What’s Your Homeschool Style? Homeschooling Philosophies Explained
Are you trying to find your family’s homeschooling style? There are various homeschooling philosophies, and the right style depends on your family’s needs.
The first step is to learn the basics of different homeschooling philosophies and styles. In this article, I will explain how the most popular homeschooling styles are implemented, the key characteristics of each philosophy, the pros and cons of each, and some helpful resources to get you started.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the options available, empowering you to choose one or take a more eclectic approach that best aligns with your family’s values and educational goals. The beauty of homeschooling is the freedom it provides families.
Let’s get started and find the style that resonates with you and your child!
Traditional Homeschooling or “School at Home”
Traditional homeschooling, often referred to as “school at home,” mimics the structure and curriculum of a conventional school environment within the home setting. This homeschooling philosophy relies on formal curricula, textbooks, and a structured schedule to provide a comprehensive and disciplined education that aligns closely with conventional school standards.
Key Characteristics
Structured Schedule: Traditional homeschooling typically follows a structured daily schedule similar to a traditional school, with set times for different subjects and activities.
Formal Curriculum: This approach uses formal curricula and textbooks designed for school settings. Parents may choose from various publishers that offer complete grade-level packages or subject-specific materials.
Grade-Level Progression: Traditional homeschooling often adheres to standard grade levels and benchmarks, ensuring that children progress through educational milestones in a manner consistent with their peers in traditional schools.
Assessment and Testing: Regular assessments, quizzes, and tests are used to evaluate the child’s understanding and mastery of the material. This can include standardized testing to track progress and ensure compliance with state or local education requirements.
Teacher-Directed Instruction: Parents or tutors act as primary instructors, guiding the lessons, providing explanations, and ensuring the material is covered thoroughly.
Traditional Homeschooling Pros
Traditional Homeschooling Cons
Resources to Get You Started
Evan Moore Workbooks and Teacher Guides are used in schools across the US and would be a good choice for families looking to homeschool traditionally.
Miacademy is accredited by the Western Association for Schools and Colleges (WASC). MiaPrep Online High School IS permitted to award diplomas to high school students.
K12 is an online public school option that offers a structured curriculum and support from certified teachers, providing a traditional school experience at home.
Time4Learning is an online curriculum that blends traditional education with interactive and engaging lessons, suitable for various grade levels and subjects.
The Classical Approach to Homeschooling
The Classical Approach to homeschooling is rooted in the educational traditions of ancient Greece and Rome. This time-tested homeschool philosophy is structured around the trivium, which consists of three stages: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. Each stage corresponds to a child’s cognitive development and focuses on building a solid foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and effective communication. By choosing the Classical Approach, homeschooling families can provide a rich and rigorous education that prepares students for lifelong learning and success. Classical homeschooling is generally literature-based, and many of the resources and curriculums are Christian, but there are more secular resources becoming available every year.
Key Characteristics
Grammar Stage (Grades K-4): This stage emphasizes memorization and acquiring foundational knowledge. Young children are naturally adept at absorbing information, so the focus is on learning facts, rules, and basic concepts in subjects like math, history, science, and language arts.
Logic Stage (Grades 5-8): During the logic stage, students begin to develop critical thinking skills. They learn to analyze information, understand cause and effect, and construct logical arguments. This stage often includes formal instruction in logic and reasoning, as well as continued study in core subjects with a more analytical approach.
Rhetoric Stage (Grades 9-12): The final stage focuses on the art of communication and expression. Students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively in writing and speech. They engage in advanced studies in literature, philosophy, and other disciplines, applying their knowledge and reasoning skills to complex topics.
The “Great Books”: Classical education often involves reading and analyzing the “Great Books,” which are classic works of literature, philosophy, history, and science that have shaped Western thought. These texts are studied for their rich content and the timeless ideas they present.
Language Learning: A significant emphasis is placed on learning classical languages such as Latin and Greek. These languages are believed to enhance a student’s understanding of grammar and vocabulary and provide insights into ancient cultures and literature.
Integrated Curriculum: Subjects are taught in an integrated manner, where connections between different fields of study are highlighted. For example, history might be taught alongside literature and art from the same period to understand the era comprehensively.
