Best Colleen Sharp Podcasts (2025)

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A Life of Learning w/ Colleen Sharpe 39:18

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2d ago39:18

39:18

In this episode, Susan, Susanna (and Susanna's teething one-year-old), interview Colleen Sharpe who went college for the first time after graduating two students from homeschool. Article by Colleen about her experience starting college at 55 years old. Research Susan Mentioned: A twenty-year study found that the amount of books available in a home …

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RE-RELEASE: Is Classical Education Necessarily Eurocentric w/ Dr. Anika Prather 44:04

9d ago44:04

44:04

We will be back next week with a new episode! In the meantime, enjoy this re-release of our episode featuring Dr. Anika Prather. Show notes: Dr. Prather’s Website Dr. Anika's Suggested Authors to Include in Your Study of the Cannon: Octavia Butler Anna Julia Cooper James Baldwin Martin Luther King Corretta Scott King Ralph Ellison Richard Wright Al…

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The Call to Homeschool, Freedom in Routine, and Hobbies as a Homeschool Mom w/ Dr. Melanie Wilson 47:30

24d ago47:30

47:30

CONTRIBUTE your own response to this episode's interview questions for a chance to be featured on the final episode of this season! In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett interview Dr. Melanie Wilson who has her own podcast for homeschoolers, The Homeschool Sanity Show. She also sells curricula and homeschool tools at Fun to Learn Bo…

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Multilingual, Multicultural, Multigenerational Homeschooling w/ Rachel G. from Seven in All 35:26

1M ago35:26

35:26

CONTRIBUTE your own response to this episode's interview questions for a chance to be featured on the final episode of this season! In this episode, Susan and Susanna chat with Rachel from Seven In All on YouTube! Check out Rachel's YouTube Channel here. She also has her own curriculum and resources available here. (00:00) - Intro with Rachel (02:1…

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The Loneliness of Motherhood, Finding the Right Community, and Adapting Curricula For Your Kids W/ Tammy Deneb, Kat Stelly, and Amy Plank 55:31

1M ago55:31

55:31

CONTRIBUTE your own response to this episode's interview questions! In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett interview three homeschool veteran moms who also happen to be members of our incredible customer service team here at The Well-Trained Mind Press! 1. Kat discovered homeschooling through the writing of early homeschool thought l…

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Homeschool Sibling Relationships, Homeschoolers and The Sciences, And Learning How to learn w/ Nathan and Shelby Otto 38:55

1M ago38:55

38:55

On this episode, we have two guests, Nathan Otto and Shelby Otto. Nathan and Shelby are homeschool graduates who are both doing amazing work in the sciences. We talk about homeschooling and sibling relationships, community college, and pursuing passions that your parents (and educators) don't have expertise in. CONTRIBUTE your own response to this …

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"Your Kids Are Not Your Report Card," The Origami Rebellion, and a Homeschool Math Redemption Arc w/ Heather Quintero 49:32

2M ago49:32

49:32

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett interview Heather Quintero, an early homeschool graduate and homeschool veteran parent. Heather shares her inspiring, and sometimes hilarious, experiences and joins us for a discussion on the importance of allowing your children to fail. (00:00) - Intro with Heather Quintero (00:43) - Heather's …

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Free-Radical Kids, Tailor-Made Education, and When to Care Less w/ Julie Bogart 51:41

2M ago51:41

51:41

In this episode, we’re joined by Julie Bogart, author and creator of the Brave Writer curriculum. Julie shares laughter, insights, and hard-won wisdom from her years of homeschooling five children. Find Julie Bogart's curriculum at bravewriter.com and her author website at juliebogartwriter.com. Check out her latest book: Help! My Kid Hates Writing…

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Homeschooled by Susan Wise Bauer w/ Chris Bauer 53:18

2M ago53:18

53:18

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett interview Susan’s son, Chris Bauer, for the inside scoop on what it was like to be homeschooled by the author of The Well-Trained Mind. As promised, here is the "Daniel fingers!" blog post Chris mentions. At 50:53 Susan mentions her history growing up in a fundamentalist cult, for more on her st…

