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The Heart of Community: Your Classical Homeschool Guide for February 2026 Looking for ways to strengthen your classical homeschool community this February? This month, we celebrate love—not just romantic gestures, but the profound love that binds us as the body of Christ. Within your Classical Conversations community, you have the opportunity to both give and receive this transformative love that makes classical, Christian education thrive. Community: Where Humility and Glory Touch "Community is where humility and glory touch." — Henri Nouwen When you extend grace, offer presence, or rejoice in another family's victories, you live out Christ's command to "love one another, just as I have loved you" (John 13:34 ESV). This is where humility meets glory, where simple acts reflect God's extraordinary love. But don't forget to receive, too. Allow others to bear your burdens, accept their prayers and encouragement, and share fully in this homeschool journey. Classical, Christian education thrives in community, where iron sharpens iron and we grow stronger together. This month, ask yourself: "How can I more fully love and be loved by my CC community?" The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar Understanding how children learn naturally is at the heart of classical education. The Five Core Habits of Grammar equip young learners to absorb foundational knowledge through natural curiosity. What Are the Five Core Habits? Students practice NAMES to build understanding from concrete observations to deeper connections: The NAMES Framework • Naming - Identifying and labeling the world around them • Attending - Focusing on what matters with intention • Memorizing - Retaining knowledge through repetition and rhythm • Expressing - Communicating what they've learned • Storytelling - Connecting ideas through narrative "What's that?" questions, the joy of reciting favorite rhymes, and the excitement of showing you their latest creation all exemplify the habits at work. It's not about immediate mastery; it's about building confidence and understanding over time. Watch as these habits emerge on community day and at home, and remember that you are laying the groundwork for future wonder and wisdom. New Resource: The Habits by Leigh Bortins Leigh Bortins has written The Habits, a new resource that offers practical guidance for integrating the Five Core Habits of Grammar into daily life with your children. Pre-order your signed copy between February 17 and March 14 at the CC Bookstore. Member Benefits: Building Your Classical Homeschool N2K Comeback: Mental Math Championship Returns CC's beloved mental math game is gearing up for a national championship! Sharpen your child's squares and cubes and prepare to join the competition on the CC family cruise in 2027. How to Get Started with N2K Get ready by reading the FAQs and the draft of the 2027 N2K rule book to learn the details. This is a fantastic way to build mathematical fluency while having fun with your community! Member Benefits: Exclusive Savings and Support CC membership offers exclusive savings, reduced-priced resources, and valuable discounts from our partners. Join now to save—take advantage of special discounts when you register by April, May, or June. What Your Membership Includes Visit our Member Benefits page to learn more and get ready for a great year ahead! Your membership includes: • Bookstore discounts on classical education resources • Partner savings on curriculum and family activities • Access to parent training and support • Connection with a global community of classical homeschoolers Parent Practicum: Refuel, Refocus, and Refresh Make plans to refuel, refocus, and refresh your homeschool at Parent Practicum. Learn how timeless truths equip you to lead your child to a world of possibilities. What You'll Experience This intensive training experience helps you: • Deepen your understanding of classical education • Learn practical teaching strategies • Connect with experienced homeschool parents • Renew your vision for your family's educational journey Register today before spots fill up! 2026 Family Cruise: Adventure Awaits Join CC families from across the country and set sail on the Classical Conversations 2026 Family Cruise. Sign up soon and enjoy all the activities planned on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, May 16–21, 2026. Why Join the Family Cruise This isn't just a vacation—it's an opportunity to: • Build lasting friendships with other CC families • Enjoy enriching educational activities • Rest and recharge with your family • Experience community beyond your local area Learn more and register for this unforgettable experience! Teaching to the Heart: Resources for Classical Parents Classical education isn't just about filling minds with knowledge—it's about shepherding hearts. These resources from Classical Conversations will help you focus on what matters most: your child's heart and your relationship with them. Blog Articles on Heart-Centered Teaching • Discovering Your Child's Heartsong - Learn to recognize and nurture your child's unique gifts and passions • The Heart of the Matter - Understanding what truly matters in classical education • The Heart of Homeschooling: Relationships over Academics - Keeping first things first in your homeschool • Shepherding Their Hearts - Practical guidance for heart-centered parenting Podcast Episode on Heart-Centered Education • Start with the Heart - Listen to experienced parents discuss how to prioritize relationships and character formation Remember: You're not just teaching subjects. You're cultivating souls, training hearts, and preparing your children to know God and make Him known. Woke and Weaponized: Equipping Parents for Educational Freedom Robert Bortins' new book, Woke and Weaponized, equips parents to navigate educational freedom with knowledge and conviction. In a world where education has become increasingly politicized, informed parents make the best advocates for their children. Special Book Offer Special Offer: Purchase on Amazon, submit your receipt at wokeandweaponized.com, and receive $5 off your next CC Bookstore purchase. What You'll Learn This timely resource helps you: • Understand current educational trends and ideologies • Articulate why classical, Christian education matters • Advocate effectively for your family's educational choices • Navigate cultural challenges with wisdom and grace Buy your copy now and become a more informed, confident educational advocate! Loving and Being Loved in Community As you move through February, remember that community is not just a program benefit—it's where transformation happens. It's where humility and glory touch, where ordinary families do extraordinary things together, where the body of Christ functions as it was designed. Ways to Give Love in Your Community This month, practice both giving and receiving: Practical Ways to Serve • Encourage a struggling mom with a text or coffee date • Pray for another family's specific needs • Offer to help with memory work review • Celebrate another child's accomplishments • Share a resource or helpful tip Ways to Receive Love from Your Community Opening Your Heart to Others • Ask for prayer when you're struggling • Accept offers of help or encouragement • Share your challenges honestly • Allow others to bear your burdens • Be vulnerable about your journey Classical Conversations exists because we believe education works best in community. Through weekly gatherings, parent training, and shared experiences like Family Cruise and Parent Practicum, we're here to help you love and be loved well. You Are Not Alone Homeschooling can feel isolating, especially when challenges come. But in Classical Conversations, you're part of a community that understands your journey—the joys, the struggles, the victories, and the hard days. This February, lean into that community. Love boldly. Receive graciously. And watch how God uses both to strengthen your family and deepen your faith. We're honored to walk this path with you. Frequently Asked Questions What are the Five Core Habits of Grammar? The Five Core Habits of Grammar (NAMES) are Naming, Attending, Memorizing, Expressing, and Storytelling. These habits help young learners naturally absorb foundational knowledge through curiosity and concrete observation. Learn more in Leigh Bortins' new book, The Habits. How can I get involved in my Classical Conversations community? Start by attending community day regularly, connecting with your director, participating in parent training opportunities like Parent Practicum, and building relationships with other families. Small acts of service and vulnerability help community thrive. What is N2K and how does it work? N2K is CC's beloved mental math game that helps students build mathematical fluency through memorizing squares and cubes. The game is making a comeback with a national championship planned for the 2027 family cruise. Check the FAQs and rule book to learn more. What member benefits are available to CC families? Members receive bookstore discounts, partner savings, access to parent training, Member Advantage exclusive benefits, and connection with a global community. Special member incentivies are available for families joining by April, May, or June. How do I register for the 2026 Family Cruise? Visit the Family Cruise registration page to sign up for the May 16–21, 2026 cruise on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Space is limited, so register soon! Ready to Deepen Your Community Connection? • Pre-order The Habits by Leigh Bortins (Feb 17–Mar 14) • Register for Parent Practicum to refuel and refresh • Sign up for the 2026 Family Cruise (May 16–21) • Explore Member Benefits and partner savings • Buy Woke and Weaponized and get $5 off at CC Bookstore • Find your local community and connect today Connect With Classical Conversations Follow us on social media: • Facebook • Instagram • YouTube Have questions about Classical Conversations? Contact us to learn how we can support your family's homeschool journey. Related Resources from Classical Conversations Blog Posts: • Discovering Your Child's Heartsong • The Heart of the Matter • The Heart of Homeschooling: Relationships over Academics • Shepherding Their Hearts • Five Core Habits of Grammar Podcast Episodes: • Start with the Heart Resources: • N2K FAQs • 2027 N2K Rule Book About Classical Conversations: Classical Conversations supports homeschool families by cultivating the classical tools of learning to know God and to make Him known. Through weekly community gatherings, classical curriculum, and comprehensive parent support, we equip families to provide their children with a Christ-centered, classical education grounded in truth, goodness, and beauty.
Feb 23, 2026

