The Dean's List

We explore the significance of liturgy in classical Christian education, featuring insights from Dr. Preston Atwood on how daily rhythms of scripture, prayer, and song shape students' hearts and minds. Discover practical ways to incorporate meaningful liturgy into school and family routines to reorder affections, foster deeper faith, connect to meaningful community, and build richer prayer lives for our students. 

content  type:

Interview

primary  goal:

Educational

keywords:

liturgy, Christian education, prayer, scripture, school routines, faith formation, Christian songs, Psalms, family prayer, spiritual habits, parenting, worship at home 

key  topics:

Definition and importance of liturgy in Christian education

How liturgy shapes students' affections and loves over time

The significance of traditional hymns and Psalms

Practical ways for families to incorporate liturgy at home

takeaways:

Liturgy is the work of the people, shaping hearts through repeated practices.

Consistent liturgical habits embed Christian virtues and biblical truths.

Old hymns and Psalms carry deep theological and artistic value.

Family routines can incorporate scripture, prayer, and song easily.

Participating in historic Christian liturgy connects us to a larger tradition.

sound bites:

"Liturgy embodies truth and beauty in artistic form."

"The Psalms evoke the full range of human emotion."

"Start small and develop an appetite for liturgy."

Chapters:

00:00 Daily Habit of Hearing the Good News

01:33 Welcome to The Dean’s List

4:30 Alums Missing Liturgy

6:45 What is Liturgy? What are the hopes of practicing liturgy?

10:55 Reciting Scripture and Reciting Prayers

13:39 Personal Preferences and Church Hymns 

15:10 Cantate Domino - a liturgical songbook for Classical Christian Schools

17:49 Compiling Cantate Domino

19:05 The Significance of the Psalms in Christian Worship

21:45 Collected Prayers of the Saints

23:35 Exordiums and Assembly Sayings

27:05 Parents Incorporating Worship at Home

31:51 Reflecting on Liturgy and the Conversation with Dr. Atwood

38:55 Closing Prayer

39:30 Ending Credits

Resources:

• Dr. Preston Atwood, Head of School https://www.wamemphis.com/
• Cantate Domino - https://hymnworks.com/product/cantate/ 
• Every Moment Holy - https://www.everymomentholy.com/ 
• Learn more about The Habersham School
• Comments or Questions: [email protected] 
• Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review and please subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Guest Biography:

Preston Atwood is in his third year as the head of school at Westminster Academy. He earned his PhD and MA in Classical & Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a ThM and MDiv at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a BA in Humanities at Scarborough College.

Dr. Atwood is the author of two books (Cantate Domino: A Liturgical Songbook for Classical Christian Schools and Translating a Translation) and several articles and book chapters. He is also a solo piano composer.

Why do we still study a "dead" language? In this episode, host Clay Hining sits down with Sarah Traut from The Habersham School to unpack the lasting value of Latin education. Far from an academic artifact, Latin serves as a master key to Western civilization, language mechanics, and critical thinking. Tune in to discover how engaging with classical texts builds disciplined reasoning, rich cultural literacy, and a deeper connection to the modern world.

content type:

Interview

primary goal:

Educational

keywords:

Latin education, Western civilization, classical studies, language learning, The Habersham School, cultural literacy, classical languages, education philosophy

key topics:

The historical importance of Latin in education

The benefits of learning Latin for understanding Western civilization

The role of Latin in developing language and reasoning skills

The cultural and historical insights gained through Latin study

The evolution of language education and the place of Latin today

takeaways:

Studying Latin provides deep insights into Western civilization and its history.

Latin enhances understanding of modern languages and improves cognitive skills.

Learning Latin helps students engage with classical texts and ideas directly.

The study of Latin fosters a precise and disciplined approach to language and thought.

Latin education connects students with the cultural and historical roots of Western society.

guest name:

Sarah Traut

sound bites:

"Latin is a key to understanding Western civilization."

"Knowing Latin gives you a deeper understanding of the world."

"Latin connects us to the great authors and ideas of the past."

Chapters:

00:00 Why study Latin?

02:00 Pros and Cons about Latin and modern languages

02:31 Sarah Trout's educational background and role at Habersham

03:40 Go DAWGS

04:32 Lead Teacher and Schedule Maker

05:30 Why Our Family Chose Habersham

07:10 What is Something that Disappeared from Classrooms?

11:00 Paper and Pencils, Handwriting, Humanities, and Latin at THS

13:20 Seeing Latin in television and on vacation

15:22 Latin in European culture and architecture

17:00 Latin as a tool for understanding the world and oneself

18:20 Latin on the US Dollar Bill written by Virgil

20:24 Differences in Modern Day Language Programs and Latin Programs

23:13 Early Latin education builds curiosity

24:48 Who do you want your child conversing with?

27:42 The importance of reading Latin texts in original language

28:51 Latin is an instrument that aims to the good

30:35 The Portrait of a Graduate

32:00 Latin as a framework for precise thinking, syntax and logic

34:02 Byproducts of Latin study: language skills and cognitive benefits

37:40 Parents encouraging perseverance in Latin learning

41:12 The enduring value and fun of Latin education

42:07 Closing prayer

42:35 Credits and Next Topic

Resources:

• Learn more about The Habersham School
• Comments or Questions: [email protected]
• Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

In this episode, we explore the essence of classical Christian education through a conversation with Howe Whitman, founder of The Wilberforce School, and insights from host Clay Hining and co-host Brent Beaumont of The Habersham School. Discover why this timeless approach to education is vital for nurturing well-rounded, virtuous individuals.

content type: Interview

primary goal: Educational

keywords:

classical education, Christian education, homeschooling, character development, timeless curriculum, education trends, parenting, school partnership

key topics:

The core principles of classical Christian education

The importance of time-tested methods and materials

The role of education in restoring God's image in students

The contrast between trend-based and tradition-based education

Practical ways parents can partner in education at home

guest name: Howe Whitman

sound bites:

"Our students are image bearers of God."

"Classical education is time-tested learning."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:08 Summer Adventures and Reflection

05:16 Preparing for the School Year

07:23 Big Questions

09:02 The Mission of The Habersham School

10:28 Restoring the Image of God in Students

12:30 College Pathways for Classical Students

13:39 The Value of a Classical Curriculum

17:19 Introducing Howe Whitman

18:39 Music and Personal Preferences

22:49 Howe's Educational Background and Journey

24:58 The Founding of The Wilberforce School

27:38 The Need for Integration of Faith and Education

29:30 The Impact of Classical Education on Character

33:48 The Value of the Great Books and Classics

36:42 The Danger of Chronological Snobbery

38:45 Why Parents Should Choose Classical Christian Education

43:24 The Role of Technology and AI in Education

44:18 Practical Advice for Parents in the New School Year

48:23 The Power of Reading Aloud with Children

49:54 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Visit

51:41 Reflections on Classical Education and Parenting

53:20 Closing Prayer by Thomas Aquinas

resources:

The Wilberforce School

https://wilberforceschool.org/ 

The Habersham School

https://thehabershamschool.org/ 

Andy Crouch - The Three Callings of a Christian

https://andy-crouch.com/extras/the_three_callings 

Wendell Berry - Why I am Not Going to Buy a Computer

https://classes.matthewjbrown.net/teaching-files/philtech/berry-computer.pdf

Justin Earley - Habits of the Household

https://habitsofthehousehold.com/ 

Justin Earley - Hang Ten Movement

https://www.hangtenmovement.com/

Comments or questions

[email protected]

A trailer comprised of our podcast introduction