Moral and Character Education: Classical homeschooling often emphasizes moral and character education, drawing on classical virtues such as wisdom, courage, and temperance.
Classical Homeschooling Pros
Classical Homeschooling Cons
Resources and Curriculum Recommendations
The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise: This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth overview of the classical education model and offers practical advice for implementing it at home.
Classical Conversations: This community-based program supports homeschooling families with a structured curriculum and regular group meetings, fostering a collaborative learning environment. It is Christian-based, but they DO have an option for secular homeschooling now as well.
The Charlotte Mason Method
The Charlotte Mason Method, named after the British educator who developed it in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizes a broad, liberal education that nurtures a child’s whole person. Charlotte Mason believed that education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a lifestyle. Her philosophy centers around using living books, cultivating good habits, and nature-based learning. By embracing the Charlotte Mason Method, homeschooling families can create a rich, nurturing educational environment that inspires curiosity, fosters good character, and cultivates a lifelong love of learning.
Key Characteristics
Living Books: Instead of dry textbooks, the Charlotte Mason Method uses “living books,” which can be fiction books or well-written, engaging, literature written by someone passionate about the subject. These books bring subjects to life and inspire a love for reading and learning.
Narration: Children are encouraged to narrate or retell what they have learned after reading. This practice helps with comprehension, retention, and articulation skills. Narration can be done orally or in written form as the child grows older.
Nature Study: Regular time spent outdoors observing and interacting with nature is a cornerstone of the Charlotte Mason Method. Nature study fosters a sense of wonder and scientific inquiry, and children often keep nature journals to record their observations.
Short Lessons: Lessons are kept short, especially for younger children, to maintain their attention and enthusiasm. This approach allows for a variety of subjects to be covered each day without overwhelming the child.
Habit Training: Developing good habits, both moral and intellectual, is crucial in the Charlotte Mason Method. This includes habits like attention, obedience, truthfulness, and neatness, which are cultivated through consistent practice and gentle guidance.
Handicrafts: Handicrafts refer to hands-on activities that allow children to create useful and beautiful items with their own hands. These activities help children develop fine motor skills and might even help you or your child find a new favorite hobby.
Charlotte Mason Pros
Charlotte Mason Cons
Resources and Curriculum Recommendations
Home Education Series by Charlotte Mason: This six-volume series written by Charlotte Mason herself is the definitive guide to her educational philosophy and methods.
The Simply Charlotte Mason website provides many resources, including curriculum guides, living book recommendations, and practical advice for implementing the Charlotte Mason Method at home. They also have a podcast!
Montessori Homeschooling
The Montessori Method, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 20th century, is an educational approach that emphasizes child-led learning, hands-on activities, and a prepared environment. Montessori homeschooling focuses on fostering independence, self-discipline, and a love for learning by allowing children to explore and discover at their own pace within a structured framework. By embracing the Montessori Method, homeschooling families can create a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes independent learning, practical skills, and holistic development.
Key Characteristics
Prepared Environment: The learning environment is carefully organized and designed to facilitate independent exploration and discovery. Materials are arranged on accessible shelves, and the space is orderly and inviting, encouraging children to engage with their surroundings.
Hands-On Learning: Montessori education relies heavily on tactile and sensory experiences. Children use specially designed materials that promote understanding through manipulation and exploration, helping them grasp abstract concepts in concrete ways.
Child-Led Learning: Children are encouraged to choose their activities and work on them at their own pace. This approach respects each child’s natural development and interests, fostering intrinsic motivation and a sense of ownership over their learning.
Multi-Age Grouping: Montessori classrooms in traditional schools often include children of varying ages, which encourages peer learning, collaboration, and a sense of community. Older children can mentor younger ones, while younger children are inspired by their older peers. Of course, for homeschoolers, our groups are always mixed-age anyway!
Focus on Practical Life Skills: Practical activities, such as cooking, chores, and caring for a garden, are integral to Montessori education. These tasks help children develop fine motor skills, coordination, concentration, and independence.
Montessori Pros
Montessori Cons
Resources and Curriculum Recommendations
Montessori from the Start by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen: This book offers practical advice for implementing Montessori principles with young children at home, focusing on the early years.
Montessori for Everyone: An online resource providing a wide range of printable materials and lesson plans to support Montessori homeschooling.
