From A to Unschooling: Finding the Perfect Curriculum Fit for Your Homeschool.

Welcome fellow homeschooling adventurers! So, you've taken the plunge (or are thinking about it) into the amazing and enriching - and sometimes chaotic - world of

homeschooling, but now you're faced with the daunting task of choosing the right curriculum for your family. First things first, stop what you’re doing and take a deep breath - you’ve got this. Below I’m going to break down the most common, and some less common, homeschooling methodologies out there, from the classics to the cutting-edge. Whether you're drawn to the structured approach of classical education or the free-spirited vibes of unschooling, we'll explore each option in a way that's easy to understand, relatable, and perfect for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed at the thought of figuring out the right fit for your family and where to start with homeschooling. 

Below we’ll be exploring the different types of homeschool methodologies out there - no, they aren't actually in alphabetical order. Each will be broken down to discuss the history, concepts, foundations, and values of each as well who each style might work best for. So, grab yourself a cuppa, cozy up, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of homeschooling.

If you’d like more information, you can pick up a copy of my FREE e-Book here, that discusses how to start homeschooling, and the considerations necessary to get started and empower your own homeschooling journey!

Let's get started!

1. Classical Education

History and Concept: Classical education is rooted in ancient Greek and Roman educational principles. It is based on the three-stage approach called the Trivium, which consists of the Grammar (facts & Language), Logic (critical thinking), and Rhetoric (communication) Stages. Classical education aims to cultivate a love for learning, critical thinking skills, and a deep understanding of the classical Western tradition by focusing on building a strong foundation in language, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Key Values and Foundations:

• Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric: Classical education emphasizes the Trivium, with a focus on teaching grammar in the early years, developing logic skills in the middle years, and fostering rhetorical skills in the later years.

• Great Books: The curriculum often includes classical literature, philosophy exploration, and historical texts to expose students to the great ideas of Western civilization.

• Socratic Method: Teaching often involves the Socratic method - a dialogue between teacher and student - which encourages critical thinking through questioning and discussion.
  

Who does Classical Education work best for? Classical education is well-suited for students and families who value a structured, language-focused curriculum. It can be suitable for those who appreciate a systematic approach to learning and desire a rigorous academic foundation with a focus on language, logic and rhetoric.

2. Charlotte Mason Method Homeschool:

History and Concept: Developed by Charlotte Mason in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this approach emphasizes living books, nature study, narration, and short lessons. It seeks to nurture and educate the whole person, focusing on character development, good habits, a broad education in various subjects, and exposure to rich literature through “living books”. 

Key Values and Foundations:

• Living Books: Education involves exposure to living books (well-written, engaging literature) rather than dry textbooks. Living books are typically narrative in style and written by an authority on the material, someone with a passion for the material or by someone who has experienced the story first hand.These books may feel as thought the author is “speaking to you” through the text in their narration, drawing the reader into the story with them. 

• Nature and Outdoor Learning: Emphasis on nature study and outdoor experiences to foster a connection with the natural world. Nature study helps the student to see science face to face, and connect more meaningfully to the world around them. 

• Narration: Children are encouraged to narrate what they have learned, this process of exposure and narration presents students with the opportunity to actively engage with the content they are learning, promoting comprehension and communication skills.

• Short Lessons: Lessons are kept short to maintain attention and interest.
  

Who does Charlotte Mason work best for? Charlotte Mason's approach is best suited for families who value a gentle and literature-based education. It works well for those who appreciate an emphasis on character development, nature, and a well-rounded, varied curriculum.

3. Montessori for Homeschool:

History and Concept: Developed by Maria Montessori, this method focuses on self-directed and child-led learning with hands-on, self-correcting materials. It encourages independence, freedom within limits, and a prepared environment to foster a child's natural development by following the child’s natural development stages. 

Key Values and Foundations:

• Child-Centered Learning: Learning is driven by the child's interests, and children are encouraged to explore their environment and interests at their own pace.

• Hands-On Materials: The use of specially designed, self-correcting materials to facilitate hands-on learning. Learning materials are designed to fit in a child’s hands and be easily manipulated.

