Is your student in Challenge IV, preparing and writing for their Senior Thesis? Or, will your child soon enter Challenge IV and already feels intimidated by the prospect of writing such an intensive paper?

Although Senior Thesis can be a difficult task, the rewards of this capstone project that ends students’ high school journey are abundant.

What Is the Challenge IV Senior Thesis?

The Greek word thesis means “something put forth.” The Classical Conversations Senior Thesis is an opportunity for Challenge IV students to “put forth” their ideas.

Students pick any academic topic that interests them and incorporate significant and relevant ideas from across the Challenge programs. They develop a persuasive thesis statement and then prove their claim in a sizable paper.

Later, they present and defend their thesis before a panel in lieu of final exams. The Senior Thesis is the culmination of a student’s entire school experience in which they offer up the fruits of their labors.

Supporting Students Through the Senior Thesis Process

As ominous as a paper of this size may sound, this project doesn’t need to be intimidating. Students work through the process of writing their papers over the course of the second semester. They have rich conversations with their Director each step of the way.

In addition, they are guided by parents and chosen mentors. And, Challenge IV students follow a writing process similar to the one learned in their study of The Lost Tools of Writing in the earlier Challenge levels but adapted for older, more mature students.

Using the Five Canons of Rhetoric

Senior Thesis naturally takes students through the Five Canons of Rhetoric to create a compelling, well-researched paper.

Beginning with Invention, students select a topic and ask questions about it using the Five Common Topics of Dialectic to develop a claim (or thesis) to be proven. At this stage, an ANI (affirmative-negative-interesting) chart is helpful for building arguments and selecting and then sorting supporting evidence.

Next comes Arrangement, in which students solidify the vision and reinforce the direction of their papers, organizing their information and creating outlines.

In the Elocution stage, ideas finally hit the paper as students write and refine their first drafts. Through numerous reviews, students and advisors consider the flow of ideas, the argumentation, the style, and the mechanics of the paper. Students then write an abstract — a short, clear summary of the thesis and main ideas included in the paper.

Finally, students memorize their abstracts and prepare for delivering an oral presentation and defense of their work in front of judges at a Senior Thesis defense held at their local community.

Why Write a Senior Thesis?

The benefits of writing a Senior Thesis are many:

• Students produce a rhetorical artifact that represents the skills and abilities gained throughout their years in the Classical Conversations programs.
• They demonstrate true ownership of their education by coordinating with an advisor, planning and completing a long-term project, and publicly defending their positions.
• Presenting their theses before a panel allows students to incorporate all three modes of persuasion: logos (logic), ethos (character), and pathos (emotion).
• Students can earn college credit through CC Plus for their Senior thesis, which gives them a head start on their next steps toward college.

Throughout the Challenge years, students encounter and discuss big ideas, and the Senior Thesis is a beautiful culmination of their educational experience.

Want to learn more about the capstone events in the Challenge programs? Check out these blogs to give you insight into each level:

• Your Guide to the Challenge Program
• Challenge III: Host a Poetry Café in Your Local Community
• Challenge II: Protocol
• Challenge I: 14 Benefits of a Homeschool Debate Curriculum
• Challenge B: I Survived Mock Trial
• Challenge A: Your Guide to a Successful Homeschool Science Fair

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

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The Christmas season is here, and we’re wrapping up another wonderful fall semester with our Classical Conversations (CC) community! For homeschool families, December is a time of gathering, celebration, and often a little bit of reflection on the year’s journey. So, why not take a moment to smile, sip a cozy cup of hot chocolate, and enjoy this playful rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” — CC style! From Foundations to Challenge, from timeline cards to the beloved Common Topics, this poem highlights the amazing gifts that CC has brought into our lives.

The 12 Days of Classical Conversations Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, my CC gave to me….A community both for my kids AND for me!

On the second day of Christmas, my CC gave to me…2 online ezines!

• and a community both for my kids AND for me!

On the third day of Christmas, my CC gave to me..3 Foundations Cycles!

• 2 online ezines,
• and a community both for my kids AND for me!

On the fourth day of Christmas, my CC gave to me…4 timeline card sets!

• 3 Foundations Cycles,
• 2 online ezines
• and a community both for my kids AND for me!

On the fifth day of Christmas, my CC gave to me…5 Common Topics!

• 4 timeline card sets,
• 3 Foundations Cycles,
• 2 online ezines
• and a community both for my kids AND for me!

On the sixth day of Christmas, my CC gave to me…6 years of Challenge!

• 5 Common Topics,
• 4 timeline card sets,
• 3 Foundations Cycles,
• 2 online ezines
• and a community both for my kids AND for me!

On the seventh day of Christmas, my CC gave to me…7 sentence patterns!

• 6 years of Challenge,
• 5 Common Topics,
• 4 timeline card sets,
• 3 Foundations Cycles,
• 2 online ezines
• and a community both for my kids AND for me!

On the eighth day of Christmas, my CC gave to me…8 parts of speech!

• 7 sentence patterns,
• 6 years of Challenge,
• 5 Common Topics,
• 4 timeline card sets,
• 3 Foundations Cycles,
• 2 online ezines
• and a community both for my kids AND for me!

On the ninth day of Christmas, my CC gave to me…9 Essentials dress-ups!

• 8 parts of speech,
• 7 sentence patterns,
• 6 years of Challenge,
• 5 Common Topics,
• 4 timeline card sets,
• 3 Foundations Cycles,
• 2 online ezines
• and a community both for my kids AND for me!

On the tenth day of Christmas, my CC gave to me…10 research sources!

• 9 Essentials dress-ups,
• 8 parts of speech,
• 7 sentence patterns,
• 6 years of Challenge,
• 5 Common Topics,
• 4 timeline card sets,
• 3 Foundations Cycles,
• 2 online ezines
• and a community both for my kids AND for me!

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my CC gave to me…11 Challenge classmates!

• 10 research sources,
• 9 Essentials dress-ups,
• 8 parts of speech,
• 7 sentence patterns,
• 6 years of Challenge,
• 5 Common Topics,
• 4 timeline card sets,
• 3 Foundations Cycles,
• 2 online ezines
• and a community both for my kids AND for me!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my CC gave to me…12 community days in a Foundations semester!

• 11 Challenge classmates,
• 10 research sources,
• 9 Essentials dress-ups,
• 8 parts of speech,
• 7 sentence patterns,
• 6 years of Challenge,
• 5 Common Topics,
• 4 timeline card sets,
• 3 Foundations Cycles,
• 2 online ezines
• and a community both for my kids AND for me!

Classical Conversations: A Gift that Lasts All Year

As we deck the halls and fill our hearts with the joys of the season, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible blessing of community and learning that Classical Conversations has given us. The support, the resources, the friendships — it’s a gift that keeps on giving all year round! Merry Christmas to all you wonderful homeschooling parents, and here’s to a joyful new year filled with growth, discovery, and encouragement!

Merry Christmas!

The post The 12 Days of (Classical Conversations) Christmas… appeared first on Classical Conversations.

