’s circumstances dictate otherwise? How can we express joy amid burdens? Mary had the answer; listen in and be blessed. This would be a great family listen…
Join Lisa for this second Advent episode, calling us to embrace the Peace of Christmas. Take a break (even with your family) to think about how becoming an ambassador of peace fulfills our mission to know God and to make Him known!
Join us all month for this series of Advent thoughts, perfect for provoking thoughts that turn our Christmas preparations to Jesus. In this first episode, discover an interesting connection between forest fires, birds, and the hope of Christmas.
Families, if you’re looking for a way to pass the time “on the way to Grandmother’s house” this year, give a listen to this Thanksgiving episode of The Everyday Educator! You’ll enjoy poems, Scripture, a few jokes, and the audio version of an oldie but goodie: “The Truth About Thanksgiving”. It’s our family’s gift to yours!
Is assessing ever a blessing?? According to guest Kelli Wilt, that depends on your perspective! Join host Lisa Bailey as Kelli shares how Blue Book exams can be a celebration of what we know, and an opportunity to indulge in some deep conversations. Parents, you’ll hear some helpful tips for preparing for Blue Books all semester long; directors, Kelli gives some great practical ideas for making Blue Books fun!
Join host Lisa Bailey this week and discover how the seeds of classical Christian education are blooming all over the world! Guests Koreen Mazurek and Dawna Ferguson share how families in Chile and Canada are “knowing God and making Him known” through their participation in CC programs in their homelands. Their powerful testimonies will bless you; their prayer requests will inspire you. We are drawn together by our mission and our method; just listen!
What comes to mind when you ponder “family learning?” Most of us wonder what we should be learning and how to make learning all together doable. Maybe the most important question, though, is why is learning together so pivotal? On this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast, Tim Knotts helps us answer all the questions, and it begins with ….conversations! Listen in and find out how the 5 Canons of Rhetoric really do help you have the conversations that make learning family-style a joy and a blessing.
What comes to mind when you ponder “family learning?” Most of us wonder what we should be learning and how to make learning all together doable. Maybe the most important question, though, is why is learning together so pivotal? On this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast, Tim Knotts helps us answer all the questions, and it begins with ….conversations! Listen in and find out how the 5 Canons of Rhetoric really do help you have the conversations that make learning family-style a joy and a blessing.
What can our family learn together? How do we bring everyone into the conversation? Can we stay connected as the children study different things? Family learning sounds great…but sometimes feels hard! On this episode of The Everyday Educator, Lisa talks with Andrew and Laura Brafford about how their family is using the 5 Common Topics as conversation guides for some deeply satisfying family learning experiences!
What can our family learn together? How do we bring everyone into the conversation? Can we stay connected as the children study different things? Family learning sounds great…but sometimes feels hard! On this episode of The Everyday Educator, Lisa talks with Andrew and Laura Brafford about how their family is using the 5 Common Topics as conversation guides for some deeply satisfying family learning experiences!
Building an atmosphere of learning sounds great, but how do you do it? What makes it easier for a family to learn together, especially if the kids are different ages? Everyday Educator has some answers for you! Listen in as Olivia Walsh and Lisa Bailey offer some simple steps and easy ideas for learning all together, using the 5 Core Habits you’ve heard so much about!
Building an atmosphere of learning sounds great, but how do you do it? What makes it easier for a family to learn together, especially if the kids are different ages? Everyday Educator has some answers for you! Listen in as Olivia Walsh and Lisa Bailey offer some simple steps and easy ideas for learning all together, using the 5 Core Habits you’ve heard so much about!
Are you looking for ways to extend your family learning? Want some practical ways to integrate what all your students are studying? Listen in as Lisa talks this week to Angela Oxford (mom, Challenge director, Training and Support leader) ; you’ll hear simple yet effective ways to write your family’s learning story, making learning a team effort. Find out how projects such as the Science Fair can bring your family together, keeping hearts and minds connected
Are you looking for ways to extend your family learning? Want some practical ways to integrate what all your students are studying? Listen in as Lisa talks this week to Angela Oxford (mom, Challenge director, Training and Support leader) ; you’ll hear simple yet effective ways to write your family’s learning story, making learning a team effort. Find out how projects such as the Science Fair can bring your family together, keeping hearts and minds connected
Building a family learning culture is one of the most satisfying aspects of homeschooling. When your family learns together, you are making memories, and binding your hearts together! On this episode of the Everyday Educator, Lisa talks with Jennifer Courtney about habits we can cultivate early on that will help us build that family learning culture. Listen as these homeschool veterans share specific ways everyone in your family can participate in conversations about what you’re all learning. BONUS: learn how to use the new Scribblers At Home material (now in Limited Digital Release on CC Connected) as a catalyst for learning as a family.
Building a family learning culture is one of the most satisfying aspects of homeschooling. When your family learns together, you are making memories, and binding your hearts together! On this episode of the Everyday Educator, Lisa talks with Jennifer Courtney about habits we can cultivate early on that will help us build that family learning culture. Listen as these homeschool veterans share specific ways everyone in your family can participate in conversations about what you’re all learning. BONUS: learn how to use the new Scribblers At Home material (now in Limited Digital Release on CC Connected) as a catalyst for learning as a family.
What do you love about your CC community? What blessings have you discovered? Join host Lisa Bailey and Foundations/Essentials director Kim Lawson as they share the impact that community makes on learning and on growing in Christ. Get some ideas for Open House season, and some reminders of why we share what we love with others.
What do you love about your CC community? What blessings have you discovered? Join host Lisa Bailey and Foundations/Essentials director Kim Lawson as they share the impact that community makes on learning and on growing in Christ. Get some ideas for Open House season, and some reminders of why we share what we love with others.
At Classical Conversations we’re always looking for ways to know God; is your community looking for a way “to make Him known”? Join Lisa Bailey and guest Julie Melendez as they share how Excellence in Education events provide just such an opportunity. Julie offers great ideas you can replicate, as well as inspiration on how these events have already impacted local communities, and helped our students practice the skills we’re eager to pass on.
At Classical Conversations we’re always looking for ways to know God; is your community looking for a way “to make Him known”? Join Lisa Bailey and guest Julie Melendez as they share how Excellence in Education events provide just such an opportunity. Julie offers great ideas you can replicate, as well as inspiration on how these events have already impacted local communities, and helped our students practice the skills we’re eager to pass on.
As the reality of a new homeschool year settles in, parents everywhere are thinking about how to get it all done with all the people they have to shepherd. Looking for some words of wisdom here? Listen as guest Kamilah Carter, veteran mom of 5 CCers from Foundations to Challenge III, shares practical suggestions and wise insights. A delightfully real mom, Kamilah just might reframe your thinking about schedules!
As the reality of a new homeschool year settles in, parents everywhere are thinking about how to get it all done with all the people they have to shepherd. Looking for some words of wisdom here? Listen as guest Kamilah Carter, veteran mom of 5 CCers from Foundations to Challenge III, shares practical suggestions and wise insights. A delightfully real mom, Kamilah just might reframe your thinking about schedules!
Looking for ways to make getting out the door for community day less stressful? Join host Lisa Bailey and guest Lia Gerkin for practical ideas for arriving at community with all your resources and brain cells intact. Hear how one mom of 6 is training her kids to develop habits of responsibility and service. How will God equip you to have a great year this year?
Looking for ways to make getting out the door for community day less stressful? Join host Lisa Bailey and guest Lia Gerkin for practical ideas for arriving at community with all your resources and brain cells intact. Hear how one mom of 6 is training her kids to develop habits of responsibility and service. How will God equip you to have a great year this year?
As you begin the new academic year, do you feel like one smart mama? Join Lisa Bailey this week as she picks the brains of two smart mamas: Delise Germond and Ginny Tran. Discover what smart mamas know, and where they look for support.
As you begin the new academic year, do you feel like one smart mama? Join Lisa Bailey this week as she picks the brains of two smart mamas: Delise Germond and Ginny Tran. Discover what smart mamas know, and where they look for support.
Are you excited about reading? About reading with your family? About reading Challenge A literature? Well, you will be after you listen to this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast! Find out what distinguishes a good book from the other kind, as well the reasons behind the Challenge A literature choices.
Why is Essentials so important? Listen in as Lanelle Lowe and Lisa Bailey discuss how the program is both a foundation and a bridge. Discover what you’ll study, what materials you need to get started, and how to make it enjoyable as you go.
Bonus: These veterans will reveal how Essentials will become the gift that keeps on giving!
Why is Essentials so important? Listen in as Lanelle Lowe and Lisa Bailey discuss how the program is both a foundation and a bridge. Discover what you’ll study, what materials you need to get started, and how to make it enjoyable as you go.
Bonus: These veterans will reveal how Essentials will become the gift that keeps on giving!
Are you ready for Foundations? Join this week’s Everyday Educator and discover how a spirit of rest will make this fall a wonder-full new season with your children. Tune in to discover the logistical details that will ensure a happy start to your community days; stay as Kelli Wilt helps us recognize the habits that will get us all off on the right foot.
Parents, are YOU ready for the Challenge program this fall? Find out how to best prepare for a successful fall with your student in the Challenge years by listening in as Chelly Barnard shares with Lisa Bailey encouraging words and practical tips. Your student will thank you, and you will find confidence and rest in a season of family learning.
Are your thoughts turning to the fall semester already? Are you and your student getting ready for Challenge, and do you wonder how best to prepare? Join veterans of the CC Challenge program Emma Oxford and Anthony Clendenin on this week’s Everyday Educator podcast. Discover how students can prepare for Challenge success by hearing what students need to know, need to do, and need to gather for the coming year.
Does studying logic sound like fun? It will after you listen to this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast! Guest Kathy Gibbens shows us why studying logic is so important today, and gives us great ideas for promoting clear thinking with our families.
In this last episode of our Summer Book Club on The Peacemaker, join Lisa Bailey, Leslie Hubbard, and Tim Knott as they ponder the ultimate goal of peacemaking: demonstrating the forgiveness of God and encouraging a reasonable solution to conflict. Discussion surrounds forgiveness, cooperative negotiation, and the divine weapons of peacemaking.
In this 4th installment of our Summer Book Club on The Peacemaker, join Lisa Bailey, Kelli Wilt, and Heatherly Sylvia as they discover practical ways to restore peace gently, using words wisely and well. Bonus: find some of our favorite tools of learning (spoiler alert: The Five Core Habits of Grammar) used to speak the truth in love.
In this installment of our EE Summer Book Club on The Peacemaker, join Leslie Hubbard, Stephanie Meter and host Lisa Bailey as they ponder the roles of confession and restoration in peacemaking. Listen for some common ways we are apt to sin when we’re in conflict with one another and receive practical suggestions for confessing. You’ll also be encouraged and equipped to become an instrument of peace in your communities by pursuing restoration instead of just confrontation.
In this second episode of the Summer Book Club series on The Peacemaker, Lisa Bailey, Kristi Dye, and Kelli Wilt share some transparent testimony about their own parts in conflicts within families and communities. Join these ladies as they discuss chapters 4 and 5, exploring how “getting the log out of our own eyes” first makes dealing with conflict a stewardship of God’s peace.
Are you a peace faker? Peace breaker? Peacemaker? In a world full of turmoil and conflict on every hand, we are called by God to be peacemakers. How can we become people who view conflicts as opportunities, not accidents? The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande offers us some keen insights on these questions. This summer, join the EE Book Club as we read and discuss this book, wrestling with the big ideas and discussing how we can be stewards of peace. This week, Stephanie Meter and Heatherly Sylvia join Lisa as we kick off this new series.
What’s the big deal about Practicum? Find out this week on the Everyday Educator Podcast as host Lisa Bailey and guest Jill Philbrick explore what Practicum is, who should come, what attendees should expect, and how to get the most out of Practicum. You’ll be inspired, encouraged, and equipped—just by listening!
How can we celebrate fathers this season? By recognizing that dads are Lead Learners, too! If you are wondering how to make that true in your home, listen in as Tim Knotts gives some pointers and shares some wisdom from his own journey as a homeschool dad. You’ll glean practical ideas on how to learn alongside your children at every age, and find encouragement for “team teaching” with your spouse!
What in the world is a “Scribbler”? And, why is Scribblers curriculum a very good place to start as you begin a homeschool journey? Listen in as Lisa Bailey and Amy Jones introduce this brand new resource; you’ll be encouraged to think about what truly provides a firm foundation for your children’s education: presence, play, and permission to grow and explore together!
Join Shelly Stockton and special guests Debra Switzer, Jenn Martin, and Barby Hobcroft for part five of the series Twenty-five Reasons to Homeschool Classically. Listen in on this final episode as these homeschool veterans discuss the hard work of homeschooling, subject integration, and falling in love with learning.
