Classical Et Cetera

In Part 3 of our Charlotte Mason series, the panel dives deeper into the connections between Mason’s philosophy and Classical Education. Charlotte Mason’s focus on habit training, nature study, and living books has inspired countless homeschoolers and educators—so where do we agree and disagree? This week, we discuss the balance between cultivating wonder and pursuing discipline, Mason’s thoughts...

Looking at starting a classical, Christian school? Look no further than Memoria Press!   This week's Classical Et Cetera explores the challenges and opportunities in starting and growing classical schools. Our discussion emphasizes flexibility, creativity, and the importance of a coherent curriculum when it comes to new schools. Always remember: Small beginnings can lead to significant impact, and...

Classical Et Cetera returns for its first episode of 2025! This week, we're answering a listener question: What is the objective of Memoria Press curriculum in the primary grades? And what are some practical tips for making everything work well?   From phonics and recitation, to the advantages that homeschooling provides with learning and pacing, our panel discusses everything you need to know abo...

Merry Christmas from Memoria Press and Classical Et Cetera! This week, the core four exchange books—stick around to see if Martin’s gift comes straight from the trunk of his car!   Learn more about _O Come, O Come: Daily Christmas Readings_ on our website: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/o-come-o-come/   As always, email us at podcast@memoriapress.com with any questio...

In Part 2 of our series on Charlotte Mason, the panel unpacks more nuances of her educational philosophy and its place in today’s homeschooling landscape. We explore how her principles both align with and sometimes clash with the rigor and discipline emphasized in Classical Education.   This week, we tackle questions like: What defines a “living book"? How does Classical Education build on Mason’s...

Charlotte Mason homeschool curriculum takes center stage this week on Classical Et Cetera as we explore her philosophy and its comparison to Classical Education. Known for her emphasis on child-led learning, natural environments, and narration, Mason’s ideas have shaped how many families educate their children. But how do her principles align—or conflict—with the structured, virtue-driven approach...

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...

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 shap...

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 mo...

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, de...

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 k...

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. D...

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 whe...

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 t...

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 p...

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...

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 eve...

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 sys...

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 detai...

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) a...

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 i...

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 prac...

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 belie...

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 homesch...

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...