Dwell

In this episode, Renee and Karen offer ideas and tips for planning your next family trip. Renee brilliantly suggests that the strategies for thinking and writing in The Lost Tools of Writing can help you prepare for your family's summer vacation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all know play is important for the development of our children, but do we know why and how to incorporate play into our homeschool day? Join Renee and Karen as they chat with Rachel Woodham about her soon-to-be-published book, Let There Be Play. Rachel discusses the nature of play and how it is necessary to the development of virtue and the moral imagination.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and educator Mark Signorelli joins Renee and Karen to discuss his new book, Things Glorious and Ruinous, Considering Classical Education Amidst Cultural Decay. Listen as they talk about the benefits of a classical education, including, as Mark writes in his book, "What is it the classical educator is preparing her students for? For happiness. And how does one learn to be happy in the future? By learning to be happy now. Happiness is a way of being in the world...." Be encouraged to continue the good work of educating your children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Renee and Karen chat with homeschool mom, Suzy Laskey, about their family farm in Michigan that started with a square foot garden and a dream. She describes how tending the animals and participating in the work of farm life have enriched her family and her homeschool. You might want to start a garden and get some chickens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee describes her experience of being a winning contestant on a popular TV game show! She shares how she put her study skills to use in preparation and how she has used her experience to aid her students in preparing for exams and other challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Renee and Karen chat with Kimberly Farley, representative for the Classic Learning Test. This may be just what your family needs to navigate the world of academic assessments for college entrance, as well as testing for grades 3-8. We are sure you will find this conversation informative and also encouraging as you hear how well homeschoolers are doing academically. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen are joined by Vanessa Priestner, labor and delivery nurse and homeschool mom. They discuss the needs of the postpartum mom, offer tips for finding rest and support, and explain the signs of PPD as opposed to the "baby blues". If you are in that season now, or if you are supporting a new mom, Vanessa's advice will be helpful to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes it is helpful to hear what other people are reading, their favorite books and authors, to be inspired to pick up a new book. We hope you enjoy this episode in which we share our favorites!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Renee and Karen chat with guest, Amanda Kenter, who makes a convincing case for the importance of sports and physical activities in the formation of our kids. She explains the benefits of sports and how you can fit them in with your family dynamics, goals, and time commitments.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen answer a question from a listener about ADHD. They offer advice from their own experiences and from the principles of Charlotte Mason and Classical Education: keep lessons short, get outside, train habits, limit devices, and remember your child isn't a problem to be solved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Renee and Karen talk with guest, homeschool mom Krista Sanders, about her journey to enrich her own intellectual life. She reflects on how it started when, as a mom of young boys, she asked herself, "What is education?" That eventually led her to the CiRCE Apprenticeship and then Belmont Abbey College, where she has recently completed her Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education. You may not be at the stage in life where you can enter a formal program, but she will encourage you to enrich your own life with books and reading in community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does the thought of teaching a foreign language in your homeschool intimidate you? Join us as Laura Councell gives us tips, ideas, and resources for learning with your children, using familiar books translated into another language and adding just a few phrases at a time. You will be inspired to wade in at the shallow end and give it a try. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen chat with guest, Holly Schurter, long-time storyteller and great-grandmother, about how telling our stories builds a rich family culture and reminds us that grace is in the everyday. Follow her on Substack to read her articles! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Smith, founder of Inquisicook, an online culinary arts and science program for students ages 12 and up, joins Renee and Karen to chat about the science of cooking and about encouraging your children to help you in the kitchen. It may get messy, but the benefits to your child's formation and your family culture are immeasurable. Angela also shares that Inquisicook Jr. is coming soon. Listen to hear how it could enrich your children's education.Inquisicook.comInquisicook Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Christmas Time, and we know so much rests on mom to make it all happen: shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating... Renee and Karen offer ideas and tips to help keep the season stress-free and to enjoy your family traditions with a joyful spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, friend and colleague in the world of classical education, mom and grandmother, teacher and poet, Christine Perrin, joins us for a discussion on how to foster a love of poetry in our children. She says that the experience of poetry comes before the analysis of it, she offers tips on how to jump into the world of poetry, and she shares her favorite volumes and poets with us.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Carrillo, mother of three daughters and head mentor of the Gulf Coast Apprenticeship, joins Renee and Karen to discuss living the good life with children living at home after high school. Our culture tells us that our child needs to create his or her own life at eighteen years old. But what if college or moving out of the family home is not what your child desires? Katie offers her story with her daughters and offers advice for navigating these years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Renee and Karen chat with guest John Hodges, teacher, musician, composer, and director of The Center for Western Studies. John explains, as Plato said, that the purpose of music is to cause us to delight in beauty and the harmonious things. We discuss learning to play instruments, and John offers musical selections that you can find to enjoy with your children. To find out more about his gap year program, go to centerws.