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Honest Reflections on My Homeschool Experience w/ Susan Wise Bauer 42:28

2M ago42:28

42:28

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer shares an honest reflection on her journey—from being homeschooled herself to becoming a homeschool parent and a leading voice in the homeschooling community. As promised in the episode, here is the link to Susan's blog posts about daily life homeschooling four young children! (00:00) - Welcome to season 4! (01:53)…

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Episode 12: Lets Talk Rebecca Yarros & the Fourth Wing Phenomenon 1:08:39

4M ago1:08:39

1:08:39

In this episode, lets talk all this Rebecca Yarros: the good, the bad, the ugly and the enjoyable of the Empyrean Series which has taken the Romantasy genre by (onyx) storm As always, SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS. SWEARING. MATURE CONTENT. AND AGAIN- SPOILERS! Find us on Socials! insta @ WickedGoodBookClub Tiktok: WickedGoodBookClub Music credit: Ete…

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Episode 11: A Very Bookish Return 50:18

6M ago50:18

50:18

Hey.......Sorry about the year and a half hiatus...........we missed you if that helps any? In this episode, catch up with Sarah and Delaney on all things bookish! We talk BookTok, Topes, Trends and more. As always, SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS. SWEARING. MATURE CONTENT. AND AGAIN- SPOILERS! social: insta @ WickedGoodBookClub Tiktok: WickedGoodBookCl…

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Navigating College Admissions (pt. 2) with Holly Ramsey and Dr. Michele Evard 1:13:25

9M ago1:13:25

1:13:25

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett finish their discussion about college admissions for homeschoolers with two homeschool college admissions experts, Holly Ramsey and Michele Evard. Holly Ramsey’s Website Michele Evard’s Website Holly and Michele’s Book (Use promo code: HOMESCHOOL10 for 10% off the book and everything else Colleg…

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Navigating College Admissions (pt. 1) with Holly Ramsey and Dr. Michele Evard 49:53

10M ago49:53

49:53

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett discuss what NOT to do when navigating the college admissions process as a homeschool family. They are joined by two educational consultants and college admissions experts, Holly Ramsey and Michele Evard. Show Notes: Holly Ramsey’s Website Michele Evard’s Website Holly and Michele’s Book (Use pr…

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Bonus Episode: An Important Story from a Listener 14:46

10M ago14:46

14:46

In this short bonus episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett talk to one of our amazing listeners, Kim! Kim shares an important personal story and a correction to our previous statement about IQ testing. Where to find Kim: Blog: www.kimrankin.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoldMyWords Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holdmywords/…

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To Test or Not to Test w/ Dr. Julia Collier and Sandra Amoroso 1:00:41

10M ago1:00:41

1:00:41

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett are joined by Dr. Julia Collier and Sandra Amoroso from the Well-Trained Mind Academy to talk all things standardized testing. Show Notes: Resources for end-of-year testing: Seton Testing Susan’s book: Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child’s Education Yearly Testing: How to Do It b…

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Questions We Wish You'd Stop Asking Us w/ Chief Editor Justin Moore 47:44

10M ago47:44

47:44

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett are joined by Well-Trained Mind Press editor Justin Moore to talk through the quirkier questions we receive at Well-Trained Mind Press. Justin’s movie recommendation: The Magnificent Seven (the 1960 version!) Resources for Planning your own Homeschool Plan: Well-Trained Mind Recommendations Port…

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Reflections on the Homeschool Movement w/ Julie Bogart 58:10

10M ago58:10

58:10

Julie Bogart’s Books: The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning and Life Raising Critical Thinkers: A Parent’s Guide to Growing Wise Kids in the Digital Age Becoming a Critical Thinker: A Workbook to Help Students Think Well in the Age of Disinformation Julie’s Secular Devotionals: A Gracious Space Julie’s Other Reading Reco…

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Homeschool Fails 40:15

11M ago40:15

40:15

Be encouraged! Nobody gets it right all the time. In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett share hilarious homeschool "fails" from our wonderful listeners. Click here for a link to our Facebook Post with more homeschool fails (some have pictures)! On this episode of the podcast we briefly discuss Hurricane Helene. If you are able and w…

