The Children's Tradition

In this conversation Patrick and Amanda sit down with recurring guest Adam Taylor to discuss the controversial issue of calling TCT a "classical" curriculum. When the title "classical" is claimed by such a diverse range of schools as the Lost Tools of Learning crowds, secular charter programs, and people like us who are seeking to transmit the poetic mode of learning, it can feel like it has nearly lost it's meaning entirely. On the one hand, we are not quite ready to give it up because the poetic mode harkens to us from antiquity. On the other hand, we are playing around with the idea of being a "medieval model" program as a means of clarifying and distinguishing what Tradition we are working within. Whether you are someone who has been in the classical renewal for a long time, or someone who is in danger of not giving TCT a chance because your perception of classical education is not positive, we hope this conversation will give you some worthy thoughts for consideration. We also hope you will join the conversation by leaving your thoughts on this topic below!

Read Adam's Substack here: https://substack.com/@ajstaylor

Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/

Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/
Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

Wonder is often what first draws us to classical education. The ideas are fresh, the vision is beautiful, and reality seems alive with meaning. But what happens when that initial excitement begins to fade?

In this video, Patrick Faus explores the relationship between poetic knowledge and wonder, drawing heavily from Dennis Quinn's Iris Exiled. He’ll examine why wonder is the beginning of education, why it often diminishes through familiarity and analysis, and whether it can be recovered and sustained over time.

If wonder is the beginning of education, how do we preserve it throughout life?

Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/

Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/
Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

Join Patrick and Amanda Faus as we reflect on this year’s Recitation Night at Kalos Classical, share what summer schooling looks like in our home, and talk about some exciting projects ahead.

In this conversation, we discuss:
• The beauty and fruit of recitation nights in a classical Christian community
• Why we love spending summer mornings outside and saving lessons for the afternoon
• How we approach “summer school” as homeschoolers without losing the peace and rhythm of the season
• New and upcoming courses inside The Toolshed
• Amanda’s upcoming dictation projects and why dictation remains such a powerful tool in a poetic and classical education

Whether you are planning your summer rhythm, looking for encouragement in homeschooling, or interested in classical education and poetic learning, we hope this conversation encourages you.

Join the conversation by being apart of the TCT Toolshed, a private social network for parents desiring to cultivate educational atmospheres rich in poetic experience: https://the-toolshed.circle.so/

Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/
Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Childrens-Tradition/61579788214333/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechildrenstradition/

In this episode, we welcome Joshua Gibbs and Trae Bailey for a lively conversation on:

The role of discernment in choosing what literature enters your home
The danger of approaching time-tested books with a hermeneutic of suspicion
What to do with good books written by morally flawed authors
What it means to become a good reader
How to cultivate a receptive, peace-filled relationship with the Great Tradition

We also ask Josh to reflect on his 16 years as a parent in the classical education movement—sharing which books he wishes his children had and hadn’t read in their younger years. It is a thought-provoking conversation that will edify and encourage all who listen!

You can find out more about Josh's work at:
https://www.gibbsclassical.com/
https://www.theclassicalteachinginsti...

You can find out more about Trae's work at:
https://fraternus.org/
https://substack.com/@householder
And he is a much appreciated member of The Toolshed!

Books and Articles Mentioned:
Experiment in Criticism by C. S. Lewis
The Personal Heresy by C. S. Lewis
“Against Context: Next Time, Skip the Introduction” by Joshua Gibbs
“Nudity on Film” by Joshua Gibbs

Join the conversation by becoming part of the TCT Toolshed, a private community for parents who want to cultivate homes and schools filled with rich poetic and classical learning experiences:
https://the-toolshed.circle.so/

Learn more about The Children’s Tradition:
Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/
Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/

In this episode, Patrick explores the metaphor of education as a feast, drawing on the rich tradition of classical education that sees learning as a nourishing meal for the mind and soul. What do we do when a child resists learning or lacks enthusiasm for what is good, true, and beautiful? Patrick reflects on how parents and teachers can continue to offer a rich educational “table” even when students are hesitant to partake.

This conversation is especially helpful for homeschooling parents, classical educators, and families seeking a poetic approach to education. Discover how cultivating an atmosphere of wonder, beauty, and truth can gently awaken a child’s love of learning over time.

Join the conversation by becoming part of the TCT Toolshed, a private community for parents who want to cultivate homes and schools filled with rich poetic and classical learning experiences:
https://the-toolshed.circle.so/

Learn more about The Children’s Tradition:
Web: https://www.thechildrenstradition.com/
Substack: https://childrenstradition.substack.com/