If the words “science fair” fill you with dread, you’re not alone. Many homeschool parents feel uncertain about guiding their child through a science fair project. But what if this challenge could become an incredible learning opportunity for both you and your student?

As a homeschool mom who once dreaded science fairs, Jennifer Courtney, Chief Academic Officer at Classical Conversations Multimedia, offers practical tips and lessons from the Challenge A guide to help you transform science fair anxiety into a meaningful learning experience.

Whether you’re intimidated by the experiments, unsure how to guide your child, or hesitant about stepping outside your comfort zone, Jennifer encourages parents that participating in science fair is worth the effort and deeply rewarding too.

Discover how to make your science fair experience not just manageable but memorable and how you and your child can grow in knowledge, perseverance, and curiosity.

Overcoming Science Fair Fears

Imagine this: an episode of “The Twilight Zone.” The main character: a parent who did a horrible job on her junior high science fair project.

Fast-forward to the present day. The plot: the parent is now trapped in an endless cycle of producing science fair projects until she finally gets it right.

In all seriousness, I must confess that I approached the Challenge A science fair project with a mixture of fear and dread. By the time I reached my son’s age, it had already been decided that I was a literature and languages person, not a science person.

Even though I found science texts interesting, and I made good grades, by age 13, I already wholeheartedly believed in the airtight categories of science people, math people, English people, art people, and so on. Therefore, I did not try very hard to come up with a great project; after all, no one expected me to—not even me.

Read How Classical Education Integrates All Subjects

I was determined that my son would have a completely different science fair experience. I just was not sure that I was equipped to give it to him. Still, I started off by expecting great things of both of us.

I am happy to report that he completed his project successfully and that we both learned a lot along the way. If you are like me, there are certain homeschool experiences that you fear and dread and may avoid altogether.

I hope the lessons we learned through our experience will encourage you to branch out of your comfort zone.

Lesson #1: Pick a Science Fair Topic that Interests Your Child

My son suggested we look for a chemistry-related project since I was teaching chemistry in Challenge III at the time. Brilliant!

After some quick Internet research, we found what seemed to be the perfect project for a 13-year-old boy who plays a lot of tennis. We decided to build a colorimeter to test the blue dye in sports drinks like Gatorade.

Even though we had some rough patches throughout this project, he remained interested in the main question because it was relevant to his life. He drank a lot of sports drinks.

Lesson #2: Pick a Science Fair Project Your Child Can Complete Mostly on His Own but that is Still Challenging

Here is where we fell down just a bit. The project we chose was labeled ‘average’ in its difficulty level. I later realized that the label on the Sciencebuddies website was intended for a much older student.

The first task for our project was to use a breadboard to build an electric circuit that would focus an LED light on a photocell. Then, we would place tiny containers of colored liquid between the light and the cell and use an electrical meter to read how the dye in the liquid interfered with the transmission of the light. All of this depended on correctly wiring the circuit and getting our LED to light up.

Uh-oh! This presented trouble of a kind that mom and dad could not solve since neither of us knew anything about building electrical circuits. However, we did know about how to find answers when we were stuck.

So, as a family, we decided to head to RadioShack (a store for folks who liked to build their own radios and electrical projects) to get some help (by this time, we had roped in Grandpa to work on the project, too). This trip and two others taught us the next important lesson.

Lesson #3: Relish Learning Something New Even if it Proves Harder than You Thought

After we tried researching online documents and videos that would help us repair our circuit, it became clear that we needed to take the old-fashioned approach—find real-life experts.

Learning from people interested in your topic is one way to find answers when we are stuck. During our multiple trips to RadioShack, we spent time with an employee who was working on a degree in electrical engineering and a customer who was working to patent a new microchip for street racers.

These two young men spent a good deal of time showing my son how to repair his circuit. More importantly, they explained how each component in the circuit works. They showed him how to read engineering diagrams of electrical circuits.

Not only did we receive an impromptu class from these electrical hobbyists, but my son, Ben, received a healthy dose of enthusiasm for wiring electrical circuits. He brought home several project guides and planned to expand on his newfound knowledge by building a doorbell and an alarm for his room.

Lesson #4: Carefully Complete Your Science Fair Experiment and Record Your Results Using the Scientific Method

Our Challenge A Tutor bought each student a composition book for their research notebook. Ben carefully recorded his materials, hypothesis, definitions, procedures, and results. This step taught him important study skills for college-level labs.

He learned each step of the scientific method and then learned to carefully record each step of his project. Finally, his dad spent a few evenings teaching him how to create graphs in Microsoft Excel for display on his board.

Embracing the Science Fair Journey: Lessons for Lifelong Learning

Looking back, we are so proud of Ben for his persistence and diligence. We are thrilled by our newfound knowledge of electricity, chemistry, and graphing. Familiarity truly breeds curiosity!

Today, Ben is experimenting with electrical circuits and creating graphs on his computer just for fun. This journey wasn’t just about completing a project. It was about nurturing a love of learning and perseverance that will last a lifetime.

If you’re about to embark on your own Challenge A science fair adventure, know that the process is worth it. From tackling new challenges to discovering unexpected passions, both you and your child can grow in incredible ways.

To learn more about how the Classical Conversations Challenge A program makes science fair an enriching experience, explore these blog posts and podcasts:

• Your Guide to a Successful Homeschool Science Fair
• What is Challenge A?
• Help Me Help My Student-Science Fair

Discover how our Challenge programs can help cultivate curiosity, confidence, and academic growth in your homeschool.

Classical Conversations Challenge Programs

The post How to Approach a Science Fair Project with Confidence appeared first on Classical Conversations.

Did you ever wish someone had instilled a love of learning in you when you were young? Many homeschool parents feel unprepared when it comes to teaching their children the lifelong classical skills of learning, especially when those skills weren’t part of their own education.

But here’s the good news: learning is a natural process, especially for young children. By using the Five Core Habits of Grammar—Naming, Attending, Memorizing, Expressing, and Storytelling—you can equip your children with the tools they need to explore God’s world with wonder and joy.

The classical model of education is a method that works with your child’s natural curiosity and love for learning. These core habits are more than academic tools; they are daily practices that help children engage with ideas, absorb knowledge, and express their creativity.

In this article, we’ll walk through each of the Five Core Habits and show you how to implement them at home. Just like you “dress” your child for the day, these habits will help you clothe their minds with the skills they need to learn—and love—what’s true, good, and beautiful.

The Original Meaning of Habit

The earliest English definition of habit is: “to garb, dress, or clothe.”   This meaning stems from the Latin root, habitus, which means “condition, demeanor, appearance, dress.”

Modern English speakers rarely use this definition anymore except in the cases of a “nun’s habit” or a “riding habit.” For our purposes, let’s return to the original definition as we consider the Five Core Habits of Grammar.

Nurturing Habits: Preparing for Learning

Remember mornings when you wrangled your squirmy toddler into their clothes?

You probably selected their outfit based on the season and weather, the day’s upcoming activities, what was laundered, and those favorite toddler clothing “preferences.” As your child bounced out of the room, they were ready to meet the day. You had practiced the “habit” of nurturing.

In the same way, practicing the Five Core Habits of Grammar helps us garb, dress, and clothe our children with good habits for learning. The classical skills of Naming, Attending, Memorizing, Expressing, and Storytelling (NAMES) build knowledge and lay the groundwork for future studies.

Drawing on a young child’s natural curiosity and inclination to absorb all manner of ideas and facts, the Five Core Habits prepares them for a wonder-filled encounter with God’s Creation.

Let’s start with “putting on” the habit of Attending.

Attending: Seeing the World with New Eyes

Creation is God’s classroom. To practice the core habit of Attending, children need time. By slowing down and encouraging them to use their senses, children become aware of the wonders around them.

As we practice this habit, an ordinary day becomes a game of hide-and-seek. Be prepared. These explorations are frequently unplanned and spontaneous. In other words, dawdling and getting messy are required!

Asking questions helps children focus and experience the world from all angles. Try sensory questions such as:

• What do you see?
• Hear?
• Smell?
• Feel?
• Taste?

A fall leaf, a freshly baked brownie, a crescent moon, or a well-designed bridge become unexpected amazements for both you and your child.

Asking comparison questions adds another layer to “seeing” as children grow in their practice of Attending.

New discoveries can be compared to previous ones, and exploring similarities and differences helps children ponder what something is and what it is not. Comparing opens the door to every part of God’s Creation.

Naming: Building Knowledge through Words

Children ask all kinds of questions, but their favorite by far is, “What’s that?”

Naming is how young children grow in their understanding of the world’s particulars through engagement and relationship. It’s a give-and-take between the “asker” and the “answerer.”

Children need experts. And tag, YOU’RE it! Curiosity sparks questions, and your child’s repeated, and at times tedious, inquiries are really clues to their thoughts, interests, and passions.

Knowing the right word will help children deepen their understanding of what something is, how it is classified and categorized, and how it is unique from other things. Get ready to clothe your child’s mind with various words, terms, and names.

