When you're new to the homeschooling world, conversations you hear about homeschool methods may be puzzling. I mean, how do you know which tribe suits you best?
Here is a quick overview of the more popular homeschooling styles. I'll explain each one's strengths and weaknesses based on my opinion. After you've familiarized yourself with these methods, feel free to do your own thing.
Traditional
Strengths
Covers all grade-level materials
Options to purchase everything you need for the school year. (One-stop shopping.)
Some programs have grading options along with record-keeping.
Works well for independent learners.
Weaknesses
If you have difficulty figuring out what to omit, you will be subjected to five weekly lessons in each subject for 180 days.
Leaves little room for projects and looking deeper at a subject your child is interested in.
Struggling learners find it difficult to keep up and pass quizzes and tests.
It is expensive compared to other options for the elementary years.
Unschooling
Strengths
Freedom to pursue interests.
A relaxed approach for the entire family where life and learning flow together.
You’re not bound to schedules or grades.
It works well with an entrepreneurial path.
Weaknesses
Unschooling can be hard to explain to family and friends.
Learning disabilities may not be addressed.
Doesn’t give practice for test-taking.
Resources for a child’s latest interest can be hard to find or afford.
It’s harder to write a high school transcript.
Classical
Strengths
Classical literature is guided by a Christian worldview. (Many find this very positive!)
Classical Conversation groups offer a community for accountability and learning support.
The Classical method must be done in relationship to include discussions that lead to critical thinking.
The Latin language gives a strong foundation for vocabulary and learning other languages.
Weaknesses
Memorization work is assigned even if the child doesn’t understand its significance.
Young children have a hard time relating to ancient history.
Expensive for the entire foundations or essentials program.
Challenging for children with learning struggles.
Charlotte Mason
Strengths
Teaches the importance of narration.
Encourages creating art over doing crafts.
Utilizes living books.
Assigns copy work and dictation instead of textbooks and tests.
Many communities are available for Charlotte Mason followers.
Weaknesses
If your child hasn’t developed a habit of reading or listening to good books, starting this method with older students can be challenging.
If you have limited time for reading books, narration, and taking in the arts, this might not be for you.
Some kids enjoy and do well with workbooks and textbooks.
Unit Studies
Strengths
It's easy to combine different learning levels with the study of one topic.
A list of assignments to be completed in a certain time frame develops executive function.
Each child gets a chance to work in their strengths and complete a project.
It can be planned around vacation, such as studying the beach and oceans, hiking the Oregon Trail, or camping.
Weaknesses
Sometimes, it requires more materials than a traditional approach.
Creating your own study takes planning time. (There are ones to purchase.)
The standard for grading needs to be established by the parent.
Requires being comfortable with forgoing what the local school teaches for your child’s grade.
For those experienced with homeschooling, what would you add? What would you disagree with?
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