Methods and Curriculum
Homeschool Methods
There are many different homeschooling methods that parents can choose from. Some of the most popular methods include:
- Unschooling is a relaxed method that follows the child’s interests, passions, and curiosities. Parents put educational decisions into each child’s hands to pursue what they should learn. This method can be a great fit for families who want to give their children more freedom and autonomy in their education.
- Traditional homeschooling is a more structured method that follows a weekly and daily schedule similar to the style found in public or private schools. This method involves textbooks, organized lessons, and tests. It can be a good fit for families who want their children to have a more traditional education.
- Waldorf education is a holistic liberal arts education where subjects are not separated from one another and education covers body, mind, and spirit. Textbooks are not used until children are older. This method can be a good fit for families who want their children to have a well-rounded education that emphasizes creativity and critical thinking.
- Unit studies are multi-level strategies that can be used to teach different ages at the same time. They can be hands-on, literature-based, or even nature-based. They typically encompass all of the scholastic subjects through the study of one topic. This method can be a good fit for families who want to keep all of their children on similar topics at the same time.
- Online (or virtual) public school is a more recent homeschooling option that allows parents to have the freedom of having their children at home, while also having the oversight and accreditation provided by a state-run school. Instruction is at home using computer lessons or via textbook. This method can be a good fit for families who want the flexibility of homeschooling, but who also want the structure and accountability of a traditional school.
- Moore Formula is a method that was developed by Raymond and Dorothy Moore. They believe that formal school is better started later than early, with very little or no formal schooling taking place before age 8. This method can be a good fit for families who want to give their children more time to play and explore before they start formal schooling.
- Classical education is a movement that emphasizes the importance of grammar, logic, and rhetoric in education. This method can be a good fit for families who want their children to learn how to think critically and communicate effectively.
- Montessori education is based on the teaching of Maria Montessori. It relies on multi-age groups, uninterrupted blocks of time, real-world activities, and choice of pre-selected set of work centers. Child directed learning. Parents act as a facilitator. This method can be a good fit for families who want their children to learn at their own pace and who want them to be independent and self-directed learners.
- Charlotte Mason is a method that uses high-quality literature to teach children. It also emphasizes plenty of time spent outdoors, the development of an appreciation of art, music, and nature, and journaling, narration, and copy work. This method can be a good fit for families who want their children to have a well-rounded education that emphasizes the importance of literature and the arts.
- Eclectic is also known as relaxed. It is a blending of multiple approaches. A mix and match method of different styles. This method can be a good fit for families who want to choose the best practices from different homeschooling methods and create a unique educational experience for their children.
The best homeschooling method for your family will depend on your child’s individual needs and learning style, as well as your own preferences as a parent. It is important to do your research and to talk to other homeschoolers to find a method that is right for you.
Homeschool Christian Curriculum
There are many different Christian homeschool curriculums available, each with its own unique approach to teaching. Some of the most popular Christian homeschool curriculums include:
- Memoria Press offers a comprehensive and accessible classical Christian curriculum. They emphasize liberal arts and the great works of the Western tradition. Their selections encourage the development of wisdom and virtue through a pursuit of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful.
- Classical Academic Press produces classical curricula and media with a clear design and structure and incremental and systematic instruction, all with a touch of delight, creativity, and flair. Learning should be fun and beautiful! Their motto, “Classical Subjects Creatively Taught”, describes the essence of all they offer (Latin, Logic, Writing & Rhetoric, Grammar, Greek, Spanish, Poetry, Literature Guides, and more).
- Simply Charlotte Mason is an enjoyable feast of many subject areas. Utilizing the Charlotte Mason method, families can use their selections to teach the whole family with living books and their open-and-go daily plans. Homeschool families will find support by checking out their Learning Library articles and videos, their encouraging discussion forum and live events, and helpful weekly blog articles and podcasts.
- Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Their mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through print and digital curriculum and online classes.
- Beautiful Feet Books offers teacher guides and literature packs that are strong in content and presentation. Their vision is to help homeschool parents ignite wonder and connect with their kids through the best stories and guided lessons. To accomplish this vision, they create, develop, and publish Charlotte Mason-inspired history and literature curriculum and teacher’s guides to help parents fulfill their desire to read the best books, foster a curiosity-driven learning environment, and develop deep relationships with their kids.
