I first heard about this group last year when two of my good friends joined. I was very excited for them to join the group, but that was I path I swore I would NEVER join them on. It wasn’t really my style (I love picking my own curriculum way too much & I have my own “cycle” of history & science! ). Classical Conversations was not in MY plans!
As I continue to pray over our homeschooling next year, & especially our plans for Daddy’s girl, CC continues be an option that keeps crossing MY path!
A few weeks ago I read this post by Heidi at Mt. Hope Chronicles. Ever since it has been heavy on my heart – seeming to be the perfect solution for Taylor. I shared some of the same hesitations Heidi describes, as well as, my own:
- I like to make my own sequence of learning & love our Winter Promise curriculum.
- It is expensive.
- The intense focus on memory work without context - memorization aspect is impressive at first, but it isn't followed up with any kind of understanding.
- The simple fact that any program is only as good as the people (directors, tutors, parents, and children) involved. You are paying for their time, but not their expertise.
However, after reading Heidi’s post & speaking with my friends that I know who have already participated in CC, I am now beginning to think CC might be in God’s plan for our homeschool. NEVER say NEVER!
The benefits . . .
I like the idea of CC for Taylor especially, because it is geared highly toward memorization. Although Taylor does not have a learning disability, she struggles with wanting to learn & the learning process. Most of the time she is not academically motivated; however, she is VERY good at memorizing. For this reason I think CC would be a great academic motivator for her. One of my friends told me that her girls wanted to memorize the information because at CC they play games as a group & they wanted to win. I’ll take all the motivation I can get!! I also think the boys could benefit from a little memorization themselves! Which, to be perfectly honest, would also hinder a few of my own insecurities. Sometimes I wonder if I have grown a little too flexible & relaxed in my homeschooling our children. The accountability of CC may be perfect for keeping us all on track.
The cost of CC is expensive; however, not in the long term standpoint. Plus, I will have the opportunity to train as a tutor & teach – which will offer us a break in the expense.
I am a little overwhelmed with the decision making. Things to consider -
Do I enroll all the kids? Just the big kids? or just Taylor?
-I’m leaning towards ALL the kids.
Do we do the Foundations program? Foundations & Essentials? or just Essentials? Should I also enroll Tyler in the Essentials class or just Taylor?
-I’m leaning towards enrolling them ALL in the Foundations program. Like Heidi, I am very excited about using the memory work as a spring-board for supplemental studies during the week. All of the memory work is on a CD, so that will make it very easy to review every day. We'll be doing CC work at the beginning of our daily routine as “memory work” and using Winter Promise Sea & Sky as our main curriculum.
The Essentials are NOT my strength in teaching, so I truly believe this will prove to be a great opportunity for both my big kids.
Do I put Truman in the nursery (& pay) or do I let my mother-in-law watch him?
-Although I hate to leave him, I will most likely be teaching & with my other kids most of the day. I would much rather leave him with my mother-in-law, who I know will love all over him, than in a nursery. I just pray he does well with the separation. Plus, there is the reality that he is sick a lot (something I have not yet posted on) & I fear this will cause me to have to miss – which will conflict with me tutoring.
Our kids are very close. I would say we are a tight-knit family. However, the idea of all my kids being in a separate class may be a good thing. They will all still be learning the same thing, but in different classes. Tucker is my main concern in this decision. He is so borderline first grade. Although CC is age specific & not grade, I worry about him being in a 6 & 7 year old class.
. . . I have a few concerns to work out in my own head, but if this is God’s will then I trust it will all work itself out. Outside of the financial cost of CC, my concerns are mainly for the boys . . . I truly believe in natural learning, letting kids be kids, & I am not big on fact drilling or test taking. (Please note that I am still researching CC, I am not saying by any means that this is the way it works. I just worry that they will be miserable, as the style of CC may be something very different from what they are accustom to.) On the other hand, I totally agree with the trivium model of classical education. My kids are at an age that they are sponges, soaking in every little bit of information they get. I relate so much to Heidi’s post, to summerize my thoughts,
“It occurred to me that Classical Conversations provides exactly the elements that are weaknesses for me and opportunities that my boys kids need: 1.) Consistency and discipline in memory work across all subjects. 2.) Accountability. 3.) A social network of families interested in the same educational goals. 4.) Experience in a classroom situation. 5.) Opportunity to make new friends. 6.) Learning from other adults and mentors. 7.) Hands-on science and fine arts projects. 8.) Practice in public speaking.”
I am continuing to pray over our decision to join CC & I am confident that God will direct our paths straight. I see His hand in the decision making & feel totally confident in where we are & where we are going.