Consider adding new items to their wardrobe such as:

• field guides
• nature journals
• picture encyclopedias

Helping Children See the World in Rich Detail

For example, when your child sees a bird and asks its name, you practice the core habit of Naming by first pointing out and naming its parts, such as feather, beak, and wing. You might ask your child to use words to describe the bird’s color pattern, song, or movement.

As you talk together, you model how to use categories to richly describe the bird’s uniqueness, such as a songbird, shorebird, or raptor. These conversations guide your child’s gaze and broaden their understanding with new and rich words.

As your child acquires more words, they begin to recognize and categorize the types of birds. Knowing these will help your child identify whether they are seeing a pigeon or the rare Blue-eyed ground dove! The world’s complexities begin to form as harmonious parts of a whole instead of isolated fragments of facts.

The practice of Naming celebrates God’s world as a beautifully unique and unified Creation.

Memorizing: Anchoring Ideas with Familiarity

The core habit of Memorizing is like that favorite t-shirt your child demands to wear every day!

Familiarity is comfort. Memorized words and facts bring a similar comfort. As your child learns about this big and sometimes seemingly random world, they use their memory of the familiar to bring a sense of order and predictability.

That predictability is one reason they echo everything they hear! Big words, chants, rhymes, poems, jokes, and songs are ways children parrot back the words and ideas they hear.

They are beginning to create categories and build a library of ideas in their minds. This natural appetite to memorize is an invitation to parents. You have the privilege of choosing which beautiful scriptures, lovely poetry, rich vocabulary, thorough definitions, and foundational facts to add to your child’s library shelf.

Memorizing helps your child develop his or her understanding of the world. Their confidence grows as their wardrobe expands.

Expressing: Sharing Ideas with Creativity

Showing off their latest outfit is a favorite activity for most children! A newly acquired soccer uniform complete with MATCHING shin guards and t-shirt or that Cinderella dress with plastic glass slippers are treasures children are eager to model.

By practicing the core habit of Expressing, children share the ideas they love with the people they love. Using their whole body, children are enthusiastic to demonstrate what they’ve learned through dancing, singing, reciting, painting, cooking, building, sculpting, acting, or crafting.

Turning Wonder into Creativity and Connection

As children encounter the natural world, they spontaneously express astonishment and want to capture this excitement with movement. Young children express their creativity in spontaneous and unstructured ways.

As children mature, they become more deliberate when deciding how best to express their ideas. This maturing develops foresight and deepens understanding. The results are impressive.

For example, a few shells become an extensive collection, nature journals become works of art, and a few science facts about Mars become an impressive 3-D model.

Expressing helps children incarnate the words and ideas they’ve learned and memorized. It’s a child’s way of sharing all they’ve learned about the world with the world.

Storytelling: Connecting Through Shared Experiences

If you’re around a young child for a few minutes, you’ll discover their love for storytelling. Children love to share stories about the “and-then-this-happened” with whomever is in their path.

Putting on the core habit of Storytelling is not difficult, and it is lots of fun! Realizing the importance of a child’s experiences and their need to share with both spoken and written words are at the heart of this core habit.

Recounting events through Storytelling supports a child’s understanding of what they’ve learned and what they remember. When they share a best-loved story, children are practicing their understanding of what a story is—that it has a beginning, middle, and end and includes a setting, character, and plot.

Here are some other Storytelling benefits:

• When children recount a celebrated holiday, they practice using descriptive and expressive words.
• Remembering and narrating Bible stories deepens a child’s understanding of God’s ways and opens the door for life-changing conversations.
• When your child shares a recent discovery from their nature journal, he or she is sharpening their observation skills and engaging someone else in the joy of their discovery.

Storytelling is how children connect by sharing their delights, dreams, and disasters. It helps us, as parents, see the world from our children’s perspective, which adds to OUR wardrobe.

Garbed and Ready: The Power of the Five Core Habits

Just like those daily nurturing habits, the Five Core Habits of Grammar —Naming, Attending, Memorizing, Expressing, and Storytelling, are skills that help your children engage with God’s Creation.

By putting on these habits, they will be garbed, dressed, and clothed for any season of discovery and any new venture that comes their way—eager to add another “preference” to their growing wardrobe! Bouncing out the door, they are ready to meet the day.

As homeschool parents, you have the incredible privilege of equipping your children with these habits early. While you may not have experienced this kind of intentional training yourself, you can cultivate these skills in your children, preparing them to explore the world with confidence, creativity, and awe.

So, whether you’re naming the parts of a bird, helping your child memorize a favorite poem, or marveling together at God’s Creation, know that these small, daily practices are shaping young minds. With the Five Core Habits of Grammar, you are not only teaching your children how to learn, but also inspiring a lifelong love of discovery.

Want to learn more about the 15 Classical Skills that include the 5 Core Habits of Grammar?

Explore these blogs to see the connections:

• The Trivium and the 15 Tools of Learning in Classical Education
• Catechesis Wheel
• What are the 5 Core Habits of Grammar?
• What are the 5 Common Topics of Dialectic?
• What are the 5 Cannons of Rhetoric?

The post The Five Core Habits of Grammar: How to Dress for Lifelong Learning appeared first on Classical Conversations.

Parent Practicum is a valuable resource for homeschooling parents seeking training, skills, and community. It’s also a time to grow and connect with other parents on this homeschool journey.

For years, Parent Practicum has provided me with practical strategies, a deeper understanding of classical education, and opportunities to engage with a supportive homeschool community. These equipping events are designed to inspire and prepare parents.

If you’re looking for ways to enhance your homeschooling experience, Parent Practicum offers resources and connections that can make a lasting impact. Here’s what I’ve learned from attending and why I believe it’s an essential experience for homeschool parents.

Why I Love Parent Practicum: A Journey of Growth and Community

Parent Practicum has been an integral part of my homeschooling journey. Seven years ago, as a relatively new homeschool mom, I attended my first Practicum. At the time, I had only been homeschooling through Classical Conversations for one year after trying to navigate it on my own. I wasn’t entirely sure why I needed to attend this event, but I went anyway, dutifully sitting in on the sessions.

Little did I know how transformative that experience would be.

My First Parent Practicum: A Humbling Start

During one of the sessions, Leigh Bortins flashed these words on the screen:

” When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

To my embarrassment, I didn’t immediately recognize it as the opening of the Declaration of Independence. That moment sparked a realization for me—I had so much more to learn.

As if that wasn’t humbling enough, we listened to Andrew Kern weave together William Butler Yeats’ The Second Coming and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit in his lecture, The Contemplation of Nature. My heart leaped at the possibility of more: more understanding, more growth, more connection. The vision cast and the ideas sown by Leigh Bortins and Andrew Kern that year still excite and motivate me today.

Practicum: Equipping and Inspiring Homeschool Parents

Since that first year, I haven’t missed a single Practicum. In fact, some summers, I’ve attended more than one! Each Parent Practicum is free and offers something fresh and enlightening, even as it reinforces what I know to be true. It’s a space where I’ve been equipped with skills and ideas that have made me a more confident, peaceful, and educated homeschool parent.

Beyond the sessions, Practicum is a place to recharge after the school year. Whether it’s the warmth of conversations over coffee or brainstorming with friends at the pool later in the summer, these interactions nurture my heart and soul.

The Power of Community: We’re Stronger Together

Homeschooling can sometimes feel isolating. According to the latest U.S. Census, only 5% of families in the U.S. homeschool. That’s why community is so essential—and Practicum provides just that.

At Practicum, you’re surrounded by parents and grandparents who share your vision for education and who are willing to engage in meaningful discussion. We exchange stories of triumphs and trials, goals and dreams for our children. It’s a touchstone with the larger community of parents and grandparents who have bravely chosen to walk a different educational path than the mainstream.

We were made to live in community, and Practicum exemplifies the strength and encouragement that comes from being connected to others.

Looking Back: The Lasting Impact of Practicum

Years later, I am still reflecting on the deep ideas presented at my first Practicum. The lessons I’ve learned at each Practicum have shaped how I approach homeschooling, and the community I’ve found continues to sustain me.

As my oldest child approaches the halfway point of the Challenge program, I am grateful for how Practicum has prepared me for each step of this journey. I am still reaping the benefits of the investment I made each summer, and I am excited about what lies around the corner for my homeschool.

Conclusion: Join Us This Year at Parent Practicum

I can’t wait to see what this year’s Practicum will bring. Each year, I discover something new, and the excitement of this homeschooling journey is renewed.

Will you join me and thousands of other homeschooling parents across the nation this summer? Practicum is more than an event; it’s a touchstone, a source of encouragement, and a reminder of why we’ve chosen this path.

I wouldn’t miss it for the world—and I hope to see you there!

If you’re looking for a place to recharge, connect with parents, and grow in your homeschooling journey, Parent Practicum is the perfect opportunity. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned homeschooler, there’s something for everyone to learn and share.

