The Classical Teaching method is based on the writings of
Dorthy Sayers, The Lost Tools of Learning
first presented by Miss Sayers at Oxford in 1947. The classical teaching philosophies can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Although teacher directed in its approach, this method emphasizes the goal of teaching children how to learn independently. Another goal is to teach children to think, not to teach "subjects."The early years of the Classical Method are spent in building a foundation of educational essentials. Since children love to memorize at an early age, this method provides ample practice in memorization in a variety of subject areas.
The learning itself is divided into two segments -- the Trivium: primary and secondary education and Quadrivium: university level. The Trivium consists of three parts: Grammar, Dialectic (sometimes referred to as Logic) and Rhetoric.
Grammar is the study of the basic facts of different subjects. The Trivium segment is also referred to by some as knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. The original concept involved tailoring the curriculum to the subject concepts that best matched the child's cognitive development.
There is a focus on reading, writing, arithmetic and grammar. Students may keep organized binders of the different subject matter they are studying.
There is an emphasis on dictation and memory/rote work, Latin and Greek, and the major works of Western Civilization (Homer, Milton, Plato, etc.)
From Birth - Elementary years the primary focus is on compositions and collections and memorization of language, basic arithmetic and history facts. During the approximate time of the Middle School Years the primary focus is on the "why" of facts and events, use of analysis and discussions, in-depth reading, study and research, essays, algebra and geometry. And in the High School years the primary focus is on applying information and expressing ideas, persuasive papers, debates, laws, politics, and advanced math (trigonometry and calculus).
I read the following book and incorporated many of the ideas into my daily lessons:
The Well-Trained Mind
: A Guide to Classical Education at Homeby Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer. I also love the series of books and audio-books called
Well-Trained Mind Forum
What is Classical Education Article
The Story of the World
, also by Susan Wise Bauer. There are several volumes and are great for car trips. Ask your local library to order the book series.
There are several resources for the Classical Teaching Method.
"The primary mission of this association is to promote, establish, and equip schools committed to a classical approach to education in light of a Christian worldview grounded in the Old and New Testament Scriptures." -- quote from website
Why Classical Education
The Association of Classical and Christian Schools
A portion of this book gives a thorough review of the Christian Classical Method:
A Case for Classical Education E-Book
Article about curriculum choices
Mystery of History
Classical Christian Home Educators support group
Homeschooling Methods by by Gena Suarez& Paul Suarez
Logos School
Peace Hill Press
Memoria Press
Classical Academic Press
Veritas Press
Tapestry of Grace Series
classical-homeschooling.org
Pandia Press (family owned company with blog)
classical homeschooling magazine
Trivium Persuit
Canon Press
Recovering the Lost Tool of Learning
by Douglas Wilson - a Christian approach to education.
English for the Thoughtful Child, Vol. 1
English from the Roots Up, Vol. 1
Vocabulary from Classical Roots
Henle Latin I Study Guide Units I and II
Latina Christiana I Student Book
Latin in the Christian Trivium
CIRCE Institutute
Return to Teaching Methods Main Page
Back to Curriculum List of Websites
Homepage
