I notice that quite a few CM’s do memory work. Should I be doing memory work? What memory work do you do? I thought memory work was a classical way of teaching. Forgive my ignorance 🙂 Thank you in advance!
Charlotte did memory work. We memorize quite a lot…poetry, Scripture, catechism, etc. The main difference between memorizing the “CM way” and the way it seems to be emphasized in many classical circles is that Charlotte never sacrifices the IDEAS in favor of the facts. We memorize in context of the idea rather than a list of facts divorced from it. There’s nothing wrong with memorizing the list of presidents or states and capitals, but when the bulk of memory work is simply a list of random facts, it really doesn’t feed the soul…or the mind either, really, because there’s no heart connection to give it purpose.
Anyway, hope that didn’t sound overly philosophical. ☺️
Having gone from CC to CM I really appreciate the distinction you made here! We are enjoying/savoring the context this year in our lessons and yet, like you say, we are still memorizing…poetry, catechism, etc.