Everyday Educator

What if the gift you've had since childhood was always meant to glorify God — you just didn't know it yet? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Delise sits down with Mercy Koimburi, a Kenyan Classical Conversations homeschool mom and professional photographer, to explore how creativity, faith, and classical education are more connected than you might think. Mercy shares how she discovered photography at age 11, how she uses it to capture emotion and tell stories of family and faith, and why she believes God placed that gift in her long before she had a name for it. From the math hidden inside every great photo — hello, Fibonacci sequence! — to how CC's classical framework shows up through her lens, this conversation is full of warm encouragement for homeschool moms who want to nurture the gifts in themselves and in their children. Mercy also opens up about her CC community in Kenya, what homeschool days look like on the other side of the world, and the Bible verses that have carried her through the hard days of the journey. Whether you have a budding young artist at home or you're still figuring out how your own gifts fit into your homeschool life, Mercy's story will leave you inspired and equipped. You don't have to have it all figured out — he gently leads those who have young. Tune in and be encouraged. Find Mercy's photography work at: https://www.mercykoimburi.com/ This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish. It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" at https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/products/the-habits-of-a-classical-education-practicing-the-art-of-grammar

Want to start a book club for your homeschool family this summer — but not sure where to begin? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey and her guest Stephanie Meter explore how book clubs for all ages can build community, spark rich conversations, and raise lifelong readers. Whether you have a one-year-old or a high schooler working through philosophy, there's a book club format that works for your family. From practical tips on discussion questions and activities to how Classical Conversations' common topics framework can deepen any book discussion, this episode is packed with encouragement for homeschool moms ready to make reading a shared adventure. You don't need a perfect plan — you need good books, good people, and maybe a snack. Tune in and get inspired to start reading together this summer! This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line: This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

Does traveling with your homeschool family feel overwhelming — or just out of reach? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey sits down with CC veterans Courtney Sanford (Delightful Art Company) and travel agent Julie Denton to share practical, budget-friendly travel tips for homeschool moms. From using Google Flights Explore to find cheap international flights, to tying family trips to your CC history cycle, to handling travel disasters with grace — this conversation will inspire you to take learning on the road. Whether you're planning a big summer adventure or a local field trip, Courtney and Julie share decades of wisdom on how to make travel educational, affordable, and genuinely fun — even with little kids in tow. Plus: how to pack carry-on only, find insider tips from waiters, and why "obstacles" are really just good stories waiting to happen. Their best tips include using Airbnb and VRBO internationally, leveraging travel credit card points, renting an RV for a US road trip, and the sticker-on-a-water-bottle souvenir hack your kids will love. Don't miss the Sound of Music tour story — you won't regret it. This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line: This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level. Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Delise Germond sits down with her mother and longtime homeschooling veteran Chelly Barnard to talk about why reading is the single most important skill you can give your child. From raising reluctant readers and navigating learning challenges, to building a lifelong love of books through read-alouds and classical education — this conversation is packed with practical encouragement for every homeschool mom. Chelly and Delise get honest about their own reading journeys — including what it looked like to struggle, to teach differently, and to fall in love with books later in life. You'll hear real strategies for helping kids who resist reading, advice on when to seek outside help, and why classical Christian education uniquely positions homeschool families to raise voracious, articulate readers. The episode wraps with a rich list of book recommendations — from Fahrenheit 451 and Stepping Heavenward to Winnie the Pooh and Beatrix Potter — plus a reference to Mortimer Adler's beloved essay "How to Mark a Book." Whether your child loves reading or avoids it, this episode will encourage and equip you to make books a central part of your homeschool life. This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish. It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" during the April sale!

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 matters more than you think, and practical ways to weave biblical truth into daily conversations without being "preachy." Chelly shares wisdom from 25 years of homeschooling experience, emphasizing that virtue isn't about rigid rules—it's about equipping children to flourish according to God's design. Whether you're wrestling with how to train your children's hearts or simply need encouragement that God fills in your deficits as a parent, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights for the everyday CC mom. This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Summit Ministries Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc "The Habits of a Classical Education" Classical Conversations is releasing "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish. Pre-order your signed copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" from February 17th through March 14th, 2026, at https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/ – your personally signed book from Leigh will ship in May! https://classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/

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 toddler handing him her yogurt trash), while Lisa opens up about her own "hillbilly belt" moment that brought down the house. But beyond the laughter, discover why practicum is the perfect summer destination for homeschool families seeking community, encouragement, and practical tools. Then dive into Latin—not as a dusty academic subject, but as a mind-expanding adventure that helps children (and parents!) think more clearly, compose better sentences, and even understand Scripture in new ways. From "pater noster" rhyming when "our father" doesn't, to understanding why St. Paul's sentences are so deliciously complex, you'll discover why Latin is relevant for families with kids of all ages. Whether you're brand new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, this conversation will inspire you to mark your calendar for this summer's Latin-focused Parent Practicum. Because the best learning happens in community—and it's way more fun than you think! This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Summit Ministries: Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc

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 children through this process, shares the beauty, purpose, and profound impact of this capstone event. Discover why senior thesis is so much more than a research paper—it's a culmination of years of presentations, debates, and mock trials rolled into one powerful moment of defense. Learn how students choose topics that reflect who God made them to be, how parents can support without taking over, and why this experience prepares our children not just for college, but for defending their faith and ideas throughout their entire lives. Whether you're preparing for Challenge IV, currently in the midst of senior thesis, or simply curious about where classical Christian education leads, this episode will encourage and equip you for the journey ahead. This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Summit Ministries Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc CC Plus Odyssey Program The Odyssey Leadership Program is a bridge from the security of the Challenge Program to the bright opportunities of the future! In partnership with Southeastern University, an accredited private, Christian university, The Odyssey Program provides Challenge IV graduates the opportunity to begin their college coursework while participating in a leadership and personal development program, launching them into leadership and life! 2026 Application season is open with limited seats. Learn more by going to https://classicalconversationsplus.com/odyssey-year/

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, this conversation is packed with wisdom you can use today. Kelli opens up about her early years of hypercritical self-assessment, thinking she had to prove homeschooling was the right choice by making her children the "best" at everything. She shares how God shifted her expectations and why extending grace to yourself, your children, and your community changes everything. The biggest victories often come in moments of vulnerability when you realize you're not alone in the struggle. Discover why trying to recreate the classroom model at home feels like wearing shoes that are half a size too tight, and how embracing the discomfort of something new leads to a beautiful fit for your family. Learn why rhythms and routines beat rigid schedules every time, and how to build in margin for those big feelings that little people (and big people!) experience. This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Online Learning Seminars Online Learning Seminars offers live, interactive courses taught by CC graduate parents who are experts in their fields. Ranging from four to six weeks and approximately 1.5 hours of instruction per class, OLS offers a variety of courses including academic subjects that align with classical education principles. While some courses focus on practical skills, all courses are approached from a classical perspective of lifelong learning. Whether you want to learn something new or share your expertise as an instructor, join our OLS community today! 2026 Spring course offerings are open. Learn more by going to https://classicalconversationsinc.regfox.com/ols Summit Ministries Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc