Classical Conversations discussion

I would love to hear stories from you all about how your children or Challenge students have been inspired in their learning after you've begun practicing different tips, tools, or ideas (either from Parent Practicums, your reading of The Question, or other trainings you've been a part of). I'm specifically thinking about class being more conversational, or integrated by the use of the Common Topics or Topic Wheels. How have your children or students responded to these things in class?

In an effort to approach math from the perspective of promoting dialectic discussion, I intentionally asked questions of definition, comparison, and relationship as my oldest son struggled through some exercises as noted in The Question. As I asked questions, our son asked even more questions. It was contagious and enthralling!

To solve a math problem but also come up with a much deeper understanding was a thrill for him (and for me!). During those moments we were a team struggling through mathematical ideas together. I want to see these "shining eyes" each and every day!

I'm "just" a mom, and we are still another year away from Challenge A for our oldest. But he is already entering the process of dialectic thinking, and I am thrilled to have a tool that will help me engage him in an exciting way over the coming year as we beef up sixth grade.

In case it's not evident, I.absolutely.love.this.book!!!!

Awesome. What a great testimony, Brandy! I love hearing about the "shining eyes" that I don't always get to see!

Try my blog, www.appendix1.wordpress.com
I try to craft posts that reflect the cross-disciplinary features that you are looking for, Matt. Some of the posts are at the reading level of a middle schooler ("Californians save Japanese Farms during WWII"), and others are more intellectual (Leon Kass on the Ten Commandments).

My last post was in Oct 2013, and we moved in November. I haven't picked up the thread again yet, but if it seems like a good thing, I will be glad to keep the blog going.