Everyday Educator

Classical Conversations supports homeschooling parents by cultivating the love of learning through a Christian worldview in fellowship with other families. We believe there are three keys to a great education: classical, Christian, and Community.

Stories From When the World Was New - Summer Book Club 06/25/2024

Stories From When the World Was New - Summer Book Club Settle back and spend some time chasing your imagination this summer-pick up a book! Reading as a family draws us together and gives us something to savor. Listen in this week as Lisa shares some stories from the Cycle 1 resource Ancient World Echoes. She’ll also offer some great tips on how to make the stories stay alive after the reading ends. At Classical Conversations®, we believe that parents can provide quality education for their children. Yet, parents often feel unsure of how to accomplish this goal. Our Classical Learning Cohort program can help! Grow as the Lead Learner in your homeschool at /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/31868982

Bigger Than Bugs - Summer Book club 06/18/2024

Bigger Than Bugs - Summer Book club How do you feel about…spiders?? In Week 2 of our Summer Book Club, Lisa shares more tips on reading as a family, and offers more ideas for generating conversation and activity after you read. Exploring Insects with Uncle Paul is our focus, and you’ll love this introduction to the Copper Lodge Library selection that has a distinct Cycle 1 connection. Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at . /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/31780107

More Than A Story: Summer Reading Club, Kings of Rome 06/11/2024

More Than A Story: Summer Reading Club, Kings of Rome Looking for some refreshment this summer? Spend a little time reading aloud together as a family! Listen in this week as Lisa shares three big benefits of reading as a family. Bonus? Lisa reads aloud three stories from the Copper Lodge Library’s Kings of Rome series (a perfect lead in to Cycle 1!!), AND offers some conversation tips for diving deeper into the story. /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/31692392

Open a Book, Open the World 06/04/2024

Open a Book, Open the World Want to raise readers? Surround your family with books! This week’s guest, Jennifer Courtney, offers simple ideas on how to whet your family’s appetite for reading. Listen for suggestions on how to build a family library as well as ideas on Cycle 1 “resources” to collect for next year. CC parents, tutors, and Directors – are you looking to level up your skills in guiding and assessing your student’s learning at home or in community? Join this Spring semester’s Classical Learning Cohort! /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/31554292

Behind the Scenes of the Copper Lodge Library 05/28/2024

Behind the Scenes of the Copper Lodge Library Everybody enjoys knowing the “inside story” of familiar things; listen in this week and discover the behind-the-scenes workings of CC’s Copper Lodge Library. You’ll meet the editor, find out how those footnotes were created, and get a glimpse into what’s available for your family. Listen in as Lisa and Stephanie Meter discuss libraries (public and personal) and why reading as a family brings us together. Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at . /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/31494467

Memorizing Tips and Tricks for Families 05/21/2024

Memorizing Tips and Tricks for Families Are you amazed by what your Foundations students memorize every year? Do you wonder if you could “do it too??” On this episode of Everyday Educator Kelli Wilt and Elise DeYoung offer tips and tricks for memorizing, gleaned from rubbing shoulders with National Memory Masters. Not ready for a “competition”? Listen for tips on making memory work a joy from mommas with years of learning-as-a-family experience! More information about Great Wolf Lodge and Exclusive CC Discount Code found in the CC Connected Learning Center > Member Benefits and Additional Resources Document. /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/31391317

Celebrate Our National Memory Master! 05/14/2024

Celebrate Our National Memory Master! Join guest host Kelli Wilt as she welcomes and celebrates CC’s 2024 National Memory Master, Ewan Fisher. Ewan and his mom, Kim, join Kelli and share their family’s story of life in CC, the pursuit of the Memory Master title, and how the family has been blessed by Ewan’s goal. You’ll get plenty of inspiration to learn as a family as you listen. /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/31265102

Making More of (the) Challenge 05/07/2024

Making More of (the) Challenge If you’ve ever wondered about the “Plus” of CC Plus, this week’s episode of the Everyday Educator will answer your questions. Listen in as Daniel Shirley, Undergraduate Program Manager for CC Plus, shares from experience the beauty and benefit of this fine program. And, you might be as surprised as Lisa was to find that CC Plus isn’t just for Challenge students anymore! Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at . /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/31174897

Scribblers is For Everyone! 04/30/2024

Scribblers is For Everyone! Guess what? Scribblers At Home won the Illuminations Gold Award! Maybe you haven’t heard much about Scribblers, or maybe you thought it wasn’t really for your family. Listen in as Amy Jones helps us see that Scribblers isn’t just an “on ramp” for young homeschoolers, it’s an “ongoing ramp” for all of us! You’ll be interested to hear how families of all ages are using this resource, and how your family might find it’s just what you’re looking for also. You’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Register at . /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/31006008

