What We've Learned from the Classics, Part I

Last spring I accompanied my sister-in-law to the UHEA (Utah Home Education Association) Convention without any serious intentions to home school again. (I had home schooled my oldest for first grade only to crash and burn rather miserably.) I attended an inspiring workshop given by Angela Baker entitled "The Power of Classics" that was transformational for me. Here is a quote she shared:

"Great literature helps us, as we are growing...to widen our world from ourselves so that we can better choose what kind of person we are going to be. It helps us to choose ourselves out of the many selves there have been. By losing ourselves in great art and literature, we can find what we ought to be, we can find our highest selves" (Arm the Children, Arthur Henry King: p. 128).

Sitting in her workshop I realized this is what I wanted for my children! I wanted them to choose their highest selves. Last spring this was only wishful thinking...now I have seen it taking place in my home! I would like to share some of the treasures we've discovered through reading classics together.

For a child who is sure she cannot do math or learn to read, Heidi by Johanna Spyri is the perfect book. Heidi thinks because Peter, her friend, told her it was impossible to learn how to read that she will not be able to do it. Heidi overcoming this obstacle is a great inspiration to children who feel the same way.

We just finished reading A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett and it was extremely helpful in solving a teasing epidemic that let loose in our home. Sara, the heroine, is mocked and scolded frequently but decides to react as a princess would. Her courage and self-control is contagious!

Almanzo in Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder works hard and never complains. It is a great book to read while spring cleaning!

Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry was wonderful for my shy son. He saw how Mafatu overcomes his fears by facing them.

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery is delightful in many ways but Anne is particularly influencial with my daughter in her manner of conduct as she grows and matures, especially how hard she works at her least favorite subject, geometry, and at learning to clean, cook, and care for a home.

These are just a few examples of the wonderful and lasting impact classics have had on my children. In the future I hope to share more as we continue to uncover these hidden gems!

Please feel free to share classics that have impacted you and your family for good.