Alternative Schooling Styles : Carden Method

"Quality Teaching -— Successful Learning"

Carden's philosophy and curriculum are similar to the other classic styles (see Groupings and Rankings). It is a traditional, liberal arts education, with a strong emphasis on improving literacy through intensive language studies. Like all classic styles, it places before the student some of the best thoughts of the best thinkers, teaches him how to think for himself, and encourages him to see how subjects are connected together.

The language curriculum contains phonics; study of English and French vocabulary, spelling, and grammar; exercises on writing and speaking clearly; and oral presentation. Pupils also study history, classic literature, math, science, art, and drama. Carden schools boast strong physical education and health programs.

Students are broken into small groups according to ability and advance at their own pace. Competition between children is discouraged. Good character, involvement, fair play, and mental and emotional health are as important as book knowledge.

The Carden style is more ambitious than the Marva Collins style. Carden adds drama, for example, and requires the study of at least one foreign language. However, the methods are so similar that I suspect they would produce similar results, given the same teachers and students.

This style is teacher-directed. It is designed for use in the classroom but may also be used home schools. Textbooks and curricula are available only to teachers who have attended training.

Resources and Curricula