CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Answering your questions about CC

[@cynthiadrepaul1987]

Sis.. you have the gift of teaching. Everyone can teach but not everyone can take something complex and make it so simple for the simplest of minds to understand. Wow!! I watch many homeschool mommas and you really stand out. You have such a joy and peace that surrounds you.. that is evidence that the Holy Spirit is with you. May you continue to grow deeper in knowledge and wisdom as you not only minister to your children but you minister to women. 🤗 💕

[@PursuingPeace]

Oh you are so sweet!!! Thank you so much for this encouragement! ❤

[@scarletstevens]

Couldn’t agree more!!

[@ljks1755]

Also totally agree :)

[@draNuricita]

I agree!! Thank you so much, I'm New homeschool mexican Mom, and we will start with CC on September, I was so afraid because I have 2 kids but when u said u have 5 kids!!! I said maybe I can do it.

[@jaclynbannister1877]

Agreed

[@daniellethomas7365]

Fellow CC family. I think you did a great job explaining CC and classical style education. I would add to the explaining of the "trivium" which literally means "the place where three roads meet" . Every single person, young and old, all use the Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric stages while learning something. The Grammar is learning the vocabulary and facts. The Dialectic is the question stage of asking who, what, where, why, and how. The Rhetoric is the stage of understanding the answers to those questions of the dialectic, and can go beyond and explain further. Even younger kids, if the interest is there, can get to a stage of Rhetoric on a topic. Example: if you have a child of whom loves horses and reads every book in the library about horses and studies the anatomy, types, among other things, etc., and has the opportunity to work with them, and can explain the hows and whys. You do not have to be older to obtain some rhetoric. :) All three "roads" of the trivium are constantly being improved and grown.

[@lulimcarthur829]

The ending was just adorable - and your comments and references to and about Christian principles were on point. Very informative for newcomers like my family. Thank you.

[@AmongStouts]

We are a CC family too, I was so skeptical of it at first, last year was our first year and we loved it so much.. my kids who were previously public schooled have really taken to the classical model. This was super helpful and I think you really laid it out well for others that may be interested in CC!

[@SimplyStacyL]

Part of the controversy you may not be aware of is how the finances are structured (ie: avoiding taxes as a for-profit company, “volunteers” in a for-profit company, etc) and how some of the leadership is treated as well as the liability leaders take on with no protection.

[@SimplyStacyL]

Not saying anyone is right or wrong for participating in CC. Just something to look into if you’re interested.

[@ruralmillennial4354]

Hadn’t thought of that, makes total sense. I hate that “Christians” make money in this manner. It gives such a bad testimony.

[@mamabear8373]

We love, love ,love Classical Conversations!!! Fortunately everywhere we've moved I've been able to find a community but if ever we moved to an area without one I would try to start one myself. It just works for our family and we've been blessed for it.

[@juliequates9529]

You've made such a great resource here for so many! Bless you Dina.

[@keniarodriguez9562]

What a blessing you are to this community! It is the Lord’s “well done” that we are looking for!

[@momzestlife]

I just want to say that after watching your video I'm touched by your humility and peaceable nature surrounding Classical Conversations. We are a family that participated for a few years and found it not to be for us any longer. However, like you said, it shouldn't make a difference in the grand scheme of things or in how we interact with our friends who choose or not choose to participate. This is what I wish more CC'ers understood. Thank you for your video.

[@amberican927]

Thank you for sharing your heart on this, I have friends that have done CC and never understood what all it entailed. My mind is definitely open toward it! ❤

[@SevenInAll]

I've never known much about Classical Conversations...when I was in Mardel in June I saw some of their materials for sale, but other than that, I've pretty much only ever heard of it from you. This is a really helpful video for understanding what it is a lot better!

[@L--C]

I did CC for four years, it worked at first but I wish I had left a year earlier. I think part of the controversy is that CC acts like they are a ministry but it’s run like a bad MLM business. The chain of command makes no sense. For instance, our community leader was also the regional manager. Basically she was her own boss. They came out with rules saying that tutors had to have all their kids in CC or they couldn’t tutor. So moms who depended on tutoring to offset costs (and were GOOD tutors) couldn’t chose to send one of their kids to a regular school, or have one kid not do CC, and still tutor. Communication issues and bad decisions pushed lots of our community members away. Many of the tutors/leaders/moms were catty and would stir up trouble instead of addressing the person they had an issue with. It didn’t seem like anyone was picked for leader roles based on their ability to actually lead, it was just whomever fit the image. Anyway, just my personal experience. I’m glad you have a good community!

