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!

Can your kids spot a red herring in a political debate? In this engaging episode, hosts Lisa and Delise chat with Kathy Gibbens, creator of the "Filter It Through a Brain Cell" podcast, about teaching critical thinking to the next generation. Kathy shares how watching her daughter's Challenge A class master logical fallacies during the chaos of 2020 inspired her podcast—while their peers got caught in emotional roller coasters, these students remained remarkably calm and clear-headed because they simply couldn't be fooled by bad thinking. The conversation explores cognitive biases, those mental shortcuts that can limit our ability to see truth clearly, and discusses how acknowledging our biases leads to more humble, curious conversations. With practical insights on responding to disagreement with curiosity rather than defensiveness and navigating AI's role in education, this episode equips parents to raise children who don't just know truth—but love it enough to seek it wisely.

Resources:

https://www.filteritthroughabraincell.com/

Fallacy Detective: https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/products/as059?srsltid=AfmBOorID38ZsDkPd7-z2QFdefk01Gfvle4z8Zw52655qXArZsM7JjwI

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Copper Lodge Library 2025 New Releases

Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases and take advantage of savings of up to $30 off in April.

In this heartfelt episode of The Everyday Educator, host Kelli Wilt welcomes the 2025 National Memory Master Champion, Evangeline, and her parents, Jason and Trisha. Together, they reflect on the journey of preparing for and competing in the National Memory Master competition—from discovering Classical Conversations to walking across the stage in triumph.

Hear how Evangeline mastered her memory work (and the timeline—twice!), how her community supported her with creativity and prayer, and why her family views the experience as much more than just a competition. This inspiring conversation offers encouragement to homeschool families everywhere and a deeper look at how character, faith, and learning come together in Classical Conversations.

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!

What happens when the homeschool books close for summer? In this episode of Everyday Educator, discover how seasoned homeschool moms balance freedom and structure during the summer months. From beach trips and bedroom makeovers to spiritual growth and preparation for the next school year, our guests share candid stories and practical wisdom about creating meaningful summer rhythms that refresh both parents and children. Whether you're wondering if academics should continue or how to manage household chaos during vacation season, this conversation offers encouraging insights for every stage of the homeschool journey.

Resources:

Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity by Nancy Pearcey - Amazon

Episode 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 lasting legacy will your educational choices leave for generations to come? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey engages Delise and Olivia Walsh in a heartfelt conversation about building legacies through homeschooling. As second-generation homeschoolers now teaching their own children, they explore how educational choices shape family identity, discussing both the tangible and intangible inheritances that connect generations. The conversation moves beyond academic achievements to reveal how homeschooling fosters unique family cultures centered around learning, truth-seeking, and worship, offering listeners encouragement about the lasting impact of intentional family education.

Episode Sponsored by: Copper Lodge Library 2025 New Releases

Explore the exciting new 2025 additions to the Classical Conversations Bookstore! From engaging philosophy studies with Reasoning Together to timeless classics in the Copper Lodge Library and innovative math resources like the four new domains of The Math Map and two unique math flashcard sets, these tools are designed to support classical, Christian education at every level. Visit classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/ to see all the new releases.

Ever wondered what's lost in Bible translations? In this enlightening episode, Delise interviews Kevin, founder of Biblingo, a language learning software for Biblical Greek and Hebrew. Kevin, a homeschooling father of four with a PhD from Hebrew University, explains how learning the original biblical languages provides a richer understanding of Scripture beyond what translations can offer. He shares how Biblingo makes these languages accessible through immersive learning with visual content, and how even young children can successfully learn to read Hebrew and Greek. Kevin discusses his family's experience implementing these languages in their homeschool routine and encourages listeners that consistency is key to mastering biblical languages.

Episode Sponsored by: Biblingo

Biblingo is a fun, interactive mobile and web app for learning Biblical Hebrew and Greek. Our proven methodology has been used by students as young as 4 and as old as 70, so you can learn along with your kids at any age. Transform how you read the Bible by learning Greek and Hebrew today! Visit Biblingo.org/homeschool for special homeschool pricing and use the code CC24-25 for an additional 15% off.