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The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education Paperback – June 8, 2010

by Leigh A. Bortins (Author)

98 customer reviews

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In the past, correct spelling, the multiplication tables, the names of the state capitals and the American presidents were basics that all children were taught in school. Today, many children graduate without this essential knowledge. Most curricula today follow a haphazard sampling of topics with a focus on political correctness instead of teaching students how to study. Leigh Bortins, a leading figure in the homeschooling community, is having none of it. She believes that there are core areas of knowledge that are essential to master. Without knowing the multiplication tables, children can't advance to algebra. Without mastery of grammar, students will have difficulty expressing themselves. Without these essential building blocks of knowledge, students may remember information but they will never possess a broad and deep understanding of how the world works. In The Core, Bortins gives parents the tools and methodology to implement a rigorous, thorough, and broad curriculum based on the classical model, including:

- Rote memorization to cement knowledge
- Systematic learning of geography, historical facts, and timelines
- Reading the great books and seminal historical documents instead of adaptations and abridged editions
- Rigorous training in math and the natural sciences

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“The Core provides an altogether practical curriculum, a handy reference work for busy parents who want their children to enter adulthood fully-equipped with the knowledge and skills possessed by responsible citizens, discerning consumers, and ethical selves.” ―Mark Bauerlein, author of The Dumbest Generation

“In a time when many parents are rediscovering the classical methods of education, whether at home or in the classroom, it is heartening to see more and more educators studying, applying, and refining these methods. This book by Leigh Bortins is admirable part of that project, and I commend it to you.” ―Douglas Wilson, author of The Case for Classical Christian Education

“Shifting American education from the factory model to a classical model is the goal advanced by Classical Conversations founder and President Leigh Bortins. The public school bar for educational achievement has dropped so low that it takes time for parents to discover how much more potential their children have outside government's educational straightjacket. The Core brings a wealth of practical experience developing classical skills and content for thousands of families engaged in home-centered education nationwide.” ―Gregory Rehmke, Program Consultant for Foundation for Economic Education

“Leigh shows a breadth of knowledge and awareness that will be very helpful. Since I believe our future as a nation depends on the willingness of the home schooling mom to exercise and live with her freedom, this book could make a serious contribution to our national well-being.” ―Andrew Kern, President, Circe Institute

“If you have children of your own - of any age - and you long for a way to be certain they will prosper in life, you will love this book. If you deal with children in an educational situation, this book will motivate you to think differently about how they might best learn. And, if you just simply care about the children around you, you will find this book personally inspiring and you will want to share it.” ―from the Foreword by Becky Dunlop, The Heritage Foundation

About the Author

Leigh A. Bortins is the founder and CEO of Classical Conversations, Inc., whose enrollment is 20,000. She hosts a weekly radio show, Leigh! for Lunch and lectures widely about the importance of home education at nationwide conferences and seminars. She lives in West End, NC.

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1 edition (June 8, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 023010035X
ISBN-13: 978-0230100350
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 98 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #8 in Books > Education & Teaching > Schools & Teaching > Education Theory > Experimental Methods
- #39 in Books > Education & Teaching > Schools & Teaching > Homeschooling

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amc

Opened my eyes - and I didn't even realize they were closed!

August 17, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

If you want to understand the beliefs and purposes behind Classical Conversations, start here! I read it with the hope of deciding whether or not I agreed with the CC philosophy before jumping in with both feet. The book is full of support for the whys, as well as the hows. Practical how-to examples are provided, resources are given, and questions are answered. I nearly skipped the first part of the book about why you should consider homeschooling. After teaching in public schools for over a decade, I had plenty of reasons already. Boy, am I glad I didn't skip it! Some completely new information was provided and I feel even better about my decision to homeschool. I learned so much about education that was never touched on in my undergrad and graduate education studies. I would highly recommend this book if you want to understand all about CC, or are looking to understand more about our country's education in general. I am motivated and ready to take the leap!

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Carrie H

Great Information

February 10, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I have read this book a couple of times over the last year or so and will most likely read it again this summer, before we start homeschool in August. Ms. Bortins style is easy to read and filled with a "you can do this" attitude that I liked. I had been homeschooling for a while before I picked up this book, but I learned so much. Mostly about just calming down and making a good, detailed plan (and following through with it, of course). I loosely follow the Well Trained Mind and found that this book works well in tandem with the information gathered from WTM. WTM gave me a schedule to follow, but The Core gave me the tools to make it work.

