Based on the ideas of late 19th/early 20th century British educator Charlotte Mason, this method has been called “the gentle art of learning.” Charlotte Mason taught that children learn from their environment, from establishing good habits, and from “living books” instead of dumbed-down “twaddle.” She emphasized educating the whole child and naturally utilizing nature study, art & music appreciation, and physical activity – along with the usual academic subjects. An easy way to become familiar with Charlotte Mason ideas is to visit simplycharlottemason.com or amblesideonline.com. The latter also offers free curriculum. You’ll find that many literature-based curriculum approaches such as Tapestry of Grace, My Father’s World, and Sonlight, would allow you to incorporate Charlotte Mason’s wonderful philosophy of home educating. We also recommend Karen Andreola’s book, A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning.

Many companies provide pre-selected texts for each subject, boxed together for each grade or year. The “boxed” approach makes sense when a parent feels overwhelmed with making the choices. We’ve all been there! Examples include My Father’s World, Sonlight, Tapestry of Grace and Heart of Dakota. Christian Liberty Academy is similar since they also choose the texts for each subject. Boxed curriculum can often be used across grade levels, enabling you to homeschool children of multiple ages in areas of history, nature and Bible, with individual grade-level options for math, science and grammar.

Unit study is taking one topic over a period of time and studying every subject in relation to it. For instance, a study of the Egyptian Empire might include reading historical fiction set in that time period, studying the geographical features of the Nile, making a salt map of Egypt, practicing hieroglyphics, studying the science of embalming, researching the Pharoahs, taking a field trip to a museum, and doing a Bible study on Exodus. Families usually supplement with math and grammar studies. And, many veteran homeschool families find that, today, aided by the strength of Google and the local library, they’re able to create their own unit studies very successfully.

Classical education is based on the Trivium. Three stages of learning/cognitive development are recognized. The Grammar Stage (early grade school) centers on concrete learning – memorizing facts. The Dialectic Stage (late grade school/junior high years) applies logic and critical thinking to those facts, while the Rhetoric Stage (high school) centers on communicating through verbal and written skills. Perhaps the “bible” of classical education is The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jesse Wise. Curriculum examples include Veritas Press, Classical Conversations and Tapestry of Grace. Criticisms include the rigor and difficulty for some kinesthetic learners.

Not to be confused with “Public School at Home” programs, many companies provide computer or DVD teaching options. For instance, both A Beka and Bob Jones University Press (see traditional above) have virtual classroom options. Teaching Textbooks offers DVD teachers for each math lesson. And, Switched On Schoolhouse is an example of a computer-based program that covers every subject. Easy Peasy offers an online free curriculum for each year utilizing many online resources and easily found library items. We do encourage you to be careful that you don’t park your child in front of a computer screen and lose the one-on-one tutoring that establishes rich relationships and worldview training. Along that vein, you might review this article.

You do not have to use state-approved curriculum. Neither do you have to use an accredited program. 

This question is addressed in the WV Law pertaining to homeschooling:”(3) This subdivision applies to both home instruction exemptions set forth in subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection. The county superintendent or a designee shall offer such assistance, including textbooks, other teaching materials and available resources, all subject to availability, as may assist the person or persons providing home instruction. Any child receiving home instruction may upon approval of the county board exercise the option to attend any class offered by the county board as the person or persons providing home instruction may consider appropriate subject to normal registration and attendance requirements.”

Please note:  The code state, “the county shall offer assistance…..all subject to availability…. ” Many public schools use the “subject to availability” clause as a reason for denial of resources to homeschoolers. Most homeschoolers do not request resources from the public school, so this request to the county may be unusual. Upon request, counties who have available resources will loan the student books, but teacher’s books or answer keys are not provided, making it sometimes difficult to use the public school curriculum. The reason is simple – only one teacher’s book has usually been ordered for that year and, of course, the public school teacher is using it.