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Babs
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I was wondering if someone using this program could give me some information. I am considering this for two boys, 8 and 10 years old.
First, I am wondering what your day is like. I am familiar with the info on the website and it looks great in many ways but I am concerned about it being very dreary. We have used whole books and narration and we love our Book of Centuries. Do the students just read the info on the comp and then test? I am having a hard time picturing my boys doing this, but after reading each of the class samples that is what it looks like. If this is how the classes go, do you add other things in to make it more fun or interesting?
Also, as far as the history class, I believe it is called Chronology, it appears that there are basically 100 events that are learned over 3 years, about 35 per year. Can anyone elaborate on this? My boys love history and I am concerned that they would really miss it.
The program is very intriguing, if only I could get a better sense of how it actually "looks" day to day. The samples offered online are generally equivalent to the intro chapter in a book. It would be so much more helpful if they would let you see lesson 5 or 20 instead of lesson 1.
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Paula in MN
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Babs, I'm in the same boat. My dh and I poked around their website for a few days, and are now praying for direction. We think this is what we want to start this fall with dd10. Did you read through the responses in the CLAA topic for High School years? Several families are using it with their younger children.
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 Paula
A Catholic Harvest
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Babs
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Paula,
I did read the High School responses but I would just like more info about how other people are using the program with the younger students. I would like to peek in their homeschool windows and see it in action!
God Bless,
Barb
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Willa
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I moved this to Living Learning and am bumping!
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AMDG
Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
Take Up and Read
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EmilyC
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I'm really interested in this as well. I want something more challenging for my dd next year, but I can't quite wrap my brain around how it would work out in the day to day. It seems a bit dry to me, but then not everything needs to be fun, right?
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Emily,
Wife to Rob since 8/98
Mom to 4:
Sarah (13) Robbie & Riley (10) Regina (nearly 3)
My secular lit-based curriculum:
Build Your Library curriculum
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Isa in Michigan
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I signed up my oldest two sons (9 & 10 years old) last August for four courses in CLAA (Catechism, Grammar, Arithmetic, and Vocabulary). It is completely different from all of the other educational options.
The lessons all come in the same format. There is an intro detailing exactly what the student is to do. Then the actual lesson is read (for Grammar there are sometimes Videos which are well done). After the lesson comes the Memory Work which consists of Questions and Answers. Sometimes there will be exercises to complete. At the end are links to tests (and sometimes quizzes) to take online which must be mastered with 100% score before moving on to the next lesson.
When we first started, I honestly did not know what to expect. I have been very pleased. My sons have done well (although they are moving slower than I would like). Sometimes my sons are frustrated by a particular lesson because it can be hard to master (i.e. there might be a lot of Latin Vocabulary to memorize), and they might have to retake the test numerous times. After mastering a tough lesson though, they will have a great feeling of accomplishment because they know they have really achieved something. I can honestly say there is no fluff or wasted time with the CLAA curriculum.
The whole idea is that the student is training their mind and acquiring a solid foundation to use in future courses. Because of the intellectual rigor of the courses, if a student can do well in the Core Courses, they will be able to do well in any modern course in my opinion.
Some courses are easier than others (i.e. Catechism, Chronology, & Geography). If you are interested in trying it out, you can take one of two approaches. You could start off with one course (I would suggest Catechism) to give you an idea of what it is like, and then you can add on. Or you can do what we did and jump in completely with four courses.
My sons have not started taking Chronology yet, but we will be adding it on along with Geography soon. At CLAA, Chronology seems to be a favorite of many students. Also, my 7 year old daughter is currently taking Catechism. I have not signed her up for the other courses because I do not think she is quite ready yet.
Isa
P.S. I have recently been helping out with CLAA Support as well.
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Mother to Francisco(10), Rafael(9), Teresa(7), Rosa(6), Lucia(4), Tommy(3), Miguel(1) & 4 in heaven
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Paula in MN
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Isa, what do you think CLAA can offer in their materials that is different than doing it on our own? I love the idea of having to 100% master a lesson before moving on to the next one, but I'm doing that already. My dh is questioning $125 per class, and wants to know more of the what and not the how. 
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Paula
A Catholic Harvest
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EmilyC
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Paula in MN wrote:
| Isa, what do you think CLAA can offer in their materials that is different than doing it on our own? I love the idea of having to 100% master a lesson before moving on to the next one, but I'm doing that already. My dh is questioning $125 per class, and wants to know more of the what and not the how. |
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Exactly what I've been pondering. I like the idea of CLAA, but that's a hefty price tag to do 2-3 classes for 3 kids.
