The Well-Trained Mind podcast

Our Education Journeys Aug 25, 2023

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, Medium

What is Classical Education? Sep 13, 2023

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) - SWB's idea of Classical Education
(09:35) - Principles of Classical Education
(15:09) - Introduction to Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric Stages of Learning
(18:24) - Grammar
(20:57) - Logic
(29:25) - Rhetoric
(35:19) - Quotes from Classical Educators
(36:23) - Wrapping up

What Classical Education Isn't Sep 20, 2023

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) - Classical Education isn't curriclum-dependent
(23:14) - Classical Education isn't safe
(33:30) - Restating the negatives as positives
(34:38) - Outro

Where did Classical Education Come From? Sep 27, 2023

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 Classical Education.” Classical Academic Press. https://classicalacademicpress.com/blogs/classical-insights/the-legacy-and-modern-renewal-of-classical-education.
Markos, Louis. “The Rise of the Bible-Teaching, Plato-Loving, Homeschool Elitists.” Christianity Today. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/september/classical-christian-schools.html.
McCoy Brandon, “Classical Education: An Attractive School Choice for Parents,” Manhattan Institute, Date Published: July 29th, 2021 https://manhattan.institute/article/classical-education-an-attractive-school-choice-for-parents.
William, Michael. “Confusing Classical Education with Conservative Education.” Classical Liberal Arts Society. https://classicalliberalarts.com/classical-catholic-education/confusing-classical-education-with-conservative-education/.

Historical Correction: Horace Mann was the Secretary of Education for the Massachusetts State Board of Education, rather than the secretary of the Philadelphia Board of Education.

(00:00) - Intro
(00:43) - The loadedness of the phrase "Classical Education"
(03:10) - The historical foundations of Classical Education
(04:18) - Classical Education in Classical times
(17:48) - Classical Education in America
(43:13) - Touching on topics for the next episode
(46:39) - Outro

Where Is Classical Education Going? Oct 04, 2023

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:

Article Round-Up:

Timecodes

The Importance of Modeling, Copying, and Memory Work Oct 11, 2023

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
(07:31) - Copying and modeling in the writing stage
(25:07) - Copying and modeling in the rhetoric stage
(30:52) - Quick sidenote!
(32:37) - Memorization in the educational process
(40:49) - Debunking misconceptions about memorization
(41:08) - Misconception #1: Memorization is opposed to critical thinking
(44:13) - Misconception #2: People forget what they memorize
(45:38) - Misconception #3: Memorization is will kill a love for learning
(48:54) - Putting Susanna on the spot
(51:37) - Outro

Classical Education for College Bound Students Oct 18, 2023

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:

Tests We Discuss:

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro
(01:05) - Starting off with a piece of advice
(04:13) - Preparing for college at the rhetoric stage
(10:31) - Seven tips (and a bonus!) for making the transition to college
(11:02) - Tip #1: Identify a range of potential colleges
(12:23) - Tip #2: Get credits on a transcript
(28:00) - Tip #3: Practice receiving instruction from multiple sources
(32:35) - Tip #4: Decide whether to take standardized tests
(39:30) - Tip #5: Look into achievement based testing
(45:36) - Tip #6: Get used to using a checklist and planner
(49:19) - Tip #7: Start collecting letters of recommendation
(51:35) - BONUS!: How to align classical courses to a high school transcript
(57:15) - Outro

Classical Education vs. Other Education Methods Oct 25, 2023

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 classical education
(13:46) - Unit studies compared to classical education
(23:09) - Montessori compared to classical education
(33:35) - Unschooling compared to classical education
(43:39) - Liberal arts compared to classical education
(46:03) - Our *second* favorite approaches to education
(47:41) - Outro

Is Classical Education Necessarily Eurocentric w/ Dr. Anika Prather Nov 03, 2023

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
(02:22) - Is there Eurocentrism in classical education?
(09:01) - Finding a better word than "eurocentrism"
(12:33) - Marxist philosophy in classical education
(15:42) - How to get to synthesis
(38:58) - Classical education is understanding the human condition
(43:02) - Wrapping up
(43:21) - Outro

Making Classical Education Accessible w/ Keith Nix Nov 08, 2023

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 School Website

Potential Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in a Classical School:

How do you adapt for students who come in at different levels or are on different developmental paths? What are your strategies?
How do you ensure that students are known by their teachers and by your administrators?
Can we talk to a family or two who were new here last year?
How can I afford this school? What is your financial model?
How often can kids go outside? Do teachers have power to create breaks? (particularly for younger children)
What is the philosophy of discipline?
What is the emphasis on athletics?
How much attention are you giving to the arts? What are your aspirations for the future?
What are your faculty attrition rates?
What are your student attrition rates?
How does the governance of the school function? How does the board of the school relate to the head of school?
Who is on the board? How many are related to the founder?
What is your philosophy around grading?

