Classical Et Cetera

Why teach handwriting when everyone types? This Classical Et Cetera makes the case for penmanship in a classical education—and the reasons run deeper than nostalgia. Veteran first-grade teacher Julia Lasoi joins us to explain what handwriting forms in a child that a keyboard never will: from the Norwegian brain research on writing by hand, to the discipline and beauty of forming each letter, to the surprising return of mandated cursive in America.
 
Browse our penmanship curriculum right here! https://www.memoriapress.com/penmanship/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=235

*What We'r...

The core four are back for another mailbag episode! We're answering questions like: When should you teach your child to read? How do you use Memoria Press with non-native English speakers and families overseas? How do you teach the Reformation without taking sides? Plus more! Thanks to everyone who wrote in. Keep the questions coming by emailing us as podcast@memoriapress.com!

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"Silas Marner" George Eliot (Paul)

"After Humanity" Michael Ward (Tanya)

"The Abolition of Man" C.S. Lewis (Tanya)

"An Ac...

How do you teach music from a classical perspective? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Carol Reynolds joins us to make the case that music and the arts were never meant to be a "Friday elective." Whether you're a new teacher, a homeschool parent, or someone who never learned to read a note, this conversation offers real footing: why the pedagogy already exists, why folk songs and hymns are the foundation, and how short, familiar works can do more than grand masterpieces. Practical, encouraging, and full of reassurance for teaching music at any level.

*W...

Margin Notes is back! This week, the gang tackles J.R.R. Tolkien's short story, _Farmer Giles of Ham_ . A humble farmer accidentally scares off a giant, earns a legendary sword, and ends up face to face with a dragon—all while the king and his knights argue about their hats. The conversation covers greed, good and bad pride, government incompetence, and what Tolkien is really saying about the common man as hero.
 
Margin Notes is a book club podcast from the team behind Classical Et Cetera, where host Paul Schaefer sits down with three classically educated und...

What if standardized testing isn't the problem—but the tests themselves are? Jeremy Tate, founder of the Classic Learning Test (CLT), joins Classical Et Cetera to explain why the SAT and ACT keep getting easier, and how a test built on the Western tradition could change what students read, learn, and become.

Learn more about the CLT right here: Classic Learning Test (CLT) - Assessments for Grades 3-12

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"A Natural History of Dragons" Marie Brennan (Tanya)

"Villete" Charlotte Bronte (Paul)

"Th...

Margin Notes is back, and on this episode the group tackles Mary Shelley's Frankenstein! The conversation covers the danger of playing God, the necessity of community, and the question at the heart of the book—is the creature truly a villain, or a victim of the man who created him and the world that rejected him?

Margin Notes is back! This time, the gang tackles William Shakespeare's Macbeth. The conversation covers ambition and its consequences, the danger of consequentialism, and the age-old question of fate versus free will. Is Macbeth the villain of his own story, or a victim of forces beyond his control?
 
Margin Notes is a book club podcast from the team behind Classical Et Cetera, where host Paul Schaefer sits down with three classically educated undergraduates to discuss one great story per episode.
 
Purchase Macbeth right here! Macbeth - Memoria Press: Classical Education

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has finally arrived—and the Classical Et Cetera team went to see it together! In this episode, we discuss our reactions to Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem and ask the big questions: Can a modern film capture the spirit of an ancient hero? Was it a faithful adaptation, or a great film that tells a very different story? What do we gain and lose when a classical work is reimagined for a modern audience?

Purchase our _Odyssey_ Complete Set right here! https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/odyssey-s...

Poet and priest Malcolm Guite joins Classical Et Cetera to talk about his award-winning Arthurian epic, Galahad and the Grail! We explore why the great stories still matter, how he writes poetry meant to be read aloud, and what it means to recover wonder in a modern age. This is a conversation about poetry, legend, and the enduring power of the imagination. We hope you enjoy it!

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"The Sign of the Four" Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Malcom)

"The Boundless Deep" Richard Holmes (Maclcom)

"Fa...

Everything You Need to Know Before Nolan's Odyssey

Read These Translations

Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of _The Odyssey_ is almost here, so the team is sitting down to revisit Homer's epic! They walk through the poem's structure and themes—the long journey home, Penelope and the suitors, Telemachus coming of age, and what a pagan world teaches us. Then they compare the major translations (Butler, Wilson, Fagles, and more) and offer recommendations for young readers and adults alike. Finally: what they hope Nolan gets right, and what to know before seeing the film.

