Podcast
Everyday Educator
Hosted by Classical Conversations Inc. · EN
Classical Conversations supports homeschooling parents by cultivating the love of learning through a Christian worldview in fellowship with other families. We believe there are three keys to a great education: classical, Christian, and Community.
42episodes
Episodes
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Cultivating Curious Readers: A Family Approach to Summer Learning
Jun 17, 202500:50:37Tap to summarizeWhat if summer reading could be the highlight of your child's day instead of a dreaded chore? Forget everything you think you know about summer reading! Lisa, Delise, and Kelly Wilt reveal the secret that transforms reluctant readers into eager learners: making reading active. Whether you have a natural bookworm or a kid who'd rather be anywhere but sitting still, discover practical strategies for every type of learner. From blanket fort reading nooks to Mad Hatter tea parties, these aren't just reading activities—they're memory-making adventures that keep young minds sharp all summer long. Learn how to turn any book into a hands-on experience, why your kitchen might be the best reading classroom, and how to help active kids see reading as their next great adventure. Plus get book recommendations that hook even resistant readers and discover resources that give you instant activity ideas. Say goodbye to summer slide and hello to a season where learning feels like play! Resources: Book Series Mentioned Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis Redwall series by Brian Jacques (especially recommended for boys) Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish Sandra Boynton books (including "Snuggle Puppy") Specific Books Referenced Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell Bread and Jam for Francis by Russell Hoban Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Agatha Christie mysteries This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by The Math Map: Digits, Integers, and Fractions The Math Map series by Classical Conversations offers a unique, Christ-centered approach to mathematics that emphasizes the language of math in a natural learning environment. The curriculum follows a "one family schoolhouse" approach with consistent 32-page booklets that focus on building foundational mathematical skills in a classical, structured environment. Discover how your family can celebrate God's design of mathematical order. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map today to transform your family's math experience!
Transcribe →Stop Blaming the Textbook: Lessons from a Photography Class with Leigh Bortins
Jun 10, 202500:42:47Tap to summarizeWhat do charging elephants and frustrated homeschool parents have in common? More than you might think. In this engaging episode of Everyday Educator, Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins shares her recent adventure taking a photography course in Botswana with her husband. What started as a vacation quickly became a masterclass in learning dynamics when Leigh realized she naturally learns classically—even when her instructor doesn't teach that way. Through five days of "butting heads" with her teacher while capturing stunning wildlife photos, Leigh discovered profound insights about perseverance, community learning, and why the perfect classroom setup still leads to conflict. This episode offers encouragement for homeschool parents who struggle with difficult learning days, showing that even adult learners face challenges and that giving up is often the default human response. Leigh also introduces the new MathMap Monomials program for Challenge B students. Key Discussion Points: • Why even "perfect" learning conditions still involve struggle and conflict • How community support prevents students from giving up • Why it's the student's responsibility to learn, not the teacher's to educate • The importance of tailoring instruction to different learning styles • How cross-training and "breaking things" are essential parts of learning • Why parents often become the biggest obstacles to their children's learning This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by The Math Map: Monomials The Math Map Monomials helps families practice introductory algebraic computation together using classical skills that prepare students for the mathematical conversation of the ages. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map/ today to transform your family's math experience!
Transcribe →Is Being Biased Really A Bad Thing? with Kathy Gibbens
Jun 3, 202500:47:05Tap to summarizeCan your kids spot a red herring in a political debate? In this engaging episode, hosts Lisa and Delise chat with Kathy Gibbens, creator of the "Filter It Through a Brain Cell" podcast, about teaching critical thinking to the next generation. Kathy shares how watching her daughter's Challenge A class master logical fallacies during the chaos of 2020 inspired her podcast—while their peers got caught in emotional roller coasters, these students remained remarkably calm and clear-headed because they simply couldn't be fooled by bad thinking. The conversation explores cognitive biases, those mental shortcuts that can limit our ability to see truth clearly, and discusses how acknowledging our biases leads to more humble, curious conversations. With practical insights on responding to disagreement with curiosity rather than defensiveness and navigating AI's role in education, this episode equips parents to raise children who don't just know truth—but love it enough to seek it wisely. Resources: https://www.filteritthroughabraincell.com/ Fallacy Detective: https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/products/as059?srsltid=AfmBOorID38ZsDkPd7-z2QFdefk01Gfvle4z8Zw52655qXArZsM7JjwI This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Copper Lodge Library 2025 New Releases Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases and take advantage of savings of up to $30 off in April.
