Lives from Plutarch, Levels 2-5
Students in Charlotte Mason’s schools studied the Lives of famous Greeks and Romans by Plutarch as a means to the study of character and citizenship.
“In Form II, Citizenship becomes a definite subject rather from the point of view of what may be called the inspiration of citizenship than from that of the knowledge proper to a citizen, though the latter is by no means neglected. We find Plutarch’s Lives exceedingly inspiring. These are read by the teacher (with suitable omissions) and narrated with great spirit by the children. They learn to answer such questions as,––”In what ways did Pericles make Athens beautiful? How did he persuade the people to help him?” And we may hope that the idea is engendered of preserving and increasing the beauty of their own neighbourhood without the staleness which comes of much exhortation. Again, they will answer,––”How did Pericles manage the people in time of war lest they should force him to act against his own judgment?” And from such knowledge as this we may suppose that the children begin to get a sympathetic view of the problems of statesmanship.” Charlotte Mason, Philosophy of Education, 185-186
In Mater Amabilis Level 2, students are introduced to many of the Greeks and Romans by reading Famous Men of Greece and Famous Men of Rome in History.
In Level 3-4, students will read one life per term from Lives from Plutarch by McFarland, Pleasant, and Graves, an accessible translation perfect for middle and early high school readers.
In Level 5 and 6 (high school) students read a full translation of one life per term, Perrin translation. (2x/weekly) Students at Level 2 are introduced to the lives of important Greek and Roman leaders through the study of ancient Greek and Roman history. Year One: Famous Men of Greece by John Haaren (see Ancient Greece – Level 2) Year Two: Famous Men of Rome by John Haaren (see Ancient Rome – Level 2) (2x/weekly) Students at Level 3 add the study of citizenship through reading Plutarch’s Lives. Students learn through example in these short biographies ideas of character, citizenship, duty, and civil service. Read and narrate the lives of famous Greeks and Romans. Proper names can be written on the board or a paper to facilitate narration. Lives from Plutarch by McFarland, Pleasant, and Graves (Hillside Education) This accessible translation is perfect for middle and early high school readers. Year One: Year Two: (2x/weekly) Read and narrate the lives of famous Greeks and Romans. Proper names can be written on the board or a paper to facilitate narration. Lives from Plutarch by McFarland, Pleasant, and Graves (Hillside Education) This accessible translation is perfect for middle and early high school readers. Level 5 Year 1 (or refer to high school plans) High School Civics and Government Lives from Plutarch by McFarland, Pleasant, and Graves (Hillside Education) This accessible translation is perfect for middle and early high school readers. High School Plutarch’s Lives (Bernadotte Perrin translation available free online ) OR Study Guides with North/Dryden translations edited by Anne White: AO Plutarch Rotation Schedule AmblesideOnline.org Plutarch’s Lives (Bernadotte Perrin translation) Plutarch’s Lives (Bernadotte Perrin translation) OR Anne White’s The Plutarch Project Volume One Plutarch’s Lives (Bernadotte Perrin translation) OR Anne White’s The Plutarch Project Volume Two Plutarch’s Lives (Bernadotte Perrin translation)Level 2:
Level 3:
Level 4:
Level 5 Year 1
Level 5 Year 2
Level 6 Year 1
Level 6 Year 2
