A Round-Up of Home Education Philosophies, Styles, and Methods

There is no one way or right way to educate your child at home. There are however many different home education philosophies, styles and methods you may want to consider. Below I have provided a very simplified definition of some of the most well known. This is by no means an exhaustive list.

Free to Choose Your Home Education Philosophy

Just as we are free to choose to home educate our children here in the UK we are also free to choose the approach to education that best suits our teaching style and children’s learning style. Home education offers a wide array of philosophies, styles and methods, each catering to different learning styles and family values.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular approaches:

Unschooling:

Rooted in the belief that children learn best through natural life experiences, unschooling is a child-led approach where learning is driven by the child’s interests rather than a structured curriculum. This philosophy values curiosity, exploration, and a love of learning over traditional academic achievement.

Unit Studies:

You may not know this but some families Home Educate using only Unit Studies. This method focuses on in-depth explorations of specific topics or themes, integrating various subjects like math, science, history, and language arts. Unit studies allow for a holistic and hands-on learning experience, making connections across different disciplines through a central theme.

Traditional School at Home:

This approach closely mirrors the structure and curriculum of traditional schools. It may be taught by the parent using a complete curriculum package or via an online school. It often involves using textbooks, workbooks, and a set schedule to cover core subjects, providing a structured environment for both parents and students. It may also include standardised testing and recordkeeping.

Eclectic:

The Eclectic approach is a flexible, personalised approach that combines elements from various educational philosophies and methods. Parents mix and match resources and styles to create a customised learning experience that suits their child’s unique needs and interests. They may draw from many of the other philosophies, styles and methods you see listed here.

Classical Education:

Based on the trivium, a three-stage process of learning, Classical Education emphasises rigorous academic study, including logic, rhetoric, and classical literature. This method aims to develop critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of the great works of Western civilization.

Waldorf Education:

Waldorf education emphasises creativity, imagination, and holistic development. It integrates arts, crafts, and storytelling into academic learning, with a focus on nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. The Waldorf method encourages delayed academics, especially in early childhood, and emphasises hands-on, experiential learning.

Charlotte Mason:

Charlotte Mason’s approach centers on the idea of educating the whole person, not just the mind. This method includes rich literature, nature studies, art, and music, with a strong emphasis on developing good habits and character. Mason advocated for short, focused lessons and the use of “living books” that bring subjects to life.

Montessori:

Montessori education is a child-centered approach that encourages self-directed learning through hands-on activities. Children work at their own pace, using specially designed materials that promote independence and mastery of concepts. The Montessori method fosters a deep respect for the child’s individual learning process and emphasises practical life skills.

Reggio Emilia:

Originating in Italy, the Reggio Emilia approach views children as capable, curious learners. It emphasises project-based learning, where children explore topics of interest through long-term projects. The environment is considered the “third teacher,” and collaboration between children, teachers, and parents is key to this method.

Each of these home education philosophies, styles and methods offers unique strengths and can be adapted to meet the needs and interests of your child and family, creating a rich and personalised educational journey. Let me know in the comments if you know of any that I haven’t touched on.