- Master Books offers a Charlotte Mason inspired approach to learning with living lessons, captivating pictures, engaging stories, and assignments. Its mission is to increase the reader’s faith in God and the authority of His Word. They offer biblically-based apologetics and creation materials. They are workbooks based, but not too heavy on the busywork, which leaves ample time for exploring deeper while encouraging hands-on reinforcement activities. A very Biblically-based curriculum with an economical price tag (approximately $30 per subject for lower elementary) and a relaxed fun pace. Books are identified by level, not grades, so you elect which level your child learner is at.
- Abeka is a well-respected and well-known Christian homeschooling curriculum program for more than 30 years. They offer textbooks, video lessons, teaching aids, and more. When you choose Abeka, you can count on proven, time-tested academic excellence along with a biblical worldview, so your children can be fully prepared for the future.
- My Father’s World Christian homeschool curriculum combines the best of Charlotte Mason’s ideas, classical education, and unit studies with a biblical worldview and global focus. By always keeping God’s Word central, they partner with you to provide life-transforming, academic excellence with a Christian worldview.
- Heart of Dakota publishes a Christian homeschool curriculum that is easy to use, flexible, educational and can also be used with multiple ages at the same time. Their desire is to help homeschool teachers have a successful experience from the very beginning, while keeping God’s Word at the heart of their children’s academic training.
Affordable Christian Homeschool Curriculum
In addition to the curriculums listed above, there are also a number of inexpensive Christian homeschool curriculums available. Some of the most popular affordable Christian homeschool curriculums include:
- Easy Peasy is a free and online curriculum that offers materials for all grades (Pre-K to High School). It is workbook-based and is said to be structured at an accelerated pace.
- Christian Light is a workbook-based Christian curriculum that has worked very well for many families. The lessons are quick, easy to follow, and they have plenty of review sections that you can skip if you feel your child already has a good grasp on the material. It is a Mennonite curriculum, so some of the material might not address certain cultural themes.
Best Workbook Based Homeschool Curriculum for Christian Families
Workbook-based curriculum can be a great option for Christian families who are looking for a structured and affordable way to homeschool their children. Workbooks typically provide students with a variety of activities to help them learn the material, such as fill-in-the-blanks, multiple choice, and essay questions. This can be a helpful way for students to practice their skills and knowledge independently. Workbooks can also be used as travel companions or supplemental education materials.
Here are some of the best workbook-based homeschool curriculums for Christian families:
- Landmark Freedom Baptist Curriculum offers a full line curriculum for preschool through 12th grade, and they also offer an Academy service allowing homeschoolers to earn an official transcript and accredited diploma. Their workbooks are complete subject sets containing 36 weeks, plus weekly quizzes and answer keys. There is no need for lesson plans or teacher’s guides.
- Math U See is a systematic and cumulative approach to teaching math. The Math-U-See system is structured with step-by-step procedures for introducing, reviewing, practicing, and mastering concepts. Each lesson uses multi-sensory tools such as videos, manipulatives, and other resources, designed to appeal to any type of learner. With these resources, they can adapt to a variety of homeschool styles.
- Bob Jones University Press is a publisher of textbooks and video lessons. They are committed to creating materials that help parents deliver an education that is based on sound educational principles, inspires a joy in learning, and is rooted in a solid biblical worldview.
- Saxon Math is a teaching method for incremental learning of mathematics. It involves teaching a new mathematical concept every day and constantly reviewing old concepts. Saxon math is known for its clear and concise explanations, and its rigorous but effective teaching method.
- Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) is a Bible-based, Christian K–12 curriculum, consisting of reading programs, core curriculum, required electives, and additional instruction programs. Some courses are enhanced with CDs, DVDs, and computer software. ACE workbooks are self-instructional and designed to develop thinking skills and create mastery learning.
These are just a few of the many great workbook-based homeschool curriculums that are available for Christian families. When choosing a workbook-based curriculum, it is important to consider the needs of your children, your budget, and your teaching style. With so many great options available, you are sure to find the perfect curriculum for your family.
