Homeschooling has become an increasingly popular option for many families over the past few decades, with the number of homeschooled children in the United States estimated to reach 5 million in 202 With homeschooling comes many choices, including different teaching styles and approaches.
It can be overwhelming to try to choose the best approach for your family’s homeschool. Understanding the various different styles of homeschooling can help you choose the approach that suits you and your children best.
1 – The Eclectic Style of Homeschooling
The Eclectic approach to homeschooling is one of the most popular styles among families, as it allows parents to choose the best educational materials and resources for their children. This approach is often seen as a compromise for parents who are unsure of which method of homeschooling to choose. With Eclectic homeschooling, the educator takes from a range of different learning resources and methods, such as traditional textbooks, educational apps, and learning programs, in order to create a customized learning experience for the child.
The parent or educator has the flexibility to incorporate different styles of teaching, such as Montessori, Classical, and Unschooling, within this approach, which makes it ideal for children who may not do particularly well with just one style of teaching.
2 – The Montessori Style of Homeschooling
The Montessori method of homeschooling is based on the educational model of Dr. Maria Montessori, who was a physician and an educational expert from Italy. Her style of instruction focuses on individuality and independence, enabling children to learn through a hands-on approach.
This encourages the development of critical thinking, self-discipline, and task completion. They also learn through their environment and through activities that help them develop a natural affinity for learning.
Montessori homeschooling is unique in that it enables parents to customize their children’s curriculum to their specific interests and needs.
3 – The Classical Style of Homeschooling
The Classical approach to homeschooling is based on traditional methods of teaching and learning, and focuses on the arts, music and literature. This style of homeschooling emphasizes the importance of developing excellent literacy and analytical skills in children.
It also encourages the study of history, language and the sciences. This style of homeschooling allows educators and parents to customize their curriculum to suit the needs of their particular child, and can be particularly beneficial for students who need additional instruction in order to do well in traditional school systems.
4 – The Unschooling Style of Homeschooling
The Unschooling approach to homeschooling is based on the principle of allowing children to learn through their own interests and motivations. This form of homeschooling does not follow any specific curriculum or structure, and places the emphasis for the child on developing their own interests, goals and aspirations.
Here, the child is expected to initiate their own learning projects and experiences, which allows them to learn from exploration and experimentation. Unschooling is particularly popular among families with younger children, as it enables them to develop strong exploration and inquiry skills.
5 – The Charlotte Mason Style of Homeschooling
The Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling draws on the work of Miss Charlotte Mason, a British educator who believed in developing children’s bonds with their surroundings. This teaching method involves a focus on incorporating the natural world into the learning process, as well as building relationships with peers, family and the environment.
This style incorporates diverse educational activities such as literature and nature studies, as well as hands-on activities, in an effort to shape children’s curiosities and stir their minds.
6 – The Waldorf Style of Homeschooling
The Waldorf approach to homeschooling is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian-born educator. This style of homeschooling focuses on respecting the child’s natural development and rhythm of learning. This approach involves incorporating the arts, storytelling, music and movement into the learning process.
It is also beneficial for developing a strong sense of imagination and helping children to connect to their spiritual sides.
7 – The Unit Studies Style of Homeschooling
The Unit Studies approach to homeschooling involves studying a single topic in-depth. This style of homeschooling may be used to supplement traditional school work, or it can be done in a blended format.
When done on its own, Unit Studies involves encompassing the entire curriculum around a single topic. This could involve reading books and articles on a topic, conducting research, or performing experiential activities such as field trips. This approach is effective in encouraging children to think critically and develop their ability to apply the information they’ve learned to real-world situations.
8 – The Traditional Style of Homeschooling
The Traditional style of homeschooling is based on the same approaches used in traditional school settings. This involves following the same curriculum used in public education.
Parents or educators typically use textbooks, take part in weekly courses, and cover all the required state standards. This style of homeschooling is best suited for families who want to ensure their child is receiving an education that is similar to what is offered in public schools.
9 – The Liberal Arts Style of Homeschooling
The Liberal Arts approach to homeschooling combines the traditional curriculum of mathematics, science, reading and writing with the study of classical literature, history, philosophy and the humanities. This style of homeschooling is often used to supplement traditional school curriculums or to provide an independent, creative and personalized learning experience. This style focuses on allowing the freedom to explore and discuss challenging and thought-provoking topics, as well as developing essential life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and communication.
10 – The Roadschooling Style of Homeschooling
The Roadschooling approach to homeschooling combines a traditional homeschooling education with travel and exploration. This style of homeschooling is particularly popular among families who travel, such as RV and van-dwellers. Here, the main emphasis is placed on connecting the physical world with the world of education, allowing children to learn while they travel.
This style of homeschooling provides an opportunity to gain a first-hand understanding of historical and current events, as well as to connect with different cultures and explore unique places.
11 – The Worldschooling Style of Homeschooling
The Worldschooling approach to homeschooling is similar to Roadschooling, in that it combines traditional homeschooling with travel and exploration. However, the main difference is that Worldschooling can be done in any location, from a rural homestead to the bustling streets of a big city. This method of education focuses on bringing the world into the learning process, and encourages children to experience different cultures, customs and beliefs.
12 – The Hybrid Homeschooling Style
The Hybrid approach to homeschooling involves combining some of the above styles of learning. This enables families to blend different teaching styles and can often be less overwhelming for parents who are unsure of which approach to pursue. The Hybrid homeschooling style allows parents to combine Unschooling with traditional classroom methods, Eclectic styles with unit studies or Montessori with Charlotte Mason, or any other combination desired.
13 – The Hybrid Homeschooling Style
The Online approach to homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular option as digital learning programs have gained traction in recent years. This style of homeschooling allows parents and educators to interact with virtual classrooms, use online resources and take part in educational courses and activities.
This method of homeschooling allows for more flexibility and enables students to access resources from all around the world without leaving their home. Additionally, many online homeschooling resources are now available for free, which makes this approach more accessible for families.
Conclusion
Homeschooling offers a wide range of styles and approaches for families to choose from, depending on their individual preferences. From the Eclectic to the Unschooling approaches, there is something suitable for every family. Understanding the different styles of homeschooling can help you choose the best option for your children and your family.
This can ensure that their education is tailored to their individual needs and provides them with the necessary tools to excel.