In following my previous post regarding how to legally start homeschooling in South Australia I've had several friends inquire about our decision to bring our children home and educate them ourselves. Among the many remarks about being brave and gutsy, there have been many curious questions regarding "why would you choose to homeschool" and "how does one go about homeschooling" so I decided I would touch briefly on the many different but popular homeschooling styles out there. Pick one or from several. The important thing to remember with homeschooling is that there is not a one size fits all curriculum out there. What works for one family may not work for another and what even works for one child may not work for their sibling. So be flexible and realise that no matter what you end up doing in the beginning you will most certainly change your ways as you continue to homeschool, and honestly I think that's one of the great things about it. We simply figure it out as we go.
Not all children learn the same way. Some are visual learners - have to read the chapter, take notes, highlight and answer the questions. Some are audio learners - they can listen to a lecture or watch a video and they've absorb all they need to simply from that. Regardless what their preferred learning style is I think its very important to use a bit of both. Not only for their own development but so you know they can adapt.
Textbook/Traditional Method: this would be the closest thing to a conventional schooling method, the way the majority of us were taught in traditional schools.
Ex. A Beka
- studying material in a similar scope and sequence as other public or private schools
- style of a classroom school experienced at home
- learn through fill-in-the-blanks and quizzes
Classical: This method encompasses a three-part process known as the trivium. The early years are spent in absorbing facts, laying the foundations for advanced study. In the middle grades, students learn to think through arguments. In the high school years, they learn to express themselves. Ex. Trivium
- this method is very structured
- evaluate your child’'s learning based on academic standards
- developing good study skills early on in your child’s life
- concentrate on classics literature as a tool to develop critical thinking
- involved in the process of your child’s education –discussing books and giving dictation
Charlotte Mason Method: In this method of education children are taught through a wide range of interesting living books, firsthand experiences, and good habits. Mostly Christian based but also big on Nature studies, learning about fairies and folklore. Teaches the whole child not just dry facts. Ex: Charlotte Mason
- encourages your child to explore and appreciate the world around him/her
- not sticking to a strict schedule
- evaluates your child'’s education on things other than just formal tests
- well-rounded education, including art, nature, music and lots of books
- parents are very involved in the process of your child’s education – discussing books, giving dictation, listening and encouraging narration, and enjoying poetry, art and music together
Unit Study: Unit Studies, which typically tie in closely with Lapbooking or Notebooking. Takes a central theme and builds lessons around that theme throughout the year or season. One theme will include all or most areas of study (Science, S.S., Language Arts) by focusing on the main idea. Ex. Five in a Row
- children have freedom to follow his/her own interests
- not all of your child’s learning can be documented by a written test
- children often develop an expertise in an interest, and are willing to let other activities take second place
- can document their learning through a written record or notebook
- children learn to let their creativity out in learning
Montessori: This method is best described as an “Aid to Life” and seeks to educate the whole child. It aims to prepare students to succeed in the real world, where technology is changing the way we live, and general life skills are more valuable than mastery of an outdated academic curriculum. Ex. Montessori homeschool
- children of different ages can all study similar subjects at their own level
- take the time to do hands-on-projects and group work, learning around a central theme
- doesn't follow a traditional scope and sequence.
Unschooling: Allows children the freedom to learn about the world in a natural environment. Letting children learn at their own pace. Living life on a daily basis without the hassles of lesson plans. As the child gets curious about something he/she ask questions and you investigate them together. A good description is that this is the way we learn before we enter school and after we leave school and go to work. Ex. Unschooling links
- no set scope and sequence or structure to your child’s learning
- freedom to follow his/her own interests
- children often develop an expertise in an interest, and are willing to let other activities take second place
- children's interests, hobbies can easily be pursued
Computer Based Homeschooling Method: Exactly as it sounds. Most of the child's learning is done via the computer either locally or online. Ex. StudyLadder, MathsOnline
- follow a set scope and sequence
- step-by-step accountability
- using modern technology
- child works at his/her own pace using the computer
- can lead to an overuse of technology
Eclectic Homeschooling: This is a combination approach often pulling from several of the above listed methods.
- takes time to find the materials that will suit your child’s interests and learning styles
- scope and sequence, though there can be possible “gaps from going back and forth between different curriculums
- can provide a well rounded education from using several styles and methods
All in One Box style Curriculums: These box sets provide all the necessary subjects, lesson plans, and answer keys. They provide parents with some peace of mind and organisation. Makes life a bit easier when trying to educate several students on different grade levels. I highly recommend an all-in-one box curriculum for beginners as this will help keep everyone on track. Very similar to a traditional style of curriculum.
Ex. Calvert, Winter Promise
- Comes with daily lesson plans already made up
- Follows a National Curriculum standard
- Incorporates all core and elective subjects
We use some computer based programs and some literary based curriculums. My children love to read so I really like the Charlotte Mason approach the most. However I hate Math, I suck at Math and believe it or not you don't have to be a Math teacher to teach your children Math! Whew, dodged that bullet... thank the good Lord for MathsOnline. I don't have to do much at all with this as it meets the Australian National Curriculum standards, keeps the kids on track with grade level scope and sequence and allows me to sign in as their parent to view grades and progress. They can even move up and down between the grade levels to make sure they are learning what they need to and not just at their grade level. Here's a terrific 60% discount for homeschool families.
How much time to allocate each school day?
I try not to have a strict classroom schedule every day. We usually get 2 hours a day for the younger two boys, grades 1 & 3. About 2 1/2 - 3 hours a day for my 5th grader and 4 - 4 1/2 hours a day for my older ones who are in grades 8 & 11. This allows us plenty of time to do some chores, have family meals, and enjoy our days together. The fabulous thing with homeschool is that neither you nor your children need to spend 7 hours a day doing "school" then another 1-4 hours to do "homework." Depending on their age and grade levels an average homeschool day shouldn't exceed any more then 4 hours. If it does, then you're not doing it right, your kids will lose interest, and you will require more coffee than you ever thought imaginable! Homeschooling should be fun and relaxed, sure there will be those days when you will question why you are doing this but those days are usually few and far in between. Don't stress and more importantly, don't let your kids stress.
