What Is a Commonplace Book?
A commonplace book is simply a notebook organized by themes or topics where a student copies down worthy passages from their reading — Scripture, poetry, philosophy, history, even overheard conversations. Unlike a journal, it is not primarily about personal reflection. It is about collecting the wisdom of others and making it your own through the act of writing it down.
Why It Works
The practice engages hand, eye, and mind simultaneously. A student who copies a passage from Augustine or Shakespeare is reading it closely, processing it physically, and choosing it deliberately. Over months and years, the commonplace book becomes a personal treasury of wisdom — a record of what the student found true, good, and beautiful.
At Saints Classical Academy, we see commonplace books as a natural companion to the great books our students read. They teach attentiveness, reinforce memory, and give students raw material for their own writing and thinking.
Start One at Home
You do not need a classical school to start a commonplace book. Give your child a blank notebook, encourage them to copy one meaningful passage each day, and watch what happens. It is a small practice with outsized results. For more ideas on classical learning at home, visit our blog.