Christmas is a season of celebration, reflection, and anticipation—a time to look back on the year and look ahead with hope. For our Classical Conversations families, it’s also an opportunity to pause from the rhythms of homeschooling and focus on God’s greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ.

In this Christmas message from Classical Conversations CEO Robert Bortins, we’ll explore how the stories of Noah, Abraham, and Jonah foreshadow the coming of Christ, revealing the redemptive thread woven throughout Scripture and pointing us to the true meaning of Christmas.

God’s Promise Fulfilled: Christmas Through the Lens of the Old Testament

As we approach the end of another year, we’re reminded of the journey we’ve taken with our children through the joy and challenges of learning together. The Christmas season offers us a pause to celebrate something far greater: the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Christmas is a reminder of God’s promised gift, foretold throughout the Old Testament—a second Adam who would conquer death and offer us a gift only God could give: eternal life. As we gather to exchange gifts with loved ones, we can reflect on the words from Matthew 7:11, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

In this season, I find myself reflecting on the stories of Noah, Abraham, and Jonah. Each of these stories, in a unique way, points to Christ’s coming and His ultimate sacrifice for us. They remind us of the hope, redemption, and mercy that we celebrate at Christmas, all of which are fulfilled in God’s gift of Jesus.

Noah: Trusting God’s Promise Through Obedience and Faith

In Noah’s time, human wickedness had grown so pervasive that God considered ending it all. But He found one righteous man: Noah. Noah and his family were spared from death, saved by their trust in God. For years, Noah built an ark despite never having seen rain, enduring ridicule from those around him. His faith preserved humanity—not through eternal salvation, but by carrying forward the bloodline from Adam. Many see the flood as a precursor to baptism: whereas the flood brought death, baptism is a public sign of the life we gain in Christ.

Abraham: The Sacrifice That Foreshadowed God’s Ultimate Gift

Abraham’s faith was tested when God asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. In obedience, Abraham prepared to carry out this unimaginable command, but God provided a ram to take Isaac’s place. On that day, Isaac carried the wood for his sacrifice up the hill. Centuries later, Jesus would carry His cross to Golgotha, and this time, there would be no intervention. God allowed His Son to be sacrificed, the ultimate and final offering for the sins of the world.

Jonah: Reluctance, Redemption, and the Mercy of God’s Plan

Unlike Noah and Abraham, Jonah resisted God’s command. Sent to preach to Nineveh, Jonah ran the other way, dreading that God’s mercy would save those he felt unworthy of forgiveness. God pursued him with a storm, and when the crew reluctantly cast Jonah overboard, the storm calmed. Jonah spent three days in the belly of a great fish before being sent back to complete his mission. Despite his reluctance, his message saved Nineveh, though he himself struggled with mercy’s reach. Where Jonah hesitated, Jesus submitted wholly to God’s plan, praying, “Not my will, but yours be done.”

Celebrating God’s Promise This Christmas Season

Each of these stories—and many others throughout Scripture—points us back to God’s greatest gift we celebrate at Christmas: a Savior who willingly came to live among us, who endured sacrifice for our sake, and who offers us the gift of eternal life. Because of His victory over death, we can now share this good news with others, making Him known in the world. May these stories inspire us to recognize the love and mercy given to us through Christ this season.

Merry Christmas to you and your family. May this season be filled with hope, peace, and the joy of Christ’s love.

At Classical Conversations, we believe homeschooling is not just about academics—it’s about knowing God and making Him known. If you’re looking for a community that equips parents and students to explore God’s truth through classical Christian education, we’d love to connect with you.

Visit Classical Conversations to learn more and start your journey.

The post Understanding God’s Gift of Jesus Through Old Testament Stories appeared first on Classical Conversations.

“I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” —Psalm 91:2

As Christians and students of history, we know that God uses trials and hardships to do His will and to draw us closer to Himself (James 1:12). The Purchase family, a Classical Conversations family in Apex, North Carolina, certainly experienced trials and tribulations this year, but, as He promised he would, the Lord also blessed them immensely!

At the beginning of 2023, eight-year-old Walker Purchase, a third-year Foundations student and an excelling Essentials student, was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening disease called severe aplastic anemia. This meant that Walker’s body was unable to produce enough blood cells to sustain him, leaving him highly vulnerable to infections and other complications. Without an immediate bone marrow transplant, the doctors estimated that he only had three months to live.

The Perfect Match

But praise the Lord because Walker was provided with a match! Amazingly, the match was no other than his little brother, Truett. Chelsey Purchase, the boy’s mother, related the family’s experience of finding a match, saying, “After his biopsy, over a dozen blood and platelet transfusions, chemotherapy, and other invasive procedures, the Lord blessed Walker with a match.  His younger seven-year-old brother Truett (also a CC student in Foundations) was a 100% match by the grace of God!”

Truett did not hesitate to undergo a two-hour bone marrow harvest procedure and a six-week recovery process in order to save his big brother’s life.

“Truett was incredible… we are so grateful to God for his selflessness,” shared Chelsey.

After the boys’ surgeries, both began the journey down the road to recovery! Today, Walker has a brand-new immune system and is making strides toward a full recovery. Truett, as well, is recovering quickly and is thrilled to see his brother healing. Also, Marshall, the third Purchase son, has stuck by his brothers through it all and is keeping them in high spirits.

Faith in Action

Even through this intense and terrifying time, Walker did not allow his faith in the Lord to be shaken. His struggle became a testimony of God’s provision, grace, and comfort — not just to his family but for everyone around him.

During his time at Duke Hospital, Walker witnessed to the many doctors and nurses who took care of him. He even boldly proclaimed the gospel to the Duke men’s basketball team, who visited him while he was in the hospital. The players were so touched by Walker’s resilience and faith that they invited him to attend one of their games. While in attendance, Walker proudly held a sign with his favorite Bible verse (Psalm 91:2) for everyone to see!

Community

While the Purchase family gives all glory to God for carrying them through this difficult time, they also credit Classical Conversations and their local community of friends for meeting their practical, daily needs.

In regard to Classical Conversations, the Purchase family rejoiced saying, “Due to Classical Conversations, we were able to homeschool at the hospital and the Ronald McDonald house.”

The boys, throughout their recovery, did more than just “get by” academically, they thrived! All three brothers advanced at least one academic year according to their most recent state test scores. What an accomplishment!

As Chesley reflects on this, she said, “The Lord knew our boys needed CC in order to not fall behind this past year and it gave us the opportunity to continue growing across many levels.”

Not only was the curriculum a blessing to Walker and his family, but their strong local community was as well!

“Our beautiful CC families served us during such a challenging season. They made sure we had everything we needed,” shared the family.

Their CC director, along with the boys’ tutors, ensured that the family had all the academic materials and emotional support they needed.

“They helped us continue to know the Lord and to make Him known in all areas, even while we were going through this hard time.”

