Homeschooling Methods. Whenever the word homeschooling is heard, what comes across your mind? Do you see a scene of 2 or 3 kids gathered together on a table with a pile of workbooks in front of them while a teacher-parent is on the supervision? Well, that could just be the common notion but actually an obsolete scenario on homeschooling. Why? Because the fact is, there are various homeschooling methods that one could choose from depending on the curriculum and teaching style that you will employ. To give you an idea, here are the well-known and effective homeschooling methods:

• The Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Methods

Charlotte Mason is recognized as the founder of the homeschooling movement. She was a homeschooler herself who was passionate in her eagerness to design the foundations for an effective and complete homeschooling program that is both exciting and educational. This method focuses on all the core subjects with main emphasis on classical literature, poetry, fine arts, classical music and craft. Mason used a wide array of books which she called ‘Living Books’ taken from classical literature. Since this method eggs on a passionate awareness of literature, the child is read to daily from the ‘Living Books’. Then, the child narrates what she heard. This process begins at the age of six, and by ten the child is expected to write her narrations in her book. Mason also advocated the use of ‘Nature Diaries’. After each short and interesting lesson, the child is asked to go out and draw his observations of the Nature. Thus the child also gains a sense of respect for her environment. Mason is certain that the development of good character and behavior was essential to the complete development of the child’s personality.

• The Eclectic Homeschooling Methods

A mixture of various homeschooling techniques, here, the innovative parents relies on their own judgment and chooses the topics that constitute the oustanding curriculum for their child. Such parents never stop on looking out for the best products that will correspond to the needs of their homeschoolers. Most Eclectic homeschooling curriculums are makeshift wherein the basic curriculum is ready-made. It is the parents who alter the curriculum in conformance with the specificl needs and interests of their children. What comprise the curriculum are the child’s talents, temperament, learning style and interests. Included also in Eclectic programs are the visits to the museum, libraries and factories.

• Unschooling

A Boston public educator name John Holt initiated the beginnings of the unschooling homeschooling methods. For him, best learning is achieved when the children are given the freedom to learn at their own pace and when they are motivated by their own interests. His message was to ‘unschool’ the child. This method is a practical approach to learning, where the parent takes significant hints from the children. No precise curriculum, schedules or materials to follow and use. This method is known as the most unstructured of the various homeschooling techniques.

• The Montessori Homeschooling Methods

This method commenced in Italy, when the children were observed to have acute sensitive periods, on which they experience periods of intense concentration. During such phases, a child repeats an activity to attain self-satisfaction. The Montessori method prepares a well-structured environment to facilitate learning in which the materials used are designed to satisfy the inner desire for spiritual development of the child. These materials range from simple to complex, and are rather expensive.

As teacher-parent you can determine from these methods which may be applicable to your homeschool curriculum and to you home student’s learning ability. Note that the method which you are going to use should always center on your child, that his or her desire for learning is the one being stimulated thus the child’s love for knowledge.