Classical Et Cetera

What is a house system, and why do our classical schools use them? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore how the house system works at Highlands Latin School—where it came from, what it accomplishes, and why students love it. From leadership and service to school culture and community, we look at how houses shape students in meaningful, lasting ways. Whether you're part of a classical school, a homeschool community, or simply curious about this tradition, join the conversation and see why the house system has become such an important part of our classical education. *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Guardians of Tradition" Ruth Miller Elson (Martin) "Without Precedent" Joel Richard Paul (Shawn) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Daniel)

We’re back with another Mailbag episode! Did classical education actually cause the Enlightenment? How does one become a classical educator? When is the best time to start logic at home?   We’re also diving into co-ops, composition choices for younger students, art and music recommendations, and more! Whether you're homeschooling, teaching in a classical school, or simply curious about classical education, join us as we work through these thoughtful questions—and send us more at podcast@memoriapress.com.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Galahad and the Grail" Malcolm Guite (Martin) "Christian Paideia" Brian Welter (Martin) "Unnatural Death" Dorothy Sayers (Tanya) "King Lear" William Shakespeare (Tanya) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Paul)

Fairy tales are far more than simple children’s stories. In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore why these tales endure, what they offer the moral imagination, and how they help both children and adults see the world with clarity and wonder. From questions about when to begin reading fairy tales to the connections they share with Scripture, we discuss why "demythologizing" (whether fairy tale or sacred text) risks losing the very truth they carry. Join us for a thoughtful classical and Christian look at stories that shape our soul.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Ian) "Everything Sad Is Untrue" Daniel Nayeri (Ian) "Housekeeping" Marilynne Robinson (Ian) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Leigh) "Understanding the Hillbilly Thomist" Damian Ference (Leigh) "Beauty and Imitation" Daniel Mclnerny (Vigen) "Into the Light: Classical Education and Orthodox Christianity" David Hicks and Anthony Gilbert (Vigen) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul)

What are the best Christian novels to read? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we share a new list of books we think are especially worthwhile for Christian readers. These stories that have stayed with us, shaped our thinking, and resonated with our Christian beliefs. Whether you’ve read through our original list or you're simply looking for your next great book, this episode offers practical recommendations and helpful discussion!   *Read the original article from Martin Cothran—"Twelve Great Christian Novels"* https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/twelve-great-christian-novels/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=196   *Watch our previous episode on "12 Great Christian Books You Should Read"* https://youtu.be/j9vLO8-dfbc?si=gh9P0LSVzsFVIdAd?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=196   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul) "Green Dolphin Street" Elizabeth Goudge (Tanya) "King Lear" William Shakespeare (Tanya) "Northwest Angle" William Kent Krueger (Martin) "Merlin's Isle" Malcom Guite (Martin) "Truth Matters" Robert P. George & Cornel West (Martin)   *And here are titles that we talked about, this episode, adding on to the original "Twelve Great Christian Novels"* "A Lesson Before Dying" Ernest J. Gaines "East of Eden" John Steinbeck "Fidelity" Wendell Berry "Hannah Coulter "Wendell Berry "I Heard the Owl Call My Name" Margaret Craven "Jane Eyre" Charlotte Brontë "Silence" Shūsaku Endō "The Gathering" Anne Enright "The Princess and the Goblin" George MacDonald "The Scarlet Letter" Nathaniel Hawthorne "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" Anne Brontë "To Kill a Mockingbird" Harper Lee    

Every parent wants to do what’s best for their child—especially when that child seems ahead of the curve. But in a classical education, growth isn’t about racing forward; it’s about steady formation and broad mastery. In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, the panel discusses when a gifted child should skip a grade and why every stage of learning matters. They explore how to challenge bright students without rushing the basics, how maturity shapes readiness, and why true education values depth over speed. This is a thoughtful conversation for parents seeking wisdom, not hurry, in their child’s learning journey.   What We're Reading from This Episode:  "The Ghost Keeper" Natalie Morrill (Tanya) "Christian Paideia (Vol. I)" Brian Welter (Martin) "Frankenstein" Wollstonecraft Shelley (Marcie) "Anne of Green Gables" L.M. Montgomery (Marcie) "The Good, the bad, and the Beautiful" Joseph Pearce (Marcie)

This week on Classical Et Cetera. it’s another Mailbag episode! We’re answering all your homeschool and classical education questions. Should you teach with drawings, if you can’t draw? How do you start a book club that actually works? How does Berean Builders fit with Memoria Press science programs? Can Classical Conversations and Memoria Press work together? Join us as we dig into these questions and more, and ask us more questions by emailing us at podcast@memoriapress.com.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Against The Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Paul) "Truth Matters" Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) "The Hound of the Baskervilles" Arthur Conan Doyle (Tanya) "The Ghost Keeper" Natalie Morrill (Tanya) "Cork O'Connor series" William Kent Krueger (Martin) "The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion" Beth Brower (Jessica)