__________________
Emily,
Wife to Rob since 8/98
Mom to 4:
Sarah (13) Robbie & Riley (10) Regina (nearly 3)
My secular lit-based curriculum:
Build Your Library curriculum
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Bookswithtea
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I'm very unfamiliar with this. Can someone provide a link, please?
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Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and due 9/10
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LeeAnn
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Books, here's the link:
www.classicalliberalarts.com
We took a year off homeschooling (still in the middle of it really) but the kids are registered for CLAA's Catechism I class--all three girls, ages 12, 10 & 6.
When they are done with the public school year, I will enroll them in other classes, adding one a month or so.
12yo: Catechism I, Grammar I, Classical Arithmetic I, World Chronology I
10yo: Catechism I, PS Reading (I'm having her do this before starting Grammar I), World Chronology I plus she'll do Math-U-See Delta at home--my understanding is that kids need to master basic operations before starting Classical Arithmetic
6yo: Catechism I, Petty School Reading, PS Arithmetic, PS Handwriting
We're going to try to use the basic schedule suggested by the school here: CLAA Recommended Study Schedule
We were enrolled previously in CLAA over the spring and summer of 2009, but due to other commitments, I ended up not homeschooling them at all for the 2009-10 school year. However, since the new Stadium is up and running, the girls are eager to get in there and start competing! So I went ahead and re-enrolled them for Catechism this week so they could get started.
Emily & Paula, I don't know how anyone would be able to replicate what CLAA does. Other than the Catechism course and the Petty School Writing, most of the other material just doesn't exist out there in another curriculum. The Grammar I class is not English grammar, but Latin and Greek. The sample lessons for the various subjects (take a look at History of Music!) are amazing.
As for cost, it is less than I would spend on materials for a year for each of my children to take two to four classes. You don't need any other textbooks, just a few supplies like a notebook and Bible (upper courses do require a couple books, but we're not anywhere near that yet).
And they may not master the material in one year, it may take longer--there isn't any time limit on how quickly you have to complete the course. Plus, there is a 10-month payment option making each course only $12.50 a month (like Sonlight but without the credit check) and your money is totally refundable if you don't like the course or have to withdraw for some reason (as I did in the fall--total refund with no problems). There is also financial aid available.
I highly recommend reading as many of the articles on the website as you can. Some good ones to start with are:
CLAA Admissions Requirements
CLAA Where do we begin?
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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
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denise3578
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The Classical Liberal Arts Academy is unlike anything else out there. I suggest you go to their website and read through all the articles and the forums
I'll try to answer some of the questions based on our experience. I have 4 children in it 5, 9, 11 and 13. Boring is a word I never hear anymore. The lessons are interesting, revealing, thought-provoking etc. The format eliminates ALL my prep work. My job is now "coach" - I help with memory work, I may make flashcards, I have discussions, I sometimes (esp with the younger ones) explain some of the concepts or words they don't understand. Obviously withmy 5 yo I am still quite involved. But when you narrow the scope, and narrow the skills necessary to master the work, (they just have to learn the memory work and the lesson ) and then put in the effort - they learn. And because the lessons are already in the proper order, I don't worry anymore about what to do next - what a relief. The older ones move through the lessons faster, but the younger ones do understand it. (the 5yo is in the Petty School - a program for pre-readers) I can't say enough about the whole program and how it's changed our lives - not just our homeschool - our lives. Definitely check out the website - there is so much there.
Denise in NJ
Here is the homepage for CLAA
Classical Liberal Arts
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LeeAnn
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Babs, looking over your original post, I would say the CLAA ideal day would be centered on family prayer, with lessons, chores, meals, and recreation scheduled generally as you wish around those times of prayer. The Michaels do advocate a six-day study schedule, but they also recommend having the same general schedule year round. Sundays are days of rest. It is a rigorous plan for a very challenging curriculum.
I think there is great emphasis on the family doing things together (housework, yard/farm work, missionary work, prayer) rather than indvidual children or parents having their own activities outside the home. Although as the older children become more capable of managing their lessons themselves (ideally), Mom is free to concentrate her time on caring for the babies & preschoolers.
Mr. Michael also advocates active learning, not just sitting at the computer. Most people print out the lessons and only have the kids sit down at the computer for exams and the video part of the lesson. The lessons seem to be a good mix of memory work, reading, watching/listening and writing.
