In the realm of homeschooling, there’s a growing appreciation for classical education, a model that emphasizes the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty through a structured curriculum (more on classical education here). At the heart of this educational philosophy underlies the profound impact and thread of music education. Let's explore the practical benefits of incorporating music into classical homeschooling and education.
- Cognitive Development: Music's Impact on Learning Music education is integral to classical homeschooling for its role in enhancing cognitive abilities. From improving memory and attention span to sharpening auditory discrimination skills, studying music provides a well-rounded cognitive workout, supporting critical thinking and analytical skills as well as literacy and poetic understanding especially in the early years. Dr. John Feierabend says this is why learning to create music, not just learning about music, is so important especially in ages birth-age 8. Gaining knowledge about music, like memorizing Bach's birth year or mnemonic devices for note names, primarily utilizes one's linguistic intelligence. While this information is certainly useful, it doesn't necessarily lead to a deep understanding of music. True musical intelligence involves the development of neural pathways for musical thinking early in life. This foundational understanding is crucial for later learning to have genuine musical significance. Once our minds establish pathways for understanding, it becomes difficult to alter our perception. Individuals who immerse themselves in music, learning songs and moving artfully to the steady beat, are better positioned to grasp musical notation and instrument playing later. Learning an instrument initially by ear, and then transitioning to reading notation, effectively enhances both skills. On the other hand, those who exclusively learn through notation without prior musical readiness may struggle to develop ear-playing abilities because they learned from a mathematical/linguistic lens first.
- Cultural Literacy: Embracing Musical Traditions Classical homeschooling values cultural literacy and historical understanding. Through exploring a wide variety of musical traditions, students gain insights into different cultures and time periods as well as various life experiences and perspectives. As Charlotte Mason said, "The child should be made familiar with and should be made to appreciate good music." This exposure enriches their educational journey and broadens their horizons.
- Emotional Intelligence: Music as a Tool for Growth Music plays a vital role in developing emotional intelligence within classical homeschooling. By engaging musically, students learn to recognize and manage their emotions. They learn and remember through stories set to music what they may not as easily otherwise. And instrumental music without words has a key role to play as well. As Charlotte Mason believed, "Music is one of the most forcible instruments for refining the feelings." This aspect of education fosters empathy, social-emotional growth, and self-awareness.
- Discipline and Perseverance: Building Habits through Music Learning to play a musical instrument requires discipline and perseverance, values cherished by Charlotte Mason homeschoolers. Through regular practice and overcoming challenges, students develop habits of diligence and self-mastery that extend beyond music into all areas of their lives.
- Creative Expression: Nurturing Individuality through Music In Charlotte Mason classical homeschooling, students are encouraged to express their creativity in learning. Music provides a platform for this expression, allowing students to compose, improvise, and interpret music in unique ways. By embracing their musical instincts, students become active participants in their artistic development.
- Community and Collaboration: Music's Role in Connection Music fosters community and collaboration, whether a child is singing with a group of people, learning turn-taking while playing instruments, or listening as a part of an audience to a collective performance. Students bond over their shared love of music. This sense of camaraderie strengthens relationships and promotes cooperation among peers.
In classical homeschooling, music education plays a pivotal role in enriching the educational experience. From cognitive development to emotional intelligence, music offers practical benefits and meaningful engagement with the world around them both present and past. By integrating music into the curriculum, educators empower students to excel academically and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts. As Charlotte Mason believed, "The musical education of the child should be begun early; that is, the child should have begun to play and sing almost as soon as he can speak." Let us embrace the transformative power of music in classical education, guiding children on a journey of discovery and growth.
In the realm of classical homeschooling, music holds a special place. From fostering creativity to enhancing cognitive development, the incorporation of music into your daily life and homeschool can enrich your and your child(ren)'s experience in countless ways. If you're looking for fresh and inventive ideas to infuse music into your classical homeschooling routine, here's a few ideas that work for my family and the families I guide!
10 creative ways to integrate music into your homeschooling journey:
1. Composer Study Sessions: Delve into the lives and works of classical composers through biographies and musical contributions. Choose engaging narratives that bring composers to life and encourage your children to narrate back their life story and what they've learned in their own words.
2. Musical Storytime: Select classic children's books with musical themes or adaptations of famous musical compositions or folk songs. Encourage your children to narrate their understanding of the stories and discuss the emotions evoked by the music and how it helps tell the story.
