4 Common Homeschooling Styles: Which One is Right for Your Family?

 

Are you considering homeschooling your child but unsure which approach is right for you? Here are four common homeschooling styles to consider:

1. Traditional: This style is similar to a traditional school setting, with structured lessons and a curriculum that follows a specific set of standards. If you prefer a more structured and traditional approach to education, this style may be a good fit for your family.

   
   

2. Unschooling: This style is based on the belief that children learn best through real-life experiences and self-directed exploration. Unschooling families do not follow a specific curriculum and instead allow children to learn through their interests and experiences. If you value creativity and self-directed learning, unschooling may be a good fit for your family.

   
   

3. Montessori: This style is based on the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, which emphasizes a child-centered approach to learning. Montessori homeschooling often involves hands-on materials and a focus on self-directed learning. If you believe in the importance of hands-on, experiential learning, the Montessori approach may be a good fit for your family.

   
   

4. Classical: This style is based on the classical model of education, which emphasizes the study of great works of literature, history, and science. Classical homeschooling often involves the use of a specific curriculum, such as the Trivium or the Great Books. If you value a strong foundation in the classics and a rigorous academic approach, classical homeschooling may be a good fit for your family.

Ultimately, the right homeschooling style for your family will depend on your values, goals, and preferences. Consider exploring each of these styles in more detail to find the one that best aligns with your family's needs and goals.

What are your values, goals, and preferences when it comes to education?

Homeschool Burnout? 8 Fun and Educational Activities to Give Your Kids a Break from Homeschooling!

RELAX! TAKE A BREAK.. but learn while you do!

Looking for a change of pace in your homeschool day?

1. Go for a walk or hike in nature. This can help kids get some fresh air and exercise while also providing a change of scenery.

   
   

2. Do a craft or art project. This could be something simple like coloring or painting, or something more involved like knitting or woodworking.

   
   

3. Play a board game or card game. This can help kids practice their problem-solving and strategic thinking skills while also having fun.

   
   

4. Cook or bake together. This is a great opportunity to teach kids about nutrition and the importance of eating healthy foods.

   
   

5. Have a movie or game night. This can be a fun way for kids to relax and unwind after a long day of schoolwork.

   
   

6. Play a sport or go to a park. This is a great way for kids to get some physical activity and have fun at the same time.

   
   

7. Read a book or listen to an audiobook. This can help kids improve their reading skills and expand their knowledge of the world around them.

   
   

8. Write in a journal or start a creative writing project. This can help kids express their thoughts and feelings, and can also be a great way to improve their writing skills.

   
   

   How do you plan for breaks from homeschooling? Share your strategies and experiences for taking time off during the school year!

   
   

   NEXT POST:

   8 MORE Fun and Educational Activities for Homeschool Kids to Take a Break from Schoolwork

Homeschool Mom Superpower

Homeschool mama's have a superpower...or two...or three!

What's yours?

I think mine was multitasking.  I say 'was' because mine are graduated and nearly graduated.  YAY!!

(Feel free to copy and share this photo!)

Turn Your Homeschool Experience into a Business - Guest Post by Carol Topp

Turn Your Homeschool Experience into a Business 

By Carol Topp

The most successful businesses spring from using the skills, talents, and experiences of the owner. Why not use your knowledge and understanding of homeschooling to create a business? It can be done! Here are some business ideas that use your experience as a homeschool parent, as well as tips from those who make their livelihood in the homeschool marketplace.

Tutoring

Many homeschool parents find they are qualified to become private tutors earning money from tutoring math, reading, or foreign languages. My friend, Cynthia, tutors Spanish to individuals and small groups of students. She has also has been hired to teach Spanish at several homeschool co-ops. Katie tutors online with Tutor.com in the evenings after her children are in bed. She could earn more with face-to-face tutoring, but the online model fits better with her schedule.

Editing 

Why not use all that grammar and punctuation you've been teaching your kids to good use. Offer your service as an editor to bloggers, novelists, and writers of all kinds. Mary Jo Tate raised her four sons on her income as an editor while homeschooling. To learn how she did it, read her book Flourish at Home available at FlourishAtHome.com. She explains, “I didn’t know much about running a business, but God providentially led me to some conferences for entrepreneurs where I began learning principles that could help me grow a home business while continuing to teach my children.”

Homeschool Moms Love This!

I am a homeschool mom who is also an entrepreneur.  I have a shop on Etsy and run a business from my home while I homeschool!  

I love it!

Customize any design with YOUR quote!

Homeschool MAMA necklace

I am a homeschool mom who is also an entrepreneur.  I have a shop on Etsy and run a business from my home while I homeschool!  I love it!

This is a necklace that I made for us "homeschool MAMA's"

We ♥LUV♥ homeschooling and sometimes we want to show that to the world!

Everything Beautiful Etsy Shop (link)

I Am a Lifelong Learner ~ Are You?

