Discovering A Classical Approach to Education
When we pulled our kids from public school, I had no idea how I was going to do this homeschool thing – I never planned to be a homeschool mom!
Man, am I grateful for friends who shared their experience along the way!
They told me it was okay to take a year or so to “deschool” myself.
With that permission slip, I was able to slowly absorb what I didn’t know would later transform our next season.
The first year, we didn’t have a clear plan per se…
It was more of “mom-school” than homeschooling the kids…meaning…I was learning how to be a lead-learner.
I started to read up about deschooling + unschooling.
I asked a lot of mamas I trusted about their experiences.
All the while, our kids were LEARNING.
Without a curriculum.
When people ask, I say, “We’re doing LIFE SCHOOL in this season.” 👀
They were learning about caring for the home, and talking to people in public, and how to solve disagreements with siblings respectfully.
I asked myself, “If our kids could learn ONE thing well in this life, what would I want that to be?”
My answer:
I would want them to know + love Jesus.
Everything else is extra.
There have been days where they played with Lego + stuffies all day long.
There were days where they wanted to watch a show, and they knew mom would always say “YES” to watching a Torchlighters. 😆
We participated in local co-ops, spent as much time in creation as possible, and ultimately have had the flexibility to enjoy each other day-in and day-out.
THE BEST PART?
TONS of natural opportunities for conversation about the gospel.
When we moved from Oregon to Texas in May of 2022, I went into research mode, looking for our next steps with more formal schooling.
I knew I wanted to homeschool, and I knew I needed community.
Friends from our new home church mentioned Classical Conversations as a solid homeschool community option.
I knew one family in Oregon who did CC, but I knew virtually nothing about the program.
So, I started digging.
The short, online videos piqued my interest and I immediately filled out an interest form.
“To know God and make Him known,” — this is their motto!
If the program proved to truly align with this phrase, I was in.
The more I learned about the classical model of learning, the more I felt confident and at ease as a new-ish homeschool mom.
There finally seemed to be a path of peace for us!
It was very much like discovering that my body is a whole entity and should be treated holistically as such.
Education isn’t just individual subjects that have nothing to do with the other — it’s a comprehensive knowing that points us back to our Creator + His grand narrative!
There was a ton of new lingo to learn, but there was also a gentle, natural process to learn it alongside others.
On community days, the kids have a Tutor, but I am still championed as their Teacher.
I’ve become a co-learner with them, redeeming my own education!
Learning is no longer a task to be accomplished or a goal to be achieved.
Learning is a lifestyle for us…it’s a JOY to discover and grow, together in like-minded community!
The classical approach has lifted off a HUGE weight for me.
Things just seem to make more sense.
And, increasingly so as we’ve continued on this path.
Instead of being bound to 8 hours of schoolwork a day, we have more time to pursue things we’re passionate about.
And, it doesn’t come at the expense of a well-rounded education.
We are not prisoners to curriculum.
Curriculum is merely a tool.
Math was one of my most difficult hurdles in the past few years, but only because I was afraid to get it wrong!
Once I realized that math is math and I just need to find tools that work for my kids, things became a lot simpler.
(We often skip pages in their workbooks we don’t need and it’s not a problem.)
A few weeks ago, I got to sit and listen to a panel of moms talk about their experiences through the years with Classical Conversations.
I left feeling inspired + encouraged that the seeds I’m planting now, Lord willing, will have a beautiful yield in the years to come.
There’s ample precedent for believing this to be true.
Many colleges readily accept CC graduates, knowing they’re admitting exceptionally well-prepared students.
When interviewed by potential employers, CC graduates often receive impressive replies.
In conversations I’ve personally had with graduates, I am incredibly impressed with their level of knowledge, empathy, and engagement in conversation.
Every family is going to have different priorities and needs.
My story is not going to be your story, and rightly so.
If you’re considering revamping your educational model for your family, Classical Conversations is worth your time to research.
I encourage you to seek out stories from families who have gone this route.
Education doesn’t have to be a chore.
Learning doesn't have to be lackluster.
You don’t have to go it alone.
And, there’s so much JOY to experience!
If you have questions and want to connect, DM me on Instagram @wind_and_seed.
You’re known + loved.
💛 Caitlin