Homeschooling Styles:
Every homeschool looks different from the next because each family is different fromt he next. Still, you will often see similarities between homeschools based on their chosen education al method. Below are a list of different educational styles or theories that are popular in homeschooling. This is by no means an all inclusive list, but we have tried to hit the most popular. If you have additional resources or information you'd like to add, please send it to us.
Charlotte Mason
Charlotte Mason Education:
Charlotte Mason was an educator during the late 1800's and early 1900's.
The Charlotte Mason method puts an emphasis on the use of nature studies, narratives, and "living books" rather than textbooks.
For more information about the Charlotte Mason method (Often you will see it abreviated as CM on the internet) , you can check out these sites:
http://simplycharlottemason.com/
http://amblesideonline.org/
There is a local support group for those using the CM method, if you would like to be put in touch with them, please e-mail us and we will help get you in touch with them.
Classical Education
A classical education is actually a process of training the mind with the goal of teaching a student how to think, reason, and argue clearly and persuasively. A classical education also develops independent scholarship, critical thinking skills, and a love for learning through its three-part process. There are some excellent books and websites that delve deeper into the process and the hows and whys of a classical education. Here are some to get you started:
Books:
A Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise
The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers
The Case for Classical Christian Education by Douglas Wilson
Websites:
www.welltrainedmind.com
http://www.foundationsacademy.org/
Distance Education:
Distance education is using a school to monitor and guide your child's homeschooling.
In Idaho, there is a public school distance education program that you can enroll your children. We will try to find someone who can give a review of it, but in the meantime, you can read about it here:
http://www.idahoidea.org/Main/Default.aspx
Eclectic:
Those who choose an eclectic style choose each part of their curriculum based on what they feel will best benefit their child in that subject. Generally these people will draw from a vairety of homeschooling styles. For instance, our family considers ourselves eclectic. We use a combination of Classical and Charlotte Mason theories for Language Arts, Montessori style for Math, Classical for History, for science we use a curriculum that doesn't fit well into any theory, combined with some lapbooking... etc. Rather than ascribing only to one theory, we use what we think will work best for each subject for our child. The negative to be eclectic is that you do have to do some work to make it all fit together nicely and not seem disconnected.
Montessori:
The Montessori method is similar to the educational method used in Montessori schools worldwide. It is based on the method developed by Maria Montessori.
Montessori is a hands on, child centered curriculum that emphasizes creating a rich environment for the child, using high quality materials, and allowing him/her to learn through guided investigation.
Here is a website that can offer further information:
http://www.montessori.edu/homeschooling.html
Thomas Jefferson Education:
Thomas Jefferson Education:
“Find a great leader in history, and you will nearly always find two central elements of their education—classics and mentors.” -Oliver Van DeMille
Thomas Jefferson Education is based on the education of some of the greatest leaders in history, from Lincoln and Washington to Joan of Arc and Abigail Adams. However, the education of Thomas Jefferson and the teaching of his mentor, George Wythe, set the prime example.
Jefferson Education begins with 3 phases of learning.
(Ages given here are only rough guidelines.)
Core Phase (from birth to 8 years old)
Children in Core phase are learning their family values and routines. They are forming good family relationships and learning the difference between right and wrong, true and false, good and bad. Academics are not pushed on children at this age but are also not withheld if the child wants to play at them.
Love of Learning Phase (8-12 years old)
When a child has learned the lessons of Core Phase, they will naturally move into a Love of Learning Phase. This is when children dapple with learning and get a feel for what is out there. The focus is on Love more than learning. Parents should set the example of learning lots of different things but should not prescribe the content of their child’s pursuits. In this phase, children gain many of the skills they will need later to help them gain an education, such as reading or languages.
Scholar Phase (12-16 years old)The Scholar phase is dependent on the foundational phases that come before it and follows naturally when the child is ready. This is the time for students to come face to face with the greatest thinkers from all generations. Scholar Phasers spend about eight hours a day in deep study of the classics from all subjects and are guided by a mentor.
In Oliver DeMille’s book A Thomas Jefferson Education, he outlines six fundamental things that form the core of great mentoring:
1. Use the classics
Jefferson spent four years in uninterrupted reading of the classics of all subjects.
2. Personalize
Each student has a personalized study program designed around his or her individual goals and needs.
3. Keep it simple: Read, Write, Discuss
Students read the classics, write about them, and discuss them with their mentor.
4. Apply lessons to life
Constantly involve students in applying the things they are learning. Jefferson was present for Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech and was profoundly affected.
