Chreia/Maxim Stage

Description: A continuation of the Fable and Narrative Stages. The Chreia and Maxim exercises are similar to an expository essay in modern composition theory, although the form of the Chreia-Maxim exercise comes to us from Aphthonius of Antioch. This stage teaches students to write an essay about a saying or proverb, which explains and applies so that readers may come to understand the meaning and consent to follow its wisdom. The purpose of the essay is therefore twofold: explain and exhort. This class both teaches students how to explain an idea, and thus how to structure their thought and communication. The eight paragraphs of the Chreia/Maxim are essential elements in the rhetorical process, and building upon the skills learned in Fable and Narrative, Chreia-Maxim students learn to write their own stories, although based on a given idea. Students are given an idea and will create original narratives to demonstrate the meaning and application of the idea. Students will continue to hone the skill of paraphrasing in order to make ideas clearer and more vivid. The grade is based on participation, outline submissions, and final draft submissions.

Grade Level: 6-7

Prerequisites: Completion of Fable and Narrative Stages. Students should possess a basic knowledge of English grammar (e.g. subject, verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, direct object, indirect object, etc.), and be able to type basic, grammatically complete sentences. They should also be able to type basic paragraphs and edit them with help from a parent. If your student is weak on grammar and needs to shore things up the summer Grammar Camp is recommended.

Required Texts: Chreia/Maxim Student. You should not purchase the Chreia/Maxim Teacher Guide. Students will also need a USB headset microphone (built-in microphones also work).

See an overview of Chreia/Maxim: Chreia/Maxim Overview Video