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

-              -  How to recognize when heart issues are masquerading as academic struggles

-              -  Why math often becomes the great "heart revealer" in homeschool families

-              -  The "cat years" phenomenon and how to stay connected with middle schoolers

-              -  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!