Homeschooling Methods

Although the general concept of homeschooling is simple to understand, knowing what to teach and how to teach it leaves many more unanswered questions. There are various methods that have emerged within the homeschool movement. Some are quite organized, while others seem rather unorganized.

The Charlotte Mason Method
 
A homeschooler herself, Charlotte Mason is known as the founder of the homeschooling movement. This method focuses on all the core subjects with emphasis placed on classical literature, fine arts, classical music, poetry, and crafts. Mason used a variety of books from classical literature, which she called 'Living Books'. These books were read aloud daily to the child. The child was expected to narrate back what was heard and eventually write it down in a journal. Mason also had the child go outdoors and draw observations from Nature to gain a sense of respect for his/her environment. Mason believed that to properly develop a child's personality you must develop good character and behavior in that child as well.    

The Montessori Method

Originating in Italy, this method has become quite popular. It was observed that children have times when they undergo periods of intense concentration. During these periods, a child will repeat an activity until he or she is satisfied with his or her accomplishment. The Montessori Method requires an environment prepared to facilitate learning. All the materials used in this method are designed to satisfy the inner desire for spiritual development of the child. The materials used progress from simple to complex, and can be rather expensive.

Eclectic Homeschooling

In this method, the parents develop curriculum from any resources that they can find. They may find textbooks from various sources, choose which subjects they want their children to learn, improvise by creating their own curriculum from internet resources, utilize online teaching or even software. In essence, the parent wants to find the best education for their child and accomplish this by piecing things together from a variety of sources. This can also include 'live' education through field trips etc.

Unschooling

The unschooling method was started by a Boston public educator name John Holt. He believed that learning at one’s own pace and allowing the children to be guided by their own interests was the best method. This was referred to as 'unschooling' the child. There is no definite curriculum, schedules or materials. Rather, the parent observes the child and develops teaching materials as they go. This method is the most unstructured of the various homeschooling techniques.

There are other methods as well including online classrooms and video teachings etc. Each parent needs to assess both their own teaching style as well as the child's learning style and determine which homeschool method is best for them.