There are several options when it comes to homeschooling multiple ages and grade levels. Unit studies or Morning Time are great ways to engage multiple ages all together. However, my favorite way to simplify teaching multiple grade levels at once is the Classical Method.
The Classical Education Spiral
The Classical Method typically uses a spiral approach. This practice does two things. First, it introduces new concepts in small segments, then builds upon them. Second, it also divides the curriculum into annual cycles for depth in learning as the students’ ages progress. Because mastery is not expected after the first pass, the material can be taught all at once to a larger span of ages and then adapted accordingly.
The Tools of Learning: How vs What
The Classical Method focuses less on what to learn in each grade, and more on how to learn. This is where the Trivium comes into play.
The Grammar Stage (Lower Elementary) focuses on memorization and learning basic terms of a subject. In the Dialectic Stage (Upper Elementary/Middle School) the student is revisiting topics, repeating cycles, and building upon what they have previously learned and memorized. This stage is when the student is asking questions, and understanding what they are learning. Finally, the Rhetoric Stage (High School) is when the student is seeking truth and wisdom through logic, debate, and discussion, teaching them to defend their position on a topic.
Each student can study the same subject at the same time, and utilize different study skills to engage in the material in different ways and at their level.
All of the Subjects Together
In addition, the Classical Method makes teaching more subjects together as a group possible. Think one-room schoolhouse style. While math and reading may require more individualized attention, skills such as skip counting and memorizing math formulas, as well as learning basic English grammar, can be done together. History, science, math, language arts, fine art, geography, and reading aloud can all be done together. It may not be realistic for your family to do ALL subjects together, but the flexibility to pick and choose allows you to customize your homeschool to meet your personal needs.
Classical Education Saves Time
Who doesn’t want to work less and accomplish more? The family-style education that the Classical Method brings lends itself to shorter school days for everyone. Mom doesn’t have to bounce around as much from child to child because everyone is starting from the same place. Younger students will feel included and then can go off and play while older students get more individualized attention as they dig deeper into the material. Instead of individualizing the content for each grade level, projects and activities can be added for older students as able.
Even better, older kids can take the reins and teach the younger children! The best way to show mastery of knowledge is to teach someone else. By having older students teach, you have also just added valuable skills such as patience, clear communication, and leadership to the classroom!
Classical Education integrates Well With Other Programs and Curriculums
No need to have a strictly Classical Homeschool! The freedom to mix and match is what makes homeschooling so amazing. Pick and choose what subjects you want to focus on and key pieces that you want to have your children memorize and then fill in with your favorite curriculum, classes, or just add some read-aloud books on various topics.
Not Just Rote Memorization
The Classical Method is not strictly rote memorization. Instead of memorizing history sentences or famous speeches, you could read together using curriculum like ‘Mystery of History’ or ‘Story of the World.’ An alternative to learning a super long timeline song could be notebooking a timeline and marking off dates, people, and events on a paper timeline. Both methods are considered classical and give the student an organized approach to processing and mentally filing new information.
The following can be used instead of memory work, or to complement and engage memory work:
- Free online classes through Khan Academy or Varsity Tutors
- Notebooking
- Documentaries or other educational shows
- Unit Studies – the subjects are all overlapping and intertwined making unit studies great in a classical homeschool.
- Lapbooks
- Recitation, dictation, or copy work
- Nature Journaling
- Living Books
- Keeping a Common Place Notebook
- Classical Learning Paths
Classical Education is Adaptable to Different Learning Styles
While memorization works well for most young students, the approach to learning the memory work may vary depending on the child’s learning style. Get to know how your child learns best and provide the right tools and techniques to ensure their success.
Teaching memory work according to learning style:
Visual – This student does well with seeing the memory work; even if they cannot read yet, pictures or other visual clues can help them remember and file away the memory work; reading flashcards for review; video clips
Read/Write – This student cannot just hear the information but needs to either read it for themself and write it down; Copywork is excellent for this type of learner; Notebooking; practice handwriting and memory work together; drawing a picture about the memory work
Auditory – This child can just listen and absorb the memory work; listening to a CD, songs, oral review/games
Kinesthetic – This child learns bests while moving their body! incorporate body movement while repeating memory work; play active games; use sign language associated with memory work; hands-on sorting or matching games; the activity doesn’t necessarily need to relate to the memory work (skipping, jumping jacks, relay races, etc.)
