Classical Et Cetera

**SPOILER WARNING** Fidelity New books you should read! Today the table is diving into a wonderful book by Wendell Berry; a short book, under 200 pages, that we think everyone should read at least once. We especially love recommending short books that won't break your schedule in half. "Fidelity", written in 1992 is a must read for fans of classical literature and its one of the best stories that you can maybe read in a day. The life and times of Port Williams, Kentucky is a wonderful exploration into the nuances of faithful community. Give it a read!

Memoria Press doesn't offer a speech program, and today the table talks about why. Well, great rhetoric begins with great writing. And that's why our curriculum puts such a strong focus on the skills mastered through grammar and logic. Join Shane at the table today as Classical Et Cetera dives into what makes great writing! If you're struggling with academic writing or essay writing, classical education might be the solution you're looking for. In this video, we explore how studying grammar, logic, and rhetoric in classical education can improve your writing skills and help you write well-crafted essays. From developing a strong thesis statement to structuring your essay effectively and using evidence to support your arguments, we share tips and strategies for writing in classical education. Whether you're a student looking to ace your next essay or an educator seeking to enhance your students' writing skills, this video is a must-watch. So join us and discover how classical education can help you master academic and essay writing. Don't forget to check out our essay writing tips and strategies and subscribe for more helpful content!

In this video, we explore how to manage big questions using the Socratic dialectic method in classroom conversations. As educators, we know that facilitating meaningful discussions about complex topics is essential for student learning and development. However, implementing effective classroom management in these conversations can be challenging, especially when dealing with big questions that have multiple perspectives and no easy answers. Even more so, the skills and techniques teachers need in establishing the rules for class dialogue can pose significant problems. In this video, we will discuss how to use the Socratic dialectic method, a powerful questioning technique, to help students engage with big questions in a constructive and productive way and improve the ways students engage with difficult material. We'll cover the basics of the method and provide practical tips for using it in the classroom and how we can take steps to reform our education system using this method. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, this video will provide you with valuable insights and strategies for managing big questions and conversations in your classroom. So, join us for this informative and engaging discussion, and learn how to facilitate meaningful conversations that promote critical thinking and understanding.

The journey to a healthy Socratic Conversation is a long one and not to be rushed when used in a teaching environment. But when a classroom is equipped for healthy questioning, dialogue, and debate, classroom learning can drastically shift from passive receptivity to engaged and proactive critical thinking. So when is the right time to use the Socratic method in school and homeschool environments? And when can you be sure that students are ready to use what they think and know to engage in healthy dialectic of what is true, good, and beautiful? Today on Classical Et Cetera, we discuss how classical education works to push students towards discussion based learning as an outcome, not as its central construct.

Anton Chekhov penned "The Bet" in 1889, a curious short story about the nature of knowledge, wisdom, and community. Today, Classical Et Cetera will spend some time opening the pages of this clever little story and provide a summary of their thoughts and big takeaways. By Russian and English standards this book is one you should definitely look into. Check out our other articles and podcast episodes on classical education, Memoria Press curriculum, and so much more!

In the Winter 2023 edition of The Classical Teacher, Martin Cothran wrote an article, The Culmination of the Classical Hero. An article that unpacks The Hero's Journey and explained how this story structure grounded more than just Star Wars, video games, and modern storytelling. It connects to something deeper. The Monomyth. A term coined by Joseph Campbell in his book, A Hero With a Thousand Faces, the monomyth is a narrative structure drawn from the traditional myth and legend of cultures from around the world. But when we think of Christianity, we see drawn in the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, a mythic structure fulfilled. A truth so deep and perfect, the rest of the world's myths had to follow. Join Shane Saxon at the table today as we unpack the Monomyth in another episode of Classical Et Cetera.

What is the difference between fun and leisure? It starts with the idea that there is a better way to spend your free time. Classical education promotes using the extra time in our days wisely and productively with activities that move our time from fun into leisure. So how do you that? Shane sits down with the Classical et Cetera table to discuss this very topic, along with ways in which a school and homeschool environment could benefit from a better use of free time at home.

