Growing up, I knew that there were many different curriculums that you could use to homeschool your kids. We used Abeka for most of my grade school, but I also knew there was Saxon and Paces, along with many others too. That said, I do not know if I ever heard of choosing a homeschool style or method (homeschool method and style will be used interchangeably, in this post). When I finally heard that there are different methods, I was shocked to find out there are actually 10 different methods. They are as follows: Classical, Charlotte Mason, Traditional, Montessori, Waldorf, Unit Studies, Unschooling, Worldschooling, Eclectic, and Roadschooling.
I’m going to put a disclaimer, here. Though there are many different methods, I do not think choosing a method will make or break your homeschool. My mom homeschooled me and my five younger brothers, and we had never heard of any homeschooling method. She chose a curriculum and went with it, and it all turned out just fine:) If you’re just getting started with homeschooling, here’s a link to another post I wrote called “3 Things You Need to Know About Homeschooling.” that might just be helpful as you’re beginning your research 🙂
Nevertheless, knowing your own homeschool style and choosing one of the methods can help bring some clarity to your homeschool that may seem elusive, otherwise. Because of that, I thought it might be helpful to put together a quick description for the 10 different homeschooling methods that I could find. That way, you can look through a basic skeleton of each method and see which one best aligns with your style of homeschooling. I think it is also worth noting that many homeschoolers like to blend these methods to best fit their needs and the learning styles of their children.
Without further adieu, here is your homeschool style rundown:)
1. Classical Method.
According to Classical Conversations, (link HERE)
When you hear the word, “classical,” what comes to mind? There is classical music, classical architecture, classical dance, classical art, classical novels and so much more! This adjective normally connotes something that throughout history that has validated itself to be worthy of ongoing recognition and interest from generation to generation. Subjects deemed classical are worthy of more time, more study, more engagement and more consideration. They survive the test of the ages. This is especially true regarding classical education. A classical homeschool curriculum teaches grammar, dialectic and rhetoric through a Christian worldview—and uses an educational approach ideally suited to a child’s natural learning style.
I love this description! I would say that my family probably did a more classical homeschooling style. We studied each of the main subjects (math, grammar, history, science, etc.). We took tests and quizzes, wrote papers, and read books. That said, everything was also from a Christian perspective.
2. Charlotte Mason Method.
According to Simply Charlotte Mason (link HERE),
The Charlotte Mason style of homeschooling uses rich literature and “living books” rather than textbooks…Instead of worksheets or answering questions in the back of the book, this style asks the student to retell, or “narrate,” everything he can remember from the reading. It also includes a wide variety of subjects spread over the week in short, interesting lessons.
Charlotte was a British educator in the late 1800s and early 1900s who emphasized respecting each child as a person and giving him a broad education. Her approach works with the way children naturally learn and presents a generous curriculum, including nature study, art and music appreciation, and handicrafts, as well as the usual academic subjects. It seeks to “spread a feast” before the child and let him digest what is appropriate for him at the time. And it uses methods that will nurture a love for learning and reinforce good lifelong habits, not just present a body of information.
To be honest, this method is one of the most attractive to me. Charlotte Mason recommends doing school outside as much as possible. She really focuses on developing good habits, as was mentioned in the quote above. It really is quite a neat method. From what I’ve seen, it seems like this method has more structure than Unschooling but not quite as much structure as a traditional or classical method.
3. Montessori Method.
According to Orison Orchards (link HERE),
Dr. Montessori encouraged children to take ownership of their educations. She worked with each child individuallyto create a personalized plan based on that child’s strengths and interests. Children choose their own learning activities and learn through the use of their five senses. Creativity and curiosity are encouraged. Knowledge is internalized in a self-paced and natural way.
Okay, here we start getting into the methods with less structure. I believe that this method of homeschooling can be done incredibly well, but it will take a special mom and family. To be honest, I do not think that this method would work well for me, at all. I need more structure. That said, maybe you feel extremely stifled by structure. In that case, maybe you would love this method! It’s not quite as freestyle as unschooling, but you get to develop your own system with this Montessori method.
