What Does Your Core Look Like?
If you are curious about education. If you want to develop life-long, logical learners, then I encourage you to join me this summer.
I am going to be reading a book titled, The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education, written by Leigh A. Bortins.
What is the book about?
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• Reading the great books and seminal historical documents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
Why?
I want to learn more.
My schooling was fine. I did well in school. We lived in an excellent school district. But quite honestly, I don’t know that I always think in an orderly manner. Structured. Um . . . I’m not always logical. And if you want me to explain something, it is better to have me write it out than speak my thoughts.
But don’t tell me that to my face.
I have been learning a lot about a certain community of homeschoolers. At home we call them CC’ers. This means Classical Conversations.
It’s not a coop. It’s a community.
I have no idea what I am really getting into, but I’m excited.
Grab your book. You can order it on Amazon if you are reading beside a lamp or get it on your Kindle.
We will begin discussing in two weeks . . . which will bring us to May 23rd as the launch date. I will post my thoughts here, but we can dialogue on my Facebook page (goodness that page needs some design help! You should go look.)
By the way, you don’t have to be involved in Classical Conversations to participate in this book club. The Core looks into the idea of Classical Education.
Will you be joining me?
Leave me a comment . . . I would love to hear your thoughts as to why you want to learn more about classical education or developing a strong brain.
I’d almost consider myself a “method junkie”! Your last statement is THE very question that I was going to ask…”By the way, you don’t have to be involved in Classical Conversations to participate in this book club. The Core looks into the idea of Classical Education.”
I’ve been intrigued by CE for a while (I even own TWTM and Teaching the Trivium but haven’t read through them!)
It will be great to learn more WITH someone instead of wading into the deep alone! haha!
Time for a refresher, a renewal of the vision, and hopefully some fresh insight and encouragement. We have decided to bring two of our boys (who are currently in a classical school) home next year. We are preparing for next year with all 5 children (ages 3-14) at home. I hope to be “clothed with strength and honor….and loving instruction” on my tongue.
I’m re-reading The Core this summer as well, so I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and comments! I would love to link this conversation up to Leigh’s blog (http://leighbortins.com/blogger) if that’s okay with you.
Happy reading!
Yes Jen!!! That would be great! I look forward to hearing more from you too! I enjoyed meeting you at 2:1)!
I’m joining you. My education mirrors yours and I want something better for my children.
Holly! So excited to have you join us! Looking forward to knowing you better!
The Core changed my life! It was suggested a summer reading by the Headmaster of our awesome, excellent school. After reading the book we realized that we could give our kids a much better education: the best of both worlds…classical curriculum (which we love) and a biblical worldview! We jumped into homeschooling in the middle of the year and after 5 months we are loving it!
I was planning to read it again this summer, It will be fun to read it with a group!
Yea!! I am VERY excited to jump into the Classical Conversations curriculum. I keep wanting to organize it and look at it and start the whole process . . . but we have had a whirlwind year . . . so we are learning but also playing! And I am already loving The Core! Looking forward to some discussion tomorrow!
I’m in! I have done CC for three years and was rereading The Core on my own this summer. The discussion will be nice 🙂 Thanks for hosting this!
Yea! I was reading our first chapter this morning . . . and there is so much content in that chapter alone!!! Good discussion!!! Get out that highlighter!
I am starting my 3rd year of CC this fall and my first year tutoring :(). I would love to be part of this book club! CC really is awesome and different from other programs and completely different (thankfully) from public school ways….
You are going to be a tutor! Fabulous!!!!!
I would love to join in the discussion! I’ve read the Core a few months ago and would love to discuss
it some! So in order to join in the discussion, I just go to your facebook page tomorrow.. is that it?
Yes, the Facebook page and I will be writing a post about it!!! I’ll probably pop in and out on the Facebook page. We actually have book club with our Classical Conversations group tomorrow!
I’ve done CC for 3years but have not read The Core (it has been on my kindle for a year). I look forward to reading it with a group.
I have some books like that on my Kindle!!! Glad you can start highlighting soon with us!
I just finished my first year of CC with my kindergartner. It is challenging. I would like to reread The Core with you. This should be so encouraging!
I’m joining you! The Core was the entire reason we classically educate now, instead of floundering around like we were.
First time ccer in the fall! Can use all the help I can get!
So glad to have you join us. We will be reading Chapter one for next week! Every Wednesday all summer!
I just ordered this book before I even found your blog. YAY! We’ve been all over the place with methods in the last two years and now I’m most likely going Classical. I’ve entertained the idea of CC, but it just doesn’t feel right to me at this point.
The gal that directs our CC group, hounded me for 2 years. I gave in. I’m going to be blogging my way through it this year . . . so hopefully that will help you see if it is a good fit. The way we are making it more affordable is that I am going to be a tutor.
I am so glad to see this book being discussed. I think it is wonderful! You are so right that it is useful to anyone wishing to give their child a classical education. I have been in CC for 7 years with my son and you are in for an amazing adventure! I have learned more with my son than I did in my own education. He will have a better education than I ever thought possible. He will begin the Challenge program this fall. As great as Foundations and Essentials is the Challenge program is the perfect culmination of the classical education my son has received thus far. In addition, I have found that I can help my son see God in everything we study.