Families who are considering Challenge programs for the first time or for another year, I have a game-changer for you! On this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast, veteran Challenge director Heatherly Sylvia offers us her “7 things parents need to know/do” to make the most of the challenge years. Guys, this is what you REALLY need to know! Listen and glean insight into what the Challenge program is designed to be: a blessing for students, families, and communities.
Families, are you up for a Challenge? Many parents and students wrestle with the idea of homeschooling through high school, wondering if they are up to it, wondering if it is a good fit for their family, wondering if the Challenge years really prepare students for the world to come. Join Lisa Bailey and Heatherly Sylvia for a rousing discussion of CC’s Challenge program; these seasoned moms and Challenge tutors offer a view of Challenge that will truly expand your understanding!
What in the world is “Protocol”? Is it really worth all the time and money? In this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast, guest Sonya Lindsey invites us to see Protocol as a way to love our neighbor well—whoever he might be, and wherever we might encounter him. Seeing Protocol events as more than good manners prepares families for the true benefit: being prepared to serve God, no matter where we are. Tune in for details on what, when and how; stay for so much more!
How does your family celebrate the Holy season of Easter? Are you looking for some fresh ways to approach the reality of Easter with your children? Listen in as host Lisa Bailey and her husband, David, talk about connecting with the heart of the Father as you and your family find ways to share the hope of Easter with your community.
Join Shelly Stockton and guests as they discuss 5 more benefits of classical education. Shelly interviews four International homeschooling moms and leaders from Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom and Chile as they reflect on the role of character, the power of questions, and the value of consistent relationships in home-education.
The Challenge program is designed to keep students stretching and growing as thinkers…but when springtime comes, finishing the semester strong seems like the greatest challenge of all! Join Lisa and guest Chelly Barnard for some practical tips and some gentle reminders of how to strengthen the skills of learning that will build not just a great transcript, but a model for living well.
Once your Foundations community stops meeting, is all the fun gone from family learning?? How can families keep the learning going after Foundations is finished for the year? Join Lisa Bailey as she picks the brain of Jennifer Courtney, discovering lots of practical ideas on what to do and how to do it as we continue learning as a family all spring long.
Join Shelly Stockton as she talks with International CC moms to reflect on the relationships between classical education and virtue, parents as educators, and foundational knowledge.
As we head into the final weeks of our CC year, our minds turn to celebrating the past year together. “What’s the purpose of celebrating?”, Courtney Bradshaw was asked. Join Lisa Bailey as she picks the brain of our Foundations/Essentials Academic Advisor, and discover not only why we celebrate, but what, who, how, and when to celebrate! Director, tutors, and parents: you will be inspired and refreshed!
What’s so great about “outside”? Listen in as Lisa Bailey and Amy Jones answer that question, offering lots of practical suggestions for celebrating God’s creation as we learn together. It’s not complicated! Discover how to enjoy time outside with the whole family, no matter the season, no matter the weather, no matter the neighborhood. So. Many. Ideas!!
For many homeschooling families, testing is at best a “necessary evil”; but, what if we thought of it as a tool of diagnostic assessment, a means of determining how to proceed next? What if testing gave us more to talk about, presented us with encouragement to try things a different way, or provided us with insights about skills that need more practice? Join Alec Bianco and Kimberly Farley of Classic Learning Testing as they share the best reasons to test and acquaint us with some testing options that will resonate with classical, Christian homeschoolers. Special discount code for CLT tests offered!
If you have experienced the blessings of community, how do you then share those blessings with others? Listen in as Heather Mangum articulates what is lovely about CC community; then be inspired as she gives insights on how to become a CC ambassador, inviting others into community. Truth: We share what we love; think about what you love about CC, and commit to sharing it with someone else!
If you’ve been wondering how to survive the Science Fair, this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast is for you! Join host Lisa Bailey and guest Veronica Boulden as they talk about how to thrive during this project, discovering how to choose a topic, work together successfully, and appreciate the skills that research and presentation grow.
In this episode, join Keith Denton as he talks with Koreen Mazurek, Classical Conversations Country Coordinator for Chile. You’ll hear of the joys and challenges of homeschooling in South America as Koreen shares her journey of faith and prayer in pursuing homeschooling for her own family and others she met along the way. Find inspiration in her vision, creativity, tenacity, and enthusiasm.
Join Shelly Stockton and special mother/daughter guests Lisa Bailey and Stephanie Meter, Susannah and Emma Cox, and Shelly's daughter Kaitlyn Foster. Part 2 covers five more benefits of Classical, Christian education by discussing themes of freedom, the trivium, and life-long learning.
What’s the big deal about National Memory Master? Why might someone want to participate? What will our family gain from participation? How do we even get started?? Answers to these and all your other questions are uncovered on this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast. Guests Olivia Walsh and Kelli Wilt give listeners all the intel on this “next level Memory Master” quest, and help families see this commemoration of Foundations as a commencing of the Challenge years.
If you are looking for ways to bring life to your family devotions, have we got a podcast for you! Join Lisa Bailey and guest Kelli Wilt as they talk about how to use the Five Core Habits to re-energize your devotion time while exploring God’s word and building deeper relationships with your children. Kelli offers some great examples for us as we seek to Know God, and Lisa encourages families to take our devotion into the community, leading others to Make Him Known.
Here comes January; are you ready?? Homeschooling in the wintertime can be a challenge, especially after the busy fun of the holidays. What’s a parent to do when no one seems motivated to “work the plan” anymore? Join Lisa Bailey as she offers a new idea from a surprising source!
In this first episode, Keith Denton, VP of Classical Conversations International, speaks with Jenn Martin, CC International Sales Manager, about her journey as a homeschool mom, and her heart for encouraging and equipping Classical Conversations leaders and families globally. We hope you're encouraged as Jenn shares her inspiring story declaring, “When God shows up…it’s worthwhile and memorable, and He never fails to show up.”
Join Shelly Stockton and special guests, Chelly Barnard, Kathy Donegia, and Rebecca Seo in a new series Twenty-five Reasons to Homeschool Classically. Listen in on Part 1 as these homeschool veterans discuss general principles, best practices, and lessons learned during their homeschool journeys.
Why read aloud with your family, especially if your children are older? Listen in this week as Heatherly Sylvia shares three solid benefits of reading aloud as a family, and offers some tips for what makes a book or story a great read aloud choice. As an Advent choice, you can hardly miss with The Best Christmas Pageant Ever; if you’ve never read it, or if it’s been a long time, you’ll want to pick up a copy to share with your family this season. You’ll be blessed as you listen to Heatherly’s insights, and moved to experience the Christmas story like someone who is hearing it for the first time.
Sometimes, the best homeschool memories revolve around reading aloud as a family! Christmas is the perfect time to begin this habit, or continue it, at your house. Join host Lisa Bailey on this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast as she and Jennifer Courtney share stories of the blessings of reading aloud. Jennifer offers some of her family read aloud favorites, and reminds us to check out the stories in CC’s very own Echoes books when looking for the next great family read.
Does you enjoy reading aloud as a family? Do you wish you did?? Well, Christmas time offers the perfect opportunity to try something new, and perhaps begin a new tradition. Today’s Everyday Educator guests are the perfect advocates for reading aloud as a family, and they have some rich Christmas experiences to share with us all. Join host Lisa Bailey and guests Whit and Amy Jones as they explore ways to start reading stories as a family this Christmas.
For many families, Advent is full of traditions and memory-making opportunities; some of my favorite Christmas times involve reading aloud as a family. Reading aloud allows us to build family culture, to get to know the same characters, and to develop “inside jokes” and literary references that draw us together. Reading aloud is also just plain fun! This year’s Everyday Educator Advent series introduces listeners to some new friends from all across the country; listen this week as the Knotts from Connecticut share what they love to read together, and why reading as a family is so powerful. Your family may find a new read aloud to share tonight!
Excellence in our homeschooling is a worthy goal, but is that different from “mastery”? Can mastery actually be a limiting goal?? On this episode of the Everyday Educator, Lisa Bailey talks to Marc Hays, veteran homeschool dad, about what we gain when we pursue mastery and what we might miss. Perhaps what we need is a different definition of “mastery”…
What will your children remember about homeschooling in twenty years? The math problem sets? The Latin translations? The timeline?! We think not. Join Amanda Butler as she shares with host Lisa Bailey what she has learned about the really memorable moments of the homeschool journey. Discover ways to seek a spirit of joy in your home, and uncover the beauty of your child’s soul.
Do you sometimes feel that you have so much to cover as a home educator that you can’t afford to repeat anything? Join Lisa Bailey and her guest, Lanelle Lowe, as they talk about this common myth and how a thorough understanding of the classical model can reveal the value of repetition. We believe you’ll end up relishing the repeating for practical as well as relational reasons.
Have you ever bought into a myth because “everybody says so”? Lots of misguided folks believe that classical education is just for smart kids; or even that classical education makes kids smart. Join Lisa and her guest Chelly Barnard as they bust that myth wide open! Chelly will help you remember to consider both the purpose of education and the mission of CC; and you’ll discover the tools that might make you “smart” but will lead you and yours to realize the potential the Lord intended you to fulfill all along.
In this new Everyday Educator podcast series, host Lisa Bailey and her guests will do their best to bust some of the most prevalent homeschooling myths—and answer the question “Why do we believe these myths, anyway?” In this episode, Jennifer Courtney helps to dispel the myth that homeschool success rests on finding the right curriculum—and sticking with it. Tune in as these veteran educators discuss what curriculum can and cannot do for you, and stick around to hear Jennifer’s two “best myth buster weapons”!
Are you treating your homeschool journey like a sprint or a marathon? Many of us begin with the enthusiasm of sprinters, and discover that the sprint pace cannot be maintained for the life of our journey! Listen in this week as homeschool veteran Kelli Wilt shares her story and some true wisdom from down the road. You’ll learn to pause, reflect, reassess, recalibrate—and rejoice!
Are you ready, willing, and able to become the Lead Learner in your home? Maybe you are ready, but you’ve bought into a lie that says you’re not able. Maybe you’re willing, but you don’t know how to start. This week’s episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast features Lanelle Lowe, sharing the truth that God is out to redeem what’s been lost or broken in your educational experience! You’ll find encouragement to learn alongside your child, and practical skills that will equip you to unlock the door to confident lead learning.
Is your homeschool for training minds or training hearts? Why would we start with the heart when beginning the homeschool journey? This week, listen as guest Amy Jones and host Lisa Bailey share the conviction that education is for training the mind and heart, in order to think higher thoughts. Glean some practical ideas for cultivating a sweet spirit in your home, and for discerning some spiritual goals for your family.
One of the more profound lessons “from down the road” may well be that there is more to homeschooling than academic pursuits. Join veteran homeschool moms Shelly Stockton and Lisa Bailey as they discuss building character, spiritual habits, relational maturity, and practical life skills while living and learning at home with their girls. Discover how a classical education lived out in community (both home and CC) provides the environment for learning the biggest lessons of life.
Have you ever wished you could ask an “expert” a question about homeschooling? Well, we don’t know many who claim to be experts, but there are those who are farther along on the journey, veterans with wisdom to share. In this new series, host Lisa Bailey talks with some experienced parents who can offer ideas, tips, and encouragement. In this episode, Christy Bradley shares well-earned wisdom on keeping it simple as the way to peace and satisfaction with your homeschool journey. Listen as these friends talk about consistency, curriculum choices, Mission Statements, schedules, and priorities.
Heading into Challenge III or IV with lots of expectations, and maybe a few questions? Join Kathy Donegia and Lisa Bailey for this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, and re-think your assumptions while discovering the real pluses of classical Christian education lived out in community. Explore both the academic fruit as well as the unanticipated life lessons of shepherding your student through these last years of high school.
Challenge I and Challenge II: What are your expectations? Do you have assumptions about the studies, your students, and your role as the lead learner? On this week’s episode of the Everyday Educator, Sonya Lindsey and Lisa Bailey explore both the practicalities and the ideals of these challenge levels. Listeners will gain both insights and ideas, and discover the real blessings of homeschooling teens.
Families preparing for the early Challenge years often ponder the transitions they know are ahead with concern: How will my student manage the increased workload? Will my student accept responsibility for his work? Can we manage the faster pace of assignments? Will we adjust to our new roles as we change and grow? Listen in as Angela Oxford offers insights on the early Challenge years, sharing what is special about each Challenge, and how parents and students find their new roles together as they live and learn as a family.
Heading into Essentials for the second or third time? You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Listen in as Sarah Pederson shares practical ideas for keeping it fresh from year to year, and for learning English grammar, writing, and math facts family-style. Essentials is meant to be repeated; join us for some encouragement on how to tackle it all again, with increasing ease and understanding.
