Is beauty objective or subjective? It's not an easy question, but Classical Et Cetera aims for an answer this week! Our discussion delves into the nature of beauty, its role in shaping the human soul, and why it is not merely subjective. From examples in art and literature to the philosophical foundations of beauty, we examine how an objective understanding fosters a deeper connection to truth and goodness. Join us as we uncover the enduring significance of beauty in education and why it’s essen...
Nov 27, 2024•57 min•Ep. 297
This week on Classical Et Cetera, we dive into the philosophy behind the Socratic Method and its relevance in teaching critical thinking through questions and dialogue. From the art of questioning and debate to using a real-world example, our conversation explores how this ancient approach fosters meaningful learning. We discuss its origins, its influence on education, and how it continues to shape the way we engage with ideas today. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the power of Soc...
Nov 20, 2024•47 min•Ep. 296
This week's Classical Et Cetera features a discussion on politics and civic engagement. From the common good approach in ethics to the philosophy of leadership in ancient Greek political thought, we have a pretty wide-ranging conversation! Our main topic is civic engagement but quickly expands to Aristotle, Roman citizenship, the difference between traditional and modern political theory, and more! Join us for an overall summary on how ancient political thought still informs today's discussions ...
Nov 13, 2024•42 min•Ep. 295
This week on Classical Et Cetera, we dive into the intricacies of teaching classical languages, focusing on Latin. In a world where memorization of ancient tongues often seems daunting, we explore effective strategies that make learning accessible and rewarding. Teaching classical languages bring profound benefits and understanding to literature, history, and culture. We believe a thoughtful, dedicated approach to languages in classical education can provide motivation for any student to embrace...
Nov 06, 2024•37 min•Ep. 294
Election Day is coming up, so we’re cooling things down with a fun pop quiz! In this week’s Classical Et Cetera, host Jessica Gardner challenges three Memoria Press educators with questions from _200 Questions About American History_ —the same flashcards used by our 7th graders! Can our team handle these foundational facts, dates, and quotes from American history? Can you? Tune in to test your knowledge and maybe even pick up something new! Dustin Warren is a leading history teacher and writer a...
Oct 30, 2024•44 min•Ep. 293
As a publisher in the world of classical education, Memoria Press is often asked: Why do you write new books and guides rather than directly utilizing ancient sources? This is an important question we aim to answer with this week's Classical Et Cetera. Among the many misconceptions about classical education, it’s essential to discuss the limitations of using ancient texts in a typical classroom. Drawing on years of experience in curriculum development, we will explore important pedagogical choic...
Oct 23, 2024•35 min•Ep. 292
This week on Classical Et Cetera, we dive into Chaim Potok’s The Chosen —a thought-provoking story about friendship, faith, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Join us as we explore the complex relationship between Danny and his father, and how Danny’s struggles with his religious inheritance shape his path. We’ll discuss the impact of silence, the weight of being “the chosen,” and whether Danny’s decisions align with his community’s expectations. Read the book and add your thoughts t...
Oct 16, 2024•43 min•Ep. 291
This week on Classical Et Cetera, we tackle a question many parents face: Are you really qualified to homeschool your children? The answer lies in the unique bond you share with your child. While homeschooling can be challenging, no one knows or loves your student like you do. On this episode we share our own homeschooling experiences and explain why we believe a parent's deep understanding of their own child can certainly match (if not exceed) the qualifications of a certified teacher. Join us ...
Oct 09, 2024•47 min•Ep. 290
This week's Classical Et Cetera dives into the world of math, exploring the full journey from arithmetic to calculus through the lens classical education. Whether you're teaching or learning, it’s never too late to master math with the right approach! Math is not just about solving equations—it’s about understanding the world around us. A classical approach to math fosters logical thinking and problem-solving skills that go beyond the classroom, providing a foundation for success in everyday lif...
Oct 07, 2024•51 min•Ep. 289
In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we explore the essential reading habits that can transform your intellectual life! Join us as we discuss practical strategies for cultivating a love of reading and the importance of choosing diverse and challenging texts. Our core cast share their personal experiences and insights into how reading can shape critical thinking, enhance creativity, and deepen understanding of the world. Whether you're a lifelong reader or just beginning your journey, this con...