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Screens, Technology, and Education -- What's the Right Balance? 47:32

11M ago47:32

47:32

Technology Reading List: Marshall McLuhan The Medium is the Message The Global Village The Gutenberg Galaxy Understanding Media Neil Postman Amusing Ourselves to Death Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology Ray Kurzwell The Age of Spirtual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence Kirkpatrick Sale Rebels Against The Future: The…

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A Conversation with a Secular Homeschooler (w/ Jean Lee) 42:21

11M ago42:21

42:21

Jean Lee’s website and Instagram Midwest Homeshool Expo Tell us about your funniest homeschool fail: https://www.speakpipe.com/MoreHomeschoolFails. We may feature it in an upcoming episode! Or email your homeschool fail to us at [email protected]. (00:00) - Intro with Jean Lee (01:52) - Faith-based vs. secular homeschool education (12:02)…

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Should Homeschooling Be Regulated w/ Terrence Massey 45:43

11M ago45:43

45:43

Interview with WaPo Journalist Peter Jamison: NPR Fresh Air: Homeschooling is surging, but lax regulation can leave kids vulnerable to abuse, January 18th, 2024 The Report Susanna Mentioned: Report on Mathew Tirado Learn about becoming a Guardian Ad Litem or Child Appointed Special Advocate in Your State Tell us about your funniest homeschool fail!…

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Debunking Learning Myths 35:39

12M ago35:39

35:39

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett debunk some of the most popular myths about how the brain works. If you take a sip of coffee every time Susanna says “pigeon-hole” throughout this episode, you will end up well caffeinated for the day! We encourage you to look up these neuromyths on your own! Below are just a few articles (and a…

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Teaching Controversial Topics 53:54

12M ago53:54

53:54

Guiding Principles: Gretchen Ronnevik Quote We LOVE: “When I taught classical writing to teens, there's an element to formal rhetoric called "refutation" where you address the arguments opposed to your thesis. In refutation, it's important to present the arguments of your opponents in a way that they would feel well represented, so that you can tal…

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Season 2 Finale: Questions & Answers 1:12:27

1y ago1:12:27

1:12:27

Here is a link to the standarized test that Susan recommended for students coming into classical education or homeschooling “late”: California Achievement Test (CAT) (00:00) - Intro (00:55) - Reaction to WTM not being "classical enough"? (06:21) - How to teach several ages at once? (14:48) - Logistics of simultaneous at-home and in-school education…

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Teaching Science the Classical Way w/ Courtney Ostaff 1:01:44

1y ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Here are all the curricula we talk about in the episode, so you can check them out for yourself: Elemental Science Real Science Odyssey Nancy Larson Science Blossom and Root Scientific Connections Through Inquiry Online Courses/Well-Trained Mind Academy Elemental Science (CK12) Build Your Library CK12 Foundation Centripetal Science (00:00) - Intro …

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Homeschooling: The Outside Gaze 50:02

1y ago50:02

50:02

What About Socialization? Via Well-Trained Mind VIDEO: Should I Join a Homeschool Co-Op? Recommended Book: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Susan's Book: Rethinking School (00:00) - Intro (01:44) - How to prepare for the Outside Gaze (03:27) - Peer pressure when homeschooling (13:06) - What is your "Why"? (22:57) - Homeschooling groups and co-ops …

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Teaching Math the Classical Way w/ Kate Snow 45:42

1y ago45:42

45:42

Check out Kate Snow's Website: https://kateshomeschoolmath.com/! You can purchase Kate's curricula, Math with Confidence and Facts that Stick on our website, welltrainedmind.com. (00:00) - Check out 4th Grade Math with Confidence! (00:25) - Intro with Kate Snow (02:28) - Kate's background (06:30) - The problems with math curriculum (12:23) - Rippin…

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RE-RELEASE: Classical Education for College-bound Students 58:35

1+ y ago58:35

58:35

Summary: In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett discuss how a classical education prepares students for university education and what adjustments may need to be made to ensure your student is a competitive applicant. Show Notes: Recommendations for transcript creators A Sample High School Transcript Assigning High School Credit Hours…

