The Eclectic Homeschooling Method | Pros & Cons of Eclectic Homeschooling

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

What homeschool method do you follow?

[@emilyvickery8081]

We're eclectic, with a strong Reggio Emilia, child led focus. We've developed a real fruit of a home-schooling programme.

[@carinthiamontana7069]

Such an important reminder: Their interests will lead them to their future career. And that’s what they need to be prepared for…

[@brittanym58]

We are also eclectic. Traditional math and English, unit studies for science, living books for history, tons of read alouds, and unschooling for just about everything else. :)

[@Bornearth75]

I think our method is classical and it’s not working. It’s my first year homeschooling and I’m finding that an eclectic method may work better for us. I really appreciate all of your videos, they’re keeping me from giving up.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Don’t be afraid to push that curriculum to the side if it’s not working and try something else! I had to learn to be ok with not finishing something that doesn’t work and it’s hard to do, but definitely worth it to find a better fit! Best wishes!

[@sarahkey413]

Yes! I started strong trying to use one curriculum for everything (Abeka) and make it like a public school.... FAIL! Tooooo many meltdowns! We switched curriculums to mainly The Good and The Beautiful, and I incorporated a loop schedule and it has saved my sanity! My kids are so much happier and are actually retaining what they're learning!

[@TheTidyNest]

We are also eclectic. I was unschooled myself so that plays a big part into it! 4 of my 6 kids are school age (5th, 3rd,1st and K) and we all just want to get through what needs to be done so we can live life. So quick and short lessons in each subject and then play and learn as you wish the rest of the day.

[@candyp-r8626]

I love this idea. My boys are doing about 2 hours a day then I leave them to do what they want to do. Most of the time they playing educational games online. Plus we go to the beach very often especially since its summer here now in Cape Town.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

So amazing that you have the experience of being unschooled yourself. I’m sure that really helps free your mind from the pressure we sometimes put on ourselves to perform to a certain standard. 🥴

[@SummerMeyers]

I like how you pointed out that you don't need to be tied down to one philosophy, becoming apart of classical conversations co-op, and then coming home to do a Charlotte Mason Nature study. 💕💕

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Love that we can make it our own! ❤️

[@ericwilliams626]

Creating awareness within a young mind is the simplest description in teaching. Once the mind uses and understands the power of awareness, it can learn and want to learn.

[@joelandstephanieg3574]

This is our 14th year (officially) homeschooling. I've tried a bit of everything. lol! When it's time to buy curriculum I usually tell my husband that I wish I was one of those homeschoolers who just followed one method and could order the box for that grade and be done. But, I'm not like them. lol! We're a mix of Charlotte Mason, Unit Studies, and Interest Led.

[@tahirasbs]

We are eclectic for sure. We view learning happening all the time and every activity we do. The outcome or product of learning is different with each activity we do but not one activity is more important than another. For a formal learning we use a lot of workbooks, Library books, a few online classes, science kits, and lots of legos. We also take tons of homeschooling classes and consider Scouts as a huge part of our education.

[@misfithomemaker3683]

I know you are taking a break, i want to say I love to this style of homeschooling, I can't get away from it, if I try anything else, its not for me. The thing is, its so rare. Hardly any one does it or talks about on on You tube.

[@daisy353]

I watched your whole playlist for beginners. I’m not quite ready to start homeschooling, but I’m gathering info and ideas and inspiration! Thank you for very clearly explaining things!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

You’re so welcome! Best wishes!

[@juliairvin1606]

We are definitely eclectic homeschooling. From the beginning it just seemed to make sense for us. We use Traditional curriculums for math, reading and spelling that are geared toward helping my kids with dyslexia (Math-u-see, All About Reading & All About Spelling). And then the spine of the bulk of our learning is a unit study based curriculum that has been developed with Charotte Mason and Ruth Beechick methods (Trail Guide to Learning). We also do Morning Basket things and Nature Study and typing and anything else I like the sound of. 😊 Thanks for sharing with us!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Sounds a lot like us! :) Thanks for sharing!

[@shelly82mm]

Great video! Thank you for this. I never knew what eclectic homeschooling was. I guess in the past 2-3 years I have become an eclectic homeschooler but didn't even realize it! 😁 I was a traditional homeschooler but recently have found other ways I enjoyed and threw a few of them into our homeschool schedule.

[@jenthetford8248]

After watching your channel over time, I would say we are eclectic too. Picking curriculum and books can definitely feel like a full time job but I love the freedom of using what works for each kiddo and our family as a whole. So glad for all the homeschoolers out there who share all the wonderful information on youtube and blogs.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I agree! I personally find so much help online in my own research and prep as well!

[@tracybuyshouses]

I'm a first year homeschool mom of 2 middle school boys. I'm eclectic, too, so far. We'll see how it shakes out as I mature as a homeschooling mom. So far, we are classical in LA and literature. Traditional in science and math. CM in history. And we make up our own stuff for electives, etc.

[@Mistymegaccinomoments]

We have eclectically homeschooled from the beginning. Gotten more relaxed with each year. 🤣Interest led and being able to drop, substitute, or add things as we go is a must for me with three kiddos. The third time around things can get boring, so you gotta mix it up ;) (8th, 5th & 2nd)

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

We’ve gotten more relaxed each year as well. You live and learn and make changes! ❤️

[@AngelHawksUnhingedCreativePlan]

We are totally eclectic! We do CC, but at home we use all kinds of methods including unit studies, living books, read alouds, etc.