• Prepared Environment: The learning environment is carefully prepared to encourage independence and a sense of order. Furniture is typically lightweight and child sized, space is open and accessible, and is designed to be meaningful with everything having a purpose and a place. 

• Multi-Age Classrooms: Montessori often involves multi-age classrooms, allowing children to learn from and teach each other, and offers older children an opportunity to take on mentorship roles for younger children. 
  

Who does Montessori work best for? Montessori homeschooling is ideal for families who believe in child-centered learning and value hands-on, experiential education. It is best suited for those who prefer a more unstructured and individualized approach, prioritizing fostering the child’s naturally inquisitive nature, and desire to explore their surroundings to learn how things work and interact with each other in the world. 

4. University Model Homeschool:

History and Concept: The University Model involves students attending classes at a physical location for part of the week under the instruction of a certified teacher, similar to a traditional school setting. The rest of the week, they are engaged in homeschooling lessons, which have generally been prepared by certified teachers. This model of homeschooling aims to blend the benefits of both the traditional school system and homeschooling, while also fostering a partnership between parent and teacher. 

Key Values and Foundations:

• Blended Learning: Combines traditional classroom learning with homeschooling, offering the benefits of both and the partnership between the parent and the teacher. 

• Parental Involvement: Parents play an active role in guiding their children's education during homeschooling days, also allowing parents to impart the personal values they hold most important. 

• Structured Class Time: Mimics a traditional school schedule with set class times for certain subjects under the supervision of a certified teacher.

• Flexibility: Provides flexibility in the homeschooling days for personalized learning.
  

Who does it work best for? This model is suitable for families who seek a balance between traditional schooling and homeschooling, and who value a structured classroom environment while maintaining some control over the curriculum and how the curriculum is delivered.

5. Unit Studies:

History and Concept: Unit studies involve integrating multiple subjects around a central theme or topic. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore various aspects of a subject deeply and holistically, providing a fully immersive education experience. 

Key Values and Foundations:

• Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrates multiple subjects around a central theme, promoting a holistic understanding of the topic of study. 

• Real-World Application: Emphasizes practical application of knowledge through projects and activities. This type of study emphasizes fostering the greater understanding of how all the pieces fit and work together for the whole. 

• Customization: Allows for flexibility and customization based on the interests of the student. There are “print and go” unit studies available for just about any topic you could imagine, making this homeschool style incredibly customizable to each student’s interests and passions. 

• In-Depth Exploration: Provides an opportunity for deep exploration of specific topics, or themes in what is sometimes termed “Thematic Units”. These studies typically include multi-sensory learning opportunities to gain deeper understandings of the theme or topic of study. My favorite Unit Study curriculum, which we’ve been using for a couple years within our homeschool, are the Unit Studies from Harbor & Sprout - which you can check out here. They cover unique & engaging topics, are beautifully curated, and so detailed & immersive. I also love the expanse of age levels their lessons cater to, from elementary all the way through secondary/highschool ages, giving huge value for your investment in lessons. 
  

Who does it work best for? Unit studies are versatile and can be adapted to various learning  styles, as well as teaching styles. Homeschooling Unit Studies work well for families who want to explore subjects in-depth and for those who prefer a more holistic, big picture,  approach to education.They can also work well for families who value an “unbox” or “print and go” lesson plan, as Unit Studies are readily available for many topics, and often curated and written by one or more contributors and will include daily lesson plans which can then be implemented however the parent chooses. On the flip side of that, you can also curate your own unit studies around a central topic of your choosing, leaving even more room for personalization and customization of the content and delivery of the subject matter.

6. School at Home:

History and Concept: This approach replicates a traditional school structure within the home environment, complete with set schedules, textbooks, and assignments. Depending on your specific State and districts, this may be another form of schooling in which lessons are curated and planned by a certified teacher and then administered by a parent within the home, following the prescribed lessons provided. While bearing some similarities to University Method, this method does not involve “on site” time in a school and does not offer as much flexibility in what/how curriculum is taught and progress measured. 