Come visit us at The Great Homeschool Convention this coming April! Pride & Prejudice, an insightful and transformative domestic novel that took the literary world by storm, has become one of the most beloved pieces of classical literature. A beautiful book that fits very nicely into our classical education curriculum, thank you very much. But why is it important? Why did it leave such an impact on the literary world? Why does it ask some of the best questions and provide the most insightful answers on how our social class creates and navigates division. That's what we're talking about today. As good a film as one can make, it pales in comparison to the insight and beauty of the novel itself. Join Shane at the table as we take a summary of the themes, questions, answers, and insights from Pride & Prejudice.

Great books, need great characters. And a wide swath of classic literature features some incredibly strong female characters that we believe both young girls and young boys should read and enjoy. Join Shane at the table today with guest Leta Sundet to talk about the role strong female protagonists play in classic literature, why these books feature so strongly in our traditional homeschool curriculum, and how the right kind of female leads create better stories and better examples for young readers. We are excited you're here with us, let's jump in!

We love great books. Great books will make you smarter, great books will change the way your mind works, great books have changed the western world. Today on the podcast, Shane and the gang break down the core elements of great literature that help unlock the pleasure in reading in the long term. For what are great books, if not gateways to greater reading? Today we find out.

We've received a ton of questions from viewers of the show and now it's time to answer them! We looked through comments on Classical Et Cetera episodes to find thought provoking questions to answer at the table. Join Paul, Shane, Tanya, and Martin for this special year-end Q&A episode. If you have additional questions for the group, put them in the comments down below!

Merry Christmas from Memoria Press and Classical Et Cetera. In this episode, the gang talks "A Christmas Carol", plays Secret Santa, and Tanya almost gets stabbed! It's an episode to ring in the Christmas season and celebrate a joyful year of light and love, featuring a special message from the MP family. Merry Christmas!

Classical Education and the Great Books of the Western World are a gateway to the Great Conversation. But what is the Great Conversation, and how does a classic reading list of history's greatest books inspire us to think big and strive in personal growth and wisdom? Today, Shane and the gang find out. Today we take a look at a manageable approach for beginners to enter into the Great Conversation and a wholistic perspective on the classics. Book your seat now, for Classical Et Cetera!

Today we're talking about our Classical Christian Studies Curriculum. Memoria Press has made it a point to teach biblical literacy, church history, and a strong faith in a Christian consciousness. Why is this valuable in a homeschooling setting? What is the point of a Christian education in a homeschool or formal school environment? Today we find out.

Why do we educate our kids? What is education in America trying to do? It can seem like the functions, aim, and purpose of school defined, redefined, and conceptualized anew every year. Why? What is education supposed to be doing for us? Today Shane and the gang sit down to explore the definition, meaning, and goals of the educational philosophy of Memoria Press. We explore the nature of education, the objectives of the classroom, the motivation of teacher and parent alike, and why our public system isn't serving our kids the way they should be. At MP we believe that our Classical Christian Curriculum is accessible, available, and the best option for parents and teachers alike.

Time to get started in Classical Education! We know that for first time teachers and parents Classical Education and Classical thinking can seem a little bit daunting. But trust us, no one here at Memoria Press was born classically educated and we've found that the journey is definitely worth it. Getting into Classical Education is accessible for classroom and homeschool teachers alike. What are you waiting for? Let's get started.

In today's episode of Classical Et Cetera, Shane and friends sit down to talk about the Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair. Among the vast works by Christian authors, few cast such a compelling vision as CS Lewis. Through a literary analysis of The Silver Chair, the team at Memoria Press will compare C.S. Lewis' other works: The Abolition of Man, Surprised by Joy, the Screwtape Letters and many more as they explore the core theme, concept, and story of the The Silver Chair. The Christian faith journey can be complex and hard to follow, and we are grateful for this incredible work that points us to the Savior with every turn of the page.

What is the quadrivium and how does it relate to classical education? If you've enjoyed our past conversations on the liberal arts, the trivium, and a close look at Christian homeschool education, this conversation is for you! Today we take an overview look at possibly the oldest learning curriculum in the world: The Quadrivium. Not only does a solid education need language arts to work, it needs the four pillars of geometry, astronomy, arithmetic, and music to work in a modern context. Why teach the Quadrivium? We're glad you asked. Hope you enjoy the show!

