Everyday Teaching: A Parent-to-Parent Guide to the Trivium
Introduction
Hi there! Every day brings moments to teach our kids—even when it’s not planned. Our family journey in classical conversations starts with a simple question: "What is the purpose of our lives?" And we believe it’s to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This idea guides everything we do.
What is the Trivium?
The Trivium—Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric is a simple way to think about learning together:
- Grammar: We start by gathering the facts...
- Logic: Next, we ask “why” and “how”...
- Rhetoric: Finally, we learn to share what we’ve learned...
Everyday Moments Turned into Lessons
Let me share a fun example. When we got our Roomba (we call him Robbie), we didn’t just watch him clean. We sat down with the kids, looked at his parts—his brain (the control system), his legs (wheels), his eyes (sensors)—and talked about his purpose. We compared that to our own lives: just as Robbie is built to sweep and mop, we’re made to glorify God and enjoy Him. This simple chat turned an everyday moment into a rich conversation about how God made us with purpose.
I’ll be honest—we’re not perfect at classical conversations. We struggle, get frustrated, and learn along the way. But that’s okay. Every day is a chance to grow, and we do it all by God’s grace.
Practical Tips for Busy Parents
- Turn “Car Time” into “Class Time”: Use a few minutes during your drive to sing memory songs or share a cool fact from the day.
- Have Mini-Debates at Mealtimes: Pick a simple topic—maybe how Robbie works or something interesting from your day—and ask everyone what they think.
- Set Small, Achievable Goals: Each week, choose one or two small things to focus on, like a Bible verse or a new set of words.
Final Encouragement
Remember, this isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress and enjoying the journey together. Tools like Classical Kids Study Hub are here to guide us through the lessons, but you’re the heart of your child’s learning. Every day, even in the messiness, is a chance to grow in wisdom and faith. Let's embrace these moments, knowing our purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him every step of the way.