The Wonder Years

In this episode, we welcome Joshua Gibbs and Trae Bailey for a lively conversation on: The role of discernment in choosing what literature enters your home The danger of approaching time-tested books with a hermeneutic of suspicion What to do with good books written by morally flawed authors What it means to become a good reader How to cultivate a receptive, peace-filled relationship with the Great Tradition We also ask Josh to reflect on his 16 years as a parent in the classical education movement—sharing which books he wishes his children had and hadn’t read in their younger years. It is a thought-provoking conversation that will edify and encourage all who listen! You can find out more about Josh's work at: https://www.gibbsclassical.com/ https://www.theclassicalteachinginsti... You can find out more about Trae's work at: https://fraternus.org/ https://substack.com/@householder And he is a much appreciated member of The Toolshed! Books and Articles Mentioned: Experiment in Criticism by C. S. Lewis The Personal Heresy by C. S. Lewis “Against Context: Next Time, Skip the Introduction” by Joshua Gibbs “Nudity on Film” by Joshua Gibbs Join the conversation by becoming part of the TCT Toolshed, a private community for parents who want to cultivate homes and schools filled with rich poetic and classical learning experiences: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Learn more about The Children’s Tradition: Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

In this episode, Patrick explores the metaphor of education as a feast, drawing on the rich tradition of classical education that sees learning as a nourishing meal for the mind and soul. What do we do when a child resists learning or lacks enthusiasm for what is good, true, and beautiful? Patrick reflects on how parents and teachers can continue to offer a rich educational “table” even when students are hesitant to partake. This conversation is especially helpful for homeschooling parents, classical educators, and families seeking a poetic approach to education. Discover how cultivating an atmosphere of wonder, beauty, and truth can gently awaken a child’s love of learning over time. Join the conversation by becoming part of the TCT Toolshed, a private community for parents who want to cultivate homes and schools filled with rich poetic and classical learning experiences: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Learn more about The Children’s Tradition: Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

s a classical education in the poetic mode realistic for large families? How does being enrolled in a public charter school shape a homeschool that is seeking to follow The Children's Tradition? Welcome to our new series, A Look Inside Your Homeschool, where Amanda chats with real moms using The Children’s Tradition (TCT) — a classical Charlotte Mason curriculum rooted in the Thousand Good Books books, nature study, and poetic learning. In this episode we sit down with Lindsay Dyson, a mom of eight children, ages 8 months to 13 years old, with five formal students. In this episode we discuss the practical aspects of giving children a poetic education in the context of a large family with lots of babies underfoot. We also discuss how Lindsay's family is able to be enrolled in a charter school, submit student work samples, and still maintain a home atmosphere that is rich in the poetic mode. Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

In this video Patrick and Amanda discuss a few common misconceptions of poetic knowledge, like that it… Is the study of poetry Is only for pre-school children Only has to do with stories and the moral imagination Is romanticism repackaged We hope you find this video helpful! If you would like to see the show notes, you can find them under resources in The Toolshed. Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode we interview Alec Bianco, director of marketing for the Circe Institute. We talk about education as an invitation (but how that balances with the necessity of boundaries), the power of the moral imagination, and then, finally, we dive into the topic of the Socratic command to "Know Thyself" contrasted with the modern temptation to "Trust Thyself." You can find Alec on X: https://x.com/alecmbianco?lang=en The Circe Institute: https://circeinstitute.org/ Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

What does a day in the life of a TCT homeschool really look like? Welcome to our new series, A Look Inside Your Homeschool, where Amanda talks with moms who use The Children’s Tradition curriculum. In this episode, Amanda sits down with McKenzie Westrom, a Texas mom of three with one Year 2 student. McKenzie has been using The Children’s Tradition since the beta year (2024) and truly embodies the heart of our program in her homeschool.