Key Values and Foundations:

• Structured Learning: Follows a structured curriculum similar to traditional school settings - often designated and assigned by certified teachers. For some, this type of schooling may even be done in partnership with the local district (depending on your State and local guidelines). 

• Scheduled Lessons: Typically involves set schedules for lessons, assignments, and assessments. This schedule will usually be more time restrictive and most closely resemble that of a typical school day. 

• Textbook-Based Learning: Relies on textbooks and instructional materials commonly found in schools. 

• Teacher-Led Instruction: Learning is guided by a parent or teacher. This may also be education through an online institute in which instruction is led in a virtual classroom by a certified educator. 
  

Who does it work best for? School at Home is suitable for families seeking a structured and familiar educational setting. It can appeal to those who want to replicate a traditional school experience at home, or for those making the initial switch to homeschooling as a way to ease and temper that transition. 

7. Eclectic Homeschool:

History and Concept: Eclectic homeschooling, or blended learning, involves borrowing ideas and methods from various educational philosophies. Families tailor their approach based on what works best for their children. This is probably the most customizable method of homeschooling because it allows to pull elements and practices  from a variety of other methodologies to personalize each lesson to each learner.

Key Values and Foundations:

• Flexibility: Allows families to choose and adapt elements from a variety of educational philosophies and methodologies. 

• Tailored Learning: Customizes the learning experience based on the needs and interests of each child independently. 

• Holistic Approach: Allows families to take advantage of the strengths of different methods and materials.

• Individualized Education: Recognizes that each child may learn best through a unique combination of approaches.
  

Who does it work best for? Eclectic homeschooling is suitable for families who value flexibility and want to truly customize their children's education. It works well for those who prefer to pick and choose elements from different styles. This style may also be well suited for families homeschooling multiple children where each child has distinctly varied learning styles or educational needs, as you can piece together the perfect curriculum for each using a variety of components from other methods.

8. Unschooling:

History and Concept: Unschooling is a child-led approach where learning is driven by the child's interests and curiosities rather than a predetermined curriculum. It emphasizes real-world experiences and self-directed learning in the natural environment. 

Key Values and Foundations:

• Child-Led Learning: Prioritizes the interests and passions of the child as the driving force for learning. This is a very flexible education that can eb and flow with the child’s individual interests. 

• Real-Life Experiences: Learning is integrated into everyday life experiences and activities. Everything is viewed as a learning opportunity and value is placed on learning in your environment. 

• Freedom: Values freedom and autonomy in the learning process, allowing children to learn at their own pace and guided by their own interests and curiosities. 

• No Formal Curriculum: Rejects the use of a predetermined curriculum in favor of natural learning opportunities.
  

Who does it work best for? Unschooling is ideal for families who value freedom and flexibility in education. It works well for those who believe that children learn best when pursuing their passions and interests and possess the flexible mindset to nurture and support those passions as they change and evolve.

9. Forest School:

Brief History and Concept: Forest School is an outdoor education model that takes place in natural settings. It focuses on hands-on learning, exploration, and connecting with nature. Its roots trace back to the open-air culture, friluftsliv - a simple life in nature without destroying or disturbing it - seen as a way of life in Scandinavia where Forest School began.

Key Values and Foundations:

• Outdoor Education: Prioritizes outdoor learning experiences in natural settings.

• Hands-On Exploration: Encourages hands-on exploration, play, supported risk taking, and discovery in the forest or natural environment.

• Environmental Awareness: Fosters a deep connection with nature and a sense of environmental stewardship. Forest School inspires deep and meaningful connection to the world and a holistic understanding of how individuals  fit within it.

• Child-Led Activities: Allows children to lead their learning within the natural environment, promoting holistic development while fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
  

Who does it work best for? Forest School is suitable for families who appreciate the outdoors and support the idea of living in harmony with nature, and want their children to learn in a natural environment. It's ideal for those who believe in the benefits of outdoor education and holistic practices. 

10. Nature Studies:

History and Concept: Nature studies involve the observation and exploration of the natural world and the things within it. It integrates science, art, STEM, and literature to foster a deep connection with nature. 

Key Values and Foundations:

• Observation and Exploration: Focuses on observing and exploring the natural world.