Are you and your student preparing to join an Essentials community for the first time? Are you wondering what to expect, why it will take three years to learn everything, and where to get more help when you need it? Listen to this week’s Everyday Educator Podcast as guest Randa Clay talks first time Essentials families through the beauties of this program. Be sure to listen for the “surprise lesson” Randa shares at the end!
Excited, eager, curious, hopeful…the countdown to Foundations Cycle 1 has begun! Whether you’re brand new to Classical Conversations Foundations or a returning community member, guest Lindsey Winter will be a blessing to you. She’ll share what to expect this year, how to extend your enjoyment at home, and ways to find wonder that will last!
Getting ready to jump into Foundations? If you’re looking for answers, resources, encouragement, or new ideas, this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast is for you. Guest Sarah Pederson offers insights on how to get started, what to expect, how to extend the learning at home, and which resources will bless your whole family.
As you prepare for the new academic year, questions about setting up a schoolroom, building a collection of resources, and finding that perfect schedule may be swirling in your mind. Listen in as veteran homeschoolers Jennifer Courtney and Lisa Bailey talk about what to gather, where to store it, and when to use it. You’ll gather ideas for cultivating good family habits and maintaining the consistency that will make learning together a blessing.
As you prepare for a new homeschool year, what questions are you asking yourself? On this week’s episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast you’ll find some answers—and some advice on which questions you might really need to answer! Listen in as Kelli Wilt and Lisa Bailey offer suggestions on how to make sure you get your mind right, not just your school supplies!
As July unfolds and we continue to celebrate summer, our minds inevitably begin to turn to preparing for the fall season of homeschooling. This week, our new series “Celebrating Summer, Prepping for Fall” begins with a throw-back podcast from 2018. Enjoy “Blueprints for the Best Education” as you set your minds toward the coming academic year and join us for this new series that will look at each CC program and how to prepare for family success.
Are you building a family legacy? Do you want to start?! Listen to this week’s Everyday Educator Podcast and hear how one family is making memories that will last as they attend “Cousins Camp”. Guest Chelly Barnard (the “Fun Aunt”) shares spot-on tips for enjoying low-tech high-fun good times with her youngest relatives at Cousin Camp. It will make you long for a summer camp experience at your house—and give you the practical details on how to pull it off!
Some people find history as dry as summer without rain…not this week’s podcast guest! Join Lisa Bailey as she talks to Kelli Wilt about celebrating summer by “playing with history” on this week’s Everyday Educator podcast. You’ll be encouraged to explore the history of your hometown, to find history at a family reunion, and to fuel the imaginations of your kids as they act out what they’re reading about with you. Gain some practical ideas that sound like so much fun you’ll want to play too!
Grab some new ideas for nature explorations on this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast; join Amy Jones and Lisa Bailey for a rousing conversation about the blessings and benefits of exploring the outdoors with your family. Practical suggestions are offered for outside AND inside science study that will bring rest, peace, camaraderie, and fun to your summer!
Think studying Latin doesn’t sound much like a celebration of summer? Think again! Listen to these inviting suggestions for incorporating a little Latin learning into your summer celebrating and discover how to strengthen the skills that will make learning languages easier as your kids grow. Playing games, solving puzzles, dressing up, reading stories-even some Latin ideas to incorporate into vacation travel! Guest Denise Moore is a fountain of enthusiasm and good ideas!
You have what seem to be competing goals: extend and build on the math skills your kids acquired during the year AND have a restful, fun-filled summer break; is there a resolution? Of course! On this week’s Everyday Educator podcast, Kelli Wilt and Lisa Bailey brainstorm some easy ways to incorporate math skills into the fun you have with your family: building projects, cooking experiments, small business opportunities, and other “as you go” suggestions for creating memories as you play with numbers together.
Did you know that ants have cows? Really! I learned all about it from listening to Stephanie Meter talk about our new Copper Lodge Library selection Exploring Insects with Uncle Paul! If you want to discover more about this read-aloud resource, listen to this week’s Everyday Educator podcast; you’ll be reminded about using read alouds to start your morning off well, and how easy it is to explore creation when you pique the curiosity of your kids. Stephanie introduces both Uncle Paul and the new Kings of Rome volume, and helps us see why stories of all kinds fuel our imaginations, build family relationships and encourage wonder. Find new material for your morning baskets and prepare for Cycle 1 at the same time!
Are you looking for fun, creative ways to bring more reading into your summer? Or maybe you’re pondering ways to bring the words you read to life, to do something with what your family is reading? Listen in this week as guest Chelly Barnard offers up some awesome ideas for building activity into reading, and for building relationships as you read together this summer.
As you and your family ease into summer, keep in mind that these long days offer lots of opportunities to “play with intention” and enjoy family fun while preparing for lifelong learning. Listen in this week as Jennifer Courtney and Lisa Bailey reminisce about play that promotes important pre-reading skills, the fun and utility of phonics, and the possibility that summer is made for simple self-education for us parents.
Are you looking for a new way to “celebrate summer” as a family? Have you ever considered…camping? Listen in as Heatherly Sylvia shares her family’s love of camping, and gives us all some ideas of how traveling around as a family builds bonds that last. Even if you can’t get out and go this summer, Heatherly will bless you with some ideas that will generate excitement and draw your family together.
Summer gives us time to enjoy family traditions as well as embrace summer surprises! If you are looking for ways to make every day a celebration, tune in to this episode of the Everyday Educator and grab one some suggestions from Amy Jones. Amy shares practical ways to pray, play, read, explore, and serve with your family, building a family culture that will make this summer truly special.
Summer is almost here, and your family is likely ready to celebrate! On this edition of the Everyday Educator Podcast, Delise Germond and Chelly Barnard regale our host with ideas that draw families together, celebrate simple pleasures, and build lasting memories. Listen in for some new ideas that will make doing life together feel fresh and celebratory this summer.
Looking for a way to “celebrate summer” with your family this year? Become Explorers! On this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast, Jeremiah Wentz and Delise Germond introduce us to CC’s Explorers Camp, and help us see how exploring is really about learning to love the world around you as you find your place in it. You’ll hear about what to expect, how to prepare, where to register, and when to get started. (hint: go to classicalconversations/explorers and enter code EE10 to get 10% off!) Join us this summer: there is so much “new” still to be discovered!
In this episode, Daniel Shirley, homeschool graduate and Challenge IV tutor, talks with long-time homeschooling moms and CC leaders: Amanda Butler, Academic Director, and Heather Shirley, Academic Officer, about new training opportunities for licensed directors and tutors. If you liked what you heard about how CC trains homeschooling parents, consider becoming a CC tutor. Visit classicalconversations.com and click on “contact a local leader” to learn more about starting a CC homeschool community in your area.
Everybody loves a good story, and we have a new collection to tell you about. Join the Everyday Educator podcast this week as Jennifer Courtney tells us why these “ancient stories” are so timely for your family! You’ll also discover some ways to use these wonderful read alouds to start great conversations, and maybe encourage a budding storyteller in your midst.
As you approach graduation with your student—or imagine what it will be like in the “sweet by and by”—are you filled with gratitude, excitement, or trepidation? This Everyday Educator podcast will remind you of the causes for celebration in this milestone, and perhaps reframe your thinking as you look toward a new beginning with your child! Join Brittany Lewis and Lisa Bailey as they celebrate the “end” of this journey: rich conversations, solid learning habits, preparation for God’s next steps, and confidence that the best is yet to be!
Why should we pay attention to art education with our children, or be intentional about reclaiming our own educations in the arts? What does art have to do with Truth? Does art make us more human? If these questions intrigue you, or if you just want to know what the Five Canons of Rhetoric have to do with fine arts, this latest Everyday Educator podcast is for you! Join Chelly Barnard and Lisa Bailey as they think out loud about the language of art, and how we can all become fluent.
Looking for good reasons to study Latin alongside your student? Join Latin students and tutors Denise Moore and Stephanie Bailey as they show us some unexpected benefits from studying Latin and other foreign languages. Find out how the arts of grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric are sharpened, and how the Five Canons of Rhetoric can equip us to study with intention and success.
Parents, do you yearn to have lively and enlightening conversations with your high-schoolers about history—and everything else? Join Lisa Bailey, Kelli Wilt, and Marc Hays as they talk about the real reasons we should study history. Listen as they explore some great ways to start conversations about history, and reveal the real lesson that history should teach us all.
Are you a “discuss-er”? Do you wish you were, or that your family had the habit of wrestling with big ideas together? This week, Leslie Hubbard, Stephanie Meter, and Lisa Bailey talk about what entices family members to pursue truth together through conversations. Listen and learn to ask good questions, find the value in timely examples, and see the usefulness of the Five Canons of Rhetoric in family discussions.
What’s the easiest way to bring math into the conversations you’re having with your family? Get outside your math book and feast on the beauty and wonder in creation! Guests Jennifer Courtney and Marc Hays help host Lisa Bailey discover the relationship between numbers, patterns, creation, and math conversations. Listen in as these long-time lead learners discuss how the Five Canons of Rhetoric and a playful spirit will improve the math sense of your whole family.
If you are missing the delight your children took in science explorations as little kids, take a listen to how we can keep the wonder and delight in this study, even as our students head into high school. Join Leslie Hubbard and Amy Jones as they help host Lisa Bailey see that the best tools for studying science are wonder, imagination, our senses, and the ability and expectation to know God! They’ll show us all how to use the Five Canons of Rhetoric to connect science to the everyday pursuits of family life.
Do you or your student dread writing or do you embrace it excitedly? Join Jennifer Courtney and Stephanie Meter as they discuss writing across the curriculum—in literature, history, and science. Together, they explore how the five canons of rhetoric can help you write about any topic in an organized, interesting, and persuasive way to capture the minds and hearts of your audience.
Hoping to guide your student to towards gracious communication, sound judgment, and contemplation of virtue? Teach them speech and debate skills, really! Listen as Melisa Weaver, Leslie Hubbard, and Lisa Bailey talk about how the Five Canons of Rhetoric and the practice of political speech, forensic speech, and ceremonial speech lead our students toward the art of compassionate conversation.
Do we reallyneed to work on reading with our high schoolers? Isn’t it enough that they canread and know whatto read and doread? Listen in as Jennifer Courtney, Stephanie Meter, and Lisa Bailey discuss the spiritual aspect of “why read?” as well as offer some insights for weaving the Five Canons of Rhetoric into reading, into experiencing books, and into family conversations.
For parents looking toward the high school years, the Everyday Educator Podcast offers “Defining Rhetoric” The Conversation Ch 2, a look at how moving into the arts of Rhetoric can bind your hearts together at home and make those high school years exhilarating and satisfying and full of conversation. Join Marc Hays, Karin Carpenter, and Lisa Bailey as they talk about the canons of Rhetoric and why we allneed to be rhetoricians.
Do you yearn to develop or strengthen your confidence as a homeschooler? Are you determined to redeem the Art of Rhetoric, and become an accomplished conversationalist who leads discussion on meaningful ideas? Whether you’re looking for a little encouragement as you continue the homeschool journey into high school or you’re just testing the waters to see if you want to jump in, this first podcast in a new series is for you! Join Brittany Lewis and Lisa Bailey as they discuss Chapter 1 of The Conversation, and share thoughts on three aspects parents really contribute to their children’s educations.
In this final Advent episode, join Lisa Bailey in re-examining the journey of the Wise Men; consider the gift of Celebration, and how and why we are called to celebrate this season. Find encouragement to slow down and allow God’s wonder to move you!
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What makes you wonder? What leaves you speechless? Has wonder ever moved you to change? Join Lisa Bailey on this Advent podcast considering the Gift of Wonder; learn from the shepherds’ response how to make room for wonder in your Christmas celebration this year! (Perfect for a personal reflection or a family devotional!)
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Listen in on this second episode of our Advent series as Lisa Bailey and her husband David explore the gift of listening. How did the gift of listening position Joseph for blessing? How can listening deepen your celebration of Christmas this year? Whether you listen devotionally, or as a family activity, we hope this podcast blesses your family this season.
Merry Christmas! All December the Everyday Educator podcasts will center on Advent, with devotional thoughts suitable for the whole family, and some ideas you can use for deeper reflections. This month we’ll focus on the gifts of attending, listening, wondering, and celebrating as embodied in the Christmas story; this week, we’ll look at how Mary’s gift of attending allowed her to hear God’s heart, and adjust her expectations for a blessing. Join us as we think about unexpected gifts and how our responses to them help or hinder our celebrations!
I know that we all are determined to be “the best teachers” for our kids, and we eagerly (at least usually!) join them in learning/re-learning literature, math, science, history…all the “main subjects” we’ve come to think of as vital. But, what about the subjects many DON”T see as “vital”? How are we to find the time or the talent for teaching the fine arts?! Is it possible that anything we’ve already learned can help us with the arts?! Join guests Jennifer Courtney and Marc Hays on this Everyday Educator Podcast and hear how the Five Common Topics make discussing, appreciating, and participating in art fun for the whole family.