With hearts full of gratitude and praise, the Purchase family looked towards the future. Walker recovered, and the family excitedly rejoined their Classical Conversations community in the late fall of 2023.

“We are beyond thankful to our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Classical Conversations for helping to carry us through such trauma and make us better because of it.”

Share Your Own Story!

The Purchase family’s journey is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from faith, family, and community. If you or your family have a story of how Classical Conversations has impacted your life, we would love to hear it!

The post Faith, Family, and Community: The Testimony of Walker Purchase appeared first on Classical Conversations.

Poetry is not merely expressive: it is expression. Poems, that is, do not merely talk about love or passion or emotion: they are the very sound of love, of passion, of emotion.

—Invitation to the Psalms by Jacobson and Jacobson

What Is Classical, Christian Education? An Allegory

Imagine a table.

A table burdened with baskets of bread—hot, still steaming. Crunchy crust and soft inside.
A table with too many cheeses to pronounce, let alone eat at one sitting.
A table of bottles and stemware, of bowls and ladles, of several forks and as many spoons.
A table of food and drink, of color and light, of flavor and aroma.

A table well-lit, well-stocked, and well-attended.
A table where gluten is our friend, and carbs turn into sugars at just the right time.
A table displaying and proclaiming the goodness of him who made it and gave it.
A table welcoming the stranger as well as the invited, both bearing the title “guest.”
Imagine a table lacking no good thing: beautiful in its own right.

But man shall not live by bread alone. As indispensable as physical nourishment is, we need more. Our appetites yearn for more than meat and drink, for more than bread and cheese. Our natures yearn for knowledge and understanding, for something to learn and something to say.

Imagine another table.

A table loaded with libraries of books: ripe for reading. Hardcovers and paperbacks.
A table with too many ideas to discuss, let alone comprehend, at one sitting.
A table of words and sentences, of numbers and equations, of several arts and as many sciences.
A table of trivium and quadrivium, of philosophy and theology, of wisdom and virtue.

A table well-versed, well-spoken, and well-attended.
A table where disagreement is amongst friends, and knowledge turns into understanding at just the right time.
A table displaying and proclaiming the goodness of him who made it and gave it.
A table welcoming the stranger as well as the invited, both bearing the title, “guest.”

The post Imagine a Table appeared first on Classical Conversations.

Is homeschooling worth it? To answer that question, I’ll share my story, and you can judge whether or not homeschooling is right for you.

I was homeschooled until college. As some of my friends reached high school, their parents put them into the state establishment but not mine. My high school years were everything I needed, and I even took the luxury of an extra year before leaving for college.

Many parents feel a pressure to place children in public schools when they approach high school age. I think it has something to do with the accessibility of sports, programs, or even socialization. I can’t speak to this decision or to the pressures that drive it because I’m not a parent of a high school student. I can say that I turned out fine.

Here are some of the homeschooling benefits that twelve years provided me with.

I am acquainted with many books.

I’ve read many more books than would be assigned in typical school courses. This is not because I had extra brains for understanding them. This is because I was instilled with the drive to seek them out.

Does a public-schooled child have the time to seek out as much extracurricular reading material as I did? Yes. However, in the environment of the public school, knowledge is a thing that is worked through to graduate or get a job. The system very subtly teaches the student that knowledge is a hurdle.

On the other hand, when the parents administer knowledge, a child easily grasps that its purpose is the same as the gifts, the spankings, the medicine, the allowance, and the responsibilities also administered by parents—that it is good for him.

When knowledge is dispensed by strangers, the student has not learned that knowledge is good for him, only that it is a requirement. Do not underestimate the depth in which this doctrine embeds itself in a child. When a student falls into the habit of looking to his syllabus to see what is required of him (instead of looking at the wide world to see what is available to him), he has ceased to be a learner.

The home school is an environment where knowledge is to be loved as a parent is to be loved.

I am socially adaptable.

As a kid in any gathering of state-educated peers who hadn’t seen each other before (Boy Scouts, volunteer workers, new Bible study), I was always the first to extend my hand and break the awkward silence. It’s not because I was gregarious. I had as many butterflies as anyone else, and what I said was usually dumb—but it got people talking. It’s because I felt like no one else would. This thought made me deeply uncomfortable as a child, and I wondered silently whether the other kids knew something I didn’t.

As an adult, I am still struck by homeschooled kids’ ability to break the ice in new situations—even those who are quiet when in more familiar settings. But I’ve now come to the belief that this is normal: that it isn’t the ice-breaking that is taught to a child, but rather the ice—the fear of putting oneself forward, the desire for someone else to speak first—that is taught, subtly and relentlessly, by today’s school environment.

From the structure of public school, a child learns to associate first and foremost with his grade-level/classroom/clique. He learns that some people will hurt him. He learns that curriculum and procedure are handed down by principals and experts. Surely, to his receptive mind, “regular” people like himself and his parents are not qualified to take the initiative.

The result: put most kids in America today in a situation where they feel out of place, and you can see the walls go up. Rather than risk talking to anyone, they will text on their phones, stick close to the one person they know, and wait for someone else to take the lead. This comes from feelings of fear and inadequacy.

I do not wait, because I do not feel inadequate, and I attribute this to a thriving relationship with my mother, my first and best teacher.

I am thorough.

Growing up I felt, as I’m sure many homeschooled children have, that other kids didn’t care as much about getting the job done.

It wasn’t their fault—I had been carefully taught to value time.

The home school is often a world where the student does not evaluate himself based on a grade. It is often consequently a world where “good enough” isn’t.

However, a child growing up in public school learns about time too. He sits still for many hours, under the tutelage of an adult he does not know, who is speaking on a subject the child may not care about. If he does not happen upon an educator, who teaches him to love the hour he spends with her, the value of time in his mind has been depreciated.

I am filled with the love of knowledge and the blessings of home.

I paint in broad strokes because I have only experienced high school at home. Nevertheless, whether one learns at home for twelve years or transfers into state high school, the source of all these blessings is located in the home.

Parents who send their students to public high school may well have forgotten about that sense of Home: the sense in which it is spelled with a capital H.

Just as the imperfections of my own church do not nullify the authority of the institution of the Church, just as the imperfections of my own academy (college) experience do not nullify the blessings granted by the institution of the Academy, just as the imperfections in any marriage cannot be used as an example to undermine the sanctity of the institution of Marriage (though there are some who would argue), so, too, the imperfections of my own home could not nullify the blessings of living and growing within the institution of the Home.

A student in state high school may well experience these blessings at his particular home, and he may even be blessed with skillful state-employed teachers who care about him.

I have seen one young man excel in academics and even rise to student governmental office solely based on his aptitude for extemporaneous speech: an ability he had formerly picked up in Classical Conversations. Public school is not a place that destroys academic ambition. However, it is not a place which is able to teach it either, for only the Home, an institution governed by parents, not strangers, can do this.

