This time of year is one of my favorite times of the year. Spring is being ushered in, homeschool conventions are underway, there are only four months left before the CiRCE Conference, and people are reflecting on the present year while casting a vision for the year to come. With that said, for many of us, this time of year can be a time where fear and uncertainty play around the fringes of our minds. Maybe our year has not been the greatest or we are about to embark on a year that seems to present new challenges. Truth be told there are many particulars to consider. Thank goodness that is not all the truth. The rest of the story tells us about principles, ideas, and inspiration that can help us discern for ourselves what it right. Of course all of us know, that takes time.
So how do we live in that tension of needing to go deeper in the principles so I can see more clearly and needing to choose the particulars for next year? First, I give my self grace, take a deep breath, and try to remember this is not all on my shoulders. I am a steward, not the master. Beyond that my favorite solution is to ask for help. I will be the first to admit, I need people who see more than I do to help me. There are certain subjects where we get the video curriculum or certain areas where my children have a different teacher than me. That is the beauty of this homeschooling thing. We can arrange the feast our children will receive based on what is most fitting for them. In our house, we use Visual Latin DVD Curriculum (Our favorite Latin Curriculum), Grammarly (An incredible spelling & grammar checker with explanations and examples when you make mistakes), and our Homeschool Community Day where the children study writing, history, and a bit of literature and of course it is all still consistent with the classical tradition.
What about you? What helps do you use to help the Christian Classical Tradition be more present throughout your home? Join the conversation here.
If you need some suggestions here are some classes I will be teaching online and locally next year. I hope this list helps you and your family. Let me know if you have any questions.
The Lost Tools of Writing, The CiRCE Online Academy
This online classical writing program teaches students, ages 14+, more than the basics of composition. It also challenges and teaches them to think. By employing the three canons of classical rhetoric – invention, arrangement, and elocution – LTW reveals how to solve the three problems all writers face, cultivates deeper thinking, and provides a solid foundation for future learning. Its step-by-step instruction makes writing manageable even for students who lack experience or confidence in writing and its lessons in thinking, organizing, and expression will challenge and delight even experienced and eager writers. Learn more here.
Classical Literature: Greek & Roman Epics, The CiRCE Online Academy
This online literature course teaches students to read, enjoy, and converse about the Greek and Roman epics. Students will learn to employ specific reading (the highlighting system) and journaling practices (commonplacing) that bring this kind of literature -as well as other literature -to life. In addition, students will draw on the three canons of classical rhetoric in order to improve their writing and thinking as it relates to the study of these timeless epics. The reading, writing, and discussion practices of this course work together to create an environment where each student is able to approach these texts without fear or intimidation. The in class discussions weave ideas from the literature, history, and real life together so each student has ample opportunity to make connections and think deeply about the literature. Learn more here.
The Paideia Fellowship
The locally based Paideia Fellowship is a fellowship of families committed to pursuing a good, true, and beautiful education through the Christian Classical Tradition. We seek to serve each family through a vibrant homeschool community day, other classes throughout the week, and workshops and lectures throughout the year. The PFHC curriculum is a Christian Classical Language Arts and Fine Arts Curriculum. We focus on training the students in the trivium of the liberal arts and the fine arts. We are local to the Charlotte, NC area and have only a few spots left in our High School classes. Learn more here.
Expanding wisdom, extending grace,
Jennifer
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