3. DIY Instrument Making: Engage in hands-on exploration by crafting simple musical instruments. Encourage your children describe the sounds produced by their homemade instruments and the principles of sound they've discovered. You could even connect it to a book you're reading by acting out part of the story using vocal and instrument sounds with what you created!
4. Music and Movement: Integrate music into physical education by exploring the connection between music and movement. Encourage your children to express themselves and the various elements of what they are listening to through movement while listening to a wide variety of styles and genres of music. This DVD gives some great examples!
5. Historical Music Exploration: Explore different historical periods through books that show the cultural and musical developments of each era and how they are connected. Encourage narration as your children retell the stories of how historical events influenced musical styles and composers. Create a Book of Centuries (or timeline journal) and encourage your children to add the composers and musical time periods and eras to it as they learn.
6. Virtual & In-Person Concert Field Trips: Take virtual field trips (or live ones!) to concerts, operas, or musical performances around the world -- beforehand, provide context and background information. Encourage your children to narrate their impressions of the performances and discuss the elements that stood out to them afterwards.
7. Music Journaling: Encourage your children to keep a music journal where they can write or draw their impressions of various pieces of music. Ask them to describe how the music makes them feel or what imagery it invokes in their minds.
8. Collaborative Music Projects: Foster teamwork and creativity by organizing collaborative music projects. Encourage your children to compose their own songs, create musical arrangements, or even form a family band. Emphasize the importance of communication and the value of working together and compromise (if needed) in the creative process.
9. Music in Language Arts: Integrate music into language arts studies by exploring the intersection of music and literature. Analyze song lyrics as poetry, explore the use of symbolism in music, or even try your hand at writing song lyrics inspired by literary works.
10. Music Appreciation Picnics: Take your lesson outdoors with music appreciation picnics. Pack a basket of snacks, a blanket, and your favorite music selections, classical selections are fun to do this way. Enjoy listening to music (and add in the movement!) while discussing your favorite compositions and composers.
Do you have any creative ways to integrate music into your homeschooling or daily routines? Share your ideas in the comments below!
Intrigued by some of the ideas above, but don't know where to begin? Simple systems of how to implement these and much more will be included in the Classical Collective Membership! Sign up here to learn more and for pre-launch sale details.
Intrigued by some of the ideas above, but don't know where to begin? Simple systems of how to implement these and much more will be included in the Classical Collective Membership! Sign up here to learn more and for pre-launch sale details.
As you set foot on the path of homeschooling, you're likely to encounter a multitude of educational philosophies. One such philosophy that might pique your interest is classical education. But what exactly does it entail, and how can it enrich your homeschooling journey?
Classical education is a time-tested approach rooted in the ancient Greco-Roman tradition. At its core, it emphasizes the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty through a structured "good books" based curriculum based on the trivium: grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
In the grammar stage, typically spanning the early years, children lay the groundwork of knowledge through memorization, repetition, and the study of language, literature, history, and science. This stage capitalizes on children's natural curiosity and receptivity to new information.
As children progress into the logic stage, usually during the middle school years, they learn to think critically, analyze information, and make connections between different subjects. This phase fosters the development of sound reasoning skills and encourages students to ask probing questions.
Finally, in the rhetoric stage, which encompasses mostly the high school years, students refine their communication skills, both written and verbal. They learn to express themselves eloquently and persuasively, engaging in meaningful dialogue and debate by tying many different learned topics and ideas together.
Implementing classical education in your homeschooling journey can seem daunting, but there are numerous resources and community available to guide you. "Consider This: Charlotte Mason and the Classical Tradition" by Karen Glass offers insights into Mason's educational philosophy, which aligns closely with classical principles.
Dorothy Sayers' essay "The Lost Tools of Learning" outlines the trivium and advocates for a return to classical teaching methods. Understanding the stages of learning can help you tailor your approach to each stage, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
Stephen R. Turley's "Awakening Wonder: A Classical Guide to Truth, Goodness, and Beauty" provides practical tips for incorporating classical principles into your homeschooling curriculum. Turley emphasizes the importance of nurturing a love for truth, goodness, and beauty in education.
Susan Schaeffer Macaulay's "For the Children’s Sake" underscores the importance of a holistic, child-centered approach to education. By nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and soul—we can create an environment where learning flourishes. And "The Great Tradition: Classic Readings on What It Means to Be an Educated Human Being," edited by Richard Gamble, offers timeless texts that illuminate the essence of classical education.
