CART ONLINE PLANNER  ACCOUNT CLEARANCE GIFT CARDS SIGN IN
SAVE UP TO 50% +
to top

Teaching Methods

ORGANIZED UNDER: Curriculum // Quick Start

What Are Teaching Methods?

One of the greatest benefits to homeschooling is the ability to teach your children in a way and at a pace that works best for them. There are as many ways to do this as there are homeschooling families, but many homeschoolers follow one of the following popular teaching methods: Charlotte Mason, traditional, classical, online or computer-based, eclectic, and unschooling.

Points to Ponder

Here is a brief summary of each of these common homeschool teaching methods:

Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason was a 19th-century educator who advocated developing the soul and spirit of a child. The belief that children learn best from first-hand, real-life situations is central to this literature-based method. The Charlotte Mason method uses short lessons, encourages the reading of “whole books,” and emphasizes skills such as narration and copywork.

Traditional

Sometimes called “school-at-home,” this approach simulates the traditional school classroom. Textbooks and workbooks are often emphasized, with students learning each subject separately from a grade-level curriculum and taking traditional tests. Homeschools using this method often follow a strict school schedule.

Classical

A classical approach to homeschooling includes reading great works of literature and studying rhetoric and logic. The classical approach is based on the Trivium, a method of teaching children according to the phases of a child’s cognitive development, called concrete, analytical, and abstract. Classical education is primarily language-focused and literature intensive.

Computer

Current technology allows students to use a variety of computer and online options for schooling. Curriculum can be purchased on DVD or downloaded for use at home, or students can take a variety of online courses from teachers all over the world.

Eclectic

Eclectic homeschoolers use a variety of approaches and curriculum, choosing whatever works best for their family and each individual child. An eclectic homeschooler might use curriculum from one publisher for one subject, and curriculum from another for a different subject, or even use various curricula for each subject from different publishers for each child.

Unschooling

Unschooling is sometimes called “child-led learning” or “natural learning.” It is student-directed, rather than teacher-directed. Textbooks, tests, and strict schedules are generally avoided. Unschoolers are encouraged to follow their personal interests.

A Few More Thoughts

Your choice in teaching method is entirely your own. Select the one that works best for you and your family, rather than choosing one just because a friend or family member uses it. And if you find that the method you are using isn’t working for your family, don’t be afraid to switch to something more compatible.

At age eight, Stephenie McBride developed a life-long interest in teaching others. She taught English as a Second Language and Kindergarten in a public school for six years. Stephenie and her husband, Ben, adopted their two children from Kolkata, India, in 2000 and 2004. She has been an at-home parent and home educator since 2001. They use an eclectic mix of materials and approaches, with a strong emphasis on Charlotte Mason. Stephenie is the Assistant Editor of Publications for Home Educating Family Magazine. She also created and writes for Crestview Heights Academy Homeschool Curriculum. You can read more about Stephenie and her eclectic homeschooling adventures at crestviewheights.wordpress.com.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Learn Time Management
Organized & Productive Adult
Well Planned Day
Well Planned Day Planners

Record as you go or plan ahead, keep track of your homeschool progress and daily tasks the well planned way....