Find a Practicum near you and take the first step toward transforming your homeschool experience!

Find a Parent Practicum Near You

The post The Power of Parent Practicum: Build Confidence, Create Community, and Grow as a Homeschool Parent appeared first on Classical Conversations.

The second semester of homeschooling can feel like an uphill climb. January brings cold days, long nights, and the post-holiday slump, making the excitement of August feel like a distant memory. That’s why a mid-year assessment is so valuable. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on your family’s progress by identifying what went well. This is also a time to ask what we can improve, recalibrate your goals, and renew your motivation to finish the year strong!

At Classical Conversations, we hold to core values that guide our homeschool journeys:

• grace in speech
• humility of mind
• integrity in action
• diligence in work
• excellence in results

A mid-year assessment helps bring these principles to life in your homeschool by celebrating victories, addressing challenges with compassion, and setting a fresh vision for growth.

This blog will guide you step-by-step through conducting a meaningful mid-year assessment so you can embrace the second semester with clarity, confidence, and hope.

Reflect on the first semester’s achievements with Humility of Mind

As you look back on the first semester, it’s important to celebrate all the achievements that took place! Take time to count the victories in your student’s academic goals and personal growth. When we reflect on progress, it builds confidence and encourages continued effort in our students.

Looking back at the plans you created at the beginning of the academic year is important. Which milestones were reached? Did your students improve in the skills they were working on? How well did they retain the material they studied? Highlighting these accomplishments helps both you and your students see tangible progress.

An essential part of reflecting on the first semester’s achievements in a mid-year assessment is helping your students recognize their own progress and discuss their achievements and challenges. By developing your students’ self-assessment skills, you help them foster ownership of their learning and motivate them to set manageable goals in the future.

Reflection isn’t just about academics—it’s also an opportunity to reminisce about fun family experiences and character growth. This is a great opportunity to complement the areas where you see the Lord working in your children’s lives, such as acts of service, habits of gratitude, or attitudes of mercy.

As we cheerlead our students’ good works and pat ourselves on the back for a job well done so far, it’s vital to have humility of mind and refocus our praise back to the Lord, who graciously orchestrated these beautiful accomplishments. Gratitude keeps us grounded and reminds us of the greater purpose behind our homeschool journey.

Take stock of areas for improvement with Grace in Speech

It can be easy to look at the beautiful plans and goals we set out in August and be discouraged with ourselves and disappointed with our children because we got so off track or didn’t achieve what we planned.

Why do we often look back and only see the failures? It’s because we love our family and we want to do the best job for them. Blessings can come from addressing the ‘failures,’ though. It’s important to ask ourselves: What can we learn from the shortcomings of the first semester?

In our mid-year assessments, we should address the academic areas that need improvement by considering these reflective questions:

• How do my students learn best?
  • You are your child’s best teacher, so tailor your instruction accordingly to best meet each student’s needs. Some students excel by reading independently, while others need auditory support or hands-on activities to synthesize ideas and retain information.
• Have I set reasonable goals for each student individually?
  • We must aim to find the sweet spot between setting high standards for our students and not crushing their love of learning.
• What outside circumstances have impacted my student’s progress?
  • Life happens. We painstakingly set plans for the perfect year, and then things out of our control throw us a curveball. Identifying these details, such as illness, unexpected events, or family needs, helps us adapt with compassion and resilience. Remind yourself and your student that learning is not a destination but a journey.

Possibly the most important strategy for a mid-year homeschool assessment is fostering a growth mindset in your students. The goal isn’t to criticize but to adjust and grow.  We want to assess without shame but do not ignore the problems. With grace in speech, we can ask how we can adapt our learning to grow and improve in the new year.

Pray for God to meet you and your students where we are and lead your family in learning and life. Having this grace-filled attitude reflected in our words for our own internal dialogue and for our children to hear will help us remember that homeschooling is heart training and pursuing a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Set expectations for hard work and reliance on the Lord through Integrity in Action

When math lessons take longer than expected or reading progress feels slow, it’s natural to wonder: Is my child falling behind? It’s such an all-too-common trap we fall into.

But how do we define “behind”? When we start to look around and compare ourselves, our children, and our homeschool, we lose the perspective and purpose of why we homeschool.

Instead, focus on God’s faithfulness. He is working in the hearts and minds of our children. Each of our students is on a unique and individual learning journey, and they need a loving mentor and coach (that’s us!) because they need accountability, not just in academics, but in life skills and character development.

Through the integrity of our actions, we can set meaningful expectations by:

• Establishing clear and achievable goals
  • As part of your mid-year assessment, be honest about what worked—and what didn’t—in the first semester. Were your expectations realistic? Did you follow through on assignments? Adjust goals to balance challenges with encouragement.

• Seeking additional resources
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Tools like CC Connected can equip you with new strategies. Connect with friends on community days or attend a Parent Practicum to invest in classical education and pedagogy.

Ultimately, our expectations should align with God’s promises for our children. We hold plans loosely, praying for His guidance as we shepherd our children. True success is not just in academics but in nurturing our children’s hearts for the Lord.

Organize your homeschool with Diligence in Work

The new year is a natural time to refresh and reorganize. Once the Christmas decorations are put away, the house often feels clean and ready for new routines. Use this fresh start to create a smoother, calmer transition into a reliably hectic second semester.

Here are some practical steps to organize your homeschool:

• Evaluate your organizational systems
  • Does each student have a clear way to keep track of their work? Consider using bins, binders, or online folders to help them develop organizational skills.

• Plan meal prep

• • Between homeschooling and extracurricular activities, meal prep can save time and money and reduce stress.
• Reassess daily routines
  • Are there small changes that could improve efficiency and peace? Starting the day with a devotional or including children in daily chores can create a rhythm that benefits the whole family.

Balance is key. Prioritize what’s most important for your family, whether it’s academics, sports, or shared activities. For some people, sports are life, and they are willing to go the extra mile (literally) to provide this experience for their children. But for others, finding one activity everyone can do together might be the best fit.

Build in time for nature walks, acts of service, or connection with your church community—these experiences are valuable learning times that don’t fit a ‘classroom’ mold but create well-rounded children.

Consistency in planning and record-keeping is another way to stay diligent. CC Connected offers its members the online Transcripts tool that simplifies record keeping. Take time now to organize the first semester’s records and set up a system for tracking progress throughout the second semester. When May arrives, you’ll be thankful for your efforts.

Plan to finish the academic year strong with Excellence in Results

Second semester is the final push. From our chilly January vantage point, the spring semester may seem like a long road ahead, but the end of the year will arrive in a flash. So plan now to finish strong with excellence in results.

We collect the wins from first semester and show students their hard work and progress. Next, work together to identify areas for improvement to help them move forward and grow in the second semester.

Two ways to ensure your homeschool can finish strong with excellence in results are:

• Time management
• Creating small habits to achieve big goals

Identifying ways to improve in these areas for both ourselves and our students will create practices that will yield great results in the second semester.

Excellence in results does not always mean an A+ on a report card; it’s about nurturing beautiful souls, strengthening relationships, and deepening faith. As CC mom Brittany Lewis eloquently says, assessing our students is like “hunting for God’s fingerprints on the world.”

Encourage your students to pursue academic excellence while also developing lifelong learning skills and a heart for the Lord. With intentionality, prayer, and practical strategies, your family can end the year with not just academic success but eternal impact.

Conclusion: From Mid-Year Assessment to End-of-Year Excellence

Homeschooling is a journey filled with both challenges and blessings, and the mid-year assessment is a chance to reflect, recalibrate, and refocus. As you look back on the first semester, celebrate the wins—both big and small—and give yourself grace for the areas that didn’t go as planned.

Approach the second semester with high expectations tempered with empathy and wisdom. Set clear goals, encourage your students, and remember that success is not measured solely by grades but by the character and perseverance cultivated along the way. With prayer, intentional planning, and reliance on the Lord, you can guide your homeschool toward a strong and fruitful finish.

If you’d like to hear more tips about Assessing for the New Year with guest Brittany Lewis, join the Everyday Educators podcast to be encouraged.

It’s never too late to join a Classical Conversations community—whether at the start of the year or midway through—where you’ll find support and fellowship to help you and your family thrive.

The second semester offers a fresh opportunity to celebrate learning as an act of worship. Embrace this season with confidence and purpose, finishing the academic year with grace, diligence, and excellence!

The post Reflect and Refocus: Powerful Mid-Year Assessment Strategies for Homeschool Families appeared first on Classical Conversations.

As homeschooling families, we understand the importance of preparing our children for higher education. For those considering a classical Christian college, the right reading list can make a significant difference in their academic readiness and spiritual growth. In this insightful blog post, Dr. Keith Mathison, a professor of systematic theology at Reformation Bible College (RBC), shares his top 9 book recommendations for prospective Christian college students. Whether you’re a parent guiding your child’s education or a student preparing for the next chapter of your academic journey, these carefully selected works offer a solid foundation in theology, biblical understanding, and critical thinking. Let’s explore these remarkable books that can shape the minds and hearts of future Christian scholars.