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro
(02:38) - Pros and challenges of classical education at home vs in an institutional setting
(21:50) - How to make classical education more accessible to more families
(32:57) - How do non-traditional schools help with growing classical education
(39:50) - Red flags to look out for when finding a classical school
(48:29) - Questions to ask when you visit a classical education institution
(53:38) - One last question
(55:10) - Outro AND ANNOUNCEMENT!!

Classical Education for Students with Learning Differences w/ Courtney Ostaff Nov 15, 2023

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:

Further Reading:

Timestamps

Developing Virtue Through a Classical Education Nov 22, 2023

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 situation
(24:08) - Courage: Moving forward without knowing the outcome
(29:36) - Justice: Applying what you've learned to relationships
(35:40) - You can't make virtue happen
(37:25) - Outro (See you next season!)

Learning Before School -- Teaching Pre-Grammar Stage Students Mar 27, 2024

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:

(00:00) - Intro
(00:14) - Welcome to Season 2! (plus a little Season 1 recap)
(00:43) - The Nuts and Bolts of Classical Education
(01:28) - What Classical Education looks like before the grammar stage
(06:50) - The preschool years at a brain development level
(09:15) - The preschool years at a physical development level
(11:40) - Laying out some basic principles
(11:50) - Don't push into formal education activities
(12:44) - Create and environment for reading, math, and thinking
(21:27) - If your child does want to do school
(24:24) - How to create a learning environment
(24:58) - Don't confuse entertainment with education
(27:50) - Encourage drawing counter-clockwise circles
(29:15) - Incorporate counting into everyday life
(31:16) - Talk! (and listen!)
(34:21) - Read read read!
(38:23) - What your kid should know before 1st grade
(42:31) - Outro

Bonus Episode: The Well-Trained Mind Essential Edition Apr 02, 2024

Check out The Well-Trained Mind Essential Edition or head to our website to subscribe to the new recommendations portal.

Teaching Writing, Stage by Stage Apr 03, 2024

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 Teaching Writing: Grades K-12, Audio Workshop
The Complete Writer (Our recommended writing program by Susan)

Different Approaches to Teaching Writing w/ Julie Bogart Apr 10, 2024

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:

Julie Bogart’s Books:

(00:00) - Intro with Julie Bogart of Brave Writer
(07:29) - A perfect segue story
(10:20) - The basic philosophy of Brave Writer
(13:26) - Comparing and contrasting WTM and BW
(20:37) - An example of an inappropriate writing assignment and a fix!
(23:33) - The pressure to come up with original content
(27:57) - How to deal with writing-terrified parents
(33:26) - What are we going to do about AI?
(37:25) - Listener question: Left brain vs right brain thinkers?
(42:31) - Wrapping up

When Classics Curdle: Reading Children's Literature that Did Not Age Well Apr 17, 2024

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: The Danger of a Single Story
Booklists and Resources for Finding Windows and Mirrors:

(00:00) - Intro
(00:14) - The inspiration for this episode
(01:03) - Revisiting classic books with objectionable content
(04:21) - Defining and discussing "objectionable content"
(18:19) - How do we read these books?
(25:04) - Break
(25:13) - Reading classic literature in the grammar stage
(40:38) - Susanna's experience with classic literature
(44:32) - Windows and Mirrors
(47:14) - Classic literature in the logic and rhetoric stage
(48:58) - There are definitely books that should be skipped
(52:35) - An important question to ask yourself
(55:53) - At the end of the day
(57:25) - Outro

Teaching History in the Internet Age Apr 24, 2024

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
Resources for Teaching History:
- The Big History Project (skills taught: contextualization, sourcing, causation, comparison, continuity & change over time, close reading)
- Digital Inquiry Group (formerly Stanford History Education Group or SHEG). This organization offers free lesson plans and assessment ideas that emphasize historical thinking skills, perfect for logic stage students. The “Lunchroom I” and “Lunchroom II” lesson plans are a fun introduction to historical thinking skills.
- A great introduction to history for rhetoric stage students: Telling the Truth About History
Reading Lists for Hard History
- American Indians in Children’s Literature Web Page by Debbie Reese
- Heritage Mom Recommendations for Black History
- Annotated Reading list for Grammar Stage: Picture Books About Slavery and Freedom via Heritage Mom
- Annotated Reading list for Logic Stage: Age-Appropriate Books about the Holocaust via School Library Journal (you know your student, some of these may be too heavy for younger logic stage students).
- Another reading list with both grammar stage and logic stage titles on enslavement: Children’s Books about Slavery and Enslavement via Pragmatic Mom

