Homeschool Methods: A Quick Start Guide to Explore & Compare
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Learning about different homeschool methods can help get a better idea of how you want to approach teaching your kids at home.
If you're new to homeschooling, you may not be familiar with some (or any) of the common homeschool styles. When I began to explore our options for learning at home, I was completely clueless. I've put together this quick start guide to so you don't have to spend hours researching and reading about these methods.
Learn more about this overview of homeschool styles and get your free printable Exploring Homeschooling Methods guide!
RELATED: Find out what homeschool supplies you actually need with these tips and free printable checklist!
** I interchangeably use the terms "method" and "style" in this post 😉
Finding a Homeschool Style That Works for You
Overwhelmed. Afraid. Frustrated.
If I had to describe how I felt when I considered homeschooling, those three words would just begin to touch what was going on inside of me.
I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. When homeschooling was suggested to me by my oldest son's pediatric ophthalmologist (due to struggles at public school), I was floored. Despite feeling like I was in a tailspin, I knew in my gut that bringing my sons home to learn was something that we needed to try.
At the time, I didn't know anyone who homeschooled. There wasn't many homeschoolers in our area (rural Western Pennsylvania) and I didn't know where to even start. I remember jumping on the computer and typing in all sorts of questions about teaching your kids at home.
Instead of homeschool basics (like legal requirements), I found myself staring a screen full of new-to-me words describing homeschool methods. Charlotte Mason. Unschooling. Waldorf. And, apparently, I "needed" to pick one of these styles if I was going to successfully help my boys learn at home.
Instead of letting my overwhelm win, I looked at it as a challenge. I spent hours reading books and online posts about different homeschool styles. I'd learn about one method and think, "Ooh! Yes, that sounds amazing!" Until I read about another style that looked equally amazing.
I ended up wasting a lot of time, energy, and money. As I look back on that time, I really wish that I would have had a quick start guide (like this free printable one!) that I could see it all in black-and-white to compare and contrast these methods.
Learn More About This Free Printable Quick Start Guide
Before I get to things to think about as you pick your homeschool method (and how I homeschool my boys), let's look at what to expect in this quick start guide.
This free printable pack has 4 pages (plus cover page). Each page is vertically split in half. A homeschool method is described on each half (for a total of 8 common methods).
Each homeschooling method has:
- Name of method
- Brief description
- Approach
- Subject covered (the main focus of the method)
- Characteristics
- Pros
- Cons
- A Typical Day
The homeschooling methods that you'll find overviews for in this guide include:
- Classical
- Eclectic
- Waldorf
- Unschooling
- Charlotte Mason
- Montessori
- Traditional
- Unit Studies
⭐ There are other styles of homeschooling, like Project-Based and Cyber (online) options. These styles often combine characteristics of the 8 common methods found in this quick start guide.
Important Considerations for Your Homeschooling Style
Prior to chatting about things to consider when selecting your method, I recommend that you to take a few calming breaths. It's easy to get stressed out when learning about something new, as well as making big decisions.
Remember: Your homeschool will be unique. It will reflect your current life situation, including your budget, number of kids that you'll be homeschooling, where you live, and other factors. If a method sounds fantastic but you're not sure how you could make it work for your family, no worries! You can tweak it. Also, nothing is set in stone. One of the benefits of homeschooling is flexibility - and that includes your method!
Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you learn about these styles for learning at home:
- What is my Homeschool Why? (the reasons for thinking about homeschooling)
- What are my goals for teaching my children at home?
- When I close my eyes, how do I picture our home education? Where will we be? What will we doing? How will our day flow?
- How much time will I have to actively teach my kids? (For example, do you work from home or have younger siblings or other responsibilities?)
- Do my kids have extracurricular activities, appointments, or schedules that will play a factor in our home education?
- How do I thrive? My kids? Do we do better with a more rigid structure or prefer a relaxed routine?
- What type of space will I have for our homeschool activities? Will I have a dedicated room where I can set up more permanent fixtures for supplies?
- How much money am I able or willing to spend on homeschooling materials? What is my homeschool budget?
As you read through this quick start guide, I encourage you to jot down anything that sticks out. For example, maybe unit studies look interesting and you'd like to learn more. Also, record your thoughts and feelings as you learn about these methods. Circle or highlight details that you believe would work for you and your kids.
Brilliant Books for Learning About Homeschool Methods
After reading through these tips and quick start guide, you may find yourself wanting to find out more about a particular homeschool style. You can find Facebook groups and forums dedicated to each method. Books are also wonderful ways to see if a method would fit your family. See if your local library has any of these books, order, or add to your wishlist:
The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home (Third Edition)Home Education (Charlotte Mason's Homeschooling Series)The Waldorf Homeschool Handbook: A simple step-by-step guide to creating and understanding a Waldorf inspired homeschool planUnschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional ClassroomThe Montessori Home: Create a Space for Your Child to ThriveThe Montessori Method (Economy Editions)
Get Your Free Printable Quick Start Guide to Exploring Homeschooling Methods
I want to give you a big high five! I think it's awesome that you're interested in learning more about homeschooling styles.
This free printable quick start guide to exploring homeschool methods includes four pages (with a cover page). A total of eight methods are featured.
Print as many of these quick start guides as you need. If you have friends or family members curious about homeschooling, please share this post!
To get this free printable quick start guide to exploring homeschool methods, subscribe to Rock Your Homeschool.
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⭐️ Get started with these free printable quick start guide to homeschool methods! ⭐️