The Trivium: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. But what is the Trivium and how relate to the popular trivium-based education model? And how do these foundational elements properly influence a classical education? These questions and more answered on today's episode of Classical Et Cetera. Join Martin, Shane, Tanya, and Paul as they break down the Trivium: what it is, what is does, and how it shapes our curriculum. Here is a link to the chart we mention throughout the episode: https://www.memoriapress.com/trivium-quadrivium/

America's Education System is in pretty bad shape. With deeply flawed philosophy surrounding early child education, mismanaged curriculum for kindergarten through high school, and missing the point of what school is supposed to be; the American Education System is filled with many, seemingly unfixable, problems. Today, Classical Et Cetera explores why. Join Shane, Paul, and Martin as they discuss a divisive problem, Whole Child Approach, in the US today. How do we take what seems broken and make it right again? We're glad you asked, welcome to the show.

Today we jump into teaching classical history with Memoria Press. Why do we teach history through narrative? How do we take the tales of antiquity and impart virtue education through our homeschool curriculum? How do we communicate Christian values through sinful characters? Shane sits down with Paul, Ian and Bryce to talk about the ways in which each of them have been impacted by the Famous Men series, why we talk so much about virtue, and how our Famous Men of Virtue YouTube series came to life.

Today we're talking Memoria Press Math. Shane sits down with Paul, Tom, and Martin to discuss how we teach math in the classroom using the Memoria Press curriculum. Mathematics is a core component of a healthy classical education. Our foundations here at Memoria Press around math is grounded in the teaching of Plato, Descartes, and classical philosophers and educators from a wide swath of history. Developing a central philosophy has been instrumental in formulating our strategies to teaching math in the classroom. Understanding the nature of math and its significance in our world is key in the education of young minds.

"There once was a boy named Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it." These words from C.S. Lewis's work Voyage of the Dawn Treader open today's podcast and set the stage for a discussion of what mice, dragons, and voyages can teach us about Classical Education. Join the table in wondering at Reepicheep's nobility, Eustace's journey from man to dragon to man, and the journey of the Dawn Treader. And, if you watch to the end, you'll hear about each of our favorite islands from the book. Don't miss it!

Whole word reading method vs phonics. In the world of language education, Phonics is simply the best way to teach students how to read, write, spell, and speak. Its traditional approach stands the tests of time and science, and wins over all other language comprehension programs. The whole word learning approach is misguided, and it betrays both how broken the American school system has become and why Common Core learning is a disaster for U.S. students. What do we think? We think you should use phonics as the standard for reading and language. The alternative is using the wrong system that might lead to terrible results.

In this episode, the table approaches the merits and shortcomings of the various classical education models. Paul, Shane, Tanya, and Martin shed light on the thought process behind Memoria Press's educational model and our view of what makes a educational model classical. You don't want to miss it! Memoria Press exists to promote and impart the classical heritage of the Christian West. Classical Christian education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue through meditation on the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. This is accomplished in two ways: first, through training in the liberal arts; and secondly, through a familiarity with the great books and the great thinkers of the Western tradition. Memoria Press: Classical, Christian, Complete Learn more at: https://www.memoriapress.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=202

What was real about the land of the Chronicles of Narnia? In a nutshell, why should you study C.S. Lewis? What order should we read them in? Let's head into the wardrobe on this episode of Classical Et Cetera! Today Shane and the team talk the Chronicles of Narnia, the titular children's fantasy work from prolific author C. S. Lewis. Why do we read, study, and meditate on this work of Christian fiction? What can we learn from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe? Should you read The Horse and His Boy first? In a nutshell, CS Lewis' work is an amazing tool to teach the truths of Christ's love and sacrificial work. His books invite us into a world far more real than our own, and teach us the ways that Christ might not be safe, but He is good.

Classroom Management. What a challenge for a first year teacher and a classical veteran alike. Today Shane and the team sit down to talk best ideas and tips for classroom organization and decoration for your coming 2022 - 23 school year. In need of a classroom setup makeover? The team at Memoria Press have got you covered. We set a high bar for teachers and students heading back to school this year and if we know anything about education, its that a place for learning can change everything.