Comment 15 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Yes

Great book!

November 14, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I am a firm believer in Classical education. Our children are both students in Classical Conversations. I tutor for it. This book is a really great read for understanding classical education in the early years especially. I plan to tutor (teach) Challenge B (8th grade) in a few years and I am reading this book and The Question in preparation for tutoring Challenge. It is definitely possible to not read these books, but I believe they are a great value and addition to any homeschool or even public/private school families who want to include a more classical approach.

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Amazon Customer

Excellent resource for honing in the classical modle

August 11, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

As I begin preparing myself and my children for another year of home-centered education I look to authors such as Leigh Bortins to strengthen and remind me of what the classical education is about. The Core is an example of what one can strive towards and how one can approach teaching classically. She gives many examples of how a parent can think and train our children to think wisely and in the context beyond the "classroom." If you are looking for another perspective on what a classical home school education can be I strongly recommend this book.

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Raquel Arutian

Clear Picture of Classical Education

May 19, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Leigh Bortins is a such a clear communicator in her writing about classical education. I like how she gives a background of this philosophy and then proceeds to show you what that might look like applied. This book brought everything I had been learning and teaching in my home together with a clear picture of what to tweak so that we can truly have a "stick in the sand" Christian education. I appreciate her wisdom on simplifying home education from too much curriculum, yet being purposeful in what we do use. Thank you Leigh!

Comment 6 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Yes

Excellent review on best ways to educate your child.

June 8, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Excellent! Perfect read if you are looking for ideas on how you want your children educated. It gives a completely different perspective on the best ways to help your child learn at the various stages. Transformed how I think about education. She is right on target.

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parentbuyer

An excellent read on Classical Education

November 28, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

An excellent read on Classical Education. I would have given this book 5 stars had there not been a chapter that basically bashes the public school. It is not needed and actually takes away from the greatness of the Classical Philosophy.

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AMC in WV

Worth buying, reading and re-reading!!

September 30, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

What, another "instruction" book about classical education? Probably a snoozer, right? Wrong!!! This book is worth its weight in gold. It is a guide to helping set up your curriculum using a Classical education (more in line with Classical Conversations). It is detailed enough that I could implement the ideas, but not overwhelming that would make me just shelve it. It is written in a manner that doesn't feel like a "to do" book, but like sitting down with Leigh with a cup of coffee and having a conversation with her where she goes over what she does at home.

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Most recent customer reviews

Chris MatAmazonher

Felt like the first half of the book was trying to ...

Felt like the first half of the book was trying to sell me on the idea of a classical education. If I bought the book, obviously I am already sold on it.Read more

Published 2 months ago

Diana

Five Stars

Loved this book, a must for homeschooling families

Published 6 months ago

12345ABC

The best book on education I've read

This book is essential for any adult, parent, teacher, professional, and politician. Well-written, well-supported, sensible, and practical.Read more

Published 8 months ago

Mary Elliott

Five Stars

excellent book for first time homeschoolers or for people that wants to know about the importance of homeschooling

Published 9 months ago

K. Gabriel Pagel

A Worthy Primer to Classical Education

Book Review: The Core: Teaching Your Child the Foundations of Classical Education
Author: Leigh A.Read more

Published 1 year ago

JDS

I really recommend this book for anyone homeschooling or considering homeschooling

I really recommend this book for anyone homeschooling or considering homeschooling. It is very insightful and opened my mind to schooling in a classical model.

Published 1 year ago

Teresa Huffman

Blew up my entire idea of education

Love this idea of educating. Can't wait to work this into our new homeschool. I may pull her out of school sooner.

Heidi the Homeschool Mom

Try the book--it isn't a huge investment in money but may change how you educate!

I think the book will be good, because I quickly perused somebody else's before purchasing this. I like readable but not "over the top" in depth reading because I don't...Read more

Published 1 year ago

Kelsh

This book is all about classical teaching if you're wishing ...

This book is all about classical teaching if you're wishing to learn more about how to teach your children classic Lee this book really will help you.

Published 1 year ago

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