I know my comments aren't truly that helpful since we're just at the beginning of our CLAA journey but I promise to check back in and let you know how it's going. :)
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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
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BrendaPeter
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We're also signed up and we've never been more pleased with a curriculum during our 10 years of homeschooling.
Our enrolled children are signed up for Grammar I, Catechism I, World Chronology I, Arithmetic I, Scriptural Catechism & Dialectic. Our 10-year-old ds & 14-year-old ds were signed up for Classical Vocabululary I but it was too much for them. The courses are EXTREMELY meaty and are an incredible value for $125. In 10 years of homeschooling, it's a huge blessing to see our children actually learning & retaining their school work. The idea of re-taking the tests helps them to actually MASTER their coursework.
As far as a day in our house goes, everyone's required to spend a minimum of 1/2 hour on their CLAA courses, more if they'd like. Here's what they're signed up for:
6 1/2 yo dd - She's signed up for Grammar I. It's going VERY slowly. She can go through the memory work lessons (even lessons) VERY quickly but struggles with the grammar lessons. We're using Seton's English 2 to reinforce some of the concepts. She has plenty of time to complete all the CLAA courses so there is ABSOLUTELY no rush. She uses Miquon for Math and does a Phonics workbook everyday.
10 1/2 yo ds with learning disabilities - he's enrolled in Grammar I & Catechism I. Grammar is going very slowly but he grasps the Grammar portion better than his younger sister. The prelections for the memory work lessons are invaluable for him. The opportunity to review and master the lessons are also invaluable. Catechism is based on Baltimore Catechism 4. Some of the information is old to him but there is plenty of new information along with the opportunity to learn new things. What is the difference between Dulia, Superdulia & Latria, for example. Will God forgive us if we don't forgive others (from the Our Father)? The conversations with individual children and with their siblings has been incredible.
10 1/2 yo dd - She's taking Catechism I, Grammar I, World Chronology I & Arithmetic I. She strives for 1 lesson/week but the lessons are a bit more challenging and she's slowed down a bit. Arithmetic I is incredible. Classical Math puts more of an emphasis on principles than application. She's currently on Lesson 7 which is about axioms. She has to turn in 4 proofs this lesson. World Chronology is written very beautifully and interestingly. I look forward to reading the lessons. After the 9th lesson, she had to write a narrative about Ancient History. She's spent the past week reviewing all the lessons before she moves ahead so that things will mentally be more solid.
14 yo ds - He's taking Grammar I, Catechism I and World Chronology I. He's never had an interest in history but as his knowledge is growing so is his confidence and interest. He's taking Saxon Algebra I as well.
15 1/2 yo ds - He tried taking Humanities I but it was too difficult for him although he's in his 2nd year with Henle. He just finished the 1st semester of Henle and will switch entirely to Grammar I. I expect him to move fairly quickly through Grammar. Scriptural Catechism is akin to an apologetics course. He finds it interesting and very challenging. Dialectic is truly challenging, even more so to those students who have not been through all of Grammar. He's a bright boy and has been moving ahead so far.
One of the neatest things for our family has been the memorization of the 1st 3 books of St. John's Gospel. The children are SO excited when the hear it read at Mass.
Hope that helps!
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Blessings,
Brenda (mom to 6)
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BrendaPeter
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Babs wrote:
We have used whole books and narration and we love our Book of Centuries. Do the students just read the info on the comp and then test? I am having a hard time picturing my boys doing this, but after reading each of the class samples that is what it looks like. If this is how the classes go, do you add other things in to make it more fun or interesting?
Also, as far as the history class, I believe it is called Chronology, it appears that there are basically 100 events that are learned over 3 years, about 35 per year. Can anyone elaborate on this? My boys love history and I am concerned that they would really miss it. |
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I don't see why you couldn't continue to supplement, do your Book of Centuries and add in living history books. I very much like that we get our basics done and have plenty of time to add in liturgical year activities, Catholic Action, etc.
It's my understanding with Chronology that the entire span of history is covered each year but in greater depth.
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Blessings,
Brenda (mom to 6)
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Isa in Michigan
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Paula & Emily,
When I first found out about CLAA, I too was concerned about the price (especially considering multiple children). I signed up my oldest and emailed about my intention to have my second oldest use the same account as my oldest. A few months down the road Mr. Michael indicated that he thought it best for every child to have their own account. I agreed, but mentioned that I'd have to think about how I was going to pay for the second child at that time. Mr. Michael emailed back and indicated not to worry about paying for the second child's classes, but just to sign him up.