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Dealing with Burnout 48:59

1+ y ago48:59

48:59

ANNOUNCEMENT: We will record a Q&A episode at the end of this season. If you have questions for Susan or Susanna, send them to [email protected]. (00:00) - Intro (01:25) - Defining "burnout" (06:02) - Burnout is normal (15:19) - When to ask for help (18:43) - Susan's story of burnout (21:34) - Break (22:19) - Dealing with burnout (31:50) …

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Choosing the Right Online School w/ Julia Collier 1:04:01

1+ y ago1:04:01

1:04:01

Clarification on online class types: Live = Students attend video call classes at a set time. During class they can interact with their instructor and peers. They may complete additional coursework on their own, but must submit it by a particular deadline. Asynch = Students watch video instruction on their own. There are no set meeting times. They …

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Teaching Languages the Classical Way (with Elizabeth Weber Edwards) 56:36

1+ y ago56:36

56:36

German: Goethe Institute Spanish: Instituto Cervantes French: Alliance Francaise Well-Trained Mind Academy Beth Gibbons – singing Penderecki/Gorecki Symphony #3 ANNOUNCEMENT: We will record a Q&A episode at the end of this season. If you have questions for Susan or Susanna, send them to [email protected]. (00:00) - Intro with Elizabeth We…

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Teaching History in the Internet Age 59:45

1+ y ago59:45

59:45

Show notes: What is History? How andWhy Should I Teach It by Susan Wise Bauer Why Learn History When it’s Already on Your Phone? By Sam Wineburg Sam Wineburg for CBS Research on middle schoolers ability to interpret information on the internet A helpful introduction to teaching historical thinking skills Resources for Teaching History: The Big Hist…

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When Classics Curdle: Reading Children's Literature that Did Not Age Well 57:54

1+ y ago57:54

57:54

Summary: In this episode, Susan and Susanna discuss their thoughts on teaching children’s literature, particularly older books that have problematic or insensitive content. Show Notes: Articles We Reference: Are some children’s classics unsuitable for kids? The Guardian American Indians in Children’s Literature Web Page by Debbie Reese Ted Talk: Th…

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Different Approaches to Teaching Writing w/ Julie Bogart 43:34

1+ y ago43:34

43:34

Summary: In this episode, Susan and Susanna are joined by Julie Bogart, the founder of the Brave Writer program. Susan and Julie compare their different approaches to teaching writing and discuss which approach might work best for different types of students. Show Notes: Writing With Ease Brave Writer Julie Bogart’s Books: The Brave Learner: Findin…

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Teaching Writing, Stage by Stage 52:52

1+ y ago52:52

52:52

In this episode, Susan and Susanna discuss Susan’s classical approach to teaching writing across all three stages of a classical education. Apologies, Susanna’s audio was a bit messed up in this episode! Show Notes: The Current State of Writing Instruction Susan’s Youtube video on teaching writing: Teaching Writing, Stage by Stage A Plan for Teachi…

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Bonus Episode: The Well-Trained Mind Essential Edition 13:25

1+ y ago13:25

13:25

Check out The Well-Trained Mind Essential Edition or head to our website to subscribe to the new recommendations portal.By Susan Wise Bauer & Susanna Jarrett

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Learning Before School -- Teaching Pre-Grammar Stage Students 43:08

1+ y ago43:08

43:08

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett discuss creating a positive learning environment for young children, before formal education begins. Our Top Recommendations for Preschool Curricula: Preschool Math at Home by Kate Snow The Toddler Busy Book by Trish Kuffner Complete Daily Curriculum for Early Childhood by Pam Schiller and Patt …

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Developing Virtue Through a Classical Education 38:48

2y ago38:48

38:48

The Marshmallow Experiment Timecodes: (00:00) - Intro (00:35) - Susan's issues with "teaching virtue" (06:18) - The four cardinal virtues of classical education | Temperance, Prudence, Courage, and Justice (06:56) - Temperance: The practice of self-control (16:00) - Prudence: The ability to determine the appropriate course of action in a given situ…

