6 – Best types of homeschooling approaches

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Homeschooling might be one of the options you are considering for your child. There are many advantages to homeschooling, and many studies have revealed how the homeschooled students outpace conventionally schooled children in writing, reading, reasoning, and standardized tests. They are noted to be better performers in college, and also take an interest in giving back to their communities. There are many types of homeschooling approaches; we have outlined a few of them so that you can make an informed decision.

6 – Best types of homeschooling approaches

1. Unschooling

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This method is known as child-led, interest-led learning, which focuses on the natural interests of the child. Children learn from everyday experiences and there are no set formal lessons or school schedules. According to the founder of this method, John Holt, children learn all the time, and can learn much better even without a structured approach.

It is one of the best ways to homeschool, as children are given the freedom to learn and to play, and pursue their interests to the extent that they can become experts in what they are interested in. Parents gently guide by leaving out books and equipment such as microscopes to be discovered by the children. ‘Unschooling’ is one of the popular types of homeschooling approaches.

The disadvantage is that they might have difficulty if they decide to enter the school system.

2. Classical approach

homeschoolingThe Classical method has been used since the Middle Ages. It teaches children to develop their self-learning skills. The method follows ‘Trivium’ – Reason, Record, Research, Relate, Rhetoric. Younger children focus on the first 3 ‘R’s. Parents might enhance homeschooling with technology, and allow children to research on the net. Classical approach homeschoolers create unique History Notebooks.

Children and parents get up early in the morning, between 5-6:30 am, and do their chores, shower and dress, followed by breakfast at 7. The children study general lessons from 8:30 – 9:30 am, followed by the mother reading aloud for about 45 minutes. The whole day is divided into specific times for everything, including prayers and nap or art time in the afternoon. Children help in preparing all the meals, and there is also a time set for the father to read aloud. Bedtime is at 9 pm.

This method is considered to be one of the best styles of homeschooling.

3. Multiple Intelligences approach

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Developed by Harvard University and Howard Gardner, this method is based on the concept that everyone has different ‘intelligences’ and learning is easier when a child is using his/her area of strength.

In these types of homeschooling approaches, children who learn more through body kinesthetic are taught by touch rather than logical mathematics and linguistics. For example, a child may listen to audiobooks while drawing or playing. If your child learns by reading, then he or she may learn by reading lots of book and writing essays.

Children learn by using beads and faction rods, listening, having hand’s on experience for science. The whole family gets involved in geography and history activities. Parents provide a lot of exposure to children in music and arts, to find something which sparks their interest and support them to pursue it.

This method could be the best way to homeschool a child who finds it difficult to sit still and concentrate.

4. School-at-Home style

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This method is easy to follow as it has boxed curriculum which parents can purchase. The parents can use the textbooks, grades, study schedules and keep records, but can make up their own schedules.

This method can be a big help to parents who are just starting to homeschool their children as they would know when and how to teach things. Parents have to work hard in this method, and though they can enhance homeschooling with technology, some children may find it not as fun as other homeschooling methods. Typically, children study from 8 am to 12 pm.

5. Charlotte Mason method

homeschoolingThe core belief of this types of homeschooling approaches is that children learn better through ‘living textbooks’, by being involved in real learning situations. Nature walks, visits to museums, and switching from passive to active tasks, and children learn from 9 am to 2 pm. Fridays are meant for field trips.

6. Waldorf method

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The Waldorf is one of types of homeschooling approaches which are based on Rudolf Steiner’s education approach of teaching children in body, spirit and mind. Children in this method of homeschooling create textbooks by themselves.

Waldorf method discourages using computers and television as these are supposed to be bad for children’s creativity and health.

The day is structured as Waldorf method emphasizes consistency and rhythm.

Montessori and Unit Studies are other methods of homeschooling. Eclectic education or ‘Relaxed’ homeschooling is one of the best styles which are also the most popular method. It is child directed and there is free exchange of ideas between the children and parents. You can opt for Eclectic method as it not curriculum based, most flexible, and parents use a combination of different homeschooling methods to teach their wards.

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