For me, it was during the high-school years that I most needed to be filled with love, the love of learning and the social confidence, which come from the Home. I had a staunch enough faith to survive in state high school, and I don’t doubt that yours do—rather I fear for a child spending eight hours a day divorced from the academic vigor and leadership which public school was never meant to provide.

So, is homeschooling worth it? It certainly was for me. This whole essay can be summed up with Poor Richard’s proverb (though he was speaking of a different form of poverty): “’Tis hard for an empty sack to stand upright.” Homeschooling filled me with a love of learning, a love of books, a love of home. Homeschooling may be right for you, too.

***

For further reading, check out this graduate’s perspective on the benefits of homeschooling.

The post Is Homeschooling Worth It? A Testimony appeared first on Classical Conversations.

It was a beautiful, sunny day at Clemson University. I was in my sophomore year and had just dropped off my tuition check at the registrar’s office when I got a phone call from my mom, Leigh Bortins. We all have those moments in life that we remember so vividly. Typically, it’s something really life changing. My mom said, “Robert, your dad is thinking about getting you a car for college. He changed his mind, though, and quit his job. He is going to homeschool your younger brothers, and I am going to try to make Classical Conversations^®  a real business. You’ll have to pay for the rest of college, yourself.” So, I went to the co-op office and asked what jobs they had available for the next semester.

Fortunately, because I was homeschooled, I was able to work as an engineering intern in my last two years of high school and had an impressive resume. This allowed me to get the highest paid co-op. In college, I would work for a semester and summer and then go to school for a semester. In those years, I experienced all kinds of living arrangements. I rented out a walk-in closet one year to sleep in. I slept on the top bunk at a family’s house for another year while their high schooler slept on the bottom. Eventually, I did get a car and, for one month, either lived out of it while it was still nice weather or crashed at different friends’ places; either way, it saved me a month of rent. Between student loans, saving money from my co-op job, working while taking eighteen hours of Engineering credits, switching state residencies to get in-state tuition, and learning how to roll credit card debt from one card to another—I was able to graduate in three and a half years of full-time schooling over a five-and-a-half-year period.

Read: “The Benefits of Homeschooling: A Graduate’s Perspective”

I think, at least once a semester, my mom would call to see if she could borrow some money from me to buy inventory to sell at a local homeschool curriculum fair or state organization event. “Robert, if I could borrow from you $1,000 this week, in one month, I will pay you back in full and give you interest on top of it,” she would ask. Then I would say, “Mom, all of my friends call their parents for money; this is not how this is supposed to be.”

Mom, all of my friends call their parents for money; this is not how this is supposed to be.”

– Robert Bortins

Like most single-income families, my stay-at-home mom was always looking for a side business to help with the family’s finances. My dad, also named Robert Bortins, was a well-respected aerospace engineer, but my mom loved business. Over the years, while my brothers and I were growing up, my mom had tried different multi-level marketing (MLM) opportunities and started several small businesses she could run out of our home to make an income. She was giving us an education on entrepreneurship, without even meaning to.

I think my mom is a natural teacher. She always sees the best in people and wants them to see beyond their fallen nature, so they can be who God made them to be. So when she told the local homeschoolers she was starting a community for high school students called Classical Conversations, there was a lot of interest, and we had ten students join us that fall. That year, she was writing the program as she went, but her work then became the framework now for our Challenge I program. It was important to her to charge a fee in the early days because it required families to buy in and show up, and thus created accountability. This was something she saw that was missing in the co-ops we were a part of in the past. That first year went well, so we decided to do it again for a second year. Some more families wanted to join, and my mom for the first time gave her curriculum to a friend who was willing to run her own Classical Conversations community. They were a single-income family like ours, so my mom made a deal that her friend would give her a percentage of any tuition she collected and keep the rest. This way, if her friend did not get any students, she would not have to pay. This was a lot different than the MLM we had been a part of in my growing up, where we would shell out a lot of money up front. My mom did not want to place that burden and financial risk on other families.

By the time I had exited high school, there were four or five communities going, and people were driving a few hours to attend. There was a small waiting list, but I didn’t give it much thought back then. I was going to be heading off to college to study industrial engineering. People often ask, “Did Robert Bortins always want to be part of Classical Conversations’ leadership?” I have to say, I enjoyed being homeschooled under the Classical Conversations model, but the organized business it is today did not exist back then for me to even consider joining. One of my friends who was studying business did a paper on my mom. At that time, there were about 2,000 students in a CC program. CC was not bringing in an income for my parents in those years, but the Lord was good and allowed them to pay their bills from the savings my dad had dutifully put away for the first nineteen years of their marriage. One year, my mom won a business award that gave her a $10,000 grant, and that become a lifesaver for ordering the inventory she needed.

After I graduated college, I got a job at UPS and worked there for nearly a year as a management trainee, before moving on to be a plant engineer for a small recycling company. Meanwhile, my mom had other amazing moms join her, such as Heather Shirley, Mary Alphs, and others, to help homeschooling families know about the benefits of education in community. Classical Conversations began to grow from one state to many states. In that same span of time, I was gaining valuable life and work experience. My mom and I started talking about me coming on to help, but she could not match my salary, and I was a young man with bills to pay.

Listen: Episode 33: A Practical Approach to Classical Thought with Heather Shirley | Refining Rhetoric

I did start helping with Homeschool Testing Services so that parents could get the end-of-grade testing they needed for their children. I enjoyed being homeschooled, and now Classical Conversations was becoming a structured business. While making widgets run a little more efficiently is fun, it isn’t life-changing work, and I felt I could add value at CC.

My two youngest brothers had grown up with my mom traveling 18-30 weeks a year, telling people about becoming a Director and starting a Classical Conversations community in their area. She wanted to spend time with her younger sons before they went off to college. Classical Conversations had reached about 38,000 seats and was finally providing a regular paycheck to my parents (most months). I quit my job to join CC full-time in 2012 and promptly enrolled in the Irmo, South Carolina Foundations and Essentials classes, so I could learn about those programs. That poor Director and tutor… I think they were very nervous, at first, but they quickly realized that I was just a normal 26-year-old in this class of 11- and 12-year-old boys and girls. I did not become a Memory Master, but I did write all of my Essentials papers! (Boy, I wish I had the new guide back then!)

Listen: Episode 1: From Sleeping in Closets to CEO | My Journey with Classical Conversations | Refining Rhetoric

I moved to the home office in West End, North Carolina in 2013 and spent the year learning from my mom the ins and outs of the day-to-day tasks that needed to be completed at Classical Conversations. We had about thirty people on staff at that point, and we had a small office and warehouse space. My purpose was to free her up from a lot of tasks to allow her to concentrate more at home with my brothers’ education. Since that time,I have been leading the day-to-day operations at Classical Conversations, as we have expanded from serving families in all forty states to serving families in all fifty states and over fifty countries. Our staff has expanded to nearly 150 full-time employees, most who homeschool with Classical Conversations. In fact, about 70% of our employees are homeschooling parents, some current and some empty nesters. We are expecting to add another ten positions this year to support the surge in homeschooling.

