Скачать или смотреть Classical Roots and Family Values: An Education Conversation with William Durrant (Part 2)

What if the key to raising resilient, grounded children isn't found in more activities, more technology, or more structured programs—but in less? In Part 2 of last week’s episode, William Durant—father of seven and founder of St. John Paul II Independent School—dives deeper into classical education through the lens of the “common arts.” He shares why hands-on work, good books, and a clear pursuit of truth are essential to forming thoughtful, grounded children in a world increasingly shaped by technology.

William also offers practical resources for families curious about classical education and simple steps for setting technology aside and learning to notice the beauty of everyday life.

HIGHLIGHTS
The "common arts" philosophy: combining liberal arts (mind), fine arts (heart), and common arts (hands) to form the whole child
How a fourth grader's struggle with chain mail weaving taught him perseverance—a lesson he couldn't learn from academics alone
Why students are "evangelizing" to their parents about sourdough starters, leather work, and vegetable gardening
The difference between surface-level modern education and the deep, integrated approach of classical learning
How JP2 measures success: not through test scores, but through families saying "we wouldn't do it any other way"
Why the school has no computers for students K-8, and how this prepares them better for the future
Teaching students to question everything—even the historical inaccuracies in famous paintings like Washington Crossing the Delaware
The reality of "dewiring" children's brains when they transition from public school to a slower, deeper pace of learning
Practical first steps for parents: turn off the TV, read a story, look at the stars together
Why it's never too late to change your parenting approach, even if your older children had a different experience

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
00:15 - Homeschooling and Common Arts
01:02 - Student Engagement and Family Impact
01:30 - Traditional Values and Project-Based Learning
01:33 - Growth and Family Dynamics
02:49 - Hands-On Learning and Perseverance
05:27 - Founding a Classical School
08:25 - Classical vs. Modern Education
11:42 - Technology in Education
17:10 - The Role of Technology in Education
19:35 - Artistic License in Historical Representation
23:45 - Classical Education: Philosophy and Approach
27:00 - Integrating Classical Education into Modern Life
29:16 - Parental Guidance and Faith in Education
32:10 - Encouraging Ownership in Learning
35:05 - Practical Steps for Parents Interested in Classical Education
40:54 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Classical U
Classical School Wichita
St. John Paul II Independent School (JP2)

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or leave a review to help others find the show.

Take the first step by downloading the VELA app in the App Store or Google Play.