Today we're talking about how a teacher and their students must prepare to navigate the transitions and challenges from one grade to the next. Each school year is filled with its own planning and challenges from kindergarten through 12th grade, and as each student moves from one level to the next the expectation to succeed only grows. So how can a teacher in both a classroom and homeschool setting equip their students to start strong as they navigate lower, middle, and high school level classes. This conversation is great for young teachers and administration to address the challenges facing students as they grow and learn throughout their schooling career.  Interested in learning more about Memoria Press. Visit us online! memoriapress.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=97 Looking to start your own HLS Charter School! Apply today!  https://highlandslatin.org/new-campus/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=97

Today we're talking about the rituals we have in our schools and homeschools and how those rituals set us up to start the school year strong and prepare our student's minds for starting back after the summer break is over. We talk about a number of different strategies and ways to start the new school year going right before things get to busy with all the things your new school year needs to do. We are excited for each of our homeschool families, charter schools, cottage schools, and independent classical schools who have started the school year strong with us! Let's make 2023 the best school year yet!

Book review episode! And today its fiction. In this episode Classical Et Cetera explores East of Eden by John Steinbeck. We review the book (there will be spoilers) and do our best to leave no stone unturned in this marvelous work of American Fiction. We explore the plot, characters, themes, and summary of this pivotal work of one of the greats. We hope our analysis will encourage you to read the book and explore more American literature and books that explore why we think the way we do. Come along with us as we explore East of Eden, today on Classical Et Cetera.

"📚 Classical Education vs Liberal Arts: Exploring Teaching Styles & Content Differences 🎓 Dive into the dynamic world of education as we navigate the differences between classical and liberal arts approaches. Discover the formal types of education, from college to university, and unravel the significance of the liberal arts in fostering interdisciplinary exploration. Explore what is necessary for preparing students for higher education in sciences and humanities. Join us in this insightful discussion on educational management, making informed choices, and understanding the core distinctions between classical and liberal arts education. Are you curious about the distinctions between Classical Education vs Liberal Arts? Join us in this enlightening discussion as we delve into the nuances of these two educational approaches. In this video, we compare and contrast their teaching styles and content, shedding light on how they shape the learning experience. 🏛️ While both Classical Education and Liberal Arts share a focus on a well-rounded education, they diverge in their methods and philosophies. Classical Education emphasizes a structured curriculum rooted in the classics, fostering critical thinking through rigorous analysis of foundational texts. On the other hand, Liberal Arts offers a broader curriculum encompassing various disciplines, encouraging interdisciplinary exploration and adaptability. 📝 Our exploration takes us through the formal types of education, examining how both Classical and Liberal Arts pathways prepare students for the challenges of college and university life. Whether you're interested in sciences, humanities, or management, understanding the necessary components of each approach is crucial for informed educational choices. 🎯 If you've been wondering about the benefits and drawbacks of these educational models, this video is a must-watch. Gain insights into the strengths of Classical Education and the versatility of the Liberal Arts, and discover how each approach contributes to a well-rounded educational journey. 🔔 Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge about what education, teaching styles, and curriculum content might work best for you. Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications to stay updated on our thought-provoking content. Let's embark on this educational exploration together!

On today's episode of the Classical Et Cetera podcast, we have no idea where Shane is. Hopefully he returns to us quickly and safely. And with presents. In the meantime, we'll have to see how Martin's coup attempt plays out. Anyhow, today we are talking about the role of learning Latin in a classical Christian education. Why is it so important to us? How does it transform and bring the organized mind together? Are the students who study Latin really happy with the benefits that Latin can bring? We also talk about the online and physical resources the Memoria Press Homeschool curriculum can provide. Interested in studying a course in Latin grammar, definitions, and pronunciation? Visit us at memoriapress.com to check out our full course catalogue!  https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/latin/?utm_source=Podbean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=92