Today, I have three children. The eldest is in our local CC community. Neither my wife, April, nor I have been able to absorb through osmosis all that my mom has learned. My wife did take Latin in college, so I guess she has some advantages there, but I was a typical boy, growing up, and did my schoolwork so that I could go play. Now, I read the books we recommend and study them. Perhaps in twenty years, I’ll know what my mom knows—but probably not. We’re in community, taking each week as it comes, and trying to raise our children in the love of the Lord. We know it is invaluable to have a like-minded community around us, helping us educate our children to know God and to make Him known.

Not yet a Classical Conversations member and interested in our community-based approach to homeschooling? We’d love to hear from you! To learn more about us, click here.

This post was written by Robert Bortins and originally published in April 2021.

The post My Classical Conversations Story – CEO Robert Bortins appeared first on Classical Conversations.

As Classical Conversations families, we understand that the purpose of education is to know God and to make Him known. This foundational belief guides our homeschooling journey and shapes our approach to learning. Recently, the Homeschool Freedom Action Center shared an insightful post about educational independence that introduces a Declaration of Educational Independence, a concept that aligns closely with our belief that education is the responsibility of the family, with support from fellow believers. This declaration serves as a reminder of why many of us chose the homeschooling path—to provide our children with an education that aligns with our faith and meets their specific needs.

As CC families, we’re already practicing a form of educational independence—we’ve chosen to take an active role in our children’s education—but the Declaration of Educational Independence encourages us to reflect on some fundamental questions that align with our beliefs:

1. Who is ultimately responsible for a child’s education?
2. How can we best protect the right to educational choice?
3. What role should community play in education?

These questions challenge us to cultivate the art of wisdom, and we should give them the consideration they deserve. We believe God trusts parents with their children, and so should we. We also believe that the support of community enhances our ability to fulfill our parental duties. If we acknowledge the role of God, the parents, and community in a child’s education, we have established the foundation of educational freedom.

As we continue our homeschooling journey, let’s celebrate the freedom we have to provide our children with a rich and personalized education that aligns with our beliefs. Let’s also stay informed about educational policies that might affect this freedom. For those interested in reading more and entering into the broader discussion on educational freedom, we encourage you to read and sign the Declaration of Educational Independence.

Remember, every day we choose to homeschool is a day we declare our educational independence and reaffirm our commitment to knowing God and making Him known.

Let’s make the most of this freedom to nurture our children’s minds, hearts, and spirits, encouraging each other to develop the confidence to lead Christ’s natural classroom: the family.

If you’re interested in staying up-to-date on the latest issues affecting homeschool freedom, we encourage you to check out the Homeschool Freedom Action Center.

The post Embracing Educational Freedom appeared first on Classical Conversations.

Hey there, homeschooling dads! As a homeschool mom, your wife wears many hats—teacher, counselor, nurse, and, on occasion, hazardous waste disposal engineer—all while keeping the household from falling apart, and that’s where you step in. We’ve assembled twenty ways for you, the ultimate husband, to support your wife in your home school, from sharing responsibilities and attending community events to providing emotional support and celebrating important milestones. And because we know you’re a thoughtful guy, we’ll include some gift ideas that will make your wife feel appreciated and loved for all her hard work.

(And stick around for the conclusion. Don’t think we haven’t noticed how awesome you are, fathers!)

As the Saying Goes: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

1. Pray for Her

The purpose of eduation is to know God and to make Him known, so it’s only natural that we should first turn to God for support. Pray for your wife’s wisdom, patience, and strength. Ask God to grant her discernment as lead learner and to bless her efforts. Pray for your children’s hearts and minds to be receptive to learning and growing in God’s love. Also, lift up your fellow homeschooling families in prayer, asking for God’s grace for each household on this shared journey.

2. Offer Her Encouragement

Homeschooling can be challenging, so your encouragement means, well, everything. Let your wife know that you appreciate her dedication and the effort she puts into homeschooling your children. Take time to listen to her concerns, celebrate her successes, and offer words of affirmation. Your consistent support will help her stay motivated and confident in her role as a homeschooling mom.

3. Know the Lay of the Land

Familiarize yourself with the curriculum guides. Read some of the assigned books as a family or a couple. By understanding the content your children are learning, you can engage in discussions, offer insights, and support your wife in her teaching efforts.

4. Share the Load

Offer to share homeschooling responsibilities by helping with lesson planning, teaching certain subjects, or supervising activities. This can provide your wife with much-needed breaks. And don’t be afraid to help out with unfamiliar subjects—part of classical education is learning how to learn, and that includes the homeschool parents!

5. Attend Community Days

If possible, attend CC community days with your family. Your presence not only provides moral support but also allows you to engage with other homeschooling families and build community connections. Participating in community events demonstrates your commitment to your children’s education and helps you better understand the Classical Conversations approach. It also provides opportunities for you to network with other homeschooling dads and share experiences.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll find a golfing buddy.

6. Assist with Planning

Help your wife with a family schedule, a plan for days away, and getting a vacation on the calendar. Oversee a chore chart, help with a system for keeping track of library books, and coordinate pet care. You can alleviate your wife’s workload by taking on some of the organizational tasks and ensuring that the homeschooling experience runs smoothly. Collaborate with her to create a balanced schedule that allows for learning, family time, and self-care.

7. Build in Margin

Homeschooling can be demanding, so make sure your wife has time for self-care and relaxation. Offer to take over childcare duties or household chores so she can have some time to recharge. Encourage her to pursue hobbies, meet with friends, or enjoy quiet time alone. Recognize the importance of self-care in maintaining her well-being and preventing burnout.

And don’t neglect your own self-care! A burned-out dad is a burned-out mom is a burned-out kiddo is a burned out mom is a . . . well, you get the picture. It’s a never-ending cycle of burnout til someone gets the R&R they need.

8. Provide Emotional Support

Homeschooling can come with its own set of challenges, so be there to provide emotional support. Listen to your wife’s concerns, offer advice when needed, and celebrate her successes as a homeschooling parent. Be her sounding board and her number one fan. Remind her of the reasons behind your decision to homeschool and the positive impact she is making on your children’s lives.

Also, you may want to read our blog for advice! That way, you’ll know just what to do when homeschooling is difficult.

9. Help with Advanced Subjects

Homeschooling can be academically demanding, especially for subjects like advanced math and science. Offer to step into the gap wherever necessary, drawing on your own expertise or resources as needed. If you have a background in a particular subject, consider taking the lead in teaching it.

