Adding Classical Conversations To Our Homeschool Routine

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It’s been quiet here lately, and it’s because we’ve had some major changes to our homeschool routine! We’re adding Classical Conversations to the mix, and couldn’t be more excited about it!

Ever since I decided to homeschool my kids (all the way back before they existed and I was in high school), I knew I wanted to try Classical Conversations. So it’s been awhile.

So many aspects of classical education appeal to me. The structure and richness of the style, plus the trivium is so logical to me! I love how it compliments each learning stage as a child’s mind matures and grows. And I love that it’s all Bible based.

I’m sure by now some of you are like “what the heck is she talking about?” So lets back up a little.

What is Classical Conversations?

C.C. is basically a homeschool co-op or community that meets once a week. Parents are involved in walking through a set curriculum comprised of memory work based in history, science, math, language, and Latin. At least that’s what the Foundations curriculum (for ages 4-12) covers. Since my kiddos are all in that age range, that’s where I’m focusing. For older students, other subjects and skills are added. You can go to Classical Conversations website to see exactly what is covered at each age group. But like I said, all of my littles are in the Foundations curriculum age group that focuses on memorization and exposure to new topics.

Why did I choose C.C. for our family?

This is a very structured curriculum. From the outside I can see why a lot of families are overwhelmed by the material (and frankly I was too for a minute, but I’ll get to that later.) It requires a bit of supplementation when it comes to math. C.C. math in the Foundations years is comprised of skip counting memorization so you do have to add in your own math curriculum for skills beyond that. But boy that skip counting sure comes in handy when teaching addition, subtraction, telling time, money value, and I’ve heard with multiplication and division as well (not quite there yet in our house). You’ll also need to add a phonics/reading curriculum. Again, Classical Conversations focuses on memorization of facts in the early years. So memorizing the definitions of the parts of speech etc. is the focus.

All that to say, this curriculum is pretty darn comprehensive.

If you’re looking for streamlined, everything in one place, laser-focus on the big topics- this is it. It truly does create the most solid foundation possible in the early years. Those years where kid’s brains are little sponges and they can remember facts at the drop of a hat, these are the years where you really want to pack in the good stuff. Like Jessie Wise says in her book The Well Trained Mind–

In the first four years of learning [first through fourth grade] you’ll be filling your child’s mind and imagination with as many pictures, stories, and facts as you can. Your goal is to supply mental pegs on which later information can be hung… The whole structure of the trivium recognizes that there is an ideal time and place for each part of learning: memorization, argumentation, and self-expression. The elementary years are ideal for soaking up knowledge.

The history and Latin aspect of this curriculum is especially attractive to me.

While history was always my least favorite subject in school (I just never had a good teacher), I fully acknowledge it’s value. As the saying goes, those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Well then, load ’em up with all the history and send them out to make a difference!

As for Latin, I get asked frequently why I would choose a ‘dead’ language. Friends, it’s far from dead in my mind. It’s the root of so many languages! Spanish, French, and therefore so many English words as well. I’ve heard it described as the next step up from learning solid phonics skills. Once someone can understand the phonetics of the English language, imagine being able to take it to the next level and understand the root of where those phonetic sounds originated. It’s a whole new level! Not to mention if they’re working toward a career in the medical and legal fields. This is a great article if you’d like to read more about the benefits of learning Latin at an early age.

Why now?

We are in our second year of official homeschooling (third year if you count preschool). We had a pretty good groove going with our first grade curriculum picked out and everything. Plus, I’ve been a homeschool enthusiast since before kids so I’ve done the research. Why the heck would I add another thing to the mix? Frankly, it was an act of God. I genuinely felt a pull to this curriculum for years, and after learning the benefits of starting young (definitely not a requirement, but helpful for sure) I decided to jump in. It’s as simple as that.

So how’s it going, you ask? Well, not as great as expected. Let me explain…

To be continued!