What Books Should I Read before Starting at a Classical Christian College?

During my years in seminary, I worked in the campus bookstore, and I am an unapologetic bibliophile. I love to recommend books. However, when I receive this question from prospective college students, I am always at somewhat of a loss. Part of the problem is that I wish they had asked the question four or five years earlier because when I get started recommending books, I can have a difficult time stopping. Once I finish, the questioner has a list of recommended reading that would take several years to complete. Usually by the time they ask me and other theology professors this question, they have between three and twelve months before they begin their college career.

These are the books that I would recommend to a student beginning their theological study at a classical Christian college:

1. R.C. Sproul, The Holiness of God and Chosen by God.

These books should be required reading for all Christians. Both are modern theological classics.

2. T. Desmond Alexander, From Eden to the New Jerusalem.

This is a brilliant introduction to some of the basic themes of biblical theology. It will whet students’ appetites for more.

3. Michael Morales, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?

This book by my friend and former RBC colleague will change the way you look at Leviticus, which will in turn better your understanding of the entire Bible.

4. Augustine, Confessions.

Augustine is the greatest theologian of the first millennium of the church’s post-apostolic history. One cannot be a serious theologian without having read his Confessions.

5. Louis Berkhof, Manual of Christian Doctrine.

RBC requires Berkhof’s Systematic Theology as a text in all of our systematic theology courses. His Manual is a good summary overview of what he covers in much more detail in the larger work.

6. Sinclair Ferguson, Children of the Living God.

If you read it, you will understand why I recommend it.

7. Willem van Asselt, Introduction to Reformed Scholasticism.

Much of the reading I assign in the systematic theology classes is taken from Reformed scholastic theologians like Francis Turretin and Petrus van Mastricht. Asselt’s book provides some context for understanding what Reformed scholasticism is and isn’t.

8. Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death.

This is simply one of the best books I’ve read in the last 30 years. It helps to explain how our move from a word-based culture to an image-based culture changed so many things.

9. John Newton, Letters.

In these letters, Newton applies profound biblical wisdom to a host of theological and practical questions. I re-read his letter “On Controversy” at least once a year.

Are you interested in learning theology for life at RBC? Join us for an upcoming on-campus or online preview day, or start your application today.

And be sure to check out Leigh Bortins’ list of 117 must-read books for your homeschool curriculum!

The post 9 Remarkable Books Christian College Students Need to Read appeared first on Classical Conversations.

As the landscape of education evolves, one of the most remarkable trends is the rise of homeschooling, as it has been estimated to be growing from 2-8% per year.[1] This personalized approach to learning has garnered significant attention, as some parents feel it has helped prepare their children for college and a career better than public school may have. One such parent is Julie Smith, who homeschooled her five children and participated in the Classical Conversations program before they started at Grand Canyon University.

1. Independent Learning and Self-Motivation

Unlike traditional schooling, homeschooling can require students to take a more active role in their education, planning their schedules and setting their own academic goals. Julie Smith noted that this self-directed school planning started early on, as her kids knew they had to meter their time accordingly and were able to self-direct how much school they needed to complete each day. This strong work can also be seen in homeschooled students’ ACT scores, which have been higher on average than public school students and have been improving from 2001 to 2019.[2]

2. Customized and In-Depth Learning

One of the hallmarks of homeschooling is the ability to tailor the curriculum to the student’s interests and strengths. Classical Conversations, for example, emphasizes a classical education model that integrates grammar, logic and rhetoric into the learning process. Homeschooling can allow parents to assess their child’s strengths and weaknesses and help build lessons around their needs.[3]

3. Effective Communication Skills

The Classical Conversations model places a significant emphasis on developing communication skills through regular presentations and discussions. Whether participating in college class discussions, presenting research or collaborating on group projects, research shows that the parental involvement students receive improves their socialization.[1]

4. Community and Support Networks

Despite the individualized nature of homeschooling, students often benefit from strong community ties and support networks. The Classical Conversations model, for instance, creates a community of learners who meet regularly for group lessons and activities. Research has even shown that homeschool students participate in community service more often than the general population.[1] Julie Smith noted that through the flexibility of homeschooling, her students had the time for major involvement in community service projects and organizations such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She says her children learned what community is and that “they’re not just a member of a community. They can be an active participant and organizer.”

5. College Readiness and Dual Enrollment Opportunities

Many homeschool programs, including those aligned with Classical Conversations, offer dual enrollment opportunities that allow students to earn college credits while still in high school. Grand Canyon University offers affordable dual enrollment courses that homeschool students can transfer directly into their program at GCU or potentially transfer to another university, giving them an opportunity to reduce the time they spend in college and possibly begin their careers sooner.

6. Building a Foundation of Faith

Homeschooling structures such as that of Classical Conversations can help build up their Christian faith and carry it with them into college. In Julie Smith’s home, faith learning began as early as kindergarten for each of her five kids, as she has weekly Bible studies with each of her children. “Often our homeschooling curriculum, especially in Classical Conversations, prompts God-centered questions,” she says. “The literature homeschooling has allowed us to be exposed to has been deep, rich and God-honoring. I feel that homeschool curriculum guides them to think about how to grow in their character as the Christians and humans they want to be.”

7. Strong Work Ethic and Perseverance

Julie Smith has seen her kids find success in college classes due to their homeschooling experience, through which they learned how to buckle down and complete hard work. “Even through college,” she says, “they’re excited to be in a lecture. They’re not bored with school. Time is not wasted. When they are there, they are there to learn and when they leave the classroom, they’re there to do the next assignment.” She notes that this attentiveness and work ethic is what has helped all of her children earn 4.0 GPAs throughout college.

Homeschooling’s Impact on College Readiness

Homeschooling can inspire independence and self-motivation, can provide customized learning experiences, create a strong sense of community, provide college readiness and dual enrollment opportunities and may also help students build a strong work ethic.

At Grand Canyon University, we are proud to support and nurture these students and recognize the exceptional qualities they bring to our academic community.

For more information on our homeschool programs and how we support homeschool students at GCU, please visit GCU’s Homeschool Students page.

References:

1. Ray, B. D. (2024, May 29). Research facts on homeschooling. National Home Education Research Institute. Retrieved from https://www.nheri.org/research-facts-on-homeschooling/ on July 30, 2024.
2. Payne, J. S., & Allen, J. (2020). ACT Composite Scores Among Homeschooled Students Trended Up from 2001 to 2019. ACT Research & Policy.
3. Classical Conversations. (2024, July 22). Homeschool vs Public School. Retrieved from https://classicalconversations.com/blog/homeschool-vs-public-school/ on Sept. 6, 2024.

The post How Homeschooling Can Prepare Students For College appeared first on Classical Conversations.

How can you raise your children to become responsible, independent adults? This may be your aim, but how do you actually do that? As a homeschool mom, I have more opportunities and therefore responsibilities as I prepare for that launch point. Perhaps you feel that same weight.

I recently sat down with my friend and colleague, Quinton Cools, who serves as VP of Operations at TeenPact. As we talked, I realized that launching our sons successfully into adulthood began long before high school graduation. Several practices stood out to me as foundational in preparing children for wise, productive, independent adulthood, and Quin added a rich perspective as a homeschool graduate and homeschooling father himself!

Welcome into this exciting journey. Here are 6 Keys to Prepare for Adulthood.

6 Keys to Prepare for Adulthood

1. Pray For Wisdom–Constantly

Prayer has always been a cornerstone of our parenting, not just as a routine, but as a heartfelt plea for wisdom. My husband, Brent, and I often pray, “Lord I don’t know how to do this! Please help!” Every major decision—from education choices to extracurriculars—starts with prayer.

Prayer has always been our lifeline as we guided our three sons and continue to homeschool our daughter. Quin, who is now seeking to apply these same principles with his own children, echoed how his parents approached prayer in a similar way: “My parents were always intentional in praying for wisdom. They guided me but also gave me the space to make my own choices, knowing they were constantly praying for God’s direction.”

2. Build Strong, Respectful Relationships

We knew early on that building strong relationships with our kids was key. It wasn’t about controlling them, but creating an environment where they felt safe coming to us for advice. This desire to have a strong relationship with our kids is one of the main reasons we chose to homeschool and why we stayed involved in their activities—we wanted to share experiences, build trust, and have common memories.

Our goal was to cultivate relationships with our kids that would carry into adulthood. Today, our grown sons still seek our counsel and we strive to foster a similar relationship with our daughter. Quin said that was his experience, as well: “My parents were intentional about getting involved in my life—not in a way that controlled me, but in a way that showed they cared. It helped me trust them.”

3. Provide Practice in Making Wise Decisions from a Young Age

We realized that a big part of preparing children for adulthood is allowing them to make decisions early on. For us, it was important that our sons learned to think critically and make their own choices. When they questioned our judgment, we encouraged them to think things through and weigh the options. This skill has been invaluable to our two sons who are in law school, as well as our son in undergraduate school.

