At a recent family gathering my five-year old grandson was busy drawing something on a piece of paper. A short time later, he proudly held it up and matter-of-factly announced, “I drew the world.” Preparing the standard response, “tell me about your drawing,” I took a good look at his paper. It WAS the world! All the continents (albeit mostly triangle shapes) were in the proper location and in size relationship to each other – even Australia. Needless to say, my trite words died in my throat. Somewhat accustomed to the unusual accomplishments of homeschooled youngsters, I was still somewhat blown away.
Another time as I was reading a Christmas picture book, there was a reference to the “middle ages.” Interrupting my narration, this same grandchild broke into a song/chant: “middle ages, circa 450 to circa 1500, Council of Chalcedon, western Roman empire falls to the barbarians.” Obviously, my words had triggered a tonal timeline that he was eager to share. I’m beginning to get more used to these little demonstrations of detailed learning I would never have expected. After all, I’m a Classical Conversations Grandma! And, pretty excited about that fact, by the way.
As a longtime homeschooling veteran (we started homeschooling in 1985), I am thrilled that my children are following a homeschooling legacy path. It had always been part of our deepest desires as we were homeschooling that our children would continue the tradition. There were probably some times when that thought might have been the only thing that kept me going. Several years ago after a solid homeschooling start using an eclectic combination of curricula, my oldest daughter announced they were going to try Classical Conversations. I was intrigued, having just begun hearing about their approach to Christian homeschooling. Well, they tried, thrived, and have continued, drawing my younger daughter in as her children were old enough.
Classical Conversations is an international organization with local communities. They have a well-developed PK to grade 12 scope and sequence that weaves a classical educational methodology with a Christian worldview. Utilizing well-known curriculum products as well as their own published manuals, there are three basic age/grade focus levels. Foundations (ages 4-12) centers on learning “basic parts and vocabulary.” Essentials (ages 9-12) adds in an emphasis on “sorting, comparing, and understanding the words and basic parts” (i.e. language arts). Then, the goal of the Challenge level (ages 12+) is effective and “winsome communication. Studies in six classical subject areas are integrated with God’s Word. Christian worldview permeates everything in Classical Conversations.
Parents have the primary teaching role in all levels of Classical Conversations. Materials are directed to the parent as teacher and are designed to facilitate their teaching effectiveness and accountability. Parents are also involved as instructors (tutors) for various classes, as group directors, and as mentors. The organization provides training for these roles thus heightening the cohesiveness of the CC environment. The local groups follow an organizational pattern that varies with the age group but might also vary a bit with the location. What this means is that there is recognizable similarity in what my TN grandkids are experiencing and learning and what my IL grandkids encounter at each weekly CC meeting but there might also be slight idiosyncratic differences as well.
My grandkids LOVE to go to “co-op.” The weekly meetings are a high point for both students and parents providing group presentation opportunities, song/chant practice, instruction, and accountability. The entire community experience encourages wonderful fellowship activities and interaction. As a grandparent, I’ve enjoyed the year-end presentation that reviews all foundational learning for the year and highlights the individualized learning experiences of Challenge students.
I have a healthy respect for the myriad of options that are currently available to homeschoolers. It’s a much more colorful and vibrant landscape than was available in the “good ole days.” Classical Conversations embraces the strong Christian worldview of homeschooling’s early years, builds around the classical education model, and adds in its own elements of user-friendliness and community. In short, CC adds a high quality option to homeschooling.
I’m thrilled that “my” two homeschooling worlds – Rainbow Resource Center and my grandchildren’s education – are merging. While we have always carried some of the basic homeschooling courses that CC recommends, we are now stocking Classical Conversations resources such as their Acts and Facts Cards, Prescripts Cursive, reference charts and more. As always, if you have any questions about any products, please contact our team of consultants.
