Catching Classical – Our Curriculum Choices

One of the best parts of homeschooling is the customization it allows. Over the last few years, I've had the chance to learn what I like in a curriculum and what works for our family.  I'm sure this will change in slight ways over the years, but keeping these criteria in mind as a guide when making selections for our family is very helpful to … [Read more...]

At Home with The Classical Method – Teaching Reading

"The only thing I feel really sure of having accomplished today is that I taught Cliffie Wright that A is A.  He never knew it before. Isn't it something to have started a soul along a path that may end in Shakespeare and Paradise Lost?" - Anne of Anne of Avonlea Isn't it something? How exciting that we're able to teach our children to read!  I … [Read more...]

At Home with The Classical Method – Teaching Science

"Understanding the classical sciences allows each of us to appreciate the beauty and harmony of the cosmos while equipping us to participate in the investigative process." (p.179)I believe that understanding the sciences is important to all students, but is especially beneficial to the believer.  We know the creator of the extraordinary … [Read more...]

CC at Home Book Club – Echo in Celebration Review

"Teaching reading is best done with a child on someone’s lap. Teaching math is best done sitting near a student as they work through a text. Teaching writing is best done through sharing the joy of words on paper." (p.63)Oh, friends, I was due a reminder that teaching my children at home is a JOY! I often feel the weight of the responsibility and … [Read more...]

At Home with The Classical Method – Teaching History

"Classical educators want children to memorize a lengthy world history time line over an extended period of time that stays with them forever." (p.165) Are you seeing a pattern here among classical learning? It's so important to lay a strong foundation for our little scholars to build upon.  With a basic timeline memorized, our children can … [Read more...]

At Home with the Classical Method — How to Teach (& Learn) Geography

Oh boy, is this a weak area of mine. I've often felt lost in my own county (okay, even the mall), because I am lacking a mental map.  My husband on the other hand loves maps and is great at geography.  He easily forms mental maps of new areas.  Think those characteristics are connected? Yeah, me too.  Like my husband, we want our littles to … [Read more...]

At Home with The Classical Method – How to Teach Your Child Math

"The classical model for math emphasizes memorizing facts for speed and accuracy, and discussing numeracy, operations, and laws for understanding." (p.131, The Core) I can remember reciting addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division tables with my class from simple wall charts in my elementary school growing up. My teachers shared … [Read more...]

At Home with The Classical Method – Teaching Your Child to Write

When I first started teaching my children to write, I think I truly forgot that "Writing is very hard to do well."  I found myself so removed from learning it myself that its challenge was forgotten.  While it is hard to do well, The Core provides a simple plan to teach it well. Continuing today with the At Home with The … [Read more...]