How To Homeschool

What exactly is a homeschool method? Why is it important to decide on one?

You may think the only way to start your homeschool is to do "school at home", complete with desks, a flag, textbooks and workbooks. If you do, you are in for a big surprise. There are so many different methods to homeschooling, it can be mind boggling for someone who is just beginning their journey. Are you structured or relaxed? Do you want to stick to the basics or branch out into non-traditional subjects? Do you want to use a traditional textbook or would you prefer "library" books?

It is important to reasearch the methods with an open mind. Consider the schedule, needs, learning styles, personalities and goals of your family, yourself and each of your children as you learn about them. Choosing a method that is compatible with your child will make their learning experience (and your teaching experience) more enjoyable.

There is no "right" way to homeschool. Something that works for one family may not work for another. Find a method you can use as a framework to get started. Like everything else in homeschooling it is subject to change and most likely will.

As you become more familiar with the homeschool process, you may discover you and your child prefer a different method for different subjects. You may try a different method for each subject or each child. Be flexible. Evaluate how your school plan is progressing and make adjustments as needed. A homeschool method (sometimes called an approach) is basically the WAY you want to teach your child. Below, I have listed, in no particular order, several of the most widely used homeschool methods. This is not a complete list, but you should be able use these to get started. Find one that fits your idea of what education should be.

Your homeschool method may remain constant or may vary from year to year or subject to subject. You may want to use a delayed schooling approach when your children are younger, and an accelerated learning approach as they get older. You may want to use a classical approach for history, a Charlotte Mason approach for science, and a traditional approach for math. Boy! Homeschooling sure is flexible!

Traditional/Textbook Approach - This is best described as "school at home". Textbooks, workbooks, individual desks, and a strict schedule.

Classical Education Method - The goal of classical education is "learning how to learn". The core of the curriculum is called the "trivium" which consists of 3 stages based on the child's cognitive development.

Charlotte Mason - Using "living books", classics, instead of textbooks to stimulate the child's imagination. Narration cements the learning in the child's mind.

Eclectic Homeschooling - Eclectic homeschoolers are "build it yourself" types. They pick and choose different methods for different subjects based on their needs and goals. They use commercially available and self made materials.

Principle Approach - The Principle Approach is America's historic Christian approach of Biblical reasoning which makes the Truths of God's Word the basis of every subject in the school curriculum.

Delayed Schooling - Based on the reseach of Raymond Moore - Children will learn academics when they are ready. A formal curriculum is not necessary in most cases until age 10 or so. Until then, they should be allowed to "be children" exploring and learning about the world in an unstructured way.

Montessori - Montessori teachers control the environment, not the child. The child is an "unknown entity" and will naturally emerge.

Accelerated Learning - Children are taught several levels above their "age level". This is common among homeschoolers, especially in subjects that the student is especailly interested in.

Unschooling - Unschoolers allow thier child to be "in charge" of their education. Parents provide the model for learning and the resources the student needs to study subjects of their choosing.

Unit Study - Learning revolves around a unit or theme such a birds, pioneers or honesty.

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