LCC v.s. TWTM method...

[training5]

Not having read LCC except briefly scanning it at my bookstore, what are the similarities and differences? Are they compatible? If you have switched from one to the other, would you share your reasons? Thank you.

[Mama Lynx]

In all honesty, what I do now is *not* that much different from what I did then. The methods are very compatible, and share many similarities.

When I "do LCC" I give Latin and classical studies more emphasis; I wrap grammar into my Latin and writing (Classical Writing makes this easy); I keep my book list short. I approach my homeschool with the attitude that Latin, math/logic, classical studies, writing, and reading excellent literature are the important subjects. We don't ignore the rest, but they are not as important and do not take as much of our time.

Many, or most, LCC-ers break out of the four-year history cycle, either to do multiple simultaneous strands, or to do a single continuous study of history in the elementary years. On the other hand, some LCC-ers stick with the WTM four-year cycle.

Of course, you can do all that by tweaking the material in TWTM.

The real difference is a matter of emphasis and focus. In TWTM, for instance, Latin is beneficial, but it is not essential. In LCC it is essential (or if not Latin, then Greek), because we see it as the foundation of everything else. So we simplify in other areas, in order to be able focus on that foundation. I still use WTWM as a guide in many areas, but I use it through the lens of LCC. I still use the four-year history cycle, with SOTW. I still use FLL for my young ones who are too young for Latin yet.

If you take a look at Highlands Latin School (http://www.thelatinschool.org), their curriculum is very much like that outlined in LCC with its emphasis on Latin and classical studies.

[Plaid Dad]

As Mama Lynx said, the two have more in common than either does with non-classical methods. Both are liberal arts approaches that emphasize language - the ability to read with understanding and write with clarity and grace.

This article (http://www.latincentered.com/node/291) gives a very brief run-down of what is distinctive about LCC. I would say that the most obvious distinction is that history serves as the organizing principle of TWTM, while classical languages (and mathematics) fill that role in LCC.

HTH!