10. Remember the Goal

One of the goals of education is to get your children standing on their own two feet. As they mature, students are encouraged to take more responsibility for their learning. Support your wife in encouraging your children’s independence by providing a conducive learning environment, resources, and guidance when necessary. Help create designated study times and coach good habits, ensure access to resources, and foster a love for learning.  Encourage your children to take ownership of their education while offering guidance when needed.

11. Participate in CC Practicum

Participate with your wife in Practicum. This is another way to demonstrate your commitment to your children’s education. Practicum provides valuable training, resources, and networking opportunities for homeschooling parents. By attending together, you can gain a shared understanding of CC’s methods and philosophy, and collaborate more effectively in your home school.

12. Prioritize Family Time

Amidst the challenges of homeschooling, it’s essential to prioritize quality family time. Plan regular family activities, outings, or game nights to strengthen your bond and create lasting memories. Use this time to reinforce learning concepts in a fun and engaging way. Encourage open communication and create a supportive family environment that values education and personal growth.

13. Help Out around the House

We almost didn’t include this one, since we know you’re already helpful—but this is a good reminder!

Take on a fair share of household responsibilities to lighten your wife’s load. This may include cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, or cleaning. By helping out with these tasks, you create more time and energy for your wife to focus on homeschooling. Consider creating a schedule or dividing tasks based on each other’s strengths and preferences.

14. Provide Learning Opportunities

Look for opportunities to enrich your children’s learning experience beyond the curriculum. This may include planning educational field trips, attending workshops or seminars, or exploring local museums and historical sites. By actively seeking out these opportunities, you demonstrate your commitment to your children’s education and provide valuable real-world learning experiences.

Plus, field trips are fun. Helping your wife out while getting to look at dinosaur bones? Very cool, indeed.

15. Celebrate Milestones

Recognize and celebrate your children’s achievements and milestones throughout the year. Whether it’s completing a challenging project, mastering a new skill, or reaching an academic goal, take time to acknowledge their hard work and progress. Plan special celebrations to mark these milestones and reinforce the value of education and perseverance.

And while we’re on the subject—have you ever considered attending the National Events Weekend in Southern Pines, North Carolina? That could be a fun getaway for you and the missus (or you could bring the whole family).

16. Stay Informed

Good leaders make informed decisions. Stay informed about homeschooling regulations, resources, and best practices. Attend homeschooling conferences, join online communities, or read relevant books and articles. By staying informed, you can provide valuable insights to your wife and make informed decisions about your homeschooling approach. Share relevant information and resources with your wife to help her stay current and inspired.

17. Encourage Professional Development

Support your wife’s professional development as a homeschooling parent and classical educator. Invest in resources, such as books or educational materials, that align with her interests and goals. Encourage her to attend programs, workshops, and training opportunities like the Classical Learning Cohort.

By prioritizing her growth as an educator, you demonstrate your belief in her abilities and your commitment to providing a quality education for your children.

18. Homeschool with Other Families

Homeschooling done wrong is isolating. Homeschooling done right leads to community. You can help build connections with other families by arranging activities and participating on community day. That way, you’ll provide socialization opportunities for your children—and for your wife!

Real talk: Community’s the best part of homeschooling. The connection afforded by community offers valuable advice and resources. Encourage your wife to seek out and maintain these relationships, as they are a source of encouragement, inspiration, and friendship.

19. Be an Advocate (Or, Fight the Good Fight)

Be an advocate for homeschooling and your wife’s efforts. Share your positive experiences with family, friends, and community members. Stand up for your educational choices and provide a supportive framework when faced with questions or criticism. By being a vocal advocate, you validate your wife’s hard work and reinforce the importance of your family’s homeschooling journey.

(Check out the Homeschool Freedom Action Center for the latest on threats to homeschooling freedoms as well as ways you can take a stand for your family. And we encourage you to read their article on the necessity of the traditional family to see what you’re fighting for when you fight for your home school.)

20. Encourage Self-Directed Learning

Foster a love for self-directed learning in your children. Encourage them to pursue their passions, explore new interests, and take initiative in their education. Provide resources, such as books, materials, or online courses, that support their individual learning goals. By promoting self-directed learning, you help your children develop important skills, such as creativity, critical thinking, and independence, while reducing the pressure on your wife to be the sole source of knowledge.

And, of course, this all ties back to that goal we talked about earlier: independence.

21. Express Gratitude

Regularly express gratitude for your wife’s dedication and hard work as a homeschooling mom. Acknowledge the sacrifices she makes and the impact she has on your children’s lives. Write heartfelt notes, plan thoughtful gestures, or simply verbalize your appreciation. By consistently expressing gratitude, you validate her efforts, boost her confidence, and strengthen your marriage.

Gift Ideas for Your Homeschooling Wife

Yeah, we’re a little biased, but the CC Bookstore has a lot of great gifts your wife’s sure to love. You’ll find some of the gift ideas below on our website.

1. CC Parent Resources

Purchase a parent resource from the CC bookstore that aligns with her teaching goals and interests, such as a new history book, Latin memory cards, or a fine arts resource.

2. CC Merch

Choose from the CC bookstore’s selection of insulated tumblers, handy totes, logo t-shirts, and more to show your support for her commitment to Classical Conversations.

3. Homeschooling Planners

Gift her a high-quality homeschooling planner or organizer designed specifically for homeschoolers, with sections for lesson planning, scheduling, tracking progress, and jotting down ideas.

4. Educational Games

Surprise her with a set of educational games or activities that make learning fun for the whole family, reinforcing math skills, language arts concepts, critical thinking, or historical knowledge.

5. Personalized Gifts

Create a custom-made piece of artwork, a personalized mug or tote bag with a homeschooling-themed design, or a piece of jewelry engraved with a meaningful quote that celebrates her role as a homeschooling mom. Treat her to a self-care package that includes items like scented candles, bath bombs, herbal teas, a cozy blanket, or a gift certificate for a spa day to help her relax and recharge.

6. Educational Resources

Choose educational books or resources that inspire and support her in the home school, such as books on classical education, teaching methods, homeschooling tips, or topics she’s passionate about teaching.

And a Special Thank You to You, World’s Best Homeschool Dad!

Well, there you have it, dads! Twenty ways to support your wife and make your homeschooling journey a little less crazy and a lot more awesome.

But before we wrap this up, let’s take a moment to appreciate you, the homeschool dad.

Your role in your family’s educational journey is invaluable, and your dedication does not go unnoticed.

To the dads who share the teaching load, attend community events, and provide emotional support— you are the reason that God has entrusted children to their parents.

To the fathers who prioritize family time, who share the burden, who seek out learning opportunities—you are the pillar of your family’s success.

And to the fathers who advocate for homeschooling and fight the good fight—you are making a real difference for your family and your community.

