So you've decided to move forward with
your hopes to homeschool your child/children. You've taken the time
to write out your goals, your ideas of how you'd like to your family
to be. (If you haven't complete this first step, click here to read
more.)
Now, take out those goals to look at.
Knowing the direction that your family is looking to grow will help
make finding methods and styles that work for you.
Homeschooling is as much a lifestyle
choice as it is an education alternative. Your beliefs about child
development, learning theory and life in general will influence the
homeschool philosophy you embrace. Many parents begin homeschooling
with a particular style and shift to other methods as they gain
experience.
What fits? You know your
child/children best and if you don't, you soon will. Every child and
family is different. As you've found out in exploring your family's
goals. Explore all the options. Talk to other homeschooling
families, read books, search the internet, and choose to do what fits
your family. As time goes by your style may change...enjoy the ride.
And remember—there is no one right answer.
The
following is a list of many of the popular approaches to
homeschooling. This is not an exhaustive list. For anyone who has
been in the homeschooling community, you probably already know how
quickly new ideas and styles take shape and are created. I have
taken some of the text from www.homeschoollearning.com
and those are marked as such.
Afro-Centric Homeschooling:
Afro-Centric
Homeschooling is used by many families of African descent who are
seeking to correct much of the mis-education about the history of
African people in African and around the world, and the history of
Black Americans in the Americas. There is a wide variety of methods
used but all focus on educating the whole child from that world view.
Classical Homeschooling:
The
classical educators firmly believe that the brain develops through
three stages: grammar, logic and rhetoric.
The
grammar stage starts at birth and generally continues until age
twelve. In the grammar stage the child is taught through listening,
reading, writing, and observation. The child is taught the
fundamental rules of science, are or the subject of study. Each
child is given only the basic concrete information based on facts
only. Since the child is unable to reason, only concrete and
truthful knowledge is given. In this way the child will not be
subjected to abstraction, but has been given only the facts and the
truth to set his foundation. The grammar curriculum, also called the
correct usage of language, includes: orthography—the study of the
elementary sounds, letters, and syllables for our English language,
phonics, etymology—the study of classification (parts of speech),
derivation (suffixes and prefixes), and properties of words (nouns
and verbs), syntax—the proper construction of sentences, and
spelling.
The
second stage of the trivium is called logic or the science of
reasoning. The logical stage for the child generally begins in
middle school and continues through high school. The child is now
independent, abstract and analytical. In the logical stage the child
is critically thinking. They are able to take the facts that were
given in the grammar stage, and ask, "Why?" The logical
child will dissect everything that they have learned and examine it
under natural and unalterable laws of reason. At this point the
child is given all the tools needed to look for the truth in the
information given and to arrive at valid and accurate conclusions.
The child will gain a great understanding of the subject matter in
this stage because the truth is now proven through this process.
The
high school child is in the rhetoric stage in pre-adulthood. In this
third and final stage, the child is able to combine the mechanics of
study and his thinking skills into one. The child, becoming a
persuasive adult has completely reached abstraction. She will take
all the knowledge that she has learned and expressively, effectively
and eloquently communicate the facts to others through the written
and spoken word. It is also believed that because the child at this
stage knows the facts so well and has tested them thoroughly, he can
now begin to test the unknown. At that point the child can now move
from being practical to theoretical. (www.homeschoollearning.com)
Classical
education has considerably grown within the homeschooling community.
The Well Trained Mind
by Susan Wise Bauer is what many consider the 'Homeschooling Bible'
and shares many resources that support this style of
learning/teaching. More information can be found online.
Charlotte
Mason Homeschooling:
Charlotte
Mason, known as the founder of the homeschooling movement, wanted all
children to develop a love for lifelong learning. As a child she was
homeschooled by her parents in England. She made education her
life's work after being orphaned at sixteen years of age. As an
adult she wrote a six-volume set titled Home Education. She opened
many schools for children throughout England and worked with
homeschool families through correspondence.
