Written By: Christina Etchberger, Creator of It’s a Military Life and Homeschool Teacher

What’s your style? Whether you are homeschooling or taking part in online or virtual learning, we all have a style of teaching. Most importantly, our children have different learning styles. When considering how you will or are currently teaching your child, consider whether or not your homeschooling style works well with your child’s way of learning. We will discuss learning styles in more detail in our next post! Here is a fun Learning Style Quiz to learn more about you or your child’s way of learning!

Until then, here are 10 + 1 Homeschooling Styles!

Styles of Homeschooling

1. Traditional-very similar to the structure and resources of a traditional school, but with the setting at home. Distance Learning, as referenced in TheHomeschoolMom, is a subcategory of the textbook method. Click on the link provided to learn more!
2. Charlotte Mason-this method is very common and easy to implement. This practice is great for families that have little to no teaching experience. It is child-led and focuses on interests and abilities. This method is commonly used for elementary level, and science and math supplements are needed in addition to this philosophy of teaching. It is a more laid back and hands-on learning experience.
3. Classical-an approach that is more intensive in regards to learning facts, focusing on literature, with lots of memorization and discussion. It is more rigorous than a typical school system, because of the thoroughness of the curriculum that requires lots of reading. This method is appropriate for all ages, and caters to three stages: grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
4. Unschooling-children are learning skills while fully immersed in everyday life. In essence, the child is learning from experiences no matter the location-home, nature, museum, or any other place where learning can occur (basically, anywhere!). There is no schedule or set curriculum. Although there is no set curriculum, this method allows learning to happen more organically.
5. Schooling at Home-involves a schedule, designated learning space, online programs, and other supplements and learning activities outside the home. Most use a full curriculum, when implementing this way of homeschooling. We currently are using Playing Preschool, in addition to various supplemental online learning resources. This method is what people tend to think of when people refer to “homeschooling”.
6. Ecletic or Relaxed-a combination of methods with no particular way of homeschooling. Different materials and supplements are used, and is greatly based on what works best for your family and your child’s learning style. Differentiation is prevalent, which allows for individualized instruction and adapting to what your child needs.
7. Montessori-is a holistic approach to learning, and this method can be implemented into your everyday learning environment. This way of learning is great if you have multiple ages at home, and want your child or children to learn through real world experiences. The schedule is in blocks of time, and is in work centers with multi-sensory experiences.
8. Unit Studies-if you are wanting to focus on subjects and more topic-centered learning, unit studies is for you! It involves many of the styles already mentioned with hands-on experiences as well as a focus on literature. Read more by visiting TheHomeschoolMom-Insight into using Unit Studies.
9. Waldorf-this method utilizes subjects, but in a more holistic approach. Activities and experiences, without a textbook, is the focus in the early years. The middle years transition to discovery learning, and upper grades are more centered around real world learning experiences.
10. Moore Formula-Moore, derived from the philosophies of Raymond and Dorthy Moore, believe that formal education does not need to begin until the child is eight year old, with a focus on play and helping others. The idea is for the child to learn through experiences at home, but also out in the community through service and volunteering. Studying is still apart of this method, but there is no formal schooling.

Our Plus One…

11. Online or Virtual Public School-not a method of homeschooling, but a way of learning designed by your child’s public school school. This is district approved, and focuses on state and common core standards. This involves a program that does not require any curriculum or instructional planning by the family, but involves necessary communication with the school in regards to the child’s progress and potential action plan and documentation if your child requires learning intervention. There are many resources out there if you child needs more supplemental material online, or from your child’s teachers and individual education plan.

For more information on homeschooling and learning at home, check out these helpful resources below:

• thehomeschoolmom.com-20 years of supporting homeschoolers with great resources about how to get started, curriculum, lesson plans, and printables! The blog also includes advice from experienced homeschooling moms, with additional resources that will help newbies and veteran homeschool teachers.
• theunexpectedhomeschooler.com-this great resource focuses on how to organize, be more productive, and create a system for your homeschool.
• thehomeschoolprojectpodcast.com-a great podcast that discusses homeschooling, through the perspective of a family whose mission is to raise well-rounded kids through enriching educational experiences.

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