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.
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.
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