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I left my last post about adding Classical Conversations to our homeschool off with a bit of a cliffhanger. We’re still at it, adding this rich classical curriculum to our routine. But it was a bumpy start.
Traditionally, C.C. groups meet once a week for presentations, review, activities, and community support. When it works well, it’s an amazing way to help your little ones (and mom) get in some socialization and encouragement.
Well, the Classical Conversations community life did not work well for us.
Unfortunately, we were placed in the only available spots in our area (the C.C community is booming right now with so many turning to homeschool during the pandemic), and the only community available to us just wasn’t a good fit. There were multiple personality conflicts, leadership issues, and when it came right down to it, my younger two kiddos just weren’t ready for that level of structured education.
I could go on about why it didn’t work out, but there really is no need (I explain a little bit in one of my C.C. highlights on Instagram too). It just is what it is. Plus, every C.C. community is different so our experience was very specific to us. However, the curriculum itself remains awesome. I’m determined not to let that awesomeness slip through our fingers just because of a few bumps in the road.
So here’s how we’re making Classical Conversations work for us here at home.
1. A little less structure.
I know that sounds contradictory to a lot of the aspects I love about C.C., but that’s just it. It’s what I love about it, not necessarily what my kids love, or need yet.
My younger two, at the time we tried out our local community, were 4 and newly 3 years old. Both are super active little boys and it was a challenge to say the least to get them to listen and participate during our group time on community days.
To make it work here at home, for now, my younger two simply listen. I don’t require them to memorize or even participate in the songs or activities. We purchased C.C. audio CDs for cycle 3 (available to anyone) and we listen to them every morning after breakfast. Or while playing with play dough. Or in the car. Thankfully the weekly structure of the curriculum makes for small and manageable bites of information. So when we listen to the current weeks’ lesson, it takes about 5 minutes. Classical Conversations also knows the value of teaching through song, so math and history facts are set to catchy tunes that even my three-year-old loves.
2. A little more time.
In the same vein as less structure, we’re adding more time. The C.C. Foundations curriculum is set up in a weekly format, but we have chosen to take two weeks to focus on each lesson.
In the beginning, it felt like my kiddos were just starting to grasp the facts and then we’d have to move on to the next week’s material. Now we can take our time to answer questions, follow rabbit trails, and solidify the memorization a bit more. And with our loop schedule, we’re able to get through each subject multiple times. It’s been a game-changer.
Reading through our Classical Conversations Foundations curriculum while the kids play quietly (mostly 😉 ).
3. A little less memorization.
Classical Conversations (and classical education in general) is big on memorization. I see the value in that. However, I’m not going to force it. If Squeaks, and later the boys, don’t have these facts memorized in the ample time we allow during the two weeks we practice, so be it. Memorization is obviously a plus, but I’m not going to put extra pressure on my kids (or myself) to memorize every single fact. My ultimate goal is to spark curiosity and good conversation.
This spark happens most frequently with our history timeline flashcards. C.C. teaches literally the entire timeline of history from creation to present day, focusing on seven major historical events each week. So what I do is lay out our cards for the week and Squeaks has to put them in chronological order, then I ask her to choose one or two that look interesting to her. We’ll explore the topic together, look up facts, watch YouTube videos, and discuss ideas. It’s the stuff homeschool dreams are made of!
Using my Plagues of Egypt activity to compliment our Classical Conversations timeline cards.
We are playing the long game here, and as long as we stick with this, rotating through the three cycles of C.C. every three years, they will eventually memorize the information. I’m a big fan of focusing on that long game.
4. A few more visuals!
You know me, if a helpful visual can be added, by-golly I’m gonna add it. C.C. has definitely sparked my creativity and we are loving the activities and worksheets I’ve added to our lessons so far. I’m sure I’ll add more as our C.C. life continues as well!
For now Squeaks is the only one putting them to use, since she’s the oldest. But the great thing about these activities is that they can be laminated for future reuse or reprinted for the boys to enjoy as they grow.
Get your Plagues Of Egypt Printable Bible Activity here!
Laura says
I have 9 children and have done Cc for the past 7 years at home. I have a one in challenge B, 2 in Challenge A, 2 in Essentials, 3 in foundations and a 4.5 month old. We have never done community as we are very remote and this has always worked for us. We have always used the one week structure and fallen behind. We are using the two week structure this year. Very encouraging to hear others are in the same boat. Classical conversations is very meaty and we need time to chew on each week!
Elizabeth says
I am very interested in knowing how you do challenge at home. We are missionaries and don’t have access to a community but I am thinking of beginning my first in Foundations next year. Just wondering how it would be once we get to Challenge in order to complete all the debates etc.
Sara says
We are considering doing cc at home as well because we don’t have a local community that isn’t more than 2 hours from us and my oldest is just 6. I am a bit confused on getting started though. I have cycle 2 and 3 cds for memory work but do you have an outline for the weeks? What book is that and do we need anything else other than the time line cards? Feeling pretty confused.
Holly says
What would I need to purchase of classical conversations curriculum to do the same as you in my home? I love the idea of including it, but more gently!
Lacy says
The CC guide can be found on the classical conversations website and it has all 3 cycles in it.
Jenna says
Love you for this. I like the idea of CC- but we aren’t in a place to go to weekly meetings. At all. I feel like you just gave me permission to explore the curriculum side of it without worrying about the community aspect of it, beneficial as it may be. Thanks for sharing!
Nikki Ahlquist says
Same same same!!! So thankful our family isn’t the only one that it didn’t work for but wasn’t wanting to sacrifice the rich education!
Nardria says
I absolutely love this post keep them coming.I have been trying to add classical conversations into our homeschool but have been stuck. We are not community people but love the benefits of CC.
I have explored a few Facebook groups for CC without the community to get ideas.
I would love to read more how it fits into your homeschool what you add and so on.