Book on Classical Education for Newbie Homeschoolers

[kalphs]

What is a good reference book to introduce/explain the concept of classical education to newbie homeschoolers?

I'm thinking along the lines of something about the length of Susan Schaeffer Macaulay's "For the Children's Sake" which is approximately 166 pages long.

Thank you!

[Elizabeth in MN]

The Latin Centered Curriculum by Andrew Campbell would be my first suggestion.

[ourjourneys]

Yes! This is a great simplified book. The Latin Centered Curriculum really explains the curriculum with details of how and why different aspects are important. I think the Well Trained Mind is great too, but only after one has read about and understands the basics of Classical education.

The Latin Centered Curriculum by Andrew Campbell would be my first suggestion.

[Starr]

I went right for The Well Trained Mind.

[angela in ohio]

Classical Education and the Homeschool

 

It doesn't go into specific curriculum. It gives historical context and explains the process and meaning of a clasical education as it applies in a homeschool.

[Tiberia]

I'd go for the first few chapters of WTM. That's what convinced us. Then, once we were convinced, we had the nuts and bolts in the rest of the book.

 

I'd also strongly recommend Susan Wise Bauer's audio lecture "The Joy of Classical Education." This gives a great and encouraging intro, with the logic and experience behind it.

[HS Mom in NC]

Classical Trivium Education:

 

1. Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers (google it)

 

2. TWTM by the Bauers

 

3. Teaching the Trivium by the Bluedorns (good for a very conservative fundamentalist Christian audience)

Classical Mentor Model of Education:

 

A Thomas Jefferson Education by DeMille

 

Classical Living Books Education:

 

Anything by Charlotte Mason

Principle Approach of Classical Education:

 

1. Education of James Madison: A Model for Today by Swanson

 

2. Teaching and Learning America's Christian History by Slater

[Whereneverever]

Yes! This is a great simplified book. The Latin Centered Curriculum really explains the curriculum with details of how and why different aspects are important. I think the Well Trained Mind is great too, but only after one has read about and understands the basics of Classical education.

 

I've had a couple of friends read this and be incredibly turned off to the idea of classical ed, actually. It might be a little too pared down for some people.

[JudoMom]

I like TWTM, Latin Centered Curriculum, and The Core.

[stephanier.1765]

I definitely recommend the WTM. When I first decided to homeschool, I read every book in our library on homeschooling. I kid you not; I ended up with a serious case of eye strain. Reading the WTM spoke to me. It was what I wanted for my children and presented in a way I felt was doable.

 

After the WTM, I would recommend a book that goes more in depth about the philosophy behind a classical education but for a mom just starting out I think the WTM is perfect.

[Haiku]

I've had a couple of friends read this and be incredibly turned off to the idea of classical ed, actually. It might be a little too pared down for some people.

 

Yeah, I wouldn't say that LCC is a "first" book. I think it could come across as too extreme to a lot of people. I'd suggest just reading the relevant parts of TWTM.

 

Tara

Edited October 10, 2010 by TaraTheLiberator

[thescrappyhomeschooler]

When trying to convince dh that classical homeschooling was the way to go, I had him read the beginning of TWTM.

[SnMomof7]

I actually found TWTM sort of overwhelming and too too much when I first read it. The scope and sequence sounded SO rigid!

 

Of course, there ARE more flexible ways to homeschool classically :).

 

Teaching the Trivium is a great book, and much more flexible/relaxed, particularly for young children. Their introductory sections are actually the BEST introduction to the WHY of homeschooling for Christians.

 

BUT it is big :). I haven't found a short one yet, but I haven't read The Core, which looks good.

[kalphs]

I like TWTM, Latin Centered Curriculum, and The Core.

Thank you for mentioning "The Core" by Leigh Borton.

I've looked at the book on Amazon.com and I think this might be what I was looking for.

:D

[Donna A.]

Well, since you wanted something comparable in size to For the Children's Sake, I wouldn't recommend TWTM. :tongue_smilie:

 

Articles at the Trivium Pursuit (Teaching the Trivium) website: http://www.triviumpursuit.com/articles/index.php

 

OR

 

Articles here at this site: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/article-index/

[kalphs]

Thank you for your suggestions!:001_smile:

I've decided to go with Leigh Bortins book, "The Core" for my book discussion.