Discover The Homeschooling Method
That's Right For You
Unsure of which homeschooling method is right for your family?
Below you'll find the most popular homeschool methods and the learning styles that are a natural fit. Your child will have an easier time learning if your homeschool approach works with his learning style.
Keep in mind that all homeschooling methods can be modified to work with each learning style.
Mix and match to create your own eclectic method. For example, use the Moore Formula as your overall approach, Charlotte Mason for language arts and the Principle Approach for history.
Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Method
Charlotte was a 19th century British educator that believed children were born whole persons and should be educated as such.
Her teaching methods were gentle and flexible. Mornings were reserved for academic subjects. Afternoons were spent outdoors, working on crafts, or pursuing personal interests. Children were encouraged to explore the world around them.
Works Best With These Learning Styles...
Uses These Teaching Methods...
- Narration in place of formal testing
- No homework
- No grading
- Lots of parental involvement - book discussions, giving dictation, listening to narration
- Flexible schedule
- Literature-based learning using living and whole books - no textbooks
- No twaddle (dumbed down literature)
- Short lessons and drills
- Emphasize understanding of math concepts, not rote memorization
- Language arts is taught through copywork and dictation
- Journaling
- Nature walks
- Sketch in nature notebooks
- Study art, poetry and music
- Romance languages
- Great environment for teaching multiple ages
- Assignments are according to ability
- Quality is most important, not quantity
- Learn through the senses
For More Information...
- Charlotte Mason Study Guide by Penny Gardner
- A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola
- Simply Charlotte Mason Website
- Ambleside offers a free online homeschool curriculum tailored after the curriculum Charlotte Mason used in her own schools.
Classical Homeschooling Method
The Classical Education method began in Greece and Rome and continued through the Colonial eras of the United States.
At the core of this homeschooling method is the trivium.
In the Grammar stage (grades 1-6) concrete thinking and language is emphasized. The focus is on memorizing the facts of a subject.
During the Logic stage (grades 7-9) analytical thinking, understanding, and right thinking is emphasized.
Finally, during the Rhetoric stage (grades 10-12) abstract thinking and articulation (verbal and written expression) is emphasized.
The goal is to equip children with the tools to think for themselves and to be independent, life-long learners. The process of fact-finding, analyzing, adherence to truth, and problem-solving skills is thoroughly developed.
Works Best With These Learning Styles...
Uses These Teaching Methods...
- Teach to the trivium: Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric
- Discussing what has been read - defend statements
- Classical and English literature
- Create Maps and Timelines
- Grammar and writing mechanics
- Copywork, narration, dictation
- Romance languages
- Latin and Greek Study
- Writing argumentatively
- Public speaking and debate
- Lots of parental involvement
- Memorization of Facts
- Socratic method
- Master rules
- Fine arts
- Logic
- Drill work
For More Information...
- The Well-Trained Mind by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer
- Teaching the Trivium by Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn
- Classical-Homeschooling.org
The Moore Formula
The Moore Formula was birthed out of decades of research by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore. Their research concluded that formal schooling is best started between the ages of 8-10.
During those years a child's senses, reasoning ability, and brain development come together and provide the readiness for formal school learning (called the integrated maturity level).
They do not advocate that children are left to their own devices during those early years. Play, chores and volunteering outside of the home are emphasized.
The Moore Formula says…
- Study from a few minutes to several hours a day, depending on your child's maturity.
- Manual work and/or entrepreneurship at least as much as study.
- Home and community service on a daily and weekly basis.
Works Best With These Learning Styles...
Uses These Teaching Methods...
- Use free-exploring, self-teaching curricula
- Few workbooks and textbooks
- Delay formal, scheduled study until ages 8-10 or even 12
- Only a few minutes a day is necessary for drill or practice
- Take frequent breaks from schoolwork for distant vision play
- Play oral games for phonics, numbers, etc., with young children
- Identify child's interests and open the door wide to knowledge
- As they mature, allow children to learn at their own initiative
- Allow reading along the lines of their interests
- Read aloud daily
- Read living books
For More Information...
