User friendly for parents and students, Classical
Composition follows the Ancient Greek progymnasmata, or preliminary exercises
which are the basis for writing and composition in the Classical method.
Progymnasmata essentially refers to the sequence in which 14 primary
skills are learned, to achieve the goal of effective communication in the
public forum.
The Teacher Guide for each book includes an
introduction to the material to be covered, guidelines for instruction,
definition of terms (important because many of the terms are unfamiliar), and
lightly scripted lesson plans in a wraparound format (reduced copies of the student
pages w/ answers).
The Student Books provide space to complete most
assignments. Starting with Book IV,
some brief teaching guidelines are included with the Student Book. DVD
Sets and Streaming Videos feature an instructor who teaches each
lesson thoroughly. Interestingly, each course is both this year’s work and
planned review for future years. About 75% of each course’s lessons are to be
completed in that year and the remainder saved for review.
Regardless of grade level, all students entering the
program will start at the Fable Stage, but
students older than 8th grade will do each course in a semester rather than a
year.
A successful composition program should reflect and accomplish three goals:
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of grammar rules
Hone the ability to think through a problem in such a way as to bring us to truth
Communicate with an elegance of style that will persuade others that we have something important to say
Modern composition theory based on
four types of writing - descriptive, narrative, argumentative and expository -
has devolved from the progymnasmata but may not be producing good writers.
Returning to the classical progymnasmata produces writers well-prepared for
classical rhetoric. Each course is both this year's work and planned review for
future years. About ¾ of each course's lessons are to be completed in that year
and the remainder saved to be used for review. Compared to other classical
writing programs we carry, this one seems more do-able. Lessons are
straightforward with good explanation and illustration.
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
