Home Education Methods
There are a huge variety of methods of and philosophical approaches to homeschooling, and whether you chose to follow one or to take what you need from a variety of them is a personal choice. Most families tend to find their own method, basing it initially one one philosophy but gradually compromising or changing to suit the needs of their own children. Others are highly committed to a particular type or vision of education and stick to a single method.There are no rules - inform yourself, try what seems best in the knowledge that you can always make changes later. These pages are intended to serve as a brief introduction to some of the most common teaching methods and philosophies used by those educating their children at home, with links to further information.
Note: There is no real demarcation between the two different sets of approaches below - it is possible to follow most philosophical methods either with or without curricula. It is just seemed the clearest way we could present complex information.
Curriculum Approaches to Home Education
Standard Curriculum
Home schooling while following curricula set by the state or by internationally
recognised bodies and examination boards.
Alternative Curriculum
Staying with a set curriculum but moving outside the state/exam board sector and
choosing an alternative curriculum best suited to an individual child
Flexible/Partial Curriculum
Some subjects are approached in a structured way but for much of the time
children are allowed to follow their interests and direct their own learning.
No Curriculum
There is no set curriculum, children follow their interests and parents are
there to assist and guide as required.
Philosophical Approaches to Home Education
Montessori Method
It is quite easy to see how Montessori methods can be adapted to home
use, since one of the prime objectives of its originator, Maria Montessori, was
to provide a home-like experience in schools.
Steiner or Waldorf Method
Developed by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, this method of education is
growing rapidly in popularity and as well as a home schooling method it is used
by a number of alternative schools in Ireland.
Charlotte Mason Method
Particularly popular with Christian homeschoolers, the Mason Method place
emphasis on the development of good habits and on using unabridged texts and
'narration' in teaching children.
Unschooling
This approach takes away all notions of subjects, curricula and timetabled
classes in favour of child led learning, taking place naturally as part of
everyday life, with the parent as facilitator rather than teacher.