(00:00) - Intro
(00:25) - History as a battleground
(05:21) - A Drag Queen example
(08:31) - History as a story and historical "accuraacy"
(16:49) - 4 historical approaches
(16:57) - Biographical history
(19:06) - Progressive history
(29:35) - Positivist history
(33:55) - Social history
(37:33) - How do we teach this?
(40:10) - History in the grammar stage
(47:52) - History in the logic stage
(55:21) - History in the rhetoric stage
(58:37) - Wrapping up
(59:22) - Outro

Teaching Languages the Classical Way (with Elizabeth Weber Edwards) May 01, 2024

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 podcast@welltrainedmind.com.

(00:00) - Intro with Elizabeth Weber-Edwards
(01:59) - A brief introduction to learned languages
(08:15) - How do you learn languages?
(14:06) - Some principles for choosing a way to teach a language
(21:52) - Which language should you pick?
(30:41) - Break
(31:34) - How language learning fits into classical education
(41:23) - What to look for in a quality online language class
(54:51) - It's never too late to learn a language!

Choosing the Right Online School w/ Julia Collier May 08, 2024

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 may or may not have deadlines for coursework.

Delayed (unique to WTM Academy) = Students can watch lectures on their own time (within 24hrs of the live class), but must complete all other coursework on the same timeline as live students. Here is a video about how delayed classes work at the WTM Academy.

Things to Look For When Choosing an Online School:

Is there an administration?
Is the school accredited?
Tuition
How much do you want to be involved?
Delivery method/Time online
Socialization opportunities
Viewpoint Diversity and/or Worldview
Website design

Nationally Recognized Accrediting bodies

MSA

(Also check out the agencies they cooperate with)

WASC

Cognia

(00:00) - Intro with Julia Collier
(02:39) - What are the benefits of online school?
(12:50) - Types of online programs
(27:23) - Break
(28:16) - Types of online programs
(34:32) - What a diploma does and whether or not it's important
(36:52) - What are *you* looking for in an online school?
(43:13) - Green flags, red flags, and things to look for in an online school
(01:02:28) - Wrapping up
(01:03:22) - Outro

Dealing with Burnout May 15, 2024

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 podcast@welltrainedmind.com.

(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) - What to do next
(48:34) - Outro

RE-RELEASE: Classical Education for College-bound Students May 22, 2024

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:

Tests We Discuss:

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro
(01:31) - Starting off with a piece of advice
(04:39) - Preparing for college at the rhetoric stage
(10:57) - Seven tips (and a bonus!) for making the transition to college
(11:28) - Tip #1: Identify a range of potential colleges
(12:49) - Tip #2: Get credits on a transcript
(29:18) - Tip #3: Practice receiving instruction from multiple sources
(33:53) - Tip #4: Decide whether to take standardized tests
(40:48) - Tip #5: Look into achievement based testing
(46:54) - Tip #6: Get used to using a checklist and planner
(50:37) - Tip #7: Start collecting letters of recommendation
(52:53) - BONUS!: How to align classical courses to a high school transcript
(58:33) - Outro

Teaching Math the Classical Way w/ Kate Snow May 29, 2024

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) - Ripping apart Saxon
(15:34) - Conceptual math vs procedural
(20:06) - Break
(20:55) - Math You See & manipulatives
(30:44) - Math with Confidence
(34:30) - Recommendations for teaching varying levels of math interest
(44:44) - Outro | Visit kateshomeschoolmath.com

Homeschooling: The Outside Gaze Jun 05, 2024

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
(33:10) - What about socialization?
(48:09) - Stay true to yourself
(49:35) - Outro

Teaching Science the Classical Way w/ Courtney Ostaff Jun 12, 2024

Here are all the curricula we talk about in the episode, so you can check them out for yourself:

Scientific Connections Through Inquiry

Online Courses/Well-Trained Mind Academy

Elemental Science (CK12)