On this episode we interview Annie Crawford. Annie is a cultural apologist, classical educator, and homeschool mom. She teaches online courses for The Symbolic World, as well as apologetics and humanities courses for high schoolers at Vine Classical Community of Austen. In this episode we talk about how symbolism and a sacramental view of the world takes us deeper into Reality, and in honor of the Christmas season we talk about how feasting imprints truth, goodness, and beauty onto our souls! You can find Annie on X: https://x.com/annielcrawford?lang=en Her website: http://anniecrawford.net/ Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode Patrick and Amanda Faus talk about tutorial programs and co-ops. They discuss how they started Kalos Classical, the why behind starting a program, and how The Children's Tradition can practically work in community. You can out more about Kalos Classical here: kalosclassical.com Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode we interview Anthony Coafield, owner of Living Book Press. We talk about the origin of Living Book Press, how Anthony's experience with a brain injury showed him the power of stories, and the multifaceted gift of living books in education. You can find out more about Living Book Press here: livingbookpress.com Follow LBP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingbookp... Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode we interview Autumn Kern, host of The Common House network for classical Charlotte Mason homeschoolers and The Commonplace podcast. We talk about the growing popularity of personal curriculums and the way modernity has left most of us with an intuitive sense that something was lacking in our own education. Autumn gives wonderful practical tips on how you can pursue varying degrees of personal study through what she calls Mother Acadamia (though fathers can do it too)! Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode Amanda shares how she homeschools her six children and still has time to run a small business, clean, grocery shop, and nourish her intellectual life. For context, the Faus children's ages are 10 (Year 5), 8 (Year 3), 6 (Year 1), 4, 2, and 6 months. This is the general pattern of our life at this time, but do not mistake hearing about our routines for some idea of perfection. Our days absolutely include all the usual interruptions of real life: fatigue from interrupted sleep, a moody child, sibling conflicts, moments of personal overwhelm, and so on. But with God's help we keep putting one foot in front of the other, and whenever we pause to look back we see so much Grace in how we continue to grow and learn together. Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode Patrick and Amanda interview Benjamin Lyda. Benjamin is the author of Scriptorium Writing, a progymnasmata curriculum and consultant for his company Living Classical. In this conversation we talk about poetic knowledge as "knowledge of the heart", and how this conception of knowledge shapes how we approach writing in our homeschools. You can find out more about Benjamin's work at: Scriptorium Writing - https://www.scriptoriumwriting.com/ Substack - https://substack.com/@livingclassical... Consulting - https://www.livingclassical.org/ Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode Patrick and Amanda interview Joshua Gibbs. He is the director of The Classical Teaching Institute and author of multiple books including his most recent and the subject of this episode, Love What Lasts. With over 19 years teaching classical books in Christian schools, his work as a writer and lecturer are full of wit and insight, grounded in experience. We are eager to share his wisdom with you all as we talk about how to learn to love what has been handed down to us in old books (among other things) when our palate has been shaped by shallow entertainment. You can find out more about Josh's work at: The Gibbs Classical Website - https://www.gibbsclassical.com/ The Classical Teaching Institute -https://www.theclassicalteachinginsti... Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode Patrick and Amanda interview Heidi White. An educator, a therapist, and a writer, Heidi recently released her first book, The Divided Soul! In this conversation we talk about the way duty and desire represent the internal conflict all people experience, the way stories embody this dichotomy, and the ways we pursue harmonizing duty and desire as a family. Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode Patrick and Amanda interview Emily Finley. A mother of four, she also has a phD in politics, is a senior fellow of the Albertus Magnus Institute, and is the writer of The Christian Imagination on Substack. We talk about the romantic imagination of Rousseau and how that differs from the moral imagination we are aiming to cultivate in the classical tradition. We also discuss the competing imaginative visions of a historically-rooted classical versus neo-classical (Dorothy Sayers) approaches to education. The Christian Imagination: https://efinley.substack.com/?utm_sou... Albertus Magnus Institute: https://magnusinstitute.org/ Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode Patrick and Amanda interview Adam Taylor, son to James Taylor, and an inspiring educator in his own right at St. Martin's Academy. We talk about Adam's experience growing up in a household with poetic knowledge in the air, and then we discuss a concept called "connaturality" that reminds us that whatever we surround our children with will become apart of their soul's interior landscape. St. Martin's Academy: https://saintmartinsacademy.org/ Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode Patrick and Amanda interview Dr. Zachary Porcu to discuss the differences between modern and ancient mans' conceptions of how we know what we know. You can find Dr. Zac on Substack: https://substack.com/@zacharyporcu?ut... The Roots of Everything Podcast: https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts... Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

On this episode we talk about death, tragedies, and scares in the Good Books. From fairy tales and Shakespearean tales to Bible stories and the lives of saints, we discuss it all. Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/ Instagram: / / thechildrenstradition Facebook: / / 61579788214333

On this episode Patrick discusses how the moral imagination is formed. Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/ Instagram: t / thechildrenstradition Facebook: / 61579788214333

On this episode Amanda expounds on why children need classical literature. #thousandgoodbooks #johnsenior #books #classicaleducation #classicbooks Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/ Instagram: t / thechildrenstradition Facebook: / 61579788214333

On this episode Patrick and Amanda invited Trae Bailey on to discuss the central role of fathers in their children's education and ideas for leading their family towards the true, the good, and the beautiful. Trae is content editor at Fraternus. You can find out more about Fraternus here: https://fraternus.org/ He also can be found on Substack: https://substack.com/@traebailey Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/ Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/ Instagram: t / thechildrenstradition Facebook: / 61579788214333

Patrick and Amanda reflect on Charlie Kirk's legacy and the hope that it will inspire us all to live lives of courageous virtue. Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/c/star... Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/ Instagram: / thechildren. . Facebook: / 61579788214333

In this podcast Patrick introduces three foundational principles for fathers who are new to the poetic mode and gives some ways to orient the culture of your family towards the Good. Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/c/star... Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechildren... Facebook: / 61579788214333

In this episode Patrick expounds on some key principles that undergird The Children's Tradition curriculum.