[@SimplyStacyL]

Yep - their rules are often nonsense, the people who sacrifice a lot to help lead or tutor are treated like trash. I don’t mean all Communities - I’m sure there’s some gems out there, but often it’s a nightmare made to look good on the outside.

[@jaclynbannister1877]

Very informative. Thank you for this video. We had done CC in community for 5 years. Best decision ever. Last year we did it on our own at home, since we relocated to a place where there is no community. My eldest started Essentials last year. He was able to Zoom with his classmates from our old community which was amazing! You won't need anything extra for this stage. CC Essentials is complete with grammar, spelling, writing, reading, everything! It's awesome. This year my eldest and middle child will be doing Essentials together at home. I now feel confident teaching them on my own, having had the wonderful opportunity to Zoom with them and learn and observe how everything is done. It's such a great program! We're so grateful for it. It was definitely a homeschool game changer for us. ❤️

[@PursuingPeace]

Oh that's wonderful Jaclyn! How great that y'all were able to Zoom with your old community. I'm now having to drive about an hour and 20 min to our new community. It's so hard...but we're trying it for now. ❤ Have a great year teaching your kiddos!!!

[@juliequates9529]

It's been so wonderful for me as a new homeschooler. I feel like it covers the bases and I just add in what sounds fun with read alouds and good books. I know a huge factor is the community. I love our community and it's a highlight for my son. Challenge is scary to me, lol but I've got a long way till we get there. The CC connected songs are so awesome, I'm singing them all dang day. We use TGATB Math level 2 and Logic of English for reading then just lots of books. I have to try not to overcomplicate. Kids are made to Learn with memorization. God's design

[@GirlDragon928]

so excited to have found your channel. my son is 3 and definitely going to be doing CC with him next year!!! love your channel. God bless!

[@kaciholland9957]

We love CC! It's our 7th year. My oldest will be in Challenge A next year. We plan to go all the way through with all 7 of our children. 💖 I'm very thankful for our community 🙏.

[@lettingitgo]

I love TGATB and have been using their curriculum for a couple years! I am thinking about joining a CC Community next year for my 1st and 3rd grader. This video is so encouraging! Thank you so much for posting this video.

[@brittanybeacham5143]

The timing of this video is so perfect for me!!! A question - you said that TGATB matches up well with CC. Do you think it is academically strong enough (especially the new math) to lay the base for a classical education? If they do TGATB in the early years, how will the transition to upper level classical courses be?

[@anniegray6277]

I know I’m coming back late, but I’m coming as a TGATB mom who is considering CC. I’ve scoured just about every math curriculum out there. Even the new good and beautiful is very, very good. Leveling up and skipping some of the repetitive lessons if your kiddo has mastery will help.

[@ScrubsAndCoffee]

This is only my third year homeschooling my oldest, and I also have a toddler & baby. We will be in a co-op one day per week, and I'm using curriculum with a lot of manipulatives, etc - but I have a special place in my heart for classical education and using real books that haven't been destroyed by the learning fads of today - you really can't go wrong with that!

[@JoyfulNoiseLearning]

GREAT video, Dina! What an incredible resources and help for homeschool families! We loved looking into CC, I just never took the plunge into it.

[@PursuingPeace]

Thanks friend!!! I saw that you use some of their resources and that's great! Whatever works right? 🤗❤

[@lisak1895]

That one piece of information makes them excited when they find it again, and they are really pay attention because of that first exposure! Also, you can read them books to provide context.

[@TheseDays]

Super helpful video! I have always been on the fence about cc, I think we would love it!

[@raisingpraise]

I had to laugh when you said "presentate" bc that's what my kids say too! Ha! I love it. Also, well done on this video! This was grace filled and ap helpful.

[@raisingpraise]

So helpful*

[@PursuingPeace]

It makes logical sense! Lol! Too bad English isn't logical. Ha!

[@raisingpraise]

@@PursuingPeace how about it? We have that conversation many times during writing reading. I often end up answering their why's with "Because English is just weird."

[@meghanaxsom]

We are going into our 14th year of CC, and it has been a blessing to us in so many ways! My oldest finished Ch IV in 2020, and my youngest (#7) is starting Foundations this year (she’s 4)!

