Educação clássica e educação domiciliar

by Wesley Callihan, Douglas Wilson, Douglas M. Jones III

À medida que examinamos as ruínas educacionais ao nosso redor, a educação clássica e cristã parece uma ideia cujo tempo chegou. Na verdade, à luz da história, trata-se de um conceito cujo tempo chegou de novo. Mais e mais pais cristãos estão percebendo os fracassos da educação socialista moderna — e esses fracassos são monumentais. Esses pais estão desejosos de uma alternativa substantiva, testada antes e considerada boa.

A educação clássica e cristã consiste nessa alternativa com exatidão.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Christian, Family, Teaching

62 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book after 5 years of classically homeschooling and 20 years of homeschooling. I did not need to be convinced of much of the material for the reason to classical homeschool my children still remaining at home. I really thought this book would be a simple review of all that I understand of a classical education. I was very pleased to enjoy the book and be inspired that it is my role as parent who acknowledges my own education was lacking and that I want more for my children in their education. The first chapter opens with a frankness that this will not come easy, but instead will require "the necessity of hard work." Chapter 8 was profound to me. I love to read and find after moving to a classical style of homeschool that my love for books grew to a taste for better books and more challenging reads. So in Chapter 8 it is encouraged that they "state emphatically that the reading of the teacher is more important then the reading of the student. If the teacher reads as he should, the reading of the student will naturally fall into place." There will always be a need for more books. Yay! I love that. And then in the last paragraph they state, "We(the teacher/parent) should remember that with such preparatory reading, a good pace to maintain is to try and finish a book every week or two. This may seem intimidating at first, and if it were considered a hobby, it would be overwhelming. But the task is the education of your children, which is not a hobby but a vocation. The word vocation comes form the Latin verb coco, which means "I call." A person's vocations is his calling; a parent's vocation is to learn in order to teach." WOW! Needless to say I am glad I spend a few hours to read this little gem of a book!

[Mystie Winckler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth or fifth read. Own. This takes only an hour or two to read, and it's a good brief introduction or reminder read. The first two times I read it I was totally overwhelmed and glad we were trying to start a school. After the school plans failed, and I realized how much overwhelming work a school would be too, I came back to it and it didn't seem so daunting. I appreciated the emphasis that classical education doesn't come in a ready-made or one-size-fits-all box from UPS and that imagination and books is where it begins and has its foundations. The heavy emphasis on trivium as pedagogy is losing its charm as I broaden my own education readings, sounding now more like Gradgrind Facts in the grammar stage, but I know from the other education books and articles Doug has written that that is not his intention.

This is a book I will continue to return to often.

[Leandro Texeira · Rating 5 out of 5]

É um livro pequeno, porém excepcional. Lida diretamente com o assunto: o que é educação clássica cristã, e o que deve ser ensinado. O último parágrafo do livro, para mim, sintetiza a grandiosidade da missão que é dada a nós, pais:

"A educação das crianças para Deus é a tarefa mais importante desempenhada sobre a terra. Trata-se do único negócio para o qual a terra existe. A ele deveria estar subordinada a política, a guerra, a literatura e a produção de dinheiro em sua inteireza. Todo pai deveria sentir em especial, a cada hora do dia, que, após assegurar a própria eleição e vocação, esse é o fim para o qual Deus o mantém vivo - essa é a sua tarefa sobre a terra."

[Noah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal primer on Classical Education! This book helped me better understand the trivium and what makes a classical education classical. On a practical level, it broaches the subjects of logic, rhetoric, and Latin. Then it applies, at a more granular level, what teaching these subjects through a classical system and Christian worldview looks like.

[Sara Fukuda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book, outlining basically what the classical method is. My favorite part is when the question is asked: “what is meant by a Christian worldview and a Christian education?” Answer: “it is NOT a secular education with a prayer and a bible class attached to it. Rather, we view the scriptures as the sole rule of faith and practice. The Bible must be central to our thinking. Not central how a vase is placed at the center of a table (nice, but decorative only), but rather central like how an axel is central.”

LOVED that bit.

