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Choosing A Homeschool Method that is Right For You

by Amy Blevins 89 Comments

Posts contain affiliate links. This means, if you choose to make a purchase, I will make a commission at no extra cost to you. For more information please see our full disclosure.
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“Which homeschool method should I use?” This might be the biggest question on every new homeschooler’s mind — right after asking “Are we really crazy?”

But it is also something we seasoned homeschoolers think about. Are we doing this right? Would something else work better? Are Susie’s kids learning more because she uses xyz method and I don’t?

The best way to start answering the big question is to have a basic understanding of what each method entails. Once you know a little bit about the various methods, you can start narrowing down your choices and zero in on where you want to begin. If you love what you are already doing, you should stop worrying about the other methods. But if your homeschool isn’t working or if you or your children are miserable — it might be time to shake things up.

Here is an overview of some of the most popular methods of homeschooling.

Whether you are new to homeschooling or a seasoned homeschool mom, it's important to choose a method that works for you. Take a look at our list of methods and find one that's right for you.

Classical Education: This type of homeschool focuses on Latin, logic, the chronological study of history, and classic literature. A fantastic book about the Classical method is Trivium Mastery. I also enjoyed the classic The Well-Trained Mind. Materials and curriculum for a classical education can be found at Memoria Press, Veritas Press, and PeaceHill Press.

Unit Studies. A true unit study will encompass all subjects within the topic and will typically include lots of hands-on learning. If you are studying apples, even your math will include counting apple seeds, dividing apples into fractions, or picking bushels of… You get the picture. Many unit study curriculums exclude certain subjects like math and phonics and focus instead on teaching history, science, art, literature, writing, and other electives through the theme. Perhaps the most well-known unit study curriculum is KONOS and the iconic culmination of the Medieval Feast at the end of one unit. Another great unit study curriculum is Amanda Bennett’s series.

School-At-Home. Many new homeschoolers start out this way with desks in rows, a blackboard, an opening ceremony, and curriculum straight out of the classroom. The school-at-home method is very orderly and provides a certain sense of security. It is easy to see what you have accomplished at the end of each year. Popular school-at-home curriculums include Abeka, Bob Jones University Press, and Alpha Omega.

Notebooking. Using the notebooking method, students learn to organize material physically and mentally as they design pages to represent what they’ve learned. Notebooking can be more elaborate and involve minibooks and lap book design or it can be more simple using pre-designed pages. Older students can create very complicated and lovely notebooks. The notebooking method encourages writing and logic. A wonderful website to help you get started is notebookingpages.com. (Plus they have lots of wonderful freebies when you sign up for a free membership!)

Literature-Rich. Books, books everywhere. Literature-based homeschool focuses all subjects through the study of “living books.” History and science and even grammar can be taught with great books. The most popular Literature-Rich curriculum is Sonlight. Other popular curriculum in this style would include My Father’s World, Winter’s Promise, and Hewitt.

Charlotte Mason. While Charlotte Mason’s method encourages living books, it also includes a strong focus on nature study and great art. By far the best book I have found for this method is A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola. This book is a must-read. If you would like a Charlotte Mason curriculum, amblesideonline.com can help you build one for free and simplycharlottemason.com has many resources.

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89 Comments
Homeschooling

About Amy Blevins

Amy lives with her husband and six beautiful children in Northern Virginia. Besides blogging, Amy enjoys homeschooling, hiking, reading, singing, teaching, and serving Jesus above all. Welcome.

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  1. Alyson @ Family Style School says

    July 29, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    We are very eclectic, changing our method almost each year. We have done, school at home, unit studies and this year we are going with a literature rich education with notebooking thrown in.

    Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    July 29, 2012 at 10:28 PM

    Eclectic- because that just covers it all!

    Reply
  3. Marcy @ Ben and Me says

    July 29, 2012 at 10:39 PM

    delight directed unit studies, because it works!

    Reply
  4. Julie says

    July 29, 2012 at 11:27 PM

    We do whatever works at the time, right now and most consistant is Time4learning. We mostly unschool so just whatever we find to learn. None of us do well with strict structure. So we just work on something until we’ve learned all we need/can then move on to the next subject.

    Reply
  5. Wendi Irwin says

    July 30, 2012 at 1:18 AM

    We use MFW but I have added many things, so I guess we are a bit eclectic. I like to be able to pick and choose what works best for my children, where they are and what interests us. The great part of homeschooling.

