he Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar

by Leigh A. Bortins

The nature of children has never changed; children love to learn, and they begin learning about the the world as soon as they are born. Parents can cultivate that eagerness to learn by recognizing and practicing natural habits that fuel knowledge and grow understanding. In the book, the Five Core Habits of Grammar are introduced as part of the Gifteen Skills of Learning that will equip parents as they revive classical learning at home and chase curiosity and wonder as a family.

This book, part inspiration and part practical application, was written by experienced homeschool parents to offer the following: natural ways to practice the skills that make learning for life attainable and exciting, proven practices that help children build a base of knowledge, clear steps for redeeming the educations of two generations, the whys, what’s, and hows of learning reading, writing, language, arithmetic, nature studies, history, geography, fine art, and appendices with ideas in further reading, activities, and schedules.

371 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2026

About the author

Leigh A. Bortins is the founder and CEO of Classical Conversations, Inc., whose enrollment is 20,000. She hosts a weekly radio show, Leigh! for Lunch and lectures widely about the importance of home education at nationwide conferences and seminars. She lives in West End, NC.

Reviews

[Amy N Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a newbie to Classical education, just starting my homeschool and 6 months into my journey as a CC enthusiast…I really needed this book! I feel so confident in understanding the grammar stage and beyond! I will be focusing on teaching the skills of the trivium and I love that I will be seeing them in every aspect of my life and in our homeschool. Bortin’s book is so inspiring and I LOVE how she brings each chapter to point everything to our creator. As a trained educator I think this book should have been included into my education classes. I’ve learned so much from Leigh Bortins in the few months of digesting this book. I really loved her short chapter on AI. Any classical educator should read this one and I certainly recommend to any CC family!

[Becky Carlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh incorporates the activities that happen in the Classical Conversations community with practical learning routines that can be integrated at home. There are suggestions for children ages birth-adult. This belongs in the essential library for classical educators with works such as The Well-Trained Mind.

[Beth MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for those interested in learning more about classical education and how important the family unit is to homeschooling. This is a very thorough book, great reference guide to go back over again and again after reading through once.