So often we hear that expression associated with Classical Conversations (mainly with your first year in CC): "It's like drinking from a fire hose!"
That's how I've felt the past couple of months, trying to get a grip on all of the WONDERFUL blogs out there that offer so much valuable information about Classical Conversations.
I am doing my best to bring you what I've found on my own, what bloggers have submitted to me, and what others have brought to my attention.
This month it seems to be all about PLANNING for Cycle 3. People are gathering resources, selecting math programs, deciding how much to supplement, etc...
It is important to remember in Foundations that THE MEMORY WORK IS ENOUGH.
Please don't be overwhelmed or feel you have to supplement every subject. That will lead to burnout and all other kinds of bad things. The memory work pieces are beautiful in and of themselves. Trust the process. Less is more. (You get the point.)
Simply reading to your children, practicing the memory work, and having a good math and reading program are ENOUGH. Things will ramp up when they enter the Challenge years (ask me how I know!) -- there is PLENTY of time for rigor, I promise.
I also LOVE this quote from Leigh Bortins... I want this to be the backdrop of our school year!
“Families are designed to nurture the minds, wills, and emotions of its members so that the barriers created by fear of the unknown can be replaced by the confidence that comes from knowing you are loved whether you succeed or fail.” ~ From The Core
Amen.
All of the resources presented in this post are helpful, but the most helpful thing for your children is a loving family that instills confidence and love in all of its members.
Half-a-Hundred Acre Wood
Brandy, the founder of the CC Blog Carnival, welcomed her fourth son into the world this month. Welcome baby Isaac! Brandy amazes me because she still provides resources for all of us within days of giving birth. Thank you, Brandy!
- The Core Book Club - read Leigh Bortin's book along with Brandy and others this summer
- Free Cycle 3 Resources - let's just say when you click this link you've hit the JACKPOT!
- Trivial Pursuit Cards for Cycle 3 - Brandy is offering this for CC Connected members
- Classical Acts & Facts History Cards: Artists & Composers
Homegrown Learners
Here at Homegrown Learners I've been focusing on planning for Foundations. Next I will tackle Essentials and Challenge B, but this past month I've been trying to get very organized so nothing will be left to chance once the whirlwind of the school year begins!
- Deepen Your Homeschool Through Simplification - I'm learning that less is more, especially where CC is concerned!
- Make a History Notebook for Cycle 3 - includes a video about how my son will notebook through the history memory work; free book list download, too
- Create a Geography Table in Your Homeschool - how we will approach the geography memory work by using a Geography "center" of sorts
Mt. Hope Chronicles
- I Partied For The Past Three Days and Now... - Heidi is a Practicum speaker this year!
- Cycle 3 History, Literature, Speeches and Poetry Memory Work, and Geography : This is a very comprehensive list of resources from Heidi!
- Classical Conversations is NOT Perfect
And Here We Go!
- Usborne History Match-Ups - Melody has given us match-ups for all of the CC cycles
- Parent Practicum 2014 - The North Huntsville, AL Practicum seems like it was wonderful!
Classical Conversations at Home
- A Few Things to Know When Starting CC
- Simple Formula & Printable for Foundations Presentations - we'll be using this!
- If I Could Start Challenge A Again I Would Do These 7 Things Differently
- Planning our CC Year
- Exploring Your Foundations Guide
Running With Team Hogan
A Stick and Sand
- 5 Ways CC Has Made My Life Easier -- oh, how I LOVED this post!
- School in a Pickle Jar - what a lovey way to review!
101 Days of Homeschooling
Homeschooling On a Dime
You may know Stacie from Motherhood on a Dime, and she has started a site, Homeschooling on a Dime. She is CC mama and has some great ideas.
Suzanne Shares
Finally, I always love to read articles from the CC Writers' Circle for inspiration and knowledge:
- Come Rest A While
- The Best Question
- Classical Education Myth #5: Classical Education Isn't Christian
- Take Your Time
A huge thank you to all of those bloggers who submitted articles. The next carnival will be published on or around July 1. Please see the blog carnival page for more details!
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