An Explanation Part 4: The Subjects

Classical Christian Education uses 

LATIN AND LANGUAGE LEARNING, the FOUR LIBERAL ARTS, 

and CLASSICAL LITERATURE,      

Learning Latin (as well as other languages), helps students process, analyze, and use their native language well.  It helps them think through the mechanics of what they actually want to say.  The Four Liberal Arts: MUSIC, MATH, SCIENCE, and GEOMETRY, look at how the world works.  Classical Literature allows students to grow in virtue, honor, and valor as they engage with ancient stories and great writing.

The classroom should be engaging. This sounds very overwhelming, doesn't it?  Especially for kindergarten.  But it's not! This all works together within the other Classical Education ideas and ideals.  The knowledge itself is important, yes - but it is a distant second from the learner, himself.  Who this child is becoming as he learns is of greater value than the information obtained.  That the child can ask the right questions, have the self-discipline to seek the answers, and be able to communicate his learning - that is what we're after!  So, we learn phonics, sight words, cursive, and how to diagram sentences.  We read and reread because we love reading, not because we're trying to earn points.  Our "exams" are observations throughout the continuum of learning rather than a high pressured moment.  We set high expectations for our students and watch as they raise their own bars.



This is the fourth part of a five part series explaining Classical Christian Education.  To go to part five, click here.

To start at the beginning, click here.

Looking for more musings on Classical Education?  Click here.