As classrooms grow more casual, is something important being lost? This week’s Classical Et Cetera tackles the question of formality in both schools and homeschools. We explore why order, decorum, and even dress still matter in a classical education. Along the way, a listener brings us a question about balancing extracurriculars with the homeschool day—and how pursuits like music, art, and physical fitness fit within an ordered life. From playing with purpose to pajama days, we trace how formality shapes not just the classroom, but the character of the student and the culture of learning itself.   What We're Reading from This Episode:  The Two Gentlemen of Verona - William Shakespeare (Tanya) The Screwtape Letters - C.S. Lewis (Tanya) The Killing Stones - Ann Cleeves (Tanya) Truth Matters - Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) Kristin Lavransdatter - Sigrid Undset (Carrie) The Hound of the Baskervilles - Arthur Conan Doyle (Carrie) From Dawn to Decadence - Jacques Barzun (Martin) Mythology - Edith Hamilton (Martin) Joseph Epstein (Martin) King Lear - William Shakespeare (Jeremy) Macbeth - William Shakespeare (Jeremy)

It takes us a while to get there, but it’s worth the journey! In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Tanya, Martin, and Paul share what they’re reading, answer a listener question about audiobooks, and (eventually) get around to the main topic of the liberal art Here, they explore the liberal arts through the lens of Sister Miriam Joseph’s The Trivium: The Liberal Arts of Logic, Grammar, and Rhetoric. This classic work provides a clear look at the foundations of classical education. We hope you enjoy this wide-ranging conversation! Read the sample from Sister Miriam Joseph's book that we use for this episode: https://www.memoriapress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Trivium-The-Liberal-Arts-of-Logic-Grammar-and-Rhetoric-Chapter-1-Sample.pdf?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=192 Read with Paul & Tanya! The Hound of the Baskervilles Set: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/eighth/hound-baskervilles-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=192 Find us online! https://www.memoriapress.com/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=192 More to A Midsummer Night. A Midsummer Night's Dream Set: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/ninth/a-midsummer-nights-dream-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=192 About Memoria Press: https://www.memoriapress.com/about/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=192   What We're Reading from This Episode:  The Hound of the Baskervilles—Arthur Conan Doyle (Paul) Sun and Steel—Yukio Mishima  (Paul) Mythology—Edith Hamilton (Martin) Plutarch: Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans—Plutarch and Arthur Hugh Clough (Martin) The Killing Stones—Ann Cleeves (Tanya) The Two Gentlemen of Verona—William Shakespeare (Tanya) Truth Matters—Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) 00:00 Introduction 00:42 What We're Reading 12:18 Listener Question: Do You Count Audiobooks as Reading? 22:10 Topic: Introduction to "The Trivium"—Sister Miriam Joseph

What’s behind the decline of American democracy—and can education fix it? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera the team discusses why the health of our republic depends not necessarily on politicians, but on teachers, parents, and the formation of virtuous citizens. Modern society often treats the decline of democracy as a political problem, but classical educators know it’s an educational one. A free people can only remain free when they know how to govern themselves—and that begins in classrooms, not in Congress. Join us as we explore how classical education cultivates wisdom, virtue, and self-government, and why rebuilding the soul of the nation starts with the minds of the young. Read Mitchell Holley's article "A Democratic Education" right here! https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/a-democratic-education?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191 You can read Anne of Green Gables too! LEARN MORE https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/sixth/anne-of-green-gables-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191 Be ready for Mitchell to finish Third Form Greek! LEARN MORE https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/greek/first-form-greek-complete-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191 "It is funny how mortals picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.” READ NOW https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/educational-resources/the-screwtape-letters/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191 Check out our Classical Core Curriculum! LEARN MORE https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191 Famous Men of Rome videos now available! BUY NOW https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/famous-men-rome/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=191   What We're Reading from This Episode:  Various Greek Authors (Mitchell) The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion—Beth Brower (Tanya) The Screwtape Letters—C.S. Lewis (Tanya) Truth Matters—Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) A Midsummer Night's Dream—William Shakespeare (Tanya) The Idiot—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin) Paideia: The Ideals of Greek Culture: Volume III—Werner Jaeger (Martin)

