Classical Writing - Aesop

Classical Writing - Aesop Return to CW store

Key Features of Classical Writing

Classical Writing uses time-honored methods of teaching children to write.  Classical Writing takes seriously the call to develop the "three ways" or arts of the classical Trivium: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric.  At beginning levels, an intensive study of grammar is integrated right INTO the student's daily work.  Following classical pedagogy, the program teaches the student the theory behind the writing skills he will use, helps him learn to analyze and imitate the works of great writers, and encourages him to practice writing many compositions of his own.  Classical Writing stresses growth in virtue as a necessary prerequisite to learning to write, beautifully and persuasively, what is true and good.

Classical Writing integrates grammar and writing.  At beginning levels, simple grammar concepts are introduced and practiced using great literature, not "canned" textbook examples.  Writing assignments also make significant use of grammar in the directions for revising drafts.  Grammar is important not only for the sake of making corrections but for the sake of rhetorical "amplification", that is, to make writing more expressive and descriptive.

Classical Writing analyzes and imitates great writing.  Of the two half-hour sessions set aside each day for Classical Writing, the first focuses on the analysis and imitation of great or "model" writing.  The writings of great authors (in the case of Classical Writing - Aesop, traditional tales) are studied carefully at the level of words, sentences, paragraphs, and whole compositions. Imitation of great writers in Book I - Aesop includes copywork, dictation, and oral and written narration and retelling.

Classical Writing teaches composition using a structured method.  It begins the sequence of the progymnasmata or preliminary rhetorical exercises, a sequence designed to teach the principles of writing carefully and systematically using fixed outlines and carefully specified approaches to subject matter.  Beginning students work on retelling fables and narrative stories.  The rigorous time-tested structure of the progymnasmata helps children to avoid "writer's block".  Writing projects are substantive, never silly or contrived.

Classical Writing accommodates families with several children.  Classical Writing - Aesop can be used with beginning writers of varying ages. One or more children may study together.

Classical Writing integrates across the subjects. SELECT your own models to work with for analysis & imitation and writing projects.  Models may be selected FROM any subject area, including literature, history, and science.

Classical Writing as  a PICK UP AND GO curriculum. For a ready-made curriculum, purchase the companion volumes Classical Writing-Aesop Student Workbooks A and B and Instructor’s Guide A and B.  

How the Classical Writing Series Works

Classical Writing - Aesop is the first volume in a multi-volume series.  Rooted in the progymnasmata, each of the Classical Writing books features a famous classical writer:
The series as a whole is designed to teach writing FROM beginning skills through high school and beyond. The books are sequential, but are meant neither to correspond to grade levels nor to be used at the pace of exactly one volume per year.  Students of all ages should begin at the beginning and progress at their own pace.  The younger student will likely spend a couple years altogether with the two beginning volumes.  A middle school student should spend a few months with Book I, then proceed INTO an intensive study of writing with Books II through VI at a pace which best suits him.  An older student may start either in Book I or Book II.

 
How Classical Writing - Aesop Works

Book I - Aesop is the first book in the Classical Writing series.  It is designed for the beginning writer and emphasizes simple work on the first progymnasma, Fable.  (Fable will be continued inBook II - Homer, along with the slightly more complicated progymnasma, Narrative.)  In Book I we take the Greek fable writer, Aesop, as our mascot.  Aesop's simple tales are easy for beginning writers to imitate.

A variety of narrative models are recommended for use with Classical Writing - Aesop.  Six fables FROM Aesop are included in an appendix. For additional models, SELECT FROM your own resources, or, for convenience, use the models in the companion volume to Classical Writing - Aesop Traditional Tales:


Who Would Benefit FROM this Book?

Classical Writing - Aesop is designed with the beginner in mind, the student who has done no writing before.  For maximum benefit the child should be able to read at a near-independent reading level.  We also expect that the beginning student will be studying spelling, handwriting, and typing if possible, concurrent with this course.  The bit of grammar that is needed is provided.

For older beginners, tailor the program by selecting models to correspond with the student's ability level and interests.

Expect to teach Classical Writing as an actively participating parent.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Tina Maclennan
Preface

Chapter One. Introduction
    The Origins of Classical Writing: The Trivium
    Theory, Analysis & Imitation, and Practice
    Classical vs. Modern Writing Pedagogy
    The Progymnasmata
    How this Program Works
    How this Book Works
    Who Would Benefit FROM this Book?

Chapter Two. Models
    Traditional Tales
    Suitable Models for Beginners
    Where to Obtain Models
    Selecting Models

Chapter Three. Analysis & Imitation
    Day 1 - Introduce the Model
    Day 2 - Words - Phonics & Spelling
        Skill Level 1 - Word Analysis for Phonics
        Skill Level 2 - Word Analysis for Spelling
        Skill Level 3 - Beginning Dictionary Skills
    Day 3 - Sentence - Simple Grammar
        Skill Level 1 - Sentences
        Skill Level 2 - Capital Letters & Simple Punctuation
        Skill Level 3 - Simple Quotes
        Skill Level 4 - Introduction to Grammar
    Day 4 - Copywork & Dictation

Chapter Four. Writing Projects
    Project 1 - Rewriting a Short Narrative
    Project 2 - Rewriting a Short Narrative, with Dialogue
    Project 3 - Rewriting a Short Narrative, with Description

Chapter Five. Planning
    Daily Planning
    Weekly Planning
    Yearly Planning

Appendix A. The Fourteen Progymnasmata
Appendix B.  Six Fables FROM Aesop
Appendix C. Teaching Examples
Appendix D. Sample 36 Week Plan
Appendix E. Planning Forms
 
96 pages, includes tables
non-consummable
Core book and Instructor’s Guide is for the teacher
Student Workbooks and Instructor Guides are optional