Techniques Successful Homeschool Parents Use

Every homeschool is different, but certain homeschooling techniques have proven very successful. The majority of homeschoolers don’t stick to a single style or method. This is mostly because there are so many effective techniques to choose from. Instead, they take the best ideas available that are a good fit for their family. And then they create a method all their own. Some of the styles used by the most successful homeschoolers are as follows:

SUCCESSFUL HOMESCHOOL TECHNIQUES:

Relaxed Homeschooling

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“Eclectic” homeschooling is one of the most common approaches among homeschoolers. It is a very relaxed approach to teaching children at home. Because it involves using a little of one thing and a little of another, it may be judged harshly by non-homeschoolers. For instance, you might utilize workbooks for reading, spelling, and mathematics and taking an unschooling approach to everything else. Therefore, it appears that you may be “missing” some important concepts. Many people will caution that your child may have holes in their education if you utilize this method.

Mornings are usually used for the more formal work that needs to be done when using this method. While afternoons are used to pursue hobbies and projects. There are no specific timetables, but the child works towards certain educational objectives. The relaxed homeschooler may use normal school standards to assess a child’s progress, perhaps even using standardized tests where appropriate. The advantage of this technique is that so-called ‘important’ subjects are thoroughly covered, while more creative and explorative subjects also get their time.

The School-At-Home Technique

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This is the style the media mostly portrays since it is easiest to understand and provides good opportunities for photographs of a child working in their home environment. This is also known as ‘traditional’ homeschooling. This successful homeschool method typically involves acquiring a complete school curriculum with textbooks, lesson plans, tests, grading materials and the ability to keep records. There are some, however, who devise their own curriculum and source their own learning resources.

The advantage of this technique is that you will always know what to teach and when to teach it, which can be particularly helpful when you are first starting. The disadvantage is that there is a great deal of work on your part, and the lessons may not be as enjoyable for the child.

The Unschooling Method

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This is an approach that never uses a preset curriculum. Learning is based on the interests of the parent and child and takes place not only at home but in your local coffee shop, park or anywhere else in the community. Some people refer to this technique as the ‘natural’, ‘interest-led’ or ‘child-led’ approach, where children learn from life experiences rather than from scheduled lessons and formal curricula. 

Unschooled children are allowed to follow their interests and learn in a similar way as adults. We follow our curiosities and interests and learn naturally as we go. When an adult comes across something they don’t know, they can read a book, visit a museum, visit the beach, or search the internet. Unschooled children can take the same approach. With a little guidance and direction, this approach can help learners cover everything they need to know for the major subjects. The advantage is that it gives children time to pursue their own interests and develop research abilities that enable them to become experts in their field of study. Many successful homeschool families report excellent results with this method. The disadvantage is that these children may not perform well at formal assessments and may struggle in some areas if they later re-enter the school system.

Waldorf Homeschooling

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This method is surging in popularity as it places the emphasis on educating a child’s mind, body and spirit. In the early stages, things like arts, crafts, music, movement, and nature are important, while older children are encouraged to develop self-awareness and reasoning. Children of Waldorf homeschooling don’t work with standard textbooks. They are actually helped to create their own books.

Waldorf homeschooling discourages the use of computers and televisions so as not to stifle a child’s creativity. This method produces successful homeschool students who can think outside the box and see the world in a different light.

There are books available for purchase about the Waldorf method. In fact, many parents are seeing some excellent results from it. Rhythm and consistency are very important principles. For example, there is usually a daily schedule that flows naturally. This gives the parents plenty of time to cover everything.

When homeschooling is done correctly, the benefits far outweigh any disadvantages. Formal curricula and syllabuses can be stressful and overwhelming, with students taking an average of 8-13 different subjects simultaneously. If you need support with homeschooling, there are many resources and organizations available to help. It is important to get the right method for your child. However, don’t be afraid to explore the best techniques that others use. And most importantly, come up with your mixture of methods that is a good fit. Trial and error are inevitable, but they are the best route to success.

For even more ideas about homeschooling and other methods not mentioned here, check out Different Methods of Homeschooling!

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