- Better Late Than Early by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore
- School Can Wait by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore
- The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore
- Moorefoundation.com
The Principle Approach
The Principle Approach has been described as "reflective teaching and learning."
Children are taught to think and reason from principles and leading ideas. The notebook method is used to research, reason, relate, and record.
The Foundation for American Christian Education (FACE) identified seven principles of America's Christian history and government:
- Principle of Individuality - Each created thing has a unique identity from God
- Principle of Self-Government - True liberty & Godly rule is from within
- Principle of Christian Character - Internal character affects outward environment
- "Conscience is the Most Sacred of All Property" - James Madison, individuals govern self by conscience
- Principle of Biblical Form of Government - Scriptural guidelines for role of government
- Principle of Local Self-Government - "Liberty is individual responsibility..." - Samuel Adams
- Principle of Political Union - Spheres of government work together when they agree in spirit
Works Best With These Learning Styles...
Uses These Teaching Methods...
- Self-discipline and self-education
- Characterized by the supremacy of the Bible and its teaching methodology in all instruction
- Applies Biblical principles in scholarship, reasoning, character formation, and developing Christian self-government
- Acknowledges America's Christian history and Biblical form of government
- Uses Webster's 1828 dictionary
- Values the worth and dignity of each student
- Employs a Biblical-classical curriculum
- Produces a Biblical Christian worldview
- Utilizes the notebook method
- Study of fine and performing arts
- Romance languages
- Systematic progression through subjects
For More Information...
- Teaching and Learning America's Christian History: The Principle Approach by Rosalie J. Slater
- A Guide to American Christian Education for Home & School: Principle Approach by James Rose
- The Foundation for American Christian Education Website
Textbook Homeschooling Method
Textbooks usually get a bad rap in the homeschooling circles. Before you toss them out the window or purchase everything but the kitchen sink consider this...
Will this type of curriculum give your child the best education? The answer depends on your child's learning style.
Some children thrive with school-at-home curriculum. While others wilt.
Works Best With These Learning Styles...
Uses These Teaching Methods...
- Follows the same scope and sequence as public/private schools
- Teacher's manuals for each subject detail the lessons so there is very little planning involved. Once your child is reading they can work more independently.
- Some publishers offer transcript and testing services along with advisors to help you throughout the year.
- Uses textbooks
- Quizzes and tests
- Graded assignments
- Yearly assessments
For More Information…
Unit Studies Homeschooling Method
The Unit Studies homeschooling method focuses on a single topic (say Egyptian History) using different subjects (art, writing, reading, etc.) to explore the topic.
You can teach multiple ages at the same time by simply adjusting the difficulty of the assignments.
Different learning styles can be easily accommodated using this method. Topics are chosen based on the interests of your family (or child).
Family relationships are strengthened as children study together with the older children helping the younger.
Works Best With These Learning Styles...
Uses These Teaching Methods...
- Incorporates different subjects (reading, art, etc) within one topic
- Uses living books
- Field trips
- Hands-on activities
- Flexible or structured schedule
- Different ages learning together
- Learning through the senses
- Testing and grading are optional
- Lots of parental involvement
For More Information…
- How to Create Your Own Unit Study by Valerie Bendt
- KONOS Unit Studies Website
- Unitstudies.com Website
Unschooling
Unschooling can be best described by John Holt, schoolteacher and founder of this homeschooling method…
"We can see that there is no difference between living and learning, that living is learning, that it is impossible, and misleading, and harmful to think of them as being separate."
Learning takes place in everyday life experiences. Children follow their own interests and learn in much the same way as adults do. They ask questions, research, experiment, and ask for help when they need it.
Textbooks and classroom instruction may be used while pursuing an interest but formal lessons are not required.
As a parent, your role is to support and mentor your children while they explore their interests.
