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5 Different Types Of Homeschooling Explained

5 Different Types Of Homeschooling Explained

Upon hearing the world "homeschool", many people might imagine a room of two or three youngsters seated at a table scribbling feverishly in their pile of workbooks while their mother or father watches from afar.

(Before I made the leap, I "bought the stereotype" and even imagined the parents watching them from the couch while paying video games...eek!)

But now, I'm happy to say I've "grown up" and realized that this picture of "homeschooling" isn't accurate at all!

There are several different types of homeschooling, and the one you choose will influence the curriculum as well as your teaching style. In this issue, we'll go through some of the most popular and influential methods of homeschooling.

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Traditional Homeschool Curriculum Method

Traditional homeschooling is a term that is kind of like, well... "playing school" at home. It's almost like taking everything a child would do in public school and bringing it into the home.

Many new homeschooling families begin their journey by purchasing textbooks, chairs, wall posters, and other school-like materials to replicate the typical school environment because this is the educational model that parents are most acquainted with.

Traditional homeschool also generally makes use of a lecture method of instruction, has their days well planned ahead of time, makes frequent use of tests and quizzes to assess learning progress, and tries to match their curriculum to what their local school demands.

Although this is the most common way to begin a homeschool career, many families abandon it as they get more comfortable with the concept of homeschooling. But initially, a traditional homeschool curriculum provides a sense of routine and responsibility familiar to those who are new and want to make sure their child "stays on target".

The Charlotte Mason Homeschool Education:

Charlotte Mason is regarded as the founder of the modern homeschooling movement. She was also a homeschooler and was driven in her desire to establish the foundations for an effective, integrated homeschooling curriculum that is both enjoyable and instructive..

The objective of this technique is to teach children the fundamentals of knowledge in areas such as history, geography, and science. The approach focuses on the core topics, with a special emphasis on classical literature, poetry, fine arts, and classic music. Mason referred to her collection of books as "Living Books."

Since this technique cultivates a passionate interest in reading, the youngster is read to every day from the 'Living Books'. After this, the child is asked to narrate what she has heard. This process begins at the age of six, and by ten the child is expected to write narrations in their own book.

Mason also advocated the use of 'Nature Diaries'. After each short and interesting lesson, the child is asked to go to Nature and draw observations from Nature. Doing so helps the child also gain a sense of respect for his/her environment. Mason believed that development of good character and behavior was essential to the complete development of the child's personality.

Eclectic Homeschool Curriculum:

This type of homeschooling incorporates a variety of homeschool approaches. Parents in this group are quite innovative and trust their own judgment as they select the subjects that would make the best curriculum for their child. Such parents are always on the lookout for the finest resources to meet their children's demands.

(This is the type we do since all of my kids learn things differently - not one total curriculum met all of their needs in the way they learned best!)

Most Eclectic homeschooling curriculums are improvised. This means that the basic curriculum is ready-made. The parents then make changes in the curriculum to accommodate the individual needs and interests of their children.

The child's gifts, temperament, learning style and interests dictate the curriculum. Eclectic programs include visits to the museum, libraries and factories. The programs are often quite enjoyable for the whole family, as you can imagine. The parent is able to create a balance between study and play so that the child can retain what is learned in the "real world". Many successful homeschoolers have been taught with this approach.

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Unschooling:

John Holt, a Boston public school teacher, was the founder of the unschooling approach. He felt that children learn best when they are allowed to learn at their own speed and guided by their own passions. His goal was for parents to 'unschool' their children.

This approach is a hands-on method of learning where the parent responds to certain indicators from the kids. There is no prearranged curriculum, timetable, or instructional materials. The most unstructured of all homeschooling techniques, this approach is also known as free play education.

Holt was very critical of traditional schools. He felt that schools forced children to learn in a way that was unnatural for them. Traditional schools, he believed, did not respect the natural curiosity and creativity of children. Holt asserted that all children are innately capable of learning and that they should be free to explore their world without coercion from adults. Many homeschool parents feel this same way!

(We also incorporate this method into our "arts" subjects - we love it!)

The Montessori Method:

The practice of teaching children certain skills at particular times began in Italy, when it was discovered that kids have sensitive periods during which they focus intensely. A youngster will repeat an activity until he achieves a certain level of self-satisfaction during these phases.

"Rather than simply filling children with facts, Montessori education strives to nurture each child’s natural desire for knowledge, understanding, and respect," according to Melanie Thiesse, AMS Director of Membership & Social Accreditation.

The Montessori approach is based on a prepared setting to help children learn. All of the tools used in this technique are intended to cater to the child's spiritual growth urge. From basic to complex, the materials used go from inexpensive to what many would consider "pricey". However, nothing is mandatory in order for a Montessori education to take place.

The beauty of the Montessori Method is that it can be adapted to any child's learning level and interest. The materials are always available to the student so he can work at his own pace. If he becomes bored with one activity, he can move on to another area of study.

Montessori is more than a fantastic educational technique. It has had an impact upon society as a whole, influencing many disciplines that we deal with today: psychology, sociology and special education.

As you can see, homeschooling may be done in a variety of ways. And there's no "right or wrong" way. The essential component of the method(s) you choose is flexibility and an intense interest in the child's natural desires. The key to the method's success is to utilize the child's drive for knowledge to help them learn more and become independent in their drive to learn as they grow older and more mature.

So, what is the best way to homeschool your child? The answer is...it depends! Each child is unique and will learn in different ways. You need to find the method or methods that work best for your family and your child. What works for one family may not work for another. As we've seen, there are many different approaches to homeschooling. You need to find the one that fits your family and your child's personality and interests.

Best of luck as you begin your homeschooling journey! We can't wait to see the wonderful things your child will achieve!