Beginning Considerations for Plutarch in Your Homeschool: Educating the Parent
If you read the blog title and didn’t blink, you’re likely a Classical of Charlotte Mason homeschooler. If you read this, blinked twice and then clicked as fast as you could, you’re probably beginning to learn about how to implement Plutarch in your homeschool.
Plutarch is an important part of Classical and Charlotte Mason Homeschooling, but first, let’s talk about who Plutarch was.
Who Was Plutarch?
Plutarch was a Greek historian, biographer, and philosopher born around 46 CE in Chaperone. He is best known for his two works, Parallel Lives and Moralia. Parallel Lives is a collection of biographies of famous Greek and Romans, including Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Cicero. His writings were highly influential during ancient times and were read by many famous scholars.
Why is Plutarch Important in Classical and Charlotte Mason Homeschooling?
In the Classical and Charlotte Mason worlds, Plutarch’s writings can help build moral and character education. Since Plutarch focuses on moral virtues and character development, it fits into the development of the whole person, which is so important in the Classical and Charlotte Mason education.
Plutarch’s writings are considered living books because they present the history in a narrative way that is engaging to read. This allows the student to develop a personal connection to what they are reading and helps them remember the story better.
The biographical aspect of Plutarch’s writing allows students to compare Greek and Roman lives, understand the historical context, and consider human nature. Over time, students will be able to compare and contrast the actions of historical figures over time.
Plutarch’s writings have students to think critically, make connections of moral importance, and help inspire a deeper understanding of human behavior over the course of history.
That’s great! Now what?
As a mother-teacher, Plutarch is not something you can walk into without the proper education and background knowledge. For you, dear friend, that means pre-reading. A lot of pre-reading. Before you’re able to begin Plutarch with your child, you need to spend time learning about Plutarch for yourself. I’ve found several resources that have been helpful as I’ve grown in my own Plutarch education.
The Plutarch Podcast: Before teaching a particular Plutarch life to my daughter, I’ll listen to the Plutarch podcast to wrap my own head around it. If there ever was a living podcast that discusses the lives of Ancient Greek and Roman historical figures, this would be the one. I found myself laughing out loud during the Alcibiades podcast.
The Practical Plutarch by Anne E. White: I read this book as part of a bookclub with friends prior to beginning Plutarch with my (now year 5) daughter. This was my first exposure to Plutarch and I learned so much in this book. Anne discusses how she developed her Plutarch guides, what Charlotte Mason has to say about Plutarch, and the various translations. Anne has over 20 years of home education under her belt and this book truly shows her knowledge.
Parallel Lives by Plutarch: I’m going to say it, even if you disagree. You need to read or listen to Plutarch in its translated form before teaching it to your student. Anne’s guides, which will discuss in the next post, are wonderful, but they’re adapted. For the best understanding, reading through Plutarch and completing your own narrations will go a long way in helping you feel comfortable.
Plutarch, simply put, is a lot to take on if you’ve never been exposed to it before. I hope these beginning considerations will help you feel more confident in taking on Plutarch in your own education and help you grow in your excitement about teaching Plutarch to your child.