5. Only accept quality work
When students do an assignment either say, “great work,” or, “do it again.”
6. Set the example
The best mentors are still learning. They read the classics and study hard.
Books to read:
A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders For The Twenty-first Century by Oliver Van DeMille
Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning by Oliver DeMille and Rachel DeMille
A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion by Oliver DeMille, Rachel DeMille, and Diann Jeppson
These books can be purchased online at: http://www.classicbooksandgifts.com/content/tjed
Web sites to visit:
www.TJEdOnline.com
www.gw.edu
www.tjed.org
www.classicbooksandgifts.com
Unit Studies:
Families that use unit studies for homeschooling, study one theme in depth at a time. Within that theme they learn about history, science, reading, writing, etc.
Many people using other theories also use unit studies.
Unschooling:
Unschooling is a completely child directed method of learning. Unschoolers use no curriculum, the children learn skills and topics as they desire to learn them, based entirely on their interests.
For more information about unschooling, go to http://www.unschooling.com/ .
Virtual Academies:
Those who choose a virtual academy work with teachers who present part or all of the curriculum online. Often there are projects and homework done off line, but the major communication between school and home takes place online.
Idaho has a public virtual academy run by K12, you can learn about it at
http://www.k12.com/idva/
Waldorf:
We are fortunate to have a leading expert in Waldorf homeschooling in our area. She offers a curriculum as well as a lot of information regarding Waldorf homeschooling on her website. She wrote the following description of Waldorf homeschooling for us:
Waldorf is a method of education that meets children developmentally where they are at each stage. The method is the only one of its kind, looking at the child as a thinking, willing and feeling being. The Waldorf method has been practiced in schools for nearly 100 years and has been available as a homeschooling method since the 1970's when mothers really started thinking about meeting the needs of their children in a very holistic and spiritual way. Waldorf appeals to all religions and is cross-cultural, it aims to educate children to be of this world but not worldly. Many methods seek to fill a child with knowledge, Waldorf instead draws forth and enhances what the child knows in a holistic and reverent manner.
Melisa Nielsen Waldorf inspired consulting, curriculum, radio & more! www.alittlegardenflower.com
They can also put you in touch with local Waldorf support.
Every homeschool looks different from the next because each family is different fromt he next. Still, you will often see similarities between homeschools based on their chosen education al method. Below are a list of different educational styles or theories that are popular in homeschooling. This is by no means an all inclusive list, but we have tried to hit the most popular. If you have additional resources or information you'd like to add, please send it to us.
Charlotte Mason
Charlotte Mason Education:
Charlotte Mason was an educator during the late 1800's and early 1900's.
The Charlotte Mason method puts an emphasis on the use of nature studies, narratives, and "living books" rather than textbooks.
For more information about the Charlotte Mason method (Often you will see it abreviated as CM on the internet) , you can check out these sites:
http://simplycharlottemason.com/
http://amblesideonline.org/
There is a local support group for those using the CM method, if you would like to be put in touch with them, please e-mail us and we will help get you in touch with them.
Classical Education
A classical education is actually a process of training the mind with the goal of teaching a student how to think, reason, and argue clearly and persuasively. A classical education also develops independent scholarship, critical thinking skills, and a love for learning through its three-part process. There are some excellent books and websites that delve deeper into the process and the hows and whys of a classical education. Here are some to get you started:
Books:
A Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise
The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers
The Case for Classical Christian Education by Douglas Wilson
Websites:
www.welltrainedmind.com
http://www.foundationsacademy.org/
Distance Education:
Distance education is using a school to monitor and guide your child's homeschooling.
In Idaho, there is a public school distance education program that you can enroll your children. We will try to find someone who can give a review of it, but in the meantime, you can read about it here:
http://www.idahoidea.org/Main/Default.aspx
Eclectic:
Those who choose an eclectic style choose each part of their curriculum based on what they feel will best benefit their child in that subject. Generally these people will draw from a vairety of homeschooling styles. For instance, our family considers ourselves eclectic. We use a combination of Classical and Charlotte Mason theories for Language Arts, Montessori style for Math, Classical for History, for science we use a curriculum that doesn't fit well into any theory, combined with some lapbooking... etc. Rather than ascribing only to one theory, we use what we think will work best for each subject for our child. The negative to be eclectic is that you do have to do some work to make it all fit together nicely and not seem disconnected.
