Teaching a Child to Read: Where to Start & What Works

Teaching a Child to Read: Where to Start & What Works

Author: The Memoria Press Podcast Network September 23, 2026 Duration: 45:59
Can your child sound out a word, or just guess from the picture? On this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ , Jessica, Martin, and Paul are joined by returning guest Michelle Tefertiller to talk about teaching a child to read! We cover how to know if your child is reading-ready, what mastery actually looks like, where to start, and why a step-by-step phonics approach works when guessing doesn't. Whether you're just beginning to teach reading or wondering if you're on the right track, this one's for you.   Learn more about our program here: Phonics & Spelling | Memoria Press: Classical Education   What We're Reading from This Episode:  "Wisdom and Innocence" Joseph Pearce (Martin) "The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales" The Brothers' Grimm (Paul) "Between Shades of Gray" Ruta Sepetys (Jessica) "The Iliad" Homer (Michelle)

Classical Et Cetera from The Memoria Press Podcast Network is a series of conversations that delve into the heart of a classical education, exploring its principles, practices, and enduring relevance. This isn't just a theoretical discussion; it's a practical guide built from the experiences of those actively shaping this educational landscape. Each episode features educators in the classroom, authors who craft the curricula, publishers who bring these resources to life, and the visionaries who see the bigger picture. Together, they unpack the ideas, challenges, and successes inherent in teaching and learning with a classical lens. You'll hear specific examples, thoughtful debates on methodology, and reflections on how ancient wisdom applies to modern students. The dialogue in this podcast naturally extends beyond mere textbooks to consider the broader cultivation of intellect and character. Whether you're a seasoned teacher, a homeschooling parent, or simply curious about educational philosophy, these discussions offer grounded insights and actionable wisdom. Tune in for an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing work of building a meaningful education, one thoughtful conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Classical Et Cetera
Podcast Episodes
The Return of the Epic: Malcolm Guite and Arthurian Legends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:28
Poet and priest Malcolm Guite joins Classical Et Cetera to talk about his award-winning Arthurian epic, Galahad and the Grail! We explore why the great stories still matter, how he writes poetry meant to be read aloud, a…
Homer Goes Hollywood: Your Odyssey Guide Before the Movie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:02
Everything You Need to Know Before Nolan's Odyssey Read These Translations Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of _The Odyssey_ is almost here, so the team is sitting down to revisit Homer's epic! They walk through the p…
Turn Off the TV & Read More Books | Classical Et Cetera Mailbag [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:23
This week is another Classical Et Cetera Mailbag episode! We're answering your questions on cursive, how teachers and parents both bear responsibility for a child's education, how to build a love of reading in a large fa…
What History Teaches Us About Classical Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:13
How old is classical education, and where does it come from? Today, we answer a listener question and dig into the history—Greece, Rome, and beyond—to show that classical education is older than you think. And no matter…
The Greatest Medieval Literature: Dante, Beowulf, and Beyond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:01
The Middle Ages aren't just the Dark Ages! It's one of the richest literary eras in Western history. This week's Classical Et Cetera finds Jessica, Tanya, Paul, and Dr. Dan Scheffler building a reading list for the medie…
Introducing Margin Notes: A Book Club from Memoria Press [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:07
Margin Notes is a new book club podcast from the team behind Classical Et Cetera! Join Paul Schaeffer and three undergraduate students—each educated with Memoria Press curriculum—as they tackle great books and why they m…
My Child Refuses to Do Schoolwork. Here's What Actually Helps. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:23
Every homeschool parent hits this wall. In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we tackle one of the most common and frustrating challenges in home education: the child who just won't do the work. Is it attitude, or is s…
The Best Resources for Classical Education: Journals, Books & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:20
What are the most essential resources for classical education, and where do you even begin? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Jessica, Paul, Tanya, and Martin share the books, journals, and periodicals that have mo…
How to Approach Nudity in Classical Art with Students [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:38
In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ the team discusses how classical educators and parents should approach nudity in classical art with students. What is the difference between beauty and sensuality? Why did classic…