Today, we’re sharing an article that offers a perspective on the relationship between science and faith, a topic of great interest and importance to many homeschooling families. “Science from a Biblical Perspective: Bridging Faith and Discovery” is written by Jeff Miller, Ph.D., a science researcher and writer at Apologetics Press. In this piece, Dr. Miller explores how science can be viewed and taught from a biblical standpoint, discussing various scientific disciplines within a biblical framework.

God’s Ownership of Science: A Biblical Perspective

The modern naturalistic monopoly on science—I’ll admit—put a bad taste in my mouth every time I was forced to study science as a younger student in junior high and high school in public school. It was natural to equate science with evolution and other false ideas that alarmed me and challenged my beliefs.

No doubt many students shared my feelings and, over the years, it has caused many people to consider science and religion to be two separate domains that do not have anything to do with each other. “Trying to harmonize the two shouldn’t be done—and couldn’t be done even if you wanted to,” they claim.

To attempt to do so would be like, in the words of famous skeptic Michael Shermer, trying “to squeeze the round peg of science into the square hole of religion.” It would be a “logical absurdity” to do that, he said.¹

The truth of the matter is that God owns science: He is actually the one Who initially instituted and defined science and now endorses, encourages—even commands—scientific study. A person must conduct science, however, from the right perspective—the biblical perspective—or his results and conclusions will often be incorrect.

The Evolution of Science Education

As most of us parents studied science in school, progressing from year to year, the classes and texts tended to be divided into general categories, like “Life Science,” “Earth Science,” or “Physical Science.” As we moved into high school, we probably took “Biology,” “Chemistry,” and “Physics,” and if we pursued science in college, perhaps “Geology,” “Astronomy,” “Genetics,” “Thermal Science,” etc.

While it can be convenient to use such distinctions as we teach science, there is a serious drawback to doing so if we fail to step back and keep in mind the “big picture”: the ultimate purposes of science from a biblical perspective. Having the right frame of mind about the God-given purposes of science will affect how we go about teaching and discussing scientific matters with our children and students.

Teaching Science from a Christian Worldview

It is important that Christian-minded parents/teachers not merely exclude un-Christian concepts while teaching (which is what many Christian schools do), but actually teach students the subjects from a Christian perspective.

One of the big draws to Classical Conversations for my wife and me was the fact that the CC program implements that perspective in how students are taught all strands from Foundations through Challenge—history, art, music, English, math, etc.

Science is no different. So, how should that look?

God’s Authority in Scientific Pursuit

First, keep in mind that if God does not want us to use time doing something, we should not do it (1 Corinthians 4:6)! He has objectives in mind for His followers, and we will give an account of how we use our time (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5). And so, we should consider whether God even wants us to teach our children science.

Whatever we do, “in word or deed,” should be authorized by God (Colossians 3:17; Acts 4:7). Do we have God’s authority to engage in and teach science to our students?

Biblical Foundations of Scientific Disciplines

Absolutely. In fact, according to the Bible, God Himself instituted the field of science.

When God created human beings on Day Six and told them to “have dominion” over the Earth and “subdue” it (Genesis 1:28; see also Psalm 8:6-8), He was commanding mankind to do something that would require extensive scientific investigation and experimentation.

When God, through His servant Paul, said in Romans 1:20 that His existence and some of His attributes could be learned from studying His creation, He was putting His stamp of approval on the scientific study of creation—”the things that are made.”

When He said in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to “[t]est all things; hold fast what is good,” He was essentially summarizing the scientific method. By encouraging humans to study “the works of the Lord” (i.e., the things God has done, such as Creation and the Flood of Genesis 6-9), He was endorsing science (Psalm 111:2; cf. 66:5).

Scientific Fields in Scripture

• Biology and Zoology: When God instructed Adam to name the animals (Genesis 2:19).
• Physics: When He highlighted to Job the natural laws that govern the Universe (Job 38:33; cf. Jeremiah 33:25-26; Psalm 148:5-8).
• Chemistry: Numbers 19 even delineates a basic recipe for antibacterial soap.
• Geology: Emphasized in Job 12:8-10.
• Astronomy: Encouraged in Psalm 19:1 and Genesis 15:5.

Several laws of science are alluded to by implication in Scripture, including the Law of Causality (Hebrews 3:4), Law of Biogenesis (Acts 17:25; 1 Timothy 6:13; Galatians 6:7), First Law of Thermodynamics (Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:11; Hebrews 4:3), and Second Law of Thermodynamics (Psalm 102:25-27).

Solomon, in his inspired wisdom, endorsed the study of biological science, encouraging the study of eagles and serpents (Proverbs 30:18-19), as well as ants, badgers, locusts, and spiders (Proverbs 30:25-28).

Jesus encouraged various scientific disciplines through His teachings:

• Botany: Lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28), seeds (Matthew 13:1-9,24-30), trees and vines (Matthew 7:16-20), and grass (Matthew 6:30).
• Ornithology: Birds of the air (Matthew 6:26).
• Entomology: Moths (Matthew 6:19-20).
• Zoology: Sheep, dogs, and swine (Luke 15:3-7; Matthew 7:6).

In God’s sermon to Job in chapters 38-41, He chose to humble Job and instruct him by giving him, not a Bible lesson, but a science lesson covering geology, cosmology, astronomy, physics, oceanography, nomology, optics, meteorology, and biology, including zoology, ornithology, entomology, herpetology, botany, and marine biology.

Similarly, in Psalm 104 the psalmist used beautiful figurative language to present a science lesson covering astronomy, meteorology, geology, physics, oceanography, and biology, including mammalogy, ornithology, botany, and marine biology.

Bottom line: God founded, endorsed, and even commanded science. As a parent/science teacher, you are a key factor in ensuring that God’s desire (that we engage in science²) is carried out—and that it is carried out with the right perspective and purpose in mind.

Redefining Science: A Biblical Approach

What is science? There are probably as many definitions as there are scientific subjects (since humans determine word definitions), but a basic definition would be, “the acquisition of knowledge through study of the natural world/Universe.”

Naturalists argue that science seeks to determine natural explanations for those things we observe in nature. Such a diminished perspective, however, was not how science has been viewed throughout history,³ because it neglects the definitive evidence for God,⁴ is irrational, and even self-contradictory.⁵

Instead, science seeks to acquire explanations—whether natural or supernatural—for those things we observe in nature.

The Divine Purpose of Scientific Inquiry

The ultimate purposes of science are more important to Christian science teachers, since at least three of those are, first and foremost, defined by God, not man. The purpose of science is to gain knowledge (Proverbs 8:10) from observations of the natural realm (i.e., “the things that are made”—Romans 1:20) that will help humans to:

1. subdue and have dominion over the Earth (Genesis 1:28; 9:2) so that they can live a good life (Ecclesiastes 2:24) in service to God (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14), helping others (Ecclesiastes 3:12; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 6:18⁶);
2. learn about God—His existence and nature (Romans 1:20; Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 19:1)—by studying the things He has done (Psalm 111:2; Romans 1:20); and
3. defend the truth against those who would seek to discredit it (1 Peter 3:15; Jude 3).