The
Mason method incorporates all core subjects, with a strong focal
point on the humanities—classic literature, noble poetry, fine
arts, crafts, and classical music. Charlotte Mason used the best
books, the best music, and the best art possible
(Please
note that her ideas about best
are subjective and only include works from one segment of history and
people.)
A
variety of classical literature books are used—she called them
"living books." Living books are books of high quality
that often include stories of real-life characters a child can easily
connect with. Mason spoke highly of the importance of poetry, the
enforcing
of
good habits, the importance of nature diaries and the value of
dictation and spellings. She believed that the development of good
character and good habits was essential. As the parent models these
integral traits and makes use of all teachable moments, the child
will develop completely. This method supports the child's own
learning style and abilities.
The
structured academic lessons are short and interesting, and last for
about an hour a day. When lessons are complete, the child goes out
into nature to draw what he observes in what Mason called a "nature
diary." By interacting with nature, the child gains a sense of
respect for the environment around him. Since the Mason method
involved developing a passionate awareness of literature, the young
child is read to daily. After reading short excerpts from living
books, the child is asked to narrate or tell the adult what she has
learned; giving back the information that was just read to her.
Narration is casual and natural. It beings as early as age six and
by age ten the child is expected to be able to write her narrations
in her nature notebooks. Narration puts the emphasis on what the
child knows, not on what she might have missed. As soon as the child
can rename or recite it, she observably knows it. After lessons are
complete, the children is given the free time to pursue any and all
interests.
This
method was developed by a homeschooled student specifically for
homeschool students. There is no curriculum to buy; books are
available at the public library. It can be used on its own, or it
can be used as a supplement to other educational methods. (Source:
www.homeschoollearning.com)
Of
course, if you want to purchase curricula or resources, you are sure
to find them online from publishers marketing to homeschool families.
Eclectic
Homeschooling:
Eclectic
Homeschooling, as the name implies, uses a variety of homeschool
approaches. Many homeschooling families today usually identify
themselves in this category because they have found that using a
variety of methods and resources match their individual family's
goals and allow them to be flexible with the different learning
styles their children possess.
Eclectic
parents are innovative and flexible (and
who doesn't want to be identified as that?!).
They trust their own judgement to pick out or piece together the
best curriculum from various methods and philosophies to complement
the academic and experiential learning of their child. They are more
inquisitive about educational materials, books, programs and
theories. Eclectic parents continually search for good products that
will meet the needs of their homeschoolers.
Although
most eclectic homeschoolers teach academics, textbooks are not used
alone. It is believed that each child needs the freedom to explore
his interests and to take advantage of everything and anything that
can be a learning experience. Many eclectic homeschoolers attend
private or group music and dance lessons, or go to classes with other
homeschoolers. Eclectic programs often include venturing out to
museums, public libraries, or nature walks. Eclectic homeschoolers
believe that their method provides them with an extremely effective
and functional system of learning. (www.homeschoollearning.com)
Montessori
Homeschooling:
The
Montessori Method and philosophy began almost a century ago, on
January 6, 1907, in a San Larenzo apartment building in Rome, Italy.
Maria Montessori, a scientist, physical, anthropologist and
philosopher, developed this method of education for children as the
result of continuous scientific observations of the children of San
Larenzo.
Maria
Montessori notices that the children had sensitive periods. During
these sensitive periods the child works within one area of the
environment at a time. Sensitive periods bring on intense
concentration, so intense that the child will be almost unaware of
the rest of his surroundings. The child during these periods will
also continuously repeat an activity until an inner satisfaction is
met. The Montessori Method calls this process of repetition
normalization.
Montessori
explained that accomplishments of the child's highly developed
cognitive skills with a description of what she called the absorbent
mind. Montessori often said, "Impressions do not merely enter
his mind; they form it" (Absorbent Mind, 1995). The absorbent
mind first prepares the unconscious. The mind then slowly awakens to
the conscious level, establishing memory, and the power to understand
and reason. The knowledge that the child is internally seeking is
then absorbed.
