Socratic Discussions

Authentic Classical Education with all Timeless Ten^© Elements

Socratic Discussions Program

Grades 3-8

Parents sometimes assume young students will naturally learn to think and speak properly, logically, coherently, and politely. That is rarely the case. It is even more rare for them to disagree or engage in argument or debate.

Our live, online Socratic classes are the perfect preparation to get the most out of our high school Great Books Program.

The weekly, live Socratic classes train the students in the classical trivium for grades 3-8:

Dialectics: A method of argument for resolving disagreement that has been central to European and Indian philosophy since antiquity. The word dialectic originated in ancient Greece and was made popular by Plato and the Socratic dialogues. The dialectical method is conversation between two or more people holding different points of view about a subject, who wish to establish the truth of the matter guided by reasoned (logical) arguments and critical thinking.

Rhetoric: The art or skill of speaking formally, politely, effectively and confidently, especially as a way to persuade or influence people towards the truth.

Grammar: The set of structural rules that govern the composition of phrases, clauses and words.

ENROLL NOW in our LIVE, ONLINE CLASSES

The Readings

Flip for Details

The Socratic Discussions Readings

For grades 3-6, students read excerpts from the Good Books, such as Little Women by Lousa May Alcott, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. As the students progress into the higher grades there are more excerpts from the great books about ancient history, civics, and the humanities. As an example, 8th grade students read excerpts from The Republic by Plato, The Prince by Machiavelli, and Augustine’s Confessions. Readings are posted in the student portal, along with the weekly writing assignment (a two-three sentence response to a question about the reading, intended as a warm-up). The student portal also includes questions for the students to ponder and wonder about after having read the text.

“My son is involved in the Socratic Discussion. The group he is involved in is the 3rd grade group. It has helped him to be more confident and secure in expressing his thoughts about things. He would always look to us after making a comment on something and say “Am I right?” Now he makes a statement about something and has more confidence in his answers and ability to think for himself. This new ability for him has lead us into some very interesting conversations, whereas before he would just listen and not express any thoughts on the subject. I would recommend it for anyone, child as well as adult. . . ”

Angelicum Parent, 3rd Grade Socratic Discussions