Where would classical education be without the roots of British Literature? While American literature stands apart with its own defining characteristics, great swaths of Today Shane sits down with the classical book club to talk English Literature and their top recommendations and suggestions for classic reading from across the pond. They'll talk about great books for beginners to read from the UK and how to approach the broad library of classical English literature. We hope you find a great recommendation to take on this year in your reading programs!

The world is filled with great fiction. And in episode two of our mini-series on Great Literature, we take a look at "The Great American Novel". What makes To Kill a Mockingbird so relevant? How does Moby Dick move us? What is it about the green light of The Great Gatsby that changes how we see the rest of American literature? Today Shane and the team sit down for a must - read - book - discussion - and - review of classics from the American literary genre. We hope these recommendations will help you as you begin your journey into the Great Works of the Western World.

From casual comparisons of book lists to debates on the merits of Russian Literature (https://youtu.be/_SeMXQlnln8), we talk about the novels we read a whole lot. In this episode, Ian, Kyle, and Martin join Shane to discuss what makes a novel and why novels are primary in our literature curriculum. As always, you'll get a bunch of laughs as the table talks about all their favorite (and not-so-favorite) facets of various novels!

Today, Shane and the gang sit down to think through the importance of understanding, refining teaching practice and education methods in school, and exploring what a classical concept of pedagogy looks like. What is pedagogy? How do we put it into practice? How do we even define it? The question of pedagogy is a critical question and one that requires a strong definition and understanding of its meaning to parents and teachers alike. Of all the types of pedagogy, none stand stronger, in our opinion, than a classical model that puts the teacher up front and the students in seats focused and ready to learn. Join us for our show today!

How do we push the bounds of our own understanding? How do we make constant strides in teaching and education to cultivate our method, pedagogy, and educator's philosophy? Today on the show, Shane sits down to talk about the advantages, disadvantages, the imperative and demand for teacher's to cultivate a healthy philosophy of teaching. Today, the panel will discuss examples in historical learning and lecture, take a look at proofs from history, and show how each of them have cultivated a healthy perspective in the field of teaching classical Christian education. A philosophy involves making a personal statement to truth, goodness, and beauty. A statement that we at Memoria Press charge each of our teachers to make to their students and families. --- [CETC: 123 | Micah Moore, Tom Sculthorpe, Mitchell Holley ] ---

Today on Classical Et Cetera the boys sit down to talk about their favorite pieces of Russian literature. Books from the Classical Eastern European tradition that had an influential impact on their understanding of Russian culture, traditions, and ideology. This book club episode is filled with great recommendations for authors and their works for you to find and engage. We encourage an approach that leads us to the read the world and engage with the best reading we can find. Join us in this conversation from the team at Memoria Press for their take on the world of Classical Russian Literature.

In today's episode of Classical Et Cetera, we're talking math. Specifically the history, origins, reform and philosophy of classical mathematics. Why is mathematics so important to our understanding of the world? And is math a fundamental part of classical education. Aristotle and Plato seem to think so, and so do we. In our show today, Shane sits down with Dan, Paul, and Memoria Press newcomer, Tom Sculthorpe to talk the origins of math from Plato to Descartes, how math learning has changed in the classical world, and what conversations about math are important to classicists today. You might be asking, "Should I learn math?" And we say absolutely. Join us today for our show!

Why is it important for everyone to engage with art? Why Meet Professor Carol Reynolds, professor of music history and global art educator with the Dallas Symphony and the Van Cliburn Foundation! And today she's going to brawl over art, more specifically why art belongs as a foundational element of a classical education. Art is a reflection of what our culture values. And the study of playing music, art and craft, and even folk dance are ways we engage with and absorb art into our everyday lives. Join Shane, Martin, Paul and Carol as they dive into art's place in the classical world and how a homeschool education can thrive from learning in the space of classical art. Memoria Press is here to help homeschool families with tips, choices, and simple planning strategies to make classical Christian education available to all!

