The Methods to our Madness

As a new homeschooler I was overwhelmed with names like Charlotte Mason, Montessori and Waldorf. I found myself asking who are these people and what do they have to do with my child’s education? When looking further into homeschooling, I learned that there are several different methods of schooling that parents and educators subscribe to. I am going to share with you just a few of the more popular methods, but be aware that many more are out there.

The Charlotte Mason method is based on the beliefs of a British Educator. Mason taught that children absorb much from their home environments and surroundings. She emphasized cultivating good habits in children and academically, believed the concept that children should not just be given facts, but encouraged to spend time outdoors and in “living books” rather than using textbooks exclusively. The Mason method encourages the use of a large variety of sources to help the child grow. More information on this method can be found at: https://simplycharlottemason.com/.

Locally, a fairly popular way to homeschool is the Classical Conversations Method. The classical model of education incorporates three stages of learning including grammar, dialectic and rhetoric. In the grammar phase, students memorize facts- generally with the use of songs. In the dialectic stage, children dive deeper into the facts they have memorized. In the rhetoric phase, teenagers apply the knowledge they have gained. There are several Tri-Cities Classical Conversations communities that meet weekly and work together to educate their children. If you would like to learn more, you can search for your area and learn more here: https://www.classicalconversations.com/find-community.

The Waldorf style of education is increasing in popularity with its’ emphasis on molding children into being free thinking and socially responsible adults. This philosophy focuses on physical activity and learning through hands-on tasks. Computers and other forms of screen time are frowned upon with this method and instead focuses more on utilizing “old school” techniques for learning and engagement between teacher and student. More information about this method can be found here: http://steiner.edu/what-is-waldorf-education/.

Unschooling is another method of homeschooling that is increasing in popularity. It is somewhat difficult to describe this method because what it means varies from family to family. The premise, however, is letting the child lead. Unschoolers fall under the philosophy that children are naturally inclined to learn and will do so in exploring their world through playing and discovering on their own, not in a classroom setting. The belief that testing and drilling students are crucial is replaced with the thought that learning takes place as a child shows interest in something and investigates it for himself. Emphasis is placed on playing and pursuing the particular child’s interests. Unschooling parents are generally interested less in being “teachers” and more in connecting with their child to learn their interests and help them pursue their passions. More information and support for this method is available at http://unschoolers.org/. 

Choosing to co-op or not to co-op is also a highly debated method of schooling in the homeschool community. Some parents are content to completely rule their child’s education at home, while others enjoy the opportunities a co-op can provide. Many parents appreciate the socialization and interaction with other homeschoolers that participating in a co-op gives. Some parents also appreciate the exposure to the classroom setting that co-op offers. Co-ops also many times offer high school level credit courses to aid parents in more challenging classes. 

These are only a few of many different methods of education. Different seasons of life offer different needs for many families and each child may better adapt to a different method than the next. No matter what method you choose, your family will benefit from finding the style that fits you and your child best!

Jilian's most important job is being the mother of three boys who are six, four and two with one more set to arrive in July. She coordinates field trips for TEACH homeschool co-op and co-admins the Tri-Cities Homeschool Playdate group. She works part time as the Health Educator for Tobacco at the Carter County Health Department and is the Director of BABE Breastfeeding Coalition. She and her husband love having the opportunity to homeschool their boys and are grateful for the experiences their family gets to share.