Memory Masters are Made, not Born! 04/23/2024

Memory Masters are Made, not Born! Foundations parents, are you interested in knowing more about Memory Masters and National Memory Masters? Listen in as Kelli Wilt and Elise DeYoung give Lisa all the information. You’ll find out more than how to, though…You will hear how these “competitions” are actually about celebrating students and families. I think you’ll be inspired to see memorizing in a new way… Make April 26 a Family Day at theater! #UnsungHeroMovie opens everywhere beginning April 26. From the creators of Jesus Revolution comes Unsung Hero. Tickets on sale now. Visit . /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/30945448

Practicalities of Practicum, Part 2 04/16/2024

Practicalities of Practicum, Part 2 If you want all the information on Practicum 2024, listen to Part 2 of the conversation between Jill Philbrick and Lisa Bailey. You’ll discover how to discover God in math, how to model the skills of learning math for your kids, how to become part of the “greater conversation”, and how to redeem your own education in ways you might not imagine. Exploring The Math Map in community will be an investment that pays dividends! Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at . /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/30835398

The Practicalities of Practicum, Part 1 04/09/2024

The Practicalities of Practicum, Part 1 Why go to Practicum? Will you really learn anything “practical”? Listen as Lisa and Jill Philbrick answer this question and give you some enticing reasons to register for the 2024 Practicum. You’ll be encouraged by Jill’s testimony and intrigued by our 2024 topic as well! You’re invited to our 2024 National Events Weekend in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! Register at . /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/30735523

Bonus Time: What to Do When Community Days Are Done 04/02/2024

Bonus Time: What to Do When Community Days Are Done So, what does homeschooling look like when Community Days are done for the year? Do you wonder what you should/could/will do? Listen in as Amy Jones and Lisa talk about what God has for us as we move into a slower-paced season. This episode offers encouragement for your heart and practical suggestions for your days! Classical Conversations® is constantly striving to build relationships with like-minded organizations to assist families in their homeschooling journey and in furthering our mission to know God and to make Him known. Visit for more information. /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/30625173

Assessing the Year by Celebrating the Student 03/26/2024

Assessing the Year by Celebrating the Student Have you struggled with end of the year assessments in the past, wondering what good they do and how to go about them? Have you wondered what assessment and celebration have in common?? Listen in as Lisa and guest Jill Philbrick discuss the importance of celebration (It’s biblical!) and share some great ways to celebrate as a family and community all that the Lord has done in the year past. Learn more about the IAC at . To find your exclusive CC Discount code go to CC Connected> Learning Center> CC Members Beneftis. /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/30535138

Celebrating Milestones the Classical Way 03/19/2024

Celebrating Milestones the Classical Way As we enter this season of finishing and ending (Faces of History, Mock Trial, Graduation!) your family is likely looking for ways to celebrate the accomplishments of the year. This week, guest Kelli Wilt and host Lisa Bailey encourage you to celebrate “classically” as your festivities begin. How can you nurture a spirit of joyful remembrance? How might this season of celebration prepare you for heaven?? Learn more about the Copper Lodge Library at /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/30393703

The Power of a Map, with Leigh Bortins 03/12/2024

The Power of a Map, with Leigh Bortins You may have heard about The Math Map, but do you “get it”? Do you know what’s so different, why you should use it, and how it could change math experiences for your family? If you’d like to find these answers and more, listen to Leigh Bortins cast her vision for The Math Map on this week’s episode. Included are personal stories, practical tips, and plenty of encouragement. Are you looking to become a better “everyday educator”? Join other homeschool parents in your area at a 2024 Practicum event! /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/30324483

The Home Stretch Should Stretch You! 03/05/2024

The Home Stretch Should Stretch You! For families living the last days of their homeschool journey, and families contemplating moving on before finishing that last challenge, this one’s for you! Listen in as Brittany Lewis, long-time Challenge director and lover of students, shares how vital and beautiful that “last leg of the climb” can be. You’ll hear insights on the benefits of Challenge IV and some details about the Senior Thesis as well. · CC parents, tutors, and Directors – are you looking to level up your skills in guiding and assessing your student’s learning at home or in community? Join this Spring semester’s Classical Learning Cohort! /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/30226248

Mock Trial-What’s the Big Deal? 02/27/2024

Mock Trial-What’s the Big Deal? Some families love it, some worry about it…Mock Trial is always discussion worthy! How can parents help their students make the most of the Mock Trial experience? What can parents do to help? Listen in as Stephanie Meter, long-time Mock Trial-lover and Challenge B tutor, outlines how students benefit from their participation, and how Mock Trial is very much the synthesis of Challenge B learning. You will be inspired! /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/30119703

