Fruit Inspection

Today was our 2nd day of Classical Conversations. We meet every Tuesday, from 9-12, for 24 weeks per school year.

I LOVE IT!

I first heard about the classical model of education less than 6 weeks ago. In that time I have read tons of books and articles on the subject and am completely thrilled that I became aware of it before purchasing the supplies for Savannah’s first grade year. It’s a completely different approach to education. Well, not different from the ways kids used to be educated, just different from the way they are taught nowadays.

On Tuesday’s, we meet with other families who are teaching the same way. Our kids sit in a classroom setting with other kids their age. There is a teacher (called a tudor) and parents stay to help out in the class. We focus a lot on memorization in grades K-4 through 3, so much of the class time is based on repetition games. They also do art, music, and a science experiment. At noon we have the option to stay for lunch and recess.

As I sat in Emery’s class last week I was a bit skeptical. His memory work for the week included the first 5 commandments, the definition of a preposition, Latin noun endings, 5 geographical locations related to the fertile crescent, counting by 2’s, and the five kingdoms of living things.

Can you believe he got it? And so did Savannah! I was amazed to say the least. Granted, they worked hard during the week, but it wasn’t a chore to them. Even I got it and now I know more than I ever learned in high school. (Which isn’t saying much, really.)

In addition to our memory work, outside of “school” we work on spelling, reading, writing, and math. I also throw in history, science, grammar, and whatever else comes along.

This school year is starting out so much better than I ever anticipated. The weekly class time is great for them since it gives them an opportunity to meet other homeschooled kids. And it’s been just as great for me! I get home each Tuesday afternoon completely energized! When I first began to school them at home I was worried I didn’t know enough. Now I am elated to be learning right along with them!!!