Homeschooling is not “one size fits all”. Over the years the many homeschoolers that came before us struggled to carve out various ways for helping their homeschooling experience complement their lifestyle and personality. Today, there are many resources and methods available to help us because of their toil. But that doesn’t let you off the hook. You’ve still got to figure out your own homeschooling path but the methodologies and styles they’ve designed may help you find your way.
You might have heard about the Charlotte Mason Method, the Classical Method or the Waldorf Method. There are methods called The Unit Study Method and Unschooling and Natural Learning, The Thomas Jefferson Education Method and Enki Education. There’s also the Montessori Method. Many people take their own path and use a little part from any or all of the methods and incorporate them into their own hobbies and lifestyles–this is called the Eclectic Method. There are probably many more.
How do you know which to choose? Start by asking yourself some basic questions. How do you most comfortably convey information to your children? This could be referred to as a teaching style. How do your children receive and master information easiest or what is their learning style? How will your homeschooling day fit into the rest of your day with all of the activities each family member participates in? Are your children involved in sports and/or clubs? Does your family travel extensively? Look at what you and your children want to accomplish through homeschooling. Set real goals. Be realistic. The bottom line question… Are you willing to make the changes necessary to try something new if you believe it’s needed?
I recommend that you take some time to study and learn a little about each method to see what resonates with you. You may already have established a method of your own and just don’t know it!
If you’ve not considered teaching styles and learning styles you may find a quick primer helpful.
Additional Resources:
Teach.com/teaching method-styles
A2Z Homeschool Methods and Styles
Enjoy!
