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KONOS and the Classical Approach
By Linda Trumbo, VA
Classical Education, as it is presented in The Well Trained
Mind, is both a methodology and a course of study. The methodology involves lots of information input and memorization for young children (1-4 grade), some memorization and beginning analysis thinking at the middle years (5-8th grade), and in-depth critical thinking, analysis, and persuasive writing and speaking at the high school level. As a course of study it involves studying Western Civilization exclusively and chronologically, repeating material every four years, just at a deeper level. It also includes Latin, logic, and theology.
As I’ve read through the material on the methodology, I’ve seen a lot of points of similarity to KONOS. I’ll list, if you don’t mind, the similarities between the two, some close approximations, and the major differences.
Similarities:
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Both rely on real books and primary sources instead of textbooks. A general overview book plus whole books, fiction and non-fiction, are used.
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Narration and dialogue are important components.
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Research is taught at upper elementary and middle levels, and is vital during the high school years.
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Both are “language rich” approaches - lots of reading, discussion, and writing.
Close approximations:
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Classical approach requires memorization; KONOS utilizes hands-on drill with vocabulary and timeline figures. The goal of both is the same - kids who know their stuff. The difference is enjoying the journey!
Outright differences:
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Classical starts first graders out with ancient history and mythology, often drawing from writers who were writing for an adult audience. So much of that material is abstract. KONOS starts with concrete learning that’s closer to home for young students, then moves to ancient as their thinking matures.
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Classical treats Bible and theology as separate subjects; KONOS teaches to the heart and head by integrating all knowledge around God’s Word and His character.
For those of you doing HOW, this is Classical and then some! If you make sure you are requiring orderly journals and high-quality written work from your high-schooler, you’ll be matching the recommendations for history and English put forth by the Classical Ed people. If you take advantage of the extensive map work, Bible work, and activity selections in HOW, you'll be exceeding the recommendations of the the current advocates of Classical education. The joy of KONOS is that it makes this level of learning possible even for the young person who isn’t a bookworm. There’s no provision for that student in the Classical approach.
My strongest concern with the Classical Approach as it’s currently being expressed is the recommendations for young children. In a truly Classical Approach, the younger years (until about age nine) were used for mastering the 3 R's, exploring the world around us, and enjoying lots of reading and family input. The grammar stage did not begin with 6 year olds! This is a modern adaptation to make this chronological approach to history fit the public system - not a wise endeavor, in my opinion. I want my young ones’ minds and hearts aimed toward godliness at the beginning and I want them to know the joy of learning along with the hard work. Only KONOS has provided that for us.
An interesting side note - in her essay "The Lost Tools of Learning," Dorothy Sayers never advocated a chronological approach to history. Again, this is a modern American adaptation.
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