Prior to the introduction of the classical curriculum in the public school systems, the three skills of the classical trivium were taught concurrently, not consecutively as subjects or as stages. In fact, the Latin word “trivium” means the intersection of three roads.
You can visualize the simultaneous travels on these three roads if you imagine a three-dimensional cube – width represents one skill, length represents another skill, and depth represents another. Within the mass of this cube, there are multiple points where all three planes come together or intersect.
Working on the classical trivium is like that imaginary cube. A student can be acquiring language while he is improving his critical thinking tools and exercising his speaking skills by narrating what he’s thought and learned. Over the years you will be teaching your child all three skills with a goal of substantial mastery.
In this audio episode of homeschool teaching tips, I will briefly explain of the purpose of the classical trivium, content taught, and possible methods for accomplishing mastery from birth to tween. Click on the link below to listen:
Classical Skills, not Stages (5:33)
Once your child reaches substantial mastery of the three skills of the classical trivium, it’s time to move to the the high school years where your teen will tackle some pretty significant ideas.
