Big Head Homeschool

There are many methods of homeschooling.  

Choosing a method for your family can 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)
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. This book was based on Dorothy Sayers' The Lost Tools of Learning.  This method of homeschooling teaches children based on the Trivium, which are 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 our method for the earlier years of our daughter's education.  We picked and chose what we knew would work best for our daughter so we combined methods.  For example, we used A Beka Language and Math, read Science books that were of interest to our daughter (My Body and Apologia), History came in all forms (read books, watched videos),  plus  extra topics we touched throughout the week like drawing, baking, cooking, etc...    

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

Knowledge Box Central

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.  Visit The Montessori Method by Maria Montessori for a better understanding.
Other great sites to check out are:

 

For Small Hands
Montessori Homeschooling
Michael Olaf


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've 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
 Lamp Post Publishing
Cadron Creek
42 Explore
Heart of Wisdom
Homeschool Learning Network
Homeschool Share   
Konos
Learning Adventures
My Father's World
TRISMS
Winter Promise


Unschooling

This is a relaxed, child led, 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:

Homeschool.com on Unschooling
Sandra Dodd