[Morgana Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

O que dizer da minha segunda leitura do ano? Ah, meus amigos, que livro! Fisicamente um livreto, “ontologicamente” um gigante narniano. Esse ano me dedicarei a temática EDUCAÇÃO e LINGUAGEM. Recomendo como introdução ao tema esse belíssimo livro da editora @editoramonergismo, que inclusive tem sido um paraíso literário para essa leitora em construção. Foram dez livros lidos em 2017 dessa editora e já temos uns tantos para 2018. Vamos continuar!!!

[Jenni Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introductory book that answers the questions, “what is classical Christian education” and “why?” I found it very helpful when he gave short learning examples of subjects that are particular to classical education and explained the practical impact these subjects have, all being founded on a biblical worldview. He also supplies a list of books to read that are important in developing and teaching students, books most people should read anyways. I appreciated the distinction he made in that students can have the same education, yet some can be fruitful with it and others can not. Education is not just rote memorization!

[Sabriny Sueley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente!

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ariel and I read this together in small chunks. I have read before, but the review is updated since completion.

Takes the work done by Wilson and others on the need for Christian classical education and shows how it might best be achieved in a home-education setting.

Liked it a lot.

Favorite part: the elegant section on the power of words and language.

[Rachel Guisewite · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good explanation of the modern “Classical Christian Education” movement, but that movement itself has deep flaws, the first of which is indicated by the name—Classical Christian, rather than Christian Classical. This is merely the American public ed system with a heavy dose of Dorothy Sayers. Nothing about the framework itself is even truly classical (the authors list the old requirements for entry into Harvard, but fail to note that many of those applicants had accomplished all that by their early teens!). The authors underestimate children and talk down to the adults—no wonder so many parents send their kids to ACCS schools instead of teaching them themselves!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short, pithy introduction to classically educating your child at home. The logic section simultaneously dazzled me and made my head swim. It makes me want to re-pursue Latin and learn logic. There is a recommended reading list at the back which is fairly challenging. Perhpas it is time to take my Plutarch books from college off the shelf and actually read them.

I am also reading Climbing Parnassus, and this was a helpful accompaniment to that.

[Anda P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one shed some light on a philosophical conundrum I was having. Charlotte Mason says the only thing that reason is good for is giving logical demonstration of 1. Math 2. An idea already accepted by the will. I agree with this! However, Thomas Aquinas believed that you could use reason to guide your natural acts, he called it the law of Nature. I was puzzled here because I respect the force of intellect that was Aquinas. Anyway, this book said Protestant educators will have problems when they read Aquinas and that struck a light bulb for me! I’m not the only one!
Overall a good short book.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

End quote hits home- "The education of the children for God is the most important business done on earth. it is the one business for which all the earth exists. To it all politics, all war, all literature, all money-making, ought to be subordinated: and every parent especially ought to feel, every hour of the day, that next to making his own calling and election sure, this is the end for which he is kept alive by God-this is his task on earth." -R.L. Dabney

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a high overview of a few elements of Christian classical education. Doug Wilson drives me nuts, and I feel like I can always tell when it’s his writing. But I read it because a friend gave it to me to look over. I’d suggest Classical Education by Andrew Kern.

[Shaina Herrmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm confused by the title. There is very little mention of homeschool in this book. There was quite a bit great about CE, which was a lot of repeat info for me. So I didn't really gain much from reading this but for someone new to CE it is a good intro.

[amanda gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little primer. I need ALOT more information then this, but this covered a lot of topics in a tiny book. The appendixes are very helpful and the chapter on logic was my favourite.

[Honza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kratičký přehled klasického vzdělání pro křesťanské rodiče. Velmi inspirativní a zdroj nových myšlenek.

