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Approaches to Home Education

And Related Philosophies

• Traditional Textbook Approach. This is the use of conventional textbooks and teacher guides available from major Christian publishers (same as those used in private Christian schools).

• Early Academics Approach. This approach uses early spiritual, physical, moral, and academic training. This training takes place before age six. For more information, contact Christ-Centered Publications.

• The Principle Approach. This approach uses three themes: first, the recognition of God's hand in history; second, the biblical principles of self- and civil government; third, emphasis on personal responsibility for extending the government of God into all spheres of life. For more information contact Foundation for Christian Education.


FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR
Dr. Scott Waalkes is planning on spending 10 months in Bahrain on a Fulbright Scholarship, accompanied by his wife and 3 homeschooled children. "They’re excited," Waalkes said of his family. "My wife and I have talked about this for many years, especially the travel and spending time in another culture.

Full article here.

• Worktexts/Mastery Learning Approach. This approach uses the consumable workbook approach in which a student is encouraged to set his/her own goals for finishing each worktext in a certain amount of time. Other textbooks may be needed to supplement some subjects. For more information contact Alpha Omega Publications or School of Tomorrow.

• Delayed Academic Approach. This approach, made popular by Dr. Raymond Moore, involves the delay of formal education in the academic subjects and an emphasis on practical experience in early childhood. For more information, look for books by Dr. Raymond Moore and/or Dorothy Moore in your public library or Christian bookstore.

• Unit Study Approach. This approach uses the concept that all knowledge is interrelated and is learned more easily and remembered longer if presented in this related way. Subjects are blended together and centered around a common theme or project rather than being taught separately. (Examples: KONOS, Weaver curriculum)

• Delight Directed Study Approach. This approach, developed by Gregg Harris, focuses on motivation and on the teacher-student relationship. It uses informal, but planned, unit study projects that cover all subjects. For more information, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Noble Publishing Associates.

• Charlotte Mason's Approach. This approach has a goal of developing "a noble character," and "a fine mind" rather than what Charlotte Mason called "playing at education". These methods were designed to help children see and understand the principles and ideas behind the knowledge they gain. A heavy emphasis is placed on classic literature. For more information read For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay.

• Biblically Based Education. This approach assumes that the Bible contains not just theology but practical methods and keys to how to teach and what learning should be a priority. Supported by many writers; locally by Families Honoring Christ who supply books/booklets for adult(parental) education and training on Biblical methods of education. Concepts of Biblically Based Education are present in many of the above approaches.

• Classical Approach. This approach emphasizes the teaching of literature, often with an emphasis on ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Greek cultures. Some proponents also emphasize the teaching of Latin. The classical approach commonly focuses on academic achievement and academic respectability more than on Biblical foundations. Note: The work "classical", (more often used as "classics" is sometimes used to refer to a "traditional" curriculum emphasizing reading, writing, and arithmetic, often using time tested textbooks (e.g. Mott Media).

• John Holt's Unschooling Approach. This approach assumes that children can be trusted to direct their own learning. It is sometimes called un-schooling. It is a non-Christian approach which we believe is based on a faulty view of how God has made children.