What Kind Of Homeschooler Would You Be?

Having visions of homeschooling? Do you know why you want to do it? Making the decision to homeschool is a big step and should involve much thought and discussions between the parents. Once You and your spouse know your end goals and purpose you should give thoughts to what kind of homeschooler you are going to be.

With many opinions out there, keep your focus on your big picture and the decisions you make about the way you are going to homeschool will be easier.

 In a future blog, I will list some websites that will give you more information or resources that will assist you with information and materials. But right now I am going to describe some of the most popular methods or styles of homeschooling.

Although this blog will serve as no 'all inclusive' list it will hopefully help those ready to enter into homeschooling, or even some vets learn of some new methods. 

Let's Explore

Electic Homeschooling

Electic homeschoolers simply use whatever works for their child and their family at any given time. One child out of the family may respond well to workbooks while another does well with hands-on learning. So one year the Electic Homeschooler may do more workbooks; one year they may spend all year doing unit studies. 

Unchooling

Unchoolers tend to be child-directed and very project oriented with the philosophy that life is school. There is usually very little sitting at a desk or and working in a book. Unschoolers don't think the children aren't learning just because it doesn't look like "school." They may grow a garden, make bread, go on a field trip, learn to change the oil in the car and call it a school day. 

Unit Studies

Units can revolve around history, science, literature, the Bible, or any topic or interest. Unit Studies is used by homeschoolers who want more project type learning. Some like to develop their own based upon their own interests or the interests of the child and some use bought, packaged unit studies. 

Lapbooking is a relatively new learning project that often goes along with a unit study. It involves the student making a notebook type project to demonstrate what has been learned in the unit study. Most unit studies cover all areas of the curriculum except math.

Traditional School Approach

Traditional homeschoolers have a specific schoolroom with desks and chair, wall charts, and workbooks. They like to set up school at home, typically buying curriculums in sets which include teacher's guides, workbooks, tests, and answer keys. They keep a school-like schedule and usually have students sitting at desks and working for much of the day just like in "real school." 

Having the big picture should help guide your focus. Be it you choose a relaxed homeschooling approach or advanced academics, hopefully, you will choose to homeschool for the long run. 

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