If you’re thinking about homeschooling, you may be wondering about the different homeschool teaching methods and resources out there.
My goal is to share the seven most common teaching methods, so you can pick the one{s} that best fit your learners at home.
Four Quick Notes
1- The methods and resources you’ll find in this post are coming from a Christian worldview because that is my worldview. Read more about that here. If you’re looking for secular homeschooling resources, feel free to search online.
2- Be sure you are aware of your state’s homeschooling laws, as every state is different.
3- I am not responsible for the content you might find on any of the sites I share, except that of my own. Please use your own discretion as you navigate around.
4- I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Find homeschool curriculum choices by subject.
Homeschool Teaching Methods & Resources
One of the beauties of homeschooling is the flexibility it provides. Please don’t get overwhelmed with these lists or think it has to be all or nothing with one particular method. Most homeschoolers end up combining elements they like from several homeschool teaching methods. This can better match your child’s learning style and the way you like to teach. {See #1 below.}
1. Eclectic
Often saved for last, I’m including this style first. Why? Because it is the most common one!
Eclectic is a combination of multiple teaching styles. Many homeschoolers {including me!} eventually adopt an eclectic style, and the teaching materials used change based on the student’s needs and interests.
Eclectic Resources:
- This Reading Mama
- The Measured Mom
- Teaching Mama {great for younger learners}
- 1 Plus 1 Plus 1 Equals 1 – {also great for younger learners}
- Homeschool Creations – {homeschool help for all ages}
- You’ve Got This Math
- Math Geek Mama
- Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls – STEM here we come!
- Teachers Pay Teachers – free and paid for resources
- Kumon Workbooks
- Spectrum Workbooks
- Evan-Moor resources
- Homeschool Co-ops in your area
- Library books
- Or a combo of any of the resources shared in this post
2. Classical
This method uses the Trivium {Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric} and is based on memorization and critical thinking, utilizing textbooks, and standard testing.
Classical Resources & Curriculum:
- Classical Conversations
- Homeschool Co-ops in your area {CC is big in our area, and there are several co-op groups to choose from.}
- The Critical Thinking Company
- Abeka Books
- Memoria Press
- Rod and Staff Publications
- Alpha Omega / Lifepacs
- Bob Jones University Press
- You can also utilize your local school’s curriculum. It is generally available from the school district for homeschooling families.
3. Montessori
This method is student-led with lots of hands-on learning. Instruction is heavily focused on learning life skills.
Montessori Resources:
- NAMC Montessori 3-6
- Living Montessori Now
- The Montessori Notebook
- Time 4 Learning – all online
- A 2 Z Homeschooling
- Child of the World (a resource book for better understanding of the Montessori philosophy)
- Also utilize toys and games available on Amazon or other Montessori sites
4. Charlotte Mason Method
This method uses “living books” rather than standard textbooks, focusing heavily on nature study and emphasizing time outdoors exploring the world. The method is very literature based.
Charlotte Mason Resources: each site offers a complete curriculum
- Simply Charlotte Mason
- Charlotte Mason Homeschooling (Living Books Curriculum)
- My Fathers World Curriculum
- Sonlight Curriculum
- Trail Guides to Learning Curriculum
- The Good and the Beautiful Curriculum
- Ambleside Online (includes FREE curriculum)
- Charlotte Mason Help (includes FREE curriculum)
You will also want a good collection of classic children’s literature and poetry.
5. Waldorf
This is a holistic, whole child approach to learning. It is student-led, focusing on nature and art, and relies heavily on independent learning.
Waldorf Resources: mostly online only resources/courses, with some items available to be printed
- Oak Meadow
- Waldorfish
- Waldorf Homeschoolers
- The BEarth Institute
- Lavender’s Blue Homeschool {1st-3rd grade currently available}
- Waldorf Curriculum
6. Unit Study
This method typically focuses on one topic of interest {i.e. Asia or butterflies}, implementing all “subjects” into that study. However, unit studies can also be used for limited areas of instruction as well {like using science unit studies or a history unit study} while maintaining a separate math or language arts curriculum.
Multiple resources are utilized including library books, internet research, videos, field trips, practical life skills {cooking, housework, every day projects}, arts and crafts. It incorporates note-booking and oral/written reports instead of standard tests.
- This Reading Mama’s Unit Studies
- Five in a Row
- Unit Study.com
- Konos
- Weaver Curriculum
- Tapestry of Grace {Lampstand Press}
- Productive Homeschooling {Notebooking guidance and resources}
7. Unschooling
This method is similar in many ways to Unit Study {See #6 above}. It is led by the student’s interests, and basic subjects are covered under the umbrella of overall learning.
The parent/teacher helps to guide the student in learning the process of discovery based on what the student would like to learn about, through researching, understanding the topic, and relaying the information to others {via oral or written report or notebooking}. This is a holistic approach to schooling where the student is made aware that learning is a part of daily life and is taught the skills to be a lifelong learner.
Unschooling Resources:
- Unit studies
- Unschooling Resources
- Crazy Family Adventure
- Unschoolers
- Unschooling Mom2Mom
- Unschool Rules
- The library
Enjoy homeschooling!
~Becky
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