Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to creative curriculums available, economic concerns, parents’ desire to be more hands-on with their child’s education, and various social reasons. Homeschool curriculums cover all academic topics, and encompass a range of options that are tailored to the student’s needs, allowing parents to provide the best education for their children. This article will discuss the various different types of homeschool curriculum and its characteristics so that parents can make an informed choice when it comes to educating their children.
Traditional Homeschool Curriculum
Traditional homeschool curriculum is based off the traditional schooling model and is typically provided in a structured and familiar form. This type of curriculum focuses on teaching children the same concept-based topics a student would receive in a public school setting.
This includes English grammar, mathematics, history, science, and more. The focus is on teaching students the fundamentals, so the curriculum is often more structured and organized than other curriculums. This type of curriculum is a great option for those who want their children to stay on track with the traditional school educational model, but from the comfort of home.
Traditional homeschool curriculum usually consists of textbooks, worksheets, and other printed materials that can be purchased via an online retailer or your local school supplier. Parents also have the option to supplement these materials with digital educational resources, such as an interactive math or language-learning computer program. Children who follow traditional home school curriculum can expect to learn the same subjects, but with a more creative and personalized approach.
Charlotte Mason Homeschool Curriculum
Based on Charlotte Mason’s theories, the Charlotte Mason homeschool curriculum places emphasis on the importance of nature study, literature, and history. The curriculum emphasizes reading great books and immersing the student in living history, rather than from textbooks. The curricula also includes music, art, and short-term nature studies and combines academic learning with a more organic, nature-based approach.
This type of curriculum appeals to parents looking for a more experienced approach to education, keeping in mind Charlotte Mason’s advice that, “we should never let books eclipse life. ”Charlotte Mason homeschool curriculum includes a wide range of materials, such as novels, biographies, poetry, and nature study books.
Parents can also supplement the curricula with audio versions of books to make it easier for children to immerse themselves in literature. Charlotte Mason homeschool curricula usually consists of 3 core components: knowledge, skills, and character. These components are meant to provide children with a well-rounded education, teaching them academic knowledge in a creative, meaningful way.
Unschooling
Unschooling is a very de-structured type of homeschool and allows children to take charge of their own learning by following their passions and interests. The idea behind unschooling is that children learn best when they are in charge of their own education and when they are able to learn through experiences.
Each family’s unschooling experience will be unique, as children are encouraged to find their own interests and pursue them. This type of learning does not require any type of curriculum, as there are no set expectations for children to meet. Unschooling can be done in a variety of ways, such as by visiting museums, going on nature walks, hands-on activities, and field trips.
Unschooling typically does not include textbooks, worksheets, or other traditional homeschool materials. Instead, parents can find a variety of resources online or in libraries that help support the subjects the child is interested in. Once the child has shown a sustained interest in a particular topic, parents can introduce more structured materials, such as textbooks and worksheets, to help the child become more knowledgeable and proficient in the subject.
Montessori Homeschool Curriculum
The Montessori homeschool curriculum is based off of Maria Montessori’s theories which promote an individualized approach to education and a “whole child” approach to learning. This type of curriculum allows children to explore, experiment, research, and manipulate materials as part of the learning process. It emphasizes free choice, peer learning, hands-on activities, and cultivating a sense of self-worth.
The Montessori homeschool curriculum is filled with materials that children can explore and manipulate at their own pace, such as puzzles and playdough. Parents are often encouraged to take a less hands-on approach, allowing the child to explore the materials and learn on their own.
Many of these materials can be purchased in a Montessori homeschool kit or you can find them online. In addition to the materials, parents should also focus on providing engaging and interesting activities that will help the student reach the educational goals that are set.
Liveschooling
Liveschooling is a hybrid approach to homeschooling, combining elements of traditional schooling and unschooling. Liveschooling emphasizes putting real-life experiences at the core of learning, by combining traditional school content with real-world scenarios and experiences.
Parents who choose liveschooling are encouraged to find learning experiences in everyday activities, such as going to the grocery store or cooking dinner together. This type of curriculum does not require any type of materials or textbooks, but parents should focus on finding meaningful activities that their children can build off of. Liveschooling is a great way to encourage hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, and independent learning.
Parents are also encouraged to customize their child’s education to meet their personal learning style and interests.
Classical Homeschool Curriculum
The classical homeschool curriculum is designed to provide a complete and comprehensive education that is focused on cultivating a love of learning. This type of curriculum consists of core subjects such as mathematics, science, language, music, art, and history.
There is also a focus on literature and reading, specifically classic literature and works of the great philosophers. The materials for this type of curriculum are typically written from a Christian perspective, but there are non-religious versions available as well. Most classical homeschool curriculums can be purchased as a package, but some parents also choose to develop their own curriculum by researching individual materials and creating a personalized syllabus for each student.
Eclectic Homeschool Curriculum
The eclectic homeschool curriculum is a combination of multiple types of curricula and is tailor-made for each student. This type of curriculum is not guided by any one school of thought, but is instead designed to best fit the student’s individual learning needs.
Eclectic homeschooling allows parents to blend materials and resources from different sources, giving the student a more personalized education tailored to their needs. This type of curriculum can include a mix of traditional textbooks, Charlotte Mason materials, Montessori materials, literature, worksheets, and more. Parents who choose this type of curriculum are also encouraged to supplement these materials with field trips, activities, and experiences.
Parents should always make sure the material they choose is age-appropriate and that it meets the student’s educational goals.
Project-Based Homeschool Curriculum
Project-based homeschool curriculum is another personalization of the traditional homeschool curriculum in which the curriculum is centered around one or more projects that the student can complete. This type of curriculum allows students to focus on one concept or idea, such as music history, and develop their skills and knowledge through dives into research and hands-on experiences.
Project-based homeschool curriculum encourages students to think creatively and learn in-depth about a certain topic. Parents should focus on creating meaningful projects that have clear educational benefits and objectives. Projects can be centered on one subject, such as the scientific method, or span multiple subjects, such as the history of jazz music.
Parents should focus on providing materials that encourage critical thinking and independent learning.
Online Homeschool Curriculum
Online homeschool curriculum is becoming increasingly popular with parents who are looking for a more efficient and convenient way to provide their children with an education. These types of curriculums typically provide students with access to digital materials, such as videos and interactive programs, that can be accessed at any time.
Online home school curriculums typically come with digital textbooks, streaming lectures, online assessments, and online activities. Parents can also supplement the material with real-life experiences and projects. Online homeschool curriculum can be a great choice for families that have limited resources, such as those who are traveling or are in a remote area.
Conclusion
When it comes to providing an education for their children, there are many different types of homeschool curriculum available. Parents should choose the curriculum that best suits their child and their educational goals, whether that be traditional, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, Montessori, liveschooling, classical, eclectic, project-based, or online homeschool curriculum. Keeping in mind the child’s individual needs and interests is key to finding the best curriculum.
By understanding the different types of homeschool curriculum and their characteristics, parents can make an informed decision and provide their children with the best education.