I need some information on Classical Conversations. Especially from those that do it at home.

[TaraK.]

I ran across CC on here and looked into it. I love the sound of it but the cost and distance to the nearest group makes it difficult for us to commit to. I read that some of you are doing it on line or at home or something. How does that work? I really love the Memory Masters addition (I saw a few youtube videos of kids reciting and was hooked) is that something you can do on your own or is that just in the groups? I could possibly make the group work if that is the only option because their education is more important than cost and inconvienence. Also are their any previews of how CC works? I looked online and didn't see any but would like some kind of sample before I commit to it.

[jenl123]

Hi, and welcome! :) We've done two years of CC in a group and one year at home. You are probably already sold on Classical Education since you're here...

CC is such a great tool either with a group or at home. In a group setting you have the benefits of being challenged by peers and tutors, getting tips on teaching memory work on a weekly basis, having an audience for weekly presentations, and having accountability and encouragement from other like minded families. At home you can do everything they do in "class," and you could have the benefits of slowing or speeding up your pace as needed and saving a ton of money.

Memory Master is a "title" a student may earn at the end of the year if he has memorized every piece of information during the year.

Perhaps you could visit your nearest group just to preview the program and ask questions. If you contact the director she will tell you when she's having an open house. There used to be videos of some groups on the CC website - I'm not sure if they're still there. www.classicalconversations.com

If you're also considering the Essentials program for fourth grade and up, I might have more to add... :)

[TaraK.]

Yeah I am sold on Classical. It just is so much more logically laid out. I called the one where I live (well an hour away but its the closest. I am embarrassed about going when I doubt I will go to the group but I guess that a lot of people visit without ever signing up. I thought that was an additional program they did with the memory (I know they do science and art stuff too) not a title. Lol I have some research still to do. Since I don't want to ask the group director this, what all do you need to buy to do it at home? I checked out their site and it had a lot of books and cards too buy. I doubt you need to buy it all at once but I want to have everything I need. The basic foundations kit has things form ancients to modern history plus cycle one cards and a foundations book. I am a bit confused. I won't need the essentials program for like 5 years so I will ask then. I am looking at foundations for now (K-4 specifically).

[jenl123]

First, don't be afraid at all to be honest with the director about trying it at home first. She will totally understand the driving and the cost. She may suggest you start one nearer you. A lot of people do it at home, so don't feel at all like you're wasting her time. She will be a good resource for future questions!

To start out, you need the Classical Conversations Foundations book which is $50. If you search you can find last year's publication for cheaper on ebay, paperbackswap, craigslist, homeschoolclassifieds, etc. You also need the Veritas Press History cards, all five sets, which are $20 each set. These you can also search for used. I also highly recommend the audio cds - next year will be cycle 3, the ancients, - for practicing the memory work. This provides the fun songs to learn things to, and you can always pop them in the car. Once you visit you'll have a lot better idea of what the day looks like. Every week you work on memory work in class and at home, and once a week you get a music(or art) and science lesson.

[TaraK.]

Thanks! I guess she probably has more people talk to her that want to do it at home than I realized at first. thanks for the info on what I need and where to get it for a bargin :)