Hometessori: This website has resources and curriculum for Montessori home educators. Their resources include lesson plans, over 2,500 printable materials, a monitoring spreadsheet, and extra support through email support and a community group.
North American Montessori Center (NAMC): Offers comprehensive homeschooling curriculum packages for various age groups, along with training and support for parents.
The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori: A foundational text that explores the philosophy and principles of Montessori education, providing insights into child development and learning.
The Waldorf Approach
The Waldorf Approach, developed by Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century, is a holistic educational philosophy that emphasizes imagination, creativity, and the integration of the arts into all subjects. Waldorf homeschooling aims to nurture the whole child—body, mind, and spirit—by fostering a love of learning through hands-on activities, storytelling, and artistic expression.
Key Characteristics
Developmental Stages: The Waldorf Approach is structured around three developmental stages: early childhood (birth to 7 years), middle childhood (7 to 14 years), and adolescence (14 to 21 years). Each stage has its own educational focus and methods tailored to the child’s developmental needs.
Integration of the Arts: Arts, music, and crafts are integrated into all subjects, encouraging creativity and self-expression. Activities such as drawing, painting, singing, and playing instruments are essential parts of the curriculum.
Storytelling and Imagination: Storytelling is a central element of Waldorf education. Myths, fairy tales, and legends are used to teach moral lessons, cultural history, and language skills, fostering imagination and a love for literature.
Rhythm and Routine: A consistent daily and weekly rhythm helps create a sense of security and predictability. Activities often align with seasonal cycles, incorporating festivals and celebrations to connect children with the natural world and cultural traditions.
Hands-On Learning: Practical activities like gardening, cooking, and handcrafts are emphasized, helping children develop fine motor skills, responsibility, and a connection to their work.
Waldorf Pros
Waldorf Cons
Resources and Curriculum Recommendations
Understanding Waldorf Education by Jack Petrash: This book provides a clear overview of the principles and practices of Waldorf education, making it accessible for homeschooling parents.
Waldorf Essentials: An online resource offering curriculum guides, lesson plans, and support for homeschooling families following the Waldorf Approach.
Earthschooling: Provides a comprehensive Waldorf-inspired curriculum with resources for all grade levels, including video tutorials and lesson plans.
The Education of the Child by Rudolf Steiner: A foundational text that outlines Steiner’s educational philosophy and the principles behind the Waldorf Approach.
Unschooling
Unschooling is a child-led approach to homeschooling that emphasizes learning through natural life experiences rather than a structured curriculum. Originating from the ideas of educator John Holt in the 1970s, unschooling trusts children to take the lead in their own education, exploring their interests and passions at their own pace.
Key Characteristics
Child-Led Learning: Unschooling gives children the freedom to direct their own learning. They pursue subjects and activities they are passionate about, which fosters a deep, intrinsic motivation to learn.
Experiential Learning: Learning happens through everyday activities such as playing, household chores, travel, reading, and social interactions. Real-world experiences and hands-on activities are the primary tools for learning.
No Formal Curriculum: There is no predefined curriculum or set schedule. Instead, parents provide a rich environment with resources and opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Trust and Respect: Unschooling is built on a foundation of trust and respect for the child’s natural curiosity and ability to learn. Parents act as facilitators, supporting their children’s interests without imposing their own agendas or expectations.
Flexibility: Unschooling is highly flexible, adapting to the child’s evolving interests and needs. It allows for a seamless integration of learning into daily life without the constraints of traditional school structures.
Unschooling Pros
Unschooling Cons
Resources and Curriculum Recommendations
How Children Learn by John Holt: A seminal work that explores the natural ways children learn and advocates for trusting children’s innate curiosity.
Sandra Dodd’s Big Book of Unschooling: A comprehensive resource that covers various aspects of unschooling, including day-to-day practices and philosophical foundations.
Living Joyfully: This website is run by Pam Laricchia, a veteran unschooling mom. There is a website, a podcast, and an online community and resource hub that provide support, articles, and information for unschooling families. She also wrote a book about unschooling.
Unschooling Blogs and Websites: Explore these unschooling blogs written by experienced professionals and veteran unschooling parents. You will get a firsthand look at what unschooling looks like in real life, and tips and motivation for your unschooling journey.
