Homeschooling Methods

For many people, homeschooling may call to mind the picture of two or three children sitting at a table and writing feverishly intheir workb...

For many people, homeschooling may call to mind the picture of two or three children sitting at a table and writing feverishly intheir workbooks, while mom or dad stands nearby. This is the notentirely true. There are different methods of homeschooling,and the method you choose will decide the curriculum and yourstyle of teaching. Given below are some of the most influentialand popular homeschooling methods.

The Charlotte Mason method:

Charlotte Mason is known as the founder of the homeschoolingmovement. A homeschooler herself, she was passionate in her zealto lay out the foundations for an effective a complete homeschooling program that is fun and educational at the sametime. This method focuses on all the core subjects with emphasisplaced on classical literature, poetry, fine arts, classical music and craft. Mason used a variety of books from classical literature, which she called 'Living Books'. Since this methodencourages a passionate awareness of literature, the child is readto daily from the 'Living Books'. After this, the child is askedto narrate what she has heard. This process begins at the age ofsix, and by ten the child is expected to write her narrations inher book. Mason also advocated the use of 'Nature Diaries'. Aftereach short and interesting lesson, the child is asked to go toNature and draw observations from Nature. Thus the child alsogains a sense of respect for her environment. Mason believed that development of good character and behavior was essential to thecomplete development of the child's personality.

The Eclectic Homeschooling:

This is a mixture of various homeschooling techniques. Here, the innovative parents trust their own judgment and pick out the topics that make the best curriculum for their child. Such parentscontinuously look out for the best products that will meet the needs of their homeschoolers. Most Eclectic homeschoolingcurriculums are improvised. This means that the basic curriculumis ready-made. The parents then make changes in the curriculum to
accommodate the individual needs and interests of their children.The child's gifts, temperament, learning style and interests dictate the curriculum. Eclectic programs include visits to themuseum, libraries and factories.

Unschooling:

A Boston public educator name John Holt laid the beginnings of theunschooling method. He believed that children learned best whenthey are free to learn at their own pace and when they are guidedby their own interests. His message was to 'unschool' the child.This method is a hands-on approach to learning, where the parenttakes definite cues from the children. There is no definitecurriculum, schedules or materials. This method is the most unstructured of the various homeschooling techniques.

The Montessori Method:

This method began in Italy, when it was observed that children have acute sensitive periods, during which they undergo periods of intense concentration. During such phases, a child will repeat an activity till he gains a measure of self-satisfaction. The Montessori method depends on a prepared environment to facilitate learning. All the materials used in this method are designed to satisfy the inner desire for spiritual development of the child.
The materials used progress from simple to complex, and are rather expensive.

These are just a few of the methods of homeschooling. Whatever the method, the underlying factor is flexibility and a keen interest in the desires of the child. The secret is to use the child'sdesire for knowledge to further his education.