The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education

by Leigh A. Bortins

Overview

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 The Core, 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- Reading the great books and seminal historical documents instead of adaptations and abridged editions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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780230100350
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	06/08/2010
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 5.64(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Leigh A. Bortins is the founder and CEO of Classical Conversations, Inc., whose enrollment is 20,000. She is the author of The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education. She hosts a weekly radio show, Leigh! for Lunch and lectures widely about the importance of home education at nationwide conferences and seminars. She lives in West End, NC.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Preface xi

Foreword Becky Norton Dunlop xiii

Intrduction 1

Part 1 The Classical Model

Chapter 1 What's Wrong with Education Today? 13

Chapter 2 Why We Need Classical Education 39

Chapter 3 How Classical Education Can Help You 63

Part 2 The Core of a Classical Education

Chapter 4 Reading 89

Chapter 5 Writing 107

Chapter 6 Math 129

Chapter 7 Geography 149

Chapter 8 History 165

Chapter 9 Science 179

Chapter 10 Fine Arts 199

Chapter 11 Schedules and Resources for Classical Education 207

Epilogue: How a Classical Education Gives Us skills We Need as Adults 213

Resources 217

Index 231

Editorial Reviews

The Core provides an altogether practical curriculum, a handy reference work for busy parents who want their children to enter adulthood fully-equipped with the knowledge and skills possessed by responsible citizens, discerning consumers, and ethical selves.” —Mark Bauerlein, author of The Dumbest Generation

“In a time when many parents are rediscovering the classical methods of education, whether at home or in the classroom, it is heartening to see more and more educators studying, applying, and refining these methods. This book by Leigh Bortins is admirable part of that project, and I commend it to you.” —Douglas Wilson, author of The Case for Classical Christian Education

“Shifting American education from the factory model to a classical model is the goal advanced by Classical Conversations founder and President Leigh Bortins. The public school bar for educational achievement has dropped so low that it takes time for parents to discover how much more potential their children have outside government's educational straightjacket. The Core brings a wealth of practical experience developing classical skills and content for thousands of families engaged in home-centered education nationwide.” —Gregory Rehmke, Program Consultant for Foundation for Economic Education

“Leigh shows a breadth of knowledge and awareness that will be very helpful. Since I believe our future as a nation depends on the willingness of the home schooling mom to exercise and live with her freedom, this book could make a serious contribution to our national well-being.” —Andrew Kern, President, Circe Institute

“If you have children of your own - of any age - and you long for a way to be certain they will prosper in life, you will love this book. If you deal with children in an educational situation, this book will motivate you to think differently about how they might best learn. And, if you just simply care about the children around you, you will find this book personally inspiring and you will want to share it.” —from the Foreword by Becky Dunlop, The Heritage Foundation

From the Publisher