Your presence, involvement, and encouragement create the foundation for your children’s education and help your wife feel loved and supported in her role as a homeschooling mom.

So, to all the homeschooling dads out there, thank you for being the rock of your family. Keep up the fantastic work. With you at the helm, your wife and children can take on any challenge.

The post For Dads: 20 Ways to Support Your Wife in Your Home School appeared first on Classical Conversations.

Happy Father’s Day, men! Hopefully this weekend you can kick back and relax, maybe enjoy good food with family, and watch some golf. Whatever your favorite pastime may be, I hope you rest, recreate, and celebrate. I realize reading a blog post from the CEO of Classical Conversations probably wasn’t high on your list of things to do today, so let me get right to the point.

You are the general leading your troops (family) into the unknown, into battle against a world committed to your destruction. The simple act of homeschooling in the United States may not seem like such an endeavor, at least not since the 1980s when parents were thrown in jail for it—but it still is an adventure into the unknown, and one in which you lead the charge. Perhaps your wife is the one tutoring and working with the kids, or maybe you share those responsibilities together. Either way, you are the family’s leader, advancing this mission to places unimagined.

Malachi 4:6 (NIV) says, “He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” The Bible is clear who has the responsibility of education: it is the parents. When they take that responsibility seriously, God blesses them and their endeavors. And when they abdicate, devastation ensues.

Wendell Berry, the well-loved poet and philosopher of our age, observes, “According to the new [educational] norms, the child’s destiny is not to succeed the parents, but to outmode them . . . He or she is educated to leave home . . . The local schools no longer serve the local community; they serve the government’s economy and the economy’s government.”

While homeschooling isn’t about being against other forms of education, it is about obedience to the order that God created. When we follow God’s order, things work out much better here, even into eternity. The Bible lays out a distinct order of operations in passages like Matthew 6:33 (NIV), “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

In Classical Conversations, we make our mission to know God and to make Him known. Parents are equipping their children not with what to think, but how to think—how to understand the world about them, the God Who created them, and their own role and function within it. Children are being raised up as individuals who are equipped to discover truth and share that truth with others.

You are probably familiar with J. R. R. Tolkien’s novel, The Hobbit. If you have only watched the movie and haven’t read the book, I would highly encourage for you to read it. In fact, I challenge you to read it to your children. Gandalf and Bilbo are the two main characters: Gandalf is an ancient wizard, wise and powerful, and Bilbo is a shy, small, dwarf-like creature, who is opposed to adventure and danger of any sort.

Gandalf: I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.

Bilbo: I should think so—in these parts! We are plain, quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t think what anybody sees in them…

Gandalf: You’ll have a tale or two to tell when you come back.

Bilbo: You can promise that I’ll come back?

Gandalf: No. And if you do, you will not be the same.

One of the things I hear a lot from parents considering homeschooling is, “Will my child turn out okay?” It is a question we, as parents, preoccupy ourselves with a lot, and it also softly echoes some of Bilbo Baggins’ trepidation. No, a classical, Christian home education is not a guarantee for your child’s success in life. But they will emerge not the same. They will learn to ask better questions. They will be better equipped to lead. They will be more prepared for the adventure ahead of them. And they’ll have a tale or two to tell when they come back.

So lead on, General, your troops await; adventure lies ahead. The odds may seem stacked against you, but truth is on your side, and the Truth will set you free.

Happy Father’s Day, and peace be with you.

Robert Bortins
CEO, Classical Conversations

Download Robert’s free 15-minute e-book A Dad’s Guide to Classical Education.

The post Happy Father’s Day, Men! appeared first on Classical Conversations.

In this blog post, Laura Kooistra shares seven reasons to celebrate, going beyond the typical milestones, birthdays, and holidays. You can also listen to Delise and Ginny discuss this topic with Laura on Blessings and Motherhood in “The Art of Celebrating Well.“

How Do You Define Your Terms?

Whether you’re a CC member or you classically educate at home, I’m willing to bet you have a favorite dictionary.  And I’d even go so far as to say that none of us would consider that weird!

I grew up with The American Heritage dictionary, required by my brick-and-mortar school.  Sitting in my 11th grade Shakespeare class, I was enthralled by The Oxford English Dictionary.

As a homeschooling parent and classical educator, I’ve come to rely on and feel fondly about “The 1828”. I don’t even have to say the rest because if you know you know.

I’m referring to Websters Dictionary 1828.  And, when it’s time to define a term, it’s where I turn!

Let’s Define “Celebrate”

Using the online Merriam Webster Diction I find:

The first thing I notice is that the term is transitive.  For those of us familiar with The Essentials Program, we know that a transitive verb needs an object. We’re celebrating something.

As the definition tells us, sometimes it’s a ceremony like being sworn in as a judge.  It’s very solemn but we celebrate the accomplishment of that lawyer turned judge, turned public servant.  We might celebrate something like, “Yay! You passed your driver’s test!” For younger students milestones like learning to spell their name, or in my family’s case, staying in their bed all night, are cause for celebration! In my opinion the small and big wins alike are a reason to celebrate—especially if there’s ice cream involved!

We honor occasions like anniversaries, graduations, weddings, and holidays.  We set apart accomplishments like Senior Thesis, a book release, or an artist competing an installation or gallery show. Many of these falls into the “Big Event” bucket and you probably easily recognize the shared community marked by ceremony that surrounds this type of celebration.

Surely, you’ve noticed that the “something” doesn’t have to be tied to much of anything. To celebrate doesn’t have to be boisterous. From high to low, to once in a lifetime, to every day that ends in “day” – “to celebrate” is within our grasp and I would suggest that the common life is to be celebrated as much as possible.

So, whether you make every Friday night a celebration for a job well done, or simply that you made it through the academic week, pizza night and family movies or games is always a way to put a lovely cap on the week!

At the Core of Celebration Is the Goodness of God

We see the pattern of celebration begin in the Old Testament Scriptures. Feasts, for example, which the Israelites kept in accordance with the law were always commemorative of something good the Lord had done or is doing on behalf of his people. These recurring celebrations were sacred and helped the people recognize the significance of the acts of the Lord.

The biblical accounts make the celebrations very accessible to modern readers.  We easily comprehend that to celebrate God’s deliverance, His provision, His prophetic promises fulfilled is in response to God’s goodness.

When we respond to God’s goodness and celebrate, we bring glory to God. He is the object of our transitive verb!

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. —1 Corinthians 10:31

What Do We Celebrate at the End of the Homeschooling Year?

Certainly, we point to the goodness of God, whether the year was stellar, a knock ‘em down, drag ‘em out slog, or somewhere in between.  We’ll experience it all, and the goodness of God is steadfast.

But, let’s bring this a little more down to earth.  Here are seven suggestions that you might want to incorporate into your family rhythm.

