Approaches To Homeschooling: The Classical Style

By Sandra

The Classical Style of homeschooling engages children developmentally in three stages. This is known as the Trivium, and is comprised of memorization, argumentation, and self-expression (The Well-Trained Mind, by Susan Wise Bauer). Classical Style uses language and history to develop a child’s curiosity. It steers away from the use of video curriculum.

The first of the three Trivium stages is the Grammar stage, which is kindergarten through fourth grade. This is an intensive time of gathering facts for memorization. The idea is to take advantage of the time children are able to soak in facts readily, much like a sponge. Then later, when they are able to be creative and integrate those facts, they may recall them and formulate opinions and arguments around them for presentation to others.

The second stage is the Logic Stage, which is fifth through eighth grade. This is the time in which common relationships are noted within the facts the child has learned. By this stage, the child is fluent in reading, writing and math. It builds on the framework of the facts learned in the grammar stage within language and history. This is when the student begins to ask lots of “Why” questions that cannot be understood in the Grammar Stage. Children also work much more independently in the Logic Stage.

The Rhetoric Stage is for ninth through twelfth grade. In this stage the child learns to use facts to form an opinion, argue it, and persuade others to believe in it. The logic of an argument is examined in light of the evidence that either supports or disproves it. In the latter part of this stage, the student is encouraged to take on writing projects, which demonstrate his mastery of a field and his ability to clearly express himself. Also in this stage, students read the classic books of ancient Greece, as well as other literature classics in history.

Like many homeschool approaches, the Classical Style takes discipline to implement. One marked advantage may be found in this style, however, for those who intend to lay a Classical foundation during the Grammar stage and, later, enroll their child in a Classical private school.

Recently, I interviewed a homeschool educator who did just this. She knew that she planned to send all of her children to a classical school by sixth grade, so she prepared from home using the curriculum selection of that school. In this case, it was Shurley grammar, Saxon math, and Veritas Press for history and Bible. Her science curriculum varied each year. She also effectively used a Latin curriculum with a DVD tutorial at home, as Latin is an integral part of a Classical education as well.

Why do homeschool educators choose the Classical Approach? That response varies, but often cited is the following: the success of this method in history; its unique ability to integrate learning with a child’s developmental stages; and that it’s an effective route to develop a great thinker and communicator.

Red flags of concern for implementing this homeschool style may include: students who are transitioning from public or non-Classical private school, learners who are very hands-on, or those who are reading or writing delayed. These situations may justify tailoring the suggested curriculums or learning outlines to best meet the needs of your child. As always, homeschool parents have the liberty to be as strict or lenient as they desire with any suggested resources. That’s the beauty of homeschooling!

For further exploration, consider reading The Well-Trained Mind, A Guide to Classical Education (Bauer) and The Case for Classical Christian Education (Wilson).