Classical Et Cetera

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. Drawing on years of experience in curriculum development, we will explore important pedagogical choices related to this dilemma and highlight how we can honor the wisdom of the past while addressing contemporary needs. Learn more about the essentials of our curriculum right here: https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/memoria-press-curriculum/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=142   What We're Reading from This Episode: Portrait of a Lady —Henry James (Martin) The Seven Liberal Arts: A Study of Medieval Culture —Paul Abelson (Martin) The Turn of the Screw —Henry James (Tanya & Paul) Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy —(Tanya) Remembering Laughter —Wallace Stegner (Paul)

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 whether Danny’s decisions align with his community’s expectations. Read the book and add your thoughts to our discussion in the comments!

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 their own child can certainly match (if not exceed) the qualifications of a certified teacher. Join us as we break down how heart, dedication, and a classical approach can provide your child with a beautiful, tailored education.   Learn more about homeschooling with Memoria Press! https://www.memoriapress.com/homeschool/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=140   What We're Reading from This Episode: The Looking Glass War — John Le Carre (Tanya) The Trouble with Goats and Sheep —Joanna Cannon (Tanya) A Bold Return to Giving a Damn: One Farm, Six Generations, and the Future of Food —Will Harris (Paul) The Civil War: The Narrative —Shelby Foote (Hunter) Julius Caeser —William Shakespeare (Tanya)

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 problem-solving skills that go beyond the classroom, providing a foundation for success in everyday life and future studies.   Shop Memoria Math programs on our website! https://www.memoriapress.com/math/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=139 More Math Videos! *Classical Math, Plato, and Mathematics Education:* https://youtu.be/MmsdUmJEZDs?si=qisBbCL8l8HAzea2 *Philosophy of Memoria Press Math Education:* https://youtu.be/N7yYLqf9URE?si=TzFxaXhDiZU-X1oE   What We're Reading from This Episode: Washington Square —Henry James (Paul) Portrait of a Lady —Henry James (Martin) The Two Towers —J.R.R. Tolkien (Tom)

Dive into the transformative power of reading and discover how to cultivate a love for literature! Hear personal stories about balancing reading amid life's chaos, and strategies to push your intellectual boundaries. The discussion spans from navigating complex narratives in crime genres to how diverse reading can challenge beliefs and broaden perspectives. Explore the balance of fiction and nonfiction, and learn the importance of intentional habits that foster a fulfilling intellectual life.

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 ever get all this done?"   And that's okay! We've written a lot of curriculum for school, and done a lot of homeschooling. In this episode, we'll talk about effective study habits, flexibility and patience, celebrating milestones, and much more. We hope you enjoy this conversation!   Check out our online forum (free!) where Memoria Press families gather to ask questions and share advice. — https://forum.memoriapress.com/   What We're Reading from This Episode: World Upside Down: Reading Acts in the Graeco-Roman Age —C. Kavin Rowe (Mitchell) The Gift of Therapy —Irvin D. Yalom (Mitchell) The Chosen —Chaim Potok (Paul) The Dark Wives —Ann Cleeves (Tanya) How to Think like Shakespeare —Scott Newstok (Tanya)

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 system?   We discuss the many complexities of homeschooling and the personalized attention it offers, what's wrong with today's public schools in America (and how to reform them), and how Memoria Press offers a structured curriculum and hands-on support for parents. Homeschooling, much like gardening, requires patience and long-term vision. Let us help you with your child's educational growth!   Get Started at Home — https://www.memoriapress.com/homeschool/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=136 Or in your Classical Classroom — https://www.memoriapress.com/schools/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=136   What We're Reading from This Episode: Portrait of a Lady —Henry James (Martin) The Lilies of the Field —William Edmund Barrett (Carrie)  

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 detailed teaching guidelines and lesson plans, Memoria Press offers everything you need to both teach and learn Latin for beginners.   Latin is not just another foreign language to earn for credit, but a key to understanding our roots. It forms the basis for many English words and the Romance languages, helps with basic vocabulary and grammar, teaches precision in thought and speech, and remains highly beneficial for students in scientific, legal, and medical fields. This is not to mention its benefits for succeeding on standardized tests!   Shop Latin on our website — https://www.memoriapress.com/latin/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=135   Take online Latin lessons — https://www.memoriaacademy.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=135   What We're Reading from This Episode: North and South —Elizabeth Gaskell (Martin) Sharpe’s Tiger —Bernard Cornwell (Paul) The Last Hope —Susan Elia MacNeal (Tanya) How to Think like Shakespeare —Scott Newstok (Tanya)  

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) and how to do (vocational training). Our lively discussion highlights the differences in educational philosophies and curriculum that arise from comparing classical and modern teaching methods.   We hope you enjoy this episode! Check out all of our resources for a classical Christian homeschool on our website—https://www.memoriapress.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=134   What We're Reading from This Episode: How to Think like Shakespeare —Scott Newstok (Tanya) North and South —Elizabeth Gaskell (Martin) The Concept of Irony — Søren Kierkegaard (Martin) Our Man in Havana —Graham Greene (Paul) The Hounds of God —Rafael Sabatini (Paul)

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 in imitation activities by copying sentences, memorizing facts, and understanding concepts by replicating methods. As students grow older, they transition to emulation by engaging with material more critically and developing their own unique voices in their skills and studies. Understanding these differences allow educators to structure their teaching methods effectively and create thoughtful, innovative, and capable individuals.   Shop by Grade at *Memoria Press* to learn more about the progression of our curriculum— https://www.memoriapress.com/shop-by-grade/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=133   What We're Reading from This Episode: The Hounds of God —Rafael Sabatini (Paul) How to Think like Shakespeare —Scott Newstok (Paul) Nearby —Elizabeth Yates (Tanya) Material Logic —Martin Cothran (Martin) The Schools We Need: And Why We Don’t Have Them —E.D. Hirsch (Martin)