If you’re a new or a seasoned homeschooling parent, you get to decide which teaching method to use. As a child gets older and develops, you may need to adjust your technique. Adaptability is a necessary skill that parents need to have. Once you grasp how your child learns, you can choose the best approach. Traditional teaching approaches mainly use textbooks but may not be the most effective.
Homeschoolers have a variety of practical and successful processes at their hands. As a parent, you need to develop lesson plans and a curriculum. Setting a schedule, goals, and tracking learning are essential steps. Your kids may have to take standardized state tests, and preparation is important. Knowing the Core Standards will set your child up for successful scores.
Let’s look at some other different teaching approaches for homeschooling.
- Unit Studies Homeschool: Elementary school-aged children thrive with this method of learning. The lessons are themed and designed to focus on an object your child finds interesting. Parents may use this method to teach different subjects through hands-on activities. The book Teddy Bears at School is a primary example that shows the unit study method.
- Leadership Education: Named after Thomas Jefferson, TJEd has core principles of different learning stages. This method focuses on the parent being a teacher and mentor who plans the lessons. The Core Phase lasts until about age 8, involving family and play. Children then develop a Love of Learning lasting until age 12. The final stage is Scholar, and this lasts until schooling is complete.
- Interest Led Learning: Founded by John Holt, this self-directed learning is known as “unschooling.” This homeschooling technique focuses primarily on the child’s interests and goals.
- Waldorf or Steiner Method: Children develop and learn subjects through art and creative projects. This educational method also helps build character and strong compassion.
- Classical Homeschooling: This method also has three stages of learning, the first being Grammar. Young children memorize facts and engage with classic literature and philosophy. Around 5th grade, kids enter the Logic Stage and study cause and effect relationships. The teenage years bring the Rhetoric Stage where original thought is emphasized. Activities include giving speeches and writing about topics they’re studying.
- Charlotte Mason Curriculum: With this program, the entire family can get involved in learning and gain closeness. The lessons start in 1st grade and run through 12th This method has religious undertones where kids learn scriptures and hymns. Other subjects include math, science, arts, and language, including foreign. Children also get to read literature and poetry and learn about Shakespeare.
- Montessori Education
Depending on your child’s age and retention, you can adjust the homeschool method. Keep in mind; kids need to socialize for emotional health. Be sure to plan extracurricular activities for children to have fun. By having your kids engage in organized play, they will get to interact and exercise. You can also see if your child has an interest in team sports. Enrolling your kids helps them learn rules and participate in group and team settings. Many parents are switching to homeschooling their children. Be sure to set up learning stations in your home. The primary benefit is having control over what and how your child learns.