4Real Forums: Studying the Classics?

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Philosophy of Education
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Topic: Studying the Classics?

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MarilynW
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Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 6:47am \| IP Logged

How does studying the classics look in your home? Do you follow the path of a classical education rigorously - eg as advocated by Memoria Press, WTM, Great Books programs? Do you use Kolbe? Or do you incorporate certain elements of a classical education into your homeschool?

When I started homeschooling I followed the classical model - but we have somewhat digressed - though reading Great Books and learning Latin still continue. As my twin ds approach middle school in the next couple of years, I am trying to figure out a path for them.

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Marilyn
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LeeAnn
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Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 11:33am \| IP Logged

We are using William Michael's Classical Liberal Arts Academy. My 6yo, 10yo & 12yo are enrolled. It is definitely in the "rigorous" category. :)

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my four children are 17, 15, 11 & 8 - all now attend public school - we read many 4Real recommended books at home

stefoodie
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Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 11:42am \| IP Logged

Well, a classical education was my personal goal when we first started this journey of homeschooling, that's why we studied Latin from day one. Over the years though, my view of what classical education is has changed, as well as the goals we have for our children.

Right now what it looks like is "Great Books" for everyone, + Latin, but really it's more of a "mindset" now for me than actually following a rigorous pattern/schedule.

Besides that, our children's own goals have also shaped how we do things. For instance, I was thinking of enrolling at CLAA and chatted with Mr. Michael online to ask questions. Found out that since my 13-yo's planning to go into Engineering that he isn't exactly well suited for CLAA. While I don't completely agree with this assessment, I have chosen to relax with *my* goals for him and let him have more of a say as to how his schooling goes. It can still have classical elements and also hopefully help him develop into the kind of critical thinker that a classical education produces... but with room for all his personal goals and learning style as well.

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stef

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JuliaT
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Posted: Feb 05 2010 at 7:37pm \| IP Logged

When I first started hsing, classical education was the path that I wanted to take. I have wandered from that path as the years travelled on but always came back to it. Now, as my children are getting older, I am starting to see that CE, in its strictest sense, may not be a reality for my kids.

I am starting to come to the realization that my children may not ever learn latin or be able to master logic but I am hoping that they will still turn into good thinkers. That is really what I wanted from a CE--good thinking. I may not get the level of thinking that would come from a study of logic or rhetoric but I think I can still get them thinking from discussing various topics.

So to answer your question: studying classics or the Great Books will come about from discussion--lots and lots of discussion and then turn that discussion into the written word. I don't know if I will be able to use a formal program for this or if I will have to use the program as a guide for me in order to teach my children.

The best definition of Classical Education that I have heard is the attainment of wisdom and virtue by nourishing our souls on all that is beautiful, true and good. This is another of my goals for my kids. I want them to be able to fill their souls on all that is beautiful and true.

I will probably not attain a pure Classical Education with my children but we will come close in a way that will work for us and will benefit my children's souls.

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Julia
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