classical conversations foundations guide and homeschool book by sally clarkson on table

How God Led Us to Homeschooling and Classical Conversations

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The preschool search

Homeschooling was not on my radar a couple of years ago.  Before my first daughter was born, I taught at a private, Christian high school.  My husband and I planned on sending any kids we had to a similar type of school.  

When my daughter was three years old, I began the preschool search.  I couldn’t believe how competitive Christian preschools were in our area!  We found our top choice and I filled out the application for our daughter as quickly as possible.

I prayed and prayed that she would get accepted to this school.  And she did!!  I remember being so excited and relieved that she was going to a great preschool.  Her education path was set. 

It was then that God gradually changed our course.

When I think back, there wasn’t just one thing that made me consider homeschooling.  It was gradual and several things influenced me.

Sally Clarkson’s influence

Years ago, one of my closest friends introduced me to Sally Clarkson’s books.  I’ve read almost all of them, and she’s written a lot.  I consider Sally Clarkson a mentor to me, even though I’ve only actually talked to her for about five minutes. 

a stack of books by Sally Clarkson

I had the opportunity to go to her house and meet her this past winter!! 

In her many books, podcasts, and blog, Sally encourages moms with biblical truth.  She teaches the value of discipling our children by nourishing our relationship with them.  I love her reminders to be gentle, patient, and kind to our children, as Jesus was with his disciples.   

Sally also homeschooled her four kids and often talks about the many benefits of doing so.  As I devoured her many books, I started thinking more about whether or not that might be something I could do for my own children.

I also had a couple of friends who were homeschooling.  I started talking with them more about their daily routine, what curriculum they used, etc. 

My plan to continue teaching

During that time, I was teaching an Algebra 2 class online with Memoria Press Online Academy.  I planned to add more classes to my schedule when my kids started going to school.  My degree is in mathematics and secondary education, and teaching is what I know.  Naturally that’s what I planned on continuing to do to an extent, while still being at home with my kids.

However, one day it hit me…. Why would I spend my time and energy teaching other people’s children, when I could teach my own?  Why pay the tuition for a private, Christian school, when I could teach them myself?

I wasn’t sure what to do with these homeschooling thoughts entering my mind.  Even though I knew a few homeschooling families, most people I knew did NOT homeschool.  It seemed daunting to go down such uncharted territories by myself.  And if it was such a good idea, why didn’t more people do it? 

Course diverted

I vividly remember one day, receiving an email from the preschool where I had enrolled my daughter. It said that the deadline to order uniform clothing for her was almost here.  I am a type A personality where normally I would have purchased the uniforms and anything else right away.  I rarely put things off.  But I just couldn’t do it.  I couldn’t bring myself to buy them.

This was a life-altering moment for me.  I knew this was a sign from God that sending my daughter to this preschool was NOT the right move.  Nothing against the preschool.  It was a very impressive school.  Just not right for our family.  I knew God was diverting our course and leading us towards homeschooling.

I talked with my husband, and he was very supportive.  I called the preschool and terminated my daughter’s enrollment.  There was still a lot we had to figure out, but we were committed to homeschooling.

Classical Conversations

A few days later, I shared this news with the women in a Bible study I was a part of.  One of the women told me to check out Classical Conversations.  I have never heard of it but I filled out an online interest form. A woman called me right away and told me all about their program and mission.  I was hooked!

We joined a Classical Conversations community that fall, and I absolutely LOVED it!!  I even tutored the abecedarians (4-5 year olds).  It was extremely helpful to get involved and learn the robes while my kids were still very young.  I felt very little pressure and it was such a blessing to just be part of the community.

Here are a few things I love about Classical Conversations:

  1.  I love the curriculum. The material is divided into three cycles which each focus on a different part of the key subject areas (history, science, latin, geography, english and math). The cycles continue to rotate every three years, so most children who start Classical Conversations when they are kindergarten age, complete each cycle at least twice. This allows them to develop a deeper comprehension and grasp of the material through repetition.
  •  The community days. We get together with other Classical Conversations families in our area once a week.  On this day, we have time altogether when we say the National Anthem, our Director gives some announcements and a devotional to the group, we pray together, celebrate birthdays, and more.  Then, we break up into smaller age-based groups and go over the “new grammar/memory work” together.  This means the tutor teaches a fun song, or leads an activity to introduce the kids to what they will be learning in each subject area for that week.  The tutor or director also leads the kids in a science experiment and fine arts project each week.
  • Presentations. The tutor assigns a different presentation topic each week for the kids to prepare.  The kids then have to stand up in front of everyone in their class and present on the subject.  It is awesome to see how the kids grow in this skill throughout the year.
  • Field trips. Our director plans a field trip most Fridays.  It is such a fun way to learn in a different way and to build community with those in our group.

Encouragement if you’re considering homeschooling:

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