1. Academic Achievements

Recognize your child’s academic progress.  This is perfect for the homeschooling family since you uniquely understand what the highs and lows of your student’s academic year have been.  You know how you’ve scaled, tailored, adjusted, and customized and how your student has mastered difficult skills, loved certain areas of study, persevered through hardship, and achieved academic goals.  You can create certificates of “______” to commemorate your student’s achievement and hold a celebratory ceremony.

2. Special Projects or Achievements

Whether it’s a 4H ribbon, a part in the local performing arts production, a memorable Faces of History presentation, achieving Memory Master, or your teen landing their first job, take some time to celebrate!  Homemade cards, a favorite meal, get into your stash of sparklers- any of these accessible ideas will help you put together a celebration.

3. Family Milestone

Do you remember the day you started your CC journey? What about a gotcha day for an adopted son or daughter? Are there birthdays, anniversaries, retirements- these celebrations for families mark the years and knit you together in shared memories.

4. Personal Milestones

Your student just achieved a level in karate, they learned to ride bareback, or finally made the perfect macaron! Don’t miss the chance to notice and celebrate.  Of more significance, your child comes to saving faith in Christ, professes their faith publicly through baptism or profession of faith, finishes their bible reading plan – make a big deal! Or at least light a candle, turn on some music, and hang a homemade banner!

5. Transitions

Is this the year your student moves from Foundations and Essentials to the Challenge program?  Did somebody get a raise or promotion? Is your recent graduate heading off to college or do they have a sweet internship lined up? Humans are uniquely able to celebrate the future and the goodness to come!

6. Gratitude

Did your student have a unique bond with a Tutor or Director? Celebrate with a thank you note and the expression of gratitude. Maybe you’ll want to organize an appreciation gathering like meeting up for a picnic, a bonfire and sunset, or smores. This would be a fun celebration in which to include classmates! Did grandparents, a mentor from church, or a coach speak into your student’s life? Yours? A handwritten note, a coffee meet-up, or a “grownups only” dinner are possible ways to celebrate.

7. Restoration

We all go through seasons of loss, difficult change, mourning/grief, and valleys.  Some of these seasons do resolve in restoration and we do well to celebrate how the Lord has delivered us. And, for those of us for whom the circumstances won’t or can’t change, celebration is still possible when we remember to rejoice in the Lord and His goodness.

(Please, oh please, do not hear me spiritually bypassing the difficulties under which you must continuously bear up.  Sometimes it’s enough for me to celebrate with a cup of tea or a homemade latte, and a spot of sunshine on the back deck that “today is not as hard as yesterday; thank you, God!”)

What Are the Benefits of Committing to Celebrate?

I’m sure you’ll have your list of benefits for celebrating. Which of the following resonates with you?

• Reflecting on lessons learned
• Preparing for changes in routine or environment
• Marking the conclusion of one thing before moving to the next
• Creating anticipation for the future
• Engaging community and connecting people through events
• Building confidence with recognition for achievements or overcoming struggle
• Establishing shared traditions
• Cultivating gratitude
• Setting the course for future action plans and goals
• Acknowledging personal growth and accomplishments

What Are Some Specific Ideas for Celebrations That Are Not “Typical”?

(i.e. Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Holidays)

My family has loved the annual celebration of summer solstice.  We start a bonfire, hope that fireflies have arrived, listen to the song of insects, birds, and tree frogs while we await the sun’s disappearing from view on the longest day of the year.  Root Beer Floats are mandatory!

Fridays are important in our family culture.  Mom and dad are done with the work week as are the adult children still living at home. We take a break from the homeschool routine and enjoy horseback riding lessons in the late afternoon.  And then, it’s pizza night! We’ve perfected homemade crust, and we experiment with toppings. As the pizza’s come out of the oven, we gather to watch a family friendly show or movie.  We finally slow down, celebrate the provisions from the week, the joy of connecting with each other, and special food!

My family is fortunate to live near the lakeshore of one of the Great Lakes.  My husband has a late winter birthday, and we try to go to the water’s edge to take in the expansive view, enjoy a drive, and whether it’s wintry or mild, we set apart his day with a trip to the beach!

We have some special music playlists that provoke sweet memories from shared trips, events, and seasons of family life.  When we play those songs, we’re transported to “back when” and we enjoy it all over again! Dance parties on the back deck are expected.

Here are some ideas from other families:

• Create a slide show: Go through photos and add music to create a slide show for your family and friends.
• Take a field trip—or a vacation: Consider a commemorative getaway or a trip to a venue/attraction that your family will enjoy.
• Make a memory collage: Use pictures of field trips, projects, experiments, and other fun moments to create a display  and set a time to tell stories and share memories of the events.
• Give silly awards: Hold family or community votes for “Most likely to______”, or “Best _____”.  Create categories, cast secret ballots, you might play The Throne Room for your mock awards ceremony, and dissolve into laughter and happy tears!

It’s Good to Celebrate!

Acts of commemoration, gratitude, togetherness, and community not only honors our achievements and milestones, but also bears witness to the enduring faithfulness of God. From ancient feasts to modern day gatherings, celebrations weave their way through the history of human experience, reminding us of the providence and goodness of God.

It’s not too overstated to suggest that celebration is not just an act, but a way of life—a testament to our belief in the unfailing faithfulness of God and the uniquely human capacity to envision the future. For in celebration, we find not only the culmination of our past achievements, but the promise of blessings to come.

The post Reasons to Celebrate: 7 Ways to Set Apart Big Events, Ordinary Days, and the Goodness of God appeared first on Classical Conversations.

On average, a homeschooling parent spends 180 days per year investing in their child’s education. That’s over 1,400 hours! Some of those days, we feel like we are on top of the world and we can conquer anything that is thrown at us, and then there are days where it feels like everything is written in another language (and I don’t just mean Latin).

Practicum is a purposefully crafted event to pour back into us as home educators.

The one-day Practicum is our time to gather together and intentionally seek our vision for the upcoming year. Our time to practice using new skills and ignite our excitement as lead learners. Our day to spend fellowshipping with other homeschool parents that become companions on our home education journey.

Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.

– Abigail Adams

Practicum Helps Us Remember Why

We all come to homeschooling for different reasons, but CC parents typically have a few things in common.

We recognized that the modern school system’s method of teaching was not the right choice for our family. We recognized that we wanted a Christ-centered curriculum that would help develop and strengthen our child’s faith and not just be another subject of the day. We also wanted like-minded families to lock arms with, to be an encouragement and accountability to one another.

Practicum is where we are reminded of why we started this journey in the first place. Our vision of what Classical Conversations is and has to offer gets renewed every summer by the passionate speakers and families whom we have made bonds with during the course of our homeschool journey.

Learn more about Practicum.

Practicum Prepares Us with the Right Tools

If I were decorating a cake and using a whisk to spread the frosting, you would say that I was using the wrong tool at the wrong time.