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we chat with Laura Councell about the effects that music, instrumental and vocal, can have on your children's souls, minds, and bodies. Laura holds a doctorate in music and is a homeschooling mother to three children ages 2,5, and 8. Her son, Harry, is a special needs child, and Laura describes how song has been life-giving for him. Listen and be inspired and encouraged by Laura's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen chat with Bethany Kern about her new art history and appreciation books called Lumen, A Guide to the Elements of Art through Time. The first volume (of seven) on line was published last year, and the second, on space, is hot off the presses. Listen as Bethany describes the process of choosing artists and their work, how the volumes are structured, and how you can use them in your homeschool. Get these beautiful books now!Lumen, A Guide to the Elements of Art through Time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Renee and Karen discuss Anthony Esolen's book Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child, which aims to show how our culture constricts the imaginations of the young. Written in the style of C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters, it is witty and clever. If you haven't read this book, you should get a copy wherever you buy your books!Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is a further conversation with Dr. Jeanne Schindler. She offers us wisdom for navigating the digital age within our families and some practical advice on how to limit online exposure and encourage social engagement.Here is Jeanne's interview with Front Porch Republic, with the Postman Pledge at the bottom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to this lively conversation with Dr. Jeanne Schindler as she explains how the digital world has mediated our experience and awareness of the real world and has impacted our ability and desire to commune with God and with each other.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Letter writing might be a lost art, but our guest, Reagan Dregge, will encourage you to grab some paper and a favorite pen and surprise a friend with a card or a note in the mail. Reagan explains how letter writing has become a creative hobby, encouraged her as a writer, and established dear and lasting friendships.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen talk with their guest, Megan Saben, about her new book Redeemed Reader: Cultivating a Child's Discernment and Imagination Through Truth and Story, which she co-authored with three friends. She explains how the best books contain Truth with a capital T and tell stories that contain the form and themes of the best Story. She also relates how her five boys have become readers, even those who were reluctant at first. Redeemed Reader will be available on September 2, so check it out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are back with an episode about the Beehive Book Club, a new resource by Hayley Croft and Haley Bouffard. Listen as we chat about how their book club for kids turned into two volumes (so far) called Family Favorites and Read the World. Be encouraged with ideas on how to enjoy books with your own kids and how to start a club with friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Renee and Karen talk about the Supra, a tradition of hospitality from the country of Georgia in which guests gather around the table with good food and offer a series of toasts on a wide range of topics. The structure of the Supra ensures that each guest feels welcome and comfortable and builds community as guests linger long into the evening. You might be inspired to host one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen interview Tonya Rozelle about the CiRCE community for moms called The Hearth. They discuss the life-giving benefits of reading books and discussing ideas around classical education in community and how exploring truth, goodness, and beauty together is nurturing for moms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mandi's book, Thoroughness and Charm: Cultivating the Habits of a Classical Classroom, offers readers beautifully written principles of classical education and practical ideas and tips for creating a culture that nurtures our children and embodies the tradition. Listen for inspiration to encourage you as you make plans for the fall and for ideas to incorporate into your morning time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The summer is nearly here and Renee and Karen offer suggestions for making the most of your summer schedule while leaving room to discard the schedule and go to the pool! These days and years are fleeting; read books in the hammock, eat the ice cream, learn a new skill, make lasting memories! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Renee and Karen as they talk about the importance of assessing not only the end of the academic year, as in the skills, ideas, and facts learned, but also the growth and maturity that has taken place in your children and in yourself. They also chat about how assessment is a tool for planning the next year, and that to not finish a curriculum is not a sign of failure, for we are not slaves to the curriculum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Renee and Karen for Chapters 11 and 12 and the Epilogue of Norms and Nobility. They discuss Hicks' compelling answer to the question, "Why read the classics?", his statement that the heart of the curriculum is humane letters, and his last two beautiful paragraphs in which he describes true learning. We hope you were encouraged to read along with us, and if you haven't yet read Norms and Nobility, now is the time to get the new edition and dig in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Renee and Karen as they talk to Heidi about her soon-to-be-published book called The Divided Soul: Duty and Desire in Literature and Life. She describes how she came to view every story as the expression of the conflict between duty and desire—the same conflict that each one of us fights too. We hope that you enjoy this fun conversation and will run to pre-order her book! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen chat with Joyce McPherson, author of fiction and non-fiction for children ages 8-12, English teacher at Covenant College, and mother of nine children! We discuss the importance of developing the imagination and the genre of fantasy, her passion for making the stories of historical Christian figures accessible to children, and her love for George MacDonald and his stories. You will hear her advice for the homeschool mother who also has a passion for writing and how she found time to write while homeschooling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Matthew Bianco joins us for a discussion on the three faculties of the soul: the belly (the appetites), the chest (which desires honor and despises shame), and the mind (which desires wisdom and hates ignorance). We explore how being aware of these faculties can help us to train our children's affections and lead them toward virtue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Renee and Karen discuss Ch 10 in Norms and Nobility. In this chapter, David Hicks offers a list of questions worth considering for teachers and administrators, and since homeschool moms are both, we think you will find this list helpful. He also lists the assumptions that "undergird the practice of classical education." Each of these questions and assumptions is like a nugget of wisdom that will inspire and encourage you.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen offer encouragement and practical ways to avoid and combat homeschool mom burnout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Woodham, homeschool mom and author of a soon-to-be-published book on play, joins Renee and Karen to discuss the importance of free and voluntary play in the lives of children (and their parents). They explore the relationships between play and virtue, order, beauty, and imagination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen discuss the concept of Christian paideia: how Ephesians 6:4 "Bring them up in the admonition of the Lord..." is the meaning of the word paideia in the Christian context. They talk about how homeschoolers can provide a rich culture in the home where children (and parents) can train their affections and grow in wisdom and virtue, the promise of classical education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Renee King, author of the new book Ubi Est Mater?, joins Karen and Renee to talk about teaching Latin to her children and how she came to write this beautiful picture book in memory of her son. If you are just beginning the Latin journey with your family or are afraid to start, be encouraged as you listen to Renee tell her story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why not start off 2025 with a new book club?! In this episode Renee and Karen talk about their book clubs: how reading together fosters community and friendship, the different formats book clubs can take, and how they choose what to read and how often they meet. Be inspired to start one of your own with a couple of friends and a good book! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen discuss the claim that classical education is elitist and explore the objectives of a universal classical education in a democracy. Be encouraged to continue this noble task of nourishing your children's souls on the true, the good, and the beautiful and to "turn their attention away from worldly gain and onto the soul's salvation." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Renee and Karen offer some ideas for getting together with other families to celebrate the season and traditions to incorporate in your home. Christmas is a joyous and busy season, and can even be hectic and messy, but you can adopt simple traditions that your children will love and grow up to cherish and want to continue in their own homes—that's the best! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Renee and Karen talk with Amber Vanderpol, homeschooling mom of 7 children ages 1-22, about homeschooling in difficult seasons. She recounts how a brain injury caused her to re-evaluate the education she was providing for her children asking the question: Does Charlotte Mason education and classical education mean doing "all the things" or is the goal to cultivate wisdom and virtue and what does that look like? Whether you too are in a challenging season or are just tired of having to do "all the things", you will be encouraged by listening to Amber's story and the advice she offers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to this fun episode with Renee, Karen, and two friends, sisters Rebekah and Rachel, as they talk about the ceremony and traditions surrounding the enjoyment of tea and the blessing of a pot of tea with friends. They offer suggestions on how to bring tea time into your homeschool and where to find the best brands of tea online. You will want to boil some water and enjoy your favorite tea in a pretty cup! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Renee and Karen chat with Katerina Hamilton, Karen's daughter, about a new book called Let Heaven and Nature Sing: Advent Art and Poetry Lesson Plans for All Ages. This is a lovely resource for Advent with poems, color prints, and discussion questions to celebrate the season with your children or to enjoy by yourself! Listen as Katerina answers the question as to why so many Renaissance painters depicted Mary and Jesus as blond with blue eyes and as she discusses the power of the comparison question in your homeschool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen discuss chapter 6 of Norms and Nobility, "On the Necessity of Dogma". This chapter explores dialectic-the art of thinking, of wrestling with a dogma or an idea and coming to the truth. They discuss HIcks' statement of how "dialectic awakens the quarrelsome inner life" and that this is not to be feared, how the "should" question is a powerful tool, and how following a recipe is an analogy of classical education: freedom in form! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we chat with Andrew Kern about his new book, Unless the Lord Builds the House, a treatise on how the temple is the pattern for learning. We discuss how the temple and its parts: the Holy of Holies, the Holy Place, the Courtyard and the Camp are patterns of us as humans and of the world around us and how that makes a difference in how we see our children and the glory to be found in every lesson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen as Renee and Karen are joined by our friend and previous co-host, Emily Hill, to talk about her schools: Haven Forest School for K-6th grade and Haven for middle and upper school. Be encouraged with ideas and resources for your co-op or hybrid school, and if you are dreaming of starting something, jump in, and as Emily says, "Start small and do what matters to you." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Renee and Karen discuss the meaning of the phrase, "saving the appearances", how the ancients viewed science compared to the moderns, and the role of science in the classical curriculum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.