The
Montessori Method was created so that Maria Montessori's philosophy
could be implemented. Montessori believe the environment was second
to life itself. She said, "It can modify in that it can help or
hinder, but it can never create" (The Montessori Method, 1912).
The Montessori environment is called the prepared environment. There
are six essential components to the prepared environment: freedom,
structure and order, reality and nature, beauty and atmosphere, the
didactic materials, and the development of community life.
A
child having freedom in a prepared environment will be able to
develop physically, mentally, and emotionally to his and her full
potential. The child uses this freedom to work with the educational
materials and to socialize with others. All the materials are
designed to fulfill the inner desire for self-construction and the
spiritual development of the child. The materials indirectly prepare
the child for future learning by capturing the child's attention and
initiating concentration. The materials at first are concrete and
gradually become abstract. Each set of materials professes from
simple to complex. The prepared environment and its atmosphere must
be pleasant to encourage positive growth and spontaneity. The
environment must be cheerful, relaxing and warm, inviting the child
to participate so he can fulfill his inner will.
Implementation
of the Montessori Method can be expensive, especially if you are
planning to purchase Montessori materials. Fortunately there are
many books, retailers, and Web sites that can help. A wonderful book
for Montessori homeschool implementation is Teaching Montessori in
the Home by Elizabeth Hainstock. Hainstock has also written books
for Montessori homeschool by age or grade. These books give detailed
instructions on how to build or make your own materials and how to
use them. The books are available in most bookstores and public
libraries. (Source: www.homeschoollearning.com)
The Moore Formula:
Dr.
Raymond and Dorothy Moore, known as the grandparents of Christian
homeschool education, created their own educational system through
years of research, and have written countless books and videos. In
the 1980s they were one of the very few voices heard on homeschooling
and its benefits, methods and advantages.
The
Moore's believe in the homeschool method that allows the child to
develop at his own pace through informal education until the age of
eight. Between the ages of eight and ten years (depending on
developmental readiness) the child begins formal education.
Following the Moore formula, the child trains in good habits and
obedience, and cultivates a sense of togetherness within her family,
as well as at church and in society at large.
The
Moore formula is based on a balanced approach that includes study,
work and service. The child's interest is the focal point for
learning. Depending on the child's developmental level, she studies
each day for a few minutes to a few hours. Work, called
entrepreneurship by the Moores, is considered key to the curriculum.
Whether in the family home or in a home-based business, work should
be incorporated within any unit of study. Service, either in the
home, the church, or out in the community, is also a key component of
the curriculum. By providing service to others, the child is
learning patience and the moral value of helping others. The Moore
Formula is a Christian-based program, so Bible study and memorization
is essential and should be done daily. It is believed that through
this curriculum and the guidance and examples set by parents,
children will become practical, productive, disciplined, and
responsible, mature leaders and have excellent character.
The
Moore curriculum was specifically formulated for the homeschooled
student. It is considered to be a low-cost and low-stress curriculum
that provides the homeschool community with a highly successful
work-study and behavior program. (Source: www.homeschoollearning.com)
Something
to note: This method can be easily adapted to meet the needs of any
religious family, christian or otherwise, as all paths seek to
instill values and morals. Use your practice and theology in place
of the Christian ones in this method.
School-at-Home
or Structured Approach or Traditional Approach:
This
is the approach that mimics traditional school in every way.
Homeschooling families using this approach typically have a
designated classroom in the home with all the bells and whistles of a
public- or private-school classroom (desks, board, textbooks, etc.).
Subjects are taught independently of themselves from textbooks and
parents use a structured curriculum. Children work at a desk or
table for a set number of hours to complete their work.