In this episode, the core four discuss why classical studies is an essential part our our complete curriculum. Learn how we introduce students to classical studies early in their education get an idea of the pedagogy behind the classical studies program. Don't miss it! Browse the classical studies curriculum lineup today! https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=92 Our classical studies curriculum is the foundation of our Famous Men of Virtue series. Check out Famous Men of Rome, featuring Cincinnatus and Julius Caesar! Famous Men of Virtue | Watch all sixteen episodes! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVTTYXJZjjHLUFKA8NaM4UQdgBEJHxaHJ Famous Men of Rome, Complete Set: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/famous-men-rome/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=92 Famous Men of Greece, Complete Set: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/famous-men-greece/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=92 How Greatness Destroyed Julius Caesar | Aristotle & Magnanimity https://youtu.be/NGUVbn_z4ys Cincinnatus & Rome : Who is Cincinnatus? https://youtu.be/EcZQv-TfiFA What is classical education? Classical education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue through the study of the liberal arts and the Great Books. The liberal arts are the universal linguistic and mathematical skills students need to excel in every area of life. The Great Books are the means by which we pass on the cultural heritage of the Christian West. A mastery of both is the best way to prepare a child for a life of wisdom and virtue, and Memoria Press’ beautiful and comprehensive classical Christian curriculum provides the tools for mastering these two essential elements of education. To learn more about classical education and Memoria Press, visit: https://www.memoriapress.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=92

A core part of the complete Memoria Press curriculum is the Classical Composition program. Designed to teach students how to write and argue persuasively, Classical Composition prepares students for many forms of writing. In this episode, Shane, Tanya, and Paul unpack the Classical Composition program for those unfamiliar. Don't miss it! Browse the complete Classical Composition lineup today! https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/writing-and-english-grammar/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=91 Starting your composition journey, check out Classical Composition I: Fable https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/writing-and-english-grammar/classical-composition-i-fable-set-with-online-instructional-videos-streaming/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=91 What is classical education? Classical education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue through the study of the liberal arts and the Great Books. The liberal arts are the universal linguistic and mathematical skills students need to excel in every area of life. The Great Books are the means by which we pass on the cultural heritage of the Christian West. A mastery of both is the best way to prepare a child for a life of wisdom and virtue, and Memoria Press’ beautiful and comprehensive classical Christian curriculum provides the tools for mastering these two essential elements of education. To learn more about classical education and Memoria Press, visit: https://www.memoriapress.com/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=91

On this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Shane and the team from Memoria Press sit down to discuss poetry, their favorite poems, the role poetry has in our homeschool curriculum and how the art form can enrich both education and your life. Classic literature and poetry holds a significant place in our English program and is an essential element for what makes our program unique. Want to learn more about Classical Christian Education? Visit memoriapress.com to learn more!

Every summer,  Memoria Press kicks off our Teacher Training Conference in Louisville, Kentucky USA to teach teachers in classical Christian schools core classroom management and leadership skills as well as the tenants of our curriculum. Workshop activities will cover our English, Science, Math, and Latin sessions and so much more to prepare teachers for the coming school year.  Think of it as a train the trainer environment with workshops, seminar speeches, course development insights, and education inspiration for teachers around the world. And if you can't come in person, videos will be made available for our online participants.  Spots are still available, so register today!  Every summer,  Memoria Press kicks off our Teacher Training Conference in Louisville, Kentucky USA to teach teachers in classical Christian schools core classroom management and leadership skills as well as the tenants of our curriculum. Workshop activities will cover our English, Science, Math, and Latin sessions and so much more to prepare teachers for the coming school year.  Think of it as a train the trainer environment with workshops, seminar speeches, course development insights, and education inspiration for teachers around the world. And if you can't come in person, videos will be made available for our online participants.  Spots are still available, so register today!  https://www.memoriapress.com/2023-teacher-training-conference/

Introducing Novel Thoughts, a brand new show to the Memoria Press lineup that unpacks the classical children's literature and literature curriculum from Memoria Press. Why did we pick the books that landed in our curriculum? Why is the read - aloud experience crucial for homeschool kids? How can you take advantage of the thousands of hours of experience and the curated choices for kindergarten, first, second, and third grade literature and beyond that we've painstakingly worked to put together? Join our new show as we dive in the Memoria Press classic Christian education as we unpack the stories, fiction, and picture books from the Memoria Press curriculum.

