The Grammar Stage: "Poll Parrot"
“...learning by heart is easy and, on the whole, pleasurable; whereas reasoning is difficult and…little relished” -Dorothy Sayers
Kindergarten through Early Adolescence
During the grammar stage of learning, teachers provide a grounding in the "grammar" (or basics) of English, history, mathematics, science, art, and music by using the Core Knowledge program developed by E. D. Hirsch. In accordance with Sayers's essay, teachers emphasize observation, memorization, and recitation during the grammar stage. Students are called to master a broad range of knowledge that is carefully aligned between classes and between grades.