Do you feel adequate for the task to teaching science to your kids?! If you are trying to prepare your child for a STEM career, you might already feel overwhelmed…but…is that what you should be doing?! Our podcast guests Leslie Hubbard and Marc Hays offer some perspective and encouragement for parents in this episode; listen as they tell us how to get started and how to use the Five Common Topics to lead our students to ask “troubling questions” in pursuit of science!
Are you worried about “studying history” with your students as they get older—especially if youdon’t know all the history details that theyknow?! The good news is, studying history doesn’t have to be complicated! Join Marc Hays, Karin Carpenter, and Lisa Bailey as they reveal how to use some simple questions to “connect the dots” of your history study, building a context for your knowledge that truly leads to deeper understanding. Our experienced parents will offer specifics on using the Five Common Topics to frame some great conversation-starters, and suggest some bigger reasons to study history as a family.
Have you noticed how argumentative your middle schooler can be? Wondering how to harness and channel this proclivity for good? We suggest logic studies! Join Lisa Bailey and Stephanie Meter as they advocate for studying logic with your middle schooler; as Stephanie says, teaching logic to your teens may just help them argue their way out of their own crazy ideas! You’ll also see how logic finds its way into all other studies, from Latin to math to Mock Trial. Listen in and discover how asking the right questionspositions us all to find the right answers, logically speaking.
What IS the value of a “mental map of the world”? Does “where” reallymatter to our students? Whether you’re searching for the reasonto study geography or looking for new ways to learn cartography, you’ll find fresh ideas on this Everyday Educator podcast. Marc Hays, Stephanie Meter and Lisa Bailey look at how to layer the learning from Foundations through Challenge as they talk about geography and current events, pointing out ways to use the Five Common Topics to jump start the learning.
What if teaching math could bring your family closer? Would you like to know how to “play with numbers” instead of only “solving problems”? Listen in as Lisa Bailey, Marc Hays, and Leslie Hubbard talk about math explorations at home and in community. Discover ways to ask good questions that model good thinking for your students, and begin the journey toward loving math—really!
The art of writing well focuses on three questions; do you know what they are? If you feel somewhat unequal to the task of teaching writing to your children, or if you just want some fresh ideas, tune into this week’s Everyday Educator Podcast “More Than Pen and Paper.” Lisa Bailey and Stephanie Meter give pointers on how to harness the Five Common Topics to ask key questions that will lead you and your students toward better writing, more open dialogue, and a truly hospitable exchange of ideas!
Whether you are a reader yourself or a parent eager to raise readers, you’ll love listening in as three lifelong readers discuss whychildren should read, what children should read, and how children should read. Join Jennifer Courtney, Stephanie Meter, and Lisa Bailey as they explore how parents can raise readers by using good questions to initiate conversations about what we are reading at home. You’ll go away equipped to ask good questions about a book even if you haven’t read it yourself! As a bonus, listen in to discover the hidden benefit of reading.
Let’s be honest: even after we make the decision to homeschool we have questions! “How do I know what to teach?” “How important are grades and assessments?” “What elseshould I be teaching?” In this episode based on chapter 3 of The Question, host Lisa Bailey and guests Marc Hays and Leslie Hubbard share insights on these and other frequently asked questions. Listen in as they ruminate on the point of education, the place of technology, and how classical education teaches self-control.
What do “rest” and “wrestling” have in common? How can one actually lead to the other? Find out on the latest Everyday Educator Podcast as Lisa Bailey, Marc Hays, and Leslie Hubbard talk about integration, reconciliation, harmony, and enjoying the journey with your middle school children. You’ll find encouragement and some good insight on asking the right questions as you learn alongside your kids.
Have you ever considered the purpose of education? Are you still formulating your goals for educating your children at home? Join Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays, and Lisa Bailey as they think through the arts of the trivium and prepare to spend several weeks delving into the Art of Dialectic. This new series, based on the book The Question, will help you think through the philosophical and practical purposes for classically educating your children at home; you’ll gain valuable insight on how the Five Common Topics of Dialectic make wrestling with big ideas easier.
A tool that could produce better readers would be worth its weight in gold to many of us! Happily, just such a tool is waiting for us all: Active Reader Questions! Whether you want to become a more discerning reader, raise a more intentional thinker, or enjoy deep conversations about what you read with your family, this tool is a wonder. Join Lisa Bailey, Marc Hays and Stephanie Meter as they explore how asking questions (of ourselves and others) leads to richer reading.
Are you still on the fence about writing in your books, even after Practicum? Join Lisa Bailey, Marc Hays, and Stephanie Meter as they reveal how “marking the text” made reading Animal Farma different experience this time around. You’ll gain some practical tips on methods of marking, anddiscover how marking your books leads to conversation: with the book, with the author, with yourself, and with others! (This is the second episode in a series using Animal Farmto illustrate the tools good readers use.)
How do you start a conversation about a book or story? Wouldn’t it be great if there was a tool that could ensure you remember all the important details, identify the key plot points, connect the aspects of the story, AND help you have a better conversation about what you’ve read? Good news: a story sequence chartcan do just that! Listen in as Marc Hays and Stephanie Meter help host Lisa Bailey discover the vital aspects of George Orwell’s Animal Farmby following a story sequence chart. These readers and thinkers introduce the story in this first of three episodes demonstrating how to use the three tools learned during Practicum 2020 to talk about literature.
Edging closer to the start of the a new academic year are you filled with excitement, anticipation, or…nerves?! Join veteran homeschoolers Lisa Bailey and Jennifer Courtney for a conversation about what they wished they had known at the outset of their journeys. They’ll discuss the value of habits, relationships, and “pressing on”, and offer a suggestion for where to seek security and rest when the journey is challenging.
Are you still wrestling with your decision about homeschooling for this fall? Sometimes it can seem like you don’t know what you don’t know! Join veteran homeschoolers Jennifer Courtney and Lisa Bailey as they share the questions they wish they had known to ask, and the answers they found along the way. Homeschooling, it turns out, is about much more than academics!!
Families looking for a buffet of resources to enliven their homeschool journey are loving two new e-zines from Classical Conversations! The Sandboxand Onwardhave recently debuted to rave reviews, and a sneak peek inside these two resources reveals blessings for busy families practicing the arts of learning at home. Listen in as Kelli Wilt gives us the scoop on what we’ll find inside, how we’ll use them at home, and where we’ll go to get more issues.
How does a classical, Christian education lead to virtue? Can you even TEACH virtue?! As you ponder the home-centered education you are designing for your family, consider the place that Truth holds. Join Lisa Bailey, Melisa Weaver, and Stephanie Meter for a thoughtful conversation about “soul cultivation”, the “little t’s and Big T”, and how to embark on a homeschool journey that is not wandering!
What are the benefits to children when parentskeep learning? How can we hope to give our children a better education at home than the one we received? Glean some keen insights and some reproducible ideas from Leigh Bortins, Jennifer Courtney, and Amy Jones as they think on these things in this episode of the “We Believe” series.
Have you ever wondered why “community” is emphasized by classical, Christian educators? At CC, we believe we were created for community--to support one another, teach one another, encourage one another--to do life together! Listen in as Michele Earles and Eva Zaldumbide share what learning in community has taught their families, and discover how “community” goes beyond in-person in the COVID-19 era. You might be surprised!
How does what you believeimpact what you do? At Classical Conversations, we understand that what we believe driveswhat we do, educationally! Join us for this first episode of a new series, “We Believe…So We…”, and think with us about the purpose of education. Listen in as homeschooling parents Kristi Dye and Tim Knotts share how their beliefs about the purposes of education directs both their choices of what and how to teach at home andtheir motivations to be lifelong learners. What do classical educators DO because of their beliefs?
Looking for some more “organic” ways to seize the teachable moments with your children? In this second episode on “as-you-go-discipleship”, guest Jill Philbrick shares some key principles andsome practical examples for parents seeking winsome ways to talk about spiritual matters with our kids. Be sure you stick around for the blessing at the end! And, don’t miss the “As You Go-Discipleship for Families” devotional offerings on CC Connected later this summer.
Wondering why your efforts at family devotion time fall flat? Maybe you need a new perspective! In Part 1 of this series, veteran homeschool mom Jill Philbrick shares her struggles with “devotions” and how she has discovered a more winsome way to share Biblical truth with her children.
Practicum-at-home: cause for mourning or reason to celebrate? The answer might surprise you! While we all miss our community and the exhilaration of being together, Cultivating the Conversation: The Art of Exposition is surprisingly adaptable to our “new normal”. Listen in as four Practicum Speakers share how the content of this year’s Practicum (teaching reading!) meets the needs of allfamilies, while the On Demand format means more folks than ever can be part of the conversation! Discover conversational tools to excavate truth and find inviting ways to engage with others about hope and life!
You’ve come to the last stop on the educational journey, senior year of high school! Is Challenge IV right for your family? Listen in as Brittany Lewis and Lisa Bailey, veteran homeschoolers and CC directors, describe this crown jewel of the Challenge program. They’ll discuss the skills sharpened and the subjects used in the sharpening! You will find discover how Challenge IV prepares students for lifenot just academics, developing the moral imagination needed to identify virtue and live it out. You’ll hear about leadership education and how the pace of this last year of high school is designed as a “gift of contemplation” for students, encouraging them to become deeper thinkers, truer friends, and better citizens. Parents will find their role as mentors and cheerleaders as the homeschool journey draws to a satisfying end.
As your student moves into the latter years of high school, you might have some questions about the Challenge program. Listen in as Karin Carpenter and Lisa Bailey reveal the gems to be mined in the Challenge III year! You will hear how the study of Latin, algebra, American history and Shakespeare are winsomely pursued, and how community day provides chances for each student to help and be helped as they stretch the learning muscles. You’ll discover how community day conversations give students the chance to love their neighbors more naturally, as they practice sharing ideas together.
What have you heard about Challenge II? If you want the realscoop, listen in as Tonya Rozelle and Lisa Bailey describe this transformational year of high school. You’ll hear how the theme of choicesis realized in each strand of study, and how this intentional focus helps you raise deep thinkers who revel in changing their world. Parents, find out how to balance your involvement with your student’s independence, and be encouraged by what your student will gain through this year of discussion.
In this episode, Daniel Shirley, homeschool graduate and Challenge IV tutor, talks with long time homeschooling moms and CC leaders: Amanda Butler, Academic Director, and Heather Shirley, Academic Officer, about new training opportunities for licensed directors and tutors. If you liked what you heard about how CC trains homeschooling parents, consider becoming a CC tutor. Visit classicalconversations.com and click on “contact a local leader” to learn more about starting a CC homeschool community in your area.
Wondering what’s so great about Challenge I as your child enters the high school years? Listen in as Lisa Bailey and Julie Dickens reveal the blessings of this program for students and families. Get the answers to key questions such as “Is Challenge enough to prepare my student?” and “How involved should parents expect to be?” You’ll be excited to hear what students learn, and how that changes them!
Those of you looking toward Challenge B for the fall will want to listen in as Stephanie Meter and Lisa Bailey discuss the details of this program. You will hear how the “Ownership” theme of Challenge A naturally leads to the “Discipline” of Challenge B. You will get a practical sense of how students continue to hone the skills of learning they’ve been cultivating. And, you’ll discover the biggest surpriseof Challenge B! Listen in and discover the richness…
Wondering what to expect as you and your student move into the Challenge years? Join Lisa Bailey and Angela Oxford as they discuss the beauties and benefits of Challenge A. You’ll gain some great insights on this “year of firsts” and hear from experienced parents how to navigate this new part of your journey, both academically and relationally.
Marc Hays and Timothy Knotts discuss homeschooling from a dad’s perspective about why is music important, how they incorporate music in their homes, and how the unified diversity of music itself provides for the differences between family practices and children’s gifts and desires. Timothy currently serves as the president of The Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers in Connecticut and as an area representative for Classical Conversations.
Marc Hays and Timothy Knotts discuss homeschooling from a dad’s perspective and continue the conversation about activities we enjoy with our children where no books are involved whether inside, outside, near our homes or far away. Timothy currently serves as the president of The Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers in Connecticut and as an area representative for Classical Conversations.
Marc Hays and Timothy Knotts discuss homeschooling from a dad’s perspective and begin the conversation about books we are reading aloud, have read aloud, and want to read aloud with our children. Timothy currently serves as the president of The Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers in Connecticut and as an area representative for Classical Conversations.
Good news ALERT! A welcome addition to the Copper Lodge Series is hot off the press, ready to delight readers everywhere. Join host Lisa Bailey as she interviews Jennifer Courtney, compiler of our newest story collection, New World Echoes! Discover why these tales stand the test of time and why they resonate with us today as much as they did with the settlers of the “New World.”
