Approaches to Home Education

What It Is

This approach follows a curriculum, often similar to what schools use, with set lessons, timetables, and structured learning. Some families use online schools or curriculum packages, while others create their own structured programme.

Who It Suits

• Families who prefer structure and routine
• Children who thrive with clear expectations
• Parents who want to follow a curriculum
• Families planning to return to school

Pros

• Clear structure and expectations
• Easy to see progress
• Familiar format if transitioning from school
• Can use existing curriculum resources

Cons

• Can be rigid and less flexible
• May not suit all learning styles
• Can be expensive if buying curriculum packages
• May feel too much like "school"

What It Is

Unschooling (or child led learning) follows the child's interests and allows learning to emerge naturally from everyday life. There's no set curriculum or timetable-learning happens through play, exploration, and following interests.

Who It Suits

• Families who trust children's natural curiosity
• Children with strong interests and passions
• Families who value autonomy and self-direction
• Parents comfortable with less structure

Pros

• Highly flexible and responsive to child's interests
• Encourages intrinsic motivation
• Learning happens naturally through life
• Can be very engaging for children

Cons

• Can be challenging to document for LAs
• May worry about "gaps" in learning
• Requires trust in the process
• Can be difficult if planning to return to school

What It Is

The eclectic approach combines elements from different methods, adapting as needed. You might use structured maths but follow interests for science, or have set reading time but flexible everything else.

Who It Suits

• Most families! This is actually the most common approach
• Families who want flexibility
• Those who want to tailor learning to each subject
• Families with multiple children with different needs

Pros

• Highly flexible
• Can adapt to each child and subject
• Allows you to use what works
• Can evolve over time

Cons

• Requires more planning and decision-making
• Can feel like you're "not doing it right"
• May need to explain your approach to others

What It Is

Montessori education emphasises self directed learning with specially designed materials. Children choose their activities and work at their own pace, with the adult as a guide rather than teacher.

Key Principles

• Respect for the child
• Sensitive periods for learning
• Prepared environment
• Self-directed activity
• Hands on learning

Resources

You can buy Montessori materials, make your own, or adapt activities using Montessori principles without the official materials.

What It Is

The Charlotte Mason method emphasises "living books" (engaging, well-written books), nature study, narration (telling back what you've learned), and short lessons. It's a gentle, literature-rich approach.

Key Elements

• Living books instead of textbooks
• Nature study and outdoor time
• Narration (oral and written)
• Short lessons
• Habit training
• Art and music appreciation

Resources

Many free Charlotte Mason resources are available online, including book lists, curriculum guides, and nature study ideas.

What It Is

Classical education follows the trivium: grammar (learning facts), logic (understanding relationships), and rhetoric (expressing ideas). It emphasises great books, languages, and logical thinking.

The Trivium

• Grammar Stage (ages 5-10): Memorising facts, learning basics
• Logic Stage (ages 11-14): Understanding relationships, critical thinking
• Rhetoric Stage (ages 15-18): Expressing ideas, persuasive communication

Key Features

• Emphasis on great books and primary sources
• Language study (often Latin or Greek)
• Logic and critical thinking
• History-based approach
• Rigorous academic standards

What It Is

Waldorf education emphasises holistic development, arts, imagination, and developmentally appropriate learning. It's less academic in early years, focusing on play, stories, and creative activities.

Key Features

• Arts-integrated learning
• Developmentally appropriate stages
• Emphasis on imagination and creativity
• Nature-based activities
• Rhythm and routine
• Delayed academics