The Conversation

If you've been reading Creative Madness Mama this week you might have noticed that I recently read and short reviewed The Core. I decided to go back and read The Core after my experience and delight with The Conversation. We are, for the most part, a Classical Christian Educating family. A couple of years ago when a conference came to Memphis I was able to discover Classical Conversations  ~  (http://www.ClassicalConversations.com) where I was introduced to their methodology for those studying at home. At that time my daughter was just starting Junior Kindergarten so I wasn't quite ready to absorb all of the information. Yet since we have enjoyed their Classical Acts & Facts History and Science Cards and plan to get more as the appropriate topics arise. In the years since I have read every book I can get my hands on, on the Classical Christian Education methodology. Thus, when an opportunity came up to review the latest in Leigh A. Bortins' trilogy series discussing the Classical Conversations theory of education in a how-to format I jumped at the chance. While it will be quite a few years before we enter into the high school stage, it is still on my mind and different thoughts and plots will get us there so for myself I'm delighted to go ahead and read The Conversation and get an idea of what might be to come for us.

Students who have been educated at home and in community don't think of young children as bothersome or older adults as irrelevant; instead, they treat them as extensions of their families are are therefore comfortable entering into relationships with people of all ages.
The Conversation, p. 4 by Leigh A. Bortins

The Core

The Question

The Conversation: Challenging Your Student with a Classical Education

The Question

We all fail at parenting, but as Christians we know the power of forgiveness–God's mercies are new every morning. I will fail daily, but I will not give up.
The Conversation, p. 12 by Leigh A. Bortins

the way you wish you were taught

Look for a blend of activities that match your children's passions, your family's limitations, and your academic goals.
The Conversation, p. 12 by Leigh A. Bortins

The Question

can do this

The Question 

... structure a lifetime of learning, which means some days and some months and some seasons look like school at home, some look like goofing off, and some look like suffering. Life is a big bag of living.
The Conversation, p. 21 by Leigh A. Bortins

As classical educators and parents, we sometimes forget that we really only need four things in order to educate someone. We need pencil, paper, good books, and time for great conversation.
The Conversation, p. 53 by Leigh A. Bortins

The Conversation