The Foundation: Creation and Flood Science

Logically, therefore, Creation and Flood Science should be the foundations upon which a student’s study of science is built, since they are the two greatest physical works God has authored throughout Earth history.

Although few scientists think about their mission in such terms, most science disciplines today are focused more on the first purpose above (at least, a portion of it): subduing and having dominion over the Earth in order to live a good life.

The second and third extremely important purposes are, sadly, often completely neglected, even in our Christian schools. Our parents and science teachers are charged with the critically important task of making sure our students/children can defend the truth and know and do not forget about the great works of the Lord as exhibited through physical evidence in the Universe (like the Flood—Genesis 9:12-17).

Yet, oftentimes, we fall down on the job, allowing the world—our children/students—to forget (2 Peter 3:3-9).

Psalm 111:2—”The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them.”

2 Peter 3:5-9—”For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Are you ready to teach your students science the way God intended?

Want to learn more? Check out Apologetics Press’s recommended products, high school credit short course, and free resources for Classical Conversations families.

Footnotes

1. Michael Shermer (2007), Why Darwin Matters: The Case Against Intelligent Design (New York: Henry Holt), Kindle edition, p. 162.
2. Note: while conducting science (i.e., the study of “the things that are made”) is necessary to fulfill God’s expectations, there are certainly different levels/depths of scientific study in which a person could engage. Virtually every person engages in science in various ways, even if doing so is often an unconscious decision and at a very basic level. We are not suggesting that God expects every person to become a full-time, credentialed scientist.
3. For examples of famous scientists, considered the “fathers” of various scientific disciplines, who were biblical creationists, see Jeff Miller (2012), “‘You Creationists Are Not Qualified to Discuss Such Matters!'” Reason & Revelation, 32[12]:141-143, December, https://apologeticspress.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1212.pdf.
4. Dave Miller, ed. (2017), Does God Exist? (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).
5. Jeff Miller (2017), Science vs. Evolution (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press), 2nd edition.
6. See also James 4:17 and Mark 10:45.

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Finding the best preschool homeschool curriculum for your child is like planning the perfect meal. You want a recipe for success that you and your preschooler can savor along the way.

Parents often want to jump-start their child’s education by implementing a rigorous homeschool schedule, but the preschool years are best spent playing to develop a sense of wonder and love of learning.

We understand that choosing the right pre-K homeschool curriculum can be daunting. This resource will show you how to homeschool your preschool children and lay the foundation for future learning.

Scribblers At Home offers an all-in-one guide that is quick and easy to use. This grab-and-go resource provides 5 to 10-minute activities that will engage little learners, expand their knowledge, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Let’s take a look at how to homeschool preschool children, what makes the best homeschool preschool curriculum, and helpful resources for new preschool homeschool parents.

How to Homeschool Preschool

Preschoolers are naturally curious and are inclined to imitate others. The classical model of education builds on a child’s inquisitive nature by learning in layers. Introducing rich vocabulary, channeling curiosity through dialogue, and providing problem-solving opportunities prepare preschoolers for a lifetime of learning.

As a parent, you must ask yourself: “What do I want my children to know?” Your first thought might be Reading, Writing, and ‘Rithmetic, but consider a perspective shift toward a celebration of learning. Preschool is a time to enjoy exploring the simple wonders of life together.

The foundation of learning how to learn is set in the Five Core Habits of Grammar:

• Naming
• Attending
• Memorizing
• Expressing
• Storytelling

Using these core habits as the structure for your preschool homeschool curriculum cultivates valuable conversations that lead to new skills, interests, and ideas.

Best Homeschool Preschool Curriculum

Scribblers at Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learners is the premier classical Christian resource for homeschooling families looking for a learning blueprint for children ages 4–8. This resource offers 250 pages+ of activities that foster a love of learning through play, exploration, and reading.

Parents are introduced to the idea that play is the work of childhood and that playing with intention builds the skills of learning we all want our children to acquire. The charts allow parents to reclaim their own education and show what the emphasized skill will lead to in later learning when students are twelve to eighteen or eighty-one!

Scribblers At Home offers eight learning strands (subjects) with simple activities for little learners. Activities in phonics, exposition, arithmetic, Latin, science, history, and the Bible are included, as well as a poetry memorization section. Read on to learn more about the benefits of each.

Poetry

Poetry allows us to discover new worlds and develop empathy while tickling our ears with beautiful words. Family poetry reading time creates special shared memories together.

Riddles, nursery rhymes, and nature poems are just three types of poems that students and parents feast on to develop an appreciation for different types of writing styles.

This restful bonding time in the early years creates poets in your preschoolers. How? A 3-year-old’s love for repetition leads to a 4-year-old’s memorizing and reciting delightful poetry. Copying and coloring excellent poetry trains a 5-year-old in fine motor skills and penmanship, launching them toward constructing their own beautiful poems in the future.

Phonics

A reading program should be part of a homeschool curriculum for preschoolers. Scribblers At Home uses the classical approach of phonics to teach students to memorize sounds associated with letters. These sounds combine into syllables, which build into words.

Phonics mastery at home can be fun, not fearful, as new readers develop an ear for sound combinations through play, song, and games.

Literature

Practicing phonics and reading skills using excellent content is the key to unlocking the delights of every other subject. Engaging with great literature builds critical thinking, cultivates imagination, and forms character.

Snuggling up with a good book to read aloud to your preschooler promotes family bonds and fosters an excitement to explore different cultures, times, places, and ideas.

“Reading as a family allows children to build a rich, expansive vocabulary as they fall in love with stories.” -Leigh Bortins, The Core (106)

You can view the Scribblers book list for great literature here:

Scribblers at Home Book List

Arithmetic

Playing with numbers is the first step in learning the language of math. A preschool curriculum uses play to help early learners grasp numbers, operations, laws, shapes, patterns, measurements, and place values.

Whether it’s counting Cherrios at the kitchen table or sorting buttons into groups, the Scribblers preschool math curriculum prepares students to solve daily issues and think conceptually about the world.

Latin

Should busy toddlers and pre-k students learn Latin? Yes! Preschoolers are eager to memorize and store up copious amounts of information, which makes the preschool years the perfect time to begin language studies.

Students who learn Latin understand their own language better and excel at learning foreign languages. Latin words and stories provide context for our current culture and for classical literature.

Using hands-on activities and kinesthetic movements for Latin study helps preschoolers connect neural pathways early on for a lifetime of language benefits.

Science

Teaching preschoolers the skills of observation and inquiry can happen in your own backyard. These skills equip children to appreciate the beauty and harmony of the world around them.

Scribblers At Home offers families bite-sized lesson plans to engage preschoolers in a variety of subject areas, including physics, chemistry, and biology. Hands-on activities for your little learners teach each child to “think like a scientist.”

History

Having preschool at home is a great way to introduce complex concepts in age-appropriate ways. History is a great example of this tailoring technique for preschool.

With Scribblers At Home, families practice memorizing historical facts, drawing maps, and public speaking using materials around the house for fun, interactive experiences.

