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Classical Education

The Progymnasmata: Classical Writing with Benjamin Lyda

Feb 22, 2024
Explore the benefits of classical writing over modern approaches, with Benjamin Lyda sharing insights on teaching writing through the progymnasmata method. Learn about a new curriculum for K-8 students, focusing on virtue-based writing and engaging storytelling. Discover the legacy of the progymnasmata in classical education and the importance of integrating narration and rhetoric in writing instruction.
37:56

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Classical writing prioritizes invention over style, fostering original ideas in students.
  • The Progymnasmata curriculum emphasizes content-driven writing rooted in classical education principles.

Deep dives

The Necessity of Invention in Writing Instruction

Many conventional writing programs focus on teaching arrangement and style before invention, which leads to a lack of original ideas. The podcast highlights the universal issue of students struggling with the question 'What do I write?' despite being taught various writing skills. It uses the example of teaching a student to write about why Odysseus is a hero and illustrates the challenges students face in generating their own ideas before delving into the writing process.

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