Find your homeschool style, what kind of homeschooler are you?



The decision to homeschool your child is a big one, and it's important to find a homeschool style that works best for your family. Here are the top 5 homeschool styles to consider:

  1. Traditional homeschooling: This style is most similar to a traditional classroom setting, with structured lessons and a set curriculum. It typically involves using textbooks and other resources to guide the learning process.

  2. Classical homeschooling: This style focuses on the classical model of education, which includes a heavy emphasis on the "great books" of Western literature and history. It also includes the study of Latin and other subjects that are not typically part of a traditional curriculum.

  3. Montessori homeschooling: This style is based on the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, which emphasizes self-directed learning and hands-on experiences. In a Montessori homeschool setting, children are encouraged to explore their interests and learn at their own pace.

  4. Unschooling: This style of homeschooling is based on the idea that children learn best through real-life experiences and self-directed learning. Unschooling families typically do not use a set curriculum, but rather allow their children to learn through everyday experiences and following their own interests.

  5. Charlotte Mason homeschooling: This style emphasizes a love of learning, nature study, and the use of living books (books written by an author with a passion for their subject). It also includes the use of narration (a child retelling a story or concept in their own words) and copywork (writing out passages from literature by hand).

Ultimately, the best homeschool style for your family will depend on your child's learning style, your parenting style, and your family's educational goals. It's important to research and consider all of your options before making a decision.

Let's take a deeper look at the different homeschool styles!


Traditional Homeschooling

Traditional homeschooling is a style of homeschooling that is most similar to a traditional classroom setting. It typically involves using a set curriculum, such as textbooks and other educational resources, to guide the learning process. In a traditional homeschool setting, parents typically act as the primary teachers, but may also use tutors or online courses to supplement their child's education.

One of the benefits of traditional homeschooling is that it provides a structured learning environment, which can be helpful for children who thrive in a more structured setting. It also allows parents to have more control over their child's education, including the ability to tailor the curriculum to their child's individual needs and interests.

However, traditional homeschooling can also be time-intensive for parents, as it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that all necessary subjects are covered. It can also be more expensive, as it may require the purchase of textbooks and other educational resources.

Overall, traditional homeschooling is a good fit for families who prefer a structured learning environment and are willing to put in the time and effort to plan and execute a traditional homeschool curriculum.

If you went to public or private school yourself, this method of homeschooling will probably feel the most familiar to you.


Classical Homeschooling

Classical homeschooling is a style of homeschooling that focuses on the classical model of education, which includes a heavy emphasis on the "great books" of Western literature and history. It also often includes the study of Latin and other subjects that are not typically part of a traditional curriculum.

In a classical homeschool setting, children typically progress through three stages of learning: the grammar stage, the dialectic stage, and the rhetoric stage. The grammar stage (typically ages 5-9) is focused on learning the basic facts and concepts of a subject. The dialectic stage (typically ages 9-12) is focused on learning to think logically and argue effectively. The rhetoric stage (typically ages 12 and up) is focused on learning to communicate effectively through writing and speaking.

One of the benefits of classical homeschooling is that it provides a well-rounded education that focuses on the development of critical thinking skills. It also exposes children to a wide range of classic literature and ideas. However, it can be more time-intensive for parents, as it requires a deep understanding of the classical model of education and the ability to plan and execute a classical homeschool curriculum.

Overall, classical homeschooling is a good fit for families who value a well-rounded education that emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills and exposes their children to a wide range of classic literature and ideas.


Montessori Homeschooling

Montessori homeschooling is a style of homeschooling that is based on the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, which emphasizes self-directed learning and hands-on experiences. In a Montessori homeschool setting, children are encouraged to explore their interests and learn at their own pace.

Montessori education is characterized by the use of specially designed materials and activities that allow children to learn through exploration and discovery. It also emphasizes independence, responsibility, and respect for the child's natural curiosity and desire to learn.

