STRUCTURED (Traditional)
Structured learning is the most traditional variety, and is generally the first method people think of when they consider homeschooling. This is because structured home schools are so similar to public schools. Structured homeschooling requires the family to have a set, stable structure. School starts and ends at the same time. The curriculum is taught in a certain order, at certain points of the day. Often, structured homeschooling parents will use textbooks, teacher’s manuals and other school materials to guide their teaching. Distance learning, such as online and correspondence schools, fall into the structured homeschool category.
This method is ideal for organized parents and families that who have fairly regular daily activities and work well with schedules. Families who are beginning to homeschool after the children who have already been in public school will likely find that the similarities between structured homeschooling and public school help ease the transition to home learning.
UNSCHOOLING
Unschooling is very misunderstood (likely due to its name), but is actually a very legitimate homeschooling style. It is extremely unstructured. Curriculum and school hours are directed by the interests of the child. Unschooled children might never work from textbooks. Instead, these children are led by their natural curiosity to learn about the subjects that interest them.
Unschooling is an ideal homeschooling method for extremely young or extremely curious children. Children who generally reject the idea of school outright may find that unschooling can pique their interest for learning. It certainly doesn’t work for everyone.
ECLECTIC
Eclectic home schools combine traditional and unschooling methods. Some subjects are structured while others are unstructured. This allows children to learn the necessary skills (such as math and reading) for their age in a structured environment while exploring science and history as their own interests lead them.
AFTER-SCHOOLING
After-schooling children removes the pressure of curriculum from the parents but does not offer many of the benefits that homeschooling does. After-schooling parents send their children away to school (public, private, charter—whatever their choice) and then continues the educational process at home through homework help as well as extracurricular teaching and field trips.
This site is intended to encourage and assist homeschoolers of all types and in all circumstances. Use the method that works best for your family, and – no matter what method you choose – there will information posted here to help you be successful.
Every family is different. Find the methods that work best for you. If one method does not work, try another. Consider trying others even when you have found one that works, because you just mind find one that works better.
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Search the blog now for more information about the homeschooling method that interests you!
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Sources
Homeschool Learning Network. (2010). Structured Homeschooling. Retrieved March 7, 2011, from Homeschool Learning Network: http://www.hlnfamily.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1184&Itemid=166
Homeschool.com. (n.d.). “Relaxed” or “Eclectic” Homeschool. Retrieved March 7, 2011, from Homeschooling Approaches: http://www.homeschool.com/Approaches/Eclectic.asp
Unschooling.com. (n.d.). FAQ. Retrieved March 7, 2011, from Unschooling.com: http://www.unschooling.com/index.shtml
