There are a variety of methods for homeschooling. Parents should choose a method before homeschooling their children for the greatest effect. In addition, many parents have found that creating a blend of several methods provides the best education for their children.

The A2 method teaches three subjects: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Everything else can be learned by reading our excellent books (with a little help from parents of course). The three most important inventions in all of history are: paper, an alphabet, and the printing press. These inventions allowed for the wide spread distribution of knowledge. The world's storehouse of knowledge has accumulated in the written word. Reading is the key to unlocking this invaluable treasure.

The Charlotte Mason method incorporates all core subjects, with a strong focal point on the humanities-classic literature, noble poetry, fine arts, crafts, and classical music. Charlotte Mason used the best books, the best music, and the best art possible. A variety of classical literature books are used--she called them "living books". Living books are books of high quality that often include stories of real-life characters a child can easily connect with. Mason spoke highly of the importance of poetry, the enforcing of good habits, the importance of nature diaries and the value of dictation and spelling. She believed that the development of good character and good habits was essential. To learn more about Charlotte Mason's method, download a free copy of Education Is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life.

The classical method focuses on how some educators believe the brain develops through a three-stage process: grammar, logic, and rhetoric.

The eclectic method uses a variety of homeschool approaches. Eclectic parents are innovative and flexible. They trust their own judgment to pick out or piece together the best curriculum from various methods and philosophies to complement the academic and experiential learning of their child.

The K12 approach removes barriers that keep children from reaching their true potential. These parents are passionately motivated to resist restrictions imposed by a learning environment that is not well-suited to their child’s unique need. They understand the power of individualized learning and are willing to get involved.

The Montessori method was developed in 1907 by Maria Montessori, a scientist, physician, anthropologist and philosopher, who noticed that the children had sensitive periods. During these sensitive periods children work within one area of the environment at a time. Sensitive periods bring on intense concentration. Children during sensitive periods will also continuously repeat an activity until an inner satisfaction is met. The Montessori method calls this process of repetition normalization.

The Moore formula is based on a balanced approach that includes study, work and service. The child's interest is the focal point for learning. Depending on the child's developmental level, she studies each day for a few minutes to a few hours. Work, called entrepreneurship by the Moores, is considered key to the curriculum. Whether in the family home or in a home-based business, work should be incorporated within any unit of study. Service, either in the home, the church, or out in the community, is also a key component of the curriculum. By providing service to others, the child is learning patience and the moral value of helping others. The Moore Formula is a Christian-based program, so Bible study and memorization is essential and should be done daily.

The Reggio Emilia method is often called "the education based on relationships." The Reggio curriculum is founded on projects. Projects emerge from the children's expressed interests. They are not planned out in advance, but rather build upon the continued experiences of the child in the process of constructing his knowledge. Projects can be short term, lasting a few days, or long term, lasting a few months to a year. Projects usually require little money and lots of fantasy. There is usually more than one project happening at one time, so each project may not be worked on daily. The children often revisit and refine a project, constantly moving from theory to practice until their inner knowledge is reached.

The structured approach, sometimes called the traditional approach, or the scope and sequence approach, is the homeschooling approach that most resembles education in institutional schools. It's called scope and sequence to emphasize the scope is the body of knowledge to be taught and the sequence--the way it is divided up, usually into grade levels.

The Thomas Jefferson Education Consortium focuses on the phases of learning: Core Phase (birth to 8 years), Love of Learning Phase (8 years to 12 years), Scholar Phase (12 years to 16 years), Depth Phase (college years), and Mission Phase (change the world).

The unit studies approach is designed to give both in-depth and broad understandings of subjects revolving around some entire theme that interests the child. This integrated approach includes science, math, geography, art, music, history, language, literature, drama, and creative movement. It is often referred to as a multi-disciplinary or a thematic approach. It is an experiential, hands-on approach to learning. It is believed that when children go into such depth, and spend a generous amount of time on each theme, their retention of the subject is higher than in traditional methods.

The unschooling method is a hands-on approach. The adult takes learning cues from the child and introduces all education subjects through the child's interests. There is no set curriculum, materials or schedules. The days flow to the child's changing needs and experiences. Topics or interests come from rich experiences or experimentation in a conducive environment or are sparked from books, television, radio, computers and conversations. Learning experiences can last for a short period of time or a long period of time. Learning experiences are based on the child's timetable, interest and readiness.

The Waldorf method includes lessons that consist of in 2-3 week long Blocks or thematic units in which all subjects - Math, science, history, language arts - are related back to the main theme.

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