Homeschooling Methods: Choosing the Best One for Your Family
Inside: Explore popular homeschool methods and discover the best fit for your family—plus why it’s okay to change as your child and life evolve.
Starting your homeschooling journey can feel overwhelming, especially with so many types of homeschooling to choose from. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your approach, understanding the top homeschooling methods can help you make a confident decision that fits your family’s needs.
This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.
Homeschooling Methods: Choosing the Best One for Your Family
Here’s some reassuring news: it’s absolutely okay to change your homeschool methods as your child’s interests, learning styles, and grade levels evolve. Many homeschool families find that what works for their younger children might not be the best fit for their older students, and that’s part of the beauty of home education—flexibility!
This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.
The Classical Method
Rooted in ancient education, the classical approach focuses on the trivium: grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages.
Best for: Parents who love structure, classic literature, and a strong foundation in language arts, Latin, and logic.
Pros:
- Emphasizes mastery of various subjects
- Great for middle school and high school students
- Encourages deep thinking and strong writing skills
Cons:
- Often follows a set curriculum
- May feel too rigid for relaxed homeschoolers
Charlotte Mason Method
The Charlotte Mason approach emphasizes gentle learning through living books, nature study, and the fine arts.
Best for: Families who value a rich learning environment with plenty of outdoor time and minimal screen use.
Pros:
- Encourages wonder and curiosity
- Includes short lessons, nature walks, and classic literature
- A gentle way to teach younger children
Cons:
- Requires consistent reading aloud and preparation
- May feel less rigorous for high school years
Day of the Dead Unit Study | Día de los Muertos
Introduce your students to the vibrant and meaningful celebration of Día de los Muertos with this comprehensive unit study!
Perfect for upper elementary learners, this unit dives into the cultural, historical, and artistic traditions of the Day of the Dead. Students will explore the history of the holiday, learn about the significance of ofrendas, and discover the meaning behind iconic symbols like La Catrina and mariposas monarcas (monarch butterflies).
Montessori Method
Inspired by Montessori schools, this holistic approach emphasizes hands-on learning and independence.
Best for: Families who want their kids to move at their own pace and learn through real-life experiences.
Pros:
- Encourages autonomy and self-motivation
- Child-led, interest-based learning
- Works well in a mixed-age kitchen table setting
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive
- Less focus on group instruction or standardized testing
Unit Studies
A unit study involves teaching multiple subject areas through one central theme or topic (like the Middle Ages, space, or oceans).
Best for: Eclectic homeschoolers or families with multiple kids at different ages who want to learn together.
Pros:
- Creative and engaging
- Easy to adapt for older children and younger children
- Great for incorporating field trips and hands-on learning
Cons:
- Can be time-consuming to plan
- May lack consistent structure for some families
Mythology and Legends Unit Study
Introducing our captivating Mythology and Legends Unit Study! Dive into the enchanting realms of Greek, Norse, or Egyptian mythology with this comprehensive printable product. Unleash your inner explorer as you embark on a magical journey through these ancient tales, accompanied by a rich assortment of engaging activities.
Unschooling
The unschooling method embraces the idea that children learn best through life experiences, not formal instruction.
Best for: Families seeking complete freedom and trust in the child’s natural curiosity.
Pros:
- Extremely flexible
- Follows the child’s interests and own pace
- Real-world learning experiences
Cons:
- Hard to document learning for states with strict homeschool laws
- May feel overwhelming for new homeschool parents
Eclectic Homeschooling
One of the most popular and practical homeschooling styles, eclectic homeschooling blends different methods and resources to fit the child’s learning style and the family’s needs.
Best for: Families who want the freedom to change it up and do what works.
Pros:
- Completely customizable
- Allows for combining online learning, unit studies, and hands-on learning
- Great for families with children at different stages
Cons:
- Requires more decision-making
- May be hard to stay consistent without a plan
Traditional Homeschooling
Modeled after public school or local school routines, this traditional homeschooling method uses textbooks and a daily schedule similar to a classroom.
Best for: Families transitioning from public school or those who need structure and predictability.
Pros:
- Easy to find a complete homeschool curriculum
- Familiar to traditional homeschoolers
- Good for older children preparing for standardized tests
Cons:
- Less flexibility
- May not match a child’s learning style
Tips for Choosing the Best Approach
Start with your goals
What are your educational goals? Do you want college prep, life skills, or character development?
Consider your child’s learning style and interests
Are they hands-on, visual, or auditory learners? What subjects light them up?
Be open to trying different methods
There are many different ways to homeschool. It’s perfectly fine to begin with one style and shift later on.
Many homeschool parents find that what worked last year might not be the best approach this year—and that’s okay.
The Freedom to Grow and Change with Your Homeschool Methods
Your homeschooling journey will change as your family grows. As homeschooling parents, it’s empowering to know you don’t have to stick with one educational philosophy forever. You might start off as a Charlotte Mason education enthusiast, turn into an eclectic homeschooler, and eventually adopt some classical homeschooling practices for your high school students. That’s the beauty of the world of homeschooling!
There’s no “one size fits all” in homeschooling—only what works for you right now.
Want More?
How to Get Started in Nature-Based Homeschooling
How to Ease into A Back to School Routine for Your Homeschool
