From the Alpha Year Teacher Manual (2011): Classically Catholic Memory is a four-year Catholic memory work program, classical in nature, that guides parents and children in mastering challenging and inspiring material in eight subjects: Religion, Latin, History, Science, Math, Timeline, Geography, and Great Words (poetry, historical documents, and speeches). CCM can be used in conjunction with any homeschool curriculum parents are already using, and it does not replace any subject already being taught by a homeschooling parent. It is a supplementary memory work program that provides basic, factual material to memorize in various subjects. Families are encouraged to spend some quality time reviewing the program information located at www.ccmemory.com.
The Our Lady of Loretto Homeschool Co-op, which includes the CCM group, is directed by Fr. John Gallas, Pastor, and Ryan Heim, Formational Ministries Director. We follow the same basic program as described in the CCM website and manual, meaning we offer the same eight subjects with a similar timeline, with one exception: we offer the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)* program for the 3-5 year olds. Parents are the teachers of the subjects and students are broken down into similar age groups.
* CGS is a solidly Catholic hands-on faith formation program.
Parents are the primary educators for the children at the CCM program and are expected to participate at each session. There is a lead teacher and an assistant teacher for each class at each level. Parents also staff the nursery, help in the gym and outdoor play areas as needed, assist in the classrooms as needed, and are responsible for their own family’s well being. Parents are authority figures for all the children and are expected to be shown the respect they deserve by the children.
Yes! In fact, we enthusiastically welcome 7th graders through high schoolers to assist in the classes as mentors and also be involved in a book club – and can always assist in the nursery. The program is new, so they will be learning right beside the younger students, but with more of a leadership role.
Our faithful shepherd, Fr. Gallas, keeps us on the straight and narrow path throughout the year. He is present often for the morning group prayer, he provides Latin instruction when available and often stops in throughout the morning in the various classes to observe and to share any insights. We show him respect by standing whenever he enters a room and greeting him cheerfully. He loves to join in any snacks or special events we have.
A few area homeschool Moms are working to coordinate social, service, and outreach events, including a Mom’s Coffee. The events will be scheduled throughout the year and are open to all area homeschool families.
There is a $25 registration fee to join the program. The only other requirement is that families must purchase the materials needed for the program. At a minimum, this includes 1 Teacher Manual, 1 set of CD’s for the appropriate year (this year is GAMMA), 1 set of geography maps/stickers per family, and 1 set of timeline cards (Note: there is only one set of timeline cards that need to be purchased once, for all four years). You may purchase additional materials to fit your family’s needs. There is a Student Manual which includes all of the student memory work for each subject, in a larger, more readable font. Visit www.ccmemory.com for your CCM Materials.