Are you new to Classical Conversations and wondering what to expect during the first week of Foundations?
I’m Courtney Bradshaw, and I remember those early homeschooling days—so many choices, so many questions. My family began our CC journey nearly twelve years ago when our oldest was in second grade; now she’s preparing for college after graduating from Challenge IV.
As a veteran Foundations mom and tutor, I’d love to walk alongside you the way others once did for me. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s talk about what your first day in community will look like—and how you can feel confident and prepared.
You’ve Signed Up for Classical Conversations, Now What?
You’ve made the decision to homeschool.
You have registered for a Foundations program.
Hopefully, you’ve attended a Parent Orientation event.
Those difficult decisions are complete! Now what? What do you do to prepare for the first day of Foundations? What should you expect? Let’s take a few questions that you might have about your first week and talk through them.
Listen to Help! I Registered…Now What? (Foundations) on The Everyday Educator podcast
Why Do We Meet Together for Foundations?
“We believe that education is best experienced together, and that’s why community is the bedrock of our homeschool program.” –2025 Catalog page 6
The Foundations program is designed to help parents learn to use the classical model of education. One purpose of community is for parents to observe Foundations Tutors model the classical skills of learning and take ideas home to implement.
Within community, children and parents build relationships with other families. As you walk through this journey with others, you will have the opportunity to be sharpened intellectually and spiritually.
Community offers you opportunities to love and be loved by your neighbor. We hope you will find support and encouragement, and that your children build friendships and learn from trustworthy mentors.
What Can You Expect on the First Day?
Each Foundations community begins its time with an Opening Assembly. During this time, Foundations families meet for announcements, instructions, and family presentations. Each week, families take turns introducing themselves. Don’t worry, you will not be asked to do this on Day One! Your Director will assign your family a week with plenty of time to prepare.
After the assembly, each group of students will head off to class with their Tutor. If you did not get a chance to meet your child’s Tutor at Parent Orientation, that’s ok. You will get to know your Tutor well this year.
Communities usually divide groups by age; however, this changes a little depending on the area. A smaller community might need fewer groups with a broader age span than larger communities.
If you have children in more than one group, check with your Director to determine which of your children’s classes is the best place to start. He/she will know which Tutors need a parent’s assistance. If you have a child who needs the assurance of having mom or dad close, communicate this to your Director.
What is the Partnership: Parent, Student, and Tutor?
Foundations Schedule in Community
Each Tutor will lead their group through all five components of the Foundations morning.
- New Grammar
- Hands-on Science
- Hands-on Art
- Presentations
- Grammar Review
Let’s look more closely at each of these components.
New Grammar
Your Tutor will introduce the memory work from seven different subjects in the Foundations Curriculum. They are:
- Math
- Latin
- Science
- English
- History
- Geography
- Timeline
You do not have to prepare ahead of time for this. Your Tutor is modeling different memory techniques for you to use at home as you practice memorizing with your children.
Hands-on Science and Fine Arts
These activities are usually the highlights of the day for children!
Hands-on Science includes simple demonstrations and experiments that capitalize on your student’s sense of wonder. These activities come from the Foundations Curriculum and 201 Awesome, Magical, Bizarre, & Incredible Experiments.
Fine Arts include foundational elements of drawing and music theory in addition to learning techniques from master artists and composers. The first six weeks focus on basic drawing techniques.
Tutors will walk students through each of these thirty-minute components. Being present to help with classroom management and handing out supplies will always be appreciated.
Presentation
Every Foundations student is given twenty-four opportunities to practice public speaking during the year. Students will give a 2–3-minute presentation on the topic of your choice. As the teacher, you will help your student choose and prepare a topic each week. The first week is a great time for your student to introduce themselves.
Grammar Review
Many Tutors end the Foundations community day with Grammar Review. This is a time where students review up to six weeks of memory work by playing games, engaging in sensory activities while reciting, or reviewing with their favorite songs, chants, and motions.
You might notice this time looks a little different in the first week since everything is new! Tutors might utilize this time to set expectations and cultivate relationships.
Check out fun ways of Mixing Up the Memory Work
How Do You Prepare for Foundations First Day?
First, I hope you will attend the summer equipping events if you have not yet done so.
Parent Prep
Parent Practicum is a wonderful time of fellowship and an important introduction to Classical Conversations. Your Director will also offer a Parent Orientation. This is the time to get to know your community and receive pertinent information. You will not want to miss either of these events!
Book Rep
Meet with your local Book Rep to secure your Foundations Curriculum before the first day. If we were sitting together, I would show you my coffee-stained copy. It has notes from community day, reminders about the cute way my son pronounced a word that week, and pen markings from the toddler. This resource is one of my prized possessions.
The Foundations Curriculum is required for the Foundations program, and it’s your guide to help you follow along during community day. Make sure it’s packed and ready to go!
Presentation Ready
You also want to help your students prepare for their first presentation. How would they like to introduce themselves? Would they like to take a picture of your family or draw a self-portrait? Check out the resources on CC Connected for more presentation ideas.
Helping your children to practice a time or two will encourage them to be brave on the first day. If they are shy, feel comfortable standing with them. They will have plenty of opportunities to practice presenting. They are not expected to be perfect on the first week.
Set Up Snacks
Because the Foundations morning will last about three hours, consider packing a snack for you and your children. Many communities also allow everyone to enjoy a packed lunch together. Be sure to check with your Director to see if there are special rules to note about snacks or lunches.
Learn more about Finding Your Favorites in the Foundations Learning Center
Recap: What to Expect on Week 1 of Foundations
Why Community Matters: Parents learn by observing Tutors model classical methods; children build friendships and practice skills in a supportive environment.
First Day Overview:
- Starts with an Opening Assembly.
- Students go to class with Tutors by age group.
- Parents observe and may assist in class as needed.
Classroom Activities:
- New Grammar: Intro to 7 subjects (Math, Latin, Science, English, History, Geography, Timeline).
- Hands-on Science & Fine Arts: Simple experiments, drawing, music, and master artist studies.
- Presentations: 2–3-minute talks begin with simple introductions.
- Grammar Review: Fun games and songs to reinforce memory work.
How to Prepare:
- Attend Parent Practicum and Orientation.
- Get your Foundations Curriculum.
- Help your child prepare a short self-introduction presentation.
- Pack snacks and check food rules with your Director.
Ready for a Great Foundations First Day
I hope these few minutes have answered some of your questions about Week 1 of Classical Conversations and brought you peace about what to expect on the first day. One day, you will look back and realize how the years have flown by. I hope you will have found camaraderie within your community and will be walking a new mama through these same questions.
Want even more tips for Foundations? Check out these resources:
- 6 Best Tips for Foundations with Your Youngest Learners
- The Joy of the Foundations Program
- What are the Five Core Habits of Grammar?
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