[@kaciholland9957]

I have 7 to. My oldest is starting Challenge A next year💖. This year is our 7th year. We love our community and CC.

[@VW777]

Can I ask how your CC graduates have got on? Do you still recommend CC for homeschoolers?

[@Rdwrer]

We are a Western culure born of European origins. Any American curriculum may be "Eurocentric" and that is not only acceptable but logical. Supplementing whatever culture/customs/histories a parent desires to their children's education is the job of the parent. Those who choose to demonize America for focusing on its own origins/classical system of learning are missing the whole point of belonging to a country. Learn what you like about the world, teach your kids additional information about cultures you want them to appreciate and as far as those who want to appreciate American foundations/Western culture, just live and let live!

[@free_duh7066]

Yessss!!! 👏 This coming from a family of immigrants. It was my parents who taught me about my heritage while also teaching me to love and respect the country that afforded us so many opportunities. 🇺🇲

[@katie7748]

BINGO!!! THANK YOU!!!!

[@ljks1755]

Thank you so much for this video! Do you think you can do CC while also doing another literature-based history curriculum like Sonlight? Or would it be too much? Also, does it leave you margin in your schedule if you want to pursue other interests like other composer studies or other artist studies, poetry memorization, Scripture memory work, etc? Love your videos so much. Thank you for encouraging us fellow homeschool mamas!

[@elizabethfurnish2777]

Thank you for this video, it was a huge help! This will be our first year at CC. What are your favorite items besides the necessary foundation book and whistle? Do you use the history cards a lot? Thanks & I love your channel ❤️

[@erint6540]

This helped me understand CC so much better! Thank you!

[@pepepepin4165]

thanks so much for take your time to answer me!!

[@mandygalgrows4454]

This has been immensely helpful. Thank you!

[@PursuingPeace]

Oh wonderful! ❤

[@noahsmilkshake]

Is there a course anywhere on name pronunciation? A lot of us need that😆 Great video, a good community can be such a blessing.

[@adarnoult]

I love your enthusiasm. You are a inspiring. Thank you.

[@Natalie.D]

This sounds like the spiral curriculum. Montessori is spiral also, going in three year age spans and getting similar lessons at a higher level. The difference is that everyone is not learning the same thing at the same time and there is little to no memorization work. Children using the Montessori approach are all on their own curriculum level and move ahead when they are ready in each area.

[@PursuingPeace]

Yes! It's spiral. In CC everyone is on their own level too. We're just learning the same time period or science theory or artist. We just get the memory sentence and then as parents, we choose how deep we want to go depending on the game of our child. 😁

[@upcountrycharlottemason]

Please take a look at the financial structure and use of the church. I understood it after we participated for four years when I went to my church to see if they would “host” our group. I was not in a leadership position, just a parent. I also chatted with an attorney friend when I heard the problems that my church had with hosting CC and the concerns were not just imagined. I regret our participation in this organization.

[@SimplyStacyL]

Yes - if anything they do a great job of pulling the wool over the eyes of parents!

[@noahsmilkshake]

As far as I understand, Charlotte Mason was a classical educator so there is certainly some overlap. If anyone has information on the differences please link it.

[@burkhousehold8880]

Actually, CM us not classical. She had her children read a lot of classics, but the philosophy is very different. She also doesn't follow the trivium. She did not believe in given children isolated facts. She wanted parents to read living books. She believed that children would learn facts within context. She didn't believe in drilling facts in the way that a classical education does.

[@steffa648]

Yes Simply Charlotte Mason KZbin channel has a video addressing this very thing and how the two are very different!!

[@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!

[@PursuingPeace]

Hi! Can you DM me on Instagram? I can leave you a voice msg there and it might be easier than trying to type it all out. 😁

[@03Inna]

Thank you for making this video. Can I use CC as a supplement for another homeschooling method. Specifically the memory work? And if so, what would I need to purchase?

[@PursuingPeace]

I think so! I know a few people who only do the memory work. The app would be a great purchase OR the CDs for Cycle 1. You can also get the individual songs on Itunes. :)

[@03Inna]

@@PursuingPeace thank you so much! Your videos are so helpful.

[@jessicamerkert6392]

How much does the whole CC year cost for someone in foundations? I got on the website and I saw the tuition and fees but I don’t think that includes the curriculum. How much does the average person spend on curriculum per year?

