Memoria Press Simply Classical Core Curriculum

Name: Memoria Press Simply Classical Core Curriculum
Brand: Memoria Press

by Memoria Press

Multi_subjectGrades Pre-K–9

Simply Classical: Classical Education Adapted for Special Needs

Simply Classical is Memoria Press's adaptation of their classical curriculum specifically designed for children with special needs, featuring more tactile, sensory, and movement-based learning while maintaining the core classical elements of recitation, literature, and integrated content. The program spans readiness levels through grade 12 equivalents with skill-level based placement rather than strict age groupings.

Best for

Homeschooling families with special needs children or those preferring gentler-paced classical education with multi-sensory approaches, particularly those already familiar with memoria press homeschool curriculum approach

Evaluation Criteria

5 strengths · 1 neutral

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides detailed daily lesson plans with step-by-step instructions and explicit teaching guidance appropriate for special needs instruction.

Each level includes curriculum manuals with daily lesson plan charts, specific teaching suggestions, and explicit instructions like 'Move swiftly through each item on the Recitation list' with accommodation guidance

Retrieval PracticeStrength

The program emphasizes memorization and recitation throughout all levels, with dedicated categories for copywork and memory work in lesson plans.

Students memorize Bible verses, phonetic sounds, math facts, geographic information, poetry, and classical content, with recitation being a key feature of the classical approach maintained throughout

Knowledge CoherenceStrength

The program builds coherent knowledge through classical education principles, using shared cultural content like mythology, Bible stories, and historical figures across grade levels.

Students progress from basic Bible stories and nursery rhymes to Greek myths, American history, and classical literature, with consistent use of timeline work and cultural literacy content typical of classical education

Individual Subject RigorStrength

Each subject maintains appropriate rigor for special needs students while using established curricula like Rod and Staff for math and systematic phonics instruction for reading.

The program uses specific curricula like Classical Phonics, Rod and Staff arithmetic series, and Prima Latina, with clear progression from basic phonics to composition and from counting to multiplication

Cross Curricular IntegrationStrength

The curriculum demonstrates meaningful integration through thematic approaches and the 'Wonder, Beauty, and Imagination' category that combines literature, science, history, geography, art, and music.

Level C uses alphabet letters as themes connecting multiple subjects, and later levels integrate subjects like mythology with literature and history, while maintaining subject-specific skills development

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides teacher guidance through detailed manuals, readiness checklists, and online forum support, though extensive background knowledge support is not evident.

Each level includes Teacher Notes with specific tips, readiness assessments for placement, online forums at SimplyClassical.com for support, and step-by-step lesson instructions

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com