Classical Education & The Trivium
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There are several non-textbook approaches to Homeschooling. This is when I start to get very excited. I personally use a combination of these approaches. They all have such fun aspects. Most of these approaches can be melded together and used simultaneously or alternately. I think this is the most fun. “Variety is the spice of life!” OK, so I’m probably overly right brained in some ways. One of my fears in Homeschooling would be that my children might ever get bored…
“Homeschooling is more than Latin and Logic. It is a way of life. And that way of life includes having disciplined children, and encouraging loving relationships within the family. We want peace in our homes.”  |
The Classical Approach, also known as The Trivium, was the approach that produced many of history’s greatest scholars. A Classical Education concentrates on memorization between the ages of 6 and 10, Latin and Logic from ages 10-12, and Rhetoric in written and spoken language from age 15 and up. Children educated with this approach know WHY they think what they think. They make great mathematicians, philosophers, and theologians. Two VERY informative books are Teaching the Trivium: Christian Homeschooling in a Classical Style by Harvey & Laurie Bluedorn and The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer.
These are large books, well written by very intelligent people. For the mommy with little ones, you can read a little at a time and still get a lot out of them. I highly recommend buying them both. They will be books you will return to over and over again. Bauer’s book is very comprehensive and gives a rigorous plan for each stage and subject. Bluedorns’ book eases you into things with a softer, more mothering approach with a definite Christian worldview helping you to see the vision God has for your Homeschool.
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee. ~ Proverbs 2:1-11
These are large books, well written by very intelligent people. For the mommy with little ones, you can read a little at a time and still get a lot out of them. I highly recommend buying them both. They will be books you will return to over and over again. Bauer’s book is very comprehensive and gives a rigorous plan for each stage and subject. Bluedorns’ book eases you into things with a softer, more mothering approach with a definite Christian worldview helping you to see the vision God has for your Homeschool.
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee. ~ Proverbs 2:1-11