Bible

Scribblers At Home provides families with a classical Christian homeschool education. This homeschool curriculum for preschool is part of Classical Conversations, which provides a homeschool model for education through high school and beyond.

Compared to secular preschool homeschool curriculums, which compartmentalize subjects of learning, Scribblers At Home connects all learning strands together and ultimately points all knowledge back to God.

Specialized Bible reading guides allow families to dive into the Word together. Creating a Scripture reading and prayer time produces profound impacts in our littlest learners.

“To challenge our reading abilities, we read and discuss the Bible every morning…the discussion leads us to many different subjects.” -Leigh Bortins, The Core (104)

Planning Your Curriculum for Preschool

The preschool years are not meant to be filled with programs and structured activities all the time. These years are fleeting and meant to be filled with play and snuggles and reading and wonder.

Families can set their own pace. Your family may use the 108 activities and charts in Scribblers At Home as often as you like. Furthermore, you can use the book for multiple years with several children.

Weekly and daily planner sheets are included in the Scribblers At Home curriculum. Parents are encouraged to choose a few options from the list of subjects to plug in during the week. Being present with your preschooler is more important than doing all the things.

The daily planner focuses on a restful family rhythm of “pray, play, read, explore, and serve.” Having fun together is most important for building a lifelong love of learning in your students.

Other Resources for Your Classical Preschool Homeschool Curriculum

The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education

This book, written by Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins, explains the whys and the hows of classical Christian homeschooling.

Scribblers Classic Literature

Phonics-based readers and curated collections of science, history, and traditional stories designed as read-alouds for the littlest learners.

PreScripts series

Practice cursive and handwriting skills

Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child

A witty look at the importance of play and imagination in early childhood.
This text will be offset to the left.

Focus on the Future of Your Homeschool

Homeschooling your child beyond preschool is a big step. You don’t have to do it alone! With Classical Conversations, you are connected to a local community of fellow families, all walking the homeschool journey together beginning when your student is four years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good age to start preschool?

Typically, preschool begins at age 3-4, but learning begins at birth with a child’s first and best teacher, his parents. Children develop an interest in sounds and letters around age 3, so homeschooling parents can start pursuing more focused learning time as their children’s interests develop.

How do I make a good homeschool preschool schedule?

A good homeschool preschool schedule should be restful and fit into your family’s rhythm of life. Important daily routines can include:

• Reading together: snuggles and stories
• Free play: unstructured activities
• Exploration: field trips, nature walks
• Serving: helping others or helping around the house
• Prayer: strengthen your family’s faith and bonds together

What is the best teaching method for preschool?

The classical method of education follows the natural progression of students’ learning. Play-based learning is highly effective for preschool-aged children, as they enjoy soaking up information while using imagination and movement.

The Right Homeschool Preschool Curriculum: Scribblers At Home

Educating your child is a feast to be enjoyed together. Scribblers At Home serves up bountiful options to fill your banquet table with delicious learning opportunities.

Classical Conversations believes you are the best teacher for your child, and we’re eager to support your homeschool journey. In a sea of other homeschool curriculum options, Scribblers At Home provides a classical, Christian homeschool curriculum that engages the whole family in learning together.

Find out what others are saying about Scribblers At Home, or click below to purchase your curriculum to start the celebration of learning.

Buy Scribblers at Home

The post Scribblers: The Perfect Preschool Homeschool Curriculum appeared first on Classical Conversations.

In 2019, a small group of CC tutors and leaders gathered together to talk about mathematical dimensions. Leigh Bortins, Classical Conversations founder, and Dr. Kirsty Gilpin, lead mathematician, used materials from Classical Conversation’s math curriculum, The Math Map to guide the conversation and invite those present to participate in the math conversation of the ages. As they wrestled with the math concepts, fellowshipped through laughter and shared testimonies, and shared new insights, three truths became evident.

God Is the Center of Everything

Though those gathered shared the assumption that God is the center of everything, several attendees admitted that they were not in the habit of discovering God through math education in their homeschools. Though experienced in integrating other strands of the CC Challenge curriculum, math often felt isolated, with any integrations feeling manufactured rather than stemming naturally from students’ conversations.

During their time together, the group began to identify intersections of math with the other strands, and most importantly, with their faith. Using materials from The Math Map revealed that pursuing math understanding was essential to knowing God. Far from being mutually exclusive, faith and intellect work together to teach us more about Him.

Jill Philbrick summed this up when she said, “Joy is the best word to describe how I feel knowing that The Math Map will help me to teach math and guide my students toward Christ.”

Math Requires an Understanding of Its Grammar

CC parents know that before you understand any topic, you must first know the grammar. Take, for example, the following terms: obi and rei. Those sound like fantastic Star Wars® characters, don’t they? But a karate student will learn that an obi is a belt, and rei means “to bow.” Thus, beginning karate students spend as much time learning the grammar (or the language) of the art as they do learning how to tie their belts and bow to their classmates.

Similarly, math is communicated through a unique language, one that requires time and attention to learn.

An emphasis on learning the language of mathematics has long been ignored by conventional math education. Students are evaluated on their ability to calculate well and quickly. Thus, students often skip studying mathematical language in favor of completing calculations as quickly as they can. Many students who are successful calculators may not develop an underlying understanding of the related concepts and face roadblocks as problems and exercises grow in complexity and detail, and understanding the language becomes ever more critical.

After grammar, math requires fluency.

As students and their teachers encounter these more complex exercises, they diverge into two groups. Students and their teachers who are fluent in the language of math continue to delight and press on in studying mathematical concepts often thought of as advanced. By contrast, for students and teachers who did not establish a solid grammatical foundation, math becomes a struggle. Students who do not have a solid grasp of math grammar may, or who are not quick calculators, may believe that they are not “math people,” and they are excluded from the math conversation that requires more than calculation skills.

Redeeming Education and Math Fluency Are Positively Correlated

“I feel like I am just now being invited into a conversation from which I have before been excluded!” said Jennifer Riels, another tutor who took part in The Math Map gathering.

She had believed the messages from conventional math curricula and the teachers that use them that she was not a “math person” and that advanced ideas were beyond her comprehension. Her comment marks the moment she realized everyone can enjoy, understand, and converse about math.

The key to participation in the math conversation is speaking the language. As we redeem our own math educations, we must take time to learn the grammar of mathematics and become fluent in its unique notations and specific meanings. Teaching the language is always easier when we are fluent in it! The Math Map provides the tools to redeem your own education and to pass on a legacy of discovering God through math your students.

Leigh has long said that, “We’re all math people!” As CC’s founder, she affirms that CC exists to fulfill its mission by curating curriculum, providing services, and equipping parents to build flourishing homeschool communities. With the launch of The Math Map, this extends to equipping parents to learn the grammar of mathematics! Leigh knows that as parents develop math fluency, their confidence to lead their family in great math conversations will flourish.

Through language and problem-solving, parents’ math education will be redeemed!

Just like Leigh invited the tutors and leaders at that early gathering to participate in a common math conversation, she extends the invitation to all CC families to join the math conversation of the ages through The Math Map.

