Listen to this articleThroughout the summer, Classical Conversations® local leaders will host Practicum events for parents interested in, new to, and experienced in homeschooling to come together to learn about homeschooling, discover tools of the classical model, and fellowship with one another in community. Although there are many reasons to attend Practicum in 2023, this post will cover just nine major benefits parents can expect to receive at one of these local events this summer.
9 Reasons to Attend a Practicum 2023 Event
Wondering how to prepare for the fall semester ahead? Consider joining us at a Practicum event in your local area! Here are nine reasons why you should attend a Practicum this year:
1. A Whole Day to Think Deeply About Homeschooling
This summer in 2023, we’ve streamlined Practicum to one-day events to allow more flexibility for homeschool parents.
Hosted by Classical Conversations team leaders in your local area, Practicum is an opportunity for you to come and think deeply about homeschooling. This means rich conversations with other parents at all stages in the homeschooling journey that will inspire and equip you with practical tools to help you homeschool confidently in the fall semester and beyond.
2. Practicum is a Chance to Delve Into the Classical Model
Whether you’re a seasoned Classical Conversations parent or completely new to homeschooling, at Practicum, we delve deep into the classical, Christian model education and what that means, well, practically. In community with other parents, you’ll receive guidance on and get to practice several classical tools that can help you and your student better learn any new subject.
3. At Practicum 2023, Learn the Five Common Topics of Dialectic
Each year at Practicum, we explore how to use techniques from the classical model of education to enrich our own home schools. While last year we tackled the Five Core Habits of Grammar, this year we will focus on the Five Common Topics of Dialectic. At Practicum 2023, you can practice these tools in small group Table Talks with other local parents by exploring the history of the worldwide salt trade together. In doing so, you’ll walk away from Practicum more equipped to use the Five Common Topics to have excellent conversations with your own student about any new subject, topic, or trade.
Read: “Classical Conversations Outreach Events Explained”
4. It’s About More Than Just Homeschooling
Practicum is about much more than homeschooling. It’s also about parenting in general. Indeed, in learning about the Five Common Topics of Dialectic and in talking with other homeschool parents, you’ll more likely than not pick up on a few parenting tips here and there to use in your own home. For example, the Five Common Topics are not only helpful for having great conversations with your student about their studies in history, math, science, or Latin, but also about anything else they are interested in, like baseball, painting, or a new video game or movie.
5. Be Inspired by Other Parents on the Homeschooling Journey
At a Practicum event in your area, you’ll get to hear powerful stories from local homeschool parents about how they overcame struggles, were supported by God and their community, or what they’ve learned throughout their years of homeschooling. Practicum is meant to be as much a time of refreshment and encouragement as it is of learning and equipping. Come and be inspired!
6. Gain New Ideas, Resources, and Energy for the Year Ahead
In a similar light, from speaking with other parents in your discussions and hearing their stories, you’ll find yourself encouraged and motivated to begin homeschooling in the fall (even though it might not seem like it right now in the spring!). You’ll gather helpful ideas, discover new resources, and walk away filled with energy for tackling the semester ahead.
Read: “How to Get a Head Start on Next Semester”
7. Bring a Friend and Make New Ones!
Practicum is all about community. If you’re interested in attending a Practicum near you, consider bringing a friend along who is interested in homeschooling, classical education, Classical Conversations, or just parenting in general. Also, these events are intentionally structured to be less lecture and teaching, and more conversation and discussion. This means Practicum is a natural environment for you to make new friends with parents who share similar interests and values.
8. You Are Not Alone
The homeschooling journey, although worth the effort, can be full of ups and downs. Practicum is meant to encourage and show you that, although it may seem like it when homeschooling is hard, you are not alone on this grand adventure. There is a community of homeschool parents who are eager to offer their support, advice, encouragement, guidance, and prayer. Of course, unless you’re homeschooling year-round, summer is not typically when us homeschool parents are on our last leg. Still, Practicum is meant to remind you that even amidst stress or chaos in the traditional school semesters, there is a community there for you and your family.
9. A Reminder that God is Faithful
No matter where you’re at on your homeschooling journey, Practicum serves as a reminder that God has got you in His arms on this adventure and that He will be faithful. From hearing other parents’ testimonies, you’ll be encouraged that if God has called you to homeschooling, He will equip you with everything you need to homeschool well.
Register for a Practicum Near You!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about homeschooling and the classical model, be inspired by powerful testimonies from other homeschool parents, and walk away equipped to tackle the next season in your homeschooling journey.
To register for a Classical Conversations Practicum event this summer, click here. We hope to see you there!
This post was adapted from the article “Falling in Love at Practicum” by Cara McClauchlan.
