Everyday Educator

Can you really do Classical Conversations without all the technology? What does homeschooling look like when you're juggling a full-time job? And how do you prepare for a successful CC year without losing your mind over the summer? Join Kelli Wilt and Lisa Bailey in this special Q&A episode of Everyday Educator! Drawing from over two decades of homeschooling experience, Lisa tackles real questions from the CC community about memory work without technology, summer preparation for a successful year, navigating upper-level students, homeschooling as a working parent, and overcoming first-generation homeschooler fears. This candid conversation offers practical wisdom...

What if the "chaos" of homeschooling multiple children is actually the secret to better learning? Two experienced homeschool moms with 7 and 8 children respectively share their hard-won wisdom on successfully educating large families. Courtney and Sarah break down the myths about homeschooling multiple children and reveal practical strategies for managing different ages, handling the chaos of littles during lessons, and creating a rhythm (not rigid schedule) that works. From filling little cups first thing in the morning to empowering older siblings as learning mentors, they offer concrete solutions for common challenges like toddlers climbing on tables during grammar lessons and...

Ever wish you could sit down with a homeschool graduate and ask: "What do you wish someone had told you?" Here's that conversation. In this episode, host Lisa Bailey interviews a recent Classical Conversations graduate who completed the entire program. This candid conversation reveals the unvarnished truth about homeschooling's challenges and triumphs from someone who lived it. The discussion covers essential wisdom about procrastination, time management, and learning to take ownership of your education. Listeners hear about the notorious Challenge B year when parent-child relationships are tested, the moment when all the pieces of classical education finally connect, and...

Feeling overwhelmed by homeschool chaos? You're not alone—and there's hope! Delise and Lisa chat with experienced homeschool mom Emily Phillip about the reality of creating sustainable rhythms for your homeschool family. Whether you're managing littles or navigating the challenge years, discover practical strategies for building routines that work—from morning flags that anchor your day to teaching teens independence through scheduling. Learn why "anything worth doing is worth doing poorly at first," how to give yourself grace during overwhelming seasons, and why slowing down might be the secret ingredient your family needs. Perfect for moms at every stage of t...

Does the thought of preparing for a new homeschool year feel overwhelming? You're not alone! Join host Lisa Bailey with seasoned homeschool veterans Amy Jones (22 years of experience!) and Courtney Bradshaw (Academic Advisor and mom to seven) as they share battle-tested strategies for launching your Foundations year with confidence.

From setting realistic family learning goals to creating peaceful learning spaces, managing supplies for multiple children, and transitioning kids from summer mode back to academics—these moms reveal the secrets that can make or break your homeschool year. Whether you're a first-time Foundations family or returning with a ne...

Are you staring at that Essentials schedule feeling somewhere between curious and completely overwhelmed? You're definitely not alone! Whether you're a nervous first-timer wondering how your little one will survive a full day at community, or you're coming back for round two, this episode is your roadmap to Essentials success.

Join host Kelli as she sits down with two CC veterans who've walked this path: Ginny, fresh from her first year juggling both tutoring AND parenting an Essentials student (spoiler: she survived!), and Lanelle, a 20-year CC veteran who now helps develop the very curriculum your kids...

Feeling overwhelmed about the upcoming school year? You're not alone. In this episode of Everyday Educator, academic advisors Deb and Emily break down exactly how to set your family up for a stellar Classical Conversations Challenge year—without the stress. They reveal the one resource most parents skip that leads to major headaches later, share why doing assignments alongside your student creates the most memorable learning moments, and give level-by-level insider tips that will save you from common pitfalls. Whether you're a first-time Challenge parent or a seasoned homeschooler, discover how small preparation steps now can transform your entire ye...

What if the secret to thriving in motherhood isn't doing more, but doing less? In this heartfelt conversation, veteran homeschool moms Shelly Stockton and Amy share hard-won wisdom about mentorship, marriage, and motherhood through the lens of Titus 2:3-5. After collectively homeschooling for nearly 50 years and raising eight children, these "Titus 2 women" offer refreshingly honest insights about their biggest mistakes—like being too busy and losing sight of priorities—and the mentors who shaped their journeys. From practical advice on loving your husband first to speaking life over your children, this episode provides both encouragement for weary moms and a ro...