[@PursuingPeace]

The curriculum can be costly but you only have to buy it ONE time. The Foundations Guidebook is not consumable and will last you the whole time your kids are in Foundations. You only need 1 book for the whole family. I would also recommend getting the Timeline cards. But again, you just need one set. Tuition for Foundations can be around $400 per year, per child. I haven't been in a community for a couple of years so that price might be different now and it might vary depending on where you live. CC isn't cheap, but I think it's worth it. I usually save up money throughout the year and you get paid to Tutor, so that would help offset the cost. Hope this answers your questions. ❤️

[@free_duh7066]

Thank you for this! Very informative 😊 Do you have any special needs children in your CC group? If so, how does the community respond to their needs? Do the other children make an effort to understand them, include them, make friends with?

[@luper930]

Hi… I have a question regarding the app for foundation’s cycle 1 do you use it and would you think it’s beneficial if I choose to only use the app? Or would I have to use the curriculum and the co-op for the app to benefit my children? Thank you!

[@PursuingPeace]

Hi! Yes I use the app and I think you'd be able to do it with only the app. The only thing the app doesn't have is the Timeline song. :)

[@luper930]

@@PursuingPeace thank you. I might have to give it a try

[@melissacardona1747]

I watched the whole video and I may or may not have missed the answer to my question (I apologize if you did already answer this). My question is: Can you do CC and NOT participate in a community? Also, do you think it is possible to incorporate some or all components of CC if my child is in public school? I am currently homeschooling, however, I am not sure if we will be able to continue homeschooling in the future.

[@melissacardona1747]

Ummmm, nevermind! (This must’ve been when my toddler interrupted 😂) I went back to the video and found the answer to my ‘can you do it without a community’ question. But I would still like an answer to my second question (If possible of course): is it possible to incorporate some or all components of CC if my child is in public school?

[@MissVanessa89]

Hi Dina, did you always know you wanted to do CC? How did you hear about it? How was it introduced to you? Theirs different opinions on it? Just curious I’m about to start my homeschool journey. Really excited & nervous at the same time.

[@PursuingPeace]

Oh how exciting!!!! ❤ I found out about CC after our first year of preschool. I wanted a co-op and CC was the only option at the time. My friend told me about it and I went to an Informational meeting. At that point I fell in love with the people and method of teaching so that's why I stayed. ❤

[@MissVanessa89]

@Pursuing Peace Yes your channel has inspired me in my homeschool journey. So thanks for that. Any tips suggestions for starting out. It’s overwhelming looking for curriculums and trying to figure out what’s going to work best for us, since this will be our first year.

[@pepepepin4165]

ohh I found 2 of them!! and the edition is the same the 4th and the 5th edition?

[@PursuingPeace]

The 5th edition is what you want. 😁

[@dreawelty]

this is AMAZING!! Thank you

[@scottyseanychannel-costell8772]

I just started watching your videos, do you care about state laws covering homeschooling? we are moving out of South Carolina and back to California because of the terrible homeschooling laws in SC.

[@katherinerutecki8956]

Hi there! Are you doing classical conversations or the good and beautiful? I see thumbnail pictures on your videos for both! And can you tell me more about which you prefer?

[@PursuingPeace]

Hi! We're doing both. 😁 We use TGTB for Language Arts, Math, Handwriting, and some science. Then we use CC for everything else (History, Fine Arts, Science spine, Geography, etc.) Sometimes they overlap but not so much that I feel it's repetitive.

[@katherinerutecki8956]

That’s really good to know! I have a 2 1/2 year old but I am looking into options for the future and I know classical conversations start at 4 with the scribblers and I heard good things about the good and the beautiful as well!

[@pepepepin4165]

hello, do you know the difference about the f small and big foundation book ?

[@PursuingPeace]

Well... There's only 1 Foundations book.

[@thomzwiefler6305]

Is it a prereq to say "hey yal" if your a homeschool KZbinr?

[@PursuingPeace]

It is if you're from Texas. 😉

[@markholder4944]

Can you start later than 4 and the kids not feel like they are behind or are all their little friend groups established. For reference I have a six year old

[@juliaM900]

Me to I might not be able to start till she’s 7

[@alexatorres4851]

If we want to homeschool just one or two years, cc won’t be for us, right?

