Re: What classical education is not

Ted,
What is the name of the book you reveiwed here?
I'd like your permission to post your condensation on my web sites for
parents to read and ponder. You have made a clear presentation. I like it.
Thanks,
--
Unlock Reading! Crack the Code.
Janice Myers, Author of Reading Tool Kits
http://www.completemastery.com
http://www.colorbookreaders.com
http://www.thereadingclinic.net



"Ted Shoemaker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> What classical education is not
>
> When I began examining different styles of homeschooling, one of the
> approaches I found was "classical education".  Two questions immediately
> came to mind:  What is classical education?  And, does it sound good for
> my family?  I got a misleading answer to the first question, which
> delayed my getting a meaningful answer to the second.
>
> The misleading answer I got was: Classical Education consists of the
> Trivium.  The Trivium is Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric.  While that
> answer is true, it's not what it sounds like.
>
> My immediate reaction was "Grammar, logic, and rhetoric?  Those are the
> courses they teach in classical education?  But I want my kids to learn
> math, spelling, phys ed, science, art, and languages.  I guess classical
> education isn't for us."
>
> I was wrong.  Classical education doesn't just teach three courses
> labelled grammar, logic, and rhetoric.  If I had read the rest of the
> book, I would have known that.  But the book was long, and there were
> other approaches calling me.
>
> So here is my abbreviated version of what the classical system really
> is.  This explanation is oversimplified, I'll grant you.  (Most books on
> classical education are not oversimplified: trust me.)
>
> The classical education approach teaches three *stages*.  During these
> stages, many subjects can be taught.  That's up to you.
>
> The first stage is *called* the grammar stage.  (In some homes and
> schools, this corresponds to grades 1-4.  Everyone's mileage varies on
> the "age and stage" question.)  The grammar stage emphasizes the
> knowledge of facts.  Memory work is important: spelling words,
> multiplication tables, Bible verses, states and capitals, dates and names.
>
> The second stage is called the logic stage.  (Some people apply this to
> grades 5-8; again, your mileage will vary.)  In all subjects, whatever
> they may be, the application of thinking skills is the main emphasis.
> Most of the same classes are present, but with a new angle.  Problem
> solving, figuring things out, researching, experimenting, analyzing,
> sorting, observing: these skills are exercised in almost all classes.
> And yes, many of us do teach a course in logic.
>
> The third stage is called the rhetoric stage.  (High school age, for
> many students.)  The emphasis now is on expressing what one knows.
> Public speaking, essay writing, poetry, debate, and the like are
> exercised in the classes.  The usual classes are there (math, history,
> etc.), but now with different skills being sharpened.
>
> There are reasons behind this sequence:
> (1)  It has worked well for many people in the past, who went on to
> become great leaders and thinkers.
> (2)  It fits with the mental development of children according to age.
> (Or not, depending on whose theories you read.)
> (3)  It makes a sensible progression.  I want my kids to think, hence
> the logic stage.  But the logic stage didn't come first: they had to
> have some facts to think about!  Then, after they can think clearly and
> strongly -- and not before! -- they are encouraged to share their
> opinions with the world.
>
> I hope this too-short explanation of the classical teaching approach
> helps someone else avoid the assumptions that I made.
>
> Ted Shoemaker
>