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.
