Homeschooling Approaches
@gnatsmom (2336)
August 21, 2017 12:30am CST
One of the things I love most about homeschooling is the option to choose the educational approach that is most conducive to one's family. Here are some of the most popular approaches:
1. CHARLOTTE MASON: This approach is made up, primarily, of hands-on learning. Most of the learning takes place outdoors in nature. Text books are avoided and living books take its place. This style is relaxed, enjoyable, and structured (although lightly).
2. UNSCHOOLING: This method was founded by John Holt, a former NYC public school teacher who won, on several occasions, teacher of the year. Holt left the public school and has been a pioneer in the homeschool movement. This approach is child-directed. They use no formal lessons or schedules. Parents must be cautious, though, not to let this become a predecessor for undisciplined, uncivilized behavior.
3. MONTESSORI: Although not as unstructured as homeschooling, it is still child-directed. Children are allowed to choose their own resources and work at their own pace. This approach focuses heavily on practical life.
4. CLASSICAL: This approach dates back to the Middle Ages. This incorporates classical literature and advanced maths. It discourages rote memorization. It focuses heavily on teaching rhetoric, reasoning, and research skills.
5. WALDORF: The Waldorf method, founded by Rudolf Steiner (Australian philosopher), is centered around whole child development. The Arts (music, painting, drama) are just as necessary as Academics. Very few text books are used. Students are encouraged to create their own books. The use of television and computers are greatly discouraged.
6. UNIT STUDIES: Also known as thematic units, this style is similar to Charlotte Mason. While text books may be consulted, they are not the guiding factor. Investigation and discovery is a large part of this method. This style focuses on choosing one topic (such as THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, SPORTS ROUND THE WORLD, EDGAR ALLEN POE, etc) and study all subjects from that topic.
7. ECLECTIC: This approach pulls from all other styles. It is tailored by and for each individual family. It is usually quite structured, although, relaxed. It focuses more on meeting educational criteria than spending a set amount of time on each subject.
Our approach is ECLECTIC. What about other homeschoolers out there? What is your style and approach? How has it worked for your family?
7 people like this
7 responses
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
21 Aug 17
We are eclectic as well, we do a variety of things. We keep things fun but at the same time they have to show me they are improving. We work out of books, we do hands on learning, Bible studies and we also use the computer at times at the library.
2 people like this
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
21 Aug 17
I was homeschooled (by my mother) until I was 8. She was trained in the Montessori method. I recall rather little of my schooling, which means that I must have enjoyed it. I know that I was able to (and did) read almost anything and everything I could get my hands on from the age of about six - and reading was certainly encouraged in our household.
In the year that I was 9, I went to a local Preparatory School (Preparatory school is part of the older British Public School system and has students between the ages of 7 and 13) which was a huge change from the education system I had been used to. I hated the smell of the school and the discipline and, together with the fact that I was about a year ahead of my peers, this meant that I was unwilling and somewhat lazy and didn't 'fit in' for much of the rest of my educational life.
@JudyEv (325798)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Aug 17
Home schooling certainly seems to work well for some.
@gnatsmom (2336)
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22 Aug 17
When I first started this journey over 20 years ago, I thought this was the answer for everyone. I thought all parents should homeschool. But I have been learning over the years too. I have come to learn that it is not for every family. I am thankful we have the freedom to choose what is best for our families. But I am also learning that we need to respect each others choices. So you are right, it works well for some. Others, private or public school is a better match.
1 person likes this
@gnatsmom (2336)
•
21 Aug 17
yes. I homeschool my own, plus do private tutoring, and used to run a small private school. I temporarily closed the private school last year because parents started not paying, yet they had money for vacations or going to bars. I am considering re-opening next month.
2 people like this
@resukill22 (25052)
• Las Pinas City, Philippines
21 Aug 17
@gnatsmom wow you have a great job. I salute you denise
@resukill22 (25052)
• Las Pinas City, Philippines
21 Aug 17
@gnatsmom that's my ambition before to become a teacher, and to teach a little children
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Aug 17
My daughter homeschools. I believe she is mostly eclectic. She is also part of an educational or homeschool coop. I can see elements of each system in what she does.
