Tuesday, January 7, 2014

The Different Approaches to Homeschooling

Homeschooling has become an alternative way for children to learn different disciplines of academics. This way of education is an alternative to the conventional classroom-based learning method. Parents who have opted for homeschooling rely on many factors such as religion, safety, and financial reasons. With this, children are able to study and learn at the comfort of their homes without compromises.

Homeschooling has helped parent choose among an endless list of choices of curricula, teaching styles, materials and, most especially, the manner of how they share their experiences. For those who want to opt for this alternative learning method, here are some different home school program approaches that are applied today.

Traditional

The Traditional method follows the methods found in the classroom, using textbooks as materials for various subjects. In addition, workbooks and test papers are being handed out to test out the child's performance. This is the easiest method to implement, but can be difficult to maintain, especially if the child has learning difficulties.

Classical

Classical homeschooling teaches the child in a Trivium, a set of three stages that focuses on three areas of learning development. These stages are Grammar Stage (6 to 8 years old), Dialectic Stage (10 to 12 years) and Rhetoric Stage (13 to 18 years). The approach focuses on absorbing information, logical discussion and systematic study.  This approach is effective for students with an above-average intelligence.

Charlotte Mason

Based on Charlotte Mason's writings originating in Britain, this method is applied with a focus on respecting children as human beings. With this approach, the children are given with an all-around education focusing on "living" books. The materials are made to nurture a love for learning things before digesting the information behind these subjects. This approach is effective for students with creative thinking abilities.


Whatever the approach you are implementing, you should be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your children before being able to secure your chosen field.