Transcribe →Crowning the 2025 National Memory Master
May 27, 202500:43:27Tap to summarizeIn this heartfelt episode of The Everyday Educator, host Kelli Wilt welcomes the 2025 National Memory Master Champion, Evangeline, and her parents, Jason and Trisha. Together, they reflect on the journey of preparing for and competing in the National Memory Master competition—from discovering Classical Conversations to walking across the stage in triumph. Hear how Evangeline mastered her memory work (and the timeline—twice!), how her community supported her with creativity and prayer, and why her family views the experience as much more than just a competition. This inspiring conversation offers encouragement to homeschool families everywhere and a deeper look at how character, faith, and learning come together in Classical Conversations. This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by The Math Map: Monomials The Math Map Monomials helps families practice introductory algebraic computation together using classical skills that prepare students for the mathematical conversation of the ages. Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map/ today to transform your family's math experience!
Transcribe →Summer Rhythms
May 20, 202500:55:39Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the homeschool books close for summer? In this episode of Everyday Educator, discover how seasoned homeschool moms balance freedom and structure during the summer months. From beach trips and bedroom makeovers to spiritual growth and preparation for the next school year, our guests share candid stories and practical wisdom about creating meaningful summer rhythms that refresh both parents and children. Whether you're wondering if academics should continue or how to manage household chaos during vacation season, this conversation offers encouraging insights for every stage of the homeschool journey. Resources: Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity by Nancy Pearcey - Amazon Episode Sponsored by The Math Map: Digits, Integers, and Fractions The Math Map series by Classical Conversations offers a unique, Christ-centered approach to mathematics that emphasizes the language of math in a natural learning environment. The curriculum follows a "one family schoolhouse" approach with consistent 32-page booklets that focus on building foundational mathematical skills in a classical, structured environment. Discover how your family can celebrate God's design of mathematical order Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map today to transform your family's math experience!
Transcribe →Cultivating a Legacy
May 13, 202500:44:15Tap to summarizeWhat lasting legacy will your educational choices leave for generations to come? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey engages Delise and Olivia Walsh in a heartfelt conversation about building legacies through homeschooling. As second-generation homeschoolers now teaching their own children, they explore how educational choices shape family identity, discussing both the tangible and intangible inheritances that connect generations. The conversation moves beyond academic achievements to reveal how homeschooling fosters unique family cultures centered around learning, truth-seeking, and worship, offering listeners encouragement about the lasting impact of intentional family education. Episode Sponsored by: Copper Lodge Library 2025 New Releases Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases.
Transcribe →Unlocking Biblical Languages: Revolutionizing Scripture Education
May 6, 202500:40:44Tap to summarizeEver wondered what's lost in Bible translations? In this enlightening episode, Delise interviews Kevin, founder of Biblingo, a language learning software for Biblical Greek and Hebrew. Kevin, a homeschooling father of four with a PhD from Hebrew University, explains how learning the original biblical languages provides a richer understanding of Scripture beyond what translations can offer. He shares how Biblingo makes these languages accessible through immersive learning with visual content, and how even young children can successfully learn to read Hebrew and Greek. Kevin discusses his family's experience implementing these languages in their homeschool routine and encourages listeners that consistency is key to mastering biblical languages. Episode Sponsored by: Biblingo Biblingo is a fun, interactive mobile and web app for learning Biblical Hebrew and Greek. Our proven methodology has been used by students as young as 4 and as old as 70, so you can learn along with your kids at any age. Transform how you read the Bible by learning Greek and Hebrew today! Visit Biblingo.org/homeschool for special homeschool pricing and use the code CC24-25 for an additional 15% off.
Transcribe →JAM with Latin
Apr 29, 202500:47:11Tap to summarizeLearning Latin is absolutely attainable—for everyone! If you don’t believe that statement yet, you certainly will after you listen to guest Alexis Carrico in this episode. Alexis shares her story of learning Latin with her dyslexic son, and discovering the truth that everyone can learn what God has for them to learn with the right tools and attitude. Full of practical wisdom and giving us the inside scoop on her Jam with Latin program, this podcast will encourage your family to learn Latin—and like it. https://www.jamwithlatin.com/
Transcribe →What Good is a Habit?
Apr 22, 202500:55:09Tap to summarizeConsider your habits: are they good or bad? What good habits do you want to introduce to your children? What’s the best way to grow good habits? Listen this week as Lisa, Delise, and Amy Jones explore how good habits help us mine the richness of homeschooling. Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases and take advantage of savings of up to $30 off in April.
Transcribe →Blue Books as Celebration with Emily Martin
Apr 15, 202500:42:06Tap to summarizeParents, what do you remember about Blue Book exams from your school days? How will you approach them with your own students? Listen in this week as Lisa and Emily Martin talk about the differences between tests and assessments; you’ll get a whole new perspective on end-of-the-year Blue Books! Our year-end assessments should be celebrations that point us back to our mission: to know God and to make Him known! Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment. Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com.
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