“A World of Possibilities” –– Part 2 with Sam Sorbo 02/20/2024

“A World of Possibilities” –– Part 2 with Sam Sorbo Are you looking for a good family movie that will encourage deep conversation with your family? Sam Sorbo’s latest movie “Miracle in East Texas” will fit the bill! A “tall tale based on an absolutely true story”, the movie is full of rich characters, wrestlings with truth, and a redeeming end. You’ll love hearing the behind the scenes reasons to love it, too. Listen in, then go stream the movie with your family. Download the free discussion guides now at /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/30019973

“A World of Possibilities”—Part 1 with Sam Sorbo 02/13/2024

“A World of Possibilities”—Part 1 with Sam Sorbo “Children know, need, and love the truth”, so says film star, writer, and lecturer Sam Sorbo. Listen in as Sam shares her reasons for “emancipating” her children from the modern education system. In Part 1 of this 2-part podcast, Lisa and Sam discuss the whys and hows of homeschooling. You’ll love hearing her heart for her family, and her heart for helping you love your family in the best ways! Download the free discussion guides now at /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/29911108

What Teaching Children Teaches Me 02/06/2024

What Teaching Children Teaches Me Homeschooling parents: you homeschool to give your children a most excellent education, right? But what does teaching children—your own and others—teach YOU? Listen as guest Cynthia Knotts, veteran CC mom and tutor, shares the surprising benefits of tutoring on her family. If you’ve ever considered becoming a tutor, Cynthia’s insights may just tip the scale. The Copper Lodge Library series from Classical Conversations® preserves history's best stories for future generations. View the library on . /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/29772603

Faces of History: A Good Time for All 01/30/2024

Faces of History: A Good Time for All Have you started your Faces of History project yet? Are you excited? Worried? Confused? Listen in as today’s guest, Courtney Bradshaw, gives a great synopsis of this project. You’ll discover the why, the how, and the what else of FOH and be encouraged while you make notes! /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/29698208

Jazzing Up January 01/23/2024

Jazzing Up January Are the doldrums of January getting you down? Jazz up January by instituting a “January Term” in your homeschool! Listen in this week as Lisa and guest Amy Jones talk about the refreshment that comes when you take a week or two to learn something new together. Full of super-practical suggestions, this episode is one of my favorites because it reminds us to be real about our struggles and to enjoy the journey we’re on. /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/29568813

The Power of Small Habits 01/16/2024

The Power of Small Habits Could it really be THAT easy? Is the key to success…small habits? Listen in this week as veteran homeschoolers Lisa Bailey and Kelli Wilt ponder the power of routine to activate productivity and achieve success. What small habits can you begin now that will strengthen your family and position you all for a more peaceful life? /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/29507633

Assessing for the New Year: What is Success Anyway? 01/09/2024

Assessing for the New Year: What is Success Anyway? As we all prepare for the new semester, it is natural to look back on the fall and determine: What didn’t go so well? What should I change? How can we “do better”? These frank questions have value, but only alongside another assessment: What went WELL? How did we grow in non-academic ways? Listen as guest Brittany Lewis shares some wonderful insights and encouragements! /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/29391738

Ready, RE-SET, Go! 01/02/2024

Ready, RE-SET, Go! The holidays—thrilling, frantic, moving, and full—have come and gone…and maybe they’ve left you strangely unmotivated to begin the school routine again. What’s up with that, and how do we all keep going? Listen in as Lisa and guest Jennifer Courtney acknowledge the January blahs AND offer insights to ease you into and through the transition back to your “real life”! /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/29299143

Simplifying Advent: Serve Together 12/26/2023

Simplifying Advent: Serve Together The final installment of the Simplify Advent series shares some easy ways to serve as a family; listen in as Jamie Hays and Lisa reminisce about serving opportunities when they were children and as they give some inspired suggestions for serving as a family now. How can your family bless others this Christmas? /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/29230558

Simplify Advent: Explore Together 12/19/2023

Simplify Advent: Explore Together Looking for some fresh ideas for celebrating in simply ways this Advent season? Amy Jones and Lisa discuss how to explore together as a family, chasing your child’s curiosity and finding deeper meaning in the Christmas story. You’ll gain some good ideas for family fun, and hear some personal memories from the Jones and Bailey families! /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/29135773

Simply Advent: Read Together 12/12/2023

Simply Advent: Read Together This week’s Simplify Advent podcast centers around reading together. Listen as veteran homeschool dad and ardent reader Tim Knotts shares some great ideas for Advent family reading. Tim and Lisa offer some great hows and whys of family reading, as well as some specific ideas on the what! /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/29027403

Simplify Advent: Play Together 12/05/2023

Simplify Advent: Play Together Families searching for ways to celebrate Advent without becoming crazy or crazy busy: Everyday Educator has some suggestions! Listen each Tuesday for ideas on using the Scribblers verbs of Pray, Play, Read, Explore, and Serve as encouragements to celebrate simply and celebrate together. This episode features Kelli Wilt and Lisa sharing ideas on Playing Together as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. /episode/index/show/classicalconversations/id/28923373

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