Home Education

Educational Methods

TRADITIONAL

By traditional methods of education, I refer to the methods that were used in many Catholic and Protestant schools in the mid-1950's and before, and in the public schools at an earlier date. This method uses grade level oriented textbooks based on God-fearing and creationist principles, accompanied by workbooks or other writing exercises, and followed by tests. Examples of homeschool programs using these methods are Our Lady of Victory, Our Lady of the Rosary, Bob Jones, and A Beka.

CLASSICAL

In speaking of classical education, there is basically a different meaning than when I recommend, in the literature section, "classical books", most of which were written by American and English authors in the last few centuries. A "classical education" usually goes back to the Greek and Roman histories, cultures and philosophers,, and then proceeds on to St. Thomas Aquinas and other more "modern", Christian philosophers. It often includes the study of a foreign language, particularly Latin or Greek.

Another aspect of a classical education is often the use of different approaches based on the age of the student. Some classical educators call the grade school age the grammar age, emphasizing rote memory and basics; the junior high age the analytical age; and the high school age the rhetorical age, a time to not only analyze but persuade.. Some examples of classical home school providers are Mother of Divine Grace School, Regina Coeli Academy, Scholars Online Academy, and Calvert School.

"LIVING BOOKS"

You may find this method mentioned in homeschool books, magazines and catalogs, as taught by Charlotte Mason and Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. This method does not have the same structure as the classical approach, but it shares the love of reading good books. The idea of this method is that children learn and absorb better, and are inspired, when they are encouraged to read many good, interesting whole books which make history, geography, science, etc. come to life rather than reading dry, fragmented paragraphs in a textbook, or answering workbook questions. I don't know of a homeschool curriculum that one can enroll one's children in, that uses this method. This may be because the nature of it is to steer your children to lots of good books, while supplementing such needs as math and grammar with other books. This method also includes real-life activities and marveling at the wonder of the world.

ECLECTIC

Eclectic means, "selecting from various systems, doctrines, or sources." I use an eclectic program with my children, taking what I can learn from each of the methods mentioned and using various textbooks and other books from the library, thrift shops, and from current school and homeschool publishers, as well as real-life activities and information from the internet.

If you are doing homeschooling "on your own", you might like to learn from these various methods. If you are just starting out, you might possibly prefer to have a ready-made curriculum. But even then, we can learn things from other types or methods. For example, it is helpful to know from the classical educational principles that the years through grade six are an especially good time for children to memorize important facts, as well as interesting things such as poems.. And it is always good to supplement any program with "living books" which will spur our children's interest in learning, and enrich their lives.

CHARLOTTE MASON

I have become really excited about the Charlotte Mason method of education, which includes a whole lot more than reading "living books". I have discovered a treasure house. You can use whatever method works best for your family at any given point in time. But I think I have finally found the best answer of all for homeschooling! The Charlotte Mason method of education is workable with large families without causing "burn-out" or rebellion. It works with kids who are bright and eager; it works with kids who were frustrated and bored. It works with kids who have special educational needs. It can easily be fitted to your religion and family values, whatever they may be. You can pass on to your children the talents and passions of your family; and you can also encourage your children in their own interests, some of which may guide them to a career. And all of this is done without sacrificing academic standards, but rather excelling in them. I have prepared a page with links to Charlotte Mason information for your use! CLICK HERE to go to that Charlotte Mason page.

The layout is managed by webmaster Paul Myers, using a design from Steve's free web templates.

All original content is © Copyright 2001 - present Mothers Almanac, All Rights Reserved.