Homeschooling Methods & Styles

A student with his parent-teacher, working in a homeschool enviroment.

Homeschooling remains a popular alternative to public or private site-based schooling. There are many methods and styles for implementing an educational program with your child at home, some more popular than others. When choosing a homeschooling method you should consider both your strengths as a parent-teacher and your child's strengths and learning style.

Classical

Socrates at court, teaching in a style very similar to that of the Classical homeschooling method.

Classical home school shares a number of similarities with the ancient Greeks' method of education. Often likened to the Socratic method, Classical teaching focuses a great deal on grammar, logic and rhetoric. It may be a particularly good fit for your children if they require a large amount of structure and if you want their education to be geared toward classical Western philosophies and rigorous academics.

Charlotte Mason

The Charlotte Mason method is unique in regard to its materials and focus on literature, narration, and art. The method's namesake commission what she coined "living books," which differ from standard text books in that they are written by authors who experienced life from within their subject matter and can write about it in a narrative fashion. This method is particularly well suited if your child is not in need of traditional forms of reinforcement such as grades or the checking off of boxes. It may be a good fit for you if you're a parent-teacher that requires flexibility and a focus on literature and art.

Computer-Based

A parent teaching with the aide of a computer.

Computer-based homeschooling's description is in its name. With the rise in popularity and use of computers in homes, so has come the rise in popularity of computer-based teaching. Computer-based programs tend to be limited in scope but can cover a number of diverse and non-traditional subjects. These programs are particularly good if your child has a love for and fascination with technology and if you are interested in a high level of up-to-date tracking and accountability.

Unschooling or Relaxed

Unschooling or Relaxed homeschooling is a child directed approaching to teaching and learning. This method attempts to capitalize on your child's fascination with a given subject at a given moment in his development. Because of this, Unschooling tends to be subject-specific given the period of your child's development and his interests at that time. This method is particularly good for children who have a strong desire to learn and engage in the education process. If you are a parent-teacher who wants to help the child perhaps follow a particular interest or develop an expertise, this may be a right method.

Other Options

When homeschooling is concerned, there are nearly as many methods as there are students. Homeschooling offers the student and the parent-teacher the opportunity to design and mold an educational program that caterers to both parties' strengths and that is completely individualized. Before settling on one particular style or method, make sure you do your research and read about the wide variety of programs on websites like Homeschool Central. Also, reach out to other parents and support groups such as those listed on Local Homeschool for advice and resources.

References

• Successful Homeschooling Methods: Homeschooling Methods
• Choosing A Home Schooling Method: Which One Is Right For You?
• Simply Charlotte Mason

Resources

• Local Homeschool
• Homeschool Central