Are you accidentally teaching your children that performance matters more than their hearts? In this eye-opening episode, host Lisa Bailey sits down with homeschool veteran Alicia Clark to explore a counter-cultural truth: the families who put relationships before academics often end up excelling at both. With 11 years of Classical Conversations experience and three children ranging from 9 to 15, Alicia reveals why heart-first homeschooling creates stronger students AND stronger families.

You'll discover:

-              -  Why the "little years" might actually be the hardest to homeschool (and it's not what you             think)

-              -  The surprising truth about what creates teachable...

"Am I really ready for this?" If you've ever wrestled with doubts about starting your homeschool journey, you're definitely not alone.

In this encouraging episode of Everyday Educator, host Kelly Wilt sits down with two seasoned homeschool moms, Lynne and Dede, who share their honest stories about taking the leap into homeschooling—even when they didn't feel completely prepared. From overcoming fears about what others would think to discovering that homeschooling doesn't mean recreating a classroom at home, this conversation offers practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement for parents standing on the edge of this big decision. Learn wh...

What if the biggest challenge to homeschooling a child with special needs isn't the child—but getting yourself out of the way? Join host Lisa Bailey as she sits down with two homeschooling moms, Ginny Tran and Jody Priest, who share their real-world experiences raising children with Down syndrome, Tourette's, and OCD. From discovering diagnoses to navigating daily learning challenges, these mothers offer honest insights about slowing down, riding the waves of changing needs, and finding strength in community. Whether you're homeschooling a neurodivergent child or simply wondering how to better serve each child's unique learning style, this conversation wi...

What if the secret to making math enjoyable for your kids was already sitting in your game closet? Join Delise Germond and Babs Harrell, two self-proclaimed "non-math moms" who discovered their love for numbers later in life, as they share creative ways to weave mathematical thinking into your family's summer activities. From turning Uno into algebra practice to finding God's patterns in stop signs, this episode will completely transform how you view math education. Whether your child is 3 or 13, you'll walk away with practical ideas that prove math isn't just about worksheets—it's about discovering the beautiful order God pl...

Did you know your kitchen is already a fully-equipped science lab? Join host Delise Germond and guest Amy Jones as they explore how to embrace scientific wonder during the summer months without the overwhelm. Amy, a seasoned homeschool mom of four, shares practical ways to integrate science exploration into daily rhythms—from breakfast table observations to backyard investigations. Discover why rest and wonder are essential to learning, how to manage the "mess" of hands-on science, and get a treasure trove of simple activity ideas using everyday household items. Whether you're dealing with science anxiety or looking for fresh inspiration, th...

What 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 bo...

What 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 co...

Can 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 se...

In 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 deep...

What 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 T...

What 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 S...

Ever 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...

Learning 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/

Consider 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...

Parents, 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...

Feeling overwhelmed as your homeschool year winds down? You're not alone. Join host Lisa and veteran homeschooling mom Deb as they tackle the unique challenges of ending the academic year with purpose and celebration. These seasoned educators share heartfelt stories of triumph, tears, and transformation that occur in those crucial final weeks. Discover practical strategies for helping your children overcome end-of-year paralysis, manage multiple projects, and recognize their growth—both academic and spiritual. From calendar management to creating individual connection time with each child, this episode delivers actionable advice for turning exhaustion into exhilaration as you cross the finish li...

"Learning is a lifestyle, not just something you do at the school table." Join hosts Lisa Bailey and Delise Germond as they unveil an exciting new format for the Everyday Educator podcast, bringing together perspectives from different stages of the homeschooling journey. From grocery store math lessons to impromptu research sessions with curious kids, discover how education happens naturally in everyday moments. The hosts explain their expanded presence on YouTube and social media, inviting listeners to connect and share their own everyday educator experiences.

The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become m...

Are you a curious person? Do you LIKE to learn new things? What are the habits of good learners? What does a lead learner do? If you need encouragement to become a lead learner in your homeschool, join Lisa as her guests Delise Germond and Kelli Wilt give some practical tips (and some true confessions!) for becoming a lead learner for life.

The Classical Learning Cohort offers online classes for parents to become more confident and competent Classical teachers. Through small-group lessons with trained Mentors, participants practice implementing classical skills, giving and receiving as...

Do you want to become a “keeper of the books”?  In week’s episode guests Jennifer Courtney and Timothy Knotts talk about how to build a home library and pass along the love of reading in your family.  They also introduce us to some new and old Copper Lodge Library editions that really are books worth holding on to!