 Something I do OTHER than make jewelry: LEARN

One of my plans for today (other than getting some orders out) includes learning. I am a lifelong learner...homeschool mom... who is showing my kids how to be lifelong learners as well.

On the agenda for today is: The Power of The Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf. I've already watched part of this video. (Oh yeah, and I will watch it while I fold laundry! LOL)

Dr. Caroline Leaf is:
*An amazingly smart woman
*A Christian
*A scientist
*Interesting
*A captivating speaker
*A beautiful, amazingly smart woman!

This video isn't just for adults. I recommend it for teens as well. My 17 year old was enjoying it as well. She offers amazing insights that all can learn from.

Let me know if you decide to watch and learn!

The Power of The Brain

How is your summer going?

I am wondering how your summer is going as a homeschooling family.  Is there any learning going on? Sometimes we head into summer with great aspirations to continue "school" and "do school" through the summer.

I have found that if I help to create and encourage the boys to have a lifestyle of learning, they will do exactly that and we don't have to "do school." When they were younger, it was important to make sure they kept up on their times tables, reading and things like that.  Now that they are in high school, that is all changing!

Over the last couple of years, I have let go of the strict school schedule and have tried to instill a love for learning.  I don't necessarily want the boys to have a love for studying a textbook and taking a test.  In my experience, that goes into some sort of temporary bank in the brain and in the not so distant future, is let out.

Instead, I want the boys to love learning.  When you love to learn, you explore.  In order to explore, you have to open your mind to other possibilities and outcomes.  When you do that, the unexpected often happens and then... you learn!  In that process, you apply yourself and when you experience something, it seems to stick and you remember it.

Being a lifelong learner is so beautiful!  I know a few very intelligent men who continue to learn in their "old age."  (At least, that is what the world would say of them.) I personally think they are young.  Their minds are beautiful and young.  How can a mind stay young and be "old" at the same time?

These guys don't get stuck in their ways.  They are open to other ideas.  Even in their "old age" they continue to WORK and to learn.  That's right! Neither one wants to retire and they both love for others to "use" and benefit from their intellect.  They are always willing to look  into a problem and help.  These gentlemen not only help, but they teach you as they help you so that you can learn from the experience as well.

That's the way problems and situations become learning tools.

I think that is beautiful!  That is what I desire for my children, and myself quite frankly.  I want them to love to explore!  I want them to love to learn something new.  I want them to learn and for others to benefit from their experience and intellect.  I want them to teach as they sort through issues.

That being said, our big aspirations to "do school" in summer usually get flushed.  Nice talks, genuine learning opportunities, and exploration step in and do the job that no textbook or test can do.

My advise it to trust God and step aside!  Let the Holy Spirit lead your child into a life of learning and exploring.  ...and while you're at it, let Him lead you there too!

Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms & Update

I wrote the original article (featured below) several years ago. As I searched through my blog this morning, I stumbled upon it. I chuckle as I read through it.

I want to write an update for you homeschooling mamas with little ones.  It can be a struggle but there IS light at the end of the tunnle!

 UPDATE: My boys are almost 14 and 16 now and reading and multiplication is far behind them.  I'd like to say "that is the least of my worries" but to be honest, I don't have any worries!  Amen!

Espresso is 16 and has turned out to be a wonderful young man.  He just built his first computer from parts that he and my dad bought.  He worked for the money and purchased parts as he went along (over a period of more than a year).  He even used his birthday money and other holiday moneys.  That's right, he didn't blow his money on ANYTHING!  Talk about driven and having a goal in mind.  (...mom smiles...)

Double Espresso is almost 14 now.  Reading is no longer an issue as he is reading many books on his own and he loves it! We are so proud of him as his maturity level and his Spiritual life rises.  His desire for the things of God are inspiring and we can see how God has big plans for him as he matures into an adult.





All of this to "show and tell," there IS HOPE!  Homeschooling parent, I want to encourage you.  You ARE doing the right thing.  All of your hard work, prayers, and time will pay off and probably already has even if you are not aware of it. Blessings abound!  Easier days are ahead.

I'd love to encourage you! Leave me a comment or send me an email.  :) Janet ♥

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

 

At one point Espresso had trouble reading well. I started to sweat it and get worried. My husband and other homeschoolers encouraged me to just hang in there. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and hang in there he'll catch on; AND he did!!

About 2 years later Double Espresso wasn't grasping multiplication. After hanging in there with Espresso, I knew that eventually, Double Espresso would catch on. Sure enough, it was like a light switch was flipped and he caught on.

Sometimes, it is a matter of maturity. Sometimes it is a matter of learning styles. Sometimes it is a matter of giftedness. You may even want to take a break for a little while. Eventually, something will click and your child will "get it".

If your child is having trouble in a certain area, maybe we can help give you a fresh perspective!