Styles of Home Education: Whole Child Method

The information in this series of posts are taken from my sister-in-law Rhonda's notes.  Rhonda is a veteran home school mom with over 20 years of experience.  You can visit her blog here. 

Whole Child Method

This style of learning is synonymous with the name Charlotte Mason.  There are three main goals to this approach to schooling:

1. Give the child something or someone to love.
2. Give the child something to do.
3. Give the child something to think about. 

Charlotte mason believed in using real life experiences and bringing them into the classroom.  The home as the setting, teaching using "real" books (not textbooks) and emphasizing nature study.  Learning is integrated throughout the course of the day seizing the opportunities to teach.  LIFE IS LEARNING!   Narration (telling the information back to the teacher) is also used on a daily basis.  Lessons are kept short.  Homework and grades are almost nonexistent.  A sketchbook is recommended for the student, useful in the nature studies and art.  Music training is also a vital part of this method.

Advantages:

• A very enjoyable style of learning for the student.
• Creative learning at it's best.
• Works great with multi-grade levels. 

Disadvantages:

• Requires the teacher to watch for teaching moments throughout the day.
• Doesn't adapt well to a more structured type of school day.
• Academic progress may be harder to chart.

Lori's 2 cents:  I know a few families who use this method of learning and their kids are very bright and eager to learn.  To some extent, I think most home educators have a hand in this style as we walk along side of our children and use life to teach lessons.