Classical Conversations Essentials : Views from a first year Essentials parent

[@shelleydaly5677]

I agree that listening and practicing the Foundations songs for English grammar is probably the best. In Foundations they learn it without thinking, but in Essentials it will have meaning. We used language arts programs before Essentials that covered some parts of speech as well as doing Madlibs, but I would not fret and go out of your way to teach English grammar before Essentials. The biggest thing about starting Essentials is that the first year will take some adjusting. I felt pretty good about it having a teaching background, but after doing my second year, I realized I learned even more and wondered how I missed it the first year! When in Essentials, especially first year, help your child. Do not leave your child alone to write a paper. Write it together. Modeling is so important. Make decisions together. Look for strong adjectives and verbs together. Eventually, your child will start making more decisions on their own. It just takes a lot of working together the first year.

[@TheParentTeacherBridge]

Thanks, Shelley! I agree. I always stay with my son for Essentials assignments. I hope to gradually allow him more responsibility with each year.

[@kimmeeshawn1]

We will be starting essentials next year. This was so very helpful to me. Thank you SO much!!! - Kimberly

[@rebstew5941]

That’s wonderful, Kimberly! Just remember that they don’t have to master everything the first year. Enjoy!

[@milachubenko5859]

Love this. Thank you

[@hootowlhomeschool1847]

So informative and helpful, thank you so much!!! This is our 4th year with CC and I tutor Foundations. My oldest has been in since 5yrs and she’ll be 9yrs next year. I have been really wondering if there’s anything I can do to prepare us both for Essentials, and this video answered all my questions - for how to prep her. Now I just need to get my hands on the guidebooks and prime myself!

[@TheParentTeacherBridge]

I'm so glad to hear it. I just finished my second year of tutoring Essentials.Please share with a friend, and check out my other videos! :)

[@jklivin7]

Great information. Thanks

[@RachelDarleneGilliland]

Very helpful! Thank you!!

[@TheParentTeacherBridge]

You're welcome. I'm halfway through my first year of tutoring Essentials. I have more to say, but I think the guide is being updated this coming year.

[@garrettdean2071]

Informative, and inriching, thanks

[@allisongoodrich2581]

Great video! I took almost a page of notes!

[@TheParentTeacherBridge]

Test will be next Friday. ;)

[@allisongoodrich2581]

@@TheParentTeacherBridge I am brand new to homeschooling and Essentials. My oldest is 10 years old so your video really resonated with me. Here's my notes for the "test": 1. Know the English songs from CC foundations (even ones from other cycles. 2. Know the 8 parts of speech. Some fun ways to learn: - CC English songs - School house Rock songs - Play Mad Libs 3. Build writing stamina by journaling daily - If you need journaling ideas visit www.theparentteacherbridge.com/ccjournaltopics 4. Practice math facts - Have flash cards and divide into 3 piles based on how well they know the math problem. How did I do??? :)

[@TheParentTeacherBridge]

@@allisongoodrich2581 Perfect! If you start Essentials this year you may not have time for all of that, but you can do some fun things like songs during the week to enrich the experience! :)

[@garrettdean2071]

What did the homeschool community do before these videos were made? Keep it up!

[@aiward77]

We have always used a Charlotte Mason style approach to homeschooling but as our oldest just turned 10, I’m looking at classical education as well. We did a trial community day at a local Classical Conversations school last week and I found the Essentials class to be overwhelming for myself and my son (I was an English Lit major in college). Both of my children liked Foundations (we also have a 7 year old). Another concern I have are all of the KZbin videos knocking CC for not being more God centered. The timelines don’t even talk about Jesus and I heard a huge focus is on Greek Gods and mythology. I know people either love or hate CC, but I just want to talk to someone who can tell me what they like and don’t like about it. One extra detail- we do a full day homeschool tutorial twice per week (with only Math for take home curriculum). We would really have only two full days to work on our CC. Am I biting off more than I can chew? I’m so torn. Sorry for the long rant!