Read: “Why Math Is Important”

How to Get Started with The Math Map

The Math Map invites you to join a journey of mathematical discovery. Wherever you are on your math journey, The Math Map is ready to help you to navigate the world of mathematics with confidence. Discover the beauty and wonder of God’s creation through mathematics.

If you’re already a member of Classical Conversations, you can engage with The Math Map through TMM Companion in CC Connected right now. You can access digital preview versions of select levels, access an extensive glossary, and utilize a reference correlated to the printed booklets that includes solutions to problems, explanations of concepts on the weekly charts, questions to take the conversation deeper, and additional game instructions, with additional content being continually developed and added.

Years of pilot tutors and families agree that the best way for parents to begin reclaiming their own math education is to work through the Naturals level of the curriculum. As parents trace, draw, and copy, they are introduced to the layout of The Math Map and to the full scope of the mathematics language used throughout The Math Map. The Naturals level is also an ideal way to prepare students without previous The Math Map experience for The Math Map Complex.

The Math Map Complex printed curriculum is available for purchase in the bookstore. This is the resource used in the Challenge A community.

Classical Conversations and The Math Map are excited to support parents as they reclaim their own math education and lead their families and communities in joining the math conversation. Specialized curriculum assistants moderate discussion forums in CC Connected. A weekly book club, hosted by curriculum authors Leigh Bortins and Kirsty Gilpin, invites attendees to discover God through math and explores how using the classical skills of learning make The Math Map a truly classical math curriculum.

Join The Math Map Book Club

All are welcome to join The Math Map book club live to participate in the conversation and ask their questions about the math topics and the curriculum. The discussions each week offer deep insights into the curriculum and its application.

Key Details

• Held every Wednesday at 1 PM ET
• Follows the same outline used in the CC Challenge Community
• Explores every topic in The Math Map
• Accessible to parents using any level of The Math Map.

Join with other parents to be encouraged and equipped in your math teaching journey. Get expert guidance, practical tips, and deeper insight into the math concepts being discussed.

Visit Leigh Bortins’ website for the complete book club schedule and additional information.

Want to get a taste of what the book club offers? Watch the first episode now!

Join Leigh and Kirsty as they guide you through The Math Map, helping you and your children discover the beauty and logic of mathematics from a classical, Christian perspective.

The post Trace, Draw, Copy—Becoming a Math Person the Naturals Way! appeared first on Classical Conversations.

During my senior year of college, I interviewed for the Rhodes Fellowship, a program that gives US students an opportunity to study at Oxford University in England. The first round of interviews was a dinner in which applicants were paired with different interviewers during each course of the meal. Why would a formal dinner be part of the interview process? It was clear the selection committee wanted to see if applicants could use proper etiquette in preparation for future business and state dinners.

Over the years, I’ve thought many times about the protocols they expected us to know during that meal. I was grateful that my mother had trained us well by hosting formal dinners every Sunday after church. We used her wedding china, silver, and crystal, and learned formal table manners. I’ve also thought many times about the plays and performances they took me and my brother to. I am grateful that I learned how to appreciate performances of plays and classical music. I am grateful that I was able to respond to these performances not with boredom but with delight.

The world may or may not need need another cookbook, but it needs all the lovers—amateurs—it can get. It is a gorgeous old place, full of clownish graces and beautiful drolleries, and it has enough texture, tastes, and smells to keep us intrigued for more time than we have. Unfortunately, however, our response to its loveliness is not always delight: It is, far more often than it should be, boredom. And that is not only odd, it is tragic; for boredom is not neutral—it is the fertilizing principle of unloveliness.

(Supper of the Lamb, Robert Farrar Capon)

What Is Protocol?

What is protocol?

It’s the kind of official procedure that monarchs and presidents must follow when greeting foreign diplomats. For inspiration, families can think about Queen Esther following protocol with her husband, the king. She did not enter his presence lightly but hosted formal meals for him before presenting her requests.

The word protocol comes from a Greek word that named the first sheet glued into a manuscript. Over time, the meaning was applied to diplomatic treaties and finally to diplomatic etiquette. In Classical Conversations, we use this name for an event in which students follow the proper rules for etiquette at a meal and at a cultural event. Students learn how to use their silverware properly and when to clap during a performance.

At Classical Conversations, we designed protocol to accompany Challenge II since that is the year in which students study classical music and art. Throughout our programs, we hope to train students to love truth, goodness, and beauty. We hope to prepare students for any calling so that they will exude courtesy and grace through appropriate manners and considerate behavior. We pray they will manifest Christ’s mandate to love others through their dress, speech, and actions.

Using proper protocol demonstrates respect, whether one is observing protocol with a country’s leader or with tribes on the mission field or with one’s fellow Challenge students. Students learn to make the effort to converse with others while sharing a meal. They learn to appreciate culture together, even if their interests are diverse.

Through protocol, students learn to honor and preserve history and to uphold the standards of previous generations. It is a time to bear witness to the world of Christ-like treatment of others: “By this all men shall know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35, KJV)

How Communities Have Celebrated Protocol

The Challenge II director and families plan the protocol event which is usually held in spring. In the past, communities have attended plays, symphonies, and operas. The Challenge director either organizes the tickets to the event or enlists the help of a parent. Communities are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities that are available in their area. This sometimes means attending the concert of a local college orchestra if a professional concert is not available.

Families prepare for attendance at the event by reviewing the plot of an opera or play or by reviewing the active listening skills they have used to attend to classical music in community. Communities often hold a quick etiquette class or two either at lunch during community or on a separate day to practice understanding a formal table setting and for the gentlemen to practice pulling out chairs for the ladies.

Over the years, communities have found a variety of ways to celebrate the fellowship of a good meal together. Some have contacted formal restaurants in their area to put together a fixed menu of multiple courses. In other communities, parents have pooled their resources to decorate and prepare a meal for the students. In many communities, there are fund-raising events to help students with the cost of their formal wear and of the meal and tickets.

Finally, families prepare their formal attire for the event. Sadly, there are too few opportunities to practice choosing proper formal attire in our casual culture. Part of the protocol event is recognizing that the way we dress also shows honor to our community, to the restaurant staff, and to the performers in the cultural event.

What Protocol Is Not

First and foremost, protocol is not a replacement for a high school prom. Far from teaching formal etiquette, most proms are a celebration of teen music and culture, not an encouragement to honor proper manners or to appreciate the beauty of a play or music performance.

Second, protocol is not starchy, stiff, and boring. It is not an occasion to encourage doing things “just for show,” but a time to train students in gracious speech and manners. For most students over the almost thirty-year history of this event, protocol has been a highlight of the Challenge program. Students find that they enjoy stepping out of their casual culture and into a different world of formal etiquette that allows them to step into the world that they have discovered in novels like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

I once led a Challenge seminar in which we considered Doug Wilson’s claims that casual dress leads to casual thinking (see his book Paideia of God). He was specifically addressing the issue of casual attire at church by both the pastor and the church members. My children and my students were shocked to learn that I used to wear a hat and gloves to church every year on Easter Sunday.