Build Your Library

CK12 Foundation

Centripetal Science

(00:00) - Intro with Courtney Ostaff
(01:17) - The goals of a science curriculum
(24:17) - Searching for the perfect homeschool science curriculum
(28:11) - Elemental Science
(30:59) - Real Science Odyssey
(32:33) - Nancy Larson Science
(36:19) - Blossom and Root
(41:01) - Scientific Connections Through Inquiry
(47:56) - Online Courses/Well-Trained Mind Academy
(52:59) - Elemental Science (CK12)
(54:48) - Build Your Library
(56:14) - CK12 Foundation
(57:48) - Centripetal Science
(01:01:11) - Wrapping up

Season 2 Finale: Questions & Answers Jun 19, 2024

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
(21:02) - How to keep the energy up after graduating kids?
(28:16) - Confronting the decline of vocabulary
(33:28) - How to transition from Kindergarten to 1st grade?
(41:57) - How do handwriting and typing compare as learning tools?
(46:12) - When should a "gifted" child start focusing more on special interests?
(59:35) - Starting WTM "late"?
(01:05:10) - Adding AP classes to rhetoric?
(01:09:47) - Clarification from the burnout conversation
(01:12:15) - Wrapping up

Teaching Controversial Topics Sep 04, 2024

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 talk about where they are wrong in their argument, point by point, instead of resorting to ad hominem attacks, or misrepresentation. In classical rhetoric, ad hominem attacks, and twisting the words of your opponent where they would say "but that's not what I said, nor how I meant it," is actually the weakest way to refute their arguments. It shows that you don't have a good case against their issue, so you resort to theatrics and distractions instead. The reason that you want your opponents to agree with your representation of them is that you are seeking to win them over and persuade them. If they feel they have been misrepresented, they will never be persuaded, they will just continue to clarify again and again, until they realize you have no intention of actually hearing them.”

Gretchen’s website and Twitter/X Account

Politics

iCivics: Susanna’s recommendation for teaching civics and government to grammar/rhetoric stage students
The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt: Susanna’s book recommendation for rhetoric students and adults

Economics

Uncle Eric Books: We mention using these books to explain the Libertarian or Free Market view of economics
Tuttle Twins: We mention this as an example of an economics/government program for kids that has a stated Libertarian slant
Older students should read the strongest arguments for each major economic theory and/or the source material, like The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith for Free Market Economics or The General Theory of Employment by John Maynard Keynes for Keynesian economics.
Resources for looking for rhetoric stage economics courses (let us know your comments about potential slants!):
- Great Courses (a lot of course options, check the syllabus to see if the course you’re interested in covers multiple economic theories)
- Edx (same as above)
- Khan Academy (they have a section about Keynesian economics and its critics)
- Crash Course (supplemental videos, potential Keynesian slant. They have a video about different Economics Schools of Thought)
- Well-Trained Mind Academy

Science

Biologos website: Susan mentions this website in the context of teaching theology and science.
Extremely American Podcast: Susan mentions this podcast when positing that there is a link between creationism and Christian Nationalist political ideas. This episode specifically tackles that link.

Corrections:

At 31:10 Susan mentions the "Institution of Creationism Research," it should be "Institute of Creation Research."

(00:00) - Season of Hot Takes Intro
(01:15) - Episode Intro
(01:28) - Teaching controversial topics
(03:31) - "I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It"
(04:31) - US Government & Politics | I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It
(07:21) - How to make space for terrifying questions
(13:50) - US Government & Politics | I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It
(22:25) - Economics | I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It
(30:26) - Break
(32:03) - Science | I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It
(41:04) - Reading | I Don't Believe It, But I Must Teach It
(46:20) - How to teach in a community with diverse values
(53:18) - Outro

Debunking Learning Myths Sep 11, 2024

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 video) to start your research:

Show Notes:

Research: Persistence of Neuromyths in Educational Settings

Myth 1:

News Article: Right brain/left brain, right? Via Harvard Health Publishing
Full Research Study: An Evaluation of the Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Hypothesis with Resting State Functional Connectivity Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Myth 2:

News Article: Debunking the Learning Style Neuromyth Via Forbes
Round-up of Research: Learning Styles as Myth via Yale

Myth 3:

News Article: Why There is No Such Thing as a Normal Brain via BBC
Research Article: The Myth of the Normal Brain: Embracing Diversity via The AMA Journal of Ethic
Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child’s Education by Susan Wise Bauer

Myth 4:

Article: Why a high IQ doesn’t mean you’re smart via Yale School of Management

Video: The Dark History of IQ Tests via TedEd

(00:00) - Debunking Learning Myths
(02:24) - Left-brained vs. right-brained
(05:01) - The power of figures of speech
(10:34) - Break
(12:11) - Matching instruction to learning style
(22:32) - Learning discorders
(28:11) - IQ scores
(35:29) - Outro