The Best Unschooling Books: Browse this list of the best unschooling books to get you started. By reading these books, you will feel ready to unschool your child confidently.
Eclectic Homeschooling
Eclectic homeschooling is a flexible, personalized approach that combines elements from various educational philosophies and methods to create a customized learning experience. Sometimes, it is also referred to as relaxed homeschooling. Families who choose this style select resources and techniques that best meet their children’s needs, preferences, and learning styles, often adjusting and evolving their approach over time. This personalized approach allows for continuous adaptation and growth, ensuring an engaging learning journey.
Key Characteristics
Customization: Eclectic homeschooling allows parents to tailor the educational experience to each child’s unique strengths, interests, and learning styles. This might involve mixing and matching different curricula, resources, and activities.
Flexibility: This approach offers significant flexibility in terms of scheduling, pacing, and content. Parents can adapt their methods and materials as their children’s needs and interests change.
Resource Variety: Eclectic homeschoolers use a wide range of resources, including textbooks, workbooks, online courses, living books, hands-on activities, field trips, and more. They may draw from traditional, classical, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, and other educational philosophies.
High Parental Involvement: Parents play a central role in selecting and organizing the materials and activities. They act as facilitators, guiding their children through a diverse and dynamic learning journey.
Goal-Oriented: While eclectic homeschooling is highly adaptable, it often involves setting specific goals or learning outcomes for each subject or skill area, allowing for a balanced and comprehensive education.
Eclectic Homeschooling Pros
Eclectic Homeschooling Cons
Resource Recommendations
The Ultimate Guide Book of Homeschooling Ideas by Linda Dobson: This comprehensive guide provides 500+ fun and creative learning activities for children ages 3-12. The suggested activities cover math, science, writing, history, manners, and more.
Outschool: A marketplace for live online classes taught by experienced instructors on diverse topics, allowing for customization and variety in the homeschooling experience.
Pinterest: A valuable resource for discovering creative and diverse homeschooling ideas, projects, and materials that can be incorporated into an eclectic approach.
Homeschool Subscription Boxes: Add a subscription box to your routine to provide hands-on learning to keep kids engaged and excited about learning!
Language Arts Curriculum: Pick from this list of over 20 language arts curriculum options to build your own unique curriculum for your child.
Homeschooling with Unit Studies
Homeschooling using unit studies is an approach that integrates multiple subjects around a central theme or topic, allowing children to make connections across different areas of knowledge. This method provides a cohesive and immersive learning experience, making education more engaging and meaningful. If you want a FREE unit study, be sure to download my free Human Body Unit Study!
Key Characteristics
Thematic Learning: Each unit study focuses on a central theme, which can be anything from ancient civilizations to butterflies. Subjects such as science, history, language arts, math, and art are all taught through the lens of this theme.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Unit studies emphasize the interconnectedness of different subjects. For example, a unit on space might include studying the science of astronomy, the history of space exploration, reading science fiction literature, and calculating distances between planets.
Hands-On Activities: Learning is often reinforced through hands-on projects, experiments, field trips, and creative activities related to the unit theme. These activities help solidify understanding and make learning fun.
Flexible and Adaptable: Unit studies can be tailored to fit each child’s interests, age levels, and learning styles. Depending on the depth and breadth of the topic, they can be as short as a week or extend over several months. Unit studies are a great way to keep kids learning through summertime.
Holistic Learning: By integrating various subjects, unit studies provide a holistic learning experience that helps children see the relevance and application of what they learn.
Unit Study Pros
Unit Study Cons
Resources and Curriculum Recommendations
Homeschool Share: An online resource offering free unit study ideas and lapbook templates on various topics suitable for different age groups.
Unit Study.com: Offers various unit studes on their site. Some material may have Christian undertones, but you can easily skip over those parts if you wish.
Harbor and Sprout: Provides unit studies for relaxed homeschooling families. Most of their resources are nature based and the curriculum is very flexible.
Etsy: There are so many wonderful unit studies on Etsy. Just search your term and see what pops up!