It's not a foreign concept nor one that happens all that often either. But which is more important, teacher or student aptitude? How does a teacher keep a classroom engaged? How does a student navigate difficult learning? Today Shane sits down with Classical Et Cetera to talk through the tension between student and teachers, especially when there is a greater divide in aptitude for learning.

Today we're talking Summer! Specifically, ideas for how to spend a Summer of mindfulness, quality alone time, and activities for your holidays that enrich your classical life. While we are big on homeschool curriculum and education, we love our rest and love the life-giving leisure that comes when spending quality time. Check out the Memoria Press Classical Summer Bucket list on this Episode of Classical et Cetera!   

**SPOILER WARNING** The Lame Shall Enter First New books you should read! Today the table is diving into a wonderful book by Flannery O'Connor; a short book, under 200 pages, that we think everyone should read at least once. We especially love recommending short books that won't break your schedule in half.   "The Lame Shall Enter First" is a short story by Flannery O'Connor. It appeared first in The Sewanee Review in 1962 and was published in 1965 in her short story collection Everything That Rises Must Converge. Atleast give it a shot!   

The 2023 Sodalitas Homeschool Conference is right around the corner! And on this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Shane sits down with three of the conference speakers to offer a sneak peak at what they have in store during their sessions. Homeschooling shouldn't be a lonely endeavor. Some visit Memoria Press to learn more about Classical Christian education, the advantages of Classical homeschool curriculum, learn strategies for better classroom behavior management and organization and so much more!

Today the table sits down to talk about Martin's article "How To Think About Literature". What is the classical approach to literary criticism, and what view does classical thinking take when it comes to better analysis and review of literary work. Today we hope to equip with you skills that will help you analyze books, poetry, and literature in a more confident and holistic way. 

In today's episode Shane sits down to unpack how the Memoria Press curriculum land classical education in general lays an ideal groundwork for instilling moral character in students. Packed with an illustrious history spanning nearly 2 centuries of philosophy, virtue reasoning, ethics and values, classical education is ideally equipped to teach homeschool and traditional school students the core of what makes decisions right and wrong. Today we unpack normative ethics, common philosophical development, learning moral framework and how our curriculum teaches students to navigate critical questions that bombard today's society.

People often ask us about how we include American history in our curriculum, especially in comparison to the history of Ancient Greece and Rome. Should we give American history more focus? Or, is it more important to study the civilizations that created and solidified classical education? Martin, Shane, Tanya, and Paul, the core crew, sit down to discuss these questions, and more, in today's episode of Classical Et Cetera. Watch now!   Homeschool with Memoria Press today: https://www.memoriapress.com/homeschool/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=081

Neither Tanya nor Shane enjoy opera like Professor Carol. But, through this episode, Professor Carol shares her love of opera with the table and with you! Learn from Professor Carol's years of experience working closely with opera houses to make performances accessible for all listeners. You won't want to miss her insights into the storytelling, structure, and goals of opera.   Homeschool with Memoria Press today: https://www.memoriapress.com/homeschool/?utm_source=AudioOnly&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=90

Students need to learn philosophy during their education. It is a core pillar in developing a child's own perspective on the things that go on in the world, and it's far more accessible than a lot of people might think. For the classical Christian homeschool, understanding the pros and cons of each philosophy curriculum you encounter is a great first step to incorporating such a pivotal aspect of youth education. Join us today as Shane, Paul, and Martin unpack the method and madness as to how and why Memoria Press teaches Philosophy the way we do.

Welcome to Classical Et Cetera LIVE! An episode where Shane and the gang sit down at the Great Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati to make our case for why a classical Christian education might be a great choice for parents to choose. No home school education is complete without the curriculum to back it up, which is why Shane and the table share today why Memoria Press is a great gateway into the greater learning environment that Classical Education has to offer!

Interested in starting your own classical school? Think that private education based in foundations of truth, goodness and beauty is the way to go? The Memoria Press Curriculum is more than just learning material, it is the blueprint by which we have laid the foundation for classical schools across the country. Many of our trademark schools start out as homeschool co-ops that get started with little more than a faithful few who dare to try and the curriculum that equips them to succeed. How does getting started today sound to you?