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Classical Education for Students with Learning Differences w/ Courtney Ostaff 48:52

2y ago48:52

48:52

Show notes: Rethinking School by Susan Wise Bauer How to Homeschool the Kids You Have – the book Courtney co-authored Courtney’s Podcast: Modern Classical Education Podcast (name recently changed to Kitchen Table Homeschool Podcast) The Well-Trained Mind Forums Study mentioned in the Episode: The Baseball Study (1988) Summary of The Baseball Study …

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Making Classical Education Accessible w/ Keith Nix 56:53

2y ago56:53

56:53

Summary: In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett chat with Keith Nix, the Head of School for Veritas School in Richmond, VA. They discuss the differences between classical education in a home school setting versus a school setting as well as the challenges of making classical education accessible to all students. Show notes: Veritas S…

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Is Classical Education Necessarily Eurocentric w/ Dr. Anika Prather 44:04

2y ago44:04

44:04

Show notes: Dr. Prather’s Website Dr. Anika's Suggested Authors to Include in Your Study of the Cannon: Octavia Butler Anna Julia Cooper James Baldwin Martin Luther King Corretta Scott King Ralph Ellison Richard Wright Alain Locke Langston Hughes Carter G. Woodson Other Harlem Renaissance Author Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro with Dr. Anika Prather (0…

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Classical Education vs. Other Education Methods 48:14

2y ago48:14

48:14

Show Notes: More on Charlotte Mason: Susan's Article on Classical Education and Charlotte Mason More on Unit Studies: Susan's Article on Unit Studies More on Unschooling: Unschoolers.org More on Montessori: American Montessori Society or Association Montessori Internationale \ Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (01:10) - Charlotte Mason compared to classi…

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Classical Education for College Bound Students 57:43

2y ago57:43

57:43

Summary: In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett discuss how a classical education prepares students for university education and what adjustments may need to be made to ensure your student is a competitive applicant. Show Notes: Recommendations for transcript creators A Sample High School Transcript Assigning High School Credit Hours…

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The Importance of Modeling, Copying, and Memory Work 52:16

2y ago52:16

52:16

In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett discuss one of the most important, albeit misunderstood, elements of a classical education: modeling and copying. Show Notes: "In Defense of Memorization" by Michael Knox Beran Via Forbes “Why Memorizing Stuff Can be Good for You” (00:00) - Intro (00:52) - Modeling, copying and how we learn (07:…

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Where Is Classical Education Going? 43:19

2y ago43:19

43:19

Summary: In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett discuss the recent politicization of classical education and the future of this ancient method of learning. References: Dorothy Sayers Essays: The Lost Tools of Learning Louis Markos for Christianity Today – The Rise of the Bible-Teaching, Plato-Loving, Homeschool Elitists Logos School …

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Where did Classical Education Come From? 47:57

2y ago47:57

47:57

Summary: In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett tell the story of classical education and explain how it changed across different time periods. Further Reading and References: Kern, Andrew and Gene Veith. Classical Education: The Movement Sweeping America. Circe Institute. Perrin, Christopher. “The Legacy and Modern Renewal of Classi…

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What Classical Education Isn't 35:27

2y ago35:27

35:27

Summary: In this follow-up episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett debunk common misconceptions about classical education. No, you do not have to teach your child Latin to be a classical homeschooler! (00:00) - Intro (01:52) - Classical Education isn't Latin-focused (10:41) - Classical Education isn't just for the "Super Academic" (21:56) - C…

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What is Classical Education? 37:42

2y ago37:42

37:42

Summary: In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett discuss what classical education really means. Links: Gideon Burton – BYU teacher on classical education. https://hum.byu.edu/directory/gideon-burton Susan’s article on classical education – What is classical education? (00:00) - Intro (00:43) - SJ's idea of Classical Education (05:53) …

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Our Education Journeys 32:40

2y ago32:40

32:40

Summary: In this inaugural episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarrett get personal. They share stories from their nontraditional upbringings and discuss the pros and cons of growing up homeschooled. Links: More information about The Shepherding Movement: Wikipedia, MediumBy Susan Wise Bauer & Susanna Jarrett