I remember my first Practicum 20 years ago.
We had been homeschooling for several years, and I had been reading about home education for even longer. I was convinced that classical education was the way to go, and my husband and I were deeply invested in raising our girls to know the Lord personally. When I heard about Classical Conversations—and how it was adding the element of community to that mix—I was intrigued. I attended my first Practicum, led by Leigh Bortins, to see what it was all about.
I came home a changed woman.
What is Practicum?
This rich curriculum really pleased me. The content was thorough, I appreciated the classical pedagogy, and there was a beautiful plan for learning as a family as my girls got older. I could see the integrity of the whole picture, and I was satisfied that CC could help me continue to homeschool through high school.
But what really changed me was what I found in that unairconditioned Sunday School room: inspiration, encouragement, and equipping. These, to me, are still the purposes of Practicum; they are what we all need every year, no matter how long we are homeschooling. When you attend Practicum, you are not just “spending the day”; you are investing in your family.
For me, Practicum conjures up vivid memories: lots of people, lots of smiles, lots of conversation, lots of energy!
I love being with other families who want to keep learning about the Lord, about how to know Him and make Him known.
I love that these families, like me, are ready to see education as more than information to cram in or credits to earn.
I love that we are eager to be shown how to live as though we really believe that our highest calling is to introduce our children to Jesus and to see His beauty and truth in the world He is sharing with us.
Practicum is inspiring.
How Practicum Inspires
Practicum draws our minds to the scripture, inspiring us to check out what God says and wrestle with what He means by His words.
Our time together inspires me to have deeper conversations at home around the Word, asking my kids how they see God’s words as guidance and wisdom for living.
I’m also inspired by the community of Practicum, which is made up of some people I know and some I don’t know yet. I glean from the experiences of others, shared in table conversations, hallway meetings, lunch banter, and playground chatter.
When I hear what the Lord has done for a struggling or victorious family, I remember He will be with me, also. When I see the fruit of a long season of faithfulness in another family, I recognize the blessings that are being nurtured into my own.
And, I realize God has drawn me to Practicum to share my own stories with others, that I might be (in some way) inspiration for another tired mama!
Finding Encouragement at Practicum
This year, I am eager to be inspired to see math in a new way!
I’ve always longed to love math as I thought I should . . . I am ready to have my math thinking transformed. I want to cultivate wonder and curiosity about numbers and shapes and operations, and I want to learn how to slow down and appreciate the world of mathematics for itself, not as a means to an end alone.
I am looking for encouragement that I can change the way I think about math and redeem the math education that is happening at my house.
When I attend Practicum, I discover that other families have the same concerns, joys, struggles, questions, and victories that we do! As we spend time in fellowship, I am freed from the fear that I’m the only mom who struggles with _____, or that my kids are the only ones who do _______. (You can fill in those blanks!)
I hear how others have persevered and what helped them in each trying situation.
I rejoice with those who are celebrating triumphs, and get so many good ideas from these wise ones! I find amazing encouragement and am able to offer encouragement to others as well.
I’m also encouraged when I see “CC in real life”—on parent panels, Challenge panels, and graduate panels. The opportunity to behold the fruit of classical, Christian community is so valuable, and deeply encouraging to parents.
It is reassuring to see fruit, not just hear about it!
Equipping for Better Learning
This year, I look forward to being encouraged about math as we explore the new Math Map curriculum together.
I think I need the encouragement of community to overcome my natural tendencies! Often, when I am introduced to new things, I am suspicious: “How can change be good, if it asks me to re-think what I know? I am uncomfortable with that!”
I know that I will be encouraged to think about new ways of presenting math concepts, and I’ll be shown how to have different conversations about math ideas. I need the encouragement of other lead learners to embrace a new way of seeing the beauty, Truth, and goodness inherent in mathematics.
I’m so thankful for the equipping that is ahead!
Learning Together Is Better Learning
One of the best aspects of Practicum is that we keep learning together.
No one assumes that I know it all, or have mastered the skills of learning, or a specific subject. Every year I am led to learn some more, or in a new way, or to go deeper in my understanding. I get to practice thinking about subjects, and I am equipped to present ideas and enjoy conversations in new ways with my kids at home.
The practical aspect of Practicum was initially intimidating; what if I said something wrong? Or just sounded confused? But I discovered that we are all still learning, and I learned more from exploring subjects together than I ever would have on my own.
Now the table talks are some of my favorite times. Because I have practiced with my friends, I have an easier time demonstrating new ways of exploring and learning at home with my children.
This year I am really enthused about changing the way I teach math at home. I know The Math Map is different, and that I’ll need some time to appreciate and mine the riches of this new approach. I’m eager to see what it feels like to learn math classically, and I’m glad to have the chance to practice with friends.
Equipping me to see God in math and worship Him while we observe will be wonderfully freeing and empowering, I suspect.
Invest in Your Family through Practicum
I invite you to invest in Practicum this year! Come, but don’t just “spend the day”—invest!
What’s the difference between spending and investing? The expected outcome! When you spend, you immediately get what you pay for; when you invest you continue to reap a reward. Put your resources into the endeavor (your time, your heart, your will, your mind, your intentions) and expect dividends.
You’ll reap inspiration, encouragement, and equipping—you won’t be disappointed!
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