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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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In this episode, Renee and Karen offer encouragement and practical ways to avoid and combat homeschool mom burnout.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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