Did you know your kitchen is already a fully-equipped science lab? Join host Delise Germond and guest Amy Jones as they explore how to embrace scientific wonder during the summer months without the overwhelm. Amy, a seasoned homeschool mom of four, shares practical ways to integrate science exploration into daily rhythms—from breakfast table observations to backyard investigations. Discover why rest and wonder are essential to learning, how to manage the "mess" of hands-on science, and get a treasure trove of simple activity ideas using everyday household items. Whether you're dealing with science anxiety or looking for fresh inspiration, this conversation will help you see that science is everywhere—and your home is the perfect laboratory for fostering curiosity and discovering God's amazing creation.

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

Have you heard? National Memory Master and National Commencement are moving to the Classical Conversations family cruise in 2026. This cruise isn’t just to celebrate CC graduates and memory masters, it’s for all CC families! You can connect with CC leaders and families at all stages of their journey and turn education into a memorable family adventure as you explore the Bahamas aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Check out our landing page at www.classicalconversations.com/cruise-2026.

What if summer reading could be the highlight of your child's day instead of a dreaded chore? Forget everything you think you know about summer reading! Lisa, Delise, and Kelly Wilt reveal the secret that transforms reluctant readers into eager learners: making reading active. Whether you have a natural bookworm or a kid who'd rather be anywhere but sitting still, discover practical strategies for every type of learner. From blanket fort reading nooks to Mad Hatter tea parties, these aren't just reading activities—they're memory-making adventures that keep young minds sharp all summer long. Learn how to turn any book into a hands-on experience, why your kitchen might be the best reading classroom, and how to help active kids see reading as their next great adventure. Plus get book recommendations that hook even resistant readers and discover resources that give you instant activity ideas. Say goodbye to summer slide and hello to a season where learning feels like play!

Resources:

Book Series Mentioned

• Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery
• Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
• Redwall series by Brian Jacques (especially recommended for boys)
• Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish
• Sandra Boynton books (including "Snuggle Puppy")

Specific Books Referenced

• Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
• Bread and Jam for Francis by Russell Hoban
• Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
• How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
• Agatha Christie mysteries

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by The Math Map: Digits, Integers, and Fractions

The Math Map series by Classical Conversations offers a unique, Christ-centered approach to mathematics that emphasizes the language of math in a natural learning environment. The curriculum follows a "one family schoolhouse" approach with consistent 32-page booklets that focus on building foundational mathematical skills in a classical, structured environment. Discover how your family can celebrate God's design of mathematical order.

Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map today to transform your family's math experience!

What do charging elephants and frustrated homeschool parents have in common? More than you might think. In this engaging episode of Everyday Educator, Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins shares her recent adventure taking a photography course in Botswana with her husband. What started as a vacation quickly became a masterclass in learning dynamics when Leigh realized she naturally learns classically—even when her instructor doesn't teach that way. Through five days of "butting heads" with her teacher while capturing stunning wildlife photos, Leigh discovered profound insights about perseverance, community learning, and why the perfect classroom setup still leads to conflict.
This episode offers encouragement for homeschool parents who struggle with difficult learning days, showing that even adult learners face challenges and that giving up is often the default human response. Leigh also introduces the new MathMap Monomials program for Challenge B students.

Key Discussion Points:
• Why even "perfect" learning conditions still involve struggle and conflict
• How community support prevents students from giving up
• Why it's the student's responsibility to learn, not the teacher's to educate
• The importance of tailoring instruction to different learning styles
• How cross-training and "breaking things" are essential parts of learning
• Why parents often become the biggest obstacles to their children's learning

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by The Math Map: Monomials

The Math Map Monomials helps families practice introductory algebraic computation
together using classical skills that prepare students for the mathematical conversation of
the ages.
Visit https://classicalconversations.com/the-math-map/ today to transform your family's math experience!