applying the classical approach to the typical day

[mom]

I have been exploring classical education for several years, and am very interested in understanding how to simplify the daily routine and apply all that I've been reading in a practical way. I have 3 sons that are 15, 13 and 7. I just began teaching Latin to my 13 year old last year.

When you are teaching Latin, do you also need to teach English spelling, vocabulary and grammar? Also, when learning history, science or other subjects, is there a focus on memorization? I am trying to understand how to teach my children in a way that will produce long term gain and not overburden them with too many facts that they will quickly forget. I understand that Latin requires repetition, with the goal of mastery. But, how do you effectively teach other subjects?

Having been raised with the modern approach to education, I find it very difficult to apply the classical approach without having any experience. It's very easy to give in to the "security blanket" of the way I've been taught, but my heart is always tugging to give our children a better way. I desire that what they learn has purpose and flows naturally together. Right now, each subject seems to be disconnected from one another.

Do you have any advice or practical examples of how to go about a typical day of learning classically, and an overall explanation of how Latin specifically effects all subjects? ( I have read many of the articles that are posted on this site, but am still uncertain in these areas.)

Many thanks!
Alicia

[Laudo]

My advice would be to purchase Andrew Campbell's "The Latin Centered Curriculum." It has really helped me plan my daily goals and my long term goals. He also has a discussion board: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LatinClassicalEd/

I believe Campbell teaches that if you learn Latin then you do not need English grammar. However, a lot of scaredy cats like myself keep teaching English grammar anyway. :) We use Shurley English, which teaches real English grammar instead of the newer subject, "language arts." We only spend 2 days each week on it. (Though I did do it daily when my son was in second grade. After that, Latin increased and English decreased.)

As for vocabulary, we use the English derivatives that are in each Latin lesson for vocab.
We also use a spelling book, but I only spend 2 days each week on it. If you are having your kids read quality classical liturature AND studying Latin, they don't need so much time memorizing lists of spelling words. Some classical educators don't even bother.

[tanya]

This is a valuable response. I agree with every word. I would like to add that we do encourage memorization of facts in our history and Christian Studies guides. We have come up with a list of 100 drill questions for each guide that helps the students discern what is important for each time period they study. Hopefully, those questions will go with them so that they will be able to pull up a particular fact and place it into context with their studies from year to year. A timeline that grows each year is a tremendous help also. You are looking for an education that builds on itself. But you have to make the connections for the students by putting each area of study into context with the areas previously studied.

And as your study of Latin progresses, it will naturally become entangled in your curriculum as your children begin recognizing words with Latin roots in their other subjects.

It sounds to me like you are doing a great job! Just relax and enjoy it! And if you need help putting your curriculum together, we would be glad to help you at Memoria. Just give us a call or email.

Regards,

Tanya

[Laudo]

Are those 100 drill questions available to the public? I would be interested in looking at that.

[tanya]

The 100 questions are in the back of our study guides for our Famous Men series of books and our Christian Studies books. You can see these guides on our website.

Thanks,

Tanya