How to Finish Strong When You Want to Quit Homeschooling
Everyday Educator
Does homeschooling have you ready to quit? You're not alone — and you're not failing. In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey and 7-year Classical Conversations mom DeDe Adetutu get real about the winter doldrums, talk about why finishing strong actually matters, and share the practical strategies — and a little Yoruba wisdom — that have helped their families push through to the finish line. This one is equal parts encouragement and action plan. Lisa Bailey opens by naming what so many homeschool moms feel but rarely say out loud: February is hard. The holidays...
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Why a Human Voice Still Matters: Internet Grandpa on Reading Aloud
Everyday Educator
You may already recognize his voice. For thousands of Classical Conversations families, Charles Hall — known simply as "Internet Grandpa" — has become one of the most beloved figures in the homeschool community, reading rich living books aloud on YouTube and blessing families he has never met. In this episode of the Everyday Educator, host Kelli Wiltsits down with Mr. Hall to talk about how it all started, what it means to hear a human voice read a story, and what happens when faithful work runs into unexpected obstacles. Charles Hall never set out to become Internet Grandpa. It started...
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The Habits Every Homeschool Family Needs with Leigh Bortins
Everyday Educator
What if the most important thing you teach your child has nothing to do with curriculum? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Emma Bortins sits down with her mother-in-law and Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins to discuss the ideas behind her new book, The Habits: Practicing the Art of Grammar. Together they explore how naming, attending, memorizing, expressing, and storytelling build the foundational habits that help children — and homeschool families — truly flourish. If you're a homeschool mom looking for a classical Christian approach to raising lifelong...
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Anti-Burnout Memory Master Tips
Everyday Educator
Is pushing for Memory Master worth it — and what happens if your child doesn't make it? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Amy Jones sits down with veteran CC moms Courtney Bradshaw and Tunrade Schumann to talk about how to challenge your kids with Classical Conversations memory work without overwhelming them or pushing too hard. Whether you're aiming for Memory Master, Subject Master, or just want your child to engage more deeply with the Foundations curriculum, this conversation is full of warm, practical wisdom for every homeschool family. Tunrade shares how her family...
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Raising Kids Who Don't Deconstruct Their Faith | Alisa Childers
Everyday Educator
Is progressive Christianity coming for your kids — and would you even recognize it if it was? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Amy Jones and co-host Emma Bortins sit down with author and apologist Alisa Childers to unpack what progressive Christianity actually is, why it appeals to young people, and how Christian homeschool parents can equip their children to stand firm in biblical truth. If you're raising kids in today's cultural climate, this conversation is one you can't afford to miss. Alisa shares her own story of encountering progressive Christianity through a...
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Why Memorizing Matters: Tips for Homeschool Families
Everyday Educator
In this episode of Everyday Educator, host Lisa Bailey is joined by Amy Jones and Ginny Tran to explore why memorizing matters — for your children and for you. From scripture memory to poetry and classical memory work, discover how memorization builds wisdom, shapes character, and hides beauty in your heart for life. Amy and Ginny share their earliest memories of memorizing — from singing the books of the Bible at church to reciting Twas the Night Before Christmas by the warmth of a mother's voice — and what those moments reveal about how our brains and hearts learn together. Lisa adds...
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Raising Children of Character: Tips for Homeschool Moms
Everyday Educator
What does it really mean to pass on virtue to your children—and how do you do it in the midst of everyday homeschool life? Join host Amy Jones and veteran homeschooler Chelly Barnard for a rich conversation about cultivating moral goodness in your home. Discover how Classical Conversations' Common Topics can help you define and teach virtue, why reading aloud to your kids well into high school matters more than you think, and practical ways to weave biblical truth into daily conversations without being "preachy." Chelly shares wisdom from 25 years of homeschooling experience, emphasizing...
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Ready or Not? Evaluating Your Child's Homeschool Readiness
Everyday Educator
Wondering if your child is ready to start Foundations? Join Delise Germond and Lisa Bailey in this episode of Everyday Educator as they discuss practical signs of school readiness for preschoolers and early learners. Discover how to prepare your child for Classical Conversations Foundations, navigate emotional development milestones, and build essential skills like following directions, fine motor development, and independent play. Learn when to start formal learning, how to give constructive feedback as a homeschool parent, and why emotional intelligence matters as much as academic...
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Tobin, Latin, and a Lot More Fun!
Everyday Educator
What if learning Latin could actually be... fun? Join Lisa Bailey and Tobin Duby as they take you on a delightful journey through the world of Parent Practicum and Latin—two things that might sound intimidating but are actually gateways to lifelong learning for your entire family. Tobin shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from filming practicums across the country (including the tale of a toddler handing him her yogurt trash), while Lisa opens up about her own "hillbilly belt" moment that brought down the house. But beyond the laughter, discover why practicum is the perfect summer...
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Robert Bortins: Multi-Generational Homeschooling and Educational Independence
Everyday Educator
Join Delise Germond as she sits down with Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations and homeschool dad of three, for an engaging conversation about family legacy, educational freedom, and his new book Woke and Weaponized. Robert shares his personal journey from being one of the first 11 students in Classical Conversations to leading the organization for over 13 years. He opens up about the family values that shaped him—hard work, self-discipline, and carrying the family name with honor—and how he's now passing these principles to his own children through practical strategies like job...
info_outlineWhat if the most magical Christmas memories have nothing to do with the number of gifts under the tree? In this heartwarming episode, we're taking you on a journey across borders to discover how families in the United States and Mexico celebrate Christmas—and what we can learn from their beautiful, Christ-centered traditions. Join host Lisa Bailey as she sits down with Amy Jones (Classical Conversations curriculum developer and grandmother of ten) and Araceli Day (Academic Advisor for CC Mexico) for an intimate conversation about childhood memories, family traditions, and keeping Jesus at the center of our celebrations.
You'll discover:
- The profound symbolism behind a traditional Mexican piñata
- Why one family celebrates Three Kings Day instead of Christmas morning presents
- How a Jesse Tree can teach your children the prophecies of Christ's coming
- The nine-night tradition of Las Posadas that brings entire neighborhoods together
- Practical ways to combat commercialism without becoming the "Grinch"
- Why engaging all five senses can transform your family's Advent experience
But here's the real gift: Both guests share one simple practice that can revolutionize your Christmas season—no elaborate preparations required, no Pinterest-perfect crafts, just meaningful moments that point your family back to the reason for the season.
Whether you're drowning in holiday stress or simply longing for more meaning amid the tinsel and shopping lists, this conversation will refresh your perspective and equip you with practical wisdom to create a Christmas your children will remember forever—for all the right reasons.
This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
National Number Knockout 2027
Does your student think math is boring? What if they stopped seeing math as drill work and started seeing it as an exciting mental sport? That's the power of National Number Knockout, a nationwide mental math competition that's transforming how students think about numbers.
Here's how basic Number Knockout works: Students ages 10-14 use three dice and a 6x6 grid to create as many mathematical equations as possible in just 60 seconds. It's fast, strategic, and seriously addictive. In spring of 2027, 16 national finalists will compete aboard a Caribbean cruise for grand prizes.
But the real win? Whether your student makes it to nationals or just plays at home, they're building lightning-fast mental math skills and genuine mathematical confidence—watching them fall in love with mathematics. National Number Knockout—where math becomes a game, and every student can win. Visit www.classicalconversations.com/n2k to find free resources and learn about the 2027 competition.