The thing I like about classical method is that it is goal-oriented with clearly defined progression in terms of tackling subjects chronologically and skill mastery. I think maybe "logical progression" is the expression I would use to best define classical homeschooling. It's a very good methodology for breaking down subjects into learnable "bites" with an emphasis on critical thinking.
Classical education makes use of the three stages, or trivium, in which children (and adults) learn any subject. In the Grammar Stage, the foundation of each discipline is laid. This is a time of gathering facts and developing basic skills.
The second stage is the Dialectic Stage in which the student learns to reason or apply the basic facts he has learned. In this stage logic is introduced. The student concentrates on the cause and effect, or the "why," of a subject.
The final stage of the trivium is the Rhetoric Stage in which the student learns to communicate what he knows about the subject at hand in the most convincing way. The child is led to see the interconnectedness of all academic subjects and to apply their skills to synthesize their subjects.
Basically it teaches our children how to learn so that they will have the tools of learning at hand enabling them to teach themselves any subject. This approach resonated with me. Homeschooling is a decision of the heart and the classical education method is my map.
I chose this approach because it fufilled the educational goals I have for my children in a way that made logical sense to me. There are tons of other philosophies out there but none of the other approaches clicked with me. It was a decision of the heart and has helped me outline my approach to each subject.
You Might Be a Homeschooler if:
Your local library staff greets you and your children by name. Think Norm at Cheers bar.
