Everyday Educator

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 parents keep 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 believe impact what you do? At Classical Conversations, we understand that what we believe drives what 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 and their 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 and some 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 all families, 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 life not 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 real scoop, listen in as Tonya Rozelle and Lisa Bailey describe this transformational year of high school. You'll hear how the theme of choices is 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.