“My parents also didn’t hover over every choice I made,” Quin remembers, “but they helped me see the potential outcomes. That gave me the freedom to make decisions and the responsibility to handle the consequences.” Now, as he raises his own children with his wife, Kelsey, Quin plans to give his kids that same opportunity to learn from their choices.

4. Foster Open Communication and Mutual Respect

In our home, open communication is very important. We want our kids to feel comfortable expressing themselves and asking for advice. This idea has fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect, where our children can share their thoughts and opinions freely.

“Feeling heard made a big difference for me,” Quin told me. “My mom didn’t just offer advice—she listened. That made me more willing to talk to her about anything.” Quin’s now working to cultivate the same openness with his young children, laying the groundwork for strong communication as they grow.

5. Stay Connected and Involved

Even as our sons have become adults, we’ve stayed involved in their lives. We respect their independence, but want them to know we’re always here when they need us. Homeschooling, TeenPact, and other activities kept us In our kids’ lives and helped us develop a strong connection with them that has continued into adulthood.

Quin sees the value of staying connected without hovering: “As I gained more independence, my parents stayed connected. They offered advice and support but didn’t overstep. That balance helped me grow.” Now, as a parent, he’s seeking to apply the same wisdom with his own kids, ensuring they feel supported as they develop independence.

6. Invest in Lifelong Relationships

Launching a child into adulthood takes time, patience, and grace. Looking back, I see that the relationships Brent and I invested in with our sons are still bearing fruit today. The time, energy, and love we poured into them have led to strong relationships, which continue as they pursue their goals and build their own futures.

“The relationship I’ve built with my parents is lifelong,” Quin reflects. “They didn’t just raise me; they nurtured a mutual respect that has carried into adulthood.” As he and Kelsey parent their children, Quin seeks to build those same lasting relationships as they guide their family in all that Christ has commanded.

Launching Your Child is a Journey

This is an exciting journey, and you’re not alone. The Lord is faithful to help you as you seek to raise responsible, independent adults for their good and God’s glory!

Ready to equip your teen for adulthood? Explore TeenPact’s State Classes for CC families and help your child develop leadership skills, understand government, and grow in faith!

The post How to Prepare for Adulthood: 6 Crucial Tips appeared first on Classical Conversations.

The following article, written by Chris Swanson, president and tutor at Gutenberg College, offers a compelling perspective on the value of classical, Christian education. Swanson argues that a return to time-tested educational principles can help us reclaim our humanity and resist being treated as mere “lab rats” in an increasingly manipulative society.

This thought-provoking piece challenges us to consider the true purpose of education and its role in shaping us as beings created in God’s image.

The Tension in Humanity

The Apostle Paul talks in his epistles about us having two natures, one of the spirit and one of the flesh. The spirit orients us toward the things of God, and the flesh orients us toward sin.

Plato, in The Republic, divides the human into three parts: reason, spirit, and appetite. In Plato’s division, the appetites and the spirit need guidance from the rational part of man.

Today, psychologists distinguish between our reasoning faculties and our lizard brain. The lizard brain controls those behaviors and inclinations that are most like an animal—those focused on instinctual needs like food, safety, dominance, and sex.

While the fundamental goals of humanity are vastly different in all three systems, they all share a similar insight—namely, that we are creatures who live in tension. To live well requires that we recognize and attempt to control our lower nature.

The Social Experiment

It turns out that the world knows this, too. And it is busy exploiting that knowledge. It recognizes that we are easily controlled by our lower natures and, not surprisingly, it has discovered ways of manipulating those animalistic appetites. Essentially the world sees us as lab rats, animals who live by Paul’s flesh, Plato’s appetites, and psychology’s lizard brain.

Consider some very obvious examples.

Manipulating our Feelings

Big tech businesses, such as YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, and video-game companies are trading on our attention. They are selling our eyeballs to the highest bidder. They treat us like lab rats, doing experiments on us so that they can direct us in their “maze” and maximize our time on their site.

The algorithms appeal to our lower natures in ways of which we are not even aware. They serve up content that appeals to feelings of laughter, self-esteem, self-righteousness, excitement, fear, anxiety, and many others. They are the most sophisticated behavior modification programs that have ever been created by man.

What these algorithms do not do, however, is direct our minds toward loving God and our neighbor.

Advertisers create ads to generate positive feelings in consumers. Those positive feelings will then create a positive association with a product, which in turn will generate a sale. How do they create positive feelings? They use lots of sophisticated psychological and social research on our emotions and desires. Their research subjects are us, the lab rats.

Many political parties and pundits often appeal to feelings of outrage, fear, righteous indignation, and belonging, among others. Their goal is to draw listeners and viewers into a state of agitation, ideological conformity, and action. They use huge data sets to determine how to influence groups and individuals. Since our votes are the source of their power, they study us so that they might control us.

Certain universities also often appeal to our lower natures as well. They create an image of fun, camaraderie, success, and wealth. They promise to make their students the best lab rats they can be. The public supports these goals because universities produce excellent cogs for a gigantic economic engine, and everyone wants bigger and better hamster wheels.

Large universities spend millions of dollars on marketing science to project reputations of quality and future material satisfaction. They spend billions of dollars on athletic facilities and programs. They use sophisticated, decades-long, “data driven” methods to influence the perception of students and parents because they want to have the best rats possible.

What Does It Mean to Be Human?

Even ethicists, whose field is supposed to explore what it means to be a human, treat us as animals.

As an example, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist who has written a number of very insightful books about our behavior and ethical choices and whose analysis is quite keen, believes our rationality is used not to guide but to justify our lizard-brain-driven behaviors. In his view, our animal instincts guide our morality, not the other way around.

If it is true that we have been poked, prodded, and studied like Pavlov’s dog for well over a century, how shall we respond? Are our choices programed for us by technocrats and mega companies? Are we forever condemned to an animal destiny enslaved to flesh and instinct?

Or do we, as Christians, still have a choice between being a lab rat or a human being?

Created in His Image

Before we address this question, we must first ask what it means to be a human being.

Karl Barth, a renowned twentieth-century theologian put it this way: “Man is the being to whom God is gracious in Jesus Christ” [Church Dogmatics, Karl Barth, Westminster John Knox Press, London 1961, p. 165].

This somewhat cryptic comment holds the key to understanding our humanity. God designed human beings to be creatures filled with His spirit, beings created for eternal glory and righteousness—not creatures enslaved to the flesh but rather creatures who strive to rise above the fleshly appetites. The core of what it means to be a human being is inextricably tied to God’s intentions. This view of humanity defies the world’s views of man that define us as rational, creative, excellent, powerful, material, or a random result of natural selection.

Barth’s radical view puts our everyday lives in context.

Daily life inevitably revolves around the struggles and joys of earthly existence. That is our lot—to live “in the world.” But to live “of the world” is to prioritize our lower natures.

Consider the distinction. Status and power? Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek.” Financial security? Do not be anxious about tomorrow. Success and winning? Paul tells us to run the race for the imperishable wreath, not the perishable. Fear? Fear not those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul. Group identity? We are one in Christ.

With this understanding of what a human being is, the answer to the question, “Are we destined to be lab rats?” is obvious. God has rescued us and atoned for our sins on the cross. He will make us fully human in the life to come. We are more that rats.

This is the good news of the Gospel. Let us rejoice.

Escaping the Maze

Nevertheless, those seeking to influence us are still experimenting and finding better and more effective ways to extol and control our animal nature. The problem is particularly difficult for students who are immersed in mazes and lack the experience age brings. They recognize, often better than their parents, the mazes constructed for them. They reject some parts of the maze but embrace others. The rat masters are hard to resist.

One of the best antidotes is education—but only education of a particular sort. High school and college education that treats students like lab rats exacerbates the problem. However, an education that encourages dialog, truth-seeking, freedom to ask questions, and the skills of reading and thinking gives students the opportunity and ability to pursue the human over the animal and the spirit over the flesh.

This is the sort of education that a classical, Christian program offers.

It is the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of becoming human.

It is an antidote to a world that treats us like lab rats.

Are you inspired by the vision of education presented in this article? To learn more about how you can continue your journey in classical, Christian education and critical thinking, visit Gutenberg College’s website.

Discover their unique offerings that align with the principles of dialog, truth-seeking, and the pursuit of becoming fully human in a world that often treats us like lab rats.

The post From Lab Rats to Thinkers: The Power of Classical Christian Education appeared first on Classical Conversations.

Are you intrigued by the idea of a rigorous, classical, Christ-centered, and community-based homeschool program for your high school student? Classical Conversations has got you covered! This page serves as your one-stop resource for information, insights, and inspiration to guide you through every step of the Challenge program, our high school homeschool program. You might want to bookmark this one!