What does poetry offer that prose cannot? In this week’s Classical Et Cetera, we explore how verse builds literacy, memory, and a love of language. Discover how rhythm, structure, and beauty shape the mind and soul, and why poetry remains essential for both personal enrichment and classical education.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  Gerard Manley Hopkins Poetry (Kathy) _Notes from Underground_—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Kathy) _Anne of Green Gables_—L.M. Montgomery (Tanya) _The Two Gentlemen of Verona_—William Shakespeare (Tanya) _Truth Matters_—Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) _The Idiot_—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin) _The Glass Bead Game_—Hermann Hesse (Martin)

Why does writing things down matter? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we dive into journaling, commonplace books, and note-taking tips within a classical education. From how to properly journal in an academic setting to how to use a journal for personal and self growth, we discuss the benefits of good handwriting, the value of writing by hand vs typing, and why keeping a commonplace book—or "Vade Mecum"—helps students and adults remember and reflect.   We share practical advice on academic journal writing, how to mark a book, and how classical educators guide students from simple note-taking in the early grades to more independent habits in high school. Plus, we touch on classical preschool readiness activities and how parents can instill a love of books, build fine motor skills, and nurture reading habits from the very beginning.   Join the conversation and discover why journaling and note-taking remain timeless tools for learning and growth!   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  _Anne of Green Gables_—L.M. Montgomery (Tanya) _The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion_—Beth Brower (Tanya) _Persuasion_—Jane Austen (Tanya) _Boone: A Biography_—Robert Morgan (Paul) _The Big Sleep_—Raymond Chandler (Martin)

In this special mailbag episode of Classical et Cetera, we are answering questions straight from our listeners! From classical education and the history of philosophy to standardized testing and watching movies, nothing is off limits. Join the rapid fire and ask us more questions by emailing us at podcast@memoriapress.com. Thanks for your question, Patricio! The book Martin mentioned is The Seven Liberal Arts: A Study in Medieval Culture by Paul Abelson. Other materials we talked about today: Anne of Green Gables https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/literature-and-poetry/sixth/anne-of-green-gables-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=188 Famous Men & Classical Studies https://www.memoriapress.com/classical-studies/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=188 First Form Greek https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/greek/first-form-greek-complete-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=188   00:00 Introduction 01:40 What We're Reading 06:18 Ask Us Anything! Classical Et Cetera Mailbag   What We're Reading from This Episode:  The Idiot—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin) The Glass Bead Game (Magister Ludi) —Hermann Hesse (Martin) The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion —Beth Brower (Tanya) Anne of Green Gables —L.M. Montgomery (Tanya & Paul)

Why do students in classical education memorize all 70 stanzas of Thomas Babington Macaulay’s Horatius at the Bridge? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we explore one of the most demanding—and most rewarding—academic challenges that we give our students: the recitation of Horatius. We trace the story of Horatius and its place in Roman legend, consider why Winston Churchill himself memorized the poem, and explain how this tradition became the "Winston Churchill Award" for our students today. Along the way, we reflect on how memory work builds courage, confidence, and leadership, shaping students to take on challenges far beyond the classroom. This conversation also looks at why classical Christian education prizes memorization as “mental furniture,” especially in an age of Google and smartphones when it is tempting to outsource our minds. From ancient Roman heroism to modern homeschool recitations, Horatius at the Bridge shows why memory work remains central to classical education and why it continues to inspire both students and families. Purchase our Horatius at the Bridge Set today! https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/horatius-bridge/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=187 Read the article from former Assistant Secretary of State, Robert B. Charles: https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/horatius-bridge-0/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=187   What We're Reading from This Episode:  The Idiot—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin) Men Against the Sea—Charles Bernard Nordhoff (Martin) The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion—Beth Brower (Tanya) Education of a Wandering Man—Louis L'Amour (Paul) Around the World in Eighty Days—Marian Leighton (Paul) The Human Factor—Graham Greene (Paul)

What does it mean to teach history truthfully? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ , we tackle how to teach Christopher Columbus facts with honesty, from elementary school to teaching history in middle school and high school. We discuss the hard truths of American slavery, the Holocaust, and more, while still cultivating gratitude for the US. Drawing on models like the Frederick Douglass 4th of July speech, we share practical ways to guide students through the dark parts of history so they see both the good and the bad—growing in wisdom, empathy, and conviction.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  _Education of a Wandering Man_—Louis L'Amour (Paul) _The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion_—Beth Brower (Tanya) _On the Consolation of Philosophy_—Boethius (Dustin)

