Waldorf education is based on the work of Austrian educator Rudolf Steiner and was designed for use in small private schools. The methods have been adapted for use in the homeschool setting. Stressing the importance of educating the whole child in mind, body and spirit, there is an emphasis in the early grades on arts
Unschooling is a child-led method of homeschooling that is strongly influenced by the work of John Holt. This style of homeschooling is also referred to as “natural learning”, “experience-based learning”, “interest-led learning”, “deschooling”, or “independent learning”. Unschoolers tend to avoid typical school schedules, textbooks, tests or formal lessons; and, prefer to have children learn by following their
Unit studies take a theme or topic and incorporate all or many different subjects into that topic (language arts, history, geography, science, arts, etc.). They are a popular way of organizing homeschool studies and are compatible with many homeschool methods. Unit studies can be created by the teaching parent, but there are also many prepared
An “Umbrella” or “cover” school will approve and oversee a homeschool program. They may offer distance learning that can be used for one subject or as a complete curriculum. Some provide the learning materials while others work with the parents to find curriculum choices that are the best fit for the family. There are umbrella
The traditional or school-at-home method is a popular homeschool choice due to its familiarity and ease of use. Prepackaged curricula often use textbooks and workbooks with lessons, study schedules, assignments and tests all laid out for the parent teacher to follow. Some programs offer more support with online video classes and teachers who mark assignments
Project-based homeschooling is based on the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, developed in Italy after World War 2. The Célestin Freinet method is a similar project-based approach to learning. The child takes all the responsibility for their project and their learning, with parents assisting them with research, planning, or obtaining resources for their projects. Real-life learning
Notebooking is not a homeschool philosophy, but rather a popular method for students to journal and reinforce their learning. Journaling is an ageless discipline that not only records the journey of learning, but develops a child’s writing voice and creative talents. Written narrations, copywork, timelines, reports, lists, observations, drawings, maps and photographs are some of
The literature-based homeschool avoids the use of textbooks and workbooks whenever possible, using high-quality literature instead. “High-quality literature” is also referred to as “Great Books”, “Living Books” and “real books”. Literature choices may include: fiction or non-fiction written by renowned authors; children’s books; chapter books; popular best sellers; biographies; historic fiction; online magazines; relevant ancient
The classical approach has roots that date back to the Middle Ages. It is based on three stages of teaching called the Trivium. After younger children have a preparing stage learning the three R’s, they begin the Grammar Stage (ages 6-10) where they focus on absorbing information and memorizing the rules of phonics, spelling, grammar,
The Montessori method was developed out of the psychology work of Maria Montessori, an early 20th century Italian physician and educator who worked with special-needs children. She believed that children learn best in a “properly prepared environment” that promotes independent learning and exploration. This student-based approach uses free movement, large unstructured time blocks, and multi-grade
