Everyday Educator

Do you ever feel like you're not qualified enough to teach your kids? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Kelli Wilt and Amy Jones sit down to explore how Classical Conversations' five core habits of grammar — naming, attending, memorizing, expressing, and storytelling — can transform the way homeschool moms approach any subject, including geography. Whether you're in Foundation...

What if the secret to classical homeschooling isn't the right curriculum — it's the right habits? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey sits down with Amy Jones and Kelli Wilt to introduce The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar . Together they unpack the five core habits of classical learning, why wonder is the foundation of a truly classica...

Your student is approaching Challenge 4 — and suddenly the words "senior thesis" are everywhere. What exactly is it? Who's involved? And how do you help without taking over? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey sits down with Timothy Knotts, Director of Challenge Development at Classical Conversations, and CC grad and Challenge 4 tutor Daniel Shirley to walk parents t...

Does homeschooling have you ready to quit? You're not alone — and you're not failing. In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey and 7-year Classical Conversations mom DeDe Adetutu get real about the winter doldrums, talk about why finishing strong actually matters, and share the practical strategies — and a little Yoruba wisdom — that have helped their families push throug...

You may already recognize his voice. For thousands of Classical Conversations families, Charles Hall — known simply as "Internet Grandpa" — has become one of the most beloved figures in the homeschool community, reading rich living books aloud on YouTube and blessing families he has never met. In this episode of the Everyday Educator , host Kelli Wiltsits down with Mr. Hall to talk about how it al...

What if the most important thing you teach your child has nothing to do with curriculum? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Emma Bortins sits down with her mother-in-law and Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins to discuss the ideas behind her new book, The Habits: Practicing the Art of Grammar . Together they explore how naming, attending, memorizing, expressing, and s...

Is pushing for Memory Master worth it — and what happens if your child doesn't make it? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Amy Jones sits down with veteran CC moms Courtney Bradshaw and Tunrade Schumann to talk about how to challenge your kids with Classical Conversations memory work without overwhelming them or pushing too hard. Whether you're aiming for Memory Master, Subject...

Is progressive Christianity coming for your kids — and would you even recognize it if it was? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Amy Jones and co-host Emma Bortins sit down with author and apologist Alisa Childers to unpack what progressive Christianity actually is, why it appeals to young people, and how Christian homeschool parents can equip their children to stand firm in bi...

In this episode of Everyday Educator , host Lisa Bailey is joined by Amy Jones and Ginny Tran to explore why memorizing matters — for your children and for you. From scripture memory to poetry and classical memory work, discover how memorization builds wisdom, shapes character, and hides beauty in your heart for life. Amy and Ginny share their earliest memories of memorizing — from singing the boo...

What does it really mean to pass on virtue to your children—and how do you do it in the midst of everyday homeschool life? Join host Amy Jones and veteran homeschooler Chelly Barnard for a rich conversation about cultivating moral goodness in your home. Discover how Classical Conversations' Common Topics can help you define and teach virtue, why reading aloud to your kids well into high school mat...

Wondering if your child is ready to start Foundations? Join Delise Germond and Lisa Bailey in this episode of Everyday Educator as they discuss practical signs of school readiness for preschoolers and early learners. Discover how to prepare your child for Classical Conversations Foundations, navigate emotional development milestones, and build essential skills like following directions, fine motor...

What if learning Latin could actually be... fun? Join Lisa Bailey and Tobin Duby as they take you on a delightful journey through the world of Parent Practicum and Latin—two things that might sound intimidating but are actually gateways to lifelong learning for your entire family. Tobin shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from filming practicums across the country (including the tale of a t...

Join Delise Germond as she sits down with Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations and homeschool dad of three, for an engaging conversation about family legacy, educational freedom, and his new book Woke and Weaponized . Robert shares his personal journey from being one of the first 11 students in Classical Conversations to leading the organization for over 13 years. He opens up about the f...