In this episode of the “Moving On Up” series, join Lisa Bailey, Holly Morales, and Sarah Pederson as they talk about the Essentials program. Discover how this English grammar, writing, and math practice program provides encouragement, support, and fun for students AND parents within community each week. Covered ideas: parents as learners, scalability of material, and foundations for future language learning.
Looking into the Foundations Program for your children 12 years old and younger? Join Lisa Bailey, Jennifer Courtney, and Holly Morales as they discuss the beauty of the Foundations Program as a fun way to build a foundation for knowledge, as a community for parents eager to reclaim their own educations, and as a delightful way for children to have some hands-on fun while learning to better love their neighbors! This is a community-based program that truly resonates with the way your children love to learn; find out how to get started today!
Catch this new series, “Moving On Up!”, designed to highlight Classical Conversations’ offerings for the whole family. In this first episode, join host Lisa Bailey and guests Holly Morales and Jennifer Courtney as they uncover the gems in the Scribblers At-Home Collection, designed for your little treasures ages 3-8. Listen in as these homeschooling veterans discuss the gentle ways to begin learning as a family.
In this final episode Marc Hays and Daniel Shirley reflect on C.S. Lewis’s total argument and explore whether or not our future is a hopeful one.
Join Marc Hays and Daniel Shirley as they review the second essay and begin the third essay of The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis.
Marc Hays and Daniel Shirley continue their conversation about The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis. Covering the first half of the second essay "The Way", Marc and Daniel discuss Lewis's "Innovators" and the "Tao".
In this first episode of a four-part series, Marc Hays and Daniel Shirley delve into the first Essay of C.S. Lewis's The Abolition of Man discussing ideas like the head, heart, and appetites and what it means to inculcate proper sentiment in students.
Join Daniel Shirley and Heather Shirley as they discuss the Parent Resources on pages 68-69 of the 2020 Classical Conversations Catalog. Learn how each of these well-chosen books can inform and enrich parents’ homeschool journey across each Classical Conversations program from Scribblers through Challenge IV and beyond.
Just how important is the canon of Delivery? What are the elements that will help us move an audience? How can we help our students overcome a possible reluctance to present? If you’ve wondered about these questions, or even if you just want to finish out the Five Canons podcast, join Lisa Bailey, Jennifer Courtney, and Brittany Lewis as they talk about sharpening the skills of Delivery with all our children.
Is the Canon of Memory morethan just memorizing a speech? Join podcasters Lisa Bailey, Jennifer Courtney, and Brittany Lewis as they probe this canon more deeply! You’ll discover that Memory blesses as it allow students to focus on their audience, distill their message, and revive their confidence. Find out how the canon of Memory can be practiced by students of every age, and enjoyed by families as they read together, share stories, learn hymns, and memorize scripture.
If you are ready to explore ways to be memorable and moving with your communication, join Lisa Bailey, Jennifer Courtney, and Brittany Lewis as they think about the canon of Elocution. Discover how the style of our communication should be governed by both the subject material and our audience, and get some practical ideas for incorporating elocution into all your lessons with all your students.
In the second of our podcasts on the Five Canons of Rhetoric, our team discusses “Arrangement” and how this canon leads us to organize our thoughts, to love our neighbor, and to become clearer thinkers. With insights gleaned from years of leading students and children, Jennifer Courtney, Brittany Lewis, and Lisa Bailey examine how to use Arrangement across all subject strands to grow our understanding. Listen, and learn how Arrangement helps us communicate effectively and think deeply.
As classical, Christian educators, we are interested in finding the truth and communicating that truth well! An ancient tool can help us achieve that goal; join Lisa Bailey, Brittany Lewis, and Jennifer Courtney as they begin to explore the 5 Canons of Rhetoric in this podcast on the canon of Invention. You’ll be encouraged as these veteran homeschoolers share how Invention can help your student overcome the “tyranny of the blank page” when thinking and writing about a new idea, and how Invention can help us all become more gracious communicators.
We hope you enjoy the final episode of a three-part series on the topic of "Advent." We hope you enjoy Part 3 as we discuss a variety of topics surrounding advent and anticipation.
We hope you enjoy episode 2 of part of a three-part series on the topic of "Advent." We hope you enjoy Part 2 as we discuss a variety of topics surrounding advent and memory.
This is the first part of a three-part series on the topic of "Assessment." We hope you enjoy Part 1 "Advent Assessment" as we discuss a variety of topics surrounding assessment during the current season.
In this final episode of the series “The Five Common Topics”, Lisa Bailey, Leslie Hubbard, and Stephanie Meter share how a consideration of Testimony helps seekers pursue Truth. They show that Testimony (including authorities, testimonials, statistics, maxims, laws, and precepts!) helps us wrestle with ideas, stimulate conversations, and gain wisdom. Join these friends and discover how to wield this tool well with your own learners!
Are you looking for a tool to help you dig a little deeper in literature, history, or science? Maybe you want to guide your student to understand others more compassionately, or perhaps you are trying to encourage your students to keep thinkingwhen they believe they’re done! The Common Topic of Circumstance can help you with that! Join Lisa Bailey, Leslie Hubbard and Stephanie Meter as they continue to think about the Five Common Topics, and how these ancient tools help us pursue understanding with our students today. Find out how to use simple questions to “connect the dots” and learn to think more deeply.
This episode of The Everyday Educator Podcast examines the topic of Relationship, and proves just how exciting the Five Common Topics can be! Join guests Leslie Hubbard and Stephanie Meter as they explore how this topic can be used from Foundations through Challenge, in math, Latin, timeline, history, science, and Bible study. Host Lisa Bailey guides the discussion on how valuable it is to make connections, build relationships, and wrestle with big ideas, and helps us see how connecting actions and consequences through a consideration of relationship blesses our children for life.
On this episode of the Everyday Educator Podcast, host Lisa Bailey asks guests Leslie Hubbard and Stephanie Meter to consider the topic of Comparison. Listen as they reveal Comparison as an “all-purpose tool”, one useful for integrating new ideas with familiar information, for starting absorbing conversations, and even for getting acquainted with new people! You’ll discover how natural this classical tool is, and how it easy it is to use with all ages, and in practically all situations. As Leslie says, “When in doubt, compare!”
Join host Lisa Bailey and guests Leslie Hubbard and Stephanie Meter for this Everyday Educator podcast exploring the tool of Definition. Discover just how “common” a topic definition truly IS, and how it can lead to deeper, richer explorations and conversations with your family. These ladies give great examples of how defining a term begins the learning process, and how the student actively participates in the learning when the right questions are posed. This first in a series on the Five Common Topics gives Everyday Educators encouragement and ideas on how to use the tool of Definition. Definitely DO try this at home!
Join Lisa Bailey, Jennifer Courtney, and Kelli Wilt as they finish the series on the Five Core Habits by waxing eloquent on the Habit of Storytelling! Listen as they discuss the ways to encourage beginning storytelling, and how to coax reluctant story tellers to join the fun. These experienced moms will even help you see how storytelling sharpens skills your older kids will need to thrive and grow. You’ll gain some great insights, and pick up some tips you can use to make storytelling a more everyday part of your homeschool.
Join host Lisa Bailey and guests Jennifer Courtney and Kelli Wilt as they consider the habit of Expressing. You’ll be encouraged to see expressing as worship, to celebrate expressing as communication of joy in learning, and to be brave in expressing your own thoughts about what you are learning. The testimony of these experienced moms will hearten you as you ponder all the ways children express their learning in their own time.
In the latest installment in “The Tools” series, join Lisa Bailey, Jennifer Courtney, and Kelli Wilt as they discuss the habit of Memorizing. Everyday Educators will be encouraged to practice this tool with our littles without stressing out! The beauty of this habit is found in enjoying the time spent memorizing alongside our children, building a shared body of knowledge that we can take out and discuss at will in our families—and in our communities! In fact, one of the best things about memorizing is that it can draw us together. Your podcast buddies will think about laying a foundation for later thinking, allowing children to choose their mode of memorizing, and creating a “library of the mind” as they share a conversation about the habit of memorizing.
In this final episode of our series, Marc Hays, Lisa Bailey, and Jennifer Courtney discuss the last parts of Chapter 8 and the Epilogue. They discuss how a classical, Christian education depends upon divine assistance for understanding and how it leads us to the person of Truth with a capital T. Together, they celebrate a deeper understanding of students as image-bearers and the truth that all of us will be changed through classical, Christian paideia—students and parents!
Join Jennifer Courtney, Kelli Wilt, and Lisa Bailey as they continue to discuss the value of Core Habits for our families. Today they will delve into the beauty of the habit of Attending! Learn how to cultivate this natural habit with your children of all ages, attending with joy to the world God has created and celebrating both God’s goodness and our relationships.
In this episode, join Lisa Bailey, Kelli Wilt and Jennifer Courtney as they discuss the core habit of naming. They will define naming and discuss how naming is a tool of learning for everyone from preschoolers to parents. Learn how naming allows us to communicate more and more complex ideas and truths to others so that we can truly be a community of learners. Get practical tips for how to foster this core habit at home. Learn how naming encourages conversations that allow us to wrestle with big ideas.
Join Lisa Bailey and Marc Hays as they discuss analogies, curriculum development, frog dissection, and epic sonnets. Marc is the author of the new resource, Analogies For All of Us, which is being used in the Reasoning Strand of Challenge A this semester.
Join thinkers and readers Jennifer Courtney....as they continue to discuss David Hick's Norms and Nobility, Chapter 8 Part 3. In section IV, they wrestle with the modern outcome of "values free education", one that Hicks declares to be both false and dangerous. Follow our lively bunch as they ponder the beauty and necessity of teaching responsibility along with information.
Have you ever pondered the benefits of Foundations and Essentials, both the obvious and the not-so-obvious? Join Foundations parent Marc Hays, parent and Director Jaime Hays, and former student/current Challenge Director Stephanie Meter as they discuss what makes these programs winners in the short AND long run!!
Are classical education and Christian education opposed to one another? Join Lisa Bailey, Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays, and Daniel Shirley as they explore how Christianity actually fulfills the classical quest to unite knowledge and responsibility. They visit the age-old question “What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” Listen in as they compare Greek tragedy and sin. Learn how Christianity allowed optimism about education.
In Chapter 8, David Hicks looks at “The Promise of Christian Paideia.” In this chapter, his discussion of classical education shifts from the ancient Greeks to the era of Christian education. In this episode, our panelists consider sections 1 and 2 in which Hicks outlines the problems of classical pagan education and looks at how Christ provides the answer to those problems.
Why does anyone in a democracy need a classical education anyway? In this episode, Marc Hays, Lisa Bailey, and Jennifer Courtney finish up their discussion of Chapter 7. They consider four objectives of a classical education in a democracy and apply those ideas to our efforts to reclaim classical, Christian home education.
In this episode, our panelists ask some really important questions about classical education. Is classical education elitist or is it for everyone? Is classical education a good form of education for a modern, technologically advanced society? Is classical education a good form of education for democracy? Listen in as they explore these questions and be inspired to give your children a royal education with plenty of truth, goodness, and beauty as they seek to become more like Christ.
In this episode, Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays, and Daniel Shirley finish their discussion of Chapter 6. Join them as they think about how to educate both the heart and head of our children. Listen in as they consider how to resist modern notions of education. Be inspired to think about education as preparation for life instead of a strictly practical, utilitarian endeavor to prepare young adults for increasingly complex jobs.
In this episode, we move away from the aims of classical education to the method of classical education. Panelists Lisa Bailey, Jennifer Courtney, and Marc Hays explore questions like “What is dialectic?” “What is the relationship between dialectic and conscience?” and “What can we learn from Socratic dialogue?”
This podcast covers chapter 5, section 5 to the end of the chapter. In this episode, Lisa, Jennifer, and Marc ask and attempt to answer the questions: “Why did modern educators walk away from the classical education tradition?” and “What were the consequences of that decision?” They conclude by thinking about how we can teach science in a classical, normative way.
Join your Norms and Nobility fellow-readers as they discuss the question of why the ancients seemed to mistrust scientific inquiry. We'll explore the idea that the ancients were wary of giving the "answers" science provided too much power; instead, they wanted ideology to first provide the unifying vision for discoveries and technology, so that students might be saved from "chaos" and moved to just courses of action.
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
Join your Norms & Nobility friends as they discuss part 3 of chapter 5! The crew explores the idea that mathematics bridges the gap between ancients' focus on the ideal types and the moderns' focus on the utility of harnessing nature for man's own ends. The ancients found that math could explain the immanent forms of matter (the "perfect forms" undergirding reality), and that helped them make peace with their observations of the "irrational" concrete universe.