[@PursuingPeace]

You can definitely still do CC. We have learned a ton in the last two years and it's fun memory work that would stick with your kiddos however you decide to educate them later. ❤️

[@allyh193]

What do you do with your younger kids and babies during community day?

[@PursuingPeace]

We've always been blessed to have childcare at our community. ❤️

[@searchthescripturesdaily]

Look up a picture of frozen oxygen.

[@ruralmillennial4354]

I cringe any time a believer gives an answer like that. God is not double minded. He convicts us all the same. Instead put the burden back on us. Some of us are at different stages of our walk with Christ therefore our maturity levels and sanctification process is why we don’t see eye to eye. Because He doesn’t change His mind of what sin is from person to person we can admit that the issue is either because of the progression of our walk or our disobedience. There are believers who will say to me that abortion is perfectly fine. Would you say that it’s because God convicted us differently?

[@PursuingPeace]

I completely agree with you!.....on issues of sin. But even Paul in Romans 14 talks about how one person might have different convictions from each other on non sin issues. In the case of abortion...it goes against God's love of life and He tells us not to kill so that's a clear sin. But in the case of whether to homeschool or not....there is no clear command to do one or the other. So that is left up to the individual and God. ❤ I'm more than happy to speak about this more if you'd like. 😁 If you'd like to please DM me on Instagram. ❤

[@ruralmillennial4354]

I was assuming that the CC controversy was an issue of sin ... not just about choice. Yes, Paul specifically said what things not to argue about but you cannot take that verse and apply it to every situation where there is disagreement between believers. In the book of Acts we’re encouraged to be likeminded and of one accord therefore this issue of CC shouldn’t be minimized and dismiss it simply because you haven’t taken issue with it. If this or anything else is causing division in the church we should talk about it. Instead we turn things around and place “blame” on God saying it’s because “He” said this or that. The question of abortion was rhetorical. And just an example to show how some people will argue for permissibility of sin. Deut 6:5-7 gives clear instructions of the education we should provide our kids. Instead we spend hrs educating them in things of this world filling their daily schedules with things that satisfy the flesh. That’s the one reason I chose not to do CC. Hrs and hrs devoted to education. I’m hoping it’s something we can all consider as we continue to “train up our children.” Am I doing this for the glory of God? But at the end of the day, this is why Jesus came to redeem us ... from the mess we make of things.

[@PursuingPeace]

I agree with you. ❤ Deut is specifically talking about Training your child in the Law. Teach them diligently about the Law. This is something that can be done whether or not we homeschool. So................ It shouldn't cause division. With that.... You are more than welcome to comment again because I'm not just trying to get the last word. But I would love to have a face to face discussion instead of this because social media isn't where we should be laying out our concerns about each other. It's where we should be a light to a watching world. ❤

[@ruralmillennial4354]

I’m not exactly sure what you think I am trying to seek from this conversation other than to bring up the points I brought up. It is a beautiful thing for the world to watch a civil respectful conversation in which 2 believers are trying to figure out a challenging situation. In the video you brought up issues to the same world that’s watching. It’s not a bad thing. But our responses are important.

[@notinthisgalaxy]

Ooh⁸

[@kayegenin123]

Lol I was thinking to myself “dang it, why do I never see those Q&A stories before I watch the videos” and then I realize “oh dang, I asked a lot of questions” 😂 I would be @woman.and.wild 🤣

[@PursuingPeace]

LOLOLOL!!!! Yes you did! Thank you!!! ❤ I hope I answered them.

[@jessicamerkert6392]

How much does the whole CC year cost for someone in foundations? I got on the website and I saw the tuition and fees but I don’t think that includes the curriculum. How much does the average person spend on curriculum per year?

[@PursuingPeace]

You only need to got the Foundations Guide and that will last you the whole time your kids are in Foundations. It's just one guide per family. I would also recommend the Timeline Cards but that's pretty much it. The bulk of the pay is going toward tuition which helps to pay the Director and the Tutors.

[@katie7748]

OurHOMEschoolPlan actually just covered this! (July of 2024, for future reference...if I remember correctly...all my days blend together...)

[@PursuingPeace]

@@jessicamerkert6392 Good new is curriculum is a one time purchase. All your really need is the Foundations Guidebook. Everything else is optional. My first year I got the guidebook and the timeline cards and we've been using them for 5 years. 😁❤️