Homeschooling-methods-572

Homeschooling-methods-572parentscontinuously look out for the best
Homeschooling Methodsproducts that will meet theneeds of their
For many people,Visit here nowhomeschoolers. Most Eclectic
 homeschooling may call to mind the picture ofhomeschoolingcurriculums are improvised. This
twoor three children sitting at a table and writingmeans that the basic curriculumis ready-made.
feverishly intheir workbooks, while mom or dadThe parents then make changes in the curriculum
stands nearby. This is the notentirely true. Theretoaccommodate the individual needs and interests
are different methods of homeschooling,and theof their children.
method you choose will decide the curriculum andThe child's gifts, temperament, learning style and
yourstyle of teaching. Given below are some ofinterestsdictate the curriculum. Eclectic programs
the most influentialand popular homeschoolinginclude visits to themuseum, libraries and factories.
methods.Unschooling:
The Charlotte Mason method:A Boston public educator name John Holt laid the
Charlotte Mason is known as the founder of thebeginnings of theunschooling method. He believed
homeschoolingmovement. A homeschooler herself,that children learned best whenthey are free to
she was passionate in her zealto lay out thelearn at their own pace and when they are
foundations for an effective aguidedby their own interests. His message was to
completehomeschooling program that is fun and'unschool' the child.
educational at the sametime. This method focusesThis method is a hands-on approach to learning,
on all the core subjects with emphasisplaced onwhere the parenttakes definite cues from the
classical literature, poetry, fine arts, classicalchildren. There is no definitecurriculum, schedules
musicand craft. Mason used a variety of booksor materials. This method is the mostunstructured
from classicalliterature, which she called 'Livingof the various homeschooling techniques.
Books'. Since this methodencourages a passionateThe Montessori Method:
awareness of literature, the child is readto dailyThis method began in Italy, when it was observed
from the 'Living Books'. After this, the child isthat childrenhave acute sensitive periods, during
askedto narrate what she has heard. This processwhich they undergo periods ofintense
begins at the age ofsix, and by ten the child isconcentration. During such phases, a child will
expected to write her narrations inher book.repeat anactivity till he gains a measure of
Mason also advocated the use of 'Nature Diaries'.self-satisfaction. The
Aftereach short and interesting lesson, the child isMontessori method depends on a prepared
asked to go toenvironment to facilitatelearning. All the materials
Nature and draw observations from Nature. Thusused in this method are designed tosatisfy the
the child alsogains a sense of respect for herinner desire for spiritual development of the child.
environment. Mason believed thatdevelopment ofThe materials used progress from simple to
good character and behavior was essential tocomplex, and are ratherexpensive.
thecomplete development of the child'sThese are just a few of the methods of
personality.homeschooling. Whatever themethod, the
The Eclectic Homeschooling:underlying factor is flexibility and a keen interestin
This is a mixture of various homeschoolingthe desires of the child. The secret is to use the
techniques. Here, theinnovative parents trust theirchild'sdesire for knowledge to further his
own judgment and pick out thetopics that makeeducation.
the best curriculum for their child. Such