Classical Et Cetera

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.

We’ve touched on why Memoria Press is Classical, Christian, and Traditional. But, that’s not all that sets us apart. In this episode, Shane, Tanya, Martin, and Paul explain the benefit of a serious education and the lost art of taking school seriously—Gravitas. Gravitas: What is it? Why is it important? What does it look like in a classroom versus in the home? Should homeschoolers practice Gravitas? And, why does Memoria Press hold Gravitas in such high regard?

Why is Memoria Press Christian? Why have we chosen to teach and publish from an ecumenical perspective? What is a cosmology and how does it differ from a worldview? Today the table sits down to talk about Memoria Press' Christian perspective on the world of education. You'll hear about how a Christian worldview forms our perspective, how we organize our curriculum to teach from a position of Christian truth, and the importance of the parent's role in guiding their children in faith. In this season 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, Martin, and Paul for this episode on the significance of a Christian education and why we have humbled ourselves before the throne of God, to teach in humility and faith.

What does traditional mean, and why is Memoria Press traditional? Does practicing traditional education mean that we’re “old fuddy-duds?” Or, perhaps, “young fuddy-duds?” In this episode you’ll hear about why Memoria Press is traditional in its education. And, you’ll learn about why being traditional isn’t a bad thing. In this season 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, Martin, and Paul for this episode on the significance of traditional education and why they have chosen to stay the course.

Why are we classical educators? Why did Memoria Press choose classical education over other forms? Is there something special about classical education? What is classical education? In this brand new season 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, Martin, and Paul for this episode on the significance of classical education and why they have chosen to stay the course. Welcome to Classical Et Cetera Season 2, we are glad you are here!

What are geometry and astronomy? How do geometry and astronomy relate to arithmetic and music? Should students study astronomy? In this episode, Shane Saxon and Mitchell Holley answer these questions and more! Join us as we discover the true meaning and importance of the seven liberal arts. To many, the liberal arts are foreign concepts. To those versed in the classics and classical education, the liberal arts are common knowledge. However, both new and veteran must have a nuanced understanding of the liberal arts. Discovering the Seven Liberal Arts aims to uncover the true meaning and place of the Trivium and the Quadrivium. In this six part series, "Discovering the Seven Liberal Arts," we define the terms, explain the means, and highlight the impacts of the seven liberal arts.

What are Arithmetic and Music? And, how are they related to one another? How should we approach studying these liberal arts? Shane Saxon and Mitchell Holley delve into arithmetic and music, the first two liberal arts of the Quadrivium. Join us as we discover the true meaning and importance of the seven liberal arts. To many, the liberal arts are foreign concepts. To those versed in the classics and classical education, the liberal arts are common knowledge. However, both new and veteran must have a nuanced understanding of the liberal arts. Discovering the Seven Liberal Arts aims to uncover the true meaning and place of the Trivium and the Quadrivium. In this six part series, "Discovering the Seven Liberal Arts," we define the terms, explain the means, and highlight the impacts of the seven liberal arts.

What is rhetoric at its core? Why is it important for modern students? Who do we base our standards of rhetoric off of? In this episode, "What is Rhetoric?", Shane Saxon and Mitchell Holley explain the significance of rhetoric in the liberal arts. Join us as we discover the true meaning and importance of the seven liberal arts. To many, the liberal arts are foreign concepts. To those versed in the classics and classical education, the liberal arts are common knowledge. However, both new and veteran must have a nuanced understanding of the liberal arts. Discovering the Seven Liberal Arts aims to uncover the true meaning and place of the Trivium and the Quadrivium. In this six part series, "Discovering the Seven Liberal Arts," we define the terms, explain the means, and highlight the impacts of the seven liberal arts.

What is Logic? How does making valid distinctions and arguments help us communicate? Is there a difference between modern and traditional logic? In this episode, Shane Saxon and Mitchell Holley discuss logic in the context of a liberal arts education. Join us as we discover the true meaning and importance of the seven liberal arts. To many, the liberal arts are foreign concepts. To those versed in the classics and classical education, the liberal arts are common knowledge. However, both new and veteran must have a nuanced understanding of the liberal arts. Discovering the Seven Liberal Arts aims to uncover the true meaning and place of the Trivium and the Quadrivium. In this six part series, "Discovering the Seven Liberal Arts," we define the terms, explain the means, and highlight the impacts of the seven liberal arts.