On this week's Classical Et Cetera, Memoria Press takes on one of our most common questions in classical Christian education: Why should Christians study paganism at all?   We explore how to approach pagan philosophy, literature, and Greek mythology in the classroom, and why these texts still matter for students learning within the tradition of Christianity. From Plato and Aristotle to Paul at the Areopagus, we consider how pagan authors asked the right questions—and how the Bible is where we ultimately get the answers.   Whether you’re a homeschool parent, a teacher, or simply curious about classical education, this conversation will help you see how pagan works can be taught with discernment, why they remain part of a Memoria Press curriculum, and how to read them in light of the truth of Christianity.   Read "Why Should Christians Read the Pagan Classics" from our founder, Cheryl Lowe: https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/why-should-christians-read-pagan-classics/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=185   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  _The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion_—Beth Brower (Tanya) _The Human Factor_—Graham Greene (Paul) _Around the World in Eighty Days_—Jules Verne (Paul) _The Idiot_—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin)

Who were the Founding Fathers — and what is the education that shaped them? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ , we explore the rigorous classical education that influenced America’s founders and the birth of a nation. From learning Latin and Greek to studying history and literature, the Founders gained the wisdom and discipline to lead with courage and conviction. We discuss what their colonial education looked like, why it mattered, and how modern schools and families can recover the same focus and depth. Join the conversation and discover what classical learning can offer today’s America! *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  _The Hobbit_—J.R.R. Tolkien (Paul) _The Human Factor_—Graham Greene (Paul) _The Father's Tale_—Michael D. O'Brien (Tanya) _The Iliad_—Homer (Martin) _The Idiot_—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Martin) Vulgate Set - https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/latin/selections-from-the-vulgate-set/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=184   Martin's article - https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/classical-education-founding-fathers/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=184

This week's Classical Et Cetera is our official back-to-school episode! Join us as we consider not just dates on a calendar but the seasonality of school itself. Where does the fall start come from? Is it better to start early or wait for the first cool mornings of autumn? Let's talk about practical guidance for starting the school year, everything that you should consider, and how to begin with purpose.   https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/timeline-program/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=183   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  _The Hobbit_—J.R.R. Tolkien (Paul) _The Father's Tale_—Michael D. O'Brien (Tanya) _From Aristotle to Christ_—Louis Markos (Martin) _Smiling Through the Cultural Catastrophe_—Jeffrey Hart (Martin)

Where should adults start with classical education? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we share our top book recommendations for anyone looking to begin their journey into the world of classical learning. Whether you're new to the classics or returning with fresh eyes, these books will help you understand what classical education is, why it matters, and how to dive in. From timeless works to essential guides, we explore where to start, what to read, and how to keep going. Join the conversation in this podcast episode—and check out our Latin programs right here! https://www.memoriapress.com/latin?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=182   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  _Captains Courageous_—Rudyard Kipling (Paul)   _The Master and Margarita_—Mikhail Bulgakov (Ian) _The Gormenghast Trilogy_—Mervyn Peake (Ian) _The Covenant of Water_—Abraham Verghese (Ian) _Mythology_—Edith Hamilton (Martin) _The Story of Themistocles_—Plutarch (Martin) _Dominion_—Tom Holland (Martin) _The Greeks and the Irrational_—E.R. Dodds (Martin)

Curious what a liberal arts education really is? What trivium and quadrivium mean? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we unpack the historic meaning of the liberal arts and explain how they shaped true classical education for centuries. Forget the modern idea of a liberal arts degree—we go back to the medieval roots where grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy were used to form free minds, not just earn diplomas. From misunderstood terminology to how the liberal arts were originally practiced, this episode is a deep dive into the foundations of Western learning. Whether you’ve always wanted it explained, or you’re trying to understand the difference between today’s “classical schools” and original liberal arts, this conversation will help you rediscover an education that’s truly more than a degree. https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/what-are-the-liberal-arts/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=181     *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  _The Father's Tale_—Michael O'Brien (Tanya) _Why Choose the Liberal Arts_—Mark William Roche (Paul) _The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling_—Henry Fielding (Martin)

What books lit the spark for your love of classical education? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, our team shares the life-changing books that first inspired them—and the ones they keep coming back to. These aren’t just recommendations; they’re the stories behind the stories: the books that challenged, shaped, and sustained our passion for classical learning.   We explore early influences, perennial reads, and the moments when a single book opened up an entirely new way of seeing education, virtue, and the human experience. Whether you're deep into classical education or just beginning your journey, this conversation will introduce you to powerful titles that have stood the test of time.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  _Murder Must Advertise_—Dorothy L. Sayers (Tanya)   _The Fortunes of Captain Blood_—Rafael Sabatini (Paul) _The Crisis of Western Education_—Christopher Henry Dawson (Brian) _How to Think like Shakespeare_—Scott Newstok (Brian)