This week is another Classical Et Cetera Mailbag episode! We're answering your questions on cursive, how teachers and parents both bear responsibility for a child's education, how to build a love of reading in a large family, and whether it's wise to let a child specialize in one talent or sport. We also talk through what it looks like to raise children with classical, Christian values when your surrounding community doesn't share them. Send us more questions at podcast@memoriapress.com!

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

"Farmer Giles of Ham" J...

How old is classical education, and where does it come from? Today, we answer a listener question and dig into the history—Greece, Rome, and beyond—to show that classical education is older than you think. And no matter where you're from, this tradition has room for you. Join the conversation!

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"The Violent Bear It Away" Flannery O'Connor (Paul)

"The Country of the Pointed Firs" Sarah Orne Jewett (Tanya)

The Middle Ages aren't just the Dark Ages! It's one of the richest literary eras in Western history. This week's Classical Et Cetera finds Jessica, Tanya, Paul, and Dr. Dan Scheffler building a reading list for the medieval world. From Beowulf and the Arthurian legends to Dante's Divine Comedy, Boethius, and Thomas Aquinas, there's so much to read here. Whether you're new to medieval literature or filling in the gaps, this conversation will show you what to read, where to start, and why these books still matter.

Best Books of the Middle Ages (476–1450 AD)

Literature pi...

Margin Notes is a new book club podcast from the team behind Classical Et Cetera! Join Paul Schaeffer and three undergraduate students—each educated with Memoria Press curriculum—as they tackle great books and why they matter.

We're starting with Wendell Berry's "Fidelity," a short story about a farming community in rural Kentucky. At its heart, this story is about what it means to belong somewhere: both to a place and to a people. It's a beautiful and moving piece of writing, and it made for a great first conversation.

Purchase the book right here! http...

Every homeschool parent hits this wall. In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we tackle one of the most common and frustrating challenges in home education: the child who just won't do the work. Is it attitude, or is something else going on? We discuss how to diagnose the real problem, why outside accountability matters more than you think, and what simple changes actually move the needle. If you're in the thick of it, this one's for you.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"Farmer Giles of Ham" J.R.R. Tolkien (Paul)

What are the most essential resources for classical education, and where do you even begin? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Jessica, Paul, Tanya, and Martin share the books, journals, and periodicals that have most shaped their thinking on classical education. From Climbing Parnassus and G.K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy to the Wall Street Journal's review section, this is the list that we keep coming back to!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Climbing Parnassus - Tracy Lee Simmons
• The Schools We Need and Why We Don't Have Them - E.D. Hirsch
• Orthodoxy - G.K...

It's another Mailbag episode of Classical Et Cetera! This week the Core Four tackles your questions on several topics, including whether comprehension questions steal the joy of reading, how to school multiple children together as a family, and whether your kids even need to know why they're learning Latin. We also dig into the difference between the classical virtues and the fruits of the Spirit, and what to do with the Lord's name in vain when it shows up in literature. Send us your questions at podcast@memoriapress.com.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ the team discusses how classical educators and parents should approach nudity in classical art with students. What is the difference between beauty and sensuality? Why did classical artists portray the human form the way they did? And how can teachers guide students toward wisdom, dignity, and discernment when studying great works of art?

For those interested, here is Kyle Janke’s extended preface on nudity in classical art from _A Classical History of Art_ . In it, he explains the distinction between classical and modern views of the human bod...

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we tackle one of the most common objections to homeschooling: socialization. Are homeschoolers actually missing out socially? Do children really need classrooms and constant peer interaction to grow into mature, capable adults? We discuss the fears many parents face, the assumptions behind modern schooling, and what truly forms children. From co-ops and friendships to peer culture and family life, we explore how homeschooling shapes social development and why “socialization” may not mean what most people think it does. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on homeschooling, community, and raising well-formed children.

 <...

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we discuss the “how” behind classical education. Why do we emphasize memorization, repetition, teacher-led classrooms, and rigorous books? Are these methods outdated, or are they essential to meaningful learning? We explore the purpose behind what we do, respond to common criticisms, and discuss how structure, discussion, discipline, and intellectual formation work together to shape not just knowledgeable students, but thoughtful and virtuous human beings.

