What type of Homeschooler are you?

Classical

Classical Homeschooling uses the concept of the Trivium to develop a developmentally appropriate education. The trivium refers to the three stages, or ways, of learning that coincide with a child’s cognitive development as he matures. Here is a wonderful website that will answer many of your questions.

Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason was an educator near Ambleside, England in the late 1800's and early 1900's. She believed education should be a peaceful and rewarding experience. Her approach provide's a child with a broad and liberal education. She placed great importance on the use of living books. This is my favorite website for the practical application of Charlotte Mason philosophies. You can read her original works for free at this site.

Waldorf

Waldorf Methods is a holistic approach to the education of the whole child. Waldorf ideals for education emphasize and awaken disciplined creativity, wonder, reverence and respect for nature and human existence. Check out this site for more details.

Unit Studies

A unit study is an in-depth study of a single topic that encompasses all areas of study. Math, Science, History, Geography, Language Arts, Music and Art are intertwined into the study of the topic of choice. This approach allows the child to see the subject as a whole instead of compartmentalizing the various subjects. Here is a good description, including an example of how one might create a unit study.

Unschooling

Unschooling is also referred to as "child led learning". Unschoolers trust their children to learn the things they need to know with little direction from them. The unschooling parent can be seen as more of a facilitator than a teacher. They follow their children's interests and provide the children with the means to educate themselves. Here is a good FAQs page about unschooling.

Eclectic

Eclectic Homeschoolers pick and choose from different types of curriculum and methods for the various subjects. An eclectic homeschooler may Unschool for science, use a Classical approach to history and follow Charlotte Mason principles for language arts and literature. I like to refer to this type as the "Whatever Works" approach. Check this out.

Cyberschooling

Cyberschooling is where a student is enrolled in an online school. These schools are often a branch of the public school system. Many cyberschools offer a different approach to the typical scope and sequence of the public school while still "keeping up" with the public school curriculum. Parents are allowed the flexibility of scheduling but there is still a teacher to oversee them and answer any questions that they have along the way.

Thomas Jefferson Education

A Thomas Jefferson Education, also call Leadership Education, teaches students how to think and prepares them to be leaders in their homes & communities, entrepreneurs in business, and statesmen in government.

Montessori

Montessori Homeschooling is an adaptation of the schooling philiosophy used in Montessori Schools. The Montessori approach helps children develop creativity, problem solving, social and time management skills, to contribute to society and the environment, and to become fulfilled persons in their particular time and place on Earth.