So now that we have an overview of classical education, how can you as parents support this model at home? It is quite simple really, by living classically. As we have previously discussed, classical education is a very natural form of education, thus, it leads naturally into everyday life.
The first thing is encouraging the pursuit of what is true, good and beautiful. Start to take note of when something is (or is lacking) truth, goodness, and beauty and engage in conversation with your child. This models for them how to find and identify these elements. Its gets them asking, what is true? What is good? What is beautiful? With the Holidays approaching the possibilities are ever expanding! There is so much, truth, goodness, and certainly beauty around this time of year as various cultures engage in various traditions to celebrate a multitude of values.
Next, is to incorporate the virtues within your home. Have regular conversations about being diligent and compassionate and praise actions of temperance and patience. When reading stories or watching films, look for moments to discuss virtuous, or lack of virtuous habits.
Which leads nicely into my next suggestion...read and read plenty! I recommend going back to the Classical Corner from September 9. We discussed why reading should be a part of everyday life and how to encourage your children to read. Reading opens us to worlds and times we may never be able to visit, but can admire and learn from. It can inspire our actions and sense of wonder. As Fredick Douglas once said, "once you learn to read, you will be forever free."
Finally, incorporate these things into your home and daily life! Listen to beautiful music, display works of art, encourage creativity. Encourage questioning and the pursuit of knowledge. A few concrete examples include:
Listen to classical music in the car and discuss what you hear.
End the day with bedtime stories. This can be a short story, or a longer book read over multiple evenings.
Go outside! Go for nature walks and hikes. Have your child draw and document what they observe. Have them begin a nature collection that can be kept in a treasure chest and pulled out for observation and conversation on a rainy day.
Allow your child to contribute to household responsibilities and allow them to ask questions as they do. Things such as cooking meals, gardening, baking, painting or reorganizing a room, provide opportunities for children to learn good habits and skills while engaging in conversations that expand their knowledge.
Visit monumental places and have conversations about history and why that location is monumental. New Mexico is full of these opportunities, including right in Gallup! One of my favorite field trips was a mural walk, where we walked around town, looked at the murals and had conversations about what and who the images were depicting.
These are just a few examples to hopefully inspire you and show that classical education is a natural part of everyday life! As you seek what is true, good, beautiful, and virtuous, you will start to find even more opportunities to live a classical life, one that will contribute to your child's formation, and perhaps, even yours.
