Classical Et Cetera

Charlotte Mason Explained: A Classical Education Perspective (Part 2)

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 love for literature through deeper engagement? Where does Charlotte Mason stand on Latin learning? How do misunderstandings of both philosophies fuel confusion among modern educators? Join us as we discuss Charlotte Mason’s cultural context, her writing style, and the shared goal of cultivating the soul through great books. Stay tuned for Part 3 of this discussion, coming in 2025. Email us at podcast@memoriapress.com with your questions, topic suggestions, and more!

Charlotte Mason Explained: A Classical Education Perspective (Part 1)

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 of Classical Education?
 
The panel examines tensions like freedom vs. formation, the teacher’s role vs. student autonomy, and Mason’s rejection of boredom in learning. Join us as we critique her methods, discuss practical applications, and reflect on the enduring questions of what education should be.
 
Email us at podcast@memoriapress.com with your questions, topic suggestions, and more!

Why Beauty Matters in Classical Education

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 goodness. Join us as we uncover the enduring significance of beauty in education and why it’s essential for cultivating a well-ordered mind and heart.
Email us at podcast@memoriapress.com with your questions, topic suggestions, and more!
 
What We're Reading from This Episode:
A Secular Age —Charles Taylor (Martin)
Baraby Rudge —Charles Taylor (Tanya)
The King’s General —Daphne du Maurier (Paul)
 
 

Socratic Method of Questioning | Teaching Critical Thinking Through Dialogue and Debate

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 shape the way we engage with ideas today. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the power of Socratic dialogue!
 
What We're Reading from This Episode:
The George Smiley series — John Le Carre (Mitchell)
The Escoffier Cookbook and Guide to the Fine Art of Cookery —Auguste Escoffer (Mitchell)
The Gastronomical Me — M.F.K. Fisher (Tanya)
Barnaby Rudge —Charles Dickens (Tanya)

From Aristotle to Machiavelli: Political Theory, Leadership, and Ethics Explored

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 more! Join us for an overall summary on how ancient political thought still informs today's discussions on ethics, leadership, and the common good.
 
What we're reading today:
The Fallen Idol —Graham Greene (Paul)
On the Soul and Resurrection —Gregory of Nyssa (Dustin)
Oathbringer: Book Three of the Stormlight Archive —Brandon Sanderson (Dustin)
The Escoffier Cookbook and Guide to the Fine Art of Cookery —Auguste Escoffer (Mitchell)

Teaching Latin and Classical Languages | Balancing Rigor and Motivation

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, dedicated approach to languages in classical education can provide motivation for any student to embrace the challenge.
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=144------------------------------  *Learn more about the Memoria Press family!* https://www.memoriapress.com/about/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=144
 
What We're Reading from This Episode:
Renée Ballard Series and Harry Bosch series_ —Michael Connelly (Martin)
The Turn of the Screw —Henry James (Paul)
Barnaby Rudge —Charles Dickens (Tanya)

Are You Smarter Than a 7th Grader? | American History Pop Quiz!

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 knowledge and maybe even pick up something new! Dustin Warren is a leading history teacher and writer at Memoria Press and Highlands Latin School. Check out the programs he helped create! *Medieval History:* https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/american-and-modern-studies/a-history-of-medieval-europe-set/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=143*American History:* https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/american-and-modern-studies/concise-history-american-republic-set/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=143 And check out _200 Questions About American History_ : https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/american-and-modern-studies/200-questions-about-american-history/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=143
 
What We're Reading from This Episode:
Our Man in Havana —Graham Greene (Paul)
Truck: A Love Story —Michael Perry (Paul)
Liberal Education —Mark Van Doren (Paul)
The George Smiley series — John Le Carre (Mitchell)
Selected Poetry —Gerard Manley Hopkins (Mitchell)
And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle —Jon Meacham (Dustin)
The Haunting of Hill House —Shirley Jackson (Dustin)

Should We Still Read Ancient Texts? | Classical Education Explained

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)