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
Join Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays, Daniel Shirley, and Lisa Bailey as they discuss the results of modern science's emphasis on things that can be empirically measured in the material world while discounting and ignoring the immaterial world.
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
Join Jennifer Courtney and Lisa Bailey as they discuss the reasons for starting the valuable practice of reading aloud to your children.
Also, get a brief glimpse of Old World Echoes, a hand-picked collection old classic tales of awe and wonder from around the world.
Perfect for Cycle 2 read aloud time!
Click here to purchase at the Classical Conversations Bookstore.
Join Lisa Bailey, Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays and Daniel Shirley as they explore Chapter 5 of Norms and Nobility. It’s all about science. In this episode, our panelists discuss the differences between how ancient, classical thinkers approach science and how modern thinkers approach science. Along the way, they examine questions like “What about technology?” and “Does the study of science help my students think more about the Ideal Type?
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
In this episode Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays, Lisa Bailey, and Daniel Shirley wrap up Chapter 4 of Norms and Nobility with a discussion about the efficiency in education.
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
In this episode Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays, and Daniel Shirley discuss and define the "tyrannizing image" encountering questions like, "What is the use of poetry?" "How do we teach without boring our students?"
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
In this episode Marc Hays and Daniel Shirley discuss the final section of Norms and Nobility Chapter 3. They discuss questions like, "How can we learn without encountering what we don't know?" and "What does friendship between parents as teachers and their children as students look like?
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
Daniel Shirley and Marc Hays continue the conversation about Norms and Nobility delving into the question, "How do we keep healthy tension between having all the answers and being curious about the world around us?
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
In this episode Daniel Shirley and Marc Hays discuss David Hicks’ Norms and Nobility Chapter 2 on the necessity of story and of messy friendship within classical Christian education.
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
Join Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays, and Daniel Shirley for this ongoing discussion of David Hicks’ book Norms & Nobility. In this episode, they look at HOW to teach virtue and define some key terms in the book like “logos” and “mythos.” They discuss questions like “what’s the relationship between words and meaning in the universe?” big questions like “What is virtue?” and “Can virtue be taught?” Along the way, gather some tips for reading and highlighting well and for teaching virtues in your own homeschool.
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
Join Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays, and Daniel Shirley for this ongoing discussion of David Hicks’ book Norms & Nobility. In this episode, they discuss big questions like “What is virtue?” and “Can virtue be taught?” This is the perfect episode for families and directors of Challenge II-IV students. Along the way, gather some tips for reading and highlighting well and for teaching virtues in your own homeschool.
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
Join Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays, and Daniel Shirley for a discussion of David Hicks’ Norms & Nobility. In this episode, the panelists tackle questions like “What is classical education? What is the purpose of education? and What is the theoretic life?” Get tips on reading and marking up your copy of the book as well as ways to apply these ideas in your own homeschool.
20% off Norms & Nobility at www.classicalconversationsbooks.com through May 31 when listeners use NORMSPOD20 at checkout.
Join Jennifer Courtney, Lisa Bailey, and Jamie Hays as they discuss the valuable topic of the why and how of schedules, specifically what works and what does not.
Jennifer Courtney, Lisa Bailey, and Marc Hays share their experiences as first time parents. They discuss their expectations, anticipations and assumptions, as well as how realizing that though reality often failed to meet expectations, maturing alongside their firstborn didn't mean they had failed as parents, but meant accepting that His mercies are new everyday.
Jennifer Courtney, Lisa Bailey, and Jamie Hays share some of their journey as homeschooling mothers through classical education, remembering the enjoyable moments and the tough times.
Leigh Bortins and Jennifer Courtney discuss the development of a child's ability to read beginning with pre-reading skills, the phonics stage, middle school, high school, and beyond Challenge IV.
In this Episode of the Leigh Bortins Show, Leigh speaks with Chris, Tobin, Jeremiah and William, about movies, and the Christian entertainment industry. From, horror to fantasy – they dissect the goals of cinema, as both an art form and a rhetorical device. Listen to them model tools of conversations, this week – On Movies and Films.
Do you want to incorporate fine arts into your home education but don't know how? Join veteran home educators Lisa Bailey, Jennifer Courtney, and Jamie Hays as they discuss painting, poetry, music, dance, sports, and even home economics. Gather some fresh ideas for enjoying these arts with your family.
In this series, we are discussing the book The Core by Leigh Bortins a chapter at a time. This episode features on the three big ideas you need to know as you learn to love math and as you teach math to your children.
Listen in on this discussion of science for students ages 4-12. Learn how to inspire wonder in your children and how to teach them to use their five senses while observing God's world. Science helps us to know God through His world. As we marvel at the beauty and order, we will worship Him.
Be sure and tune in to this insightful episode on Leigh Bortins' book The Core. In this eighth installment in our CCP series, we will explore the 8th chapter from The Core and discuss history!
We hope you enjoy this new podcast series "The Leigh Bortins Show"! On our first episode, Leigh sits down with Tobin Duby, Jeremiah Wentz, and Christopher Blackburn to talk on the hot topic immigration. Immigration is a topic many disagree on, and we hope this episode helps instruct how to converse with one another in a loving and understanding way.
We hope you enjoy this seventh installment in our CCP series on Leigh Bortins' book, The Core. Join us as we explore the 7th chapter from The Core and discuss the importance of geography!
We hope you enjoy this fifth installment in our CCP series on Leigh Bortins' book, The Core. Join us as we explore the 5th chapter from The Core and discuss the value of training our students and kids to be writers for life.
Also be sure to check out other special CCP offers by visiting our bookstore online.
We hope you enjoy this fourth installment in our CCP series on Leigh Bortins' book, The Core. You can learn more about the rewards of reading by reading Chapter 4 in The Core.
Also be sure to check out other special CCP offers by visiting our bookstore online.
Just for our listeners and viewers! Save $5.00 off your total order when you use the offer code CCP2018 at checkout.* Finally, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses the resource for Challenge B, Tanglewood Tales "Golden Fleece."
We hope you enjoy this fourth installment in our CCP series on Leigh Bortins' book, The Core. You can learn more about the magic of reading by reading Chapter 4 in The Core.
Also be sure to check out other special CCP offers by visiting our bookstore online.
Just for our listeners and viewers! Save $5.00 off your total order when you use the offer code CCP2018 at checkout.* Finally, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses the resource for Challenge B, Tanglewood Tales "Pomegranate Seeds."
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses Leigh Bortins' book The Core. In this episode, the focus will be on Chapter 3.
Just for our listeners and viewers! Save $5.00 off your total order when you use the offer code CCP2018 at checkout.* Finally, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses the resource for Challenge B, Tanglewood Tales "Circe's Palace."
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses Leigh Bortins' book The Core. In this episode, the focus will be on Chapter 2.
Just for our listeners and viewers! Save $5.00 off your total order when you use the offer code CCP2018 at checkout.* Finally, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses Leigh Bortins' book The Core. In this episode, the focus will be on Chapter 1.
Just for our listeners and viewers! Save $5.00 off your total order when you use the offer code CCP2018 at checkout.* Finally, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses the resource for Challenge B, Tanglewood Tales "Dragon Teeth."
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses the resource for Challenge B, Tanglewood Tales, "The Pygmies"
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses Leigh Bortins' book The Core. In this episode, the Introduction will be discussed.
Just for our listeners and viewers! Save $5.00 off your total order when you use the offer code CCP2018 at checkout.* Finally, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses the resource for Challenge B, Tanglewood Tales, "The Minotaur"
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses the Classical Christian Education Made Approachable!
Just for our listeners and viewers! Save $5.00 off your total order when you use the offer code CCP2018 at checkout.* Finally, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.
Thanks for joining us on a Cultivating Classical Parents podcast or webinar! Enjoy this wonderful episode as our team discusses the resource for Challenge B, Tanglewood Tales!
You may have noticed in Practicum this summer and throughout the Foundations Curriculum, Fifth Edition, that we are placing a renewed focus on simplicity in the Foundations years. Leigh Bortins says in her introductory letter on page three that she has the same words of advice as she did twenty years ago…
Enjoy these precious years with your young children.
Delight in their continual discoveries of new truths about God’s world.
Praise them for working hard to memorize and recite His truths.
Join the Foundations Academic Team as they walk through some pages of the Foundations Curriculum, Fifth Edition and discuss enjoying the years, delighting in discoveries, and praising students.
Number the Stars invites you into a family, a friendship and an adventure amid the circumstances of the Holocaust. Listen to why this novel was chosen for our Challenge A audience to discuss themes of truth, goodness and beauty in an appropriate way during their season of life. Discover how this novel can spark valuable discussion between you and your child.
Enjoy a conversation among friends. Listen to an intriguing discussion of Harper Lee’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird. Lisa Bailey and Julie Dickens explore the complexity of the story line, the depth of character development as well as the symbolism of the “Mockingbird.” The theme of social injustice permeates the book and is carefully considered. Have you ever thought about how reading thought provoking literature prepares us and our children to face situations? Come join this conversation!
What value can be found in a book with such an odd title? C. S. Lewis’s epistolary work of fiction has been lauded as a “must read” in spiritual works and yet is at times laughably entertaining. Is this combination possible? Listen and judge for yourself.
Why do students study short stories in Challenge B? And why is “The Necklace” a story that is enjoyed on so many different levels by students and adults? This tale, with its surprise ending, opens our eyes to the importance of how the desires of our heart can change the course of our life in an inkling. How can a character be so self-absorbed in her own beauty and worldly desires yet rise to play the part of a hero? Listen as we discuss this timeless story.
Enjoy this insightful article as Kathy Sheppard helps us see the wonderful benefits of sticking with the study of Latin.
Kathy Sheppard has a B.A. in Latin from the College of William and Mary and a M.Ed. from George Mason University as a reading specialist. She taught Latin at Spotsylvania High School in Virginia for nine years and has taught home-schooled students since 2004. She also has taught online classes to parents and students since 2008 and has been a Classical Conversations Challenge Program director in Fredericksburg since 2006. She studied in Rome in 2003 as part of the American Academy of Rome's Classical summer school. She lives in Virginia with her husband, Dave, her two daughters, Annie and Elizabeth, and her son, Robert. Visit her website www.latinandclassics.com.
Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to listen in on our nation's history directly with Larry Schweikart.Mr. Schweikart is an American historian and the author of A Patriot's History.
We hope you enjoy the audio!
We hope to have many of our Challenge I tutors, parents, and students listening as Leigh Bortins interviews author, writer, and journalist Richard J. Maybury. Maybury is the author of Whatever Happened to Penny Candy and The Money Mystery.
Richard J. Maybury is widely regarded as one of the top free-market writers in America. Maybury's articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and other major publications. President of Henry Madison Research, Inc., Maybury is a world-renowned author, lecturer and analyst who consults with business firms and individuals in the U.S. and Europe. Maybury is the Editor of the widely read newsletter, Richard Maybury's U.S. & World Early Warning Report.
Author Joel Belz founded World magazine, a Christian interest weekly, in 1986. He served as editor and publisher until late 1994. Before that, Belz was managing editor of The Presbyterian Journal, a magazine of theological interest started in 1942. In 1997 Belz was elected president of the Evangelical Press Association. In 1994, he received the James DeForest Murch award from the National Association of Evangelicals. Belz focuses now on editorial tasks for World magazine, having written the lead column for more than 20 years. He also speaks across the country. He is an active churchman, having served in 2003 as moderator of the highest assembly of his denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America. He has been a member of the board of Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, for most of the last 25 years. He has a B.A. from Covenant College, an M.A. in mass communications from the University of Iowa, and a doctor of humane letters from Geneva College.
We hope you enjoy this wonderful Writer's Circle episode by Lisa Bailey. Be encouraged and ready for Practicum this year!
We hope you enjoy this special L@L episode as Leigh Bortins sits down with five homeschool mothers to discuss the joys and hardships of classical homeschooling. Listen and be encouraged!
We hope you enjoy this interview from the past as Leigh Brotins interviews Becky Dunlop, Vice President of External Relations at the Heritage Foundation. Over the years, Classical Conversations has established a strong relationship with the Heritage Foundation.
"The Heritage Foundation is one of the nation’s largest public policy research organizations. More than 710,000 individual members make it the most broadly supported think tank in America."
We are excited to have Vice President Dunlop on the show this week to help you learn more about the Heritage Foundation.
We hope you enjoy this wonderful podcast episode by Tifany Borgelt as she share her journey in discovering languages. We hope you listen in and prepare for our 2018 Practicum theme this year "Art of Grammar, Unlocking Languages."
We hope you enjoy this wisdom-filled article by Amanda Butler as she shares the necessity of humility for all Classical Conversations Tutors.