CC equips us with 15 tools of learning, and Practicum is where we come together to learn and practice how and when to use each tool. Each year we focus on a particular set (the 5 Core Habits of Grammar—also called the NAMES tool—the 5 Common Topics, and the 5 Canons of Rhetoric) and have model conversations geared towards various ages.

There is nothing better than being at a table of your peers and experiencing someone have an “ah-ha” moment. Their excitement to go home and implement what they have learned is contagious and helps ignite your desire to make new connections of your own.

Discover Practicum resources.

Practicum is Where We Make Deeper Connections

Not only are we gaining valuable academic training to use as home educators, but we are also gleaning wisdom and insight from those that have gone before us.

Getting to hear the trials and triumphs of more seasoned parents are like nuggets of gold that we get to tuck in our pocket for the school year ahead. There is also a cherished refreshment from the enthusiasm of those just starting out. Listening to the eagerness and anticipation of new homeschooling families is a boost of energy to those of us that have been at this for a while.

Practicum allows us to share our stories with one another and build connections with the larger CC community. This summer, as we plan to use the 5 Common Topics to have full, inquisitive, and thoughtful conversations, I find myself brimming with anticipation of where these conversations will go.

Watch Practicum 2023.

As I practice these tools with my fellow homeschooling allies, my excitement and passion for walking out the lead learner role is always strengthened. The one day spent creating community, being poured into, and equipping myself for the year ahead is an invaluable “professional development” day for me as a home educator.

I pray each of you reading this has been inspired to join in on a local Practicum this summer and that it will bless you as much as they have always blessed me.

Find a Practicum event near you!

The post Practicum: A Time to Refocus, Refuel, and Refresh appeared first on Classical Conversations.

The post 9 Reasons to Attend Practicum 2024 appeared first on Classical Conversations.

Memes. People want ‘em, the Internet’s got ‘em. Did you know the average millennial looks at 20 to 30 memes per day? Add up the entire population, and that’s a lot of bandwidth going to silly images and self-referential jokes.

In this post, one homeschool mom and maker of memes explains why we love—and need—homeschool memes and shares a few of her favorites along the way.

Why We Need Homeschool Memes: Because February is the Worst.

You either already know this, or you’re about to find out. It’s cold, it’s dark, it’s grey, and there are no holidays except for one where you’ll be pressured into giving candy to your already wound-up kids. The most difficult season of homeschooling is in the bleak midwinter.

About two years ago, my son was ready to throw in the towel long before February.

In fact, it was on his second day of school. He was upset in that special way reserved for teen boys: utterly convinced and totally immovable.

Rather than letting the moment become a Situation, I decided to try and make him laugh instead. We began joking around, and he eventually said, “Someone should make a meme for that!”

Someone was us. We made that meme and several others that afternoon.

Creating memes about our homeschooling journey has now become a family hobby, because we’ve realized that laughter truly is the best medicine. Yes, homeschool life can be challenging, but it’s hard to despair when we choose to focus on finding the humor instead.

Today, I want to share a few of our favorites to help you laugh your way through the winter doldrums.

For a non-memetic look at the winter blues (winter grays?), check out these winter wellness tips.

Acknowledge That It’s Difficult . . . and Laugh

 We get it. It’s harder to get out of bed and start your school day on a winter morning. Homeschool community days are especially difficult. It seems no matter what you do to prepare, you’re always struggling to arrive on time:

Does that morning rush sometimes turn into an “opportunity” to practice reconciliation?

Classical Conversations Tutors might know the tension that is the final minutes of class:

If you’ve ever assumed that you were the only parent who experienced these things, I hope you feel a little less alone today.

An interesting thing happens when you acknowledge that something is hard: it gives other people around you permission to share their own struggles. As the saying goes, “A burden shared is a burden halved.”

When that burden is shared with humor, it disappears altogether for a few precious moments. That’s why we call it levity.

Remember How Far You’ve Come . . . and Laugh

 Classical Conversations founder, Leigh Bortins, often says that a classical education is useful for helping you understand jokes, and we have certainly found that to be true. The longer we homeschool, the more material we have.

Here are a few memes that you likely could not have understood before your journey with Classical Conversations. Use these to remind your students (and yourself) how much you have already grown, and be encouraged.

Foundations

By now, you’ve seen some instances where even your youngest learners are applying the information they’ve memorized. Celebrate those times when the “surprise tool” gets used!

You’ve been singing catchy history songs all year. Show this to your students and watch them fight the compulsion to finish the song:

The Timeline Song gets in your head and never leaves. Neither does familiarity with major events in world history. As you sing the Timeline for the 257^th time this year, celebrate the fact that you are filling your mind with information worth knowing.

Essentials

If your children are anything like mine, they may have started out their first year of Essentials struggling to outline, or even to read their own handwriting:

Can you remember your own first day as an Essentials parent? It may have been overwhelming, but you’ve stayed right beside your children, learning with them!

You know so much more about English grammar now:

Challenge

Your Challenge students may be growing weary around this time of year. Maybe they’ve just completed a big project like a policy debate or the Science Fair.

Perhaps they’re heading into a challenging season with a research paper or Mock Trial looming. Remind them of all they’ve done, and that they’re already over halfway there.

Their writing is more refined now, and they can correctly use Very Fancy Words like exordium:

There may be new concepts to learn in Latin, but you and your student have been through this before. More than once, in fact. You have survived every time, and you’ll make it through this next challenge:

If you are a Challenge B family facing a new semester of studying Logic, notice that the following image was undecipherable just a few months ago. Now your student laughs. Look how far you’ve come!

Lean into Community . . . and Laugh

 We need other people, especially when homeschooling is hard.

When our family decided to share our inside jokes, we weren’t sure how they would be received. Was this only funny around our dinner table, or was our experience universal? Imagine our surprise when the response was overwhelmingly versions of, “I thought this only happened to me!”

While we have been able to experience the power of community on a large scale, we feel the true magnitude of that power locally.

The other parents at community don’t need to be told why my youngest child is delivering a presentation about his left shoelace. They know. It was just one of those weeks.

They understand the joy I feel when I begin to see the fruits of our effort in my teenagers because their teenagers are going through the same process:

Sure, it would be easier to stay at home and give up during the cold months, but we never regret the effort of going to community. We leave refreshed and recharged because we’ve been with our people, and that gives us the encouragement we need to head into the next week.

Before we know it, February will be gone. The sun will shine again, and the end of the school year will be in sight. Until then, we can acknowledge the difficulty of the present season, remember how far we’ve already come, and lean into community.

If we can find a way to laugh while doing it, that’s even better.

Humor is great. Combine it with prayer and various methods of coping when homeschooling gets difficult, and you can overcome anything.

The post Homeschool Memes: A Survival Guide (+20 Awesome Memes) appeared first on Classical Conversations.