The progymnasmata comprises an ancient series of writing exercises. In The Australian Progymnasmata Series, specifically crafted for Homeschool in Australia, we have adapted these exercises to create a comprehensive exploration of classical rhetoric that transcends conventional education. Via Classica, has recently released the third book in this series, "Chreia and Proverbs," following on from our first book "Fables" and second book "Narrative." Designed to foster the mastery of expression, each book navigates distinct genres, from the moral tales of Fables to the thought-provoking wisdom of Chreia and Proverbs. As we embark on this literary odyssey tailored for Homeschool in Australia, we anticipate the expansion of our series to include "Refutation and Confirmation," "Commonplace," "Encomium," and "Vituperation," "Comparison," "Impersonation and Description," and "Thesis and Defend-Attack a Law." Each book adheres to a specific structure, aiming to develop mastery in writing. Let's examine the structure found in all our books, which commence with a "Time to Prepare" section, followed by "Time to Analyse," "Time to Read," "Time to Discuss," "Time to Compose," and finally, "Time to Present."
The "Time to Prepare" section in this writing series serves as a dedicated space for explicit teaching of new vocabulary and the introduction of new concepts. It provides a structured approach to learning, offering clear explanations and examples to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the material. Drawing inspiration from renowned authors in the Western canon and classical literature, the section not only imparts linguistic skills but also enriches students with a broader cultural and literary context. By presenting explicit teachings alongside illustrative examples, this segment aims to equip learners with the necessary tools to enhance their writing proficiency while fostering an appreciation for the timeless contributions of literary giants.
The "Time to Analyse" section in the Australian Progymnasmata series plays a pivotal role in consolidating student understanding gained from the "Time to Prepare" section. Here, students engage in the meticulous analysis of the introduced vocabulary and concepts, reinforcing their comprehension through thoughtful examination. By addressing comprehension questions, learners delve deeper into the material, solidifying their grasp on the intricacies presented in the preparatory phase. This process reinforces vocabulary work and contributes to the holistic building of the lesson's knowledge base. The "Time to Analyse" section serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the explicit teachings and examples provided earlier, empowering students to apply their newly acquired knowledge with precision and depth.
The "Time to Read" section stands as an important component in the Australian Progymnasmata, offering a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the distinctive writing styles they are exploring. Tailored to the specific genre being studied, this section allows for imitation of literary forms, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the craft. In the Fables book, students engage with timeless moral tales, while the Narrative section encompasses a broad range, from classics like Little Red Riding Hood to more contemporary narratives like Simpson and his Donkey. In the Chreia and Proverbs book, students encounter profound sayings from wise individuals, delving into both the chreia itself and the background of the speaker. This dual approach aids students in mastering the art of praise, as they not only read and appreciate the wisdom but also understand the context and individuals behind these impactful expressions.
The "Time to Read" section stands as a crucial aspect in the progymnasmata, offering a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the distinctive writing styles of the books they explore. Tailored to the specific genre being studied, this section allows for imitation of literary forms, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the craft. In the Fables book, students engage with timeless moral tales, while the Narrative section encompasses a broad range, from classics like Little Red Riding Hood to more contemporary narratives like Simpson and his donkey. In the Chreia book, students encounter profound sayings from wise individuals, delving into both the chreia itself and the background of the speaker. This dual approach aids students in mastering the art of praise, as they not only read and appreciate the wisdom but also understand the context and individuals behind these impactful expressions.
The "Time to Discuss" section assumes a paramount role in our writing series, embodying a crucial juncture wherein students engage in erudite dialogues, conscientiously guided by either a parental figure or a Via Classica instructor. This facet is deeply rooted in the venerable traditions of Socratic discourse, a philosophical method harking back to antiquity. Herein lies a platform for an exploration of profound content through the prism of interactive and dialectical conversation. Taking inspiration from the Socratic approach, the methodology involves the posing of incisive inquiries, fostering the cultivation of critical thinking and active participation. For instance, consider the Chreia attributed to Mary Mackillop: "Never see a need without doing something." To facilitate a Socratic discussion, inquiries may include: "What profundities does Mary Mackillop's maxim reveal?" or "How may we exemplify this counsel in our daily existence?" Such an approach begets a collaborative milieu for cultivation, beckoning students to introspect and articulate their ideas. Our Teacher Guide proffers sample responses, serving as an indispensable source for parents for this section, aiding them in fostering discussions
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The "Time to Compose" section serves as the pinnacle, building upon the foundations laid during the preceding "Time to Discuss" phase. At this juncture, armed with a solid intellectual groundwork from their discussions, students embark on applying their acquired knowledge through written expression. This section commences with a dictation component, rooted in the classical tradition for its efficacy in refining spelling, grammar, and listening skills. Dictation fosters linguistic precision and cultivates an attentive ear for language nuances. Students then progress, building on the required complexity of the written exercises, with increasing difficulty for each lesson. At the end of each book, students produce a full written task for the genre studied in that semester.
Each lesson (2 weeks of study) in the Chreia and Proverb book introduces new writing skills, aligning with a mastery approach to education. By progressively unveiling distinct skills, such as "The Art of Praise," "The Art of Paraphrasing a Theme," "The Art of Analysing," "The Art of Contrast," and so forth, students systematically acquire and hone their writing proficiency. This methodical and cumulative approach mirrors the classical model of education, wherein students master one skill before advancing to the next.
The mastery approach is further exemplified through the interleaving of new concepts with the revision and application of previously learned ones. Each subsequent lesson not only introduces novel writing techniques but also necessitates the application of previously introduced paragraphs. This spiral approach ensures continuous reinforcement, promoting a thorough understanding of the material.
Culminating in a full composition in the final lesson, this methodology aligns with the classical tradition's emphasis on mastery, where students progress through incremental and interconnected stages of learning, fostering a deep and enduring comprehension of the subject matter. In essence, the "Time to Compose" section exemplifies a systematic and comprehensive mastery approach, guiding students toward not only acquiring but mastering the art of eloquent and effective written expression.
A distinctive aspect of this program is the inclusion of the "Time to Present" section, strategically designed to cultivate rhetorical skills through the art of poetry recitation. At this developmental stage, students engage in the time-honored tradition of memorising classical pieces of poetry. The benefits of honing memorisation skills extends beyond the immediate task, fostering cognitive development, enhancing concentration, and refining linguistic capabilities. This section uniquely focuses on Australian poetry, presenting students with the rich literary heritage of the nation. From the whimsical verses of John O'Brien's "Said Hanrahan" to the evocative works of Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson, students not only delve into the linguistic nuances of these timeless pieces but also imbibe a cultural appreciation for the literary tapestry of Australia. This holistic approach not only nurtures public speaking proficiency but also instills a profound connection with the country's poetic legacy.
The Australian Progymnasmata series is unique in the educational landscape. Our next book in the series will be Australian Progymnasmata (Refutation and Confirmation) and will be released in June 2024.
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