Exordium
The Blog of the Classical Latin School Association
Exordium
Are we hurting children by making them wear uniforms in school?
by Brett Vaden
In “It’s 2016. Why are school uniforms gender-specific?”, a recent article posted on the Australian-based Special Broadcasting Service’s website, Nicola Heath argues that school children shouldn’t be forced to wear uniforms that limit them to a particular gender. (more…)
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How to Teach Phonics
In my last post, we discussed the key to teaching any child to read: phonics. So what is the best way to teach phonics?
Exordium
Does classical education suck the fun out of learning?
As people new to classical education consider buying in, they sometimes fear that if they put their children in a classical school, somehow those little souls will be weighed down under such a load of old books, old subjects, and old methods, that they too will become unnaturally old, withered, crusty souls, full of ancient history and Latin conjugations, but left without a drop of spirit, spunk, or spontaneity. (more…)
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The Classical Reason for Calculus
by Martin Cothran
In a recent opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, Tianhui Michael Li and Allison Bishop question the utility of teaching calculus in high school. The reason? (more…)
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How to Teach Writing, Part 4
by Brett Vaden
In my previous post about how to teach writing, I outlined the first half of an ancient writing curriculum used by the Greeks and Romans, called the progymnasmata. Now we’ll finish with the higher (and harder) levels.
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Taking note of how taking notes on computers isn’t as helpful as taking them by hand
by Martin Cothran
A new study calls into question another popular belief about the effectiveness of education technology. (more…)
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How to Teach Writing, Part 3
by Brett Vaden
Writing is an art. It takes training and years of practice to master. My 7-year-old daughter has been learning piano for several months now under a clear, structured order of training. Her teacher came highly recommended, because, as I was informed, she knows how to take kids from knowing nothing to knowing a lot. The secret for taking a beginner from being a novice to a master is a patient, knowledgeable teacher with a reliable curriculum. A good teacher knows and uses a series of exercises that progress from an introductory, low level of difficulty to more and more advanced challenges, resulting in students’ competence. Is there such a curriculum for writing? (more…)
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How to Teach Writing, Part 2
by Brett Vaden
In the last post, I attempted to describe what teaching composition is about. Now, I will describe the objectives of teaching composition, answering the question: What should our students be able to do once they complete their training?
Exordium
The Key to Reading
by Michelle Tefertiller
Teaching a child to read is an intimidating endeavor. Even a tenured educator can become unsure of proper technique, questioning which program is the most effective or getting distracted by the newest methods or fads. (more…)