This week’s Classical Et Cetera is a special one. We recorded this episode live at the 2026 Great Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio! You’ll find all the familiar elements—what we’re reading and listener questions—along with something new: questions taken directly from the convention floor. From classical education to art, math, and more, this is a wide-ranging, unscripted conversation with listeners just like you.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

"Mary Poppins" Pamela Lyndon Travers (Paul)

"The Sea Hawk" Rafael Sabatini (Tanya & Paul)

"The Collected Bowdrie Dramatizations" Louis L'Amour (Martin)

"Coal Camp Girl" Lois Lenski (Martin)

"The Women" Kristin Hannah (Jessica)

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we consider what it means to read well. Is it enough to simply read what we enjoy, or should we aim for something more? We discuss the idea of a “reading diet” and the importance of variety—balancing fiction, philosophy, theology, and more. Along the way, we reflect on how different kinds of books shape us, and why a broader reading life can deepen both understanding and enjoyment. Reading widely isn’t a rule, but it may be the key to a richer intellectual life.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

"The Confederacy of Dunces" John Kennedy Toole (Paul)

"Why Literature Still Matters" Jason Baxter (Martin)

"Christian Paideia" Brian Welter (Martin)

"The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading" Doug Lemov (Martin)

"Theo of Golden" Allen Levi (Tanya)

"Mouse House" Rumer Godden (Tanya)

"Boxcar Children" Gertrude Chandler Warner (Tanya)

"The Sea Hawk" Rafael Sabatini (Tanya)

"The Correspondent" Virginia Evans (Jessica)

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore how reading with your child should grow over time, from first books to the great classics. What should you read at each stage? When do things begin to change? We discuss the role of read-alouds, building habits, and why reading together remains essential long after a child learns to read.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

"The Shadows of Men" Abir Mukherjee (Martin)

"The Other Bennet Sister" Janice Hadlow (Tanya)

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" Shelby Van Pelt (Jessica)

"The Fountains of Silence" Ruta Sepetys (Jessica)

"The Correspondent" Virginia Evans (Jessica)

"The Old Man in the Corner" Emmuska Orczy (Paul)

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we tackle a common question: should students read abridged classics? Are they helpful, or do they take away from the original work? From children’s retellings to difficult texts, we explore when abridged books can serve a purpose and when they should be set aside. The answer isn’t simple, but one principle remains: the original always matters.

What We're Reading from This Episode: "Momo" Michael Ende (Martin) "The Black Wolf" Louise Penny (Tanya) "He Leadeth Me" Walter Ciszek (Tanya) "The Christian Idea, Volume 1" W. Brian Welter (Paul)

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we take on a risky topic: the worst books we’ve ever read. From beloved classics to modern favorites, we ask what truly makes a book bad. Is it poor writing, or something deeper? Can a beautifully written book still lead readers astray? Along the way, we discuss children’s literature, modern novels, and the importance of discernment in reading. Not every popular book is worth your time, and some may be worth avoiding altogether.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

"The Black Wolf" Louise Penny (Tanya)

"He Leadeth Me" Walter Ciszek (Tanya)

"Mo Mo" Michael Ende (Martin)

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" Shelby Van Pelt (Jessica)

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we begin a new series on the best books of each era by turning to ancient Greece! From Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to the tragedies and philosophers, we explore the foundational works that shaped Western thought. Whether you’re new to the Greeks or looking to revisit them, this conversation offers guidance on what to read and why it matters. Join us as we consider the essential authors, enduring ideas, and lasting influence of ancient Greek literature—and where to begin your reading

Reading List for Ancient Greece

Homer — Iliad, Odyssey Tragedy — Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides Philosophy — Plato (Apology), Aristotle History — Herodotus, Thucydides

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

"Galahad and the Grail" Malcom Guite (Tanya)

"With God in Russia" Walter Ciszek (Tanya)

"Be Frank With Me" Julia Claiborne Johnson (Jessica)

"The Ministry of Fear" Graham Greene (Paul)

Various Hesiod writings (Alex)

How should parents and teachers respond when children learn differently? Should the curriculum change for each child, or should the child be formed by the curriculum?

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we discuss teaching children with different personalities and temperaments, and why the modern idea of “learning styles” may not be the right place to begin. We explore the difference between temperament and aptitude, how to maintain consistent academic standards, and practical ways parents can help very different children succeed within the same curriculum. Along the way, we offer encouragement for homeschool families navigating daily challenges while keeping the long view of education in mind.

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we turn from fiction to Christian nonfiction books that have shaped our faith. From _Mere Christianity_ and Augustine’s _Confessions_ to biographies, letters, and works on prayer and discernment, we share the books that have strengthened, challenged, and sustained us. This isn’t a canon, but rather an honest conversation about the titles we return to and why they matter for classical Christian readers.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode:

"Galahad and the Grail" Malcom Guite (Leigh & Tanya)

"Sense and Sensibility" Jane Austin (Tanya)

"With God in Russia" Walter Ciszek (Tanya)

"A Tale of Two Cities" Charles Dickens (Tanya)

"No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" Alexander McCall (Paul)

"A Confederacy of Dunces" John Kennedy Toole (Paul)