What are some different homeschool methods?

As you begin your homeschool journey and start to google various homeschool styles, you will realize that there are a ton of different methods by which to homeschool. You might be wondering which one is the right one for you. Here we mention some of the most common homeschooling methods and share a short summary about each one.

Charlotte Mason

If this method interests you, you may want to check out this website. Charlotte Mason is very popular. Some curriculums that use Charlotte Mason are Heart of Dakota and Sonlight. It is similar to classical education, but focuses on a different aspect. People like it because it's more hands on. In general, there are ten factors that it focuses on:

Teaching using living books
Gentle learning with education a way of life rather than a curriculum
Guided discovery
Good habit training
Short Lessons
Nature Walks
Grow the mind and grow the person
Narration
Dictation
Perfect copywork

School at Home

Another option for people who would like to homeschool, but want their child's education to replicate public school, is what we call "school at home." Basically, it looks exactly like public school, and is done primarily online. Here is an example. So, you set your child up with a computer, sign them up, and then someone else assigns all the work and grades it. They sit at home with the computer and complete their work. Your role would simply be to make sure they follow through. You may have to supplement with some PE, music, and art, but even these classes may be available for you.

Unschool (Child-led Learning)

This method follows no set curriculum or schedule. Proponents of this method encourage their children to explore their interests freely, and do not dictate what their learning should be. Unschoolers believe a personalized education is more meaningful and useful than following conventional curricula and grading methods, recognizing that each child is unique. For more information about unschooling, check out this website.

Classical

Classical education puts a high emphasis on virtue and liberal arts learning. Children have a natural propensity to learn according to the trivium, a classical education term meaning "three ways", which includes the art of grammar, dialectic (logic), and rhetoric. Grammar, being the most well-suited to young (elementary) learners, includes memory work, and opportunities to observe, wonder, and read about the world around them. As students grow older, they naturally move into dialectic learning, drawing from this well of knowledge and begin to wrestle with it, ask questions, and progress to deeper understanding. Rhetoric most easily applies to older (high school) students, as they begin developing convictions, owning opinions, and desiring to express themselves eloquently. Therefore, families who choose this method will walk through this progression of learning. For a more thorough explanation, check out this summary: What is Classical Education?

Montessori

The Montessori method is like child-led learning with limits and direction. It acknowledges the child as a naturally eager learner, and sets out to provide learning choices that are within easy reach. Children of mixed ages are provided specialized educational materials and activities, and they are encouraged to discover and play together freely, with an adult guide (teacher or parent) assisting in the learning process. This website provides more information about how this might look as a homeschool option.