    Reply
  6. Lisa says

    July 30, 2012 at 4:01 AM

    We’ve tried lots of different methods, but keep coming back to unit studies – it’s the best fit for us!

    Reply
  7. Kathleen Parker says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:01 AM

    We are eclectic using textbooks, online classes, unit studies, and Charlotte Mason. It works with all of my children’s different learning styles.

    Reply
  8. Melissa says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:16 AM

    We are brand new to homeschooling this year. We are using Trail Guide to Learning for our curriculum, which I would put somewhere between unit studies and literature based studies. Can’t wait to get started!

    Reply
  9. Tara says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:21 AM

    We are eclectic homeschoolers using what works and changing as we go.

    Reply
  10. Teri Knight says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:43 AM

    We use a variety of materials and methods. Some of the kids favorites have been notebooking and lapbooking.

    Reply
  11. Laura Lane says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:46 AM

    I’m eclectic. It’s mainly because I’ve never had the funds to buy all the curriculum I need for a year in any one area. I use whatever I have, what I receive on the Review Crew, buy a few items each year, and read read read. I have more books than laundry!

    Reply
  12. Phyllis Sather says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:59 AM

    Eclectic. I started out very structured and got more relaxed as we went along.

    Reply
  13. lisa says

    July 30, 2012 at 6:08 AM

    This is our first year but I think we fit in the eclectic category. I bought a little of everything! lol

    lisarup1 at aol dot com

    Reply
  14. Susie says

    July 30, 2012 at 6:09 AM

    I use the classical method. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  15. Stephanie Pawley says

    July 30, 2012 at 6:11 AM

    Right now I am eclectic in my homeschooling approach. We use workbooks, lapbooks, all of it 🙂 We rarely use all of it at once. Sometimes my daughter is all about the lap books, other times she will do workbooks for days. so really it changes depending on her.

    Reply
  16. Kristy Tomasello says

    July 30, 2012 at 6:21 AM

    I use a bunch of different resources but the 3 at the top of the list arr In the Hands of a Child, Amanda Bennett and Mammoth Math.
    My son loves lap books and unit studies. The 2 really go hand and hand IMO. HOAC and Amanda have the best products, packed with information!! I like Mammoth Math too, great concepts with math. I also like the option to print out pages or have my son work on the type in PDF option. He loves it because he gets to play on the computer..lol

    Reply
  17. Diana says

    July 30, 2012 at 7:36 AM

    We are a relaxed eclectic mix of CM & Classical (ala Well Trained Mind). We do some notebookign, unit studies and literature based studies. And I’m leaning towards delight-directed for science this year to help encourage my science-hating son.

    Reply
  18. sarah stepec says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:10 AM

    I am just starting out this year and am still looking into curriculum! There is so much out there it’s hard to decide.

    Reply
  19. Lisa McClain says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:13 AM

    I would say we are ecclectic with an emphasis on literature rich studies because we love books! 🙂

    Reply
  20. Kala says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:53 AM

    We are eclectic. We use what is working at the time.

    Reply
  21. Cyndi N says

    July 30, 2012 at 9:56 AM

    We are eclectic because my children have completely different learning styles! What works for one never works for the other 😉

    Reply
  22. Melody says

    July 30, 2012 at 9:58 AM

    We decided to school at home. It started out as a one year away of schooling to get everyone used to the idea we were going from a private Christian school to homeschooling. We liked what we did so much we have stuck with it and have already started our 3rd year of homeschooling.

    Reply
  23. Linda R. says

    July 30, 2012 at 10:05 AM

    I’ve come to describe us as “relaxed, eclectic homeschoolers” 🙂 With an almost 18 year old, a 13 year old, and an 11 year old ASD child, (and a 21 year old who is now married and going for her Bachelor’s degree) and as a single parent, attempts at rigid planning have fallen totally flat. Each of the kids have such diverse learning styles, so going with the flow is what has worked very well for us.

    Reply
  24. Linda says

    July 30, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    Through the years I’ve tried many different methods but found that the more traditional, school-at-home works well for us. It’s the structure that most of my kids thrive on. My children thankfully don’t find textbooks dry or boring, to them it’s just like any other book and many times they refer back to their textbook for fun =)
    Enjoyed your post!
    Linda<

    Reply
  25. Mystiqua Kimble says

    July 30, 2012 at 12:37 PM

    We are a very eclectic family also. I have 6 children in which I homeschool 4 of them and they each have totally different learning styles. I tailor each method to their unique learning style. Although I am still learning…

    Reply
  26. Patty Rose says

    July 30, 2012 at 1:01 PM

    A little bit of whatever works at that moment! Mainly unit studies and classical if you can mix them together!