Is grammar the rules that define language or the language itself? How does grammar fit into the seven liberal arts and the trivium? What role does grammar play in a classical education? In this episode, "What is Grammar?", Shane Saxon and Mitchell Holley answer these questions, and more. Join us as we discover the true meaning and importance of the seven liberal arts. To many, the liberal arts are foreign concepts. To those versed in the classics and classical education, the liberal arts are common knowledge. However, both new and veteran must have a nuanced understanding of the liberal arts. Discovering the Seven Liberal Arts aims to uncover the true meaning and place of the Trivium and the Quadrivium. In this six part series, "Discovering the Seven Liberal Arts," we define the terms, explain the means, and highlight the impacts of the seven liberal arts.

What are the seven liberal arts, and why do Classical institutions around the world hold them so dear? Is Dorothy Sayer's model of education rooted in the seven liberal arts? What does it mean to have a liberal arts education? Join Shane Saxon and Mitchell Holley as they discuss the true meaning and place of the Trivium and the Quadrivium. In this six part series, "Discovering the Seven Liberal Arts," we define the terms, explain the means, and highlight the impacts of the seven liberal arts. In this first episode, Shane and Mitchell delve deeper into the the broad question, "What are the Seven Liberal Arts?"

Classical Et Cetera: Season 1 had many great moments as friends and colleagues sat down to discuss the ins and outs of Classical Education. Shane Saxon brought in amazing guests to cover a broad range of topics, from Greek Tragedies to farming. We hope you’ve enjoyed this first season of Classical Et Cetera! Classical Et Cetera will continue into Season 2 this coming Fall, so make sure to subscribe and enable notifications so that you don’t miss out when we return with Classical Et Cetera: Season 2!

Today, Shane Saxon sits down with Paul Schaeffer to discuss what it means to be a good leader. They also answer the question, “does Classical Education create leaders?” All this and more in this episode of Classical Et Cetera.

In this episode, Dustin Warren joins Shane Saxon in the studio to talk about top moments from 1500-1800 A.D. in Classical Education. The period after the Middle Ages (or the Great Middle as Dustin calls it), 1500-1800 A.D. offers many fun stories that encourage a breadth of history knowledge. Listen in as Dustin eloquently recounts these stories!

In this episode, Mitchell Holley joins Shane Saxon in the Classical Et Cetera Studio to discuss why moral philosophy is critical for understanding Classical Education. Shane and Mitchell discuss the question, “why care about moral philosophy?”, and Mitchell brings light to the sometimes unfamiliar world of moral philosophy.

In this episode, Shane discusses with Jon Christianson whether writers should use the passive voice. Jon wrote an article entitled, “A Defense of the Passive Voice”, wherein he argues that the passive voice is proper to use in some cases. However, Shane takes issue with this argument. You’ll hear Shane and Jon debate the use of the passive in writing, especially in relation to younger students.

In this episode, Shane Saxon and Tanya Charlton remember the inspiring life and legacy of Memoria Press and Highlands Latin School Founder Cheryl Lowe. Memoria Press was founded by Cheryl Lowe. Cheryl was the author of the popular Latin programs Latina Christiana, Lingua Angelica, and the Latin Forms Series, as well as The Greek Alphabet, Classical Phonics, First Start Reading, English Grammar Recitation, and other programs. She and her husband, Jim, were married for forty years and have two sons. Cheryl discovered Latin when she homeschooled her sons and was the self-styled apostle of Latin, claiming that Latin has more educational value than any other subject you can teach your children. Cheryl graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in chemistry and from Western Kentucky University with an M.S. in biology. Cheryl had wide teaching experience, in both content and venue, teaching everything from phonics, reading, math, Bible, and chemistry to Shakespeare and Latin, and teaching in public and private schools, as well as homeschooling. Cheryl and her son Brian founded Memoria Press in 1994, and in 2000, the highly successful Highlands Latin School, where the Memoria Press products are taught and field-tested. Cheryl spent many years overseeing the development of the Memoria Press Classical Core Curriculum for home, Christian, and cottage schools, and her memory and example continue to daily inform the mission and vision of Memoria Press. You can read more about Mrs. Lowe here.