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we ask a foundational question: What actually makes an education “classical”? Is classical education simply a collection of methods and old books, or are there essential pillars that cannot be removed? The Core Four discuss Latin, literature, moral formation, the Western tradition, and why classical education is more than a modern curriculum with classical decorations added on. Join us as we explore what belongs at the center of a truly classical education.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"Galahad and the Grail" Malcom Guite (Martin)

"The Last...

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we continue our series on the best books of each era by turning from ancient Greece to ancient Rome. From Virgil’s Aeneid and Cicero’s orations to Roman historians, poets, philosophers, and early Christian writers, we consider the works that reveal Rome’s ideals of order, duty, virtue, and piety—and the world-changing arrival of Christianity.

Whether you’re new to Roman literature or looking to revisit the classics, this conversation offers guidance on what to read, why it matters, and how these books help us understand the foundat...

This week’s Classical Et Cetera is a special one. We recorded this episode live at the 2026 Great Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio! You’ll find all the familiar elements—what we’re reading and listener questions—along with something new: questions taken directly from the convention floor. From classical education to art, math, and more, this is a wide-ranging, unscripted conversation with listeners just like you.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"Mary Poppins" Pamela Lyndon Travers (Paul)

"The Sea Hawk" Rafael Sabatini (Tanya & Paul)

"The Collected Bowdrie Dramatizatio...

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we consider what it means to read well. Is it enough to simply read what we enjoy, or should we aim for something more? We discuss the idea of a “reading diet” and the importance of variety—balancing fiction, philosophy, theology, and more. Along the way, we reflect on how different kinds of books shape us, and why a broader reading life can deepen both understanding and enjoyment. Reading widely isn’t a rule, but it may be the key to a richer intellectual life.

*What We're Reading* from This...

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore how reading with your child should grow over time, from first books to the great classics. What should you read at each stage? When do things begin to change? We discuss the role of read-alouds, building habits, and why reading together remains essential long after a child learns to read.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"The Shadows of Men" Abir Mukherjee (Martin)

"The Other Bennet Sister" Janice Hadlow (Tanya)

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" Shelby Van Pelt (Jessica)

"The Fountains of S...

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we tackle a common question: should students read abridged classics? Are they helpful, or do they take away from the original work? From children’s retellings to difficult texts, we explore when abridged books can serve a purpose and when they should be set aside. The answer isn’t simple, but one principle remains: the original always matters.

What We're Reading from This Episode:
"Momo" Michael Ende (Martin)
"The Black Wolf" Louise Penny (Tanya)
"He Leadeth Me" Walter Ciszek (Tanya)
"The Christian Idea, Volume 1" W. Brian Welt...

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we take on a risky topic: the worst books we’ve ever read. From beloved classics to modern favorites, we ask what truly makes a book bad. Is it poor writing, or something deeper? Can a beautifully written book still lead readers astray? Along the way, we discuss children’s literature, modern novels, and the importance of discernment in reading. Not every popular book is worth your time, and some may be worth avoiding altogether.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"The Black Wolf" Louise Penny (Tanya)

"He...

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we begin a new series on the best books of each era by turning to ancient Greece! From Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to the tragedies and philosophers, we explore the foundational works that shaped Western thought. Whether you’re new to the Greeks or looking to revisit them, this conversation offers guidance on what to read and why it matters. Join us as we consider the essential authors, enduring ideas, and lasting influence of ancient Greek literature—and where to begin your reading

Reading List for Anci...

How should parents and teachers respond when children learn differently? Should the curriculum change for each child, or should the child be formed by the curriculum?

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we discuss teaching children with different personalities and temperaments, and why the modern idea of “learning styles” may not be the right place to begin. We explore the difference between temperament and aptitude, how to maintain consistent academic standards, and practical ways parents can help very different children succeed within the same curriculum. Along the way, we offer encouragement for homeschool families navig...

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we turn from fiction to Christian nonfiction books that have shaped our faith. From _Mere Christianity_ and Augustine’s _Confessions_ to biographies, letters, and works on prayer and discernment, we share the books that have strengthened, challenged, and sustained us. This isn’t a canon, but rather an honest conversation about the titles we return to and why they matter for classical Christian readers.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"Galahad and the Grail" Malcom Guite (Leigh & Tanya)

"Sense and Sensibility" Jane Austin (Tanya)

...

