The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education

by Bortins, Leigh A.

• ISBN13: 9780230100350
• ISBN10: 023010035X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-06-08
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Summary

In the past, correct spelling, the multiplication tables, the names of the state capitals and the American presidents were basics that all children were taught in school. Today, many children graduate without this essential knowledge. Most curricula today follow a haphazard sampling of topics with a focus on political correctness instead of teaching students how to study. Leigh Bortins, a leading figure in the homeschooling community, is having none of it. She believes that there are core areas of knowledge that are essential to master. Without knowing the multiplication tables, children can't advance to algebra. Without mastery of grammar, students will have difficulty expressing themselves. Without these essential building blocks of knowledge, students may remember information but they will never possess a broad and deep understanding of how the world works. In this book, Bortins gives parents the tools and methodology to implement a rigorous, thorough, and broad curriculum based on the classical model, including: Rote memorization to cement knowledge Systematic learning of geography, historical facts, and timelines Reading the great books and seminal historical documents instead of adaptations and abridged editions Rigorous training in math and the natural sciences

Author Biography

Leigh A. Bortins is the founder and Ceo of Classical Conversations, Inc. and host of the weekly radio show, Leigh! for Lunch. She lectures about the importance of home education nationwide. She lives in West End, North Carolina

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
Preface	p. xi
Foreword	p. xiii
Intrduction	p. 1
The Classical Model
What's Wrong with Education Today?	p. 13
Why We Need Classical Education	p. 39
How Classical Education Can Help You	p. 63
The Core of a Classical Education
Reading	p. 89
Writing	p. 107
Math	p. 129
Geography	p. 149
History	p. 165
Science	p. 179
Fine Arts	p. 199
Schedules and Resources for Classical Education	p. 207
Epilogue: How a Classical Education Gives Us skills We Need as Adults	p. 213
Resources	p. 217
Index	p. 231
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