Thoroughness & Charm: Cultivating the Habits of a Classical Classroom

by Mandi Gerth

Are you trying to provide a classical education without having received one yourself? You might know the subject you’re teaching well, but so much of classical education transcends the textbook. What should the classroom, culture, and spirit of the classroom be like? And how can you know you’re doing it well? In this new book from Mandi Gerth, you will find the guidance you need to create a truly classical classroom. Thoroughness and Charm gives specific examples on how shared experiences—not activities—build culture, support the curriculum, and pass on the classical tradition while habituating the students to what is true and good for their souls.

After reading this book, teachers will be able to:

understand the role of culture in education
evaluate their classroom culture
determine what they value most about the curriculum they teach
understand how formative practices shape what students love
build classroom culture by focusing on shared experiences, common language, and embodied values
and use liturgy, prayer, music, poetry, read-alouds, and catechisms to build classroom culture.

Genres: Education, Teaching

153 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2025

Reviews

[Camryn Spyker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single one of your students will die, very few will get into their top choice college. Read this book if you want to expand your knowledge and understanding on liturgies in classical education. Thank you Mandi for the wonderful book.

[Eric Tomlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book aimed at engaging teachers in the difficult but important question: What matters most? Reading Thoroughness and Charm will help you answer and clarify that question and will remind you of the beauty to be found in teaching.

[Creighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I rate more than 5 stars? This book is a must-read for any classical educator or parent. It was refreshing to be encouraged in the liturgies and catechism I've already been doing in my math classroom, knowing now that I'm doing the right thing despite what others think. Our embodied culture will pay off, and already has. I can testify that the experiences Gerth describes are a result of liturgy are real, and so so very joyful. My students have made deep connections with our catechism. I know I will be using some of Gerth's specific suggestions for math next year. I'm suggesting to my headmaster that all staff be required to read this book. Thank you, Mandi Gerth!!

[Charlie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a growing movement toward liturgical practices in the classroom, and this book is all about that. Our school now sings the Salve Regina (our Alma Mater) on the way in from the flagpole to the school door, and I got the idea from this very book. It transformed the usually raucous morning walk into something sacred, and that in and of itself has been a game-changer. Thanks, Mandi!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for anyone in the classical education ring. It is marketed towards a classroom teacher but is as essential for a homeschool parent. This short, yet powerful, book belongs alongside the likes of Clark/Jain, Hicks, Gibbs, and Wise Bauer - but where they offer the why and some high level hows, Mandi Gerth takes your hand and shows you how to be a teacher that inspires curiosity, persistence, and a love of learning. Through personal stories and simple yet powerful mindset shifts and practices, she encourages teachers to embody the culture, philosophy, and call of the classical tradition. Mandi's passion for preserving the things that matter, the things that are eternal and true, is evident in this book, which serves as an invitation to join her. Which you should, and soon. This was the book I needed 20 years ago to give me the confidence required on my own family's homeschooling journey.

[Isabella Roh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very useful meditation on liturgy in a classroom. The appendix at the end featured several excellent poems to consider memorizing together, and I hope to try out a few of these practices in the coming semester.