Lesson
plans are followed for the grade-level work and students are
encouraged to remain on schedule so that everything is covered,
alleviating the idea that there are no learning gaps. Tests are
given regularly to judge whether or not skills have been mastered.
This
is the method most families new to homeschooling select. It's a
familiar approach, since this is what is used in school and many say
they fear 'messing their kids up' by using another approach. There
are pros for starting in this way, especially if you're pulling your
children out of school.
Unit Studies
Approach:
The
unit studies approach is designed to give both in-depth and broad
understandings of subjects revolving around some entire theme that
interests the child. This integrated approach includes science,
math, geography, art, music, history, language, literature, drama,
and creative movement. It is often referred to as a
multi-disciplinary or a thematic approach. It is an experiential,
hands-on approach to learning. It is believe that when children go
into such depth, and spend a generous amount of time on each theme;
their retention of the subject is higher than in traditional methods.
Since
the central focus is on on theme, all core subjects are integrated
together based on that particular theme. The primary advantage, of
course, is that the subjects are blended together and not learned
separately. There are many other advantages with the unit study
approach:
- Children of all ages and different levels can learn together.
- Unit studies are relatively low in cost, especially if you create your own unit.
- Because the studies are learner-generated, the child gets an in-depth understanding of each topic, and in turn develops mastery and retention of the material.
- Since there are no time restraints, the child is given ample time to think, experiment and discover each topic through his own natural way of learning.
- Since unit studies are multi-aged, the younger child learns immeasurably from and through the older child.
- The creative hands-on projects and activities are great fun.
- Anything can spark an interest, television, radio, books, and common conversations. This makes unit studies planning fairly easy.
(Source:
www.homeschoollearning.com)
Many
families use unit studies, sometimes without realizing it. With
younger children it is very easy to create your own using resources
from the library and online sources. There are lots of materials for
purchase at fairly low prices to homeschoolers on a variety of
topics/subjects.
Unschooling:
The
term unschooling
originated in the 1960s in the teachings of a Boston public educator
named John Holt. He did not agree with the way children were being
forced to learn through teacher dictation. Holt believed that
children learn best through free or child-led education, where the
child is free to learn at his own pace, in his own unique way, guided
by his interests. Holt often lectured on his view of free education,
hoping to change the public education methods. After becoming
disillusioned with the public schools' resistance to change, Holt
began to encourage disheartened parents to try unschooling or
schooling in the home. His basic message was to "unschool"
their children, a parent only needs to allow the child to direct his
own learning through his interests and provide the child with
educational experiences and materials. If the child asks questions,
simply answer him; if you don't know the answer, show the child the
direction needed to discover the answer.
The
philosophy behind the unschooling approach is that the child learns
and retains much more when allowed to follow interests, share in real
life experiences and exploration. The adults within this approach
recognize how imperative it is for children to have access to the
things that interest them. Because of this, the unschooled parent is
always seeking materials, classes, and other teachers that can take
the child to deeper depths and broader horizons. The parent
understands that learning can occur anytime and anywhere, so she is
constantly facilitating, and mentoring this collaborated process. In
this independent, natural and experiential philosophy, it is
important for the child to feel comfortable so that he can perceive
the interconnectedness of everything.
The
unschooled method is hands-on approach. The adult takes learning
cues from the child and introduces all education subjects through the
child's interests. There is no set curriculum, materials or
schedules. The days flow to the child's changing needs and
experiences. Topics or interests come from rich experiences
television, radio, computers and conversations. Learning experiences
can last for a short period of time or a long period of time.
Learning experiences are based on the child's timetable, interest and
readiness.
The
unschooling method is the most unstructured of all of the
homeschooling methods and philosophies. This less formal approach to
education has been often said to be a good transition for children
coming from institutional experiences. Many parents have reported
that they used the unschooling method until finding an approach that
worked best for them. Others have started the unschooling method and
never left it. (Source: www.homeschoollearning.com)
To read other posts in the series click here.
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