Homeschooling is a lifestyle that’s becoming more and more popular, but it can be challenging for many parents to decide what homeschooling method they want to use.
Classical Education has been around for centuries and continues to be a desirable option today.
In this blog post, I will explore the basics of Classical Homeschool Education so that you can make an informed decision about which schooling method is best for your family!
To learn even more, check out 10 Different Homeschooling Methods You Need to Know.
What Is Classical Education?
The Classical Homeschool Education approach is one of the oldest and most successful educational techniques that has existed, and probably why it’s the most popular homeschooling practice.
In this methodology, children learn through the Trivium process, which is divided up into three stages: Grammar (concrete learning), Logic (critical thinking), and Rhetoric (abstract learning).
The Grammar Stage occurs during the early primary years. In this stage, children are taught language and comprehension abilities. The foundation for learning these years is memorization and repetition, as children have concrete understandings about what they learn.
This means that parents must ensure their students know core skills like math, language arts, science, and social studies so when it comes time for higher education, there will be an easier transition into more abstract concepts.
The Logic Stage is where critical thinking skills are learned during the middle grades.
The middle school years are a time when children begin to think independently. Students learn how to carefully organize facts into well-supported arguments and other types of statements in the classical education system.
The study of formal logic helps them understand what makes for a compelling argument as they develop written and oral arguments that further develop these abilities.
The Rhetoric Stage involves conceptual learning and is the final stage of the Trivium of Classical Education. This stage typically takes place during the high school years.
Rhetoric can be seen as the art of communicating well. Once you’ve learned and developed grammar and logic skills, it’s time to learn how best to express your thoughts on a subject, which rhetoric teaches.
Classical education during this stage focuses heavily on researching concepts, writing papers, and developing arguments.
If you want to encourage your children to be independent freethinkers with excellent communication skills, this method might be for you.
What Are the Pros?
- Emphasis on history, classics, living books, and ancient languages (if those are your thing)
- Focus on logic and critical thinking
- Strong foundation in language arts
- Incorporates art appreciation
- Rigorous and systematic
What Are the Cons?
- Weak on science and math
- It can be repetitive with the use of rote memorization, narration, etc.
- Emphasis on history, classics, living books, and ancient languages (if those aren’t your thing)
- Requires a lot of parent involvement (teaching and discussing)
- Less flexible compared to other homeschooling methods
- Limited hands-on learning
- Lots of reading and writing (if that’s not your kid’s thing)
Recommended Resources
- Home School Legal Defense Association
- The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home
- The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education
Popular Curricula & Teaching Materials
- The Well-Trained Mind
- Michael Clay Thompson Language Arts
- Institute for Excellence in Writing
- Classical Academic Press
- Classical Learning Resource Center
- Memoria Press
- Classical Conversations
- Veritas Press
Homeschool Groups
- Scholé Groups
- Classical Education Facebook Group
Final Thoughts
I hope this blog post has helped you better understand the basics of Classical Homeschool Education. Whether you decide to go with a Classical Education or not, don’t be afraid of homeschooling! There are many ways for you and your child to make this lifestyle work.
If you have any questions about Classical Education or any other homeschooling methods I’ve discussed on the blog, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
What homeschooling method do you think would be best for your child? Let me know!
Xuan Klevecka is a Southern California-based homeschool mom, wife, and sometimes purveyor of vintage goods. She’s an Enneagram 5w4, a lover of good food, and a former middle school history teacher. You’ll either find her looking at road maps and daydreaming about her family’s next epic adventure or perusing recipes and cooking up a feast for the brood.
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