It's one of the most essential, basic skills imparted in education - that is, the skill of reading. And when that skill is unlocked in a child, their world opens up, and their education expands with greater joy and success.

Kindergarten is where that happens for most kids, and while it is such a basic and crucial part of education, different methods for teaching kids to read have been championed over the years, often with mixed results.

The one method that has been tried and true for centuries – and, as you will learn in this podcast is scientifically proven to be effective for learning our language – is phonics.

In this episode, you'll hear from one of our kindergarten teachers, Mrs. Laurie Conrad, who has not only taught kindergarten for decades, but also earned her master's in education degree in reading and holds a PA Reading Specialist certificate.

If you have young children in preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary school, Mrs. Conrad's stories from the classroom and experience of how phonics works so well in growing kids' ability and confidence in reading will be enlightening and inspiring!

This season of Cultivate has been sponsored by Hershey Financial Advisers, a wealth management firm located on North Pointe Blvd. in Lancaster, PA, leading people to make better financial decision and empowering them to fulfill a vision beyond themselves.

In our last episode on Logic, you may remember our guests defining Logic as "the art and science of reasoning well." In this episode, we're continuing that trend and talking about, well, art and science!

At Veritas, one of our science teachers has a unique background and set of skills that, at first glance, may seem like it doesn't all match up. Amanda Crooks teaches biology, anatomy and physiology, and earth science...and also served as an art teacher for many years.

Science and art - two disciplines that aren't too often discussed together - merge beautifully in Amanda's classrooms. In this episode, Mr. Fischer talks with her about how her perspective on both of these fields helps her students see God's glory and enjoy learning in a whole new way.

Hear about:

• The shared elements of beauty, observation, and creativity in both fields art and science.
• Unique classroom activities that naturally bridge artistic flair and scientific discovery together.
• The joys of integrating faith with art and science education, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking among students while grounding them in Biblical truth.
• The importance of preparing students for the world beyond school by instilling virtue and fostering a holistic appreciation of God's creation through.

This season of Cultivate is sponsored by Hershey Financial Advisers, a wealth management firm located on North Pointe Blvd in Lancaster, leading people to make better financial decisions, and empowering them to fulfill a vision beyond themselves.

Middle schoolers can be argumentative. And it can drive parents crazy. But they are blossoming into young adults who will need to communicate and sometimes argue ideas in the real world soon enough. How do we equip them with the tools to not only think through their own beliefs, but to critically process new ideas, and sift through arguments to find and promote TRUTH above all?

Enter the LOGIC phase of classical Christian education - the middle segment of our three-pronged Trivium. Right in the center of their education, students train their minds to know how to spot and construct sound, valid arguments and reason well, so that they can apply the facts they've learned and live as someone who listens and speaks well.

In this episode, we'll hear from our two Logic teachers at Veritas Academy - Stephen Darrenkamp (who also teaches Latin) and Adam Timmins (who also teaches Omnibus and Apologetics).

You'll listen in on a discussion covering:

• The role of logic in a student's education
• The integration with faith and reason
• How logic prepares students for rhetoric and effective communication
• Practical advice for parents of argumentative middle schoolers
• The broader implications of logic on students’ understanding of faith, culture, and morality.

This season of Cultivate is sponsored by Hershey Financial Advisers, a wealth management firm located on North Pointe Blvd in Lancaster, PA,  leading people to make better financial decisions and empowering them to fulfill a vision beyond themselves.