Curriculum—it’s something most parents rarely think about, unless you’re involved in homeschooling or collaborative learning. Even then, you might follow a classical approach without much thought. But curriculum is the software that powers classroom learning, and for those of us who didn’t experience classical education, it can seem quite different from what we remember.
Where did the traditional history and English classes go? What’s all this talk about an integrated curriculum? And most importantly, will this truly prepare our children for the challenges of the modern world?

Join us as we explore these questions and more on today’s episode of BaseCamp Live!

In today’s episode, we’re exploring a transformative concept championed by Keith McCurdy: the shift from raising children as consumers to nurturing them as contributors. In a world that often prioritizes “me first,” this mindset asks a different question: “How can I help?”But how does this philosophy play out in real life? The Classical School of Wichita put it to the test, and the results are inspiring. Their school culture has been transformed as students have taken ownership—not just of their learning, but of their entire community. From leading projects to supporting each other, these students have become active contributors.Join us as we delve into their journey with Classical School of Wichita teachers Grant Bickell and Evan Adams who share practical ways you can encourage your own children to become contributors, both at home and in school. This is an episode you won’t want to miss—right here on BCL!

Education is about more than college admissions and job prospects—it’s about the formation of the human soul and cultivating in our children a love for the true, the good, and the beautiful. Yet, we still need reliable ways to measure learning. If grades and test performance aren’t the focus, how do we realistically assess academic progress? As even colleges move away from traditional standardized tests, finding appropriate and reliable methods for evaluation is more important than ever. In this episode, we explore some of the best tools for measuring progress both in the classroom and at home with Soren Schwab, the VP of Partnerships at the Classic Learning Test. You don’t want to miss this episode!

There is no shortage of opinions and ‘right ways’ when it comes to parenting, with many claiming a Biblical perspective. Navigating these varying views—from authoritarian to permissive—can be challenging. The good news is that Keith McCurdy is back to discuss several trending parenting styles, including the latest approach known as ‘gentle parenting.’ While this method is often presented as a grace-filled and easy way to parent, it can have unintended consequences. In this episode, we’ll explore proven best practices as we partner with homes and schools to raise the next generation.

Southern writer Flannery O’Connor once said, “A good man is hard to find,” and that statement seems more true today than ever. With increasing temptations and fewer strong role models, raising the next generation of good men has become one of our most important—and challenging—tasks.
However, there is hope. Classical Christian schools provide a unique environment where boys can grow into the men we desperately need, despite stereotypes that suggest classical education might be too gentle. In these schools, boys are shaped into men of character, strength, and virtue.
Join us as we address the modern crisis facing young men and explore how parents and educators can guide them on their journey to becoming truly good men. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, it’s fair to question the value of students reading long-form books, which are at the heart of a liberal arts classical education. With so much content readily accessible, why do we still turn to these age-old texts, especially when the basic stories and facts are just a click away? Are these classic works still the best way to ground the next generation in God’s timeless truths while equipping them to navigate the complexities of the modern age?

Join us for a fascinating and enlightening discussion on the enduring relevance of these books in shaping wise and well-rounded individuals. The hosts of the Classical Stuff You Should Know podcast, A.J. Hanenburg and Graeme Donaldson, stop by to share their wisdom about bringing these timeless books to life for their students.
Listen to Classical Stuff You Should Know at: https://www.classicalstuff.net/

As parents and educators, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of our own families, schools, and communities, often missing the incredible stories of what God is doing around the world. Today, we want to take you on a journey to one of the most exciting areas of school and spiritual growth happening on the continent of Africa.

We are thrilled to welcome back Karen Eliot, who will share the latest developments in Classical Christian Education, including the work and resources being created and deployed for schools and families in Africa—and for us as well. Get ready to be encouraged with good news as you join us for this episode, whether you’re listening from the US or anywhere else in the world. You won’t want to miss this episode of BaseCamp Live!

Have you ever noticed how asking the right question can spark incredible growth, deeper understanding, and engaging conversations? That’s the dream of every teacher and parent, but it’s not always easy! Jesus certainly knew the power of a well-placed question, often using them to challenge his listeners, provoke thought, and reveal deeper truths.
Imagine using the same strategy to awaken meaningful conversations with your children, even in the back of the minivan on the ride home from school. So, what makes for a good and effective question, whether in the classroom or at a family meal?

Imagine it’s 1927, and you’re flipping through a National Geographic magazine. On the back cover, a full-page ad invites you to join the Book of the Month Club, promising to send you a different great book each month. The tagline reads, “Relive the books that charmed you in your youth.”
Fast forward 100 years, and what charmed most of us in our youth likely wasn’t one of those great books that shaped Western thought and culture. Today, many Americans don’t read regularly, and even fewer delve into the timeless classics that answer so many of life’s basic questions.
But it’s never too late to start. Reading isn’t just critical for our students; it’s equally important for us as adults. So why not rediscover the joy of reading? Join us for this episode of BCL, where we explore the timeless value of great literature and how it can still enrich our lives today with special guest Cherie Harder, who has helped facilitate this for so many people.

Many of us remember history as a school subject filled with long lists of dates and random facts to memorize. However, classical education offers a different approach, treating history as a living conversation with the great minds whose ideas have spanned the centuries. It’s about bringing to life the stories of real people, heroes, and heroines, whose tales inspire us in our historic moments.

Our guest today, classical educator Sam Cox, shares his journey of bringing history alive in the classroom. He has retraced the steps of a group of Holocaust survivors, personally spending time with and interviewing them, and even inviting some to meet with his students. Their stories, though often heart-wrenching, demonstrate the triumph of the human spirit and the joys of lives well-lived in their new home in the United States.