Classical and Christian: Abraham Kuyper on the Nature of Genuine Study

The classical renewal has been prompted—at least in part—by evident student skill and knowledge deficits, virtue-less environments for learning, disordered curricula, and postmodern pedagogies. However, a true classical education aims to do more than simply plug the holes of a failing public education. If the purpose of genuine study is to know, analyze, and articulate what is True, Good, and Beautiful, the truest form of … Continue reading Classical and Christian: Abraham Kuyper on the Nature of Genuine Study

sjosborneFebruary 1, 2023Leave a comment

Sara Osborne, Uncategorized

When the Struggle is Worthwhile

My excitement rose with the sun. Despite the previous night’s rain—which had served to muddy many of the famed fisheries of Paradise Valley—we were headed for the clear water of DuPuy’s Spring Creek, arguably one of the finest trout waters in Western Montana. Our guide had warned us that DuPuy’s was a more technical fishery, and some days, expert fishermen leave the creek empty-handed. Still, … Continue reading When the Struggle is Worthwhile

sjosborneSeptember 28, 2022September 21, 2022Leave a comment

Art of Grammar Series, Sara Osborne

Fighting “The Death of Words” (Explorations in the Art of Grammar Series #3)

By Sara Osborne[1] As a college writing instructor, I have noticed a disturbing trend in my students’ ability to choose and use words appropriately. These same students also appear increasingly unable to comprehend critical vocabulary used in non-fiction writing. The unfortunate result of these challenges is an inability to contribute to class discussions on important ideas and the inevitable struggle with articulating a coherent response … Continue reading Fighting “The Death of Words” (Explorations in the Art of Grammar Series #3)

sjosborneJuly 18, 2022July 18, 20221 Comment

Sara Osborne

Little by Little

The stresses of the past calendar year have been numerous. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic colliding with regular responsibilities, many of us have found ourselves somewhat disoriented. Shifting priorities, schedules, and communities have forced creative personal and professional pursuits to the bottom shelf, and we’re struggling to find a way towards normalcy—much less excellence—again. Mental, emotional, and even physical energy is in short … Continue reading Little by Little

sjosborneApril 21, 2021June 21, 2022Leave a comment

Sara Osborne, Uncategorized

Storing Up Treasures in the Grammar Stage

I’ve been reflecting recently on the essential work of storing up language in children. I don’t mean merely learning individual phonics sounds or word families or even isolated vocabulary words. No, this important exposure to words is deeper than that. In her book, Proust and the Squid, author Maryanne Wolf highlights the significance of a child’s exposure to the language of ideas at a young … Continue reading Storing Up Treasures in the Grammar Stage

sjosborneMarch 7, 2019April 2, 2019Leave a comment

Sara Osborne

Engaging Young Readers: Building a Healthy Diet of Good Books

Few things create anticipation and excitement in my youngest child quite like a monthly book order. In his pre-school mind, the opportunity to choose a book from the flyer is the highest form of reward. He lights up at the sight of the order form, carefully combs it over through numerous viewings, carries it around with him for days, and then asks with increasing urgency when … Continue reading Engaging Young Readers: Building a Healthy Diet of Good Books

sjosborneSeptember 27, 2018September 25, 2018Leave a comment

Presentation, Sara Osborne

Reaching Educational Outliers: Partnering with Parents to Classically Educate All Students Well (2018 Conference Presentation)

The following is one of the sessions from our 2018 Conference co-hosted by School of the Ozarks and held at the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO. The full collection of presentations can be found at https://theclassicalthistle.com/2018-conference/. Reaching Educational Outliers: Partnering with Parents to Classically Educate All Students Well Sara Osborne, College of the Ozarks & The Classical Thistle Prompted by questions and ideas from … Continue reading Reaching Educational Outliers: Partnering with Parents to Classically Educate All Students Well (2018 Conference Presentation)