One of the benefits of Montessori homeschooling is that it allows children to learn in a way that is tailored to their individual interests and learning style. It also encourages children to take ownership of their learning and to become self-motivated learners. However, it can be more challenging for parents, as it requires a deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy and the ability to create a learning environment that is conducive to self-directed learning.

Overall, Montessori homeschooling is a good fit for families who want to provide their children with a learning environment that is tailored to their individual needs and interests, and who are comfortable with a more hands-off approach to teaching.


Unschool Homeschooling

Unschooling is a style of homeschooling that is based on the idea that children learn best through real-life experiences and self-directed learning. In an unschooling homeschool setting, children are allowed to follow their own interests and learn through everyday experiences, rather than following a set curriculum.

Unschooling families typically do not use textbooks or other traditional educational resources, but rather allow their children to learn through hands-on experiences, exploration, and real-life situations. This can include activities such as volunteering, internships, and apprenticeships, as well as more traditional educational experiences such as museum visits and online courses.

One of the benefits of unschooling is that it allows children to learn at their own pace and in a way that is tailored to their individual interests and learning style. It also encourages children to take ownership of their learning and to become self-motivated learners. However, it can be more challenging for parents, as it requires a high level of trust in the child's ability to learn and the willingness to let go of traditional educational approaches.

Overall, unschooling is a good fit for families who want to provide their children with a learning environment that is tailored to their individual needs and interests, and who are comfortable with a more hands-off approach to teaching. It is also a good fit for families who are interested in alternative approaches to education and who value real-life learning experiences.


Charlotte Mason Homeschooling

Charlotte Mason homeschooling is a style of homeschooling that emphasizes a love of learning, nature study, and the use of living books (books written by an author with a passion for their subject). It also includes the use of narration (a child retelling a story or concept in their own words) and copywork (writing out passages from literature by hand).

In a Charlotte Mason homeschool setting, the goal is to provide children with a rich, well-rounded education that includes exposure to a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, science, and the arts. It also emphasizes the importance of developing good habits and character traits, such as self-discipline and a love of learning.

One of the benefits of Charlotte Mason homeschooling is that it provides children with a well-rounded education that exposes them to a wide range of subjects and encourages a love of learning. It also emphasizes the development of good habits and character traits. However, it can be more time-intensive for parents, as it requires careful planning and the use of living books and other resources to create a rich learning environment.

Overall, Charlotte Mason homeschooling is a good fit for families who value a well-rounded education that exposes their children to a wide range of subjects and encourages a love of learning, and who are willing to put in the time and effort to create a rich learning environment for their children.


But what do you do if none of these styles / methods fit you?

Well welcome to Eclectic Homeschooling!

This is where our family personally feels most at home. We mix a variety of different styles that fit us best. Read more about Eclectic Homeschooling below:

Eclectic homeschooling is a style of homeschooling that involves selecting and combining elements from a variety of different homeschool approaches, rather than following a single, specific homeschool style. It allows families to tailor their homeschool approach to their individual needs and goals, and to incorporate elements from a range of different educational approaches.

Eclectic homeschoolers may use a variety of different resources and materials, including traditional textbooks, online courses, and hands-on activities, to create a customized learning experience for their child. They may also draw from a range of different educational philosophies, such as Montessori, classical, and Charlotte Mason, to create a well-rounded and diverse learning environment.

One of the benefits of eclectic homeschooling is that it allows families to tailor their homeschool approach to their individual needs and goals, and to incorporate elements from a range of different educational approaches. However, it can be more challenging for parents, as it requires careful planning and the ability to select and combine elements from different homeschool styles to create a customized learning experience for their child.

Overall, eclectic homeschooling is a good fit for families who want to create a customized learning experience for their child and who are open to incorporating elements from a variety of different homeschool styles. It is also a good fit for families who are interested in experimenting with different educational approaches and resources.

So, what is your homeschool style? Comment below! Until next time, happy schooling!

*this post was written with chatgpt and approved by Cris Clark*

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