Classical Curriculum helps in more ways than just what a student is practically learning. It extends into how a classroom conducts itself in both a school and homeschool environment. Today, Classical Et Cetera revisits gravitas and dives deeper into how serious classroom arrangement and organization poses great advantages for better education.

Today, Shane sits down to unpack A Classical History of Art, a new course from Memoria Press that traces the lines of how the tenants of truth, goodness, and beauty have impacted arts throughout history. This curriculum is perfect for at home and in-classroom education environments and especially for those teaching from a traditional, Christian perspective. And don't miss a sneak peek at Lesson 1 of A Classical History of Art with Kyle Janke! We think this course works for anyone looking for a better liberal arts education for their homes and classrooms. What are you waiting for? Let's jump in!

As homeschooling and classical education continue to gain popularity, it's important to delineate the significant difference between The Rhetoric Stage and whatever speech and debate program is being taught in public schools. In today's episode, Shane Saxon and the team at Memoria Press discuss why we don't have a speech program in our classical Christian education curriculum and why we would rather focus our efforts on developing students through the stages of Logic, Composition, and Rhetoric. We also talk about some the criticism that a homeschool or classical classroom might face when they don't teach traditional speech and debate. Join us as we explore these questions and more, diving into the key principles and benefits of teaching Rhetoric in a classical Christian education curriculum. Whether you're a homeschooling parent, classical educator, or simply interested in learning more about this important topic, this video is for you. What are you waiting for? Let's get started.

**SPOILER WARNING** Fidelity New books you should read! Today the table is diving into a wonderful book by Wendell Berry; a short book, under 200 pages, that we think everyone should read at least once. We especially love recommending short books that won't break your schedule in half. "Fidelity", written in 1992 is a must read for fans of classical literature and its one of the best stories that you can maybe read in a day. The life and times of Port Williams, Kentucky is a wonderful exploration into the nuances of faithful community. Give it a read! 

Memoria Press doesn't offer a speech program, and today the table talks about why. Well, great rhetoric begins with great writing. And that's why our curriculum puts such a strong focus on the skills mastered through grammar and logic. Join Shane at the table today as Classical Et Cetera dives into what makes great writing!  If you're struggling with academic writing or essay writing, classical education might be the solution you're looking for. In this video, we explore how studying grammar, logic, and rhetoric in classical education can improve your writing skills and help you write well-crafted essays. From developing a strong thesis statement to structuring your essay effectively and using evidence to support your arguments, we share tips and strategies for writing in classical education. Whether you're a student looking to ace your next essay or an educator seeking to enhance your students' writing skills, this video is a must-watch. So join us and discover how classical education can help you master academic and essay writing. Don't forget to check out our essay writing tips and strategies and subscribe for more helpful content!

In this video, we explore how to manage big questions using the Socratic dialectic method in classroom conversations. As educators, we know that facilitating meaningful discussions about complex topics is essential for student learning and development. However, implementing effective classroom management in these conversations can be challenging, especially when dealing with big questions that have multiple perspectives and no easy answers. Even more so, the skills and techniques teachers need in establishing the rules for class dialogue can pose significant problems. In this video, we will discuss how to use the Socratic dialectic method, a powerful questioning technique, to help students engage with big questions in a constructive and productive way and improve the ways students engage with difficult material. We'll cover the basics of the method and provide practical tips for using it in the classroom and how we can take steps to reform our education system using this method. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, this video will provide you with valuable insights and strategies for managing big questions and conversations in your classroom. So, join us for this informative and engaging discussion, and learn how to facilitate meaningful conversations that promote critical thinking and understanding. 

The journey to a healthy Socratic Conversation is a long one and not to be rushed when used in a teaching environment. But when a classroom is equipped for healthy questioning, dialogue, and debate, classroom learning can drastically shift from passive receptivity to engaged and proactive critical thinking. So when is the right time to use the Socratic method in school and homeschool environments? And when can you be sure that students are ready to use what they think and know to engage in healthy dialectic of what is true, good, and beautiful? Today on Classical Et Cetera, we discuss how classical education works to push students towards discussion based learning as an outcome, not as its central construct.

