The short answer is: “No”
With an infinite number of ways to approach home education, researching methods and styles can be overwhelming, but that is also the beauty of it. We get to decide what our unique experience will look like and what works best for our individual family. Looking closely at our kid’s needs (Step 3), and our own personal strengths (Step 4), and our “why” (Step 1), allows us to easily narrow down the methods and techniques we want to incorporate into our homeschool. We need to listen to our gut, that still small voice that knows the difference between right for others and right for us. Methods provide guides, inspiration, and techniques, they are not rules.
We need to listen to our gut, that still small voice that knows the difference between right for others and right for us.
There is unspoken social pressure in the homeschooling world to identify with a certain method. And if you don’t you are still categorized…as “eclectic.” I do not know why there is this need to box ourselves in, perhaps it makes us feel safe, like a cat, but I am here to break down those walls that can quickly confine and define our homeschool.
What to do instead of using a homeschool method
There is actually a lot of overlap when it comes to the methods, so instead of looking at the method as a whole (Classical, Unschooling, Charlotte Mason, Montessori), I advise looking at the components and characteristics of each instead, and decide individually if they hold any value for your homeschool.
Homeschool.com has a fun quiz, and you may or may not like the method it spits out at the end, but more importantly, it asks some great questions to help kickstart your research.
Pam Barnhilll is another great resource. Read about a variety of styles, methods, and techniques, because while you might not think you are the “unschooling type” you find that strewing is not only a cool idea, but you have been doing it without knowing it had a name (true story). It’s ok to mix and match methods, and in fact I encourage it.
There is no right way to homeschool.
What works in one family may flop in another, and what sounds good on paper may not be realistic. The goal never changes, but the method most certainly will. Keep learning, keep reading, and so will your kids.
Take this opportunity to step out of your comfort zone a little and shake things up, because you may be surprised by yourself and your kids.
If just starting homeschool with young kids
If your children are still young (say 6 and under) and you are just starting out, you have the precious gift of time! No need to jump into a curriculum or “do school.” Your kids need you, your time, your love. Show interest in what they are doing, answers to their questions, and read them lots of books (over and over). Go on walks, get outside, count things, notice patterns, sing the ABCs every time you wash your hands, and snuggle.
Try not to hurry.
Read A LOT.
Read to your kids, and read for yourself. Check out Read Aloud Revival to get you started with book suggestions and helpful information on why and how to make books part of the culture in your homeschool. What you can do during this time is educate yourself, research, read, talk to friends, journal, find a mentor, dream, create, ponder, build your home library, explore blogs and podcasts, start a nature journal, but most of all, set an example for your child(ren) of lifelong learning.
The Ultimate Guide to Homeshcool Methods https://pambarnhill.com/guide-to-homeschool-methods/
Homeschool Terminology
https://www.homeschool.com/articles/know-your-homeschool-terminology/
Readaloudrevival.com
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