Many see reading the Great Books as a productive pastime. But, is there value in a formal study of the Great Books for personal growth? In this episode, Martin Cothran and Dan Sheffler delve into the rhyme and reason of intentionally improving one's knowledge of the wisdom found in the Great Books of the Western world. Martin and Dan both head up Memoria College, a program designed to provide a meaningful encounter with the fundamental texts of philosophy, literature, theology, psychology, history, economics, and science. This episode is full of laughs and truths: check it out! To learn more about Memoria College, check out https://memoriacollege.org

Homeschool curriculum choices are filled with a lot of questions. Especially you, mom and dad, in the Christian community that plan to give their children an education founded in the heritage of the classical western world. So how can we, mere followers of Jesus Christ and followers of faith, reconcile using Greek myths and other non - religious cultural literature in the same space that we study the history, significance, and culture of Christianity? That's what we're talking about today. How we here at Memoria Press, and others like us have navigated through this conversation and found a landing point for why we teach what we teach. Join Shane at the table as he takes a less - accelerated look at the conflict of Christian Values vs Pagan Mythology. Memoria Press is here to help homeschool families with tips, choices, and simple planning strategies to make classical Christian education available to all! Find us at https://www.memoriapress.com/

There is nothing easy about learning ancient languages. At least in a way that is meaningful. Today Shane sits down with three language enthusiasts and experts on how they entered the linguistic world. What routines and study habits did they employ in order to start to learn and engage on their own? Hopefully their discussion today will help you at home on your journey to learn ancient languages for your self and find new tips and tricks to make the jump into the beautiful world of language learning.

In what ways does a classical homeschool education benefit from studying Homer and Virgil? Why do we teach that Homer is important? What is an epic poem? How does a summary help in homeschooling your children? Why is Homer in our curriculum? Synopsis: In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, the team sits down to talk about the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Aneid and how beginners and classicists alike will benefit from reading these books. For those of you wondering about Epic Poetry, this episode is for you!

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, a Classical Education Podcast, Shane and the team sit down to talk about Homeschool & Community Learning. Why is community important? How is learning in the context of community an important aspect of a child's education? What homeschool community learning activities should we add to our homeschool morning basket? All this and more on this episode of Classical Et Cetera. --- [CETC: 115 | Martin, Tanya, Paul] ---

In today's episode Shane sits down to chat with the Memoria Press Team to talk about offensive topics in homeschool curriculum. What makes something offensive? How should we engage with offensive material? And how do we best prepare our students for engaging with a potentially offensive world? They'll talk about subjecting your homeschool curriculum to a curriculum review. How each homeschool mom and dad can best prepare their student for less-than-savory topics. And how a Christian curriculum differs from secular curriculum in the way it is designed. In doing so, we hope to assist you in making the best homeschool curriculum choices for you and your family. All this and more on this episode of Classical Et Cetera. --- [CETC: 114 | Martin, Tanya, Paul] ---

The squad is back! This time they're here to talk about their leisurely past-times. More specifically the difference between a classical understanding of leisure and how our modern world has come to think about the ways we rest. Join Shane, Dan, Jon, and Mitchell as they tackle the truth behind leisure on this episode of Classical Et Cetera. About the Show: In season 2 of Classical Et Cetera, Shane sits down with a panel of MP's finest to talk about our core beliefs, tenets, and pillars of education. How To Think About Leisure | CETC: 113 | The Squad

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Tanya, Martin, Paul, and Shane sit down to talk about the study of science, the role that it plays within a classical education, and how it might play out in a given classroom. They will explore the origins of one of our favorite books, "The Book of Trees", as well as explore the importance of an experience-rich well-rounded approach to education in the sciences. Join these classical educators as the take on "Science & Classical Education In The Classroom" About the Show: In season 2 of Classical Et Cetera, Shane sits down with a panel of MP's finest to talk about our core beliefs, tenets, and pillars of education. In this episode of the show, Tanya, Paul, and Martin sit down to share their perspective on what it means to be a teacher. #MemoriaPress #ClassicalEtCetera #ClassicalChristianComplete #MemoriaPress #ClassicalEtCetera #ClassicalChristianComplete #MemoriaPress #ClassicalChristianComplete #HomeschoolingCurriculum