My whole point in mentioning the above example is that the Michaels are very willing to work with you financially. In fact, Mr. Michael has indicated that a good classical education should be very affordable.
If you take the Praeceptor course and are accepted as a CLAA Support Rep., you get unlimited free classes for your family as long as you provide CLAA with 10 hours of service a week. This is a great deal overall because it frees up time for the Michaels while providing fast response times to emails and makes CLAA accessible financially to anyone.
I would suggest that if cost is the only thing holding you back, email Mr. Michael and explain your situation to him. You have nothing to lose.
__________________
Mother to Francisco(10), Rafael(9), Teresa(7), Rosa(6), Lucia(4), Tommy(3), Miguel(1) & 4 in heaven
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melmc
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If anyone is considering CLAA, Mr. Michael just added information about the Writer's School that will be opening in Sept. of 2010. I suggest you go to the website and read all about it. I'm very excited about this!
My 7 yo, 9 yo and 11 yo are all enrolled in CLAA. We are happy, and except for math (in addition to the CLAA Arithmetic), Atrium with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and weekly book club meetings, this is the only curriculum I'm using for the older two. They both take: Catechism, Grammar 1, Arithmetic, Classical Vocab and World Chronology. The Chronology class does mention DVDs to watch and ways to supplement. I also have all our historical novels arranged chronological so the kids can pick a book to read based on the period they are studying. That has worked well.
The younger who turned 7 a couple of weeks ago is only in Catechism and Petty School Reading. I supplement everything else for her because I don't want to push her into the other classes too soon.
As for the price, it's like having a personal Classically trained teacher teaching your children. There is nothing else to buy. I know I wasted a lot of money on curriculum and things, and now I'm not even tempted to buy something new that everyone is talking about. I know this is the best way.
As for state requirements, etc. CLAA addresses some of that on the website. They will also be offering test prep for those in states, like me, who are required to test yearly. What I did last year was the Spectrum workbook and had the two older ones read What Your (fill in grade) Grader should Know. They exceeded their private school test results and we were very pleased.
Also, there is a newsletter that goes out. On MLK day, Mr. Michael suggested listening to Dr. King's speech and talking about it.
Now that I don't have to worry about what to do each day (though I do have to work hard with the kids to master the lessons, they are tough!), I can have more fun with crafts and liturgical celebrations and those kinds of things.
Melissa
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hopalenik
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Hi,
I thought I would add my 2 cents here. I registered 3 of my children in the classes. My 10 year old who is presumably but not officially diagnosed with dysgraphic and ADD is in Chronology, Catechism, Arithmetic, and Grammar. My 8 1/2 year old twins are in Grammar, Arithmetic, and Catechism.
The Catechism is wonderful, super, fabulous and the tests are forcing them to learn and memorize and understand and discuss their catechism more than anything else. I think everyone who is Catholic should take this Catechism. Period.
With that being said, Tara the oldest is LD as I said and she is doing well academically for the first time ever. I have to prod but she can do it and she is proud of herself and the tests are perfect for her because I don't have to drag her through a workbook. It is hard for my twins because they are really only just now beginning to read at a third grade level but I don't care because they can take 3 years to get through Grammar 1. In the meantime, all three kids are doing side workbooks from SEton and Saxon math. They are just not doing as much or getting through as many lessons.
My only comment on CLAA is about Mr. Michael. He is very strongly, opinionated. That is fine but he does not know how to stop himself. I agree with most of what he says however, I have learned personally that you do not argue with him when you do not agree. A brief argument on the forum boards with him, where he was speaking theoretically ended up with him suggesting that I could pull the plug on my son's dialysis machine and the Catholic church would be A-OK with that (aka that I could let him die). He was not speaking personally but wrapped in his theoretically, passionate, ideal world and I know that he did not mean to hurt me. However, if he had taken a shot gun to me it could not have hurt as much as his words did. I cried for 2 solid days after a forum discussion with the man. I will not go on the forum again and I have zero desire to ever engage in a personal discussion with him. I think that anyone who registers for CLAA should be forwarned upfront. You need to either ignore the forum or accept that arguing/discussion is not an option with him and take whatever value he has to give. I have decided to take the value of the school as the only place that my 3 LD kids are doing well in and ignore his rhetoric.