[Daniel da Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neste livreto, os autores apresentam a importância de os pais, especificamente cristãos, assumirem a responsabilidade pela educação de seus filhos. E uma alternativa à educação moderna, face ao fracasso evidente, é a educação clássica e cristã, sendo que "um dos propósitos primários da educação clássica consiste em preparar os estudantes para aprenderem por conta própria" (p. 7-8). Para aqueles que pretendem assumir tal vocação, não terceirizando a educação dos filhos, o alerta é de que eles têm pela frente um trabalho árduo, especialmente nas áreas da leitura e da instrução: "Isso significa que deve haver tempo separado com consistência para a instrução no lar, e os pais instrutores devem estar preparados para fornecer o ensino. A leitura mencionada acima é parte significativa dessa preparação". (p. 11). No capítulo 2 os autores esboçam o que entendem por educação clássica. Ela "pode ser mais bem entendida como referência a três aspectos rudimentares" (p. 13), sendo o primeiro relacionado ao método educacional. Tal método é identificado como o trivium, envolvendo os estágios da gramática, lógica e retórica. O segundo aspecto diz respeito ao conteúdo e o terceiro aspecto "reconhece a importância da posição histórica e cultural do professor e do estudante" (p. 13). No capítulo 3 os autores se voltam para as partes da educação clássica e cristã. Nesse ponto, um problema vem à tona. Como uma das partes da educação clássica diz respeito à linguagem, os autores dedicam um trecho para enfatizar a importância da linguagem e da imaginação: "Todo modelo educacional que minimize a linguagem e a imaginação procura alcançar o fracasso de forma desesperada. A educação clássica e cristão se deleita nas duas, linguagem e imaginação" (p. 25). Mais adiante eles alegam: "A imaginação bem treinada é crucial para fazer julgamentos morais e racionais" (p. 25). A essa altura, dois problemas se destacam: os autores fornecem grande peso à imaginação, mas em momento algum se preocupam em nos dizer o que entendem pelo termo; em segundo lugar, os autores parecem deixar implícito um entendimento de que a imaginação é uma faculdade distinta da razão. Em seguida, afirma-se: "A ética e a lógica presumem a imaginação como ponto de partida" (p. 25). Novamente, não há fundamentação para essa alegação. Os autores fornecem alguns exemplos, mas tais exemplos apenas demonstram que eles confundem o ensino da lógica com o surgimento da lógica. Além disso, se a a imaginação é o ponto de partida da lógica, é preciso dizer o que é a imaginação para avaliarmos se a lógica está alicerçada nela. E ainda, os autores parecem correlacionar imaginação e o uso de metáforas. Contudo, metáforas podem ser tomadas como um mecanismo da linguagem, e nesse caso, a linguagem precede as figuras de linguagem. Em adição, a linguagem depende das leis da lógica para ser estruturada. Nesse caso, a lógica serve de fundamento à linguagem e, por conseguinte, às figuras de linguagem. Nos capítulos 4, 5 e 6, respectivamente, os autores mencionam a importância de ensinar o básico de latim, de lógica e de retórica. No capítulo 7 eles argumentam que a educação não pode ser neutra. Se Cristo é o Senhor da Criação, e Ele é, então não é possível haver neutralidade: "Quem não está comigo, está contra mim; e aquele que comigo não colhe, espalha" (Mt 12:30). Dessa forma, os autores alegam que "não existe neutralidade em nenhuma área do empreendimento humano por causa da soberania de Deus e de seu Filho, o Senhor Jesus Cristo, e só por causa dela" (p. 47). Podemos ver que na educação prevalece o princípio bíblico denominado antítese: "A antítese é a justaposição rígida de duas visões ou alegações. Parte de pensar como um cristão significa procurar livrar nossa perspectiva de todas as suposições não cristãs sobre o mundo, a história, a natureza humana, o conhecimento, a ciência, as artes e qualquer outro assunto. Em seu lugar busca-se entender a revelação de Deus sobre todos os assuntos e cada um deles, pois em Cristo 'todos os tesouros da sabedoria e do conhecimento estão ocultos' (Cl 2:3)".

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short (<70 pages including the appendices), but a great primer for Christian parents who want to homeschool their children classically.

Each chapter is insightful and helpful regarding a Biblical outlook of education and the advantages of a classical education. It calls for high standards for both the students and the parents, but rightfully so. Included at the end is a helpful "Getting Started" reading list for parents as well as resources on where to go to find more information and resources for classical Christian homeschool education.

In short, a valuable resource for Biblically minded parents who are thinking of how to best (and most Biblically) educate their children.

To know more about "classically" I recommend Douglas Wilson's 'The Case for Classical Christian Education'. But this book is a good start!