    Reply
  27. Kristen H. says

    July 30, 2012 at 1:39 PM

    I call our style relaxed classical.

    Reply
  28. Kimberly Crowe says

    July 30, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    We are all over the place! We have used Unit Study, Charlotte Mason, Notebooking and lots of reading. But with Blessing #8 on the way and such a large age range we are trying SOS this year. Mom is not the happiest but I might need the help this year. We shall see how it goes….

    Reply
  29. Michele Hansell says

    July 30, 2012 at 3:05 PM

    Our methods for homeschooling definitely vary from year to year and sometimes month to month depending of what is being studied. Having two kids at different age ranges and learning styles challenges me to vary how I teach all the time. We have been currently using TOG which is a very literature based and history oriented curriculum. We also enjoy lapbooking and unit studies as well. This year we will be incorporating more online work for accountability. I enjoy not being stuck to one particular method and let the kids direct what they are interested for the most part. It keep them engaged and me excited that they are eager to learn.

    Reply
  30. Hydrangeas & Harmony says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:52 PM

    We’re eclectic because a variety of styles suit our family. We love the living books and short lessons of Charlotte Mason and the chronological view of world history from classical and interesting unit studies and some traditional (textbook) work. Makes life interesting.

    Reply
  31. Kelly says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    I have a one year old, so the method I use is a checklist for me so far: were we outside for at least 2 hours, did we go somewhere where there are other people, did we read some books, sing songs, and at least once a week did we do a sensory activity. That’s about it at this point. I’m leaning toward unschooling…we’ll see.

    Reply
  32. Gail says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    Our philosophy of home education has been shaped mostly by the fact that we live on a former dairy with 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 4 kids. There are lots of chores year-round, so we school year-round taking breaks as needed. Raised by ultimate DIY’ers (dairymen) taught me a common sense approach to life, which I found echoed in the writings and methods of Dr. Ruth Beechick, Charlotte Mason, Raymond & Dorothy Moore, and others. The most gratifying thing we have done in sixteen years of homeschooling is to read great books, discuss them, and write about them. The hearts of your children shine through!

    Reply
  33. Sara M says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    We use a bit of variety. Some unschooling, some school at home, some literature based homeschooling.

    Reply
  34. Debra says

    July 30, 2012 at 8:59 PM

    I’ve tried a variety of things, but everything has revolved around literature…

    Reply
  35. Genevieve says

    July 30, 2012 at 9:04 PM

    I would have to say I am a combination literature-rich, eclectic. Although I don’t quite home-school – my son will start regular kindergarten in 2 weeks I know he will need the one on one re-emphasis at home because of his special needs. And, until I find a full time job I will be doing a preschool program with my daughter who is ready for school!

    Reply
  36. Tammy says

    July 30, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    We use MFW along with various other things.

    Reply
  37. Sara @ Embracing Destiny says

    July 30, 2012 at 11:51 PM

    We are eclectic with a literature-rich unit study approach mixed with Charlotte Mason and Montessori. I think that covers it. Great giveaway!

    Reply
  38. Pamela E. says

    July 31, 2012 at 12:08 AM

    We just started homeschooling last year and I’m still learning all the different methods. At this point I think our method is eclectic. Although we haven’t really done any of the methods I’ve learned so far. You see, financially we’re not really able to homeschool, but because we feel that this is what God wants us to do, we are trying. Last year I used a lot of free resources off the internet and bought a science book from a flea market for a couple bucks. This year however, God made a way for us to get a mess of curriculum and I still haven’t gone through everything. But the more I study, the more I would like to do unit studies or a method based off of principles or character. Because I want our children’s learning to be focused on godly development, with math, science, etc. thrown in.

    Reply
  39. Katie says

    July 31, 2012 at 5:55 AM

    I use and love Anne Elliot’s foundations materials. I use both the history and Bible materials. These are the only curriculm i have found that looks at the Bible first then relates it to man. Instead of looking at the world first and then finding scripture to line up with it. This approach is unique and so solid in it’s method.

