I hope your plans are underway to join me in Dallas this summer for Repairing the Ruins 2025! Please come introduce yourself. I’d love to get to know you. You can find me at the CiRCE book table, giving my workshop on Creating Seven Laws Lesson Plans, or shopping for books at the Eighth Day Book Table. Look for the lady wearing glasses on her head with a black backpack carrying around sparkling water.
It was at Repairing the Ruins 2021 where I first presented my ideas about building classroom culture through routine practices or liturgies. Giving that talk was a huge leap of faith for me. I remember walking my neighborhood regularly in prayer for my words and the teachers who would be in attendance.
So when I looked over the schedule for this summer, I looked specifically for workshop talks that would help me deepen my understanding of the role of culture in education. I am excited to share with you my workshop recommendations for K-5 teachers looking to boost the culture of their classrooms:
Mimetic Teaching: The Path to Wisdom in the Grammar Stage by Andrea Lipinski
Sometimes it can be hard to see the big picture in the grammar stage. Andrea’s talk on mimetic teaching will leave grammar teachers encouraged and ennobled.
Hugh of St. Victor: Nourishing the Soul of the Teacher by Joshua Herring
The grammar teacher cannot create classroom culture that enriches if she herself is not rooted and nourished. Josh’s passion for classical education matches his knowledge of the philosophies and authors which undergird it. I look forward to hearing how he presents Hugh of St. Victor as nourishment for the teacher’s soul.
How to Teach Like a Medieval by Devin O’Donnell
Reading books aloud turbo charges classroom culture. Devin’s thoughtful suggestions on reading and thinking like a medieval promise to help teachers approach the the literature in their curriculum more intentionally.
Importance of Narration in Collaborative Schools by Mandi Moore
Narration is a crucial pedagogy for all classical teachers K-12, but particularly for K-6. I look forward to hearing Mandi explain the importance of narration in the classical school.
Beyond the Timeline: Myths, Mysteries, and Meanderings by Megan Shepard
I think it’s so important to start integrating the humanities as early as possible. Using picture study and literature alongside our history curriculum enriches our students understanding of how the ideas and events of the Western tradition fit together.
How Rowdy Boys Become Good Men by Christie Wright
Rather than disciplining the boy out of the boy, classical teachers ought to create a classroom culture friendly to both male and female. Wright’s common sense approach and contagious sense of humor will make this a profitable session for all attendees.
Looking very much forward! See you soon!