Online Options:
- Online charter schools
- Private online homeschool
There are many online homeschool programs available. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Time4Learnin is an online homeschool program that offers a comprehensive curriculum for all subjects, from math and science to social studies and language arts. Time4Learning is designed to be easy to use and flexible, and it offers a variety of features to help parents track their children’s progress, such as grade reports and learning analytics.
- Ambleside Online is a classical homeschool curriculum that is based on the principles of Charlotte Mason. Ambleside Online offers a variety of resources, including lesson plans, activities, and books. Ambleside Online is a great option for families who are looking for a traditional homeschool curriculum.
- K12 is a large online school that offers a variety of programs for grades K-12. K12 programs are accredited and offer a variety of features, such as live instruction, online textbooks, and student assessments. K12 is a great option for families who are looking for a structured and accredited homeschool program.
- Connections Academy is another large online school that offers a variety of programs for grades K-12. Connections Academy programs are accredited and offer a variety of features, such as live instruction, online textbooks, and student assessments. Connections Academy is a great option for families who are looking for a structured and accredited homeschool program.
- Outschool is an online marketplace for learning experiences. Outschool offers a variety of classes for all ages, from art and music to math and science. Outschool classes are taught by experienced teachers and are a great way for homeschoolers to explore their interests and learn new things.
Bilingual options:
Educators do not need to be fluent in English to homeschool. Hiring a tutor to assist in language arts or an online curriculum for older children could work for non-English speaking parents.
There are many bilingual options available for homeschoolers. There are a number of bilingual curriculum options available, such as Blingo, Live Lingua, and Linguascope. These curriculums provide instruction in two languages, and they often include activities and resources that help children develop their bilingual skills.
- Blingo is a comprehensive bilingual curriculum that covers all subjects, from math and science to social studies and language arts. It is designed for children ages 2-12 and is available in English and Spanish. Blingo includes a variety of activities and resources to help children learn both languages, such as books, games, songs, and videos.
- Live Lingua is an online bilingual immersion program that offers classes in a variety of languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Chinese. Live Lingua classes are taught by native speakers and are designed to immerse students in the target language. Live Lingua also offers a variety of extracurricular activities and resources to help students practice their language skills.
- Duolingo is a free online language learning platform that offers courses in a variety of languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Duolingo is designed to be fun and engaging, and it uses a variety of activities to help users learn new vocabulary and phrases. Duolingo is a great option for families who are looking for a free and flexible bilingual curriculum.
- Memrise is another free online language learning platform that offers courses in a variety of languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. Memrise uses a variety of techniques, such as spaced repetition and mnemonics, to help users learn new vocabulary and phrases. Memrise is a great option for families who are looking for a free and interactive bilingual curriculum.
Helpful Tips for Choosing a Homeschool Program
When choosing an online homeschool program, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Your child’s age and learning style: Some online programs are designed for younger children, while others are designed for older children. It is important to choose a program that is appropriate for your child’s age and learning style.
- Your child’s interests: Some children are more interested in learning certain subjects than others. It is important to choose a program that offers courses in subjects that are interesting to your child.
- Your budget: Online homeschool programs can range in price from free to several thousand dollars per year. It is important to choose a program that fits your budget.
What People are Saying “Testimonials”
“I thank the Lord for my parents who took the time to homeschool me. I truly believe it was a huge part of my development and it protected me from so many of the ideologies I was surrounded by. Their dedication to my education shaped me and now as an individual in my professional career in Social Work I have reaped the benefits of their hard work.”
“Homeschooling has impacted our family in the best way possible. I am a momma to four kids, two of our boys ages five and seven are special needs. Roman (age 7) was born with Down Syndrome and later diagnosed being on the Autism spectrum. Samuel (age 5) was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum at age 2. Homeschooling has given our family the ability to teach on our time. As you can imagine life with two kids with special needs is very time consuming. My boys attend many therapies so teaching my children during down time during the weekend is perfect for our family. Also I get to teach my children first and foremost the word of God, which is our firm foundation.”
“We homeschool our three children through classical conversations, a homeschool co-op. It’s been a blessing to have the freedom and options to raise our children according to our values and to be a part of a community where we feel supported as parents and our children get to socialize in a safe environment with like minded friends.”