• Integration of Subjects: Integrates science, art, literature, and other subjects through nature-based experiences.

• Environmental Appreciation: Promotes an appreciation for the environment and biodiversity.

• Hands-On Learning: Emphasizes hands-on activities and projects related to nature such as gardening, nature observation journaling, handicrafting, homesteading and more.
  

Who does it work best for? Nature studies are suitable for families who value nature-based learning and want to instill a love for the environment. It works well for those who appreciate a more holistic and hands-on approach.

Some Nature Study programs, such as the units available from For the Love of Homeschooling, that I use for my own homeschool, are designed to be immersive and tailored to use with multiple kids across a variety of ages at the same time. What I love about this curriculum is that value for my money. Each Unit is delivered as a PDF from which you can print any number of copies of one of the 4 learning levels of student workbooks, and by participating in the subscription based Nature Study Club, I get a new unit each month at just over half the cost of the individual units. Whether kids are the same age or years apart, they can all be studying on the same nature study topic together, fostering connection and mentorship among them. This also allows for me to circle back to these units as my kids grow and build upon what we learned at the younger levels.

11. Waldorf Homeschooling:

History and Concept: Waldorf education, developed by Rudolf Steiner, emphasizes a holistic approach that integrates academics with artistic and practical activities, such as visual arts, drama, and music. It follows a developmental model tailored to the stages of childhood, engaging head, heart, and hands. 

Key Values and Foundations:

• Holistic Development: Emphasizes the holistic development of the child, including emotional, intellectual, artistic, and practical skills.

• Rhythmic Structure: Incorporates a rhythmic daily and yearly schedule to align with natural rhythms. An example would be the daily rhythm of head, heart, hands. The day starts with the head activities (main lesson), then transitions to heart activities (art, drama, music, etc.), then lastly transition to hands activities (PE, dancing, gardening, & other gross motor skill activities) before moving into family time after the school day. 

• Artistic Expression: Values artistic expression through activities like drawing, painting, and storytelling.

• Imagination and Creativity: Encourages imagination and creativity in learning through what Waldorf method terms “heart” and “hands” activities. 
  

Who does it work best for? Waldorf homeschooling is suitable for families who value a holistic and artistic approach to education. It works well for those who appreciate a focus on creativity, imagination, and a developmental approach, but also still value a bit more structure to their lessons and learning activities. 

12. Traditional Homeschooling:

History and Concept: Traditional homeschooling follows a curriculum similar to what might be found in a conventional school but is implemented at home. It can include textbooks, lectures, and structured lessons. Traditional homeschooling has a focus on teaching kids WHAT to learn versus HOW to learn. 

Key Values and Foundations:

• Structured Curriculum: Follows a structured and formal curriculum similar to traditional schools.

• Textbook-Based Learning: Utilizes textbooks and instructional materials commonly found in schools.

• Teacher-Led Instruction: Typically involves a parent or teacher guiding the learning process as the instructor. 

• Scheduled Assessments: Regular assessments and evaluations to track progress, similar to what you might see in traditional schools. 
  

Who does it work best for? Traditional homeschooling is suitable for families who desire a structured and familiar academic setting. It works well for those who prefer a more formal approach to education at home, and may also work for families to begin the initial transition to homeschool from a traditional school setting, even if those families are not entirely sure what direction their homeschool will take long term. 

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As you can see, each of these homeschooling styles offers a unique approach to education, allowing families to tailor their homeschooling experience to the needs and preferences of their children. The best fit depends on your family’s personal educational philosophy, the learning styles of your children, and the resources available to you. 

The values and foundations described, offer a glimpse into the philosophies that underpin each homeschooling approach. Families often choose a method (or a mix of methods) that aligns with their educational beliefs, lifestyle, and the unique needs and interests of their children. Whatever curriculum, or combination of curricula you choose for your homeschool, make sure you are up to date on the current homeschooling laws for your state or province. In the Unites States, a good starting place is the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) website, which you can find here for your convenience.

Don't forget to get your copy of my FREE e-Book Empowering Education: Your Journey Into Homeschooling, and best wishes as you start (or continue on) your homeschooling journey.

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