Classical
We use time-tested tools of learning for children in each phase of the trivium.
We teach using classical learning tools appropriate for each phase of the trivium: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Classical education focuses on learning to love and appreciate those parts of life that are true, beautiful and good. It equips students for mastery and a lifetime of learning rather than simply passing a test.
At The Oaks, we seek to teach students that they can only know God through the gospel of Jesus Christ, and thereby they can live with and experience wisdom. Theology and philosophy are emphasized as we move through the below phases and subjects. As C.S. Lewis put it, we want to follow the sunbeam to the sun. We follow the river of truth, goodness, and beauty to Jesus, who is the fountain spring of each. The various subjects in our course of study are aimed toward promoting a deep love for Jesus Christ, enjoyment of him, and wise living.
The Trivium & Quadrivium
Trivium: The Stages of Human Development
- Grammar (approximately K-6th). The grammar stage focuses on helping children learn the basics--or "grammar"--of any area of study. Children learn facts about geography, history, math, science, and more using songs, chants, and fun memory devices. At a young age, children naturally love word games and rhymes, so the grammar stage captures this momentum.
- Logic (approximately 7th-9th). The logic stage—sometimes called dialectic—focuses on every growing child’s favorite question: Why? The logic stage builds upon a child’s desire to understand the relationships and reasons behind things. Students begin a study in formal and informal logic, learning how to think and argue logically. During this phase, students recall the grammar learned in earlier years and are now able to synthesize, discuss, consider different viewpoints, and create a sound argument.
- Rhetoric (10th-12th). In the rhetoric stage, students focus on how to clearly and persuasively articulate their beliefs in writing and speech. They apply the rules learned in the Logic stage to the foundational information learned in Grammar stage, expressing their conclusions in clear, elegant, persuasive language. This prepares students to write college-level theses, utilizing their grasp of proper grammar as well their ability to think logically and critically.
Want to dig deeper?
Christopher Perrin's Intro to Classical Education is online as a free PDF and is a great place to start!
Other Recommended Reading:
Repairing the Ruins by Doug Wilson
Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning by Doug Wilson
The Lost Tools of Learning, an essay by Dorothy Sayers (can be found free online)
The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis