The traditional educational method is one that schools use. Hence, it’s often called the school-at-home approach and is the most popular method among new homeschool parents.

Traditional education uses a set curriculum that usually incorporates workbooks, spiral lessons, tests, and quizzes. This method closely mimics the structured environment of a public or private school setting, providing a familiar framework for both parents and students. The curriculum is often divided into standard subjects including math, science, language arts, history, and social studies, among others.

Classical education has its origins in ancient times and served as the foundational framework for educational systems for hundreds of years. This method remained the predominant approach in schools up until the early 20th century.

Unlike modern educational models that often prioritize achieving the highest test scores, classical education focuses on creating well-rounded individuals. The goal is to develop wise, virtuous, and curious students who can think logically and critically, analyze material thoroughly, and present their ideas persuasively and attractively.

The Charlotte Mason approach was created by British educator Charlotte Mason. Although she was initially trained in classical education, Mason found that the methods of her time were frequently too demanding and monotonous.

Unique to many homeschool methods, Mason directly addressed homeschool mothers and tutors, tailoring her advice specifically for the home education environment. She emphasized the importance of learning from real-life situations and allowing ample time for play and creative activities. This holistic approach fosters happy learners who develop a lifelong love of learning and naturally educate themselves through curiosity and exploration.

The Montessori homeschool method is characterized by self-directed, hands-on learning and collaborative play. This educational approach focuses on nurturing each child’s unique strengths and interests, encouraging them to explore and learn at their own pace.

In a Montessori setting, children are given a curated selection of educational activities that promote creativity and practical life skills. These activities are designed to be engaging and relevant to the child’s developmental stage, fostering a love for learning through discovery and exploration.

Radical Unschooling is an educational philosophy that allows children to follow their interests entirely and wholeheartedly, providing them with complete freedom to direct their learning journey. In this approach, parents grant their children the autonomy to make all decisions regarding their education and daily life, including aspects such as chores, rules, bedtimes, exams, and mealtimes.

In a Radical Unschooling environment, children are given the liberty to choose what they want to eat, when they go to bed, and how much television or video games they consume, all without parental imposition. This method trusts that children, when given the freedom, will naturally gravitate towards activities that foster growth, learning, and well-being according to their individual needs and interests.

The Unit Study homeschool method emphasizes interconnected learning. Unlike traditional education, where subjects are taught separately, Unit Study topics integrate various subjects into a cohesive learning experience.

This method is particularly advantageous for large families, as it allows all children to be taught simultaneously using the same curriculum. This hands-on approach is ideal for younger children who have difficulty sitting still, as it encourages active learning through movement and engagement.

Additionally, older siblings often help teach younger ones within this framework, developing leadership skills and reinforcing their own understanding of the subject matter.

Waldorf education, created by Rudolf Steiner, has gained considerable popularity in recent decades. This educational philosophy focuses on a holistic approach to child development, aiming to nurture the mind, body, and soul. Several aspects make the Waldorf homeschool method particularly appealing. It strongly advocates for hands-on activities and imaginative play, allowing children to learn through direct experience and creativity.

Waldorf education is rooted in some unique ideas, many of which derive from anthroposophy, a spiritual philosophy founded by Steiner. Anthroposophy influences various aspects of the Waldorf approach, including its emphasis on the rhythmic patterns of daily and seasonal life, the spiritual development of the child, and the interconnectedness of all learning. Overall, the Waldorf homeschool method aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are intellectually curious, emotionally balanced, and practically skilled, ready to navigate and contribute to the world around them.

Unschooling is an educational approach that integrates learning with everyday experiences. It is one of the most effective methods for fostering interest-based education within a homeschool setting. Unlike traditional education, Unschooling does not rely on textbooks or a fixed curriculum, though students may choose to use these resources temporarily if they wish to acquire a specific skill.

Parents play a crucial role in facilitating this type of learning by responding to their child’s interests and providing opportunities to explore those interests through real-life activities. For example, a simple shopping trip can become a rich educational experience. Children can learn geography by deciphering bus timetables and reading maps, mathematics by calculating the total cost of products against their available budget, and business principles by distinguishing between good and bad deals.