Classical ResourcesJames Daniels, consultant with the CIRCE Institute and former Head of Upper School for Westminster Academy, a K-12 classical Christian school in Memphis, TN, visited NCA in January 2009. Here are Mr. Daniels' observations from his visit: Naperville Christian Academy is a hidden gem in the Chicago area and parents who seek it as a way of educating their children will be thoroughly impressed with the treasure they find. The school’s culture is nurturing, yet focuses on purposefully cultivating character in the lives of young people. The school is succeeding in teaching students respect, courage, integrity and other “lost virtues” in today’s society. I recently had the honor of observing school for the day. The students were inquisitive and well-mannered. The curriculum was thoughtful and purposeful – challenging, yet meaningful. During my time, I was pleasantly surprised at the caliber of instruction going on. The classroom teachers are not satisfied with simply imparting information to their students, but they are interested in engaging the souls of the children. They are not satisfied with just the “right answer” but questioned and probed in order to ensure that the students were using the “right means” to obtain the answer…both product and process. Because of the institution’s goals of wisdom and virtue versus just knowledge and conformation, the school is categorically different than any other school in the vicinity of Chicago. As an educational consultant, I have had the opportunity to visit many schools across the nation, and I can honestly say that I am thoroughly impressed with what I see happening within the walls of Naperville Christian Academy by way of educating children for the future. I believe that the result of this type of education will be young men and women who engage culture by seeking meaning and purpose in all that they do. James Daniels CIRCE Institute The following books are helpful in understanding Classical Christian education:
Norms and Nobility by David Hicks On Christian Teaching by Augustine The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jesse Wise The following books are helpful for parenting: Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp The following links provide additional information on Classical Christian education and related topics of interest.
Society for Classical Learning Web Site
Association for Classical and Christian Education Web Site
Great Articles on Classical Christian Education from Memoria Press The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers. The seminal work on Classical Christian education. The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis. Reflections on education with special reference to the teaching of English in the upper forms of schools. The Why of Classical Education, an excellent article on the benefits of classical education. An Apology for Latin and Math, an excellent article on the benefits of Latin and Math studies.
Thinking Logically About Logic
Classical Christian Homeschooling site, with good descriptions of Classical education. Logos School in Moscow, Idaho, one of the pioneers of Classical Christian education. How To Turn Good Readers into Good Writers Too Nehemiah Institute site, with a great "Links" page. Article from World Magazine regarding a Barna parenting poll, finding that many Christian parents are statistically indistinguishable from non-Christian parents in their views about child rearing. Article from WORLD magazine about how Evangelicals have failed to emphasize Christian education for their children. Carnival of Education weblog including numerous links to articles regarding education. Parent Arrested Over Gay Content In Book Article about a parent who was arrested after protesting the content of his Kindergarten son's classroom reading material. Knowing History and Knowing Who We Are by David McCullough. This is a link to an abridged transcript of remarks delivered on February 15, 2005, in Phoenix, Arizona, at a Hillsdale College National Leadership Seminar on the topic, "American History and America's Future." Imprimis the monthly publication from Hillsdale College Commentary f rom the Acton Institute's Blog regarding C.S. Lewis' view of American education Interesting Study on the Impact of a Father on a child's education.Great defense of Christian Education from American Vision. Nine Reasons for not Using Public Schools Latin to English dictionary The Association of Christian Schools International Higher Paradigms online, a newsletter for those involved in Christian education.
Probe Ministries, includes discussions on Worldviews.
Christian Classics Ethereal Library A Constrained Vision Blog about economics, education, and politics.
Article on the Lack of Language Skills in Youth
Article on Association of TV Viewing and ADHD Article on the Need for a Broad Liberal Arts Education In Defense of Memorization Ten Ways to Harden a Child's Heart toward God (article on the potential negative impacts of non-Christian schools on children) The New Classical Schooling Incarnational Teaching In Kindergarten |
