Is there truth to the Tibetan proverb that states, “To change the world, we must first change ourselves?”
Do you agree with Paulo Coelho that “when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too?”
Like Ernest Hemingway, do you believe that “true nobility is being superior to your former self?”
If any of these statements resonate with you, I invite you to apply to the Classical Learning Cohort (CLC). Honestly, I cannot recommend the CLC enough. The program has helped me become a better educator and given me invaluable skills—and the program is unequivocally, wonderfully well-designed.
Learn more about the Classical Learning Cohort.
Become a Better Educator
The Classical Learning Cohort has nurtured my growth as a better home educator of my children.
Curriculum-planning season is not for the faint of heart. Every year, I spend a vast amount of hours poring over the curriculum, researching different pedagogical methods, reading various blogs, and talking to a variety of people to gain insights that I hope will be beneficial for our home school.
However, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. No curriculum is tailored to any one child, and as all parents know, each child has areas of difficulty that we simply cannot anticipate.
A while back, my perfectionistic son began to regard math as a less-than-pleasant subject. He struggled at times to grasp the short and pithy lessons from the book provided, and my well-meaning attempts to assist him often ended with frustration on both sides.
Enter the Classical Learning Cohort
One afternoon, I had a revelation from the Lord. What if I applied the same skills that I was learning, practicing, and implementing from the Cohort to teaching my own children?
Shocking, right?
I created a fun exordium related to the lesson topic that would simultaneously capture his attention, correlate to the skill I wanted to reinforce, assess his readiness, and create a strong desire to learn more.
I provided examples and comparisons and by asking questions, I could assess his level of understanding and lead him to the truth of the lesson and help him acquire the skills he needed.
What is the Comparison Semester?
And it worked! He was excited and engaged, and he felt a sense of accomplishment as he was able to come to understanding on his own. He even achieved a deeper knowledge than he would have by me merely telling him what to do.
Math, once a source of tension in my home, became a bonding opportunity.
I became a better home educator when I embraced a methodology that enabled me to tailor the curriculum to my child. I became the master of my curriculum. However, the most rewarding aspect of this program was that it did not merely teach me skills; it actually improved my relationship with my son and ultimately made me a better mom!
Gain Invaluable Skills with the Classical Learning Cohort
The Cohort imparted invaluable skills that I am able to use throughout many different areas of my life.
During each semester of the program, I learned how to organize and synthesize my thoughts seamlessly. In doing so, I also learned how to identify those related components necessary to engage with a topic that I want to dissect, discuss, or delve into and explore further.
In effective communication, it is imperative that everyone is familiar with related concepts and ideas. Along those lines, I realized that often we don’t consider if someone is ready to engage.
Does the person feel comfortable with participating?
Are we creating hospitable environments for learning, connecting, and discussion?
Have we thoughtfully and intentionally set a place for them at the table?
How many arguments can be avoided with thoughtful communication?
Additionally, the program has changed the way that I look at what people say and how they say them. Communication can be the catalyst either for burning bridges or building unity and relationships, and the way someone chooses (or neglects) to organize their thoughts, or the way those thoughts are relayed and communicated, can be helpful or hurtful.
That’s been especially helpful when it comes to assessment.
What is the Assessment Semester?
Communication and Assessment
In participating in the Cohort, I learned to provide a more effective type of assessment, one in which I’m not merely criticizing or pointing out shortcomings.
What would it look like to listen intently, ask great questions, and lead the person to self-reflection? What if these questions led to a dialogue that allowed further reflection, the opportunity for praise, and one thing to improve? Why do we feel we need to barrage individuals with a laundry list of corrections? When is that edifying?
It certainly is not the way the Lord deals with us. He guides us through the process of sanctification, one step at a time as we are ready to receive and address and grow. Are our children, co-workers, friends, and colleagues any different?
This way of looking at assessment was transformative! I began to ask questions about the purpose/intention of their action/paper/ decision, and I was better able to build healthy relationships while providing valuable assessment that edifies in a productive manner.
This way of thinking has changed the fragrance of my home, my friendships, and even my job outside my home, making me a better listener and person as I integrate these skills in all facets of my life.
These are not just skills for homeschoolers. These are skills for leaders. These are skills for life.
Read: “Assessments and Grades for Homeschoolers”
Join a Well-Designed Program
The Classical Learning Cohort is wonderfully designed, and it’s a fraction of the cost of similar programs.
When I first signed up for the Cohort, I honestly had no idea what the program would actually entail, but I soon found myself among a small group of individuals from all walks of life meeting online and sharing the common goal of bettering ourselves as educators.
The classical method was conveyed eloquently and succinctly. We had wonderful discussions that spanned a broad range of topics, and we laughed as we shared ideas and pressed on toward little truths that would lead us to the one, big, capital-t Truth. We were guided by a mentor who welcomed us into this group and guided us along the way. We learned in a safe and encouraging environment.
Time and Commitment
Between the laundry, dishes, shopping, chauffeuring little individuals to their activities—perish the thought of a free moment or nap!—we often struggle to work things into our busy schedules.
And so, if you’re like me, you may be wondering: is the Cohort program worth the time, effort, and investment? What exactly is the commitment?
The time commitment was entirely reasonable and, in fact, I began to look forward to our sessions.
We developed a small community that reached beyond our bi-monthly sessions, and I can honestly say that the value of my experience—and the blessing of this program—was priceless.
The Classical Learning Cohort is an incredibly well-designed program with a cost that is both competitive to other classical training programs and well-worth the benefits and structure provided.
Bottom Line: Is the Classical Learning Cohort Worth the Investment?
If you were to ask whether you should participate in the Classical Learning Cohort, I would offer you a resounding yes! The Classical Learning Cohort will truly bless you.
The program is cost-effective, and the classical method is articulated with an eloquence and succinctness not found in similar programs.
You’ll learn in a small community of like-minded individuals who will encourage you.
You’ll cultivate those skills needed to educate your children with confidence.
You’ll learn to apply those skills in all areas of your life, enriching both your character and relationships.
In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take. There are a limited number of spots available—will you occupy one of them?
Apply to the Classical Learning Cohort today!
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