A New Trend in Classical Education

Author's Rating:

Pros: Good lists of topics and books

Cons: Expensive at $35

Author's Review
The Well-Trained Mind answers the growing need for more information on "Classical Education." Classical education has experienced a new birth as both homeschoolers and private educators are looking to the best tools and methodologies of Western Civilization to teach modern children. For parents who are lost in a wasteland of low educational standards, classical education is a refreshing fountain. "Ad Fontes"...back to the source!
In the classical education philosophy, there are several variations. However, the main idea is that children progress through three stages of educational development. The first stage (called grammar) is a time for memorization and learning the basics of each discipline. The second stage is the time for learning logic. The third stage is the time for learning rhetorical skills such as persuasive writing and speech. Thus as a child matures, he builds on the foundation of each subject. There is also an emphasis on history as the backbone of learning and on ancient languages such as Latin or Greek.
What does this mean for a parent who wants to start such an education? The Well-Trained Mind provides an outline for what to teach at each stage, how to approach each subject, and even approximate times to devote to each subject. History is the organizing principle. Students study history in chronological order, and the literature and science are closely tied to the period of study. One of the strengths of the book are the lists of subjects and books to study in each time period.
The book contains A LOT of information. The discerning parent should be careful not to become overwhelmed by the expectations set forth in the book. You do not have to do it all; even a humble beginning is a worthy endeavor.
I found the times outlined for students to spend on each subject to be too long during the early elementary years. (This book does use a different methodology from some classical schoolers who begin formal education at age ten.) Also, the chapter on preschoolers could be misused by a pushy parent to justify teaching children before they are ready. Nevertheless, the overall system is extremely helpful to a parent who wants to put flesh on the bones of the classical philosophy of education.