We hope you enjoy this episode as Kate Deddens explores science discovery within the research strand in Challenge B. You are sure to enjoy this audio and delight in the incredible gifts of God given to us in science!
We hope you enjoy this wonderful conversation from the Leigh!@Lunch archives. Leigh Bortins interviews Douglas Wilson about Classical Christian Education. Douglas Wilson is the Pastor of Christ Church in Moscow, ID. He is a strong supporter of the Classical Christian model and wrote the books Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning and The Case for Classical Christian Education.
We hope you enjoy this wonderful article by April Foster as she answers some questions about starting homeschool that many parents have considered and asked about.
Can We Put the Phone Down is an insightful article written by Tifany Borgelt. We hope you enjoy the audio!
Have you considered the 5 Common Topics and its relationship to the universe around us? We hope you enjoy this audio from Challenge I Tutor David Bailey.
Listen in to this exciting episode from our L@L archives as Leigh Bortins interviews Martin Cothran! Martin is the author of Traditional Logic, Books I and II, as well as Classical Rhetoric with Aristotle, both published by Memoria Press. He is also Latin, logic and rhetoric instructor at Highlands Latin School in Louisville, Kentucky and is Master Teacher at Mars Hill, Lexington. In addition to being editor-in-chief of Classical Teacher magazine, he serves as senior policy analyst for The Family Foundation of Kentucky, where he directs legislative and media relations and is a frequent guest on political and cultural issues on radio and television in his home state of Kentucky. He holds a B.A. in economics and philosohpy from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an M.A. degree in Christian Apologetics from the Simon Greenleaf School (now part of Trinity University. He lives with his wife and four children in Danville, Kentucky.
You are sure to enjoy this fantastic episode as Leigh Bortins interviews president of Foundation for Economic Education. This episode aired in 2011.
Lawrence W. Reed became president of FEE in 2008. He was a founder and president for twenty years of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland, Michigan. A champion for liberty, Reed has authored over 1,000 newspaper columns and articles, 200 radio commentaries, dozens of articles in magazines and journals in the U. S. and abroad, as well as five books. His articles have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, among many others. His interests in political and economic affairs have taken him as a freelance journalist to 69 countries on six continents. Lawrence W. Reed holds a B.A. degree in Economics from Grove City College (1975) and an M.A. degree in History from Slippery Rock State University (1978), both in Pennsylvania.
A Lead Learner sounds intimidating right? But should it? Listen in to this wonderful Writer's Circle episode as Leslie Hubbard talks the importance of "becoming." We hope you enjoy the audio! You can read the article here!
Whew! We made it through the prologue in David Hicks astounding book Norms and Nobility. Please be sure to check out this last section of the Prologue and be ready for more episodes to come where we can actually start on CHAPTER ONE! :)
Sit down with Lisa Bailey and Elisabeth Webber to talk Memory Master and its importance. You are sure to benefit from this rich and lively discussion!
Dual Enrollment? Concurrent Enrollment? is an article written by Linda Tomkinson. We hope you enjoy the audio!
Raising Imaginative Children is an article written by Lisa Bailey. We hope you enjoy the audio!
Homeschooling Through Every Season is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio!
This particular audio is based from an article written by Marc Hays. The article demonstrates a socratic dialogue read in parts. We hope you enjoy the article!
CCMM's Math in Motion 2nd edition will be coming next year. In order to help us think more about music and math, here is a podcast done by your CCMM education team. We hope you enjoy the audio!
Making a Home for the Holidays is an article written by Ruth Holleran. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
The Truth about Thanksgiving is an article written by Courtney Sanford. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here!
We finally made it! Through the prologue... But it was worth it. Please listen in to our discussion on the 3rd section of David Hicks prologue to his thoughtful and inspiring book Norms and Nobility. We know you will be encouraged through this discussion!
What Potlucks Teach Us About Choosing Curriculum is written by Rachel Brown. We hop you enjoy the audio!
Ready to keep tackling David Hicks' Norms and Nobility? Well, we are going slow and still talking about the prologue in this second episode on Hicks' intriguing treatise of education. What is the difference between prescriptive and descriptive education? Normative or analytical? Join this episode as members of the CCMM education team wrestle and struggle through the intro of Norms and Nobility.
Listen in to this special episode about playing with numbers. Are you curious about math sense? Do you want to learn more about numbers? This episode also includes Nation Number Knockout guru Elisabeth Webber and 2017 N2K winner Ethan Gates!
Be sure to tune into this wonderful episode! Matt Bianco interviews Dr. Kopff on the Classics and Latin.
Dr. Kopff has taught at the University of Colorado, Boulder since 1973. For about five of the last thirty years he has lived in Rome, Italy, teaching and studying. He is editor of a critical edition of the Greek text of Euripides' Bacchae (Teubner, 1982) and author of over 100 articles and reviews on scholarly, pedagogical and popular topics. He currently works with the Classics Department of the University of Urbino, Italy on ancient Greek lyric poetry.
He is a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome and has been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the CU Committee on Research. His book, The Devil Knows Latin: Why America Needs the Classical Tradition is widely cited in the new Classical Education movement.
Dr. Kopff is the founding faculty father of the CU-Boulder Honors Journal, which is the elite undergraduate publication for the university. He is winner of the Jacob Van Ek Mentor Award, the Faculty Essay Award of the CU Graduate School Committee on the Arts and Humanities, and two-time winner of the SOAR Award (Student Organization for Alumni Relations. To win this award twice is a very exceptional accomplishment).
Do you have insecurities about teaching math? Do you feel like you are not a "math person"? Well we want to help! Join us on this episode as Lisa Bailey and Elisabeth Webber talk math and why learning to love math is like any journey worth having!
The Real Impact of Imagination is an article written by Stephanie Meter. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Rhett Butler and Relationship Advice is written by Rachel Brown. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Please join members of our Parent Education Team as they discuss the Prologue of David Hicks fascinating Treaty of Education, Norms and Nobility. We hope you enjoy the episode!
Join some of our CCMM team members as they discuss the blessings of small communities with Classical Conversations. We hope this episode brings you encouragement and inspiration as you continue on your classical educational journey
A Glorious Journey is an article written by Scott Whitaker. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
The Year of the Bold is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Attorney Mike Smith is the President of HSLDA, an organization that he helped found in 1983. Established to protect the right of parents to teach their children at home, HSLDA now represents over 80,000 member families. Mike and his wife Elizabeth began homeschooling their children in 1981. He has been defending families for 28 years. Mike has been speaking to homeschool audiences for 23 years. His columns on home education appear regularly in the Washington Times, and he has been a guest on numerous television and radio programs, including Focus on the Family with Jim Dobson and Hannity and Colmes on Fox News. He believes that there is a revival taking place in America through the homeschool movement and that, through the second and third generation of homeschoolers, there is great potential to return America to its moral and religious foundation.
Join this week's CCMM episode as your host Caleb Skogen sits down with CEO of Classical Conversations Robert Bortins Jr. to discuss two new Scribblers products from CCMM. Robert authored both of the following products: Lily Stays for School and My CC ABCs. We hope you enjoy the show!
This article was written by Linda Tomkinson. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Woo Your Reluctant Reader: Put Away the Books is an article written by Leslie Hubbard. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
Although he was delivered from the manacles of slavery by the Emancipation Proclamation, Booker T. Washington knew that freedom was not free. In the Reconstruction-era South, he knew that in order to manage their freedom well and benefit from it fully, former slaves would have to undertake a lot of hard work. How does his experience compare to ours? One hundred fifty years later, is freedom free? Or does it still come at a cost? How can we manage and protect our freedom? And how does the study of the liberal arts help us do that? Listen as we discuss these questions and more!
Editors describe Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë's classic Gothic novel, as "a love story, an unlikely coming together of two people far apart in age and social situation, yet clearly meant for each other." Or are they? Listen in as we consider whether governess Jane and her master, Rochester, are well suited for each other. Whether you have had opportunity to read the novel or not, and whether your children are Scribblers or Challenge students, you are sure to enjoy the rich conversation.
Are you intimidated at the prospect of building a classical, Christian education for your family? Do you have others asking you where to start with homeschooling? Do you want to return to your classical roots? Then Classical Christian Education Made Approachable is the blueprint for homeschooling you need. CCEMA will help give you the tools you need for the home-centered, classical education using the building blocks of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Join the Foundations Academic Advisor Team as we discuss this booklet and be ready to share ideas about what has worked for your family during your classical education journey.
In this Platonic dialogue, readers are lead on a journey to examine what virtue is and whether or not it can be taught. Join us as we consider how to use the Socratic method to educate our children and the importance of teaching them "how" to think. We will reflect on how to awaken the conscience of our students through dialectic conversation as we explore timeless questions about choices, consequences, and character. Whether you have had opportunity to read the dialogue or not, and whether your children are toddlers or high school students, you are sure to benefit from the conversation.
Do the words "literary analysis" make you quiver with fear and trepidation? Are you vexed with nightmares from a previous literature class and hesitate to begin exploring the elements of stories with your students? Set your worries aside, and join Jennifer Courtney, the Director of Parent Education, and Jaime Kovanda, the Essentials Academic Advisor, to explore a NEW curriculum that teaches an approachable method for using the tools of literary analysis. No need to read War and Peace to accomplish this skill since Teaching the Classics uses children's short stories to present a step-by-step method for reading, analyzing, and discussing literature with students of all ages.
What is Needed? is an article written by Shelly Stockton. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Falling in Love at Practicum is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the article. You can read the article here.
Please join this week's Book Club episode on The Bronze Bow. Do you want to have better discussion on classical books and literature? We hope this episode gives you insight and encouragement to start book clubs in your communities and increase the importance of good reading.
Please join this week's Book Club episode on The Odyssey. Do you want to have better discussion on classical books and literature? We hope this episode gives you insight and encouragement to start book clubs in your communities and increase the importance of good reading.
This L@L episode is hosted by Matt Bianco and includes the wonderful guest John Hodges. We hope you enjoy this episode as Matt and John talk about music, the arts, and the Quadrivium. Hodges is a conductor and composer, holding degrees in Music from the University of Maryland, and Indiana University. He served as Music Director for various symphony orchestras and church music programs in Memphis from 1983-2009. He also held the position of Associate Professor of the Arts and Cultural Apologetics at Crichton College where he taught art and music history, philosophy of the Christian Faith, directed theater, and founded and directed the Institute for the Arts and Cultural Apologetics.
Thoughts on Tanglewood Tales is an article written by Stephanie Meter. We hope you enjoy this article to find out more information about Classical Conversations' product Tanglewood Tales. You can read the article here.
Basketball, Spaghetti Sauce, and Latin is an article written by Marc Hays. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
Join our new CC podcast series Book Clubs. In this week's episode, our team discusses the book The Cop and the Anthem. We hope you enjoy the audio!
Listen in on CCMM's Parent Education Team as they share and discuss their funny stories within classical education. We hope that this show displays the humor and goodness of homeschooling your kids while also displaying the necessity to sometimes laugh at yourself. We hope you enjoy the audio!
On this week's episode, host Caleb Skogen sits down with Stephanie Meter and Vixie Friedman to discuss CCMM's new product Tanglewood Tales (CC Edition). What is this new product from Classical Conversations Multi Media? Why are stories important? Why are the Greek myths necessary for our children and students? We hope you enjoy the episode!
Join the Academic Team from CCMM as they discuss the book The Liberal Arts Tradition by Kevin Clark and Ravi Scott Jain. In this episode, Jennifer Courtney, Lisa Bailey, and Caleb Skogen discuss the book's ideas on Dialectic and Rhetoric (pages 41-51). We hope you enjoy the episode!
Welcome to the start of our new Summer Book Club podcast! Join members of CCMM's Academic Team as they discuss the start of our new podcast this summer. We hope you enjoy the audio. Be on the look out for upcoming podcasts focused on specific books our Academic Team is currently reading.
Celebrating Assessment is an article written by Stephanie Meter. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Still wondering how to inspire your children and students through Math? Join Jennifer Courtney, Amanda Butler, and Marc Hays as they talk about the beauty of Math sharing stories and experiences in order to encourage you in your homeschooling journey.
Repentance is an article written by Amanda Butler. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Juggling in the Margins is an article written by Elizabeth Do. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
From One Ill-equipped Leader to Another is an article written by Jen Greenholt. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Listen in as Leigh interviews best-selling author, N.D. Wilson. Leigh will discuss N.D. Wilson's book from Random House, Ashtown Burials I: The Dragon's Tooth and will also be talking about Wilson's C.S. Lewis movie project. Leigh and N.D. also talk about the importance of stories and how classical education can better prepare students in their writing skills.
The Power of Community is an article written by Lisa Bailey. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Join Leigh Bortins as she sits down with Thomas E. Woods. Woods is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books. A senior fellow of the Ludwig von Mises Institute, Woods holds a bachelor's degree in history from Harvard and his master's, M.Phil., and Ph.D. from Columbia University.
