Common Approaches to Home Education
When deciding on an approach to homeschooling, a parent considers the needs of the student, the lifestyle the family desires, and the learning styles of both parent and child. Common approaches to homeschooling generally fall into one of the following categories:
Traditional Approach: a more structured, textbook approach; closely parallels subjects taught at public/private schools; school-at-home.
Unit Study Approach: study of a topic includes aspects of basic academic subjects (math, reading, writing); more hands-on and uses libraries and community resources rather than textbooks.
Interest Initiated or Unschooling Approach: student's interest directs areas of study/learning; parent supports and facilitates the student's learning with “real-life” experiences.
Eclectic Approach: combines traditional, unit study, and unschooling; parent will use anything that encourages enthusiasm for learning and meeting the student's needs.
Other viewpoints influencing Home Education include:
Classical Approach: highly structured educational style; based on method called the trivium developed by Dorothy Sayers; a three part process of literally training a child's mind; emphasizes ancient disciplines and classics.
Moore Formula Approach: embraces readiness principle for all tasks; researched by Raymond and Dorothy Moore; uses the student's interests and a balance of study, work, and community service.
Charlotte Mason Approach: uses intellectually nourishing “living books” and narration (a child's telling in his own words - written or orally); developed by British educator Charlotte Mason in the early 1900s; makes time for nature observation, art and music appreciation, and hospitality.
Choosing Curriculum
Choosing the appropriate curriculum for your child(ren) will be dependent primarily on the approach you choose. There are many sources available to help you choose the curriculum that fits your family's needs. Books, catalogs, and the internet are all useful in finding curriculum. Your supervising teacher and the LMHSAP Resource Library can help you to get started. Start simply and don't be intimidated by the number of choices available to home schoolers. Trial and error and a sense of adventure in your homeschool journey will help you discover what works best for you and your child(ren).