Celebration.  Skills practice.  Self-confidence.  Choices.  Accomplishment.  Joy.  FUN!  What are we talking about?  The Faces of History project in Essentials, of course.  By now most communities are in the thick of preparation for this “capstone” of the Essentials year.  If you’d like some guidance, some fresh ideas, or just a  little encouragement, listen in as Courtney Bradshaw, Sarah Pederson, and Kelli Wilt give Lisa some tips and inspiration.

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 wi...

Parents, would you like to be a better teacher for your children?  How about a better learner, for yourself?  The Classical Learning Cohort is on a mission to help us all become better learners as we discover how to ask better questions and as we understand how to love those in front of us more hospitably.  John and Rebecca Seo join Lisa in this episode, introducing us to the joys of the CLC and sharing how improving our skills will help us “flourish to the finish” of our journeys.

This week, explore all things “Protocol”—who it’s for, what to do, where to go, who can help. Academic Advisor Deborah Switzer lays it all out for Lisa and her listeners, while helping us understand the real point of all the pomp and circumstance.

Discover the joy of learning in arts-integrated classes that combine academic subjects with fine art. From cycle-specific history to biology to art history, our passionate teachers make learning creative, memorable, and fun! Registration is open now for summer and fall classes. Classical Conversations families enjoy $10 off any live class with the coupo...

What’s a “capstone event”? What’s a “Mock Trial”? Inquiring minds want to know, and answers are just a listen away. Join Lisa as Academic Advisor Emily Martin provides the “why” “what” and “how” of Challenge B’s Mock Trial project.  Find out how to help your student embrace all this event has to offer, sharpen their thinking skills, and develop the confidence that doing hard things brings.

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 cla...

Classical educators read A LOT!  Our students also read a lot and are introduced to a myriad of characters through the years.  As parents and students discuss these books and characters, we may find that we’ve learned more than we realized about human nature in general and ourselves in particular.  Listen to this episode with Stephanie Meter, Exposition Developer, as she shares how stories pass on insights that surface when we need it.

Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragem...

How is a transcript like a movie trailer?  Which is made first, the trailer or the movie? Listen to the final episode in our series with Rachael Moriarty and discover how attending well to the education you live with your children will make creating a transcript easy and celebratory.  

Tools for Transcripts Online Conference - www.classicaltools4change.com

Listen this week as Lisa and Rachael Moriarty continue their discussion on assessing.  This episode explores the practicalities of assessment as well as the lifelong benefits.  Join the conversation to learn how to discover how to make assessment the snapshot of your year, not the whole picture!

Tools for Transcripts Online Conference- www.classicaltools4change.com

What is assessment? When do we need to assess? What’s the connection between Sabbath and assessment? If these questions resonate with you, or if you just know you need to practice assessment within your homeschool even if you don’t want to, this episode is for you! Join Lisa as she gleans wisdom and new ideas from veteran homeschool mom and classical educator Rachael Moriarty. This is the first in a 3-part series!!

Tools for Transcripts Online Conference- www.classicaltools4change.com

Join Lisa and guest Kelli Wilt for some easy ideas for practicing memory work, whether Memory Master is your family’s goal or not.  Find out how much fun preparing as a family can be, and what lasting benefits are realized by students who sharpen their skills of memorization.

Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey.

Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/

Burning questions need answers!  Today on the episode Lisa answers some recent questions posed by listeners, from beginning this awesome/scary/new journey to keeping “finished early” teens plugged in. 

Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey.

Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/

Please enjoy this special holiday re-run of one of our most downloaded episodes. 

One of the more profound lessons “from down the road” may well be that there is more to homeschooling than academic pursuits.  Join veteran homeschool moms Shelly Stockton and Lisa Bailey as they discuss building character, spiritual habits, relational maturity, and practical life skills while living and learning at home with their girls.  Discover how a classical education lived out in community (both home and CC) provides the environment for learning the biggest lessons of life.

Merry Christmas from the Everyday Educator Podcast family!  We hope you will enjoy this collection of Christmas thoughts and read alouds,  and hope you might share it with your family. May the power and beauty of Christmas be yours this season.

If Christmas is feeling a little flat at your house, maybe you need to take another look at the “old familiar story”.  Join guest pastor David Bailey as he shares ideas on reconnecting with the wonder of Christmas by thinking about the story in fresh ways.

Classical Learning Cohorts help CC Directors, Tutors, and Parent-Teachers grow in confidence and competence with the classical tools of learning and as classical educators.
Curious about our cohorts or ready to apply for a seat? Register at classicalconversations.com/cohort