STEP #4: Consider Your Style

Now, Let's Consider Your Style

What are the common homeschool teaching approaches from which you can choose?

Which of these best fits you -- and your child?

A thoughtful look at these options now will help you as you select curriculum.

And when you take the time to consider your style, it can make teaching your child a comfortable, enjoyable experience.

homeschool teaching approaches:

Traditional Textbooks and Workbooks Approach

Online or Correspondence Instruction Approach

Charlotte Mason (Living Books) Approach

Unit Study Approach

Classical Approach

Relaxed or Unschooling Approach

Eclectic Approach

What are the common homeschool teaching approaches?

Traditional Textbooks and Workbooks Approach

This is probably the approach we all remember from our school years. You would purchase texts and workbooks and follow supplied teacher's guides.

Correspondence Schools Approach

You would assign and submit student work as directed by a correspondence school in which your child is enrolled.

Computerized or Satellite Instruction

You would assign and monitor instruction provided via purchased computer programs, online programs, or satellite distance learning programs.

Charlotte Mason or Living Books & Life Experiences Approach

You would utilize educational tools such as narration, dictation, and copy work while providing lots of high quality literature and life experiences for your child.

Unit Study Approach

You would design learning units which would integrate multiple subject areas, all based around a common theme.

Classical Approach

You would lead your child through a careful study of history via classical literature, while your child proceeds through three classical learning stages: learning the basics, understanding relationships, and expressing relationships.

Relaxed or Unschooling Approach

You would start with the assumption that all children are natural learners and then give your child the resources to do so.

Eclectic Approach

You would use a blend of several of these approaches.

Want more information?

Check our blog post, "What's Your Style," for details and links for each style.

Or visit our Homeschooling Styles & Tools web page.

Parents and families
are the first and most important teachers.
If families teach a love of learning,
it can make all the difference in the world
to our children.
~Richard W. Riley, Former U.S. Secretary of Education

Continue to the next step in Getting Started Homeschooling:

ESTABLISH GOALS