Choosing A Homeschooling Method
Before Purchasing Curriculum, Pick a Homeschool Philosophy
Deciding to homeschool is a huge step toward a new lifestyle. The homeschool curriculum industry has become enormous. A plethora of educational companies are offering an overwhelming variety of options which all translate into one word for new homeschoolers; decisions. How is a parent supposed to know which choices will work for her family?
School-At-Home
It's so easy to picture the kids sitting nicely at the dining room table, with a neat stack of books and an apple by Mom's teacup. For families with compliant children, and no educational objections to the merits of mimicking the schools, school-at-home might be the perfect solution.
There are several vendors of pre-packaged curriculum products. Some programs offer record-keeping, homework help and parental support via the telephone or Internet. Sonlight, a literature based curriculum, even offers a full refund guarantee. Although, to be fair, their curriculum is quite flexible and involves a lot more snuggling up with good books than sitting at a desk memorizing facts.
Online Learning
A popular choice lately - computer-based schools - offers families more interaction with other online students in chat room environments and access to “teachers” via email and message forums. Online learning is often favored by families with busy lifestyles. Lisa Whelchel, the actress who played “Blair” in TV’s Facts of Life, and author of So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling [Multnomah Publishers, Inc., 2003] used an online school for her children’s education while she was promoting her book release.
Online schooling removes the child from the physical classroom without placing the burden of lesson plans and teaching upon the parents. Online homeschooling is also a good choice for parents who might be afraid to take full responsibility for the educational fate of their children.
Classical Education
Classical learning has many catchphrases. A Thomas Jefferson Education and the Charlotte Mason method are just two of them. Often history and literature rich, and based on a trivium of increased understanding, they rely heavily on developing writing and communication skills, feature high quality books including “The Classics,” and include a great deal of discussion and reflection. The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer [Peace HIll Press, 2004] is a handy guide for understanding and getting started with a Classical Education.
UnSchooling
Families who are comfortable throwing away the textbooks and not inflicting any sort of lesson plan or agenda upon their child’s education might want to try unschooling. Unschooled children are free to learn (or not) according to their own whims and aren’t directed to working from workbooks or textbooks. Learning for an unschooler is the result of pursuing an interest and self-studying it until the interest is satisfied.
Eclectic
According to a poll on the Mothering Magazine message boards, most home schoolers consider themselves “eclectic.” An eclectic homeschooler “takes the best and leaves the rest.” Using the most appropriate aspects of each method is the perfect way for many families to customize the education of their children to meet the many needs of the family.
An important thing for prospective homeschoolers to do is to honestly evaluate their ability and desire to work within the homeschooling framework they are most attracted to. Participating in a network of families (online or in a local support group) who are actively homeschooling will provide feedback and tips to help new families find their way.
f you're thinking of homeschooling your kindergartener for a trial run next year, you're in good company. Many homeschoolers get their start by comitting to "just one year."
For more information about different homeschooling styles, Ann Zeise has built up a wonderful forum of homeschooling links and articles.
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