Montessori:
The Montessori method is similar to the educational method used in Montessori schools worldwide. It is based on the method developed by Maria Montessori.
Montessori is a hands on, child centered curriculum that emphasizes creating a rich environment for the child, using high quality materials, and allowing him/her to learn through guided investigation.
Here is a website that can offer further information:
http://www.montessori.edu/homeschooling.html
Thomas Jefferson Education:
Thomas Jefferson Education:
“Find a great leader in history, and you will nearly always find two central elements of their education—classics and mentors.” -Oliver Van DeMille
Thomas Jefferson Education is based on the education of some of the greatest leaders in history, from Lincoln and Washington to Joan of Arc and Abigail Adams. However, the education of Thomas Jefferson and the teaching of his mentor, George Wythe, set the prime example.
Jefferson Education begins with 3 phases of learning.
(Ages given here are only rough guidelines.)
Core Phase (from birth to 8 years old)
Children in Core phase are learning their family values and routines. They are forming good family relationships and learning the difference between right and wrong, true and false, good and bad. Academics are not pushed on children at this age but are also not withheld if the child wants to play at them.
Love of Learning Phase (8-12 years old)
When a child has learned the lessons of Core Phase, they will naturally move into a Love of Learning Phase. This is when children dapple with learning and get a feel for what is out there. The focus is on Love more than learning. Parents should set the example of learning lots of different things but should not prescribe the content of their child’s pursuits. In this phase, children gain many of the skills they will need later to help them gain an education, such as reading or languages.
Scholar Phase (12-16 years old)The Scholar phase is dependent on the foundational phases that come before it and follows naturally when the child is ready. This is the time for students to come face to face with the greatest thinkers from all generations. Scholar Phasers spend about eight hours a day in deep study of the classics from all subjects and are guided by a mentor.
In Oliver DeMille’s book A Thomas Jefferson Education, he outlines six fundamental things that form the core of great mentoring:
1. Use the classics
Jefferson spent four years in uninterrupted reading of the classics of all subjects.
2. Personalize
Each student has a personalized study program designed around his or her individual goals and needs.
3. Keep it simple: Read, Write, Discuss
Students read the classics, write about them, and discuss them with their mentor.
4. Apply lessons to life
Constantly involve students in applying the things they are learning. Jefferson was present for Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech and was profoundly affected.
5. Only accept quality work
When students do an assignment either say, “great work,” or, “do it again.”
6. Set the example
The best mentors are still learning. They read the classics and study hard.
Books to read:
A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders For The Twenty-first Century by Oliver Van DeMille
Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning by Oliver DeMille and Rachel DeMille
A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion by Oliver DeMille, Rachel DeMille, and Diann Jeppson
These books can be purchased online at: http://www.classicbooksandgifts.com/content/tjed
Web sites to visit:
www.TJEdOnline.com
www.gw.edu
www.tjed.org
www.classicbooksandgifts.com
Unit Studies:
Families that use unit studies for homeschooling, study one theme in depth at a time. Within that theme they learn about history, science, reading, writing, etc.
Many people using other theories also use unit studies.
Unschooling:
Unschooling is a completely child directed method of learning. Unschoolers use no curriculum, the children learn skills and topics as they desire to learn them, based entirely on their interests.
For more information about unschooling, go to http://www.unschooling.com/ .
Virtual Academies:
Those who choose a virtual academy work with teachers who present part or all of the curriculum online. Often there are projects and homework done off line, but the major communication between school and home takes place online.
Idaho has a public virtual academy run by K12, you can learn about it at
http://www.k12.com/idva/
Waldorf:
We are fortunate to have a leading expert in Waldorf homeschooling in our area. She offers a curriculum as well as a lot of information regarding Waldorf homeschooling on her website. She wrote the following description of Waldorf homeschooling for us:
Waldorf is a method of education that meets children developmentally where they are at each stage. The method is the only one of its kind, looking at the child as a thinking, willing and feeling being. The Waldorf method has been practiced in schools for nearly 100 years and has been available as a homeschooling method since the 1970's when mothers really started thinking about meeting the needs of their children in a very holistic and spiritual way. Waldorf appeals to all religions and is cross-cultural, it aims to educate children to be of this world but not worldly. Many methods seek to fill a child with knowledge, Waldorf instead draws forth and enhances what the child knows in a holistic and reverent manner.
Melisa Nielsen Waldorf inspired consulting, curriculum, radio & more! www.alittlegardenflower.com
They can also put you in touch with local Waldorf support.