As you embark on your homeschooling journey, remember that you're not alone. There's a vibrant community of homeschooling families ready to offer support and guidance to one another. Embrace the principles of classical education, and watch as your children grow into thoughtful, engaged individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Happy homeschooling!
When teaching our children (especially in classical education or charlotte mason methods), we often emphasize the importance of exposing them to rich literature from an early age. We recognize the profound impact that books can have on their development, nurturing their imagination, and expanding their worldview. However, just as literature holds a special place in a child's intellectual diet, so too does music play a crucial role in shaping their hearts and minds.
In the words of Charlotte Mason (found in this book), "to introduce children to literature is to install them in a very rich and glorious kingdom." Similarly, introducing children to rich and wholesome songs can open the doors to a world of beauty, inspiration, and cultural richness. Just as we carefully select books that reflect our values and ideals, what's often called living books, we should be mindful of the songs we choose to share with our children.
Children's interaction with music should begin from the earliest moments of their lives. Just as we surround them with books, we can surround them with music that is uplifting, meaningful, has a beautiful melody and accompaniment or a cappella, and enriching. From lullabies sung in the cradle to nursery rhymes and folk songs, every musical encounter shapes a child's understanding of the world around them.
The benefits of exposing children to rich and wholesome songs are manifold. Firstly, music has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul in ways that words alone cannot. Through songs, children learn about love, joy, sadness, and resilience. They develop empathy and compassion as they empathize with the characters and stories woven into the fabric of each melody.
Singing rich and wholesome songs also cultivates a sense of community and belonging. Whether singing with family members, friends, or classmates, children experience the joy of shared expression and collective harmony. In a world often fragmented by differences and the loneliness of technology, music has the unique ability to unite us across cultural, linguistic, and social divides.
Exposure to a diverse repertoire of songs introduces children to different musical styles, traditions, and cultures. Just as we encourage them to explore the vast expanse of literature, we should encourage them to explore the rich tapestry of musical heritage from around the world. From classical masterpieces to traditional folk tunes, from spirituals to contemporary compositions, each song offers a unique window into the human experience.
In a society where children are bombarded with commercialized and often superficial music geared specifically to children, it is more important than ever to curate a musical environment that nourishes their hearts and minds. As parents and parent-teachers, we have a responsibility to provide children with the tools they need to navigate the world with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. By singing rich and wholesome songs, we can instill in them a love of beauty, a reverence for truth, and a deep appreciation for the realities of humanity.
Just as Charlotte Mason advocated for the importance of introducing children to literature from a young age, so too should we prioritize the introduction of rich and wholesome music into their lives. Music has the power to inspire, uplift, and transform, and by singing together, we can create a more harmonious and compassionate world and thoughtful human beings for generations to come.
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Embarking on a homeschooling journey opens the door to exploring various educational philosophies -- there's so many options! How do I decide? Ultimately, you have to make the decision that's best for your family. I chose to look at first and answer the question, "What is a child and how does he/she learn?" to make my initial decisions regarding homeschooling. Classical education stands out as a time-tested approach rooted in ancient Greco-Roman tradition. How does a classical education philosophy answer this question? And what exactly does it entail, and how can it elevate your homeschooling experience?
Classical education offers a profound answer to the question of what a child is and how they learn. It recognizes that children are not empty vessels to be filled with information but rather curious and imaginative beings made in the image of God eager to explore the world around them. By embracing the trivium—grammar, logic, and rhetoric—classical education provides a structured framework that nurtures children's natural inclination towards truth, goodness, and beauty.
In the grammar stage, children are introduced to the wonders of language, literature, history, arts, and science through the use of living books and good, true, and beautiful sources. These captivating narratives not only impart knowledge but also ignite children's imaginations and instill in them a love for learning. By immersing children in stories and facts that resonate with their innate curiosity, classical education lays a solid foundation upon which further learning can be built.
As children progress into the logic stage, they are encouraged to think critically, analyze information, and make connections between different realities in their world. This phase challenges them to question assumptions, seek out underlying patterns, and engage with complex ideas. Through the exploration of more advanced living books, children develop the intellectual tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the world around them with discernment and clarity.
In the rhetoric stage, students refine their communication skills—both written and verbal—and learn to articulate thoughts persuasively and engage in meaningful dialogue and debate. This phase not only focuses on the art of persuasion but also cultivates a deep appreciation for beauty and goodness in all its forms. By encouraging students to express themselves eloquently and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives, classical education prepares them to become effective communicators and compassionate leaders in an increasingly interconnected and complex world.
