I have been spending a lot of time lately reading about many different theories in regards to home schooling. It is amazing how varied this gets. There are professionals who support styles from un-schooling (the learning is child directed) to strict regiments like classical (following a schedule and covering all the bases.)
I am currently reading The Charlotte Mason Companion, by Karen Andreola. There is actually a style of learning called Charlotte Mason. The idea is based on the writings and teachings of a woman from the 1800’s who followed a particular set of ideas. I have not learned them all yet, but some of what sticks in my memory are: primarily learning from reading living books (non-fiction books written by an author who has a certain passion for the subject they are writing about), narration (having a child tell you in their own words their version of what they just read, or had read to them), and experiencing nature (keeping nature journals either written, drawn, or both).
I am leaning toward this style because I like the focus on reading. I feel that reading is best mastered upon a habit of practicing it, and that much more learning can be accomplished if one has strong reading skills. I also like the style of Charlotte Mason because it has such a hands on-like approach to learning. I believe my children will connect much more readily to the subject of study if done in this fashion.
I will post back later after I have read more the The Charlotte Mason Companion.
If you are seriously considering CM then consider these article that give another perspective of her style of teaching…I noticed your raising godly tomatoes article so therefore I thought you may in the interest of doing just that may want to read these articles about CM.
26-charlotte-mason-for-whose-sake1.pdf
http://www.characterbuildingforfamilies.com/Mason.html
Thank you motherathome for your comment. I opened the link and read the first page. I am always looking for other ideas and perspectives.
I should note here that I am still reaching out for new ideas in teaching, especially since I am in the very beginning stages. I like a lot of the Charlotte Mason style, but that does not mean that I plan on following her to a tee. I guess you could say that I will probably be a bit eclectic in my teaching, as I also like the classical style. From CM, I mostly like her focus on Nature Studies, extensive reading, and narrating. I feel like teaching children the habit of reading for knowledge is a great one because anyone can learn this way. I also figure it will only help to improve their reading and communication skills.
Thanks again for your input. I would love to hear more about your style.