We’ve recently wrapped up our first semester with CC (Classical Conversations). My daughter Z is 10 years old and is participating in Masters and Essentials. Her Foundations class, which she is in the Masters group, meets in the morning. Essentials is the language arts and writing portion, meets in the afternoon.
Why Something New?
Why? I have already successfully homeschooled two kiddos. Why do this to myself? Welll….
My oldest 2 children have graduated our homeschool and as the beginning of this year approached, something was missing. Our usual anticipation was absent. I don’t know if it was the absence of the older children or just regular ole burnout. It was clearly time to shake things up.
So, I decided to check into local co-ops. Well, we drive 40 minutes to our community day, but that’s not too bad when you live in a rural setting. Classical Conversations follows the classical method of homeschooling. You can learn more about Classical Conversations here. We were not classical homeschoolers. We mostly used unit studies and some principles of Charlotte Mason. So how did we adjust?
Our Adjustment to Classical Schooling
So, how have we adjusted to the Classical model of homeschooling?
Quite smoothly as it turns out. Our community has been very encouraging and supportive. Z has many new friends and in true homeschool fashion, they are from many age groups. Her tutor is fantastic. The tutor’s job is to model the Classical method, so you the teacher will feel equiped to carry it out at home. Whoohoo technical support, Baby! One of my favorite things is how she encourages them to help and lift each other up.
My #1 Tip: Adjust slowly! Whether you are adjusting to classical education or some other philosophy, give yourself and your child time to adjust. Impliment one or two new things every few weeks (or every few months, which ever is comfortable for you and your child.)
Lofty Goals
Z is attempting Memory Master. Which is quite a feat. A Memory Master has memorized all the memory work from the current cycle and can recite it in one sitting. Whew! And it takes over an hour just to recite the material. It remains to be seen if we will accomplish this goal but she is a winner for trying.
In conclusion, we are so happy we added CC to our homeschooling toolbox.
So, have you tried something new in your homeschool? Have questions about CC? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you will be emailed when a new post is published.
Thanks for visiting!
Heather