I am taking the Preaceptor Class and I love it.
__________________
Holly
Mom to dd 10, twins dd and ds (transplant as baby that failed 05/09, permanent dialysis patient) 8 , dd 5 and dd 3 1/2 and dd in Feb 2009. 2 I hope to meet in heaven.
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hopalenik
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I decided to add to this post before someone gets all upset and distorts my words, because I know the potential for that will happen.
I personally recommend that anyone who is interested register your child for classes before examining the family forums. In that order, you will decide if you like the school and the material outside of the forum. I also think that everyone should be warned that the CLAA forum is not gentle like the 4 Real forums because it is moderated by a man. As Catholics we know that masculinity and feminity are different; so we should expect that a 4Real learning forum that is moderated by women would be different from the CLAA forums that are moderated by a man.
I find his vision of the world to be inspiring, authentic and brilliant. I think that he is a very rare individual, who has conformed his will to faith and makes every facet of his life about living his faith. I also find him to be human and therefore imperfect like the rest of us. And that is fine.
In the class material, and on the forums he pursues ideas about living authentically as Catholics, that I have never seen expressed anywhere else before. And those ideas are thought provoking, and valuable and worth reading.
However, I choose not to read the non academic stuff on the forum anymore because I choose not to be tempted to place myself in an argument with him again. The one and only argument was far too personal and painful in a degree that is incomprehensible to anyone who does not have a child with a terminal medical condition. And I replied here on 4 real, not with animosity or to start something or to get even, but to give some of you who are pondering-something else to ponder.
And just to tie up any lose ends, I bailed in the middle of the discussion in question and I have never gone back to read what happened afterward and I am not interested in anyone sharing or arguing with me over the thread in question. I understand that he may have backed down after I left or maybe not, I don't care. It is his forum and it is within his right to opine as he chooses. However, the discussion left such a sour taste in my mouth for Forums, period, that I don't know that I will be looking at any forums, this one included for a long time. I hadn't been here in a month or anywhere else for that matter, except that someone emailed me about it.
__________________
Holly
Mom to dd 10, twins dd and ds (transplant as baby that failed 05/09, permanent dialysis patient) 8 , dd 5 and dd 3 1/2 and dd in Feb 2009. 2 I hope to meet in heaven.
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LeeAnn
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Without getting into the subject matter that caused Holly grief, I will confirm that yes, the CLAA forums are different than the 4Real forum--it is not made up primarly of moms who are there for support and encouragement. The owner (Mr. Michael) and at least a third, maybe half, the participants are men (Catholic dads with enrolled children) and the style of debate and discussion that goes on reflects this.
There are some areas of the forum that are less likely to require you to define and defend your thesis, so to speak. I think generally they're a nice bunch of people, so don't be too put off by Holly's experience, but perhaps read up on some old threads (maybe particularly the one she is referring to, "Where there is no doctor") to get a feel before jumping in.
That being said, the family forums are mostly down this week as the servers are being upgraded. So you may have to wait a bit to check it out.
Right now my girls are all enrolled in Catechism I while they are finishing up the public school year. After that, they will add more courses: Grammar I, World Chronology, History of Music, Classical Arithmetic I (for 12yo & some of those for 10 yo) , Petty School Reading/Writing/Arithmetic (for 6yo).
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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
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Eleanor
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Does anyone who's enrolled know the canonical status of the CLAA? I haven't been able to find any clear statement about this.
Is it a lay movement?
A Catholic school?
An organization of the faithful?
Given the size of the organization, the comprehensive program covering all subjects from preschool to high school (with talk of colleges in the future), and the distinctive and rigorous spirituality that covers pretty much all aspects of the members' lives, it would seem prudent for potential families to know this information.
It's a much bigger deal to entrust your children's education to a distance learning school, than to enroll them in a homeschooling program (i.e., one where the parents can look over the curriculum in advance, and implement it as they see fit). The considerations are really quite different, and this is something I haven't seen addressed in the discussions here.
(Call me paranoid, but I've been reading recently about some very promising movements within the Church that went wonky. It's fine to have a zealous and charismatic leader, with a bold plan for reforming education, family life, and society... but as Catholics, we need to make sure that this sort of grand-scale enterprise is backed by formal episcopal supervision and solid priestly spiritual direction, as well. Although it might seem more expedient to skip the formalities, the Church has never supported this approach, as history has amply demonstrated that it poses too many risks.)
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: CLAA For Elementary/Middle
