Homeschooling and Its Many Faces

When I began homeschooling in 1985, there weren't as many options available to homeschoolers as there are today. Over the years, as homeschooling became more popular, many different philosophies and methods were developed. More curriculum companies began tailoring to homeschoolers. Some parents wrote their own curriculum and made it available to others. Technology has also played a big part in changing and expanding the options available to homeschooling families today.

Following is a list of the most common homeschooling methods with information on each method to help you learn more about it and find resources to meet your needs.

     Charlotte Mason Method - Charlotte Mason (1842-1923) was an innovative educator who developed a unique approach to education. Charlotte Mason Books

     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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Homeschooling Facts for You

Many people are unsure of the homeschooling facts because there is so much information and "misinformation" circulating about home education. Some of the most commonly asked questions include these:

· How to get started
· Where to purchase materials
· Is it legal
· What about testing
· What about socialization

I could write an entire book just about the controversy surrounding the controversial socialization issue! Additionally, people often ask me whether or not...

· Our children attend proms
· Homeschooled children can attend college
· I enjoy being around our children all day
· Teaching at home costs a lot of money
· Homeschool students receive a diploma

Getting To the Truth

When just getting started in home schooling it is important to have as much factual information as possible. This information can differ for each state or region within a state. There are several ways to find out the truth about home schooling whether in person, through books or online resources.

At some point though, this generally means going to the local educational agency in your area to find out what the legal requirements are concerning home education. As I said, this can be done online if you are uncomfortable or unwilling to approach school officials.

Some public schools also offer a home education program as a component of their educational system. So, if that is available there may already be guidelines, resources, and in some cases, oversight for these families.

After you have familiarized yourself with the homeschooling laws, then you can set out to discover the more intimate side of homeschooling. For this, I suggest you contact home school leaders in your community or look on the web for a local group that you can join. This might take some time and you might have to visit several before finding "the one" for your family's needs.

Go National

In addition to doing those things, you can always check national organizations which provide plenty of information to those just beginning and those who need support. They can be found online or ask someone who is currently home schooling.

Finally, friends or neighbors who are teaching their children can also be of help. However, if you know someone is struggling to home school their children, for whatever their reason, I wouldn't suggest you speak to that person.

Unfortunately, "homeschool burnout" can occur and it would be unfortunate to have your sincere desire and convictions to teach your children squelched by another person's frustrations. If you do hear some of their sentiments though, be sure to speak with others who have more positive experiences to balance the information you receive.
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