Skip to main content
Classical Christian Movement

Why Can’t They Just Sit Still? An Exploration of Dualism’s Impact on Modern Education

By June 18, 2016January 20th, 2023No Comments

← Back to Resources

The culture of American education is increasingly focused on one goal: higher performance at a younger age. As a result, very young hearts are anxious and fearful under the pressure of expectations that are perhaps beyond their ability. Our pre-kindergarten to elementary children struggle to sit “properly” in classrooms and wield a pencil to demonstrate their intelligence. Is the dualism of mind/body separating us into minds to be filled and bodies to be subdued? How do young children learn as whole human beings? This session will relate our contemporary understanding of child development to a basic truth of classical education: that man is created in the image of God.

Athena Oden

Athena Oden is the owner and operator of Ready Bodies, Learning Minds and consults with public and private schools and nonpro t organizations for children. She has presented at the local, state, national, and international level on topics dealing with the neurological and physiological development of the child in the classroom. As the author of the book/curriculum Ready Bodies, Learning Minds: A Key to Academic Success (ReadyBodies, 2006), she hopes to help children and schools perform at their peak. She earned her degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch and has spent the past 30 years in pediatrics. Athena has a passion for classical education, old musty books, and a good cup of tea. She and her husband, David, classically homeschooled their three children and live in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Become a producer or intern!

Why just attend the conference when you can be involved in making it happen. SCL is seeking eager individuals to join our team as Producers and Interns for our upcoming Summer Conference.

 

Click the button for more information and details about how to apply and what each position includes!

As a member, you receive access to all of the most recent summer conference content, including 80+ workshops, plenary speakers, etc., plus access to the full library of past content.

Conference Sessions

Ensure increased visibility for your school by having it listed on the Find a School Map, connecting you with potential students and families seeking a classical Christian learning environment.

Map Feature

Unlock a wealth of exclusive resources, such as research studies and articles, providing valuable insights and knowledge for your school's continuous improvement.

Resources

Enable your school to easily post job openings and attract qualified candidates with the Career Center, simplifying the hiring process.

Career Center

Enjoy exclusive discounts on all SCL events and services, empowering you to access valuable resources and opportunities for your school's growth at a more affordable cost.

Exclusive Discounts

Get access to exclusive cohorts and workshops!

Cohorts and Workshops

SCL conducts school-wide surveys to provide relevant information to the classical Christian community as well as access to in-depth research with partner organizations like the Barna Group.

Research

A connected community of classical Christian thought leaders, including heads of school, board members, marketing and admissions directors, development and fundraising directors, academic deans, grammar and upper school heads, and teachers from all grade levels are here to support and encourage one another.

Community

Member-exclusive Coaching Call sessions. 15-20 online sessions each year from key-thought leaders on topics ranging from legal and operational issues to pedagogical and philosophical discussions. Think of it as a mini-conference each month!

Coaching Calls

Gain new insight, knowledge, and skills around best practices in a short, intensive format with workshops or a year-long mentorship experience with cohorts. Designed for administrators, teachers, parents, leaders, and department heads – anyone seeking to learn and grow in their role.

Conference & Workshops

Our network of seasoned professionals is available to navigate your questions and brainstorm solutions with you. Let us know how you want to direct your time and we will pair you with the senior leader that best suits your school’s unique needs.

Consulting