Find a Challenge Community Near You

I. The Challenge Program

The Challenge program is rooted in the classical, Christian model of education. What does that mean?

Our worldview is Christ-centered. All knowledge begins with God. God, who is one in perfect unity, created a knowable and indivisible universe that is best explored through connections rather than discrete—and soon forgotten—units of study. That means the best model of education is one that teaches us how to learn and equips us with the skills of learning.

We’ve developed the Challenge high school homeschool curriculum around this understanding for the purpose of glorifying God, and the time students spend in community reinforces the skills of learning with hands-on practice. Directors, meanwhile, guide students through the practice of skills from knowledge to wisdom.

That’s Challenge in a nutshell.

II. Challenge Program Levels

The following resources cover individual Challenge levels (you can also click on the pictures to go to the articles):

Challenge A

Theme: Attention Leads to Ownership

The first of the Challenge programs, Challenge A is intended for students age twelve and up and corresponds with the 7^th grade in the traditional school system. Students will practice their skills that they will continue to develop throughout the Challenge years, taking courses in Newbery Literature, Latin A, Natural Science and Anatomy, Cartography, Analogies and Reasoning, and Arithmetic. Students finish the year with the exciting signature event of the science fair.

Challenge B

Theme: Ownership Builds Discipline

Challenge B builds upon Challenge A. Corresponding with 8^th grade, Challenge B applies the skills honed in Challenge A to new areas of inquiry while deepening their knowledge through courses in Newbery Literature and Short Stories, Latin B, History of Astronomy and Origins, American Biographies and Origins, Informal and Formal Logic, and Pre-Algebra. Students will hold a thrilling mock trial at this level.

Challenge I

Theme: Discipline Is the Cornerstone of Freedom

After Challenge B, students ages fourteen and up will make the leap to Challenge I, which corresponds with 9^th grade. Here, students will begin to consider what they ought rather than what they want, which means exploring the lives of great characters and taking on new and challenging projects. They will take courses in American Literature, Latin 1, Physical Science, American Government and Economics, Traditional Logic and Drama, and Algebra. Students will practice debate at this level.

Challenge II

Theme: Freedom Provides Opportunities for Noble Choices

Throughout Challenge II, students will begin to analyze choices—their own and the choices of others. They’ll also expand their horizons, moving from American history and literature to British literature and Western Cultural History. They will take courses in Latin 2, Traditional Logic 2 and Socratic Dialogue, and Algebra.  This year also presents a fun and unique event in the form of Protocol, where students will have the chance to practice etiquette!

Challenge III

Theme: All Choices Bring Consequences

Intended for students ages sixteen and up, Challenge III explores the consequences of decisions and marks the transition from knowledge to understanding. Students will explore the good, the true, and the beautiful at a deeper level, engaging in the whys and wherefores of philosophy and literature and sharpening their rhetoric in Latin. They will take courses in Poetry and Shakespeare, Caesar and Cicero Translations, Chemistry, American History, Music Theory and Philosophy, and Precalculus A. Poetry café is a fun, optional, end-of-year event for Challenge III families.

Challenge IV

Theme: Understanding Consequences Defines Leadership

Challenge IV. The last year of the Challenge program. The bridge to adulthood. This year is special, focusing on the movement from understanding to wisdom. Students will study Scripture and theology, consider the grand story of world history, and apply their logic to truly abstract concepts. Accordingly, they will take courses in Ancient Literature, Virgil and Various Translations, Physics, World History, Theology, and Precalculus B. Students will write their Senior Theses this year, and they will want to explore other unique opportunities, as well. (We’ll cover those in Section IV of this post.)

III. Challenge Program Capstones

In the previous section, we mentioned some of the exciting end-of-year projects students will conduct. The following resources explore these events in greater detail:

Challenge A: Science Fair

Your Guide to a Successful Homeschool Science Fair

. . . wait, are there really homeschool science fairs? Yes, really! You can conduct your own science fair either at home or in community. A homeschool science fair is a launchpad for scientific exploration, not just another checkbox on the academic list. Dive into practical tips and encouraging stories, guiding you through the process with clarity and support. No matter your science background, discover how to nurture your child’s curiosity, cultivate critical thinking skills, and transform the science fair into a rewarding learning experience.

Challenge B: Mock Trial

I Survived Mock Trial

Tongue-in-cheek blog title aside, Mock Trial is great fun! In this blog post, you’ll discover tips for sparking your student’s interest, fostering critical thinking, and nurturing a love for the law. Watch your student develop a deeper understanding of the justice system—all thanks to your support!

Challenge I: Debate

14 Benefits of a Homeschool Debate Curriculum

Debate: not just about winning arguments. This post discusses the transformative potential of debate and showcases how debate cultivates a diverse skillset. From analyzing viewpoints (the “dialectic stage,” in the parlance of classical education) to speaking with confidence (the “rhetoric stage”), debate equips your student for success.

Challenge II: Protocol

Is Protocol “Starched, Stuffy, and Stiff?”

Don’t let the word “protocol” evoke stuffy images of high tea and starched napkins! Protocol is a tool, not a burden. Protocol fosters grace, respect, and a sense of community – both within the Challenge program and beyond. Learn how these formal rituals cultivate confidence and social intelligence, empowering kids (even introverts!) to thrive in various social settings.

Challenge III: Poetry Café

Host a Poetry Café in Your Local Community!

Attention creative minds and budding wordsmiths. Poetry Café isn’t just a dusty ol’ book club. This event ignites a passion for language and turns shy whispers into confident verses. Dive into a supportive community where original poems find their voice and where students unlock their self-expression, hone their delivery skills, and admire the beauty of language.

Challenge IV: Senior Thesis

Why the Senior Thesis?

Forget the looming dread of a final exam. Classical Conversations presents the Senior Thesis as the culmination of your student’s intellectual journey and not just an academic hurdle. This blog post paints a picture of why this project matters—and this post also guides you through every step with empathy and practical advice.

IV. Challenge Program Opportunities

The Challenge years are preparation for life as a grown-up. As the parent of a teenager, you’ll step back and take on the role of mentor while preparing your student for what comes next.

These blog posts will help you find your footing among all the options offered by Classical Conversations:

Getting Ready for College

Assessment Options

Okay, so this one isn’t a blog post, but you’ll definitely want to bookmark the assessment options page for the membership deals and quick links to testing centers near you.

Why Homeschoolers Should Take Standardized Tests

Is standardized testing the right fit for your homeschooler? Many homeschooling parents worry that standardized tests aren’t a good fit for their student’s unique education. But did you know that standardized tests can offer valuable benefits for homeschoolers? In this blog post, we’ll explore how standardized testing can provide feedback on your student’s progress, help them prepare for college, and even offer relief from the stress of homeschooling. (Testing? Relief? What?! But it’s true.) We’ll also discuss the different types of standardized tests available and how to choose the right one for your student.

Earning College Credits in Challenge

CC Plus: College Credits for Homeschoolers

Homeschool credit meets college savings! Learn about CC Plus, a program that offers college credit for homeschoolers in partnership with Southeastern University. Students can earn dual enrollment credit while in high school and undergraduate degrees online. Parents can also earn a master’s degree by homeschooling their child through the Challenge program. Credits are regionally accredited and transferable.

Earn College Credits for Homeschool Coursework

Discover how Ella St. Laurent earned college credit while completing homeschool coursework. In this inspiring post, you’ll learn how CC Plus helped a real Challenge graduate meet her goals. Read Ella’s story and see how CC Plus can open doors for your family. 

Getting Ready for Graduation

7 Reasons Why You Should Attend the Classical Conversations National Commencement

Just because you’re homeschooling doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a graduation ceremony. National Commencement is your chance to celebrate your graduate with other homeschoolers. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired!

6 Tips for Planning a Successful Homeschool Graduation

If you can’t make National Commencement, or if you’d like to hold a second local graduation ceremony, you’ll want to check out this resource and make your homeschooler’s graduation ceremony a cherished memory with these expert planning tips. From setting expectations to creating a meaningful program, we’ll guide you through every step. Ensure your graduate feels celebrated and prepared for the next chapter with this practical advice and heartfelt inspiration. Plus, download a helpful infographic!

V. Advice for the Challenge Program

Looking for advice on how to get your family ready for Challenge, or interested in getting the most out of the program? These resources will help you!

Getting Ready for Challenge

Laying the Foundations for the Challenge Program

The Challenge program begins with Foundations! In this resource, you’ll discover how you can prepare for the Challenge programs by building a strong academic foundation that fosters critical thinking, communication, and a love of learning. Our unique approach equips students with the core habits of grammar and a solid knowledge base. Set your child on the path to success with Foundations.

Help! I’m Starting Challenge I without Foundations!

While it’s true that the Challenge program is built upon the Foundations program, it’s never too late to start homeschooling. You can still embark on the Challenge journey with confidence, even if you’re new to Classical Conversations. Discover how this comprehensive program, designed for beginners, lays a solid foundation in Latin, literature, history, and critical thinking skills.

