When we moved to the USA and decided to start homeschooling, I had never heard of homeschooling styles. In fact, I knew very little about homeschooling as I had not planned to choose this route for my children.
We had moved mid-year from South Africa and had decided to “tread water” for the spring semester as our children had already completed their school year (South Africa operates on a calendar year for school). During that spring semester while we were really just dabbling with homeschooling while waiting for the fall – we actually fell in love with homeschooling and decided to stick with it.
I was fortunate that my son was on a baseball team with a homeschooling family. The mom invited me over and showed me her curriculum. And then I attended a local homeschool fair. At this point, I still didn’t understand all the homeschool styles, but I was starting to figure out what got me excited and what I thought would work for us.
We opted for Sonlight as our main curriculum (which falls into a blend of traditional, Charlotte Mason and classical homeschooling (see below)) and we added a lot more – some hands on, some following our children’s interests, some online etc. So ultimately I would describe my style as eclectic as it incorporated many of the styles listed below.
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If you are reading this, you are probably either new to homeschooling and want to know what styles are out there or have been homeschooling for years but are in need of something new. There are several different styles of homeschooling, each with its own unique approach to teaching and learning and I am providing you a list of 9 of the most popular ones to help you figure out the direction you will take.
1. Traditional Homeschooling
This is the most common type of homeschooling, and it is based on a traditional school curriculum. Children in traditional homeschooling programs typically follow a structured schedule, complete daily assignments, and take regular tests and quizzes.
Examples:
Parents who use traditional homeschooling may choose to use a packaged curriculum, such as the Calvert curriculum, or create their own curriculum based on state standards.
2. Classical Homeschooling
Classical homeschooling is based on the classical education model, which emphasizes the teaching of core subjects, such as math, science, history, and literature. Students in classical homeschooling programs often study a particular subject in depth for a period of time, known as the “spiral” or “trivium” method.
Examples:
Classical homeschoolers often use curricula such as The Well-Trained Mind or the Classical Conversations program, which emphasize the study of classical literature, history, languages, and mathematics.
3. Unschooling
Unschooling is a philosophy of education that emphasizes self-directed learning and the importance of real-life experiences. Children in unschooling programs are not required to follow a structured curriculum, and they are free to explore their interests and learn at their own pace.
Examples:
Unschooling families may not follow a set curriculum, but instead allow their children to learn through real-life experiences, such as cooking, gardening, volunteering, playing an instrument, or exploring their community. Parents may also provide their children with resources and materials based on their interests. A good music curriculum for homeschoolers is Music in Our Homeschool, which makes a great addition to unschooling for any family with a child interested in music.
4. Eclectic Homeschooling
Eclectic homeschooling is a blend of different styles and approaches to education. Parents who use an eclectic approach may choose to incorporate elements of traditional, classical, and unschooling methods, as well as other educational philosophies, into their homeschooling program.
Examples:
Eclectic homeschooling families may use a variety of resources and curricula to meet the needs and interests of their children. For example, they might use traditional textbooks for some subjects, but also incorporate real-life experiences and online resources for others. Seven Sisters Homeschool is an example of a curriculum an eclectic homeschooling family might use. FundaFunda Academy’s games and digital breakouts, which can be found on their teaching resources page are used by many eclectic homeschooling families.
5. Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
Charlotte Mason homeschooling is based on the educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason, who emphasized the importance of a well-rounded education that includes both academic subjects and “living books” (books written by authors who are passionate about their subjects). Children in Charlotte Mason homeschooling programs often keep a “commonplace book” to record their thoughts and reflections on what they are learning.
Examples:
Charlotte Mason homeschoolers often use resources such as Ambleside Online or Simply Charlotte Mason, which emphasize the use of “living books” and the development of good habits, as well as nature study and handicrafts.
6. Montessori Homeschooling
Montessori homeschooling is based on the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, who emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and the development of the whole child. Children in Montessori homeschooling programs often have access to a wide range of materials and activities that allow them to explore their interests and learn at their own pace.
Examples:
Montessori homeschoolers may use materials and resources from Montessori curriculum providers, such as NAMC or Montessori Services, or they may create their own Montessori-inspired materials and activities.
7. Waldorf Homeschooling
Waldorf homeschooling is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, who emphasized the importance of imaginative and artistic expression in education. Children in Waldorf homeschooling programs often engage in creative activities, such as storytelling, singing, and drawing, as well as academic subjects.
Examples:
Waldorf homeschoolers may use curricula such as Oak Meadow or Christopherus Homeschool Resources, which incorporate artistic and imaginative activities, such as storytelling, puppetry, and handwork.
8. Unit Studies Homeschooling
Unit studies homeschooling is a method of education in which children study a particular topic or theme in depth, incorporating multiple subjects and learning styles. For example, a unit on Ancient Egypt might include lessons in history, geography, art, and literature.
Examples:
Unit studies homeschoolers may use resources such as Konos, which provides unit study plans based on topics such as inventions, world cultures, or animals. FundaFunda Academy offers a plethora of web-based unit studies for this type of homeschooling.
9. Online Homeschooling
Online homeschooling is a type of homeschooling in which children learn at home, but they receive their instruction and materials through an online program or curriculum. Children in online homeschooling programs may have regular interactions with teachers and other students through video conferencing or online forums.
Examples:
There are three main types of online homeschooling: live online, asynchronous online, and self-paced.
- Live online usually involves interaction with a teacher via videoconference and work has due dates and is graded by the online teacher. True North Homeschool Academy is a great example of this type of homeschooling.
- Asynchronous online classes still have deadlines and are graded by an online teacher, but there is no live aspect. FundaFunda Academy works in this manner.
- Self-paced online homeschooling has work that is either automatically graded or parent graded. There are no external deadlines, only those which parents impose. FundaFunda Academy has a new line of products that are self-paced.
Anyone who has homeschooled for any amount of time knows that it is not a simple endeavor, but if you can find your general style, it can help narrow down your options. Each type has pros and cons, and there is no one right option. Often it takes a fair amount of trial and error, but once found, a homeschooling style can give you a framework with which to learn and grow.
I am glad I took the time upfront to investigate the different options as the result was homeschooling in a way that worked for my family. I hope this article is a starting point on your journey of discovery.
Your next step
I suggest you listen to the podcast episode I recorded on “How to Use the Internet to Find the Right Curriculum for Your Child“. It is episode 220 on the Homeschooling with Technology podcast which you can find anywhere you listen to podcasts. This episode will help you continue to narrow down what will work for your family.
Feel free to join either or both of the Facebook groups FundaFunda sponsors: Homeschooling Middle School and Homeschooling College-bound Teens. You arere very welcome to ask any questions in those groups and there are many veteran homeschoolers in them who would love to help you.
Meryl van der Merwe
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