Growing Classically

Learners must actively reproduce in their own minds the truth they are acquiring.

In this seventh episode of our Seven Laws of Teaching series, Ryan Gilmore is joined by Logic School Humane Letters Chair Cara Pilgreen to explore John Milton Gregory’s Law of the Learning Process. Together, they examine how true learning moves beyond memorization into understanding, expression, proof, and application, requiring active ownership from t...

Excite and direct the self-activities of the learner,  and tell him nothing that he can learn himself

In this sixth episode of our series on John Milton Gregory’s Seven Laws of Teaching, Ryan Gilmore is joined by science department chair Caleb Garrett to explore the Law of the Teaching Process. Together they examine the difference between delivering information and cultivating real thinking, emphasizing that true learnin...

In this fifth episode of our series on John Milton Gregory’s Seven Laws of Teaching, Ryan Gilmore is joined by longtime first grade teacher and lower grammar department chair Don Montgomery to explore the Law of the Lesson. Together they reflect on why effective teaching must begin with what students already know and intentionally guide them toward what they do not yet understand. The conversation highlights the importance of revie...

The language used in teaching must be common to the teacher and the learner.

In this fourth episode of our series on John Milton Gregory’s Seven Laws of Teaching, Ryan Gilmore is joined by beloved grammar school teacher and department head Brooke Peyton to explore the Law of the Language. Together they reflect on why shared meaning, clear definitions, and patient communication are essential to real learning and true formation. Drawi...

"The learner must attend with interest to the fact or truth to be learned."

In this third episode of our series on John Milton Gregory’s Seven Laws of Teaching, Ryan Gilmore is joined by experienced grammar school teacher, Kay Nunn, to explore the Law of the Learner. Together they reflect on why attention and interest are essential to real learning and how teachers can spark curiosity rather than demand compliance. Through practical...

"A teacher must be one who knows the lesson or truth to be taught." 

In this episode, Ryan Gilmore is joined by Dr. Nathan Sherman to explore John Milton Gregory’s first law, the Law of the Teacher. Through stories from the classroom and years of teaching experience, they reflect on why true teaching is about formation, not just information transfer, and why preparation, humility, and curiosity matter deeply. The conversation highli...

In this opening episode of our eight-part series, we introduce John Milton Gregory and his Seven Laws of Teaching and explore why they continue to matter for Christian classical educators. Gregory reminds us that teaching works best when it aligns with the way students actually learn rather than personal preference, and that this kind of teaching leads to deep and lasting formation. We also consider why his framework fits naturally...

“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” - Credited to Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Christian/Parenting:

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• The Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens by Paul David Tripp
• George Muller: Man of Faith and Miracles by Basil Miller

Classical Education: 

• The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education by Leigh A Bortins
• The Liberal Arts T...

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else.” – C.S. Lewis from Is Theology Poetry?

“Classical education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness and beauty so that, in Christ, a student is better able to know, glorify and enjoy God.” – Andrew Kern

"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." –...