This practice was a way of showing reverence for and celebrating the beauty of the Resurrection. The new clothes represented our new birth in Christ. Sadly, we find fewer and fewer of these opportunities to show reverence for higher things. Through protocol, we can give students an opportunity to honor the true, the good, the beautiful, and one another by training them to dress, eat, converse, and observe.

Protocol is a blessing: a grace-filled time of fellowship, conversation, and appreciation of the arts and of delicious food. This gracious feast is made possible when the participants take special care with their appearance, their manners, and their consideration for one another.

Protocol allows us to feast together as communities. This practice prepares us for the coming marriage supper of the Lamb:

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Rev. 19:6-9, KJV)

Then, our formal attire shall be fine linen, clean and white, the clothes of our righteousness. Then, we will feast and fellowship together. Then, we will delight in the truth and goodness and beauty of God Himself.

The post Protocol 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.

I have a sneaking suspicion that Scribblers at Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learners is the most versatile resource in the CC Catalog. I realize that might be quite a claim, and that I might be a little prejudiced, being one of those “lifelong learners” mentioned in the title. But let me show you what I mean!

The Foundation of Lifelong Learning: Understanding Scribblers at Home

The award-winning Scribblers resembles a blueprint for the classical, Christian education encouraged by our Classical Conversations programs. The foundations are all there, laid out clearly in the early sections of the book. Families are reminded to consider our purposes for educating at home; we are prompted to delve into the skills that will make learning for a lifetime a thing of beauty and a joy forever.

We are provided with the “whys” and “whats” and “hows” of each area of study. And these ideas are foundational no matter how old our children are or how long we have been homeschooling! Many families have discovered that Scribblers shows us not only “how to begin well” but where we are going—and offers reminders all along the way of what we’re learning and how it applies to our next steps.

But even more importantly, families are urged to build a home culture of learning that promotes deeper connections, more play and fun, a return to wonder, and a simplicity that resonates.

Building a Family Culture of Learning Through Play and Exploration

When we learn and play together, our family creates shared memories. The whole family knows the same jokes, recognizes the same story characters, remembers the same experiment results. These shared memories mean we all understand the family jokes and references; great camaraderie is built. (I’ve often thought that the saying should be “the family that plays together stays together”!)

Exploring new places and ideas together encourages extra wonder; discovery that is shared doubles our delight by allowing us to see things through others’ eyes as well as our own. These shared learning times teach us to love and appreciate one another more deeply; they provide opportunities for mercy, grace, kindness, compassion, gentleness, helpfulness, and patience.

We find that we each have something important to bring to family explorations and read-alouds; every perspective has value and there is much beauty in learning from every member. Little learners are often the best attenders, and many insights come when they note what others rushed past. Older learners are able to see how the “beginning ideas” have become fleshed out and have led to greater understanding.

The original goal of Scribblers was to encourage parents that intentional play is immensely valuable to little learners; as the saying goes, “Play is the work of childhood.” Often we forget that playing teaches us things when we’re not looking, and in gentle ways that we remember with great fondness.

Studies show that learned skills and ideas that are associated with happy memories are retained more easily; they are certainly repeated more happily!

The Power of Play: Why Scribblers Works for All Ages

Many of us are quite willing to play with our youngest children . . . but we seem to forget to play as our children begin to grow up—what a mistake! We all still learn from play, and one of the things we learn is to be joyful. Using a Scribblers activity as a family allows us to chase the joy, have fun together, be silly, run around, do “kid things” that we used to love but don’t do anymore. Let’s forget our dignity—do the silly things and build a memory.

The activities in Scribblers are designed with young children in mind, but they are really for anyone who wants to chase wonder! God’s world is so amazing, so intricate, so surprising, so beautiful, so wonderful that we should all approach it as little children: eager to see more, willing to be astonished, ready to dive right in.

When we explore with open minds, slowing down enough to look, listen, smell, touch, even taste, we get back in touch with our wonder. I believe God wants us to be amazed, not just educated. Sometimes, we need to just wonder, not understand. Scribblers encourages that kind of response.

Perhaps it is easy to see how Scribblers can be a great learning tool for little learners. The engaging activities whet the appetites for knowledge, providing lots of new vocabulary, new ideas, and new experiences. These activities are a wonderful introduction to Latin, history, reading, science, math, and Bible. But children ages 8–12 will love it too!

The activities in Scribblers give our older kids a chance to “be the teacher” while adding to their base knowledge in many areas. These fun, active games and projects allow kids to revisit material with confidence, building mastery. When families play together, younger kids begin to see connections as older kids talk about what they are noticing or remembering. Even Challenge-age kids can enjoy Scribblers fun!

For our Challenge students, Scribblers is a restful reminder that learning is fun; it gives them permission to play! Older kids will enjoy telling about how the games they’re playing with the “little kids” are setting the bases for what the littles will learn later; it gives them a chance to become rhetorical as they teach their siblings what “else” they know.

Remember, those charts included with every Scribblers activity give the structure or skeleton of each piece of learning; many of our Challenge students rely on these charts to refresh their memories of “the basics.” Challenge parents tell me they keep Scribblers charts handy to review with their students all the time.

For parents, the Scribblers stories, games, and activities reawaken our childhood wonder and love of play. They help connect us to our children’s modes of learning, encouraging us to read and listen and explore and create. Scribblers calls us to be the lead learners in our homes and to show our kids how much fun it is to explore and discover together.

Simplifying Homeschool Life with Scribblers’ Core Activities

One of the best reasons to use Scribblers as a family is simplicity. We all have days when we are left with the “worry refrain”: “Did I do enough?” Here’s a principle to hold to: If every day you prayed together, played together, read together, explored together, and served together, it has been a good day!

Especially in these last days of summer, doesn’t it make sense to do more of life together? When we pray together, we are looking up, seeking God. How might God call our family into His service today? When we play together, we channel the child in all of us; who needs to be intentionally playful or silly today?

When we read together, we get to ponder new ideas and situations; we get to savor words and live vicariously. What can we learn from one another’s insights? When we explore together, we benefit from our individual perspectives. What can we see (or hear) from another’s observations?

When we serve together, we become God’s hands and feet as a unit. Maybe we learn to serve family first, then community, then the world. But more than these five verbs, Scribblers at Home offers more than one hundred activities that families will love doing together.

Putting Scribblers into Action: A Family-Friendly Debate Activity

One of my favorite family-friendly activities is in the History strand, on pages 258 and 259 of Scribblers at Home. The supplies needed are almost always on hand in a homeschooling household: index cards and pencils. (Of course, any paper will do!) The activity takes very little prep time and actually incorporates a chore we all have to do: go to the grocery store and choose breakfast cereal. Be honest, don’t all your kids feel the need to lobby for their favorite cereal? Why not make a game of the choice and learn something while you’re at it . . .

Before leaving for the store, have your children consider the cereal they want. Give them an index card (or piece of paper) and fold it in half. On one side they write their name and their “position”: “I’m Lisa, and I’m telling why I think we should buy Captain Crunch today.” On the other side of the card, they should write (or dictate to a writer) their three reasons.