In this episode we talk about the next step for the podcast (formerly The Wonder Years, now coming under The Children's Tradition's umbrella) and for our family! --- Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechildrenstradition/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Childrens-Tradition/61579788214333/#

In this episode we talk about the liberal arts - what they are, and why those of us with school age children aren't quite there yet. Show Notes: https://thewonderyears.substack.com/p/the-liberal-arts-where-were-headed TCT: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ The Toolshed: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/c/start-here Instagram: @mrsamandafaus

In this episode, we continue to look at what a Musical Education looks like and how the poetic mode of learning is how we enflesh an education in wonder. Show Notes: https://thewonderyears.substack.com/p/musical-education-tuning-the-soul-ebc TCT: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/ The Toolshed: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/c/start-here Instagram: @mrsamandafaus

In this episode we look at Musical Education, where wonder tunes students souls to perceive truth, sense goodness, and move towards beauty. Show Notes: https://thewonderyears.substack.com/p/musical-education-tuning-the-soul www.thechildrenstradition.com

In this episode we look at gymnastics, the classical idea that an essential part of education is to put our students’ whole bodies in sympathetic relationships with Truth, Goodness, and Beauty through their senses to cultivate courage and discipline and to teach them to love the right things. You can find this episode's show notes here: https://thewonderyears.substack.com/p/gymnastics-an-embodied-education

In this episode we look at the nature of piety , why we think piety is one of the most important parts of recovering a classical Christian culture, and some practical ways parents can cultivate an atmosphere of piety in the home. You can find this episode's show notes at thewonderyears.substack.com/p/piety-a-culture-of-honor

Show Trailer

This is a special bonus episode in which Amanda talks about what wonder tales are, why we need them, and how they compel us to break through our modern mindset to love the good and learn true contemplation. She gives context and lays a foundation for our new, subscriber-only podcast called Wonder Tales that is available at thewonderyears.substack.com!

Welcome to Season 2! In this episode we give you some updates on what has been happening behind the scenes of The Wonder Years. Patrick shares about what led him to the wonderful world of classical education, what he loves about it, and why he thinks the world is primed to see a major increase in classical schools in the upcoming years. Lastly, we give you a sneak peak of the topics we will be covering in this next season! Find our show notes at https://thewonderyears.substack.com/p/the-new-wonder-years

Welcome to Ep. 07 where we talk about one of our all-time favorite subjects: stories and the irreplaceable role they play in the formation of (little) humans. We hope you are inspired to pull a little one (or three) onto your lap to enjoy some stories that point to The Story while you cuddle up together. Show Notes: https://thewonderyears.substack.com/p/ep-07-stories

Welcome to Ep. 06 with experienced mother teacher, Brandy Vencel! We came to talk about habits, and we did, but we also ended up having a heartfelt conversation about repentance that you don’t want to miss. We hope you are encouraged! Show Notes: https://thewonderyears.substack.com/p/ep-06-habits-with-brandy-vencel Find Brandy: https://afterthoughtsblog.net/

Welcome to Ep. 05 with guest Alec Bianco where we talked about the different ways children learn, from a classical perspective! We will plumb a depth far beyond what you may expect, and you will be greatly blessed by these powerful, living ideas. May you be gifted a vision to guard, treasure, and cultivate your children’s childhood! Head to the Wonder Years Substack for today's show notes including a basic outline of our discussion, all the resources mentioned, and transcription quotes. Find Alec on Twitter: https://twitter.com/alecmbianco?lang=en Check out: https://circeinstitute.org/ Awakening Wonder Webinar: https://www.thecommonplacepodcast.com/market/p/awakening-the-soul-attention-as-a-way-of-waking-up-to-the-world

Welcome to Episode 04! This week we talk about how essential time out-of-doors and nature study are for children and practical ways we can make it happen in any season of life. Find this week's show notes on our Substack: https://thewonderyears.substack.com/p/ep-04-nature

Welcome to Episode 03! This week we continue our conversation about how mothers can cultivate virtue in their bodies, minds, and souls. Find this episode's show notes on our Substack: https://thewonderyears.substack.com/p/ep-03-becoming-a-mother-of-virtue

Welcome to Episode 02! We talk about how any discussion of the early years must begin with a conversation about Mom- the human she is and the things she loves. Find this episode's show notes on our Substack: https://thewonderyears.substack.com/p/ep-02-becoming-a-mother-of-virtue

Welcome to Episode 01! This week we walk through our pod intro and explain where these wild and wonderful ideas come from. Find this episode's show notes on our Substack: https://thewonderyears.substack.com/p/ep-01-an-introduction