Sep 25, 2024•42 min•Ep. 288
Need some tips or encouragement for starting your homeschool year strong? Classical Et Cetera is here with some advice! For a Mom or Dad teaching their student at home, whether beginners or not, first days can be tough. There might be a lot of books and guidelines and lesson plans to sift through, or multiple children that you have to teach at the same time. Sometimes you wonder, "How will I ever get all this done?" And that's okay! We've written a lot of curriculum for school, and done a lot of...
Sep 18, 2024•46 min•Ep. 287
Memoria Press offers curriculum, support, and structure in education. But how does our method compare to the countless other ways of educating your child? This week's Classical Et Cetera aims to compare Memoria Press curriculum to the many modern systems of education. How are we different than other homeschool curriculum providers? What sets us apart from the American brick-and-mortar school system? We discuss the many complexities of homeschooling and the personalized attention it offers, what'...
Sep 11, 2024•39 min•Ep. 286
This week's Classical Et Cetera is all about the "how" of Latin 101! Whether you are learning or teaching the language as a beginner, it is never too late to master the basics on your own. Paul, Tanya, and Martin have years of experience teaching Latin in a classical education. It's not always easy, but their stories prove that anyone can do it! From flashcards and pronunciation videos, to detailed teaching guidelines and lesson plans, Memoria Press offers everything you need to both teach and l...
Sep 04, 2024•41 min•Ep. 285
This week's Classical Et Cetera addresses an important question about traditional education: What is the difference between teaching children *how* to think and *what* to think? Martin Cothran defends his stance that teachers in classical education prioritize teaching students how to think and what to do, contrasting it with modern and public education's focus on what to think (indoctrination) and how to do (vocational training). Our lively discussion highlights the differences in educational ph...
Aug 14, 2024•40 min•Ep. 284
These week's *Classical Et Cetera* discusses Imitation and Emulation — What are the differences between these educational methods of teaching? How do these methods lead to the creation of free thinkers? And why does Modern Education see this differently than Classical Education? The distinction between imitation and emulation is a nuanced one. In early education, students are primarily engaged in imitation activities by copying sentences, memorizing facts, and understanding concepts by replicati...
Aug 07, 2024•45 min•Ep. 283
Today's *Classical Et Cetera* is all about rhetoric! What is rhetoric? What is eloquence? And what was it about *Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address* that made it so brilliant? Both rhetoric and eloquence involve the art of persuasion, which goes back over 2000 years to ancient Greece and the philosopher Aristotle. It's important for students to develop not only these talents, but also the practical ability to speak to an audience and connect with your listeners. Listen to our podcast to learn ...
Jul 31, 2024•46 min•Ep. 282
On this episode of *Classical Et Cetera,* the gang sits down to discuss the benefits of reading books that you disagree with—and how engaging with diverse perspectives in literature is essential for intellectual and personal growth. The importance of an education where you read difficult books cannot be understated. Why? Understanding opposing viewpoints prepares individuals to defend their beliefs confidently as they encounter differing positions in the world. The role of literature, including ...
Jul 24, 2024•41 min•Ep. 281
Today, Andrew Pudewa, from the Institute for Excellence in Writing joins the table to talk about the current state of the world of Classical Christian Education! With advancements in technology, changes in public school curriculum, and classroom evolution happening around us, it's always helpful to return to our grounding points, to the tenants of education that characterize well organized homeschool and private school education. Today we'll talk about excellence in writing, restoring tradition ...
Jul 17, 2024•40 min•Ep. 280
We see you parents and teachers. The struggle for your children's time in a world that capitalizes on their attention is an ever-present reality. So, what do we do about it? On this episode of Classical Et Cetera we dive into how to find the causes and solutions for this global problem and how to improve student's engagement with teaching, reading, and instruction. Some homeschool families love to use our curriculum year-round! Check out our classical Christian curriculum packages! https://www.m...
Jul 03, 2024•47 min•Ep. 278
In today's episode of Classical Et Cetera, the table sits down to talk about memorization in its place in the framework of a classical Christian education. Does memorization actually help? Or are we just wasting our time "forcing kids to memorize everything"? Is it true that drills kill the enchantment and wonder of learning? We don't think so. We believe that training the skills of memorization, repetition, and practice do far more to help develop student understanding, provide a gateway to mas...
