How to Use This Curriculum
36 Progressive Weekly Lessons #
In this course, you’ll learn 36 different logical fallacies, starting with the simplest ones and moving to more challenging concepts.
Each lesson follows the same proven structure designed to build lasting understanding:
Spot the Faulty Logic #
Students begin by analyzing a real-world scenario before learning any definitions. This discovery approach activates critical thinking and makes concepts memorable. This section can be done independently or as discussion with their teacher, whichever suits the needs of your student best. The key is to come up with some answer, even if it’s incorrect. This makes people significantly more likely to retain the correct answer when they learn it, rather than just having passively received the information.
Clear Definition #
After students have wrestled with the example, they learn the proper name and definition of the fallacy. We use both age-appropriate language and academic terminology to ensure comprehension while not dumbing down the material to pet names. We respect children and their ability to learn at a high level.
Why People Use It #
Students learn the psychology behind each fallacy - understanding not just what it is, but why people resort to this particular faulty reasoning and when they’re most likely to encounter it.
Why It’s Faulty #
A clear explanation of the logical breakdown, helping students understand exactly where the reasoning fails.
Second Real-World Example #
Now that students understand the concept, they see it in action again with proper analysis provided.
Narration Mastery #
Students are encouraged to narrate what they’ve learned to their teacher and create their own original example. Narration is an excellent learning tool that engages students in the learning process, demonstrates mastery through telling back the concept and promotes long term memory.
How the Learning Happens #
Discovery-Based Approach #
Research shows that students retain information better when they discover it themselves. Each lesson begins with a puzzle to solve, activating prior knowledge and engaging curiosity before any formal teaching begins.
Narration for Deep Understanding #
Rather than multiple choice questions or worksheets, students demonstrate mastery by explaining concepts in their own words and creating original examples. This Charlotte Mason-inspired approach ensures genuine understanding, not just memorization.
Real-World Relevance #
Every example connects to students’ actual lives, pulling from age appropriate friend and family dynamics, history, news, and advertising. Students immediately see why these skills matter.
Progressive Difficulty #
Fallacies are carefully sequenced from concrete to abstract, from simple to complex. Early success builds confidence for later challenges. By Week 36, students can analyze sophisticated arguments that would have seemed impossible in Week 1.
Flexible Implementation #
Designed as a 36-week program that fits perfectly into a standard academic year, but easily adaptable to your needs. No pressure, no missed lessons. Just pick it up at your own pace and keep learning!
Open-and-Go Format #
No teacher prep required. No additional materials needed. Each lesson is complete and self-contained. If you can read and facilitate discussion, you can teach this curriculum, regardless of your own background in logic or debate. We love it when parents are able to learn alongside their students! There’s always something new to discover.