Item #: 020495
ISBN: 9780974361635
Retail: $34.00
Rainbow Price: $19.46
For those of you who want to teach using the classical method, the authors of this book, Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn, have long believed and implemented this in their own homeschool. In this book they combine their knowledge and experience to present a spiritual and philosophical foundation and a practical program for Christian homeschooling in the classical style. The first four chapters discuss the reasoning and logic of teaching with classical education, a discussion of why parents should be in charge of their students' education, problems with classroom (public) schools, and an explanation and description of what the trivium is. The next three chapters study one element of the trivium each - language, logic, and rhetoric. Each chapter presents the topic, arguments for teaching it, guidelines for teaching, where to start, what children should be learning at appropriate age levels, and other tips and advice for incorporating these core subjects. Chapter eight follows the same basic format, delving into the study of literature. In chapter nine, the Bluedorns offer principles for the study of historical literature. The following chapter provides lots of advice and help for different methods and approaches to homeschooling in light of the trivium, such as the Charlotte Mason approach, unschooling, unit studies, and others. Part two of the book, The Practical Trivium, hold chapters listing things children should do at particular ages - ten things to do with students before age ten, ten through twelve, thirteen through fifteen, sixteen through eighteen, nineteen and onward, and finally the last chapter, Life's Goals Begin at Home. Appendix one includes 16 different articles discussing the trivium, education, and other related issues. Appendix two provides an thorough resource list, outlining general resources and those for language arts & English, rhetoric, literature, history, government, law and economics, languages, mathematics, logic, Bible and theology, philosophy, science, art and music, and other miscellaneous resources. While you may not agree with all of the personal philosophy in this book, if you want to teach from the trivium and are looking for a guide to implement a classical education in your homeschool, this is a very complete and thorough guide from experienced authors. - Melissa
