6 Popular Teaching Styles for Homeschool Families

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Wondering how on earth you are going to teach your kiddos? Fortunately, there are many options in today’s modern homeschool sphere.

When I first started homeschooling, I thought there was only one style—Traditional (which mirrors the public school system). I chose one of the curriculums that everyone I knew used. I liked how it was more advanced than the public school’s curriculum, and would make smart, intelligent beings of my children.

As the years have passed, and my knowledge of homeschooling options have increased, I’ve changed my style of teaching—which changed my choice of curriculum! I have found there is really no wrong way to homeschool, as long as your child is learning. (I like to try to keep what they are learning on par or advanced when compared with the public school’s schedule; i.e. when to start cursive for example—although, many schools don’t even teach cursive anymore!)

Side note: Will any of today’s students be able to read the United States Constitution in 10 years? Its written in CURSIVE for crying out loud!

I assume you are reading this page because you either want to homeschool, have chosen to homeschool and are looking for direction, or are looking to change your current learning approach and/or curriculum. I have compiled a list of popular homeschool teaching approaches for mamas like you who are needing direction on this important step in your homeschool journey!

(Don’t forget to download my companion freebie “7 Secrets to Homeschool Success” to help navigate you through the homeschool learning curve!)

CLASSICAL

Classical– Classical homeschooling imitates the forms of schooling that were used in Ancient Greece and Rome, and this was the method of choice during the Puritan and Colonial periods of United States history.

The Classical method of teaching is based on the three stages of learning:

• The Grammar stage (ages 4-11 or grades K-4/5),
• The Logic stage (ages 11-14 or grades 4/5-8),
• The Rhetoric stage (ages 14-18 or grades 9-12).

If history, art, Latin, Greek, and the details of Western Civilization’s culture (to include its literature) are areas that you would like to focus on, the Classical approach to homeschooling may be just what you are looking for. If your approach to a Classical education is presenting a Christian worldview, the Bible and the theology behind it are also included in the list of subjects to be studied. Several examples of great people who were taught using this particular style of learning were Thomas Jefferson, Isaac Newton and John Adams

TRADITIONAL

Traditional -The traditional homeschool style of learning mirrors the public school system’s approach to teaching.

Families who purchase curriculums that fall under the traditional approach usually buy complete subject kits where tests and quizzes are administered weekly, the grading system is similar to that of the public school’s, the schedule is rigid and predictable, and the curriculum aligns with what the schools are teaching.

While using the traditional approach, the parent teaches TO the child like public school teachers do, and lessons are laid out word for word while giving parents a complete guide of how to teach new concepts step by step.

This style was popular when the United States homeschool movement was in its infancy in the 1970’s, and many families still choose this traditional style today

UNIT STUDIES

Unit Studies One teaching method that has become very popular with homeschooling families is the use of Unit Studies. Homeschool Unit Studies present learning usually through a hands-on approach.

Statistics have shown that by actually experiencing or discovering new information through different methods and activities, instead of just reading chapters from a textbook are 45% more effective than using a Traditional schooling approach.

Unit studies are good for families who: like to create their own curriculum, are on a tight budget, or want a curriculum that includes multiple age groups. This particular style of learning incorporates a variety of subjects around a particular topic or theme. Students in the autism spectrum do well with Unit Studies, because learning can be tailored along their specific interests.

Let’s face it, homeschooling can become expensive. However, the use of Unit Studies is also considered a cheaper homeschooling option.

An example of a Botany unit study would be:

• Literature, stories with rich literature about plants;
• Creative Writing, Grammar,Punctuation, etc, writing stories about plants;
• Math, figuring square footage of garden to asses numbers of plants needed based upon space requirements and for how much fertilizer you need, seed counting, etc..;
• History, study botanists, how native Americans used plants, and how different plants spread around the world,
• Science, plant classification, photosynthesis, etc.;
• Bible, study about the different plants in the Bible and their uses; and
• Life skills, research medicinal plants in the backyard, medical herbs, etc.
• A Word Wall could be created for young students, and Vocabulary Lists could be made for older students.
• A Spelling List could also be generated with words that pertain to Botany.

Unit Studies may be ideal for you if you would prefer to use your child’s interests to create your own curriculum.

THE CHARLOTTE MASON METHOD

The Charlotte Mason Charlotte Maaon was an educator to young children in the 1800s. The Charlotte Mason homeschooling method is based on Mason’s firm belief that the child is a person and we must educate that whole person, not just his mind. So a Charlotte Mason education is based on three things:

“Education is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life.”

Charlotte Mason

By “Atmosphere,” Charlotte meant the environment in which the child grows up. A child absorbs a lot from the day to day routines, and the events that occur at home. Charlotte believed that the ideas and convictions that govern the parent’s life make up one-third of the child’s education.

By “Discipline,” Charlotte meant the development of good habits—especially the habits of a moral character. Fostering good habits in your child’s life make up another third of his education.

The other third aspect of her philosophy of education, “Life,” applies to academics. Charlotte believed that we should give children living thoughts and ideas, not just dry facts. So all of her methods for teaching school subjects are based on her opinion that children should have rich literature that sparks the emotion and imagination.

Other philosophies Mason held dear were that: children up to third grade should dictate (say out-loud) their ideas instead of writing them, length of lessons should be age appropriate, children should not be given homework, rich literature should be used for copy work to teach hand writing and punctuation, and that children need to spend more time outdoors.

This is my preferred style of homeschooling. Check back on my site for more details about this particular homeschool method, and why I use it.

UNSCHOOLING

Unschooling Another popular method, Unschooling, was coined in the 1970s by an educator named John Holt. He was dissatisfied with the traditional style of schooling he saw in the public school system. He felt that if children were allowed to explore their interests, they would learn more, and retain what they learned.

There isn’t really an exact definition of Unschooling, because it means different things to different people. For some, the child is the educator, and the parents facilitate their learning. With this view, basically learning revolves around what the child enjoys learning about, be it horses or space or World War II.

Some people view Unschooling as a setting in which the parents create their own curriculum. Unlike Unit Studies, the curriculum isn’t necessarily tied into one certain interest or theme. An important thing to keep in mind when considering Unschooling is whether or not you will be able to meet your state’s homeschool requirements to cover all academic guidelines set by your state.

This homeschool style has intrigued me, but I am also happy with what we are currently doing

ONLINE

Online Or better known as remote learning, has become more popular in recent years, especially in wake of the Covid 19 virus. Many public schools offer the option for remote learning, and some homeschool curriculums do as well.

Sometimes parents prefer this method because it frees up their busy schedule and using the State sponsored option is cheaper. However, studies have shown that children do not learn as well with remote learning as they do through human contact and tangible books.

CONCLUSION

Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong answer on how you should homeschool. The sky is the limit!! The only concerns are making sure:

• you are compliant with your state regulations
• your child is steadily progressing
• you and your child are enjoying learning

I hope this post has given you the insight you need to take the next step in your decision to homeschool! I am creating a page that lists different curriculums, what teaching approach they use, and their average price per child. I want to help choosing (or not choosing!) a curriculum as easy as possible for your family! Check back soon for this helpful resource, or subscribe to my newsletter to be notified when this list is available.