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Tanya, Martin, Paul, and Shane sit down to talk about the central goal of a home and school education; a well rounded graduate. They will dive into what makes a successful classically educated child, and how the pitfalls of modern education make it difficult to rise to that standard of excellence. Together we will learn how home and school partner together to form a child in the true, the good, and the beautiful. About the Show: In season 2 of Classical Et Cetera, Shane sits down with a panel of MP's finest to talk about our core beliefs, tenets, and pillars of education. In this episode of the show, Tanya, Paul, and Martin sit down to share their perspective on what it means to be a teacher. The Ideal Classical Graduate | CETC: 111 | Tanya Charlton, Paul Schaeffer, Martin Cothran

In this delightful roundtable episode of Classical Et Cetera, Shane sits down with Martin Cothran and special guest Cheryl Swope, author of "Simply Classical: A Beautiful Education for Any Child". This revolutionary book guides parents, teachers, and schools in implementing the beauty, depth, and richness of a classical education with struggling students and students with special needs. Cheryl and Martin discuss the delicate yet empowering relationship between classical education and the special needs student. You do not want to miss this conversation. About the Show: In season 2 of Classical Et Cetera, Shane sits down with a panel of MP's finest to talk about our core beliefs, tenets, and pillars of education.

What does it mean to be a good teacher? How do we conduct a classroom well? Where do we find encouragement for the day-in day-out rhythm of the educational life? To kick off the new year, the team sits down to talk about their own personal experiences as educators in the classical field. Join Martin, Tanya, and Paul as they tell their stories about their profession as teachers. While every day poses new challenges, you will definitely find great encouragement and advice in CETC Episode 109: "What Does it Mean to Be a Good Teacher?" About the Show: In season 2 of Classical Et Cetera, Shane sits down with a panel of MP's finest to talk about our core beliefs, tenets, and pillars of education. In this episode of the show, Tanya, Paul, and Martin sit down to share their love of great literature with you!

Tanya, Paul, and Martin return to discuss great books. The table begins with a breakdown of what the great books are and what distinguishes them from other literature before discussing their favorites from the lineup. Are you looking for something new to read? Martin has recommendations for long, expertly-written novels. Or, maybe you're seeking a shorter read? Paul has just the books for you. And, Tanya keeps the book recommendations classy, as usual. You're not going to want to miss this episode of the show!

What do The Lord of the Rings, Winnie the Pooh, and the Christmas Story share in their narrative framework? Eucatastrophe. A term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien in his article, "On Fairy-Stories," eucatastrophe finds its place as a literary trope throughout literary history. But how does it fit with the Christmas story? And how can we see the coming of the Christ child as the most remarkable example of eucatastrophe in history? Buckle up for a new episode of Classical Et Cetera as the Goon Squad (Dan Sheffler, Jon Christianson, Mitchell Holley) dives into the Great Catastrophe of the Christmas Story and unpacks Tolkien's Eucatastrophe. Merry Christmas from Classical Et Cetera!

We make a lot of curriculum for many different ages and stages. But why is the process and vision for curriculum crucial to its success in the classroom? What differentiates a school or homeschool with a complete curriculum against one without an integrated vision? How should we think about curriculum? In this episode Tanya, Paul, and Martin sit down with Shane to talk about the vision, integration, and implementation of the Memoria Press curriculum. Join us for another great discussion on "How We Think About Curriculum" here on episode 106 of the Classical Et Cetera Podcast. About the Show: In season 2 of Classical Et Cetera, Shane sits down with a panel of MP's finest to talk about our core beliefs, tenets, and pillars of education. Join Tanya Charlton, Martin Cothran, and Paul Schaeffer for this episode on the significance of an intellectual life and why they have chosen to stay the course.

In this episode, Shane, Tanya, Martin, and Paul talk about their personal pursuit of an intellectual life. What are the benefits of living into an intellectual lifestyle? What differentiates one intellectual life from another? And how should we as parents, teachers, and cultivators of the Good, True, and Beautiful exemplify the intellectual life in our homes? Join us for another great discussion on "Leading An Intellectual Life" here on episode 105 of the Classical Et Cetera Podcast.