Before the cereal debate begins, review the rules of good listening and polite responses if your choice is not supported. After each child presents his case (his reasons and any supporting claims), he announces that he is ready for questions. Everyone gets to ask questions! After all presentations are complete, the parent-moderator gives feedback and a final decision. After the debate, head to the store and buy cereal! (Maybe reward all the debaters with their choice and have a taste-test!)

Everybody has fun here, and everyone is able to participate. Younger children can certainly tell their preferences and give their reasons. Older children (especially Challenge students with debate experience) may construct more sophisticated reasons that have taken into account their audience and what might be persuasive to the “judge.”

Little kids get to practice their presenting and listening skills. Older kids get to know the elements of a simple debate. Challenge kids get to think about modes of persuasion and how to offer their most compelling reasons. The best part is in the sharing, the conversations, the questions, and the chance to have fun together.

Many of us are looking for easy ways to get back to learning after a summer of ease; what better way than to keep playing, but with purpose! These “recipes” in Scribblers at Home: Recipes from Lifelong Learners really are engaging suggestions, ready for family-style enjoyment.

As a “family fun cookbook,” Scribblers is a resource that promotes deeper connections, more play and fun, a return to wonder, and a simplicity that resonates with busy families. I truly believe your family will enjoy stirring up some fun with Scribblers.

The post Scribblers Is the All-Family Resource You Didn’t Know You Needed appeared first on Classical Conversations.

Have you ever walked into a friend’s living room, where you have been many times, and been surprised to discover that they added some new furniture and rearranged the room?  The room feels new and different but keeps the continuity and charm of much that was there before. Things have changed around the Classical Learning Cohort!  While we still offer all that we have offered before in our program, we also have some new things to share! We want to be sure we have given every CC family a comfortable chair—a restful place to begin learning— no matter where they are in their educational journey.

We’ve talked about the Classical Learning Cohort before. Members are excited about what we have already been doing.

“The CLC makes me a better listener, more patient, and more discerning in conversation, not just on community day, but every day.” —Allison

“I enjoyed the exchange among like-minded women. The constructive feedback and the positive atmosphere”.  —Kirstin

The Classical Learning Cohort has added a few new semesters of learning to our familiar program! Find out more about them and how they have blessed CLC members below.

Find a Cohort

The Classical Way Semester

In The Classical Way Semester (TCW), TCW member Rebecca felt that the conversation with other moms, where she learned what they were trying or doing in their homes, was rich!  Building a tool-belt of ideas in a cohort of parents just like her, guided by a mentor, is exactly what TCW is designed to do.

In fact, TCW is specifically for CC Parents who are new to homeschooling, new to Classical education, or new to CC, and is a great way to get started with a strong foundation. Members receive feedback and ideas from their mentors and fellow cohort members as they try new things from the book Scribblers at Home: Recipes for Lifelong Learning at home. As members share what is working and not working at home, they support each other and give great ideas for how to get started on the right foot.

Focusing on Family Togetherness and Learning

It can feel overwhelming to begin the homeschool journey and to think about leading children of different ages who are learning different things.  TCW helps parents focus on family togetherness and learning.

For example, Jilleyn learned how a Family Mission Statement could bring the freedom to know what to spend time on and what to say no to. She is also ready to find the overlaps in her children’s learning and to facilitate more family learning time.

Rebecca learned how families can enjoy praying, playing, reading, exploring, and serving together as her children grow, even if they are not doing all subjects together all of the time. Learning how to intentionally preserve family togetherness at the very beginning of the homeschool journey can set a positive trajectory for years to come.

Preparing for the Future

It is common in the early years of homeschooling to worry that continuing to homeschool will not be possible as the children age because certain subjects parents might have to teach seem out of reach.  But, in TCW, members learn how to prepare for what comes next ahead of their children so that they can stay the course through their high school years.

Alicia reports that she learned how to learn anything with her kids! This helps to prepare her for the bigger subjects that are coming as her children age.

Another member said, “We don’t want to produce people who know everything; we want to produce people who can learn anything.”

TCW provides a model for doing that. Because of how TCW teaches families to approach new learning, members say, “Any subject is on the table for us.”

Implementing the Skills of the Trivium

But CC members came to CC in part to learn to educate classically. How do we know that we are educating our children classically at home? Members report that TCW helps you discover just that!

TCW member Mary appreciated learning how to implement the skills of the Trivium in her homeschool.

Chelsea was excited to use names as she explored everyday things like stories and going for a walk with her children.

Lisa learned how the Five Common Topics could help her get through new or tough subjects with her children.

Alicia appreciated getting opportunities to practice these skills!

It is not uncommon for families to see a model of using these skills  in community but still feel uncertain of how to implement them.  TCW helps families successfully bring the skills of the Trivium home.

If you long to lead your family at home classically but worry that you don’t understand exactly what that means, are tempted to overcomplicate your family’s learning with a plethora of worksheets just to be sure you “get it all in,” or are worried that as your children age, you will lose the ability to do school together as a family.

The Classical Way Online Cohort is for you!

Catechesis Semester

Catechesis Semester draws on the common experience and language of the CLC and is an opportunity for CLC members and former members who have completed the Exordium Semester, Comparison Semester, and Assessment Semesters.

If you completed those first three semesters but are still uncertain how to take what you learned about form, the Canons of Rhetoric, and assessment and apply it to other subjects or strands you are leading at home and you wish you still had a mentor who could assess your assessments, the Catechesis Semester is for you!

Catechesis Semester gives you a place to practice taking inventory of a presentation using the 5 Canons of Rhetoric so that you know that your assessments are on track.  Additionally, mentors give you assessments so that you can grow in your skills.

Assessing with Relationship

What more can Catechesis members who have been through the Assessment semester learn?

Laura learned that assessment is best given and received in a relationship.

Alison learned to spend time pruning her assessment for clarity and to offer a blessing to her students.

Jakki learned how to be more hospitable when choosing assessment questions.

Assessing Different Subjects and Forms

In the Catechesis Semester, members create assessment tools for other subjects and forms with their group.  From this activity, Carrie learned how she could think through assignments in advance to offer good assessment questions to her students, and Crystal appreciated the opportunity to think about how we might assess many different types of assignments.

Once you have completed the Catechesis semester, you will have the tools to approach your next formative classical assessment with confidence so that you can help your students grow, no matter what assignment you are assessing.

A Hospitable Invitation to the  Classical Learning Cohort

Whether you are new to homeschooling or have completed all three of the original semesters of the CLC, we have something new to offer you.

In keeping with the Classical Learning Cohort’s form, each Classical Way or Catechesis group is a small, safe place to learn with 1 Mentor and 6 Members. Members meet 6 times in the semester. Meetings are 2 hours long. Assignments are completed at home.  Join us this semester and simplify your Classical Journey while you prepare for the road ahead.

Wherever you are in your educational journey, you are invited in! Come enjoy restful learning with us in the Classical Learning Cohort!

Apply for a Cohort

The post Join the Classical Learning Cohort! 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.