Jun 26, 2024•39 min•Ep. 279
In this insightful episode, Jessica, Paul, Tanya, and special guest Jeremy Breland explore how to intentionally shape students' character within and beyond the classroom walls: • How morning meditations and formation talks set the tone for the day. • The surprising impact of subjects like math and literature on character development. • Real-life stories of students' transformative moments. • Practical tips for implementing character education in schools and homeschools. Transform children's mann...
Jun 19, 2024•34 min•Ep. 277
In the Spring 2024 issue of The Classical Teacher, Martin wrote about 12 great Christian novels. In this episode, we dive deeper into these 12 novels, why Martin picked them, and why you should read them. You'll hear about themes of redemption, morality, and the providential world. And, you'll discover the diverse ways these themes are explored by various authors. From Tolstoy's epic tales to Tolkien's mythic adventures, the list includes a wide range of styles and settings. Watch now to hear li...
Jun 12, 2024•50 min•Ep. 276
Summer is here which means Memoria Press Conference week is right around the corner! In this episode of the Classical Et Cetera podcast we are breaking down the entire week and giving you the top reasons why mom and dad should attend! The Sodalitas, Teacher Training, and Memoria College Conferences are great opportunities for homeschooling parents, classical school teachers, and students of higher learning to gather together in one place to celebrate our shared dedication to classical Christian ...
Jun 05, 2024•44 min•Ep. 275
School is out for the summer! There's a lot of ways to spend a day this summer and a lot of ideas on how to make the most of your vacation plans, bucket list, and continuing education for the summer months. In this episode Classical Et Cetera sits down to offer some ideas that you can throw into your schedule that your classical homeschool students are sure to enjoy! #memoriapress #summer #homeschool What We're Reading from This Episode: The Man Who Would Be King —Rudyard Kipling (Paul) Middlema...
May 29, 2024•44 min•Ep. 274
What makes a great teacher? What essential qualities, skills, attitudes, and perspectives turn good teachers into amazing educators? Today, on Classical Et Cetera, the table shares their experience as teachers, memories of great teachers who have impacted them, and helpful skills to cultivate for becoming a better teacher. Becoming a teacher, at home or in a classroom, is a challenging endeavor. One that costs energy, time, patience, and strength. But the reward for this undertaking is great. A ...
May 23, 2024•42 min•Ep. 273
In this episode, we're talking about setting clear expectations in the classroom and in homeschool contexts. The table sits down with Tara Luse to talk about tips, advice, and strategies for cultivating a successful learning environment. Homeschoolers know that classroom management is a daily task, and one that with the right prep, can push your students in the right direction. This episode covers curriculum routines, disruptive habits and how to address them, healthy schedule management, and mo...
May 15, 2024•43 min•Ep. 272
On this episode of the Classical et Cetera podcast, the table sits down to talk about what the world might look like if everyone could benefit from a classical Christian education. What if our society celebrated critical thinking, philosophical analysis, and engaging with matters of the head and the heart? What if everyone started their careers, businesses, and homes equipped with the tools necessary for the Great Conversation that shaped our world for thousands of years? Memoria Press has dedic...
May 08, 2024•48 min•Ep. 271
On today's episode of Classical Et Cetera, the table sits down to talk about parent involvement in education. What tools do parents need to confidently engage with their children's education? How can parents feel more equipped to help their children succeed in their educational journey? What is the parent's role in children's education, why is parent-teacher communication important, and how will student's engagement in class improve when the parents engage themselves in what children are learnin...
May 01, 2024•43 min•Ep. 270
Professor Carol is back in this episode of Classical Et Cetera to talk about the importance of studying the fine arts and music and its role in a classical education. In small ways we have lost the integral parts of the fine arts in our modern culture. And in our neglect, the fine arts have drifted to the backs of our collective consciousness to the role of a simple pass/fail elective. How do we take it back? It takes a unified curriculum, a passionate teacher, and a creative approach to reinsta...
Apr 24, 2024•45 min•Ep. 269
In this episode, Jessica, Paul, and Kathy discuss the importance of contextualization in classical education, sharing personal anecdotes and insights gained from working with schools of various backgrounds and cultures. Imlementing a one-size-fits all curriculum can pose a challenge with multicultural or hyper localized schools. Schools that come from homeschool backgrounds, integrated communities, or non-classical models need assistance and help in implementing a classical approach. From rural ...
Apr 17, 2024•29 min•Ep. 268