Anton Chekhov penned "The Bet" in 1889, a curious short story about the nature of knowledge, wisdom, and community. Today, Classical Et Cetera will spend some time opening the pages of this clever little story and provide a summary of their thoughts and big takeaways. By Russian and English standards this book is one you should definitely look into. Check out our other articles and podcast episodes on classical education, Memoria Press curriculum, and so much more!

In the Winter 2023 edition of The Classical Teacher, Martin Cothran wrote an article, The Culmination of the Classical Hero. An article that unpacks The Hero's Journey and explained how this story structure grounded more than just Star Wars, video games, and modern storytelling. It connects to something deeper. The Monomyth. A term coined by Joseph Campbell in his book, A Hero With a Thousand Faces, the monomyth is a narrative structure drawn from the traditional myth and legend of cultures from around the world. But when we think of Christianity, we see drawn in the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, a mythic structure fulfilled. A truth so deep and perfect, the rest of the world's myths had to follow. Join Shane Saxon at the table today as we unpack the Monomyth in another episode of Classical Et Cetera. 

What is the difference between fun and leisure? It starts with the idea that there is a better way to spend your free time. Classical education promotes using the extra time in our days wisely and productively with activities that move our time from fun into leisure. So how do you that? Shane sits down with the Classical et Cetera table to discuss this very topic, along with ways in which a school and homeschool environment could benefit from a better use of free time at home.

Come visit us at The Great Homeschool Convention this coming April!  Pride & Prejudice, an insightful and transformative domestic novel that took the literary world by storm, has become one of the most beloved pieces of classical literature. A beautiful book that fits very nicely into our classical education curriculum, thank you very much. But why is it important? Why did it leave such an impact on the literary world? Why does it ask some of the best questions and provide the most insightful answers on how our social class creates and navigates division.  That's what we're talking about today. As good a film as one can make, it pales in comparison to the insight and beauty of the novel itself. Join Shane at the table as we take a summary of the themes, questions, answers, and insights from Pride & Prejudice.   

Great books, need great characters. And a wide swath of classic literature features some incredibly strong female characters that we believe both young girls and young boys should read and enjoy. Join Shane at the table today with guest Leta Sundet to talk about the role strong female protagonists play in classic literature, why these books feature so strongly in our traditional homeschool curriculum, and how the right kind of female leads create better stories and better examples for young readers. We are excited you're here with us, let's jump in!

We love great books. Great books will make you smarter, great books will change the way your mind works, great books have changed the western world. Today on the podcast, Shane and the gang break down the core elements of great literature that help unlock the pleasure in reading in the long term. For what are great books, if not gateways to greater reading? Today we find out. 

We've received a ton of questions from viewers of the show and now it's time to answer them! We looked through comments on Classical Et Cetera episodes to find thought provoking questions to answer at the table. Join Paul, Shane, Tanya, and Martin for this special year-end Q&A episode. If you have additional questions for the group, put them in the comments down below!

Merry Christmas from Memoria Press and Classical Et Cetera. In this episode, the gang talks "A Christmas Carol", plays Secret Santa, and Tanya almost gets stabbed! It's an episode to ring in the Christmas season and celebrate a joyful year of light and love, featuring a special message from the MP family. Merry Christmas!

Classical Education and the Great Books of the Western World are a gateway to the Great Conversation. But what is the Great Conversation, and how does a classic reading list of history's greatest books inspire us to think big and strive in personal growth and wisdom? Today, Shane and the gang find out. Today we take a look at a manageable approach for beginners to enter into the Great Conversation and a wholistic perspective on the classics. Book your seat now, for Classical Et Cetera!

Today we're talking about our Classical Christian Studies Curriculum. Memoria Press has made it a point to teach biblical literacy, church history, and a strong faith in a Christian consciousness. Why is this valuable in a homeschooling setting? What is the point of a Christian education in a homeschool or formal school environment? Today we find out.

Why do we educate our kids? What is education in America trying to do? It can seem like the functions, aim, and purpose of school defined, redefined, and conceptualized anew every year. Why? What is education supposed to be doing for us? Today Shane and the gang sit down to explore the definition, meaning, and goals of the educational philosophy of Memoria Press. We explore the nature of education, the objectives of the classroom, the motivation of teacher and parent alike, and why our public system isn't serving our kids the way they should be. At MP we believe that our Classical Christian Curriculum is accessible, available, and the best option for parents and teachers alike.

