Methods of Homeschooling: A Brief Sampling with Examples

Charlotte Mason

This method is based on Charlotte Mason’s teaching that children learn primarily from living books, rather than textbooks. They should have time to play, create journals, visit museums, study nature, as well as develop good study habits, memorize poetry, and write narrations.

• Charlotte Mason’s Original Homeschooling Series by Charlotte Mason
• A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola
• Charlotte Mason Education by Catherine Levison
• For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
• A Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola

Traditional

This method is based on the idea of a typical classroom school, with textbooks, workbooks, and schedules. There is a clear scope and sequence to keep the student on track and to minimize any potential gaps that may occur.

• A Beka Book Homeschool  www.abeka.com/homeschool
• Bob Jones University Press  www.bjupress.com
• Alpha & Omega  www.aophomeschooling.com

Classical

Teaching is based on the three stages of learning, otherwise known as the Trivium, which are the grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages. The Socratic Method, Latin, and the great books of Western tradition are also essential parts of this method.

• The Well-Trained Mind by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer
• Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning by Douglas Wilson
• The Core by Leigh Bortins
• Veritas Press Academy  www.veritaspress.com

Principle

Every subject is taught from a Christian worldview, with an understanding of God’s hand in the founding of America. The Notebook Method is used in order to research, reason, relate, and record.

• America’s Godly Heritage by David Barton
• America’s Providential History by Mark A. Beliles
• Foundation for American Christian Education  www.face.net
• The Noah Plan Books  www.facebookstore.net
• Beautiful Feet Books  www.bfbooks.com
• Wall Builders  www.wallbuilders.com

Unit Study

One specific area of interest is studied, while incorporating all of the subjects into that study (math, language arts, literature, history, and science). Oftentimes, fieldtrips, crafts, and reenactments center around the topic as well.

• Unit Studies Made Easy by Valerie Bendt
• Five in a Row  www.fiveinarow.com
• My Father’s World  www.mfwbooks.com
• KONOS  www.konos.com
• Tapestry of Grace  www.tapestryofgrace.com

Unschooling

A method in which a child leads the learning based on his interests and life experiences. There are no formal lessons or schedules, but the education is driven through the child’s own curiosity.

• The Relaxed Homeschooler by Mary Hood
• The Unschooling Handbook by Mary Griffith

Written by Niki Parsley.