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we talk about home libraries—what they are, how they grow, and why they matter. From organizing (or not organizing) shelves to collecting meaningful editions, this conversation explores how the books in our homes reflect the life of the mind. We discuss lending versus hoarding, building a collection that is actually used, and why a home library is more than bookshelves—it’s a culture of reading lived out in the home.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"Christianity & Culture" T.S. Eliot (Martin)

"Sense and Sensibi...

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore the idea of "poetic knowledge"—a way of knowing that begins with experience and imagination before moving to analysis. Has modern education become too abstract, too quickly? We discuss the role of wonder in learning, the proper order of education, and why children need to encounter reality as a whole before breaking it into parts. From literature and discussion to classroom practice, this conversation considers what it means to begin learning well.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"Paradise Lost" John Milton (Ian)

"T...

What happens when screens replace books and classroom technology replaces thinking? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we examine research showing how screens, scrolling text, and digital note-taking undermine attention, memory, and deep learning. Drawing on neuroscience and classroom experience, we discuss why scrolling isn’t reading, why speed and engagement aren’t the same as understanding, and why technology-heavy classrooms often produce less learning, not more.

The Digital Delusion by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath is the book that inspired this episode's conversation.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode...

In this mailbag episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we respond to listener questions on a range of parenting and homeschooling topics. We talk about limiting video games, responding to boredom in children, and how much attention homeschool parents should give to modern pop culture versus older stories, books, and models. Drawing on principles of classical education, we explore how attention, imagination, and formation shape a child’s learning. Join the conversation as we think through these questions together!

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

Stoner" John Williams (Paul)

Against the Machine" Paul...

How should adults think about reading goals for the coming year—and how do you read more books without letting reading become a burden?

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we talk about reading goals for 2026 and what it takes to build a reading life that lasts. Whether you’re an avid reader, returning after a long break, or feeling overwhelmed by unfinished books, this conversation explores better ways to read with intention and balance. We discuss fiction and nonfiction, reading for work versus pleasure, and why shared reading and conversation matter so much.

There is no shortage of advice about how Latin _should_ be taught—immersion, conversation, grammar-first, or a blending of methods. In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we step back and ask a more fundamental question: what should be the real _goal_ of learning Latin, and how should that goal shape the way we teach it? We discuss grammar versus immersion, reading and speaking, and why different methods produce very different results—especially for children. Join us as we clarify common misconceptions and answer several listener questions!

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

"Hamnet...

Is a classical education practical in today’s world of trades, technology, and rapidly changing careers? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore that question through the real-life experiences of two classically educated graduates—one studying computer science, the other pursuing a trade. Together, we discuss how classical education prepares students not for a single job, but for many possible paths. From plumbing to programming, we examine transferable skills, lifelong learning, and the formation that equips students for real work and real life.

Due to technical difficulties this episode is audio-only. Thanks for beari...

What do we really mean when we talk about the liberal arts? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we walk through the introduction to Sister Miriam Joseph’s _The Trivium_ and explore the classical understanding of education. Rather than focusing on methods or grade levels, we talk about what education *is* — how grammar, logic, and rhetoric function as tools of the mind, and why education is more than just the accumulation of information.

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-Gramm…/?utm_sou...

In this Christmas episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we trade our usual “What are you reading?” segment for a festive book exchange! The Core Four each brings a book to give, sparking conversation about classic stories, meaningful reading, and the traditions that shape the season. We recommend beloved Christmas books for children and adults, reflect on why great Christmas stories endure, and offer ideas for reading together as a family.

Christmas Book Exchange 2025 list:

The Mythmakers —John Hendrix (From Paul, To Martin)

West with the Night —Beryl Markham (From Martin, To Jessica)<...

Is Memoria Press Catholic or Protestant—and what does “ecumenical” really mean in Christian education?

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explain how _Mere Christianity_ guides our Christian Studies program and how we focus on the core beliefs shared by historic Christianity. We discuss the differences between "teaching" doctrine and "teaching about" doctrine, the role of the creeds, and how classical education approaches Scripture, church history, and doctrine at different stages of a student’s formation. This conversation offers clarity for parents and teachers seeking a thoughtful, faithful, and intellectually honest approach to Christian...