An Examined Education

On Reading Well - Karen Swallow Prior

In this podcast episode, DJ discusses the evolution of senior theses in classical schools. They explore how the tradition fosters critical thinking and reflection on enduring ideas, while adapting to technological advancements. DJ emphasizes the shift towards collaborative discussions and open-mindedness among students, aiming to cultivate wisdom and deeper engagement with the world.

Doug is welcomed back on the podcast to give us a reading guide on America’s epic: Moby Dick. If you have yet to listen to the full episode on Moby Dick, make sure to go back and give it a listen!

Join us as we welcome back Doug Jones, our Literature Chair, to delve into the depths of "Moby Dick" on this week’s episode. This enlightening discussion explores Melville's creative writing prowess and the profound questions he poses to readers. Embark on an educational journey at sea, as we uncover the masterpiece that has shaped the minds of readers and influenced renowned authors. Come explore...

Amanda Sansonetti gives us some interesting insight into Gilgamesh as well as a few helpful tips for first-time readers.

Amanda Sansonetti, our 7th grade literature teacher joins us to discuss the significance of "The Epic of Gilgamesh" as the oldest surviving literary work and how it raises questions about the meaning of life and human existence, making it relevant to contemporary readers despite its ancient origins.

A host of Alumni join us to answer questions from the community about their education at Cambridge, their college experience, and more. Our next episode will continue with our Great Books and Big Ideas theme as we talk to Amanda Sansonetti, our 7th grade literature teacher, about the humanity of Gilgamesh. Stay tuned!

In our concluding discussion on Modern American Literature, DJ returns one more time to explore the final reading guide, spotlighting Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. This guide serves as a valuable companion to maximize your understanding of the text. If you haven't listened to the previous episode covering Epistemic and Axiological Questions in Modern American Literature, be sure to start there....

DJ returns with a new reading guide, this one focused on "The Sound and The Fury." It serves as an excellent resource to delve into before immersing yourself in this great book. If you haven't already, make sure to check out the episode on Epistemic and Axiological Questions in Modern American Literature before proceeding. Keep an eye out for DJ's final reading guide on "Brave New World," bringing...

DJ gives us a few things to think about as we make our way through Great Gatsby. If you have yet to listen to DJ's conversation on Epistemic and Axiological Questions in Modern American Literature, be sure to go back and listen there first.

DJ Goodwiler joins us on this week's episode to help us define what makes a great book and how some modern American literature can help us make sense of the world around us and our own interactions within it.

Doug Jones joins us to delve into the transformative influence of great books on shaping our identity through the way we teach and learn.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Melissa Gingrich as our guest, who will shed light on the fascinating field of neuroscience and its relevance to the developing brain. By delving into this subject, we aim to empower parents and teachers to forge stronger connections with students during these crucial stages of their lives.

Russ Kapusinski joins us to talk about Parent Partnership and how parents and schools working in conjunction lead to a better education for children.

Colleen Dong joins us to discuss childhood development and why it is so important to find the right school for your child.

DJ Goodwiler joins us to talk about visual rhetoric and how graphic novels provide a platform from which we can learn to utilize it in our day to day lives.

Doug Jones joins the show to talk poetry--its interesting origins, why poetry is important, what can be gained from reading it, its connection to rhetoric, and he reads a few of his favorite poems for us in a special segment we have dubbed "Doug's Poetry Corner". We hope you enjoy this episode!

Jacob Mohler, the Chair of Math at the Cambridge School, joins us to talk about math as a liberal art--both how it is and is not a liberal art and why the distinction is important. Jacob's vigilant inspection of the process of math instruction and his intentional approach create a unique learning environment for his students. We hope that you enjoy the episode.

Carolyn McClaskey joins us to talk about how her perspective has changed now that she is a teacher's aide. Having been a Cambridge parent, Carolyn has a unique perspective on the Cambridge education now that she has had a look behind the curtain.

Coming full circle, Emma Kim joins us on the podcast to talk about what it is like to go from student to teacher at her alma mater and how being classically educated affects her experience in the classroom while educating the next generation to Think Well, Love Rightly, and Live Wisely.

A returning teacher shares her perspective on how things have changed since she taught here a decade ago and what her time away has made her appreciate about a Cambridge education.

Science Chair, Melissa Mayne, and everyone's favorite Chemistry teacher, Esther Han, join us to walk us through some science experiments they do with the high schoolers. From editing DNA to creating your own experiment, it's no holds barred when it comes to fun and exciting experiments in the Cambridge Laboratory.

WARNING! This episode contains a spoiler for a surprise event for Cambridge 6th graders! Parents with students in 6th grade or below should not listen with their students. Mrs. Kelsie Howze joins us to go over some of the fun events covered in 6th grade; one of which is unique not just in the world of classical education, but Cambridge as well! It is a surprise event for our students that really i...

Our bard for the evening, Mrs. Paula Jones, guides us through the 4th grade literature curriculum where we dive deep into the epic Beowulf and learn of the significance it holds in the history of literature and within the intentional curriculum at Cambridge. We hope you enjoy!

Esther Berends, our second grade lead teacher, joins us on the podcast to share a unique lesson our second graders experience as they learn about ancient Egypt. This episode highlights historical integration as an organizing theme in our curriculum and illustrates lessons that cultivate wonder in our students.