Eclectic Homeschooling

Eclectic Homeschooling, as the name implies, 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. They are more inquisitive about educational materials, books, programs and theories. Eclectic parents continually shop for good products that will meet the needs of their homeschoolers.

Most eclectic programs start with a curriculum foundation that corresponds to their own views of education and their child's learning style. The educational information used generally comes from diverse materials. Most eclectic homeschool households purchase a curriculum, then refine it and supplement it to meet the particular needs of each child. The curriculum is chosen to meet the child's temperament, gifts, interests, and learning style.

Although most eclectic homeschoolers teach academics, textbooks are not used alone. It is believed that each child needs the freedom to explore his interests and to take advantage of everything and anything that can be a learning experience. Many eclectic homeschoolers attend private or group music and dance lessons, or go to classes with other homeschoolers. Eclectic programs often include venturing out to museums, public libraries, or nature walks. Eclectic homeschoolers believe that their method provides them with an extremely effective and functional system of learning.

Additional Resources:

• Eclectic Homeschool Online The magazine for Creative Homeschoolers.

• Eclectic Homeschooling On The Web Information on Eclectic homeschooling, periodicals, legal information and a discussion board.

• Online Newsletter In each issue you'll find unit studies, product reviews, reader comments, biographies of other homeschooling families, fun and games, URL reviews, etc.