Should Homeschooling Be Regulated w/ Terrence Massey Sep 18, 2024

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! We may feature it in an upcoming episode! https://www.speakpipe.com/HomeschoolFails

(00:00) - Homeschool fails
(00:42) - Intro with Terrence Massey
(01:31) - What is Guardian ad Litem?
(02:26) - Homeschool and child welfare
(06:50) - Homeschooling, abuse, neglect, and the media
(13:08) - Discipline and abuse
(16:20) - Preserving families
(18:49) - Break
(19:56) - Educational neglect
(33:24) - Common sense regulations on homeschooling
(40:13) - We want the kids to be alright
(44:44) - Outro

A Conversation with a Secular Homeschooler (w/ Jean Lee) Sep 25, 2024

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 podcast@welltrainedmind.com.

(00:00) - Intro with Jean Lee
(01:52) - Faith-based vs. secular homeschool education
(12:02) - Other secular curricula
(19:33) - Break
(20:42) - Misunderstandings about secular/faith-based homeschoolers
(30:05) - Positive and negative reactions from faith-based homeschoolers
(40:32) - Outro

Screens, Technology, and Education -- What's the Right Balance? Oct 02, 2024

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 Luddites And Their War On The Industrial Revolution: Lessons For The Computer Age Paperback

Articles Mentioned in the Episode:

Mayo Clinic Article on Screen Time
Digital Literacy:
- Stanford Research: High School Students’ Digital Skills Paints Worrying Portrait
- Stanford Research: It Doesn’t Take Long to Learn to Spot Misinformation Online
- Civic Online Reasoning Lessons

Just for fun:

Medieval Help Desk Sketch
Susan’s Movie Recommendation: The Village, directed by M. Night Shyamalan

(00:00) - Kids, Screentime, and Technology
(00:42) - The benefits of remote meetings
(03:46) - The Luddites
(07:30) - Technology in preschool
(09:46) - Tech in the grammar stage
(19:17) - Break
(20:22) - Tech in the logic stage
(36:54) - Tech in the rhetoric stage
(42:03) - Screen things we like!
(46:22) - Outro

Homeschool Fails Oct 09, 2024

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 willing to support ongoing disaster relief efforts, consider donating to World Central Kitchen: https://wck.org/

(00:00) - Intro
(00:56) - Consider donating to disaster relief for the victims of Hurricane Helene
(04:14) - Susan's homeschool fail
(07:15) - Your homeschool fails
(07:44) - Things You Should Know
(15:05) - Never Test a Homeschooler
(20:24) - Break
(21:31) - False Starts
(29:31) - That Got Messy
(34:10) - Unexpected Turns
(38:01) - Wrapping up

Reflections on the Homeschool Movement w/ Julie Bogart Oct 16, 2024

Julie Bogart’s Books:

Julie’s Other Reading Recommendations:

How to Really Love Your Child by Ross Campbell
The Well-Trained Mind: Essential Edition by Susan Wise Bauer
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
Authors Julie recommended: Charlotte Mason, John Holt, John Taylor Gatto, and Peter Gray.

If you enjoyed this episode, check out our episode from Season Two with Julie Bogart, Different Approaches to Teaching Writing.

(00:00) - Intro with Julie Bogart
(01:32) - Julie's early years homeschooling
(09:03) - Experiences with public school
(11:59) - Finding homeschool community
(22:04) - A brief(ish) aside on parenting styles
(28:12) - Break
(29:03) - We're figuring this out as we go
(34:21) - Dealing with outside gaze through the years
(46:05) - Being a parent and an educator
(55:51) - Check out "Becoming a Critical Thinker" by Julie!
(57:13) - Outro

Questions We Wish You'd Stop Asking Us w/ Chief Editor Justin Moore Oct 23, 2024

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 Portal

Well-Trained Mind Learning Services

FAQ answer to this question
FAQ Section on our Website

(00:00) - Intro with Justin Moore
(05:55) - Questions not to ask
(07:42) - Don't send your manuscript
(15:00) - Don't ask for custom curricula
(20:43) - Break
(21:49) - Don't ask us to win history
(30:56) - Don't ask if Susan has "gone woke"
(38:53) - Susan's at the mercy of the shearer
(41:17) - Don't ask if we can do your homework
(45:47) - Wrapping up