What if the biggest moment in your child's classical education isn't just about academics—but about stepping into their God-given identity? Join host Kelli Wilt and special guest Charity Miner for an in-depth conversation about one of the most transformative experiences in the Challenge years: the senior thesis. Charity, a veteran Challenge IV director and homeschool mom who has shepherded three c...

Why do Challenge B graduates consistently name Mock Trial as their favorite memory—even the ones who cried through every rehearsal? Join host Lisa Bailey and guests Jennifer Hester and Emma Bortins for an encouraging conversation about Mock Trial—the pinnacle Challenge B experience that graduates remember most fondly, even when the journey is rocky. Jennifer shares her journey from terrified new d...

Feeling overwhelmed by homeschooling kids at different stages? You're not alone—and we've got the encouragement (and practical tips) you need! Join Delise Germond and Kelli Wilt, two full-time working homeschool moms at different stages of the journey, as they share honest, grace-filled advice for homeschooling young children. Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck in the daily grind, t...

Feeling ready for a reset after the holidays? Discover how to transform post-holiday blahs into purposeful new beginnings that energize your entire homeschool family. Join Lisa Bailey as she welcomes Alicia Clark and Ginny Tran for an encouraging conversation about embracing fresh starts after the holiday season. Whether you experience post-holiday letdown or sail smoothly into January, this episo...

What if the most magical Christmas memories have nothing to do with the number of gifts under the tree? In this heartwarming episode, we're taking you on a journey across borders to discover how families in the United States and Mexico celebrate Christmas—and what we can learn from their beautiful, Christ-centered traditions. Join host Lisa Bailey as she sits down with Amy Jones (Classical Convers...

Feeling overwhelmed by homeschooling? You're not alone. In this heartfelt conversation, host Delise Germond sits down with Kamilah Carter for an honest discussion about the challenges of homeschool motherhood—and the God who equips us for every moment. Kamilah opens up about a recent crisis that left her feeling helpless, sharing how she learned to lean on community, trust God in the fire, and rec...

What happens when homeschool moms and their almost-grown kids get brutally honest about the best, worst, and most surprising moments of their classical education journey? Join Lisa Bailey for a heartfelt journey through the homeschool years with special guests Kelli Wilt, her daughter Libby, and Lisa's daughter Stephanie Meter. In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, three generations sh...

What if the best thing you could do for your child's education today is to send them outside? Join Lisa Bailey for an inspiring conversation with Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins and Ginny Yurich, creator of the 1000 Hours Outside movement and author of "Homeschooling: You're Doing It Right Just By Doing It." Discover how unstructured outdoor play develops every facet of child develop...

What if the simple act of cutting paper hearts or eating cinnamon rolls could become a cherished memory that lasts a lifetime? Join Lisa Bailey and Emma Bortins for a heartwarming conversation about the power of family traditions during the holiday season and beyond. As a young mother expecting her second child, Emma shares insights on starting new traditions while honoring those from both her and...

"Wait, we're supposed to do WHAT in front of everyone next week?" If those words just sent a little panic through your heart, take a deep breath. Kelli and Lisa have been there, done that, survived the chaos, and they're here to tell you it's going to be better than fine—it might even be fun. Join host Delise with Classical Conversations veterans Kelli Wilt and Lisa Bailey for an encouraging conve...

What if the learning challenge that terrifies you most could become your greatest gift as a homeschooling parent? Join host Lisa Bailey in this heartfelt conversation with veteran homeschool moms Karin Carpenter and Courtney Bradshaw as they share their journeys educating children with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. In this honest and encouraging episode, you'll discover: Early wa...

What if gratitude isn't just a polite "thank you," but a powerful spiritual discipline that transforms how we see God, our trials, and even our daily blessings? Join Amy, Michelle, and Charity for a heartwarming conversation about cultivating gratitude in our homes and hearts. In this special Thanksgiving episode, these three friends explore the true meaning of gratitude—from Webster's 1828 defini...