Choose a Homeschool Method that Fits Your Family

Indonesian

There are a wide variety of homeschool method, ranging from the very structured (school-like) to not structured at all. You don't really need to stick to one method. These are here in case you want to know about the different methods that other homeschooling family might be using.

Click on a method for more information. (Note : this will open in a new window, so if nothing seems to be happening, you might need to adjust so that your browser allow pop-up window)

Charlotte Mason Homeschool Method
Charlotte Mason developed her Philosophy of Education that involves Narration, Copywork, Nature Notebook, Fine Arts, Languages, Literature-based curriculum and real-life applications.

My impression about this homeschool method is the "Living Book" concept. Unlike textbook that is written by several authors on a single subject, living book is written by one author. It 'narrates' instead of presenting you with facts. Children will usually remember more when they read a story instead of textbook.

Children are required to read a book and then narrate it in his/her own word, making sure that they understand what they read.

The method also emphasizes on keeping a nature notebook. You go out and make observation and note it in your book, with drawing if necessary.

Classical Homeschooling Method
It is a literature-rich homeschool method (as opposed to image-rich), and is based on the trivium of grammar, logic and rhetoric, corresponding to the simpler concept of Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom.

Grammar stage (up to age 12) is when children receive and gather information - Knowledge. Children are presented with facts, without understanding them at first, but slowly as they grow, starting to 'digest' the facts.

Logic stage (ages 13 - 15) is when children understanding reach the level of maturity. They start reasoning. Knowledge has led to Logic.

Rhetoric stage (ages 16 - 18) is when children are able to use their knowledge and logic to communicate, apply the knowledge in life, discuss, debate - Wisdom.

Every subject we learn has the 3 stages. We present the facts first, we help children understand them, and we test their wisdom on the matter.

Eclectic
You take what you like from different curriculum, use information resources on the internet and/or library, and you write your own curriculum.

Montessori Homeschooling Method
Maria Montessori believes that children have the inner ability to learn. Adults need to control the environment so it encourages the children to learn. Adults do not control the children, they help children learn about their environment, in a natural, mixed-age group.

Unschooling
Child learns whatever he's interested in. Very unstructured but often very suitable especially for younger children.

Unit studies
All subjects are integrated into one theme. For example you read the Little House on the Prairie book and study history, art, science, math all through their relationship to the book.

Distance learning

Waldorf Homeschool Method
Waldorf's pedagogy addresses the whole child, which involves Head, Heart and Hands. It emphasizes in storytelling and art. Rudolf Steiner (Waldorf founder) says "it's not a pedagogical system, it's an art, so that what exists in man is awakened. Waldorf Education is not to educate, but to awaken."

It doesn't try to impose intellectual content to a child, but awaken the child's inner capability to acquire knowledge, and to enjoy learning.

Okay... okay.... Sorry if I made you more confused. Method is 'how' you're homeschooling your kids. Curriculum is 'what' you're teaching your kids. There are, however, a certain homeschool method that has its own curriculum, Waldorf for example.

You don't really need to understand each and every single method listed here. Just do what is working with your family.

If you arrive here from my getting started page, you can go back and continue your reading. If you just arrived here, feel free to browse any other topic you're interested in.

I should be adding more to this page as I go along. In the meantime, as always, please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or suggestions.