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 her husband William's families. Lisa brings decades of experience creating meaningful moments that have shaped her daughters' lives—including a 38-year Christmas tradition that will make you rethink how your family celebrates.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why traditions are more than routines—they're the stories that knit hearts together
• How to blend traditions from different families without spinning out of control
• Creative examples like the Christmas cross tradition, storytelling plates, and Thanksgiving ad libs
• The surprising truth about who really keeps family traditions alive

Whether you're just beginning your homeschool journey or you're a seasoned family looking to refresh your traditions, this conversation will inspire you to be intentional about creating moments your children will treasure forever. Perfect timing as the holidays approach!

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Judson College: 

Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.

Ready to answer your calling?

Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

"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 conversation about family presentations in CC community. Whether you're preparing for your first family presentation or you're a seasoned homeschooler looking for fresh ideas, this episode takes the fear out of public speaking and shows how holiday-themed presentations offer unique opportunities to share your family's story and build deeper community connections.

Kelli and Lisa share heartwarming and hilarious stories from years of family presentations—including an escaped hamster that turned opening assembly into a community-wide search party, and a musically-challenged dad whose off-beat performance endeared him to children all year long.

What You'll Learn:

• How to define and approach family presentations in Classical Conversations
• Why weekly presentations give children lifelong confidence in public speaking
• Creative holiday presentation ideas for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentine's Day, and more
• Practical preparation tips: respecting 5-7 minute time limits, practicing at home, and involving your children in planning
• How to consider each family member's personality and strengths when assigning roles
• Why visual aids and audience engagement matter when presenting to a room full of children
• The importance of teaching your children to be active, engaged listeners during other families' presentations

Your community isn't looking for perfection or professional presentations—they simply want to know your family better. The only way to do a family presentation wrong is not to do it at all. This episode will leave you equipped, encouraged, and ready to share what makes your family unique with your Classical Conversations community.

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: 

Judson College

Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.

Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

Classical Conversations Alumni Network

Classical Conversations launched its Alumni Network in May 2025, creating the first comprehensive platform for CC graduates and parents to stay connected beyond Challenge IV. Discover job opportunities, network with fellow alumni, and access exclusive content featuring CC success stories.

Learn more at https://ccalumni.network/ and join the community that's empowering CC alumni and parents to connect, thrive, and inspire through their shared legacy of Christian, classical education.

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 warning signs of learning challenges (including surprising indicators like eye rubbing and trouble with stairs)
• Practical accommodations that worked in real classical homeschool families
• Why labeling a child's diagnosis too early—or too late—can both have consequences
• How sensory input, movement, and alternative learning methods benefit ALL learners, not just those with diagnosed differences
• The surprising ways learning challenges deepened these mothers' faith and revealed their own pride
• Why home education may be the ideal environment for neurodivergent learners
• Real stories of children with dyslexia earning master's degrees and heading to law school

Karin and Courtney offer practical wisdom without sugar-coating the struggles, reminding us that our children are not their diagnoses. Through tears, prayer, and persistence, these moms learned to become students of their own children—and in the process, the Lord transformed their hearts.

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

Judson College

At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable.

Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

CC Graduate Certificate in Classical Studies

Classical Conversations is excited to announce the launch of our new accredited Graduate Certificate in Classical Studies, a 12-credit hour program designed specifically for homeschooling parents who want to deepen their understanding of classical Christian education. This graduate certificate program provides academic recognition for your dedication to classical learning while offering a pathway to advanced study through our partnership with Southeastern University.

Register today to secure your spot in this transformative educational experience. https://ics.regfox.com/ma-certificate

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 definition to powerful biblical passages that shape how we practice thankfulness.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How gratitude is "an emotion of the heart excited by a favor or benefit received"—and why it matters for our spiritual formation
• Meaningful scriptures on thankfulness, including insights from Romans 1, Psalm 100, and 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• Practical family traditions for cultivating gratitude
• Literary and personal examples of grateful living
• How to help children understand the cost of gifts and develop genuine appreciation
• The powerful connection between gratitude and grace in our daily walk with the Lord

Whether you're looking for fresh ideas to incorporate into your family's Thanksgiving celebrations or simply need encouragement to cultivate a more grateful heart, this conversation will inspire you to embrace what Alexander Maclaren called "the crowded kindnesses of God."

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: 

Judson College 

Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.

Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

Classical Conversations Alumni Network

Classical Conversations launched its Alumni Network in May 2025, creating the first comprehensive platform for CC graduates and parents to stay connected beyond Challenge IV. Discover job opportunities, network with fellow alumni, and access exclusive content featuring CC success stories.

 Learn more at https://ccalumni.network/ and join the community that's empowering CC alumni and parents to connect, thrive, and inspire through their shared legacy of Christian, classical education.