Homeschooling Methods
One of the most exciting aspects of homeschooling is the multitude of educational methods to choose from. Ironically, it’s also one of the most daunting and mind-boggling for those just entering the homeschooling arena. There is not any one “right” way to homeschool. How you homeschool will probably change and grow as you continue in the journey. It is beneficial to explore all the options open-mindedly. Take into consideration the needs, goals, schedules, personalities, learning styles, and obstacles of each of your children, yourself, and your family as a whole. Be patient with your family’s homeschooling journey–it takes time to break away from the public education paradigm and discover what works for your family. Homeschooling is not a one-size fits all type of education. Children’s learning styles are as varied as the biggest box of crayons one can find. If a certain style doesn’t mesh with your child, try a different method. You may even have to try different methods for different subjects. Also keep in mind the same method may not work for every child in your family. Be flexible, listen and you will find the method best for each child. We are here to be a resource for homeschoolers and those thinking about homeschooling.
Following is a list of some of the most common educational methods to be implemented in a homeschooling plan. These are not listed in any particular order.
by April Morris
Unit Study
Unit studies are an integrated thematic approach to learning several subjects/concepts through a main topic. Topics or themes can be chosen by the child’s interests, experiences in family life, books, events in the news, etc. This method can be used with different grades at one time to incorporate all the children of a family. Unit studies can be made up by the parent, taken from a book of unit studies or from sources on-line. For example, a child’s interest may be insects. Several subjects can be covered with this one topic. Science includes the insects’ body parts and habitats. Geography is learned by studying different countries’ insects. Many fictional books with insect characters can be found to cover reading. Social studies is covered with insect control or insect use in different cultures. For more help planning your own unit study, see Highland Heritage.
Unit-Safari (YahooGroup files are being updated and integrated into this website).
Heart of Wisdom Unit Studies by Robin Sampson
KONOS
Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett
Unit Studies Made Easy by Valerie Bendt
Everything You Need to Know About Homeschool Unit Studies by Jennifer Steward
Natural Learning/Child Led Learning/Unschooling
Education is not separated from living life. In unschooling, learning can happen anywhere and at anytime. It is an ongoing and natural endeavor.
Radical Unschooling
What is Unschooling? by Earl Stevens on The Natural Child Project
John Holt Growing Without Schooling
Learn in Freedom
Life Learning Magazine
John Taylor Gatto https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Taylor_Gatto
Kids in Charge of Learning
Unschooling Books – Affiliate Links
Waldorf
Waldorf education educates the whole child — head, heart and hands. It is geared to the child’s stages of development and incorporates all elements — intellectual, artistic, spiritual and movement. The goal is to produce individuals who are able, in and of themselves, to impart meaning to their lives.
Traditional or ‘School at Home’
The traditional method of instruction would be similar to the public school style with a curriculum, grading, testing and schedules. Usually a curriculum package is used with the typical grades and subjects taught in a school. The ‘school at home’ family will usually have a daily schedule and will typically also have school days and vacation days.
A Beka Book
Alpha Omega Publications
Bob Jones University Press
Calvert School
Christian Liberty Academy School System
Five in a Row
Greenleaf Press
Saxon Publishers
Sonlight Curriculum
Classical Education/Trivium
The Classical Approach to education is based upon the medieval scheme of education teaching children to think, not teaching “subjects”. The medieval syllabus has as the primary part of education the Trivium. The Trivium consists of three parts: “Grammar”, “Dialectic”, and “Rhetoric”. The first part, “Grammar”, is not the subject of grammar; rather it is the study of the basic facts of different subjects. This stage covers the ages of approximately 6 to 10, the stage when children are the most receptive to information and will readily memorize information. The “Dialectic” stage, begins at approximately age 10 when children naturally begin to demonstrate independent or abstract thought. In the “Rhetoric” stage, the aim is to produce a student who can use language, both written and spoken, eloquently and persuasively to express what he thinks.
Classical Christian Homeschooling
Classical Homeschooling Magazine
The Well-Trained Mind
Classical Education
Charlotte Mason
Charlotte Mason was an educator in the 1800’s. Her method “is based on core subjects and incorporates the fine arts. Children deal directly with the best books, music and art. The children are trained in the practice of narration, or telling back what they’ve learned. The emphasis is always placed on what the children do know rather than what they do not know. This training in essay-style examination effectively prepares children for adulthood and success in college.” Her material covers an extensive amount of topics including: the formation of good habits, keeping a Nature Diary, and preparing a handmade Book of the Centuries. Charlotte Mason advocates the avoidance of twaddle, or what we might call “dumbed down” literature, and replaces twaddle with classic literature and noble poetry. Her method also includes a unique style of dictation and spelling.
Charlotte Mason Approach
Karen Andreola
Simply Charlotte Mason
Ambleside Online
Charlotte Mason Institute
Quotes
"Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers. What parents do to help their children learn is more important to academic success than how well off the family is."
U.S. Department of Education | What Works: Research About Teaching and Learning