Don’t let inexperience hold you back—join the Challenge I community and empower your student’s academic future.

Help! I’m Starting Challenge II without Foundations or Challenge!

Read this homeschool graduate’s inspiring story of overcoming self-doubt and achieving success in Challenge II, despite having no prior experience. Her journey is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the support of her community. If you’re considering Challenge II, be inspired by Cassidy’s courage!

Getting the Most out of Challenge

Helpful Tips for New Challenge Families

New to Challenge? Welcome! We’re here to guide you on your enriching homeschooling journey. Discover the core values of the Challenge program, and equip yourself with these three essential tips: define your family’s learning goals, explore available resources, and cultivate a love of learning together. Build lasting relationships with Classical Conversations.

How the Challenge Program Challenged Me

In this blog post, a Classical Conversations graduate shares her experience in Challenge. Read about she went beyond the academics, and explore the program’s emphasis on Christian values and character development. Discover how Challenge fostered critical thinking, communication, and a deeper understanding of faith. Are you ready to be challenged to grow in mind, body, and spirit?

Homeschool Art and Beauty in the Challenge Years

Discover how you can tap into your student’s creativity and explore the beauty of art within Challenge. Learn how to seamlessly integrate art into your homeschool curriculum with our practical tips and suggestions. From weekly “Sketchbook Breaks” to engaging art projects for each Challenge level, discover the joy and power of artistic expression in your homeschooling journey.

Want to Learn More about Homeschooling through High School?

Attend a Window into Challenge event!

Many parents feel the high school years are when the benefits of homeschool really came to life. Window into Challenge is your introduction to the Classical Conversations Challenge program, designed to equip your student for college and for life. You’ll discover the structure, material, and benefits of Challenge and get a chance to talk with parents already in the program.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover how the Challenge program can help your student thrive through graduation. Find an event near you!

Find a Window into Challenge Event Near You

Are You Challenge-Ready?

The Challenge program offers a Christ-centered and community-focused education that goes beyond mere academics and enables you to cultivate a young critical thinker, confident communicator, and young leader prepared to make a difference in the world.

Remember:

The Challenge program is built upon a strong foundation, but even if you’re new to homeschooling, there’s a place for you! Resources  are available to guide you every step of the way.

These programs are more than just academics—they’re ultimately about knowing God and making Him known and fostering intellectual curiosity, character development, and a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

So, explore the resources provided in this guide, connect with your local CC community, and discover how Challenge can empower your student to thrive in every aspect of life.

The post Your Guide to the Challenge Program appeared first on Classical Conversations.

At some point, you’ve probably heard the question asked (or maybe you’ve asked the question): why homeschool when your child can go to a public school funded by the government?

But perhaps we should flip that question around. Homeschooling has grown in popularity with families throughout the United States. Several studies suggest that between 5 and 6 percent of school-age children are homeschooled (that’s about three million kids), and this number increases year by year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents found themselves homeschooling either outright or de facto—and that hands-on experience only increased the popularity of homeschooling!

Why is homeschooling more attractive than public schools and traditional schooling to these parents?

Why Homeschool?

There are more reasons to homeschool than ever, but here are five reasons in particular why parents are choosing to homeschool their children in increasing numbers.

1. Religious Freedom

Religious freedom is one of the most repeated answers offered by parents when making the decision to homeschool their child. Public schools don’t incorporate religious studies into the classroom. Public school curricula may teach a different set of values and beliefs than what parents believe and want to instill in their child.

Homeschooling, on the other hand, affords parents the opportunity to incorporate Bible studies, prayers, and values throughout the lesson plan.

Interested in homeschooling freedom?
Bookmark the Homeschool Freedom Action Center.

2. Academic Excellence

Parents also often choose to homeschool because public education severely underwhelms them. These parents pursue homeschooling as a means to academic excellence.

Homeschools by definition have better teacher-to-student ratios than public schools, which means that homeschooled students benefit from more frequent one-on-one attention. Also, in a home school, the parents control the curriculum, which means parents can ensure the content is worthwhile.

3. Safety and Security

Concern over a child’s safety is another reason why so many parents choose to homeschool. Some children are subjected to negative influences such as bullying, unhealthy social dynamics, and the presence of drugs and alcohol in public schools.

However, in a homeschool environment, parents are able to monitor their development without those unhealthy stressors and dangers.

4. Personalized Learning

In a homeschool setting, parents are able to offer more personalized learning for their child. Public school teachers have a classroom of students with different abilities and levels of learning. The lesson plans won’t be tailored for each individual student.

Homeschool allows for the parents to assess their child’s strengths and weaknesses and help build lessons around their needs. This type of teaching provides flexibility to give the child what he or she needs to learn and skip ahead if they grasp the subject.

5. Family Time

Homeschooling is a family effort. There is collaboration between children and parents to come together and share knowledge and experiences. This level of connectedness goes beyond what can be provided in public schools.

The opportunity to reinforce family values and beliefs while developing a stronger sense of self is why many families choose homeschooling over public schooling.

Want more reasons to homeschool?
Read: “The Benefits of Homeschooling: A Graduate’s Perspective”

Why Not Public School?

These are a few reasons why homeschool parents often decide to homeschool their children rather than send them to public school. Here are four such reasons:

1. Lower Academic Outcomes

Studies have revealed that homeschool students typically score higher than public school students on standardized tests. Parents’ level of education do not change the student’s success.¹

Homeschool students also typically do better in college. Homeschool students have a higher rate of graduating college than students who attended public school. One study revealed that homeschooled students graduated with an average GPA of 3.46 while their public school peers graduated with an average of 3.16. The same study also showed that homeschooled students graduated from college at a higher rate (66.7%) than their peers (57.5%).²³

2. Poorer Social Environments

Contrary to the popular misconception, homeschool students are often better socialized than their public school counterparts. They are more likely to participate in political drives, sports teams, church ministries, and community work.⁴

Public schools, meanwhile, often present challenges for social development, such as bullying, discouragement, and negative peer influences. For example, according to one study, 5% of students between the ages of twelve and eighteen reported that they had been afraid of attack or harm at school in 2019.⁵

That’s 1 out of 20 students, and the average class size in the USA is 20.3.⁶

3. Lack of Individualized Attention

Public schools often have large class sizes (in fact, the average elementary class size is 21.1, and the average secondary school class size is 26.8)⁷, making it challenging for teachers to provide individualized attention to each student. In particular, students with specific learning needs may not get the support they require.

4. One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Public education adopts a “one-size-fits-all” approach. The curriculum is standardized and advances forward with no regard to the student’s development, following fixed schedules and often either ignoring specific learning needs or creating new problems and further inflexibilities with Individualized Education Plans.

The evidence is abundant and the collective experience of homeschoolers shows that homeschooling works. Public schools, on the other hand, afford poorer outcomes all around.

Why send your child to public school when you can homeschool?

The post Homeschool vs. Public School (Updated for 2024) appeared first on Classical Conversations.

Most homeschooling families start formal education with their littles using a kindergarten homeschool curriculum. But as you may know, there’s no shortage of curricula out there to choose from. So, how do you choose the best curriculum for your youngsters? What exactly should such a curriculum focus on?

3 Things to Look for in a Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

During these early years, students are naturally so curious about the world and able to memorize and retain large amounts of information.

This makes kindergarten an ideal time for laying the foundational knowledge in three areas, so they develop skills essential to succeeding later in school, college, careers, and all areas of life.

Not surprisingly, these areas are reading, math, and handwriting. Your kindergarten homeschool curriculum should focus on developing the basic knowledge and skills related to these fields.

What is shocking, however, is how much debate and controversy these three areas can generate, which makes choosing a kindergarten homeschool curriculum all the more difficult.

Should reading instruction be whole-language or phonics-based?

Should math instruction follow traditional models or embrace the “new math”?

Should students invest time in learning cursive?

We’ll address each of these debates below to help you understand exactly how to choose a kindergarten homeschool curriculum that works for your family.

1. Reading: Phonics-Based vs. Whole-Language

The traditional kindergarten homeschool curriculum for reading is phonics-based.

After decades of watching public school experiments with whole-language reading instruction and the following drop in literacy rates, most homeschooling families are turning to traditional phonics for reading instruction.

The phonics-based method starts by teaching young children all of the possible sounds made by consonants and vowels. Then students progress to letter combinations like ch, th, and sh and vowel combinations like ea, ei, and ou. After this step, students are introduced to short words and sentences with increasing complexity.

While students are learning to read short words and simple sentences, parents should also expose them to more complex language by reading aloud books that are above their students’ actual reading levels.

If you decide on a phonics-based approach to reading, you may find it helpful to look for a kindergarten homeschool curriculum that includes pre-packaged read-aloud books. Or, you can find your favorites at the local library or bookstore.

Resources for Learning Phonics: American Language Series

Listening to audiobooks is another great way for your children to process more complex language. Still, it’s important to spend focused time each day—one hour at a minimum—reading aloud to your children. It will do wonders for developing your children’s learning skills.

