Fable and Narrative

Description: Classical Composition is a fourteen-stage writing program based on the “progymnasmata,” a system of writing instruction that was the primary method of teaching and learning writing for most of the history of Western civilization. The program teaches students an organized system of creative thinking that is incremental and systematic. Students will study the Fable and Narrative Stages, and in doing so will build invention skills and master the structures of thought that originate narratives. Students will learn various figures of description and develop the ability to communicate the same idea in various ways. The grade is based upon attendance, participation, and weekly final drafts. students should plan to spend 35-40 minutes per day on this class. 

Grade Level: 6-8 (ages 11-14)

Prerequisites: Students should possess a basic knowledge of English grammar (e.g. subject, verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, direct object, indirect object, etc.) and be able to type basic, grammatically complete sentences. They should also be able to type a basic paragraph and edit it with help from a parent. If a student is weak on grammar and needs to shore things up then the summer Grammar Camp is recommended.

Required Materials: Fable Student and Narrative Student Guide. Students will also need a USB headset (built-in microphones also work).

Class To Take Upon Completion: Chreia & Maxim Stage (slower pace) or High School Composition I (faster pace, covering Fable and Narrative at a more rigorous pace before covering Chreia & Maxim).