    Reply
  40. Danica says

    July 31, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    We’re mostly Classical homeschoolers. 🙂

    Reply
  41. Carol McGinnis says

    July 31, 2012 at 9:30 AM

    Hi Amy- thank you for sharing much needed info. We homeschool in an eclectic manner. I used to try to stick to a set curriculum but figured out that my kids simply didn’t always fit the mold(duh). Eclectic can be challenging in some ways, but it can also be quite an adventure. Blessings Sister!!

    Reply
  42. Kellyann Kio says

    July 31, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    I would love to will, however, I know God’s will is the best!

    Reply
  43. Crystal B. says

    July 31, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    We are a mix of classical and CM because we believe in a classical education in the gentle styling of Charlotte Mason.

    Reply
  44. Stacy Tibbals says

    July 31, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    We use eclectic also. A lot of web based learning, lots of math workbooks, reading and writing.

    Reply
  45. Kim/Garden Tenders says

    July 31, 2012 at 6:12 PM

    I guess we are rather eclectic, but some unit learning and hoping to start lapbooking. Very Child led at this point.

    Reply
  46. Laura Gargiulo says

    July 31, 2012 at 6:44 PM

    We have enjoyed Sonlight for the last 7 years. I love sitting down and reading those great books with my kids, and I’m not very creative so I love already having a lesson plan. We have learned over the years to take our time since we aren’t the most gifted family in the world. 🙂 I have been considering technology in our school because I have several children with disabilities and am trying to find ways to make school more accessible for them – we bought an iPad for my daughter this year.

    Reply
  47. Mary A. says

    July 31, 2012 at 7:05 PM

    My starting point is literature rich Sonlight and after that I’d say it is eclectic, because we do whatever seems to work.

    Reply
  48. Alannah Linton says

    July 31, 2012 at 7:09 PM

    Eclectic!!!!

    Reply
  49. Kimberly says

    July 31, 2012 at 7:11 PM

    We have tried all kinds of things – this year we’re using a mix of textbooks, “Real Books,” unit studies, and notebooks – over the past 10 years, we’ve tried just about everything, except “desks in a row” – because we don’t have any, and no room for them!! (but I probably would have tried that too if we could have!)

    Reply
  50. Patti says

    July 31, 2012 at 8:09 PM

    We learn each day….lifestyle learning is how I describe it best. Learn to love God and love others, all while accomplishing each days tasks.

    Reply
  51. Lady Violet says

    July 31, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    We use textbooks because everything is on their level and they can do some independent work when I need them to.

    Reply
  52. Pei says

    August 1, 2012 at 12:35 AM

    We use living books approach.

    Reply
  53. Danielle Hull says

    August 1, 2012 at 4:25 AM

    We are eclectic. We’ve tried a lot over the years, and I like the flexibility of it!

    Reply
  54. Denise says

    August 1, 2012 at 5:27 AM

    I’m learning how to use the Principal Approach. I also love using Charlotte Mason methods.

    Reply
  55. Amy says

    August 1, 2012 at 5:53 AM

    As a 1st year homeschooling family I don’t know that we have a style yet – maybe overwhelmed parent??? There is soooooo many choices.. My daughter is in 9th grade this year which makes our style different than if we were starting with Kindergarten. She is very independent (of course at this point) and we are using Switched on Schoolhouse which she loves. I would LOVE to win this giveaway and be able to try new things!
    Amy

    Reply
    • amyb says

      August 1, 2012 at 4:52 PM

      Congratulations on your decision to homeschooL! It is fun to have an independent learner, but also fun to work together.

      Reply
  56. Lori says

    August 1, 2012 at 7:42 AM

    We are very eclectic, but if I could afford a good all-around curriculum I would try it.

    Reply
  57. Jenny L. says

    August 1, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    We “technically” do school at home (through Seton) but I have found that we can easily adjust the curriculum to meet our needs. I’m a sucker for accreditation and having the support of the Seton staff is also helpful.

    Reply
    • amyb says

      August 1, 2012 at 4:51 PM

      How wonderful that you have something you can adjust and also have strong support!

      Reply
  58. Brooke says

    August 1, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    We are keeping things simple as I am just teaching a 6 year old and a 4 year old. I am using “school” type books for math and phonics, as well as some hands on games. For other subjects, it is mostly literature rich, nature documentaries, and hands on nature things. My husband and I both love that kind of stuff and out children seem to soak it up, too!

    Reply
    • amyb says

      August 1, 2012 at 4:51 PM

      My 3.5 year olds collect snails at the playground almost every day. Isn’t amazing how much they love nature at this age! I think it’s good to take advantage of that before they are too squeamish to appreciate bugs and slimy things.

