Echo in Celebration: A Call to Home-Centered Education

by Leigh A. Bortins

Children are natural learners, and building a core foundation at an early age is critical to their success both educationally and in life. In this book, education expert and author Leigh A. Bortins incorporates the best ideas from the ancients and gives parents the tools to revive classical learning.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Parenting, School

124 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2007

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

[Robert Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful guide to aspiring home-schooling parents on how to get started and why

[M.G. Bianco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me begin by being frank. This book was written by Leigh Bortins, my employer. This means I'm probably somewhat biased, not because I have to say nice things for my boss, but because I work for her because I believe in what she is doing. So, I'm already in agreement with her, that means I probably in agreement with her book.

That being said, I am in agreement with her book--hence the four stars. I probably could've given it five stars, but the editing is pretty bad. This was the first book Classical Conversations MultiMedia ever published, way back in 2007. Their editing staff was non-existent at the time; it shows in the book. The lack of editing, however, does not make the book unreadable. In fact, you should read it.

At first, I was kind of distracted by all of the stories in the book. I thought to myself that the stories *might* be pleasant for moms to read, but I wasn't really interested. I just wanted to hear why she thinks we should give our children a home-centered education. In the end, though, I was glad for the stories.

What I realized was that Leigh did something far better than offering me the logos for home-centered education (I mean than just offering me the logic-based arguments for it). She offered us the pathos for home-centered education (I mean the emotive reasons for it.) Leigh didn't give arguments for me to contemplate in regards to education; she gave me stories so that I could enjoy home-centered education through her own life and the lives of her friends. The pathos she provided was far more convincing for the homeschooling vs. public/private/Christian schooling argument than any logical arguments she could have provided.

She made homeschooling desirable; she made it approachable; she made it real. I don't know if this book would be convincing for someone who is opposed to homeschooling, but it certainly would be for someone who was open to it. Good book.

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admit that the Classical Conversation curriculum has some appeal to me; however, this introductory work by the creator of that program didn't seem to present a very strong case for what she calls "Home Centered Education."

There were a bunch of others' stories and personal anecdotes. And while she made some good points regarding homeschooling (or "Home Centered Education") from a pragmatic perspective, I didn't find any particularly persuasive arguments from Biblical grounds.

It was OK...

P.S. There were a lot of typos.

[Jessica Stock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet challenge to home education; inspiring reminder of why we choose to homeschool our kids. May need to keep this one on the nightstand for those days when I forget :-)

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is some info that is repeated in "The Core," another of Bortins books on classical education. I found the stories in this book to be encouraging and inspirational. I love hearing testimonies from those who are at the end of the season of homeschooling and are reflecting on what they have learned along the way.
It spurs me on to continue to be faithful in the work God has called me to do in this season. I find it very helpful to continually refresh myself on teaching classically, because I was not taught that way growing up. I have to make a conscious effort to "unlearn" what I have learned, and renew my mind. I have always loved learning, so I have enjoyed an opportunity to embrace learning alongside my children. It is a delight to see their faces light up as we learn together.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book doubles as both brief personal memoir and short educational manifesto by Leigh Bortins. Bortins describes why she got a group of homeschooled kids together once a week to discuss the "classical conversations" and how that quickly morphed larger. This book was written around 2007 and so the full effect of CC hadn't been felt yet--by 2018, CC would be the largest homeschool curriculum provider. Leigh Bortins makes the case for cultivating a love of learning and teaching the ability and desire to learn, rather than trying to homeschool by replicating siloed subject structures of modern American public education.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this as a free PDF for joining the Classical Conversations mailing list. I read it while at the first UK CC conference, and had the privilege of meeting Leigh in person. I had listened to The Core on Audible which had given me an idea of Leigh's approach, plus we're already home educating so I didn't need to be convinced of the benefits. This would be a good book if you're new to home education or would like some encouragement to stick with it, but I would probably recommend The Core if you are interested in CC, as more meaty.

[Edgar Iraheta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to those desiring to understand the passion for providing a Classical Education to Children. It will open your eyes to the most basic and powerful natural way to instruct your Children in learning. While the educational system focuses on giving children an overview of different subject matters. Classical Education focuses on fundamentally establishing the tools needed to learn anything in life. This begins at a young age. My wife and I have already seen the results in our Kindergarden child by making some simple changes.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It has left me excited and full of hope. It’s so good to be reminded of keeping high standards for your children for the sake of their God given callings. I feel encouraged and challenged in my parenting. This is one of those books that you’d want to keep to read again.

[Sarah Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heartily agree with and was challenged by many of the ideas presented in this book, but the typos were a distraction.

[Mandy Beyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to discuss along with other parents

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to home-centered education, inspiring and enthusiastic. I highly recommend it for all Christian parents as they consider their roles in their children’s education.

[Anna Chesnokov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by the founder of Classical Conversations.

[Catherine Gillespie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leigh Bortins writes about her own view of learning as a life-long journey, and uses her story and stories of other families she has worked with to provide context to her larger points. I found her background interesting: she was an aerospace engineer, stopped working full time after her second child was born, began homeschooling her kids, found out about classical education, and developed a way for families to connect and classically educate together while still remaining home-centered.

In addition to the author’s own experiences, Echo in Celebration considers topics such as the history of literacy and education, ways to recover successful educational methods used in the past and in different cultures today, how to develop a life-long love of learning and ability to learn in your children, and how to think about a home-centered education.

I particularly appreciated the author’s use of the term “home-centered” education because so often people get the idea that homeschooling is this solitary, narrow thing. In reality, a home-centered education is the most broad opportunity available and can encompass all sorts of amazing components depending on your family’s interests and gifts. I like Leigh Bortins’s vision for parents being involved in education and partnering with their children in learning, and I think parents would get a lot out of this book even if you are putting your children in public or private schools.

This books is high on vision and low on implementation, but if you’re in need of encouragement about your educational choices, or if you really NEED a vision for your child’s education, this book might be very helpful to you.

{Read more of my reviews at A Spirited Mind.}

[Helen Purdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

After half my first year of homeschooling my first grade child, this was a good read to refocus my thoughts and feelings. This book is a clear presentation that reflects my desire to teach my daughters how to learn and how to love learning using our faith as the foundational reason to do so. I appreciate that Mrs. Bortins stays firm to the foundation of God as the creator of all and the only necessary in life is to know Him and share Him in everything, family life, individual life, and in our education and use of that education. It is a quick, simple read and well represents the classical home-centered educational experience from a personal viewpoint.

[Rachel N · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introductory read for all homeschoolers, especially those using Classical Conversations. Echo in Celebration provides a great foundational view of the history, goals, and value of Classical education. For even more practical examples of how to implement the classical model, I recommend The Core, also by Leigh Bortins, founder of Classical Conversations.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. Short and sweet, easy to read while still well written. It is challenging, thought provoking, and heart wrenching. I am becoming more and more convinced, and terrified with my decision to educate my kids classically. For me, it will mean learning to learn all over again, which is daunting...but also thrilling! Let the journey begin!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leigh Bortins opens up on a more personal level in this book about what home-centered education has done for her and what it looks like. This is a good book to give to friends and family. If you have read The Core you have heard many of the stories also told in the book.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for anyone who may want their child to have a Classical Education.

[Kristiann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really learned a lot from this one! I'm actually applying it too.... For my kids AND myself!

[Karla Osorno · Rating 3 out of 5]

Makes you think! Great points and well written.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes a lot of sense. The more I read the more I knew we made the right decision.

[Micah Hester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thinking about a Classical Christian Home Education for your children?