Different homeschooling approaches and matric options

Homeschooling allows one to tailor make schooling for each child, as each child is unique, and each parent is also an individual. 

There is no one-size-fits-all curriculum. Families can try different approaches to find the best fit for each child. The homeschool approach will depend on the objective to be met and is child-dependent. Here are the most commonly used homeschool approaches and matric options available (in South Africa): 

• The Conventional Textbook Approach

• Also known as the school-at-home approach.
• A formal approach.
• The subjects are separate and taught independently.
• Textbooks and workbooks are the primary sources of information and learning.
• Lessons are planned in advance and followed accordingly.
• Exams and tests are used in order to assess the learner on a regular basis.
• Students can pass or repeat a grade
• This approach will mainly benefit visual learners who prefer to follow a guideline.
• In South Africa, most parents following this approach will use the CAPS curriculum.
• Curricula are often content-heavy with many subjects.
• May be driven by procedural methods and not build thinking skills.
• Can be rigid and inflexible, not allowing students to progress at their own pace or to pursue their interests. 

• The Online / Computer-Based Approach

• Very similar to the textbook approach, with the critical difference being the involvement of technology.
• Also known as the school-at-home approach.
• A formal approach.
• Subjects are still separate and taught independently.
• The main access point for information will be online.
• Lessons are still planned in advance and followed accordingly.
• Assessments are also conducted via exams or tests at regular intervals.
• A student may pass or repeat a grade.
• This approach is very similar to the conventional textbook approach.

• Visual learners who prefer to follow a guideline tend to perform better under this approach. 
• In South Africa, most parents following this approach will use the CAPS curriculum.
• Curricula are often content-heavy with many subjects.
• May be driven by procedural methods and not build thinking skills.
• Can be rigid and inflexible, not allowing students to progress at their own pace or to pursue their own interests. 

• The Classical Approach

• This approach is based on the essay, The Lost Tools of Learning, by Dorothy Sayers.
• It focuses on learning basic skills, classical languages (such as Greek and Latin) and higher-order thinking skills.
• The early years of education, called the Grammar phase, are taught through absorbing facts to lay the foundation for further advanced learning.
• During the middle grades, called the Logic phase, argumentative thinking is learnt.
• In the high school years, also known as the Rhetoric stage, learners spend time expressing themselves and their thoughts.
• This approach highlights language focus and focuses on written and spoken words rather than images.
• Visual learners who enjoy linguistics tend to enjoy this curriculum.
• Read The well-trained mind by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer for more information. 
• There is further information available online too. 

• The Unit Study Approach

• Under this approach, various subjects are combined under one topic.
• This is done by involving various aspects of the topic in different subjects. 
• An example of this could be learning about an animal. There could be various books on the animal which could cover language. The students also write a story about the animal, etc.
• The Biology of the animal can also be studied. 
• The animal may need to eat a certain amount of food depending on its weight which will involve Mathematics. 
• The animal may be reviewed for its history and impact on humanity. 
• Geography can also be learnt by discovering where the animal can be found and the types of terrain it may prefer. 
• The animal can also (if possible) be interacted with and studied up close. 
• This approach focuses on a natural method of learning and appeals to a variety of learners; this is especially true of kinaesthetic (hands-on) learners.
• Can be used in a home with multi-aged children.

• The Delayed Academics Approach (the Moore Formula)

• Based upon the practices of Dorothy and Raymond Moore
• This approach recommends that academic studies start at eight years old or even as late as twelve years old.
• The approach pursues a more holistic approach to studies by focusing on developing character and habits, community service, work habits and social involvement.
• Children are taught these skills through home industries and family volunteer work.
• The Moore Formula follows that children should interact with children of different age groups to decrease peer dependency. 
• With a Delayed Academics approach, initial reading can happen at various ages and is child-dependent.

