8 Types of Homeschooling Methods
Unsure which homeschooling approach is best for your family? Our guide introduces you to several popular methods–one of these could be perfect for you!
Author
Katie Wickliff
Published:
September 2024
Key takeaways
- Learning about different types of homeschooling is the best way to find the right fit for your family.
- Several homeschooling methods, such as traditional or classical, have been around for hundreds of years.
- Certain homeschool styles offer more flexibility than others.
Whether you’re new to homeschooling or have been at it for several years, you likely know that homeschooling provides families with a unique opportunity to customize their child’s education to best suit their learning styles and needs. With more options available than ever, finding the right approach can feel both exciting and overwhelming.
Each homeschooling method has its strengths and weaknesses, and understanding these can help you make the best decision for your family. In this article, we’ll explore different types of homeschooling methods– from traditional to worldschooling, and from Montessori to Waldorf–helping you gain a full picture of how these approaches help homeschooling families create a personalized learning experience. Let’s get started!
Table of contents
8 Popular Types of Homeschooling Methods
Below we break down eight approaches to homeschooling. Get an overview of each method, weigh the pros and cons, and learn who it’s best for.
1. Traditional homeschooling
Overview: The traditional homeschooling approach is similar to a typical classroom experience. It generally involves a structured homeschool curriculum in subjects like math, science, reading, and social studies. Children learn through textbooks, worksheets, online resources, and more. This method often follows a similar grade-level progression to public, private, and parochial schools.
Pros: The traditional homeschool provides a structured framework with set learning goals. This can benefit students and parents who prefer a more conventional approach. This traditional framework also aligns well with state education standards. Established curriculum is available with a wide range of materials, resources, and supports for homeschool teachers.
Cons: The structure of a traditional homeschooling method can be too rigid for some families and leave little room for flexibility depending on a student’s individual needs.
Best For: Homeschoolers who value a predictable learning environment and curriculum that aligns closely with state standards.
2. Montessori homeschooling
Overview: The Montessori learning style, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasizes child-centered learning. It uses hands-on activities and manipulatives to teach concepts, allowing students to work at their own pace. The classroom environment is carefully structured to encourage choice and independence, even for the youngest students.
Pros: The Montessori method empowers students to take control of their learning, which builds confidence and independence. The manipulatives and learning activities are particularly effective for young learners.
Cons: The Montessori homeschool requires careful preparation of materials and the learning environment, which can be time-consuming for parents.
Best For: Children who thrive in a self-directed environment and families who can commit to creating a Montessori-style environment. Families who want to foster exploration and independence in their children will love the Montessori approach.
3. Charlotte Mason homeschooling
Overview: This homeschooling method is based on the philosophy of 19th-century British educator, Charlotte Mason. It incorporates classic literature, nature study, narration, and dictation to teach subjects. The method emphasizes the importance of habit-building and of using “living books”, not textbooks.
Pros: This literature-based approach encourages a love of reading and storytelling, covering various subjects through rich, immersive experiences. Charlotte Mason takes a holistic approach to learning, stressing the importance of developing the whole child.
Cons: This approach may lack the structured framework that some families prefer, and there’s not many resources available to guide parents. Additionally, field trips can be time consuming and costly for families.
Best For: Families who want to focus on reading, nature study, and immersive experiences.
4. Waldorf homeschooling
Overview: The Waldorf method emphasizes child-centered learning. It focuses on the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and physically. It blends academic subjects with artistic and practical activities, using creativity, imagination, and nature as key elements. Waldorf-style lessons often include storytelling, art, and hands-on experiences.
Pros: An emphasis on storytelling can make lessons more engaging and memorable. The Waldorf method also encourages community, cooperation, and connection to the natural world. Lessons are easily adaptable to meet the needs and interests of each child.
Cons: Waldorf education uses minimal technology in the classroom, which can lead to less familiarity with digital tools. Additionally, the Waldorf approach introduces academic learning much later than other methods, which could concern parents who value academic rigor or kids who are ready to dive into traditional subjects.
Best For: Families who are looking for a holistic, flexible, and nontraditional environment with an emphasis on play, exploration, and screen-free learning.
5: Worldschooling
Overview: Worldschooling blends travel with hands-on learning, allowing students to experience different cultures and environments directly. Proponents of worldschooling believe that students receive the best education when they are immersed in the world around them.
Pros: Worldschooling broadens students’ perspectives and promotes cultural understanding. Students become more independent, flexible, and resilient as they explore different locations and ways of life. Families travel together, which can strengthen bonds and create important memories.
Cons: Traveling globally can be costly, and worldschooling demands careful planning to ensure educational goals are met. Consistent peer interaction can be challenging while on the move, and transitioning back to a traditional school setting might be difficult for some children.
Best For: families who prefer a flexible, adaptable learning approach that emphasizes immersive experiences. Worldschooling is ideal for those who value cultural experiences and can manage travel and educational logistics.
6. Classical homeschooling
Overview: Classical education emphasizes the study of classical languages, critical thinking, and the development of strong communication and reasoning abilities. This method is based on the “Trivium” model, which divides learning into three stages: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. These stages are mainly divided by age and build upon one another.
Pros: A classical homeschool education provides a structured, rigorous curriculum that is literature-rich and develops strong analytical and reasoning skills. Because classical education is well-established, parents can find plenty of resources and support.
Cons: In general, classical education is very teacher-driven, which may feel overwhelming to some homeschool parents. Additionally, this method emphasizes on rote memorization, which won’t suit all learning styles.
Best For: Families interested in a traditional, rigorous education that emphasizes classical studies and critical thinking. This method is ideal for those who appreciate a structured, in-depth approach to learning.
7. Unit studies homeschooling
Overview: Unit studies is a homeschooling approach that focuses on exploring a single topic or theme in-depth, integrating that theme into multiple subjects. For example, a unit study on “rainforests” might include locating rainforests on a map (geography), reading about the different adaptations of rainforest animals (science), and calculating the average height of trees in a rainforest (math).
Pros: The unit studies method creates a cohesive learning experience by using a theme to connect subjects, making learning more relevant to the real world. This approach is also very adaptable and works well for families with multiple students at different levels.
Cons: Parents must carefully plan unit studies to ensure that they cover all subject areas– the broad approach may not go as deep as separate programs for each subject. Assessing and tracking progress in a unit study is more complex than with specific subjects.
Best For: Families who want a thematic approach to education with a flexible curriculum. Unit studies are also beneficial for families with multiple children, as they allow each child to explore the same topic at different levels of complexity.
8. Eclectic homeschooling
Overview: The increasingly popular eclectic approach combines elements from various homeschooling methods to create a truly customized curriculum. Families mix and match strategies based on their child’s interests and learning goals.
Pros: Many families enjoy this balanced approach to homeschooling–this way, they can incorporate the best aspects of multiple methods. The curriculum can be adapted to address a wide range of personalities, ages, and learning paces. It also requires parents to truly tune in to their children’s needs, which can lead to a stronger bond.
Cons: As you can see from the list above, there are many different homeschooling methods. Some parents may find the amount of information intimidating. Additionally, designing a unique curriculum takes much more time and preparation than using an established program.
Best For: Families who are comfortable with flexibility and adapting methods to suit their needs. Eclectic homeschooling is also beneficial for those who want to incorporate multiple philosophies and a mix of resources into their teaching.
No matter what type of homeschooling approach you choose for your family, DreamBox Math is here to help. This interactive, game-based program adjusts to each student’s learning style and pace. Offering a range of grade levels and family plans, DreamBox is an ideal complement to your homeschool math curriculum.
