Classical Education Philosophy

Reading instruction begins as soon as a child is born.

Cursive writing instruction is beneficial to the student in that it improves fine motor skills, increases writing speed, and gives the student a chance to create something beautiful.

Dr. Coupland notes that if a child has had a wonderful language-rich experience, they should be ready to learn how to read by the time they get to kindergarten.

Dr. Calvert argues that, first and foremost, parents should be teaching students the stories of the past.

Classical education values knowledge for its own sake.

The study of science should be placed in historical context because it's a human endeavor.

Learning about science is part of what elevates students to self-government.

When science is studied properly, students begin to see that the universe is orderly, complicated, and intelligible.

Since antiquity, grammar has been viewed as one of the foundational liberal arts.

Dr. Jackson notes that teaching literature properly will shape a student’s habit of mind.

When students open a great book and study it seriously, they will grapple with philosophical ideas, learn something about themselves, encounter theological ideas.

In order to teach literature well, teachers must dedicate themselves to reading the texts along with their students.

To read well, students must be able to employ both listening and contemplation.

The fundamentals of writing include logic, organization, and focus.

After returning graded papers, teachers should help guide students in reflecting on grading comments.

To improve writing, teachers should help students find a crux for their papers.

Teachers should remember that the main goal of writing education is to get students to undertake the writing process.

Dr. Garnjobst notes that the chief reason for studying Latin is to engage in a conversation with the great thinkers of the Western tradition.

Source: A Proper Understanding of K–12 Education: Theory and Practice online course by Hillsdale College.