To Test or Not to Test w/ Dr. Julia Collier and Sandra Amoroso Oct 30, 2024

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 by Susan Wise Bauer

Resources for SAT and ACT Testing (college admissions tests):

CollegeBoard
Yes, standardized testing is coming back to college admissions. Here is the Dartmouth statement that Julia read.
More information on SAT Adaptive Testing
Correction for 21:20: Both the SAT and ACT are now offered seven times a year.
Correction at 16:18: Students can use a calculator during the math portions of the SAT.
Preparing for the SAT:
- Schoolhouse.World
- Official SAT prep book
PSAT information

Resources for AP Testing

CollegeBoard official website
AP essay writing tips
Articles to dive deeper into CollegeBoard controversies:
- Follow the Money, History of CollegeBoard Finances
- How the SAT Failed America via Forbes (this is an older article, but it gets into some issues with the CollegeBoard that stand the test of time)
- Scandal about Student Data via Reuters

(00:00) - Intro with Julia Collier+
(01:27) - Talking about testing
(02:09) - End of grade testing
(10:08) - College admissions testing
(29:03) - Break
(29:57) - Advanced placement tests
(34:30) - Pros of AP exams
(46:27) - Cons of AP exams
(56:41) - Closing statements
(59:23) - Outro

Bonus Episode: An Important Story from a Listener Nov 01, 2024

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/

Navigating College Admissions (pt. 1) with Holly Ramsey and Dr. Michele Evard Nov 06, 2024

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 promo code: HOMESCHOOL10 for 10% off the book and everything else College UnMazed sells)

Links mentioned:

3:42: Independent Educational Consultants Association (Holly and Michele are part of this organization, the other association they mentioned is HECA)
19:49 Methodology on How US News and World Report Rank Colleges
28:48 Holly mentions Colleges That Change Lives as an example of the many smaller schools that may be a great fit for your student.
29:42 Holly’s recommendations for finding right fit colleges: New York Times Build Your Own College Rankings and Georgetown Return on Investment Chart.
32:29 Holly recommends MEFA Student Aid Index calculator to determine what kind of aid you can get.
37:52 Holly recommends Loper App (the dating app for colleges)

(00:00) - Intro with Holly Ramsey and Michele Evard
(06:42) - What not to do while thinking about the college application process
(07:07) - Don't worry about what your third grader is doing
(17:44) - Break
(18:38) - Keeping on topic
(19:02) - Don't worry about "Ivy Leagues"
(34:33) - Don't get emotionally invested
(40:39) - Don't shape your curriculum to have a good looking transcript
(48:48) - Come back next week for the "Do-s"!

Navigating College Admissions (pt. 2) with Holly Ramsey and Dr. Michele Evard Nov 13, 2024

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 College UnMazed sells)

Show Notes:

2:06 Holly recommends Georgia Tech’s college admissions blog for ALL families in the college admissions process, regardless of whether or not you plan to apply to Georgia Tech. Here is the referenced article about the “highschool hallway test.”
7:58 Holly and Susan recommend creating a practice common app account.
11:40 Susan mentions her son’s homeschool transcript, which is available here for your reference.
21:16 Susan mentions that the CollegeBoard has an article about creating a school profile. You can find it here.
45:05 Holly recommends the College Unmazed College Data Organizer, a free tool for comparing colleges.
54:50 Holly recommends using the Student Aid Index Calculator to figure out which colleges you can afford.
55:11 Holly also recommends Big J Educational Consulting’s chart of schools that lists average merit award and what percentage of students get award.
56:45 Holly lists two reputable scholarship finders that aren’t selling your data: (1) CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder sponsored by the U.S Department of Labor and (2) JLV College Counseling.
58:50 Susan mentions Harvard as an example of a school that may be prohibitively expensive. However, while the sticker price is $60,000+/ year, the university has a large endowment and can cover most of that through merit and need-based scholarships. Here is a link explaining.

(00:00) - Intro with Holly Ramsey and Michele Evard (again!)
(00:13) - Make sure you listen to part 1!
(00:58) - Things you *can* do for college admissions
(01:28) - Do document your home school journey
(09:38) - Core 4 documents
(09:48) - 1 - An official transcript
(14:52) - 2 - Course descriptions
(19:55) - 3 - Home school profile
(23:16) - 4 - The counselor letter of recommendation
(32:39) - Break
(32:40) - The personal essay
(38:20) - Do make a list of "good fit" schools
(51:48) - Do consider price tags
(01:00:46) - Do consider alternatives
(01:11:03) - Wrapping up

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