Classical method of Homeschooling?

Question

Does anyone know anything about the Classical method of homeschooling? I would like to get some more information on this if anyone has any info of where I can find it. My daughter is 2 1/2yrs old & in a few years, I would like to start this with her. I've been reading a little bit about the curriculum & it sounds great! Some of the stuff that the curriculum suggests, I wouldn't know how to teach her, like Latin for example, but if anyone does this with their child or has any additional information on it I would realy appreciate it, thanks!

Answer 1

This is a good web site to start researching the method.

http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/

I would also recommend researching other methods, and this site can be of assistance in that.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/

We started with the classical method, and have kept some of it's components because our children decided that they would like too; we kept the literature, Latin studies, and do history chronologically, but with no time limits set for each period, and we incorporate other media, like DVD's, historical fiction, science, and arts with it as well, making it look more like a unit study.

From the classical method, to becoming more relaxed, to favoring the unschooling method we have over the years taken out all the ridged busy work, and repetition to make learning much more fun, and self directed; by doing so they have chosen the best of each, however they would not have been able to do so had they not been exposed to these different approaches in the beginning.

The classical methods is not something most children would choose for themselves, therefore I firmly believe it is a great place to start, but it is a rare child that will find it appealing for any length of time.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/meth...

http://www.unschooling.com/

Answer 2

classical homeschooling was dealing with numbers and math and reading the bible.

What your talking about was the rich folk sending their kids to Seminary colleges where they got a formal education in Latin, Greek,etc.

Answer 3

The "classical method" varies a little depending on who you talk to.  The book, "The Well Trained Mind" has some good information, but I recommend being flexible in applying what it says.  Its fine to switch things around, or do a little less writing, or use a different Phonics program then the book recommends.  The basics of a classical education are:

1 It is based on the Trivium, (Google it, its too long to explain here, but it describes 3 stages of education / childhood development Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric.  Grammar is the the building blocks of each subject, Logic is learning to think critically about the subjects, Rhetoric is learning to articulate what you learned.)

2. History is taught chronologically.

3. It is rich in quality Literature.

4.  Includes the study of ancient languages.

As far as teaching Latin, it is easier to teach Latin than a modern language because pronunciation is not really very important.  You can stress pronunciation if you wish, but mostly you are going to focusing on reading, writing, and translating, as opposed to speaking.  There are courses that start at the very beginning, and do not assume that the parent knows Latin.

I teach my children by a blend of the Classical Method and Charlotte Mason Methods, both are very similar, but they do differ on a few key points, and on those points the two methods are polar opposites, in those areas I have taken a middle of the road approach instead of going with one extreme or the other.

One such area is Memorization, while classical education tends to have the child memorize and memorize and memorize, often material that won't be useful, Charlotte Mason method states plainly that "children are people not parrots" and shies away from memorization unless its really necessary.  I take a middle of the road approach, having my kids memorize things that I feel will be useful or edifying to them.  Such as key dates in History, Math Facts, Bible verses, some poetry, etc.  I don't think reciting the names of all the Egyptian Pharaohs is likely to come in handy.

A great book on blending the two methods is, "When You Rise Up" by R.C. Sproul Jr.

Also, if you want to see some projects and such that can be fit into the classical method, feel free to drop by my blog.  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PathofL...

I don't know if you are approaching this from a secular classical or Christian classical point of view, so there aren't that many books I can recommend to you.  However, "Story of the World" is a great History resource regardless of which point of view you come from.

Answer 4

I homeschool my children and use a classical curriculum.  I would second the recommendation to read "The Well Trained Mind" (available at most libraries).  It provides a great overview of a classical approach to homeschooling and provides lists of many useful resources.  Don't let this book overwhelm you however.  I have found that providing your children with a good quality classical education does not always require the amount of time indicated in the sample schedules.  Also, we do not use all the same materials recommended the book.  I do really like the sequence presented for studying history and science.  It has worked well for us thus far.  

I also read a book called "Natural Structure:  A Montessori Approach to Classical Education at Home" by Edward and Nancy Walsh and found it very helpful as well.  It is available from a company called Catholic Heritage Curriculum (www.chcweb.com - although the authors are Catholic, many of the ideas presented could be applied in a secular learning environment.  It is particularly useful for setting up a learning rich environment for younger children.  

I never studied Latin in school but will begin teaching it to my daughter later this year.  There are many programs available   aimed at children and many programs come with robust teacher manuals/guides.

You may find it helpful to start attending homeschool conferences or curriculum fairs (if you can find one near you).  It's wonderful to be able to start exploring all the wonderful resources available.  It can be overwhelming to try to figure out what materials will work best for your family.  It's very helpful to go someplace where you can start looking at these materials in person.  

Good luck!