Dwell

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.

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."

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.

Charlotte Mason said, "If we fail to ease life by laying down habits of right thinking and right acting, habits of wrong thinking and wrong acting fix themselves of their own accord." Listen as Renee and Karen discuss a few habits for kids that will serve them for the long run.

Charlotte Mason wrote that habits are the rails on which the good life runs. In this episode Renee and Karen each offer three habits for moms to help launch a new school year.

In this episode Karen talks with Missy Andrews, author of My Divine Comedy and mother of 6 grown children, about her homeschool journey, a journey of coming to terms with her own weaknesses and perfectionism and discovering the gift of grace. You will be encouraged by Missy's honest and hopeful telling of her story.

In this episode, Renee and Karen discuss Ch. 4 of Norms and Nobility, "The Tyrannizing Image". They explore the place and significance of the Ideal Type—that which embodies virtue and excellence—in education historically, why it is central to classical education, and what accounts for the fate of the Ideal Type in the modern era. If you have not read N and N, or if you find it intimidating, this is a good chapter to jump into as it offers a key to understanding how Cl. Ed cultivates wisdom and virtue.

In this episode, Renee and Karen chat with Patty Bianco about how to help your children thrive in their online classes. Patty offers eight specific hints, from creating a designated work space to communication etiquette, and gives advice on how involved mom should be and what to do if a student isn't getting their work done. Patty also describes the various CiRCE online class options and how you can find out more.

Listen as Renee and Karen talk with guest, Amber Vanderpol, mother of seven children ages 7 months to 22 years, about how adopting Charlotte Mason's principles of education can simplify and bring joy to your homeschool.