A Classical Approach to Home Education

The classical approach to education is one of the most respected homeschooling curriculum options. Rooted in ancient Greek and Roman traditions, it has shaped Western civilisation for millennia. Luminaries like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid its foundation, emphasising the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness. This method flourished through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, producing intellectual giants such as Thomas Aquinas and William Shakespeare. However, the Industrial Revolution and progressive education movement of the 20th century pushed classical education to the margins. It experienced a resurgence in the 1980s, and has carved out a small niche with independent schools and homeschoolers – offering a rigorous alternative to modern teaching methods and attracting parents disillusioned with standardised testing and skills-based curricula. In an age of information overload, the classical approach’s focus on critical thinking and character formation resonates deeply, preparing children not just for careers, but for life.

Key Principles of the Classical Approach

• Trivium: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric stages. The Trivium is the backbone of classical education, consisting of three stages that align with a child’s natural development. In the Grammar stage (ages 5-10), children absorb facts; in the Logic stage (ages 10-14), they learn to argue and reason; and in the Rhetoric stage (ages 14-18), they learn to express themselves persuasively.
• Content-rich curriculum. Classical education doesn’t shy away from complex topics or ideas, even for young children. It exposes students to a wide range of subjects and concepts, believing that a broad knowledge base is crucial for deep understanding and critical thinking.
• Emphasis on great works of literature and history. Instead of textbooks, classical education often uses original sources and classic literature. This approach helps students engage directly with great minds of the past and develop a deeper understanding of history and human nature.
• Character development. Classical education isn’t just about academic knowledge; it’s also about shaping virtuous individuals. It emphasizes moral education and character development alongside academic pursuits, helping students become not just smart, but also good.
• Integration of subjects. Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, classical education shows how different fields of knowledge are interconnected. For example, a lesson on ancient Rome might incorporate history, literature, art, and even mathematics, providing a more holistic understanding.
• Socratic method of teaching. Named after the Greek philosopher Socrates, this method involves asking probing questions to stimulate critical thinking. Instead of simply lecturing, teachers guide students to discover answers themselves, fostering deeper understanding and analytical skills.

Benefits of the Classical Approach to Homeschooling

1. Develops strong critical thinking skills which can then be applied to a range of contexts and subjects.
2. Great at developing cultural understanding – helping children develop a sense of where they come from and how society has evolved, enriching their understanding of the world around them.
3. Fosters character development and moral reasoning.

Challenges for Parents

1. Steep learning curve for parents without a classical background.
2. Time-intensive nature of the curriculum.
3. Potential difficulty in finding appropriate resources – this is quite a niche approach, especially in the UK. There are few whole curriculum options.

Which children benefit from the classical approach to homeschooling?

The classical approach to homeschooling can work well for many types of children, but it tends to be particularly effective for:

1. Curious learners who love asking “why” and enjoy diving deep into subjects.
2. Children who thrive on books and enjoy exploring different literary styles.
3. Analytical thinkers who like to break down ideas and examine them critically.
4. Self-motivated learners who can take initiative in their studies and enjoy independent work.
5. History enthusiasts, fascinated by stories from the past and how they connect to the present.
6. Language lovers who enjoy wordplay, etymology, and learning new languages.
7. Debaters who like discussing ideas and constructing arguments.
8. Detail-oriented learners who appreciate structure and enjoy mastering complex information.
9. Creative thinkers who can make connections across different subjects and time periods.
10. Academically-inclined children who thrive in rigorous academic environments.
11. Patient learners who don’t mind taking time to thoroughly understand a concept.
12. Big-picture thinkers who enjoy seeing how different ideas and subjects interconnect.

Remember, though, that children can develop these traits through classical education. It’s not just for kids who already have these characteristics, or for the academically gifted. The approach can help cultivate these qualities in many types of learners.

This is a steep learning curve…. help!

Jumping straight into a classical curriculum is certainly a challenge, unless this is already a passion at home. You can, however, begin to integrate some of the key principles into your homeschool curriculum options – and this post has some great jumping off points!