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teachingmyown
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| Posted: July 15 2009 at 8:49pm | IP Logged
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I started a thread in the Real Learning forum asking specific questions about the application of this philosophy. But I am posting in this forum, as well, to get your thoughts on the book and the ideas he espouses.
Reading it, I am both nodding in agreement and feeling overwhelmed and way behind for my children if this is how they should be taught. I make myself crazy and wish I hadn't picked up the book!LOL!
I know there is no one way to do this homeschooling thing, but objectively speaking, does one way (in this case a Latin-centered curriculum) truly prove to be *better* in producing disciplined, well-spoken, deep thinking students capable of reasoning and problem solving as opposed to another such as CM?
I am really tired so I won't try to formulate my thoughts, but look forward to hearing other opinions.
If someone can find any old threads on this to link to that would be great! My computer won't let me search.
Thanks!
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Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
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Willa
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I was just thinking about this today .... I read a book called Left Back. The beginning part of it was about the turn of the 20th century. Up till then, if the book is right, a classical education was, if not the norm, at least the obvious ideal. Most parents wanted their kids to get at least the closest approximation they could manage in their circumstances.
It was all the "reforms" that threw things into disruption. Now it's hard to even agree on what a good education is.
Were the progressives right to some extent that the system needed some changing? Is Latin really key to an excellent education as it was in past times, or has the English language and literature to a large extent replaced it? If we do learn Latin, how much do we need to learn? Does everyone need to get the "best" education, even if a classical education is the best?
These questions aren't easy to answer. Especially after I've just come back from a trail walk with my 3 older boys -- they set a brisk pace (no out-of-breath emoticon available). 
I did read somewhere (not sure where and I wish I could find it again) that an English-literature-based education like CM, alongside some foreign languages for comparative analysis purposes, can come pretty close in excellence, at least. Our English language is so rich and has a venerable historical and linguistic tradition that was heavily influenced by Latin and Greek thought and word patterns -- particularly if we make sure we're reading not just books from this century but books from past times that use the language in a different way.
If one thing does happen to be the best, that doesn't mean the rest are potted plants, either. You can approach the same goal from different paths to some extent, or so it would seem, at least.
Just a few thoughts. I don't think you need to feel overwhelmed! St Ignatius didn't start Latin until he was 31 -- he had to go to a boy's grammar school to get down the basics  . Yet he founded a great order and a great educational system.
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Willa
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Willa
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| Posted: July 15 2009 at 11:03pm | IP Logged
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Oh, I wrote a whole post and forgot what I was really meaning to do which was to make links:
Latin Centered Curriculum -- Drew Campbell was nice enough to show up to answer questions near the end of that one 
Is MODG "neo-classical"?
Latin at your house
multum non multa vs "wide and generous"
That should give you a start at least! HTH Molly
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Willa
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teachingmyown
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| Posted: July 16 2009 at 9:41am | IP Logged
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Thanks, Willa! What, in your opinion, would you say is the English "equivalent" to the Latin centered classical education? I think you are right, that there is a treasure chest of great books, thoughts and ideals in the English language, much of which is probably drawn from what the authors themselves learned from their classical education.
I guess more than anything, LCC is a rejection of what now passes for education in our country.
I can't wait to read the other threads and think this through! Now, to find someone to watch my kids all day. 
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Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
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Willa
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| Posted: Aug 06 2009 at 8:30am | IP Logged
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teachingmyown wrote:
| Thanks, Willa! What, in your opinion, would you say is the English "equivalent" to the Latin centered classical education? I think you are right, that there is a treasure chest of great books, thoughts and ideals in the English language, much of which is probably drawn from what the authors themselves learned from their classical education. |
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I guess I missed this earlier! Definitely Shakespeare would be the core, and then the standard English authors -- Beowulf's author, the Arthurian cycle, Chaucer, Milton, Spenser. The English literature tradition, as John Senior reminds us, is mostly Protestant, but still absolutely excellent for all that, and as you say very much based on the Greek and Latin classics in more ways than can be counted. Personally, I think I managed to pick up some sort of facsimile classical education just by reading so many English works.... like drinking from a stream that comes from the spring.
Most Catholic literature was quite influenced by the classics as well. Some Protestants think that Catholicism was unduly influenced by classical thought, but that misconception usually stems from lack of understanding -- Catholics "plundered the Egyptians" -- took what was good, true and beautiful from the Greeks and discarded what did not meet Christian standards.
Hope that makes sense, I'm up early!
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Willa
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teachingmyown
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Thanks Willa. Bookmarking this thread for my dd. She wants to take charge of her schooling, and at this stage in the game, she is able to think much more clearly than I.
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Molly
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Willa
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| Posted: Aug 06 2009 at 12:04pm | IP Logged
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You mentioned feeling "behind" -- if it's any help, I think that a girl who can plan her own schooling is definitely not behind. She sounds like an "open source learner" to quote Gatto in Mass Instruction!
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Willa
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teachingmyown
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I don't have Gatto's book yet. I requested it from the library and was surprised to be like #16 on the list! Anyway, I would guess that it what she is. And I think that with a little guidance she will have an excellent education. She reads incessantly and is a very discerning thinker.
I am now trying to map out a plan for my next six. Honestly, my oldest took so much from me for so long, the others learned how to read and have been given a steady supply of good books, along with math, and been pretty much on their own. Maybe not that extreme, it just feels like it. They all love to read, and each has an area in which he/she excels, but I worry about being too relaxed. So, I want to make a plan, adopt a philosophy, that will see us through. Not something written in stone, but a theme to guide us.
Thanks for all of your help, Willa. I really value your opinion! 
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In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
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4Real Forums : Philosophy of Education
Topic: Latin Centered Curriculum
