Is it ever too late to read one of the foundational works of Western literature?

In this inaugural installment of "Books I Haven't Read—and Why Should I Read Them?", host Joel Sellier sits down with fellow faculty Gerard "Babo" Babendreier, Justin Myers, and Joe Bissex to discuss Homer's Odyssey: why it remains essential reading, where a first-time reader should begin, and what an ancient epic can still teach modern readers about home, loyalty, pride, suffering, and love.

The conversation also explores the challenges and possibilities of translation, with the guests comparing versions by Robert Fagles, Robert Fitzgerald, Stanley Lombardo, and Emily Wilson. They consider when young readers are ready for the poem, whether it should be read aloud as a family, and why knowing Homer's original story can deepen our appreciation of its countless adaptations.

Along the way, Joe discusses Sons of Ithaca, his theatrical reimagining of scenes from The Odyssey, and the group reflects on some of the epic's most memorable figures and episodes: Odysseus's long journey home, Penelope's fidelity, Telemachus's formation, the death of the faithful dog Argoas, and the hero's encounters with gods, monsters, strangers, and his own weaknesses.

In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, we're discussing the significance of sports in school life and striking the balance between being a student and an athlete. We welcome to this converastion coaches and teachers Jeff Thompson, Joel Sellier, and Brian Carroccio. They dive into the historical importance of physical education, the post-COVID surge in youth sports, the impact of club sports on school sports, and the critical development of discipline and teamwork through athletics. They also touch on challenges like balancing academic responsibilities with athletic commitments, and the role of parents in shaping a child's sports journey. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on how sports contribute to the all-round development of students.

00:00 Introduction
00:48 The Importance of Physical Education
01:38 Post-COVID Sports Boom
02:19 Balancing School and Sports
04:09 The Rise of Club Sports
05:27 Challenges of Travel Sports
13:58 Parental Influence in Youth Sports
17:54 School Sports vs. Club Sports
18:12 The Role of Discipline in Sports
19:31 Managing Expectations in Competitive Leagues
25:58 The Value of School Sports Beyond Winning
27:11 Balancing Academics and Sports
27:47 Lessons from the Field
28:20 Dealing with Success and Failure
28:58 The Importance of Teamwork
30:57 The Role of Coaches
35:32 Challenges of Scheduling and Facilities
45:23 The Value of Multi-Sport Participation
47:44 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Forum Faculty Podcast, we're joined by teachers Finn Mehigan, Joe Bissex, and Shane O'Neill, to discuss how assigned reading can affect a student's interest in literature. They delve into the reading habits of students across different school levels, the decline in reading for pleasure, methods to encourage reading engagement, and the challenges of assigning and assessing reading material. Finn, Joe, and Shane share their experiences and insights on making literature exciting and meaningful for their students, while also addressing the balance between assigned reading and fostering a love for reading.

Chapters:

00:00:09 Welcome and Introductions
00:00:48 The Reading Drop-off Phenomenon
00:03:36 Lower School Reading Habits
00:09:56 Middle School Reading Transition
00:21:03 Engaging Students with Literature
00:33:15 Rethinking Literature Class Structure
00:33:20 Balancing Quizzes and Reading Time
00:34:02 Creating a Culture of Reading
00:36:04 Engaging Students with Non-Literary Texts
00:37:18 The Role of Teachers in Encouraging Reading
00:38:47 Interactive Classroom Activities
00:40:44 Challenges and Strategies in Teaching Literature
00:55:32 The Importance of Assigned Reading
01:05:32 Concluding Thoughts on Teaching Literature