Worldschooling
In today’s increasingly globalized world, education is no longer confined to traditional classroom settings. Worldschooling is an innovative approach that combines travel and education, allowing children to explore different cultures, environments, and histories firsthand. This growing movement emphasizes real-world experiences, cultural immersion, and a flexible curriculum, providing an enriching and diverse learning journey. By integrating travel and learning, families can provide their children with a unique, hands-on education that fosters cultural awareness, global perspective, and a love for exploration.
Key Characteristics
Experiential Learning: Learning through direct experience and active involvement.
Cultural Immersion: Engaging with different cultures to gain a broader perspective.
Flexible Curriculum: Adapting educational content to fit travel experiences and opportunities.
Global Perspective: Children develop an inclusive worldview by experiencing various cultures and traditions firsthand. They also develop an appreciation for diversity and a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness.
Travel-Based Learning: Worldschooling emphasizes the educational value of travel. Visiting historical sites, museums, natural wonders, and local communities provides rich, hands-on learning opportunities that bring academic subjects to life.
Cultural Immersion: Children learn about different cultures by living among them, participating in local customs, and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. This immersion helps develop empathy, cultural awareness, and a global perspective.
Worldschooling Pros
Worldschooling Cons
Resources and Tools for Worldschooling Families
National Geographic Student Expeditions: Offers immersive travel programs for students, focusing on exploration and education.
Worldschooling Families: Blogs and vlogs by families who share their worldschooling journeys, offering tips, insights, and inspiration.
Worldschooling Facebook Groups: Online communities where worldschooling families can connect, share resources, and support each other.
Meetups: Opportunities to meet other worldschooling families in various locations around the world.
Final Thoughts: Homeschooling Philosophies and Styles
Homeschooling gives families unparalleled freedom, but it can also sometimes feel like an overwhelming responsibility.
Choosing a homeschooling style is a deeply personal decision that depends on your family’s unique needs, values, and learning preferences. Whether you lean towards the structured routine of traditional homeschooling or the flexibility of unschooling, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
The beauty of homeschooling lies in its adaptability and the ability to tailor education to fit your child’s individual strengths and interests. Trust yourself and your child, explore different homeschooling philosophies, and feel free to mix and match until you find what works best.
Homeschooling is a journey, and changing course along the way is okay. The most important thing is creating a nurturing and supportive environment where your child can thrive.
It is important to stay motivated and remind ourselves of why we started homeschooling in the first place. Make sure to read homeschooling books, listen to homeschooling podcasts, or visit homeschooling blogs often to keep yourself motivated.
You can also try monthly journaling to reset your mind and set clear and actionable goals for the upcoming month. I do a “monthly review” at the end of each month to see how I can improve and where I should focus my energy.
I wish you the best of luck on your homeschooling journey!
FAQ
What Are the Most Popular Homeschooling Philosophies and Styles?
The most popular homeschooling styles and philosophies include Traditional Homeschooling, Classical Education, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Unschooling, Unit Studies, Waldorf Education, Eclectic Homeschooling, and Worldschooling. Each approach offers unique methods and benefits, catering to different learning styles and family preferences. Many families choose to blend elements from various philosophies to create a customized approach that suits their needs. The key is to explore and find the method that aligns best with your family’s values and your children’s learning styles.
What is Charlotte Mason Homeschooling?
Charlotte Mason homeschooling is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the use of living books, nature study, and the development of good habits. It focuses on providing a rich, full education through engaging, well-written materials and encouraging a love for learning. This approach values a gentle, holistic method where education is seen as an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.
What is Unschooling?
Unschooling is a child-directed approach to education that allows learning to happen naturally through life experiences and pursuing individual interests. No formal curriculum is used. It emphasizes trust in a child’s natural curiosity and the belief that they will learn what they need to know as they explore their passions and the world around them.
What is Worldschooling?
Worldschooling is an educational approach where families use travel and global experiences as the primary method of learning. It emphasizes cultural immersion, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences, allowing children to learn about different cultures, languages, and histories firsthand.
How Do I Find My Homeschooling Style?
To find your homeschooling style, start by researching different educational philosophies and methods. Consider your child’s learning preferences, your teaching style, and your family’s values. You might try a few different approaches to see what works best. Many families find that a blend of styles suits their needs. Be flexible and willing to adapt as you discover what fits your family.