Woods has appeared on CNBC, MSNBC, FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, C-SPAN, and Bloomberg Television, among other outlets.
We hope you enjoy the audio!
Blooming Anyways is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Tending the Secret Garden is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
Discovering Your Child's Heartsong is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the article. You can read the article here.
Oops! We Had to Start the Book Over: Learning at a Human Pace is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Help! My kid wants to support the wrong side is an article written by Marc Hays. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
Beauty: Audience Participation Requested is an article written by Rachel Brown. We hope you enjoy the article! You can also read the article here.
We hope you enjoy this L@L episode where Matt Bianco sits down with Astronomer and Historian Wesley Callihan. This episode goes deeper into the liberal arts where the subject of Astronomy is explored as it relates to classical education and the quadrivium.
The One-Room Schoolhouse: Nurturing Community in Your Home School is an article written by Shelly Stockton. We hope you enjoy the audio! You can also read the article here.
Community and the One-Room Schoolhouse is an article written by Amanda Butler. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Things To Do When Your Firstborn Starts Foundations is the sequel to Kathy's Sheppard's wonderful article Things Not To Do With Your Firstborn When Starting Foundations. We hope you enjoy the article.
In this Leigh@Lunch episode, Leigh sits down with Andrew Kern to discuss the Liberal Arts. We hope you enjoy this audio!
The Magic of Reading Aloud is an article written by Lisa Bailey. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
The Authenticity of Winter is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Spring: A Welcome Change of Pace is an article written by Shelly Stockton. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Celebrating the Old and New Together is an article written by Jen Greenholt. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also listen to the article here.
Looking Towards Spring is an article written by Amanda Butler. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Fantastic Fails is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
Slowing Down is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Ordinary Joy is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
This L@L episode is from 2011 where Matt interviews author Nancy Pearcey. We hope you enjoy the audio!
A Celebrated Life is an article written by Leslie Hubbard. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Love Your Neighbor, Learn to Tailor is an article written by Marc Hays. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
Join Leigh!@Lunch this week as Matt Bianco interviews Pastor Steve Wilkins about Advent, Christmas, and the Saints.
Getting the Best Fit for Each Child is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. We hope you enjoy the article! You can also read the article here.
The Grammar Clams or Fashioning the Perfect Fit is an article written by Rachel Brown. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Listen in on this L@L episode as Matt Bianco interviews author David Hicks about his book, Norms & Nobility: A Treatise on Education.
We hope you enjoy our new podcast from our CCMM Team. In this episode you will be encouraged and better equipped with overall lesson planning. Enjoy!
The Eternal Pursuit of the Knowledge of God (and the liberal artist's head start) is an article written by Aaron Hebbard. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Homeschooling in the Desert of Affliction is an article written by Andrea Newitt. Andrea passed from death to life on August 9, 2012, finishing her journey here on earth and beginning her eternal walk with the Lord in His joyful presence. Andrea was an expert editor, inspirational writer, and lover of God and family as wife to Mark, mother to Benjamin, Nicole, and Brianna, and daughter of the King. We hope you enjoy her words of encouragement and wisdom. You can read the article here.
A Triumph in a Boy's Life: Alan and His Liberal Arts Education is an article written by Marc Hays. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
Today's episode is from 2012 with guest and classical educator Christopher Perrin. We hope you enjoy the audio!
Math as a Conversation is an article written by Amanda Butler. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Listen in to CCMM's new podcast on Family Relationships. Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays, and Amanda Butler host a wonderful discussion on community and homeschooling. We hope you enjoy the article!
Letting Our Children Wrestle with Doubt is an article written by Matt Bianoc. We hope you enjoy this article. You can also read the article here.
Embracing the Awkward Pause is an article written by Lauren Chastain. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
It's All about Conversations: Discovering Pearls of Great Worth is an article written by Kate Deddens. We hope you enjoy the article! You can also read the article here.
Listen in to our new podcast on Community. Jennifer Courtney, Marc Hays, and Amanda Butler host a wonderful discussion on community and homeschooling. We hope you enjoy the article!
The "Who-What-How-What" is an article written by Courtney Sanford. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Contextual Learning is an article written by Andrew Kern. We hope that you enjoy this audio. You can also read the article here.
Making Sweet Memories is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
Graduation Thinking is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
The Well-Made Bed is an article written by Courtney Sanford. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Cycle 2, Take 2 is an article written by Rachel Brown. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Getting Organized: Garlands of Hosannas is an article written by Courtney Sanford. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
Peace Talks is an article written by Kate Deddens. We hope you enjoy the article. You can also read the article here.
The Beauty of Fine Arts is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
A Love for Doing Hard Things with Latin is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
The Joy of Reading Aloud is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
Rhyme and Rhythm: Enjoying Poetry as a Family is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. We hope you enjoy the article. You can read the article here.
The Magic Fishbone is an article written by Rachel Brown. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can also read the article here.
The Book of Books is an article written by Rachel Brown. We hope you enjoy the audio! You can also read the article here.
The Delaware Tea Party…And Why Writing Is So Important is a article written by Kathy Sheppard. Enjoy the audio or read the article here.
Two Jobs All Our Kids Will Have is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
How to Build Academic Integrity and Avoid Plagiarism is an article written by Jen Greenholt. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
The Core Chapter 8: The Core of a Classical Education: History is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
History, Government, and Economics, Oh My! is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
Wonderstruck by Science is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
Summer Refreshment: Goofing Off is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
Let’s Build Something Together – A Blueprint to Restore the Art of Debate is an article written by Jen Greenholt. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
Classical Acts and Facts History Cards: A Firm Foundation is an article written by Courtney Sanford. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
Math in Love is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
Harness the Power of the Question is an article written by Nathan Williams. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
Growing Deep Roots for Speaking and Writing is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio. You can read the article here.
The Core Chapter 7 is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
The Use of Scripture in Public Discourse is an article written by Jonathan Bartlett. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Patrick Henry Debates is an article written by Sarah Berke. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
The Deep Connection of Reading is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Summer Refreshment: Remembering the Heart of homeschooling is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Drawing Out the Wonder: 5 Tools to Make Your High School Day More Delightful is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Enjoy some of our older archived podcasts where Leigh Bortins interviews different guests. In this episode Leigh interviews author James D. Nickel about the beauty of mathematics. The episode is from 2012.
What's In Your Classroom? is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
The Life of Memory is an article written by Kate Deddens. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Reminders from God is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
A Life Worthy of Explanation is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Finding Shelter is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Finding Shelter is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope you enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Answering, "What Grade Are You In?" is an article written by Beth Watson. We hope this encourages you and your family. Enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
The following article is an article from the 2016 Classical Conversations Catalog. Wobbly Times: Finding Harmony in the Debate Strand is written by Leslie Hubbard. You can find more articles like this in the online 2016 CC Catalog.Or read the article at our WC page here!
The following article is an article from the 2016 Classical Conversations Catalog. Sanctification through Testing is written by Kate Deddens. You can find more articles like this in the online 2016 CC Catalog.
A Feast for the Soul is an article written by Cara McLauchlan. We hope this encourages you and your family. Enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Join some of our homeschool experts and Classical Conversations parents, as we explore the themes from one of our favorite Challenge I books, The Scarlet Letter. Pick the book up at the bookstore today!
The following article is an article from the 2016 Classical Conversations Catalog. Hunting Echoes is written by Amanda Butler. You can find more articles like this in the online
2016 CC Catalog.
Enjoy some of our older archived podcasts where Leigh Bortins interviews different guests. In this episode Leigh interviews Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Jr., an Alliance Council member and Provost and Professor of Literature at Patrick Henry College. The episode is from 2010.
How to Be the Best Math Tutor is an article written by Matt Bianco. We hope this encourages you and your family. Enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
A Meal on a Plate: Demonstrating the Classical Model (Part One) is an article written by Heather Shirley. Want some wisdom from an experienced CCer? Enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Join some of our homeschool experts and Classical Conversations parents, as we explore the themes from one of our favorite Challenge A books, Carry on Mr. Bowditch. Pick the book up at the bookstore today!
Enjoy some of our older archived podcasts where Leigh Bortins interviews different guests. In this episode Leigh interviews former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee. The episode is from 2008.
Restoring Two Generations: Forming a Learning Plan for Parents is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. We hope this message encourages you on your homeschool journey! Enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
10 Lessons I Have Learned in 10 Years of Classical Conversations is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. Want some wisdom from an experienced CCer? Enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
The following article is an article from the 2016 Classical Conversations Catalog. Rethinking the Daily Grind is written by Jen Greenholt. You can find more articles like this in the online 2016 CC Catalog.
Join some of our homeschool experts and Classical Conversations parents, as we explore the themes from one of our favorite Challenge B books, The Hiding Place. Pick the book up at the bookstore today!
Enjoy some of our older archived podcasts where Leigh Bortins interviews different guests. In this episode Leigh interviews author Anthony Esolen. The episode is from 2013.
Getting Started Homeschooling: Organizing Your Schoolroom is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. This is the final part of a three-part series. Enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Getting Started Homeschooling: Organizing Your Day is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. This is the second part of a three-part series. Enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
Getting Started Homeschooling: Choosing a Method is an article written by Jennifer Courtney. This is the first part of a three-part series. Enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
The following article is an article from the 2016 Classical Conversations Catalog. A Commencement Address to Foundations Parents is written by Emily Shirley and is read by Rachel Brown. You can find more articles like this in the online 2016 CC Catalog.
The following article is an article from the 2016 Classical Conversations Catalog. History Lessons is written by Matt Bianco and is read by Caleb Skogen. You can find more articles like this in the online 2016 CC Catalog.
Getting It All Done: Ten Tips from a Classical Conversations Veteran is an article written by Ruth Holleran and is read by Jennifer Greenholt. Enjoy the audio! Or Read the Article here!
You Might Be a "Drop Out" Parent If.... is an article written by Brian Tonnell and is read by Marc Hays. Enjoy the audio of this delightful article to encourage you and your homeschooling journey! Or Read the Article here!
"Memory Master Time!" is an article written by Courtney Sanford and is ready by Rachel Brown. Enjoy the audio of this delightful article to encourage you and your homeschooling journey! Or Read the Article here!
Enjoy some of our older archived podcasts where Leigh Bortins interviews different guests. In this episode Leigh interviews author, Stanley Fish as they discuss his most current book, How to Write a Sentence: And How to Read One. The episode is from 2011.
Enjoy some of our older archived podcasts where Leigh chats with different guests. Today's episode is with the director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), Andrew Pudewa. The episode is from 2011.
Enjoy some of our older archived podcasts where Leigh chats with different guests. Today's episode is with the founder of Circe Institute, Andrew Kern. The episode is from 2010.
Enjoy some of our older archived podcasts where Leigh chats with different guests. Today's episode is with author and theologian Dr. James B. Jordan. The episode is from 2011.
"Letter to a New CC Mom" is an article written by Brandy Ferrell and is ready by Chelly Barnard. Enjoy the audio of this delightful article to encourage you and your homeschooling journey! Or Read the Article here!
Join some of our homeschool experts and Classical Conversations parents, as we explore the themes from one of our favorite Challenge II books, A Tale of Two Cities.
"Stick in the Sand: The Place of Technology in Community" is an article written by Leigh Bortins and is ready by Rachel Brown. Enjoy the audio of this delightful article to encourage you and your homeschooling journey! Or Read the Article here!
"Things Not to Do with Your Firstborn When Starting Foundations" is an article written by Kathy Sheppard and is ready by Cara McLauchlan. Enjoy the audio of this delightful article to encourage you and your homeschooling journey! Or Read the Article here!
Matt Bianco, Heather Shirley, and Tobin Duby sit down to talk about the importance of studying latin.
Matt Bianco, Heather Shirley, and Tobin Duby sit down to talk the best ways parents and students can benefit from CC.
"Beefing Up the Sixth Grade" is an article written by Courtney Sanford. Enjoy the audio of this delightful article to encourage you and your homeschooling journey! Or Read the Article here!
Matt Bianco, Heather Shirley, and Tobin Duby sit down to talk about the master teacher.
The first stage of Classical education, Grammar. Learning begins with knowledge and knowledge begins with grammar. Join Leigh as she explains the relationship between knowledge and grammar.
Leigh Bortins explains the differences between modern thought and Classical Christian thought.
Enjoy some of Classical Conversations' most popular articles now available in audio.
As Christians, should we not delight in people more than we do? Christmas time is a perfect opportunity to practice loving people as we ought.This article was written by Matt Bianco. Read the article here!
Enjoy some of Classical Conversations' most popular articles now available in audio. This article was written by Matt Bianco. Read the article here!
Learn how Classical Conversations can help you and your homeschool through classical education.