Here are some points for this method from Time 4 Learning (link HERE),
- Mixed-age classrooms
- Cooperation and collaboration among students
- Hands-on learning
- Active learning methods
- Teachers who model the behaviors and values that they want children to emulate
- Teachers who see themselves as a facilitators rather than instructors
- Respect for each child’s individual learning style
- Freedom of children to choose between learning activities
- Guidance on positive behavior and conflict resolution
- Helping students see connections between traditional subjects such as math, science, history, and language arts
There is so much more that I could say about this homeschool style, but I will save that for a post later on 🙂
4. Unit Studies Method.
According to Simply Charlotte Mason (link HERE),
Unit studies take a theme or topic and incorporate all the school subjects (language arts, history, science, music, art, etc.) into that topic. For example, when you study Ancient Egypt, you read books about Egypt (history), make a salt dough map of Egypt (geography), determine how to calculate the height of a pyramid (math), explore how Egyptians irrigated their farm land from the Nile (science), read a historical fiction book set in Ancient Egypt (literature), build sugar cube pyramids (art), learn how to spell “pyramid” (language arts), etc.
This method is so neat! For me, I see this homeschool style as a more supplemental resource. It would be so neat to incorporate unit studies into your daily rhythms. Since it really entails so many different subjects of education, I think it can be an amazing way to show your children how things connect. History can connect to math and reading and science. They are intertwined rather than isolated concepts.
5. Eclectic Method.
According to Education Corner (link HERE),
“Eclectic Homeschooling” is an approach to homeschooling in which parents pick and choose the best parts of several different homeschooling resources. As such, it’s not exactly a set homeschooling philosophy (like the Classical or Charlotte Mason philosophies), because it will be completely different for every family who implements it.
In addition to that description, Homeschool Super Freak also says (link HERE),
What eclectic homeschool is:
- Child-centered
- Relaxed
- Unique homeschooling, tailored to each child’s learning style
- Mixing and matching and using different homeschool curricula, educational resources, online classes, and learning tools for home school
- Learning as you go and seeing everything as a learning opportunity
- Picking and choosing different parts of a curriculum or course that works best of your child
- Following your child’s interests and incorporating those into learning
- Incorporating real life experiences and hands-on learning
- Understanding your child’s learning style and providing learning tools for that style
- Being relaxed in how your child learns best
In practice, it seems that this method is basically a combination of many different methods. If you do not wish to stick with one or two of the homeschooling methods, then maybe this Eclectic method is for you 🙂 Again, there are elements of this kind of homeschool that I really love. The point above that says, “Learning as you go and seeing everything as a learning opportunity” is something that really resonates with me! What a way to help your children really prepare for life. School does not have to simply be something that occurs in the homeschool room.
That said, I also think there are some dangers with this homeschool style since I do believe you need some form of structure. That is not to say I do not think it can be done. The danger I see in a “child led” homeschooling method is that your child may not want to learn Algebra or Chemistry, but they do need to be prepared for college if they decide later on that they want to pursue a career that requires these subjects as prerequisites. It is at least something to think about.
6. Waldorf Method.
According to Homeschool.com (link HERE),
Waldorf believes in rigorous academics, but only after the child is developmentally ready. Formal academics, especially in Reading, is delayed till age 7. Early readers and textbooks are not used. The scope and sequence differ from other styles of education. Children are actually taught to write before they learn to read.
In human history, spoken languages developed first. Next, written language developed (think of hieroglyphics); then, reading. Waldorf follows that same pattern for individuals to learn spoken and written language before reading. Academic content in other subjects spirals so that the learning is re-emphasized at intervals. This natural repetition builds mastery.
Additionally, Time 4 Learning also says (link HERE),
- Early childhood education should focus on creative play and active, hands-on learning
- Elementary education is the time to introduce academic instruction, while teaching students to increase their imagination and manage their emotions
- Secondary education should focus on critical thinking, empathy, and community service
Again, there are elements of this homeschool style that could definitely be sweet and helpful. With each of the homeschooling methods there are both pros and cons. That said, this method makes me a little nervous due to the more “spiritual” side of it. Waldorf really focuses on educating a child’s body, mind, and spirit. Because of that, I would be very wary of embracing this method wholeheartedly. We need to be aware of the subtle messages that come through certain homeschooling styles and curriculums.
7. Traditional Method.
This homeschool style relates somewhat to the Classical method. According to Time 4 Learning (link HERE),
Traditional homeschooling is essentially doing school-at-home, using similar methods to those used in public or private schools. Because this is the educational model that parents are most familiar with, many new homeschooling families begin their journey by purchasing textbooks, desks, wall posters, and other items that mimic the conventional school setting.
