Put away the whiteboard, desks and workbooks! Homeschooling doesn’t have to look like traditional classroom education. When teaching at home, find a method that fits your goals and your child’s learning style. Here are descriptions of the most popular homeschooling methods:

• Charlotte Mason: The Charlotte Mason Method focuses on literature, short lessons, and appreciation of nature. In this homeschooling method, children learn primarily through literature, which is known as “living books.” Students acquire language arts and writing skills through the use of copying, narration, and dictation.
• Classic Homeschooling – Classical homeschooling divides learning into three stages known as the Trivium. These stages are grammar (from birth to elementary school), logic (middle school), and rhetoric (high school). Each stage of the Trivium corresponds to the natural development of a child’s brain. Classical homeschoolers focus on academic achievement, exposure to the great books of Western civilization, and knowledge of Latin and Greek.
• Computer-Based Homeschooling – Children who are visually oriented and prefer to work alone may prefer online or computer-based homeschooling. Computer courses work well for children who are self-motivated and not easily distracted. These programs come with structured lessons and pre-planned times that help busy parents save time. Many of the online courses also come with grading and record keeping systems.
• Eclectic Homeschooling: This style of homeschooling involves choosing from a variety of methods depending on the needs of the child. An eclectic homeschooler may use traditional workbooks for some subjects and computer courses for others. Some eclectic homeschooling families may even choose to unschool certain subjects.
• Montessori Homeschooling: The Montessori method focuses on learning through self-directed, multi-sensory activities. Parents serve as facilitators, not teachers, in a Montessori homeschool setting. Many Montessori activities mimic those that occur naturally in the home.
• Relaxed Homeschooling: Relaxed homeschoolers focus on tailoring education to fit a child’s needs and goals. In a relaxed homeschool, the formal curriculum is used as needed, but many lessons occur naturally in the course of daily life.
• Traditional Textbooks: This method of homeschooling is more like traditional schooling due to its reliance on textbooks and workbooks. Although some homeschoolers find this style of homeschooling boring and tedious, others enjoy the lesson plans, structure, and successful results of traditional workbook programs.
• Unit Studies: This style of homeschooling combines the study of history, science, mathematics, and language arts into a single subject study. Homeschool unit studies are great for larger families who need to combine children of various ages and hands-on learners who enjoy working on projects.
• Unschooling: Unschooling, or delight-directed learning, involves letting the child choose what to study. Non-schoolers focus on preparing a learning environment and leaving your child free to explore it.

Homeschooling will look different in each family, depending on the needs and goals of the family. Take the time to observe your children and assess their strengths and weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the right homeschooling method for you!