As reading aloud becomes a common practice in your household, your children will gain a richer vocabulary and understanding of language that will enable them to communicate better both in speech and writing.

And, as an added bonus, your children will have plenty of time to practice sitting still and focus on listening if you spend an hour a day reading aloud, which are undeniably necessary skills in all areas of life.

Resources for Reading Aloud: Copper Lodge Library

2. Math: Traditional Model vs. “New Math”

In the 19th century, mathematics instruction in the United States focused on memorizing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.

Now, most elementary math texts introduce word problems and even algebraic equations at ever-younger ages. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry too much about the debate between the traditional model and what’s known as “new math” when choosing a homeschool curriculum for kindergarten. Rather, there are basic skills every kindergartener needs to master that your curriculum should focus on developing.

First and foremost, a kindergarten homeschool curriculum should teach your littles to practice the basics of arithmetic. That is, counting, adding, and subtracting.

Resource: Saxon Math Kindergarten

For more specific goals, your students should be able to count to 100 by the end of the year as well as be able to add and subtract single-digit numbers using math manipulatives. Math manipulatives are any objects that can be counted, including household items like dried beans, raisins, apples, and money. You should work with your children to add some beans (addition) and take some away (subtraction).

Resource: Saxon Math K–3 Manipulatives

Counting, addition, and subtraction are the foundational knowledge of math. So, whatever kindergarten homeschool curriculum you choose should focus on having students practice these skills.

Also, it’s important that students learn to write numbers, most importantly the numbers 1-20. This is both an essential handwriting exercise and a crucial skill to perform well in higher-level math in elementary grade levels and beyond.

Other math skills you may want to help your students develop at this early age are working a calculator, recording the weather, and telling the time.

3. Handwriting: Cursive vs. Print

Finally, a kindergarten homeschool curriculum should include handwriting practice.

Young students should learn to hold the pencil correctly and form their letters carefully. For a time, educators felt that it was no longer important to teach cursive handwriting to students. They argued that cursive was no longer needed because students could move straight from printing letters to typing letters.

However, more recent studies have shown that there are two important reasons to continue to teach cursive. First, cursive writing engages the right side of the brain as well as the left. Second, studies have also shown that college students retain information better when they write rather than type. And masters of cursive can often write much faster than in traditional print.

In any case, nearly every kindergarten homeschool curriculum will include daily practice with manuscript (print) handwriting.

This is to be expected. If a kindergarten curriculum you are considering does not have handwriting practice, find another option.

By the end of the kindergarten year, students should be able to copy whole sentences with proper punctuation and capitalization. All this practice will not only make your student’s handwriting readable and attractive, but it will also help to develop their fine motor skills, learn how to spell, and eventually craft sentences of their own.

Also, you may want to search for a kindergarten homeschool curriculum that includes coloring time (or add it on your own) so your students can continue to develop their fine motor skills in a more creative exercise.

Resources for Learning Cursive: PreScripts

Related Blog: “A Little Cursive Story”

The Best Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

A word of caution for parents: young children learn best with hands-on activities demonstrated by loving adults, not screens.

Our littlest learners need in-person interaction and attention in order to develop into capable, lifelong learners. Although online options can be useful in specific contexts, online-only programs may be hindering your kindergarten-aged students from learning naturally. Sure, they may offer convenience, but they lack the hands-on practice and in-person connection your children need.

That being said, if the kindergarten homeschool curriculum you choose focuses on anything, it should be on teaching the basics of reading, math, and handwriting through a hands-on, child-directed approach.

Still, homeschooling is all about finding what works for your family and customizing your curriculum to suit your needs. So, if you have additional time within your days to include other subjects, go for it.

Don’t let the curriculum you choose tie you down!

The Foundations Program and Scribblers at Home

If you’re searching for a kindergarten homeschool curriculum, then you may be interested in the Classical Conversations Foundations program or Scribblers at Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learners.

Foundations is our program for students ages four and up that, as its name suggests, focuses on laying the foundational knowledge for students in key subjects. It consists of a comprehensive curriculum, helpful resources, and a local community of other homeschooling families all enrolled in the program.

Scribblers at Home, meanwhile, is an engaging at-home resource for you to work through with your littles ages 4–8. Whereas Foundations emphasizes community, Scribblers at Home is home-centered—perfect if you’re looking for activities to spark a love of learning or if you just want to dip your toes into homeschooling!

Resources: Scribblers at Home and Foundations 5^th Edition

We wish you all the best in your search for the best homeschool curriculum for your littlest learners!

The post Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum: 3 Things to Consider (Updated for 2024) appeared first on Classical Conversations.

I have been asked to share the 5 titles I’d bring on a deserted island. And I’m not allowed to say The Bible because it is too obvious. Of course, it’d be my first book because man doesn’t live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, and I’d like to live.

I chose to limit myself to five books that are actually on my bookshelf, and I’ve been known to use now and then rather than think of fantastical options that may not live up to their hype.

Top 5 Books to Read on a Desert Island

The Law by Frederic Bastiat

I’d bring Frederic Bastiat’s The Law, written in 1848, so I’d have the words to help my new neighbors understand individual responsibility. I may not have any neighbors at first, but one never knows when a clever pirate will show up, and I want to be ready!

Bastiat said things like:

“It would be impossible, therefore, to introduce into society a greater change and a greater evil than this—the conversion of the law into an instrument of plunder” and “Thus, since an individual cannot lawfully use force against the person, liberty, or property of another individual, then the common force – for the same reason – cannot lawfully be used to destroy the person, liberty, or property of individuals or groups.”

Bastiat would be decidedly against school choice and pro-choice funding.  He knew killing a child’s mind is as perverted as killing a child.

The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer

I’d bring The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer (the 1975 edition) so I could preserve and cook like my mother. No air fryers or microwaves in existence when it was written. The only beadmaker was a strong woman’s hands. Women worldwide were known for grabbing the book while being bombed during the 20th century’s massive destruction bred by massive secularism. If I had to go to a deserted island, it’s probably because people I know are being bombed. Nothing new under the sun and all that.

Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew

I’d bring Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew (the original 1981 version—I don’t like versions with “New” in the title) so I could grow food in stunted, barren conditions requiring a lot of conservation of energy and minimal fertilizers. Mel’s chapter called “Extending the Season” is equally important in both hot and cold dry climates. Remember, Antarctica is a desert. I saw the available resources on my trip there, and I’d have to eat a lot of penguins if that’s where I landed. Fortunately, The Joy of Cooking explains how to prepare birds.

Reader’s Digest Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual

I’d bring Reader’s Digest Complete Do-it-yourself Manual published in 1973 because it was written without  digital technology in mind. Just the basics. Also, the title and the chapter titles aren’t in all caps, which is interesting to think about—apparently, I would not have been welcome as a Readers Digest editor. The chapters titled “Working with wood,” “Working with concrete,” and “Major and minor exterior repairs” provide useful information. Probably not as helpful as the Primitive Technology guys on YouTube who dig swimming pools with sticks in the sand, but I’ve seen a lot of those videos and would probably remember what to do.

The Chronicles of Narnia

I’d also bring my hardbound version of the complete The Chronicles of Narnia so I could reimagine all the great myths that made civilization civilized.

‘Why have your followers all drawn their swords, may I ask?’ said Aslan.

‘May it please Your High Majesty,’ said the second Mouse, whose name was Peepiceek, ‘we are all waiting to cut off our own tails if our Chief must go without his. We will not bear the shame of wearing an honor which is denied to the High Mouse.’

‘Ah!’ roared Aslan. ‘You have conquered me. You have great hearts. Not for the sake of your dignity, Reepicheep, but for the love that is between you and your people, and still more for the kindness your people showed me long ago when you ate away the cords that bound me on the Stone Table (and it was then, though you have long forgotten it, that you began to be Talking Mice), you shall have your tail again.’

I want to live in a world where I am conquered by great hearts.

And Here’s How You Win the Desert Island Game

If I was allowed to bring anything, I’d rather bring my 5 family members than 5 books. I’d bring David because he is funny, can shoot guns, and knows how to jump out of helicopters. I’d bring William because he loves to think about the transcendent. I’d bring John because he can build anything with a stick and a plumbline. I’d bring Robert because he weep with those who weep. And I’d bring Rob because no duty would be left undone.

And since the Bible says our spouses are one flesh, I wouldn’t be breaking any rules by bringing our daughters-in-law and grandchildren. These women raise curious and imaginative grandchildren, believe homemaking is a worthy endeavor mysteriously connected to eternity, and are as gifted in hospitality as they are in enterprise.

I’d only request that each of them be allowed to bring five books. Then we would arrive with an entire library.

If you’d like more book recommendations, check out Leigh Bortins’ list of best books for homeschoolers.

The post The Desert Island Game: Leigh Bortins’ Top 5 Books appeared first on Classical Conversations.