      Reply
  59. Debra C says

    August 1, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    Technically, we’re eclectic, because my daughter actually loves worksheets. But we have a heavy emphasis on Charlotte Mason because I feel like an education that focuses on reading and exposure to nature is one that will be most suited to inspiring life-long learning. And raising a life-long learner is my biggest homeschooling goal.

    Reply
    • amyb says

      August 1, 2012 at 4:49 PM

      I have some who love worksheets and some who do not. I love Charlotte Mason though!

      Reply
  60. Jen @ Gricefully Homeschooling says

    August 1, 2012 at 4:44 PM

    I consider us to be Biblical Homeschoolers with some Charlotte Mason, as learning is an environment. We believe that as long as our kids have Bible knowledge then everything else is secondary.

    Reply
    • amyb says

      August 1, 2012 at 4:49 PM

      I agree! Bible is in first place, of utmost importance.

      Reply
  61. Donna says

    August 2, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    We will be using the Classical Method.

    Reply
  62. Stephanie says

    August 2, 2012 at 12:21 PM

    We are pretty eclectic in our approach to homeschooling. I like aspects of both CM and Classical.

    Reply
  63. kate says

    August 2, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    We are very eclectic we go from school at home to unschooling depending on what works with each subject for each child.

    Reply
  64. Carrie says

    August 2, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    We use a little bit of a few things. We use unit study, Charlotte Mason, some nature study (learning as we go about our day)…. We are learning to work together and I am trying to work with their learning styles (which are so totally different from my learning/teaching styles).

    Reply
  65. Karen says

    August 2, 2012 at 1:04 PM

    this is our second year so we are still playing with all sorts of methods…last year was completely eclectic and unschooling…this year will have quite a few methods thrown in including interest led learning!

    Reply
  66. Helen says

    August 2, 2012 at 1:12 PM

    We’re literature rich for sure!!

    Reply
  67. Tiffany S. says

    August 2, 2012 at 1:19 PM

    This is our first year “officially” homeschooling for the kindergarten year. We don’t have a set method chosen but really like unit studies and notebooking.

    Reply
  68. Patricia says

    August 2, 2012 at 2:01 PM

    We are an eclectic homeschool. We use principles of unschooling, but have used workbooks and textbooks to cover the basics. I like the idea of making my children responsible for their own education and so we are going to go in that direction this year. They can choose what they learn each day, but they will be required to account for their choices daily to me and weekly to Dad. We will see how that goes… 🙂

    Reply
  69. sara falch says

    August 3, 2012 at 4:50 AM

    We use Abeke along with a combo of notebooking projects through the year!

    Reply
  70. Jeni says

    August 3, 2012 at 6:05 AM

    We use a Charlotte-Mason inspired, unschoolish method. My daughter learns so much on her own, so I provide her with plenty of opportunities and resources to learn more about what she has a passion for. She also loves books, so we read a lot!

    Reply
  71. Diane Fit to the Finish says

    August 3, 2012 at 11:46 AM

    We are pretty structured but use a variety of materials.

    Reply
  72. .ambre. @mytempleremodeling.com says

    August 4, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    We are currently using a CM and Classical combo. Just going where the Lord leads us!

    Reply
  73. Pei Lu says

    August 4, 2012 at 10:20 PM

    We like CM, living book approach.

    Reply
  74. Stephanie says

    August 5, 2012 at 7:18 AM

    I use Charlotte Mason methods for my littles(Tanglewood) and Classical as they grow up (Tapestry of Grace). This year, grades 11,9,7,5,3,1 and preK and 3mo old!!!

    Reply
  75. Karen M in FL says

    August 7, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    Love a chance to win. Looks like a great set of prizes. I use a little bit of everything. What the main item used is varies depending on the what seems to be working best at the time.

    Reply
  76. Lisa McClanahan says

    August 9, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    We love living books & purchased several CD’s from Heritage History.

    Reply
  77. JenRay says

    August 11, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    It is our first year, and I have a 5-year old who is reading very well (about 3rd grade). We will be trying RightStart Math, History Odyssey, R.E.A.L Science, All About Spelling, WriteShop Primary, Handwriting Without Tears, and Explode the Code. Pretty eclectic, I guess, but I like the classical approach to history, and that we will use so many real books to tie in with our history and science studies – adding that literature-rich environment.

    Reply

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