Time to get started in Classical Education! We know that for first time teachers and parents Classical Education and Classical thinking can seem a little bit daunting. But trust us, no one here at Memoria Press was born classically educated and we've found that the journey is definitely worth it. Getting into Classical Education is accessible for classroom and homeschool teachers alike. What are you waiting for? Let's get started. 

In today's episode of Classical Et Cetera, Shane and friends sit down to talk about the Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair. Among the vast works by Christian authors, few cast such a compelling vision as CS Lewis.  Through a literary analysis of The Silver Chair, the team at Memoria Press will compare C.S. Lewis' other works: The Abolition of Man, Surprised by Joy, the Screwtape Letters and many more as they explore the core theme, concept, and story of the The Silver Chair.  The Christian faith journey can be complex and hard to follow, and we are grateful for this incredible work that points us to the Savior with every turn of the page.   

What is the quadrivium and how does it relate to classical education? If you've enjoyed our past conversations on the liberal arts, the trivium, and a close look at Christian homeschool education, this conversation is for you! Today we take an overview look at possibly the oldest learning curriculum in the world: The Quadrivium. Not only does a solid education need language arts to work, it needs the four pillars of geometry, astronomy, arithmetic, and music to work in a modern context. Why teach the Quadrivium? We're glad you asked. Hope you enjoy the show! 

The Trivium: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. But what is the Trivium and how relate to the popular trivium-based education model? And how do these foundational elements properly influence a classical education? These questions and more answered on today's episode of Classical Et Cetera. Join Martin, Shane, Tanya, and Paul as they break down the Trivium: what it is, what is does, and how it shapes our curriculum. Here is a link to the chart we mention throughout the episode: https://www.memoriapress.com/trivium-quadrivium/

America's Education System is in pretty bad shape. With deeply flawed philosophy surrounding early child education, mismanaged curriculum for kindergarten through high school, and missing the point of what school is supposed to be; the American Education System is filled with many, seemingly unfixable, problems. Today, Classical Et Cetera explores why.  Join Shane, Paul, and Martin as they discuss a divisive problem, Whole Child Approach, in the US today. How do we take what seems broken and make it right again? We're glad you asked, welcome to the show.   

Today we jump into teaching classical history with Memoria Press. Why do we teach history through narrative? How do we take the tales of antiquity and impart virtue education through our homeschool curriculum? How do we communicate Christian values through sinful characters? Shane sits down with Paul, Ian and Bryce to talk about the ways in which each of them have been impacted by the Famous Men series, why we talk so much about virtue, and how our Famous Men of Virtue YouTube series came to life.

Today we're talking Memoria Press Math. Shane sits down with Paul, Tom, and Martin to discuss how we teach math in the classroom using the Memoria Press curriculum.  Mathematics is a core component of a healthy classical education. Our foundations here at Memoria Press around math is grounded in the teaching of Plato, Descartes, and classical philosophers and educators from a wide swath of history.  Developing a central philosophy has been instrumental in formulating our strategies to teaching math in the classroom. Understanding the nature of math and its significance in our world is key in the education of young minds.   

"There once was a boy named Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it." These words from C.S. Lewis's work Voyage of the Dawn Treader open today's podcast and set the stage for a discussion of what mice, dragons, and voyages can teach us about Classical Education. Join the table in wondering at Reepicheep's nobility, Eustace's journey from man to dragon to man, and the journey of the Dawn Treader. And, if you watch to the end, you'll hear about each of our favorite islands from the book. Don't miss it!

Whole word reading method vs phonics. In the world of language education, Phonics is simply the best way to teach students how to read, write, spell, and speak. Its traditional approach stands the tests of time and science, and wins over all other language comprehension programs. The whole word learning approach is misguided, and it betrays both how broken the American school system has become and why Common Core learning is a disaster for U.S. students. What do we think? We think you should use phonics as the standard for reading and language. The alternative is using the wrong system that might lead to terrible results.