The Classical Education Difference

The Classical Education Difference

The Classical Education Difference

By: Mr. Cutrer

We often talk about the differences between classical education and the current public education routine. For a practical demonstration, let’s talk specifics about how a classical education in first grade differs from the public system by looking at how we incorporate daily science instruction, utilize Singapore Mathematics, and teach explicit phonics.

Daily Science Exploration

One notable difference in a classical first-grade education is the commitment to daily science instruction. While public education systems may schedule science classes only a few times a week, classical education integrates science into the daily curriculum. This approach aims to cultivate curiosity and a love for discovery from an early age, emphasizing hands-on experiments and observation. By fostering a daily engagement with science, students develop critical thinking skills and a natural inclination towards inquiry-based learning.

Singapore Mathematics

We embrace Singapore Mathematics, a method known for its emphasis on problem-solving and conceptual understanding. Unlike the Common Core approach, Singapore Math encourages a deep understanding of mathematical concepts through a progression of visual, concrete, and then abstract learning. Additionally, Singapore Mathematics focuses on solving a variety of problems, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. This approach not only helps students grasp mathematical concepts but also teaches them how to apply these concepts to real-world situations.

Explicit Phonics and Grammar

Classical education also places a strong emphasis on language skills, particularly through explicit phonics instruction. Instead of relying on sight words, which can limit a child’s ability to decode new words, classical first-grade education focuses on teaching the building blocks of language. This includes breaking down words into phonemes, understanding the rules of spelling and grammar, and fostering a strong vocabulary. By providing a solid linguistic foundation, students are better equipped to become proficient readers and writers.

Choosing the right educational path is a pivotal decision that shapes your children’s academic journeys. A classical education focuses on building a strong foundation in core subjects. By prioritizing daily scientific exploration, conceptual understanding in mathematics, and explicit language instruction, classical education aims to instill a lifelong love for learning and equip students with the skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world.

Great Books: Pillars of Classical Education

Great Books: Pillars of Classical Education

Great Books: Pillars of Classical Education

…haec studia adulescentiam alunt, senectutem oblectant, secundas res ornant, adversis perfugium ac solacium praebent, delectant domi, non impediunt foris, pernoctant nobiscum, peregrinantur, rusticantur.

These studies sustain youth and entertain old age, they enhance prosperity, and offer a refuge and solace in adversity, they delight us when we are at home without hindering us in the wider world, and are with us at night, when we travel and when we visit the countryside.

-Cicero, Pro Archia

By: Mr. Cutrer

At the heart of classical education lies great books – a collection of timeless literary works that have shaped human thought and culture for centuries. These works, often referred to as the “canon,” include classics like Homer’s Iliad, Shakespeare’s plays, and Dumas’ Three Musketeers. Studying these texts allows students to engage with the most profound ideas and the most influential voices in human history. Cicero’s insight into the transformative power of literature is as relevant today as it was in ancient Rome.

Great books serve as a rich tapestry of knowledge, touching on philosophy, history, science, and the arts. Students grapple with complex ideas and ethical dilemmas, cultivating critical thinking, empathy, and an appreciation for the diversity of human experiences. These books foster a deep understanding of the human condition and teach valuable lessons about virtue, morality, and the pursuit of wisdom.

Characters embody a range of virtues and vices. Whether it’s the anger of Achilles in The Iliad or the wisdom of Boethius in The Consolation of Philosophy, these characters serve as archetypes that readers can learn from. Additionally, by immersing themselves in these narratives, readers are exposed to the consequences of different choices, allowing them to reflect on the principles that guide ethical decision-making. Witnessing characters grapple with their own moral quandaries encourages readers to contemplate and refine their own values.

Furthermore, Optima Classical Academy teaches the great books alongside contemporary history to help students contextualize what events are influencing literature and what prominent ideas are influencing history. As C.S. Lewis notes, “Every age has its own outlook. It is specially good at seeing certain truths and specially liable to make certain mistakes.” When students study Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria, they read the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Code of Hammurabi. They read Shakespeare alongside their study of Jacobethan history. The zeitgeist of the age is opened up to them, deepening their understanding and appreciation of history and literature.

Classical education nurtures the minds and characters of students through these works, equipping them with the tools to become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and virtuous individuals. Great books, woven into the fabric of classical education, serve as guides on this transformative journey. As students engage with the

timeless wisdom encapsulated in these literary treasures alongside the history that produced them, they not only grapple with profound ideas but also absorb the values and virtues that have shaped human civilization.

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