Classically Educating in Medias Res

by Dr. Karla Memmott
Oct. 5, 2026

So, what do you think of the first Star Wars movie? It sounds like such a simple question, but anyone with a remote awareness of Star Wars movies understands the dilemma. Does first mean the 1977 Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope movie or does it mean Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace released in 1999? A similar situation arises in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series. Does first mean The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe which is first book published in the series, or does it mean The Magician’s Nephew, the last published but the prequel to the series. The crux of the issue is that George Lucas and C.S. Lewis acted on a long established imaginative tradition called in medias res. It’s a well-practiced narrative style of beginning in the middle.

In Medias Res-Oddly Appropriate

Although the practice of in medias res seems interesting in literature and movies, life doesn’t really start that way, does it? Or does it? Contrary to common expectation, it seems oddly appropriate to begin a discussion of a homeschool classical education program in medias res—in the middle. Appropriate because this literary device is generally known amongst various genres, even if one does not know the name. Furthermore, anyone who engages in classical education regularly reads, so there is consistent exposure to the device. For example, Lucas and Lewis stood on the shoulders of literary giants. Homer begins The Iliad nine years into the ten year war. Frustratingly, he does not begin the epic poem in the beginning, nor does he share the end with the reader. The reader gets a peek into what appears to be only five weeks of a war that has lasted a decade. Similarly, The Odyssey begins near the end of Odysseus' ten-year voyage home after the Trojan War. The reader learns of the events of the homeward journey through various storytelling episodes. However, the reader experiences a satisfaction that Odysseus restores order to his chaotic household. Although the adventure begins in medias res there is some sense of a conclusion. It seems appropriate to begin in the middle because one thing typically begins in the middle of something else. 

Oddly appropriate because it seems odd to think that something as profound as classically educating another human being could be initiated in the middle—in the middle of raising toddlers, in the middle of managing a home, in the middle of chauffeuring to yet another activity, in the middle of —well, you fill in the blank. Although the idea of starting at the beginning may seem luring, noble, and logical, it is unreasonable. Your life is full, and classically educating is a tradition that has been upheld for over a millennia. You are in the metaphorical middle! However the idea of starting in the middle can be dauntingly frustrating. There is so much material that has been written, where is the middle? What if something is missed? What if something doesn’t make sense because, well you are starting in the middle? After all, so many of the literary authors seem to know one another, reference one another, and be engaged in an ongoing conversation. Many parents who genuinely want to start classically homeschooling are crippled by the thought of not starting at the beginning, and thus they remain on the metaphorical shores.

Jump in and Start

Let me be the first one to offer encouragement, “Jump in. The water is fine!” Take heart and know that everyone who has made the plunge into the watery abyss of a classical education started with the same feelings of intimidation. After that first refreshing dunk you acclimate, and before long you are splashing around in the pool of classical education. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” So the saying goes. The same stands for those learning classical education. It begins with collecting a few bricks, solidifying them with mortar, and stacking one brick on another. Although it is wonderful to read about classical education-and there are many recommended reference books-it is much more enriching and fulfilling to participate in classical education. 

Simple Beginnings

Some practical ways to begin are to start reading quality, classical books with your children, regardless of their age. Read-alouds are a fun family activity. Give each child an opportunity to repeat back what he or she recalls of the story. Take time to talk about the book and ask questions. Allow children to ask questions. Copy quotes in a commonplace journal and allow children time to think about the meaning and the importance of the quote. Younger children can draw pictures representing the story. Older children ought to be encouraged to annotate. Quality books become excellent fodder for essays, whether a paragraph essay or a several page essay. Read, discuss, write, repeat with a new book (or re-read an old favorite-it’s allowed, really!)

If you are not certain which book to begin with, consult reading lists, identify key authors, ask friends, or start with “that book you've always been meaning to read.” If you want to read Homer, but feel intimidated with epic poetry, start with an easier children’s version. It’s ok, no one will know! Quality children’s literature provides an excellent place to begin because most of the stories carry with them richly complex characters, even for younger children. 

Transcendence of Classical Education 

Is this all of what classical education teaches? No, there’s more. There’s a world waiting for you, but for now the focus is to start. As you gain confidence, add more into your school day. You can do this alone, or you can join a community to do it together. Some communities are more well-known than others, each with a flavor all its own. Take your time, there's no rush. Classical education has been around for awhile, and it's certain to stay for awhile. Identifying the importance of truth and goodness, creators like Lucas and Lewis understand that starting in the middle challenges the viewer or reader to push through the difficulty to appreciate the goodness and beauty of their creation. They are confident that the content will keep the participant engaged and learning. The core of a classical education is to do much the same. Admittedly, the beginning is challenging. With each book that is read, with each conversation that lingers, with each question that is answered together, the child is gradually led toward a transcendent education focused on truth, goodness, and beauty, and becomes well-read and well-spoken along the way. Although it's not comfortable, although it's foreign, although it's a long road, it's completely acceptable-and even encouraged-to begin a classical education right where you are, in the middle of…

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Dr. Karla Memmott homeschooled her two sons, who have each graduated college and established themselves as thriving adults. Graduating her last child in 2014, she continues to have a heart to serve the homeschooling and classically educating communities in Northern California. As co-founder of Acacia Classical Academy she and her husband, Kyle, minister in the greater Sacramento area. She teaches dual credit classes through Kepler and remains active in STOA speech and debate as an assistant coach with a local club.