• The Charlotte Mason Approach

• Based upon the practices of Charlotte Mason
• The Charlotte Mason method involves using high-quality literature in order to teach children. The books are called Living Books. This is literature that is often more captivating to children than school-prescribed textbooks. Biographies and Historical Fiction aimed at children are popular choices.
• Children are also encouraged to spend time outdoors.
• An appreciation for nature, music and art is also encouraged.
• Activities such as journalling, copy work, dictation and narration are used to develop self-discipline. 
• Lessons are kept short and manageable, resulting in students being more engaged.
• A love for literature is naturally developed through its use in learning.
• Narration practice also allows for a child to learn to express themselves clearly.
• The curriculum is designed as suggested and can be adjusted, allowing for a personalised programme.
• Mathematics is often added to the programme.

• The Unschooling Approach

• It is a natural learning style which is child-led, based on the child’s interests.
• The parent assists with resources for learning.
• Unschooling involves education which takes place in an environment other than a mainstream school.
• Unschoolers question:
  • the usefulness of the standard curriculum, 
  • fixed school times at which learning typically takes place,
  • conventional mass grading methods in standardised tests, 
  • forced contact mainly with children in their age group, with minimal contact with older and younger students
  • the compulsion to do homework, regardless of whether or not it helps the learner in their individual situation, 
  • the lack of freedom resulting from listening to and obeying the orders of the teacher for the school day, 
  • and other aspects of traditional schooling in the life of each unique child.

• Eclectic (Mix ‘n match)

• The eclectic approach combines different approaches and methodologies, which is done in a way that is beneficial to the learner. 
• This approach is based on choice and can vary depending on what is adapted into the system.
• This approach has the advantage of being more flexible and allows for improvement.
• Often seen as a mix between unschooling and conventional schooling meth 

• Singapore Maths

• Based on the approach developed by the Singaporean Education Department
• Singapore students rank highly on International TIMSS tests.
• The Singapore math method is focused on mastery of concepts. 
• This is achieved through the intentional sequencing of concepts learnt. 
• Some of the critical features of the approach include bar Models and the CPA method: Concrete → Pictorial → Abstract
• Look at Cambridge Endorsed Singapore Approach Maths Books from Knowledge Thirst Media 

• Mathematical Manipulatives

• Physical teaching tools that engage students not only visually but also in physical form. 
• Includes anything from coins to puzzles and blocks.
• The use of manipulatives is becoming more popular because students are actively involved in the learning process.  
• Moves the child from concrete to abstract thinking. 

• Montessori

• Based on the methods of Maria Montessori
• A method is based on self-directed activities, practical learning and cooperative games. 
• In Montessori classrooms, children make creative choices in their learning while the classroom and the teacher offers age-appropriate activities to guide the process.

• Waldorf

• Based on the methods of Rudolf Steiner. 
• Waldorf schools integrate academic, artistic, and practical instruction throughout the curriculum. 
• The development of social skills and ethical values ​​are critical elements of Waldorf education, woven throughout the curriculum and each grade level.

MATRIC OPTIONS

1. Cambridge

• They have four or five subjects to pass
• Exams are divided into four sessions, giving sufficient exam preparation time.
• No previous reports are required to write exams
• No portfolios required
• Focuses on the application of knowledge
• Students cope well at university

• GED 

• American GED matriculation is designed for adults who have not completed high school
• Available for South Africans
• Exams are available throughout the year
• Exams are online, and results are available immediately
• Only four subjects. No second language required
• Easier than Cambridge and CAPS
• Gives students a matric with a Higher Certificate or Diploma pass. No Bachelor’s pass, i.e. no direct entry into a South African university.  

• CAPS Matric/IEB/SACAI

• seven subjects
• Year Mark/Portfolio required except for adult matric candidates
• Need to pass Grades 11, 10, 9 etc., before writing Grade 12
• Generally expensive
• Part of a  rigid system

If you need advice, send a Whatsapp message to  Siraj Ghoor at 0847705522.

Author:

Yasteel Sewnarain

Facilitator at Open Minds Campus