By incorporating classical education into your homeschooling journey, you can not only provide your children with a holistic and enriching educational experience that fosters intellectual curiosity, moral integrity, and a lifelong love for learning, but also do this within relationship alongside your children (one of the most important parts). You can capitalize on your strengths while also learning with your children! With the guidance of abundant resources and support from fellow homeschooling mamas (some who are seasoned with wisdom and others who are freshly energetic about starting), you can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment where your children can flourish into thoughtful, engaged individuals equipped to navigate life's challenges with wisdom and grace.
In classical homeschooling, we're constantly seeking methods to cultivate wisdom and nurture a love for learning in our children. One timeless tool that resonates deeply with this endeavor is the commonplace book—a cherished companion for scholars, thinkers, and creatives throughout history. But what exactly is a commonplace book, and why is it invaluable in our homeschooling journey?
At its essence, a commonplace book serves as a personal sanctuary of knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration. It becomes a beautiful little space where we gather and collect passages, quotes, and insights from various sources that carry significance to us — books, articles, lectures, and even conversations and personal thoughts that relate to those quotes, books, and articles. Unlike a traditional journal, which may primarily focus on personal reflections, a commonplace book is akin to a curated treasury of ideas that speak to our souls and kindle our intellectual curiosity.
So why do I, as a classical homeschooling mom, find the commonplace book indispensable? Here are several compelling reasons:
- Cultivating Intellectual Curiosity: A commonplace book inspires children to actively engage with the material they encounter versus being a passive learner. By transcribing passages and quotes that captivate their interest, they delve deeper into subjects, fostering a profound understanding and sparking a thirst for further exploration while also working on handwriting (if you so desire).
- Enhancing Learning and Retention: Studies have shown that the act of writing by hand enhances memory and comprehension. As our children summarize, paraphrase, and synthesize information in their commonplace books, they reinforce their learning and internalize key insights more effectively, seeing connections between different authors, ideas, and concepts.
- Fostering Creativity and Inspiration: Commonplace books serve as a wellspring of inspiration for young writers, artists, and thinkers. By capturing snippets of prose, poetry, and ideas that resonate with them, our children cultivate a reservoir of creativity to draw upon in their own creative pursuits.
- Promoting Reflection and Growth: Regularly revisiting their commonplace books allows our children to reflect on past experiences, insights, and lessons learned. It provides a space for self-discovery and personal growth as they glean new perspectives and wisdom from their collected entries.
- Building a Personal Legacy: Over time, our children's commonplace books become a reflection of their intellectual journey and worldview as they grow and learn. They can serve as a legacy for future generations, offering glimpses into their thoughts, interests, and values.
So how can we guide our children in starting their own commonplace books? The process is simple:
- Choosing a Format: Whether it's a physical notebook, a digital document, or an online platform, our children can select a format that resonates with their preferences and learning styles. Here are a few I created, but any notebook or artpad will do: Foliage version, floral version, and music version.
- Gathering Materials: Encourage them to collect pens (I love these), pencils, highlighters, and other tools (even stickers!) to personalize their commonplace books and make the process enjoyable -- encourage that creativity!
- Capturing Ideas: As they read, listen, or engage with new material, prompt them to draw or jot down passages, quotes, and insights that speak to them. Emphasize the importance of including the source (title/author and page number) and any relevant context to facilitate future reference should they want to reference it again later.
- Organizing and Reflecting: Guide them in periodically reviewing and organizing their entries, perhaps categorizing them by theme, subject, or relevance if the type of journal or notebook you chose allows for that. Encourage them to reflect on the connections and patterns that emerge, fostering a deeper understanding of their learning and the world around them.
- Sharing and Connecting: Consider facilitating discussions around excerpts from their commonplace books or encouraging them to share their insights with like-minded peers. Commonplace books provide a rich source of conversation and connection, fostering a sense of community and intellectual exploration.
A commonplace book is not merely a collection of words—it's a treasure trove of wisdom, insight, and inspiration that is as unique as the person who created it. By embracing the practice of maintaining a commonplace book, our children embark on a journey of intellectual discovery, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
Do you have a commonplace book? Do your children have commonplace books? If so, what have you noticed in yourself or in your children through this practice?