In this episode, Shane talks with Martin Cothran about his article “What is a Curriculum?” published by Memoria Press. In the article, Martin outlines the elements that make a successful curriculum. Shane follows up on this article, asking Martin about “what got left on the cutting room floor?” If you enjoy Martin’s writing on the many facets of Classical Education, you’ll love this episode.

In this episode, Shane Saxon continues his conversation with Kyle Janke, an English teacher at Highlands Latin School, about the significance of William Shakespeare’s King Lear in Classical Education. Both Shane and Kyle love The Bard’s plays, and they discuss the narrative structure of King Lear from the perspective of classical educators. This episode is part two of two, so if you haven’t heard the first episode, you can listen to it here: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-vhbme-fd4345

Today, Shane Saxon talks with Kyle Janke, an english teacher at Highlands Latin School, about the significance of William Shakespeare’s King Lear in Classical Education. Both Shane and Kyle love The Bard’s plays, and they discuss the narrative structure of King Lear from the perspective of classical educators. This episode is part one of two, so be sure to follow the podcast to ensure that you don’t miss the next episode!

In this episode, Shane hears from Dustin Warren, a Highlands Latin School European History teacher, about the top 5 forgotten Middle Ages moments. The Middle Ages, or “The Great Middle” as Dustin says, is a time in history that many are unfamiliar with. In Classical Education, we as educators talk a lot about the Middle Ages because, in some ways, we’re reviving a form of education that was at its peak in terms of formal institutions during the Middle Ages. And, although the culture and setting of the Middle Ages is far from what we experience today, stories from the Middle Ages generate interest in a Classical setting.

In this episode, Shane interviews Ethan Gotcher, the Schools Division Director, to learn how faith has shaped and developed his understanding and love of classical education. Ethan grew up attending a Christian school. But, through his journey in working to educate his own children, Ethan learned about and came to love Classical Christian Education.

During the 1990's, Martin Cothran fought Kentucky education reforms to preserve sound education for students. Martin, along with the late Memoria Press Founder Cheryl Lowe, appeared before judiciary committees and the general public to make a case for classical education. In this episode, "Classical Education VS Modern Education," Shane Saxon hears Martin's stories from his time in "the hot seat," delving into the where and why of the situation that Martin found himself in.

Today, Shane Saxon sits down with Ken Dennis, a historian, author, and storyteller, to discuss his experience as a classical history teacher. Mr. Dennis reveals how to “put the subject over” for students of his history class, by engaging them with the power of their own history.

In this episode, Shane Saxon sits down with Paul Schaeffer, the director of the Memoria Press Online Academy, to discuss Paul’s passions--farming and technology, and how this duality of interest is not a contradiction. Paul also recounts his experience in hunting and how it changed his perspective on life.

In this special episode, Shane Saxon and Jon Christianson discuss classical Christmas traditions and tie them into today's common Christmas traditions. Since many of these classical Christmas traditions are based in Paganism, Shane and Jon take a factual approach to understanding and describing these classical traditions of Christmas, shining a light on the world of the past.

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Shane Saxon and Kyle Janke sit down to discuss the nuances, themes, and plot structure of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a medieval Christmas story. Hear how the chivalrous and brave Sir Gawain must succeed in the Green Knight's challenge or face certain death at the hands of the mystical warrior.

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Shane Saxon sits down with Latin Specialist Jon Christianson to discuss his favorite literature from the Greek Tragedians. In their discussion, you’ll learn about what is Greek Tragedy and why Jon loves the genre. You’ll hear about the context and importance of the Tragedian story structure.

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Shane Saxon sits down with Primary Curriculum Specialist Michelle Tefertiller to discuss the roots of classical education, her experience in all forms of primary education, the whole language approach vs. phonics, and the differences she saw between public and Christian private schools. You’ll hear all about Michelle's adventures in educating her own children and those in her public and Christian classrooms.

In this episode, Shane sits down with Memoria Press veteran, Martin Cothran to talk about his experience in the field of classical education. You'll hear about his first interactions with G.K. Chesterton and the foundations for his series "Traditional Logic".

Hello and welcome to Classical Et Cetera from the Memoria Press Podcast Network. We invite you to stay and listen in as Shane Saxon explores the philosophy and culture of classical education and Memoria Press.