Currently we are using the unit study and classical methods of teaching, where we center several subjects around a central theme (History, Geography, Literature, Art, and Creative Writing). This works well since we have more than one child, and each child works on a different level yet the theme is the same for all. We will be using Tapestry of Grace for our main curriculum.

As our children grow, their learning styles/behaviors may change and thus we may need to change our method of teaching them. Some of the other methods of teaching (taken from my notes from the NCHE homeschool conference):

• Worktext / Program Instruction – computer, DVD, workbooks, etc. Easy to use, but doesn’t develop good reasoning skills.

• Classical – 3 stages of learning (trivium): grammar (parroting/memorization), dilectic (logic), and rhetoric (expressive use of language). When children are young they are sponges and can absorb tons of information, but can’t really process it. As they get older, they can begin to use logic and put together and reason with what they’ve learned.

• Early Academics – begin children with workbooks/visuals at 2-3 yrs old; instill discipline at an early age.

• Delayed Academics – start formal teaching when child is 8-10 yrs old; widen general knowledge before formal education begins and they have more time to develop physical maturity.

• Charlotte Mason – (from England of old) not exactly the classic approach, but fairly similar. Her goals were to develop noble character and a fine mind; balance of freedom and structure; use “real” books/literature and narration – lots of reading.

• Unit Integrated approach – or Unit Studies. See my monologue above.

• Unschooling – (by John Holt); more of a secular view (humanistic inclinations), children need access to the real world to learn. Understand the world and be able to do things in it. “Learn as you come across it” kind of philosophy.

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