Methods of Homeschooling

There are many methods of homeschooling.  Choosing a method for your family should not be a stressful process.  Enjoy reading about each method and see what will benefit your entire family the most.  Sometimes it takes trial an error, but that's ok.  We hope this list helps!

Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
This method of Homeschooling is based on the writings of Charlotte Mason from the 19th century.  She was a British educator and her method is centered around the idea that:  Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.  The elements of this method are:  Copy-work, Dictation, Living Books, Narration, and Nature Study.  The best site to learn more about Charlotte Mason Homeschooling is Simply Charlotte Mason.  Make sure to download their free books for they are great resources.
For more  Charlotte Mason information and curriculum check out these sites:
Ambleside Online
Five in a Row
For the Children's Sake (Book)
Language Lessons for the Very Young (Book)
Magnanimity (Yahoo Group on all things Charlotte Mason)
Old Fashioned Education
The Original Homeschooling Series (Book)
Primary Language Lessons
Sonlight
Winter Promise
Queen Homeschool Supplies, Inc


Classical
Classical Education is based on the book The Well Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessi Wise and this book was based on on Dorothy Sayers' The Lost Tools of Learning.  This method of homeschooling teacher children based on the Trivium, which is the 3 stages of learning: Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric.  The best site to learn more about the Classical method of homeschooling is The Well-Trained Mind.
For more Classical Education information and curriculum check out these sites:
Classical Conversations
Classical Christian Homeschooling Site
Easy Classical 
The Principle Approach (The Noah Plan)


Eclectic
This method is flexible and allows you to customize your "curriculum" according to your child's needs.  This describes us completely.  We pick and choose what we know will work best for our daughter so we combine methods.  For example, we use A Beka Language and Math, read Science books that interest our daughter (Astronomy, My Body and next year we begin Apologia), History comes in all shapes (read books, watch videos),  plus  extra topics we touch throughout the week like drawing, baking, cooking, etc...   There are many resources online that provide variety.  Check out our Sites We Like and Educational/Resourceful Sites pages for more information.  Click here to visit our curriculum page.

Lapbooks
Lapbooks are great for hands-on learning.  This method is great for visual learners.  Lapbooks become mini books or portable folders in which the student places information on a specific subject/topic.  The Successful Homeschooling web site shows great examples of Lapbooks.
For more Lapbooking information check out these sites:
Lapbook Lessons
Homeschool Share
Homeschooling on a Shoestring


Montessori
This method (developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1870) encourages independent learning and exploration.  It encourages multi aged groups of kids where younger kids learn from the older ones.  Check out The Montessori Method by Maria Montessori for a better understanding.
Other great sites to check out are:
For Small Hands
Montessori Homeschooling
Michael Olaf
Montessori Concepts
Shiller Math


Textbooks and Workbooks
This method is basically a lot like regular school.  If your child's learning style fits the "textbook" method, then go for it.  With this method you can get a complete curriculum that comes with everything you need for each subject, including workbooks and tests.  The following sites are some of the examples of a complete Textbook/Workbook Curriculum:
A Beka
Accelerated Christian Education
Alpha Omega Publications
Bright Ideas for the Gifted and Talented
Calvert School
Critical Thinking Co.


Unit Studies
This method is basically picking one topic and combining all subjects into the Unit Study.  For example, your topic can be Whales.  You can read a literary book about Whales, study how fast they swim or how big they are, where they live (where they come from) and their anatomy.  Right there you covered Literature/Language, Math, History (Geography) and Science.  You can also use movies, field trips, etc...  for more learning and fun.  A great site to learn more about Unit Studies and find resources is Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett.
Other sites to take a look at:
A to Z Teacher Stuff
Cantering the Country by Lamp Post Publishing
Cadron Creek
Five in a Row
42 Explore
Galloping the Globe by Lamp Post Publishing
Heart of Wisdom
Homeschool Learning Network
Homeschool Share   
Konos
Learning Adventures
Love @ Home Schooling
My Father's World
TRISMS
Weaver
Winter Promise


Unschooling
This is a relaxed, learn with every day experiences type of homeschooling.  I believe that to better understand Unschooling, you should read an interview to an Unschooling family by Succesful Homeschooling.
Other resources to check out:
HoltGWS
Home Education Magazine's Article
Homeschool.com on Unschooling
Sandra Dodd