[Caleb Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

My wife and I read this book aloud to each other and both found it very spotty, rushed, and overall unhelpful. The reading list at the back of the book is the most helpful feature, but even it offers no insight as to which editions to read of the books it recommends, and no organizing principle for approaching the books other than what general era they were written in. All in all, this book offers no substantive coaching for parents seeking to homeschool their children, and is not worth even the brief read.

[Felipe Sabino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente introdução ao assunto.

[Lucas Bragança · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um bom livro introdutório sobre educação clássica e domiciliar. Pra um leigo no assunto como eu, achei bom começar por esse, pelo menos pra entender um pouco as coisas.

[Christie Sinicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational, encouraging, & edifying

After defining and describing the main headings of classical education (Latin, rhetoric, logic, etc), Doug Wilson’s chapter on choosing a Christian curriculum concludes that classical education is not about picking one particular curriculum, but about an eclectically choosing books & resources that are individually evaluated and fitting.

Wilson also acknowledges that having a plan is good, but our plans will not be complete at the outset, and that’s okay. In classical education, qs the child grows, so, too, does the teacher (in the case of homeschool, the parents), and together embark on a glorious journey to learn about God and the world He made!

Wilson brings every subject/topic back to Christ, as we must relate all of education to children in relation to Him, for He is above all things! If you are a Christian homeschool parent, I highly suggest this book.

[Jeremy Gardiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short introduction to classical education and teaching it in the context of the home. I love the emphasis on teaching logic and rhetoric but disagree with the necessity of learning Latin and reading the secular classics of Western Civilization. I think understanding how Latin works is helpful, and understanding what the classics are and a summary of them is important. However, learning the language and reading the classics in full is not something I think everyone should do, only those who show a special interest. If my kids want to read Plato and Aristotle, they can, but I won't be assigning them as a requirement. We'll be taking some of this methodology and meshing it with our own eclectic approach.

[Hugo Ferreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Após a rebelião inicial, Deus impôs a guerra entre seu povo e seus inimigos. Isso não foi acidente. O embate estava decretado. Assim, a batalha avança desde Abel e Caim, Israel e Babilônia, os pais apostólicos e os gnósticos, os reformadores e Roma até o cristianismo contemporâneo e o igualitarismo moderno."

"After the initial rebellion, God imposed the war between His people and His enemies. It was no accident. The war was decreed. And so the battle has rampaged from Abel and Cain, Israel and Babylon, the apostolic fathers and the Gnostics, the Reformers and Rome to contemporary Christianity and modern egalitarianism."

[LovingtheWORD · Rating 4 out of 5]

An appeal for classical christian education

This short book is essentially an appeal to parents to put in the hard work to educate their children in the classical style and in submission to a Christian worldview. It is not an instruction manual; it gives only the most general guidance on what classical education is, but it does provide clarity on what elements must be present in classical education. I enjoyed it as an encouragement to continue on this path and to do so with renewed diligence and commitment.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief and helpful summary of Christian Classical language. I particularly like how classical education leans in to a child’s stage of developments. When they’re little they absorb things extremely well so teach them a ton of facts and memorization. When they’re old enough to start questioning everything teach them logic. Then when they’re almost adults teach them rhetoric so they know how to analyze, use and share knowledge.

Sure beats confusing kids by teaching them to look inside themselves for truth and everything they feel is correct.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both classical education and homeschooling have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember: it's how I was taught to learn, and it's how I learned to teach. Because of that, I was already familiar with the concepts laid out in this guide. At just over 60 pages, this book is brief but is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to give their kids a strong education--as well as anyone wanting to check and even correct the state of their own learning.

[Bryan Kuranaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful for the encouragement found within this little book. There are different takeaways from it, but the one that will stand out the most to me is the exhortation for teachers. Teachers must be readers and they must read more than their students. In other words, parents need to be reading all the time and applying the truth of Scripture to what they read. I also appreciate the list of various books the authors encourage us to read.

[John Dube · Rating 4 out of 5]

These bros are intense. I can’t think of a better way of scaring people than telling them they have to read 100+ books to be an effective classical homeschooler. As it is, this is either your thing or not. I have personally seen the benefits of classical pedagogy and commend it wholeheartedly. This tiny monograph however, I recommend with caution. If your interested in classical methodology read Sayers, Lewis, or Schaeffer first. You will thank me.