In addition, traditional homeschoolers usually utilize a lecture teaching style, have their days solidly scheduled, make frequent use of tests and quizzes to track progress, and try to align their curriculum with what their local school follows. Although many families migrate away from this style as they gain more confidence with homeschooling, it is a popular approach for those who are concerned with “getting it right” or who appreciate the familiarity and accountability that traditional homeschooling provides.
This method is probably the one I most relate with as it pertains to what I grew up with. We used the Abeka video curriculum, did school in a school room with desks and a chalkboard, had our school books and notebooks each year, took tests, did book reports, and even had homework. It is basically, as the source above said, “school-at-home” (link HERE).
8. Unschooling Method.
According to Homeschool.com (link HERE),
The Unschooling homeschool style is also known as natural, interest-led, and child-led learning. Unschoolers learn from everyday life experiences and do not use school schedules or formal lessons. Instead, unschooled children follow their interests and learn in much the same way as adults do-by pursuing an interest or curiosity. In the same way that children learn to walk and talk, unschooled children, learn their math, science, reading, and history…Unschoolers embrace that freedom and believe strongly that learning happens naturally and effortlessly and they trust in their child’s ability to direct their own learning.
I’m not going to lie, this homeschool style probably makes me the most nervous of them all. I knew too many homeschoolers who really didn’t do school. They didn’t learn. They didn’t study, and all of their kids were extremely “behind” in school. Due to my experience with these individuals, Unschooling really just makes me nervous. Do I believe that everyone has to do Abeka? No. Do I think that everyone should use a Classical or Traditional homeschooling method? Also, no. I think you need to find what is right for you and your family, but I also think there needs to be some form of structure in your homeschool. There needs to be learning that prepares children for their future, and homeschooling should never limit children to what careers they can pursue when they grow old enough to choose.
9. Worldschooling Method.
According to World Travel Family (link HERE),
Worldschooling is providing and finding education from the real world. It includes experiences, places and people from all over the globe. The more you can travel, the more destinations and the greater variety of cultures, climates, histories and societies you can explore, the more that world school education grows.
Worldschooling removes teachers, classrooms, schools and set curriculums, it opens doors, opportunities and possibilities. It gives freedom in education and life.
Worldschooling is born through a love of travel and a love of learning about and from the world. There are many versions of worldschooling, some academic, some less so. There is a thriving global worldschooling community and numbers of worldschooling families grow daily…
What a neat way to learn! I do not think it’s practical for most families, but, at the same time, this method can be considered when taking trips and going on vacations or even missions trips. It can be a beautiful way to connect the subjects of learning.
10. Roadschooling Method.
Lastly, let’s take a look at the Roadschooling method which is basically another form of Worldschooling. According to Time 4 Learning (link HERE),
How does roadschooling work? Roadschooling is a growing trend in which families pack up their belongings and take their homeschooling on the road. Many families who embrace this lifestyle integrate what they are seeing and experiencing into their child’s homeschool curriculum.
Homeschoolers are able to use the landmarks and attractions they encounter as a means for educational enhancement and exploration. Students don’t just read about the Constitution, they can view the original document. They can spend a day focusing on rock formations, bats and echolocation while exploring caves. Even stopping for a pizza can turn into a teachable moment about pepperoni pie and fractions. These are just some of the benefits of roadschooling.
This learning approach, which creates opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning appeals to many families and accounts for the growth of roadschooling nationwide.
Again, I think this homeschooling method can go together beautifully with a few of the other forms of homeschooling 🙂
Whew! There you have it. A brief overview of each of the 10 types of homeschooling methods. Though there are many different homeschooling methods to choose from, I think it is so important to remember that combinations of the homeschooling methods/styles is often the best choice for many homeschooling families. There is not always a “one size fits all” approach for each of the methods. You must sometimes just commit to one of them and see if it works for you. For this reason, I often recommend choosing one of the more conservative, proven methods such as Traditional or Classical. From there, if you wish to branch off into different styles, you are more than free to do so. Just be careful to know your own tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses since they will definitely be manifested in your homeschooling journey.
I sincerely hope that this post has been helpful and informative rather than overwhelming. There is so much information out there, and I’ve tried to condense it into a manageable amount of information, in this post, so that you can move forward with an overview of the homeschooling methods. From here, you can definitely take a deeper dive into the methods/styles that seem interesting to you 🙂 Have fun with it and allow yourself to explore! The possibilities are endless:)
Until next time
