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The method called "Classical" education is based
on the Greek model and is a systematic
approach that is divided into three stages of
four years each, from kindergarten to twelfth
grade.

The three stages are:

1. Grammar (approximately 1st to 4th grade):
Called the poll-parrot stage because young
children are perfectly programmed for
memorization. This stage involves fact
collecting in order to build a foundation for the
next two stages.

2. Logic or Dialectic (approximately 5th to 8th
grade): At this stage a child begins to detect
fallacies and demonstrates abstract thought.
This stage is characterized by the study of logic
and critical thinking.

3. Rhetoric (approximately 9th to 12th grade): In
this final stage everything comes together to
develop a well-educated young adult. Students
practice self-expression through written and
spoken language. This stage offers much more
flexibility giving time to pursue the reading of
great books and writing projects.

Classical education also stresses a chronological
study of history. History study from prehistory
to modern times is completed three times (once
during each stage), each time at a higher level
of analysis. It is suggested that educational
continuity is achieved by the studies of
science, art, music, and reading following the
same chronological schedule as history.

A classical education model can provide an
organized study that is always dynamic and
interesting through the use of what has been
called "Living" books and resources. The book,
The Well Trained Mind by by Jesse Wise and
Susan Wise Bauer is considered the "bible" of
Classical Education.

Adapted from Classical Christian Homeschooling.
For more on this method visit
www.Classicalhomeschooling.org

At the same time, it is important for you to
encourage your children that their own personal
time of fellowship with Adoni is a priority for
them, and for you. It is important for the
structured Homeschooler to understand that
loading kids up with so much "school work" to do
that they don't have time to sit quietly in G-d's
presence is a costly mistake.

When our youngest boy was about seven, he liked
to get his tamborine, go downstairs to the family
room, crank up the Messianic music and play
along. He did this almost everyday for an hour or
more---I sensed that Adoni was using this in his
life, and I did not set a time limit; even though he
was "behind" on some of his school work.

I also stressed to his brother that this was a
private time, not to be interrupted, questioned
or mentioned to other children in the
neighborhood. The fruit of this was that the time
taken away from his "studies," actually produced a
more attentive and "pliable" student. I continually
encourage both of our boys that their time with
Adoni is important and precious and their first
priority above everything else.

Education based on the Hebrew Model is also a
systematic approach to education. However the
stages are inclusive of the following:

(1) Holidays & Symbols
(2) Prayer & G-d
(3) Messianic Jewish values
(4) Hebrew Language
(5) Hebrew Customs & Practices and
(6) Bible & History including the Tenach and the
Brit Chadesha.

Our relationship with HaShem, each other and
the world is the focus. A Good Messianic Jewish
Education instills both knowldege and wisdom
imparted through personal fellowship with
Yeshua and study of His Word, the Torah.

Where to Start

Hebraic tradition centers around renewal.
Renewal and redemption are constant themes
within the biblical narratives--and observant
Jewish life. Therefore, the foundation of a good
Messianic education must center around our
connection to our Redeemer. Relegating the
teaching of scripture as just another "subject"
to learn sends the wrong message to our
children. Our relationship to Adoni and His
Torah must be the focus.

An excellent place to start of course is on your
knees. Heshbon ha-nefesh (self-examination) is
necessary for true teshuvah (repentance). This
probably goes without saying, but it can't be
stressed enough that prayer and personal
fellowship with Adoni is the key to a successful
education, no matter which approach is best for
your child(ren).

One of the easiest traps to fall into with a more
structured or Classical approach to
homeschooling is lack of time for personal
fellowship with Adoni. Be FLEXIBLE with your
STRUCTURE. Afterall, your are HOMESCHOOLING,
schedules are good---but should be made to be
broken if necessary.

Also, gathering your children around you on the
floor of your family room and singing worship
songs with them, or just having a time of praise
as you enjoy the presence of the Rauch
HaKodesh is the most important lesson you will
ever teach your kids.

In our home, the best time for this is early
morning, right after breakfast. When our
children were very young, their attention span
was short for this. In the process they have also
learned that Mom sometimes likes to linger in
G-d's presence for a little while longer. During
this time they are free to do something quietly
in their room. Older children can enjoy this
private worship time as well, and it is good to
encourage this.

Our boys are very active and were NOT born to
sit quietly for much of anything.   Learning
self-control is a BIG thing in our home. The key
is to be consistant and to make the time spent
with the L-rd meaningful for both you and your
children. Teaching them to respect your private
worship and quiet time is also very important.

Art History and Music is an obvious part of a good
Classical Hebrew Education. The songs of the
Moedim and of worship are particularly meaningful
to children (and adults) when they can actually
participate in playing or singing. The study of the
influence of Jewish and Christian people on the
arts is a wonderful way to show How the world has
been influenced for the better throughout history
by people who know HaShem.

Piano, Violin, or any sort of music lessons can be
costly, especially if you have more than one or two
children. This is where co-ops and homeschool
support groups can be essential. Check out your
local music store to see if they will offer a group
discount for your homeschool support group
members on instruments.   (You might want to rent
your instruments at the beginning.)

My husband and I are both very musical and we
have always made listening and playing music an
important part of our home.   However, we did not
have a piano and our boys began praying for the
L-rd to provide this for us. Not long after they
began praying for this, our family was blessed both
to obtain a piano for an unheard of discount, and
to find a wonderful and anointed believer who
gives affordable group piano lessons. If you want
something to happen--just have your kids pray for
it!

Good Links on Jewish Arts Education:

www.meltonarts.org/music_cd03.php

www.jewishbookmall.com/jewish_music.htm

Ancient Jewish Instrumental Music: