Classical Education

Classical Education is one of the oldest and most reputable methods of homeschooling. This method relies on learning the classics, while teaching other important tools along the way. Families who want their children to have a liberal arts education, which includes Greek, Latin, and Logic, may appreciate this more formal approach. This method, an educational philosophy used in ancient Greece and Rome, is more structured than other methods.

Classical education is based on the Trivium, which originated in ancient Greece and Rome. The method reflects a child's cognitive development as they are able to relate to various subject matter. A child's development is divided into three stages: Grammar (grades 1-6), Dialectic (grades 7-9), and Rhetoric (grades 10-12+).

In the grammar stage, children learn  facts, figures, and basic skills. In the dialectic stage, they begin thinking analytically and are able to understand the subject matter more abstractly. When they arrive in the rhetoric stage, they are able to think abstractly and think critically.

Classical education includes the subjects of grammar, which stresses correct language usage; logic, which helps students understand the how and why behind all the facts; and rhetoric, which allows a student to reason and express oneself verbally and through the written word.

Classical Education offers a wide exposure to history, art, and culture, including philosophy and literature. Unfortunately, some people see this method as a way to dump facts and figures on their young children, thinking that knowing facts is a sign of a good education. Parents, therefore, have a tendency to "drill and kill" the subject matter if they are not prepared to teach using this method.

I recall a lecture that Andrew Pudewa from the Institute of Excellence for Writing gave a few years ago. While encouraging homeschooling parents, Pudewa reminded them that they are hopefully raising some of the greatest free thinkers in the world. Consequently, parents, as mentors, should focus on freeing their children's minds, instead of pumping them full of facts.

Pudewa notes the difference between instruction and education is great. The root word for instruction means "to pile upon" and the root word for educate means "to draw forth."

"Which one are you?" he challenged the audience. In that manner, regardless of the method or curriculum  you ultimately choose, remember that the most important aspect of homeschooling your child is that you draw forth a love of learning, and teach them to think for themselves as they grow older.