| I've been
homeschooling since 1985. When I was in high school, my
boyfriend (soon to be husband) and I talked about getting my
teaching credentials and teaching our (future) children at home.
Back then (1974), we had never heard of homeschooling, we just
wanted better for our kids. But as things went, I didn't get my
teaching credentials and that idea was forgotten. In 1984, my
daughter and I were enrolled in a mommy and me type
pre-kindergarten class. At four, she already knew everything
they were teaching and was much more mature than the other
children in the class. I felt detached and confused about what
would happen next year in kindergarten if she was already so far
ahead. That's when I heard about the homeschooling movement. I
immediately took her out of school and we began homeschooling.
The first homeschooling seminar I attended was a Raymond
Moore seminar. I was excited to see so many homeschooling, but I
didn't agree with everything I heard. After a few months I
stumbled across a homeschooling group that was right up my alley
with what I had established as my homeschooling "philosophy".
Over the years, at homeschooling conventions, I have learned
about other types of homeschooling. But since I became the About
Homeschooling Guide, I've learned of even more philosophies that
are out there.
Following is list of some of those methods and links to help
you learn more about each method and find resources to meet your
needs.
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Charlotte Mason Method - Charlotte Mason (1842-1923) was
an innovative educator who developed a unique approach to
education.
Charlotte Mason Books
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Classical Education Method - Dorothy Sayers well-known
essay "The Lost Tools of Learning" is the basis of the new
classical Christian education movement.
Classical Education Books
-
Eclectic Homeschooling Method - An Eclectic Homeschooler
is one who looks at the different approaches and methods of
homeschooling and takes from each forming his own unique
philosophy.
-
Montessori Method - According to Dr. Maria Montessori
(1870-1952), learning is a natural, self-directed process
which follows certain fundamental laws of nature.
- Traditional or School-at-Home Method - Traditional
Homeschools would be set up public school style with a
complete
curriculum, traditional grading system and
record keeping.
-
Unit Studies Approach - The Unit Studies Approach
integrates all school subjects together into one theme or
topic.
-
Unschooling or Natural Learning Method - Unschooling or
Natural Learning is a philosophy of child-led learning.
-
Waldorf Education Method - Waldorf education is based on
the spiritual-scientific research of the Austrian scientist
and thinker Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). According to his
philosophy, man is a threefold being of spirit, soul and
body whose capacities unfold in three developmental stages.
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