Types of homeschooling

There are a variety of approaches one can take when homeschooling children. The scope spans from a regimented religious focus to the child-driven approach of unschooling. Following is a brief explanation of the various approaches to homeschooling education:

Classical: This approach is loosely based on the assumption that "all that is old is necessarily good." Teaching, according to this method, is divided into two segments, Trivium (primary and secondary education) and Quadrivium (university level). There are three subparts to the Trivium stage: Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric. "The Grammar stage teaches basic facts and skills, the Dialectic stage steeps children in logic and helps teach them reasoning behind many of the facts they learned in the Grammar period, and the Rhetoric stage focuses on the children's ability to present their worldview in a pleasing and logical manner."[4] Much emphasis is placed on major works of western civilization such as, Homer, Plato, Shakespeare, Milton etc. While the Classical approach does not necessarily imply a religious bent, many who subscribe to this method incorporate religious teachings into the curriculum. For further information on the Classical approach please consult: http://www.classicalhomeschooling.org/

Unschooling: This method is, in many ways, not a method at all. The Unschooling approach came about as a result of John Holt's book, Instead of Education:Ways to Help People Do Things, originally published in 1976. Within this work, Holt criticizes the education system in stating that, "[i]t is the deepest foundation of the modern and worldwide slave state, in which most people feel themselves to be nothing but producers, consumers, spectators and 'fans'...in all parts of their lives." [5] Holt sets forth that education should be child-led and that the child's natural curiosity will guide and inspire his/her learning. While Holt opposes regimented curriculum he does feel that a parent's response to the child's question will foster learning.

Traditional or School-At-Home: This method is very similar to conventional approaches to education in that children have a set schedule, curriculum and assignments. Families who utilize this approach typically purchase a curriculum, from one of the many companies now filling this need, or create one on their own.

Unit Studies: This type of homeschool education can be loosely characterized as using one "theme" or topic as inspiration for teaching. If, for example, a child develops an interest in fish this topic can be used to teach biology, environmental studies, math etc. Such a unit can then be accompanied by a visit to an aquarium. For further information please click: http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/unitstudies/

Eclectic: This approach to homeschooling is one that might draw on various types of homeschooling. With such an approach, the parent may insist on an almost school-at-home approach for math but leave coverage of reading and writing for a unit study approach.

Religion Based: This approach, as the name implies, has a religious focus to the learning process. Often, parents who choose this method will incorporate study of religious doctrine and attempt to instill the moral values in their children that they see so lacking in traditional schooling.

For information on one of the most recent approaches to homeschooling please click on picture
Virtual Schooling

	Types of Homeschooling

Home History of Homeschooling Reasons for Homeschooling Arguments Against Homeschooling Related Links Notes	There are a variety of approaches one can take when homeschooling children. The scope spans from a regimented religious focus to the child-driven approach of unschooling. Following is a brief explanation of the various approaches to homeschooling education: Classical: This approach is loosely based on the assumption that "all that is old is necessarily good." Teaching, according to this method, is divided into two segments, Trivium (primary and secondary education) and Quadrivium (university level). There are three subparts to the Trivium stage: Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric. "The Grammar stage teaches basic facts and skills, the Dialectic stage steeps children in logic and helps teach them reasoning behind many of the facts they learned in the Grammar period, and the Rhetoric stage focuses on the children's ability to present their worldview in a pleasing and logical manner."[4] Much emphasis is placed on major works of western civilization such as, Homer, Plato, Shakespeare, Milton etc. While the Classical approach does not necessarily imply a religious bent, many who subscribe to this method incorporate religious teachings into the curriculum. For further information on the Classical approach please consult: http://www.classicalhomeschooling.org/ Unschooling: This method is, in many ways, not a method at all. The Unschooling approach came about as a result of John Holt's book, Instead of Education:Ways to Help People Do Things, originally published in 1976. Within this work, Holt criticizes the education system in stating that, "[i]t is the deepest foundation of the modern and worldwide slave state, in which most people feel themselves to be nothing but producers, consumers, spectators and 'fans'...in all parts of their lives." [5] Holt sets forth that education should be child-led and that the child's natural curiosity will guide and inspire his/her learning. While Holt opposes regimented curriculum he does feel that a parent's response to the child's question will foster learning. Traditional or School-At-Home: This method is very similar to conventional approaches to education in that children have a set schedule, curriculum and assignments. Families who utilize this approach typically purchase a curriculum, from one of the many companies now filling this need, or create one on their own. Unit Studies: This type of homeschool education can be loosely characterized as using one "theme" or topic as inspiration for teaching. If, for example, a child develops an interest in fish this topic can be used to teach biology, environmental studies, math etc. Such a unit can then be accompanied by a visit to an aquarium. For further information please click: http://homeschooling.about.com/cs/unitstudies/ Eclectic: This approach to homeschooling is one that might draw on various types of homeschooling. With such an approach, the parent may insist on an almost school-at-home approach for math but leave coverage of reading and writing for a unit study approach. Religion Based: This approach, as the name implies, has a religious focus to the learning process. Often, parents who choose this method will incorporate study of religious doctrine and attempt to instill the moral values in their children that they see so lacking in traditional schooling. For information on one of the most recent approaches to homeschooling please click on picture Virtual Schooling