Poem: “Ox Cart Man,” by Donald Hall Statement of the Whole: Amazing to think about, but Backporch Education Podcast is now beginning its fourth Season! Jason and Steve take a few minutes to lean back and think about where we have been, where we might go from here. Join in the dreaming.بقلم Backporch Education Podcast

Poem: “Work without Hope” by Samuel T. Coleridge Statement of the Whole: Moving from the image of a car engine spread out on the back lawn to the inner workings of the inquisitive mind, Jason and Steve discuss how analysis and synthesis are both necessary to every lesson. Pulling an idea apart and putting it back together keep learning from its dan…

Poem: “The Hippopotamus” by T.S. Eliot Statement of the Whole: When we began a while back to separate our lives into various spheres, especially as we moved education in the schools away from any form of religion, a new set of questions were birthed. What role does the American church play in the education of the modern child? Is it possible to tea…

Poem: “Sonnets from the Portuguese, #23” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning Statement of the Whole: Would a teacher’s life be better or worse if Administrators disappeared from the Earth? So begins a lively repartee between Jason and Steve, both of whom currently divide time at their respective schools between teaching and administrative duties. Why do …

Poem: “To a Critic” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge Statement of the Whole: In this episode, an article sparks lively discussion between Jason and Steve on what it will take to revive the love of literature in our day. Why do so many people dislike literature today? How can we change this? What kinds of literature are better suited for us to love? This …

Poem: “The Third Day” by Edith Lovejoy Pearce Statement of the Whole: Recently an Italian artist sold an “immaterial sculpture” for about $18,000 and the Backporch dudes let the fun begin. Join them in a far-ranging discussion about this moment in art and education history. Did he sell nothing or a “vacuum”? Is this legit? What did the buyer get? T…

Yet Another Farming Metaphor Poem: from “The Church Porch” by George Herbert When thou dost purpose aught, within thy power, Be sure to do it, though it be but small: Constancy knits the bones, and makes us stour / When wanton pleasures beckon us to thrall. Who breaks his own bond, forfeiteth himself: What nature made a ship, he makes a shelf. Stat…

Poem: “The Master Speed,” by Robert Frost Statement of the Whole: Every teacher knows that moment when one or many students demonstrate that the lesson was not learned, or misunderstood, or missed. What do we do when this happens? What are the common causes for such? What are strategies for our teaching that will help us in these murky waters? Jaso…

Poem: “Story Telling” by Edgar A. Guest Statement of the Whole: Home schooling can be daunting to those considering for their children, but it can also be one of the most rewarding adventures of you and your child’s life. Join Steve as he interviews Lisa Bailey about her own experiences educating her two daughters, and the community that helped hos…

Our Annual Teacher Appreciation Week Episode Poem: “Like Snow” by Wendell Berry Statement of the Whole: In our annual “Teacher Appreciation Week” show, we discuss what it means to appreciate, to show honor to, our teachers. What is the difference between a gift of honor and a gratuity? Why did Socrates warn against paying teachers for their teachin…