Classical Homeschool Guide for February 2026

The Heart of Community: Your Classical Homeschool Guide for February 2026 Looking for ways to strengthen your classical homeschool community this February? This month, we celebrate love—not just romantic gestures, but the profound love that binds us as the body of Christ. Within your Classical Conversations community, you have...

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Seattle skyline for best Seattle homeschool field trips
Jan 28, 2026

Best Homeschool Field Trips in Seattle: A Classical Education Guide

Seattle homeschool field trips offer extraordinary learning adventures, featuring the natural beauty and educational richness of the Pacific Northwest. From world-class science museums and maritime heritage to stunning natural landscapes and innovative technology, Seattle brings history, science, and culture to life against the backdrop of the Puget Sound’s magnificence....

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Cycle 1 meals for ancient history lessons
Jan 12, 2026

24 Cycle 1 Meal Ideas That Make Ancient History Come Alive

Taste the Ancient World in Your Homeschool Kitchen What if dinner could transport your family 4,000 years back in time? As you journey through Foundations Cycle 1 with your Classical Conversations community, you’re exploring the ancient world from Mesopotamia’s fertile river valleys to the engineering marvels of Rome, from...

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A homeschool family starting the Challenge program
Jan 07, 2026

Top 3 Tips for Starting Challenge with Classical Conversations

As your student approaches graduation from Foundations, the question grows louder: What comes next? For many families, the answer is the Challenge program, Classical Conversations’ rich and ambitious classical homeschool experience for students ages twelve and up. But new questions follow. Is the Challenge program hard? Will my student...

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Homeschool gifts for Christmas
Dec 03, 2025

The Ultimate Christmas Gift List for Homeschoolers

Imagining the perfect homeschool gift ideas can be both exciting and rewarding. It’s about finding something that brings joy while reflecting the values that matter most. Our holiday gift guide for homeschoolers offers practical, fun, and educational suggestions to find the ideal gift for everyone in the family. With...

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