In the world of classical homeschooling movement, a groundbreaking development is currently taking shape. Classical Conversations, a leader in classical Christian education, is introducing The Math Map, a first-of-its-kind classical math curriculum designed to transform how students engage with mathematical concepts. In a recent talk, CC founder Leigh Bortins shared her vision for this approach, emphasizing community learning, adaptability, and a fresh perspective on mathematical understanding. This new curriculum promises to change not just how math is taught by parents, but how it’s perceived and internalized by students of all ages.

The Philosophy Behind The Math Map

At the heart of The Math Map is a fundamental shift in perspective. Leigh stressed that this curriculum is not just about calculations, but about “reading math.” This change in approach aims to make mathematics more accessible and less intimidating for students of all ages and abilities.

“We need to be saying our children are reading math,” Leigh emphasized. This perspective shift is crucial in breaking down the barriers that often exist between students and mathematical concepts. By treating math as a language to be read and understood, rather than a series of problems to be solved, The Math Map seeks to foster a deeper and more intuitive understanding of mathematical principles.

The curriculum is designed to help students see the patterns in mathematics and understand the language of numbers, rather than simply memorizing formulas. This approach aligns closely with classical education principles, which emphasize understanding the grammar of a subject before moving on to more complex applications.

Structure and Mapping of the Curriculum

The Math Map is meticulously organized into 13 domains, ranging from basic digits to complex transcendental concepts. This structure allows for a comprehensive coverage of mathematical concepts while maintaining a clear progression of difficulty.

Key features of the curriculum structure include:

• Color-coded levels for easy navigation: Each domain is assigned a specific color, making it easy for students and parents to identify and track progress.
• Consistent layout across levels: Whether a student is working on basic arithmetic or complex calculus, the page layout remains consistent. This uniformity aids in familiarity and eases the transition between levels.

Leigh explained, “If you look at digits, naturals and integers, that would be more . . . little kiddos and they’re just going to be doing a lot of tracing and copying and things like that to build the vocabulary.” As students progress, they move through decimals, rationals, and eventually to algebraic skills, with the curriculum adapting to their increasing capabilities.

Flexibility and Adaptability

One of the most striking aspects of The Math Map is its inherent flexibility. Leigh emphasized that this curriculum is designed to meet students where they are, rather than forcing them into predetermined grade levels.

Key aspects of this flexibility include:

• Multi-level study: Students can work at different levels within the same community. For example, a student struggling with fractions could work on that level in a Challenge A class, even if the class is generally working on more advanced concepts.
• Narrow or broad domain study: The curriculum allows students to focus deeply on areas where they need more practice, or to expand their study to broader concepts if they’re ready.
• Accommodation of various learning speeds and styles: The Math Map recognizes that students learn at different paces and in different ways. It provides multiple entry points and paths through the material to suit individual needs.

Leigh noted, “We need to get over this graded system idea . . . Let’s start with the narrowest kind of domain and get broader and broader and broader.”

Community-Focused Learning

A cornerstone of Classical Conversations’ approach has always been community learning, and The Math Map fully embraces this principle. Leigh emphasized the importance of community in mathematics education:

• Synchronized learning: All students in a community work on the same concepts each week, regardless of their individual level. This synchronization allows for rich discussions and shared experiences.
• Peer support and collaborative learning: Students can help each other understand concepts, even if they’re working at different levels within the same domain.
• Family integration: The curriculum enables siblings of different ages to study together, fostering a family-wide engagement with mathematics.

“We’re a community because we’re all working on week 17 at my community,” Leigh explained, highlighting how this approach creates a shared experience across different age groups and ability levels.

Resources and Support

The Math Map comes with a comprehensive suite of supporting materials designed to enhance the learning experience:

• Flashcards: These are crucial for building vocabulary and mastering basic calculations. Leigh stressed, “If you’re diving into the curriculum and not doing the flashcards, you’re doing your child a disservice.”
• Digital companion: This resource provides detailed explanations and solutions, accessible through an intuitive interface. “It’s a one-stop shop,” Leigh explained, noting that it includes audio and video content to support various learning styles.
• Integration of art and literature: The curriculum incorporates artistic and literary elements to provide context and spark interest in mathematical concepts.
• Games and activities: The Math Map includes various games and activities designed to make learning math fun and engaging.

Rollout Plan and Pricing

Leigh outlined a careful rollout plan for The Math Map:

• The Complex level will be available in early 2024.
• Other levels will be released gradually over the next few years.
• Initial pricing is set at $119 per level, though Leigh noted this may be subject to adjustments.

The gradual release allows for thorough testing and refinement of each level before it’s made widely available. Leigh emphasized the importance of this measured approach: “You don’t want us to launch all of them at once. You want us to do 1 or 2 things at a time in order to make sure it’s done as well as possible.”

Addressing Concerns and Challenges

Leigh acknowledged that transitioning to a new curriculum can be challenging, especially for families accustomed to traditional math programs. She addressed several common concerns.

• Transition from other curricula: For families using programs like Saxon, Leigh suggested starting with the Naturals level of The Math Map to become familiar with the approach.
• Cost considerations: While recognizing the investment required, Leigh offered solutions for large families, such as treating the curriculum as non-consumable or purchasing every other level.
• Integration with CC programs: The Math Map is designed to integrate seamlessly with CC’s Challenge programs, though Leigh emphasized the importance of community participation regardless of the home curriculum used.

The Math Map: First of Its Kind

The Math Map represents a significant paradigm shift in mathematics education within the Classical Conversations community and potentially beyond. By focusing on understanding, flexibility, and community learning, this curriculum aims to make mathematics more accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful for students of all levels.

As Bortins eloquently put it, “We don’t want our children to ever feel excluded from any form of human endeavor. We don’t want people saying, ‘I’m a math person’ or ‘I’m a literature person.’ We just want you to say you’re a person.”

To support this vision, Classical Conversations has developed a robust ecosystem around The Math Map. Members can already access The Math Map Naturals through CC Connected, providing an early opportunity to explore this curriculum. Additionally, The Math Map Companion, available digitally, offers a wealth of resources including worked example problems, additional explanations, a comprehensive glossary (with audio version), and instructional videos. This digital companion ensures that parents and students have the support they need at their fingertips.

Further enhancing the community aspect, Leigh Bortins and Kirsty Gilpin, two of the math curriculum experts behind The Math Map, host a weekly book club. This regular gathering provides an excellent opportunity for parents and educators to deepen their understanding of the curriculum and discuss implementation strategies.

As The Math Map rolls out over the next few years, it has the potential to transform not just how students engage with mathematics, but how they perceive their own capabilities and the role of math in their lives. By treating mathematics as a language to be read and understood, rather than a series of problems to be solved, The Math Map may well foster a generation of students who approach math with curiosity and confidence, ready to apply mathematical thinking to all areas of life.

This innovative approach to mathematics education reflects Classical Conversations’ commitment to continual improvement and adaptation in service of their educational mission. As homeschooling families and classical educators watch the rollout of The Math Map with interest, it may well set a new standard for how we think about and teach mathematics in the 21st century.

The post The Math Map: A Classical Approach to Mathematics Education appeared first on Classical Conversations.