[@mariabartoszuk2047]

Thank you for this video. I have three kids under 4yo. I used to be very drawn to the Montessori method but then I realized I'd get stressed every time we did something in a different way. I put so much pressure on myself to do everything "right" and I worried my eldest wouldn't learn anything any other way. I really want to homeschool from the beginning and videos like this are very encouraging that it's ok to look for our own way.

[@jerilyn-ourhomeschooltable]

We’re also eclectic! We do Sonlight for History, Bible, Literature which is Literature based; we do BJU Press for Bible, English and Science which is traditional; we also use some workbooks like Explode the Code, Evan Moor Reading skill sharpener and Wordly Wise. We have a classical spanish program! So yeah…a jumble. 😊❤️

[@DansonforJoy]

I identified with your channel as soon I saw your name, "The Eclectic Homeschooler." ;) That is how we homeschool, as well. I decided fairly early on to disregard all the different labels and types, and simply keep my eyes open for books and ideas that resonated with me and my children. The result has been a stress-free simplicity in homeschooling that allows us to thrive!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

YES!! Love that! 👏🏼

[@Dreblueskies]

That is awesome! My goal 💯!

[@1meggys]

This comment doesn't have anything to do with homeschool, but I really love the top you are wearing here and another one I have seen you wear in a different video that seems like the same cut. I just came across your channel and have been loving your thoughts. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Thanks so much! 😀

[@candyp-r8626]

I am so glad I found your channel. It has freed up mind on just going with the flow and not worrying if I am making a mistake!!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

So glad to hear that! Blessings, mama!

[@lifewithginab]

Definitely eclectic here too! Loved watching!

[@GinaRLacy]

Your channel is just so encouraging! We are unit study method at our core with lots of Charlotte Mason living books, lots of hands-on activities, and some unschooling.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Sounds like a beautiful mix! ❤️

[@carmenkloppers6334]

We are also eclectic homeschoolers. This is our third year, and yes, it has evolved, but mostly always been eclectic. It suites our family.

[@melodyandhermunchkins6548]

I am so glad that you made a video about this subject, it really has helped already. Our family tends to lean towards Charlotte Mason learning, but yet I love some of the Classical approach to things as well. Thank You!!!!

[@amberfox3220]

Excited for the upcoming vids! ❤

[@faithhomeschool2789]

I loved this video well put together as always. We love Eclectic Homeschooling it makes for tailoring learning to each individual child's need and level. When we first started homeschooling I thought it had to be like public school then one day my kids wanted to go down the rabbit trail and we never looked back. I can't wait for your next series

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

Love those rabbit trails! They lead to the funnest things!

[@JenniferGarcia-qr3ur]

Great video. Well put together. We’re eclectic too! Thanks

[@avalle05]

First year homeschooler, loved the idea of Charlotte mason but half year done I feel I'm more ecclectic, already ditched my box curriculum and checked out books from the library!

[@adventureswiththemacs8066]

We are DEFINITELY eclectic. A little of this… a little of that!

[@singgirl82]

We just finished our first full year of homeschool and we have been using a Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum that covers all grades and all subjects except math. There are a lot of aspects about it that I love, and there are things I am changing out. As I gain confidence (which ebbs and flows daily! 😏), I am becoming more interested in unit studies and we are trying your “unschool Wednesday”! One question I have is: how do you choose your science? I’ve heard you mention going with your kids’ interest in regards to science in particular, but if you were to recommend a spot to start with kids who aren’t super thrilled about science, do you have a suggestion? Thank you for your videos! You are so encouraging and laidback-watching these videos has helped me to calm down when I start spiraling around the “am I doing enough” loop! Loop-haha!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I’m so glad that my videos have been helpful! ❤️ For science I fully believe you really don’t need a full year’s curriculum, at least until high school. Maybe try a unit study from Gather Round or The Good and The Beautiful. We have also totally done our own thing and just chosen to pick a topic (we did a foraging unit that was really fun) and check out books from the library and go on nature walks and observe nature, like in Charlotte Mason education. We also watch a lot of Science Max on KZbin or DIY Sci. Lots of great science shows out there to supplement with! We often put too much pressure on ourselves to have a full year’s curriculum for every subject when we really don’t need to. (Still learning this myself 😉).

[@BengeFamily98]

Good morning Erin! Thank you for all of the great info! Not long ago you shared a devotional titled "Boyhood And Beyond," and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. Do yo have any other suggestions along those lines? My son is 11. :) Thank you for being a light here on KZbin. You are truly appreciated!

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

So glad you enjoyed it! I also really like Our 24 Family Ways by Clay and Sally Clarkson. Blessings! ❤️

[@kimberlywolter3740]

Eclectic here, too! ❤️

[@reverethepatriot1776]

I’m wanting to do eclectic homeschooling starting next year but I feel overwhelmed just trying to figure out how I want to incorporate everything 😅 I think it’ll be a “learn as I go” experience, which I hard for my type A personality 😂

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

You can do it!! We’re all learning as we go! 😅

[@constancejackson7986]

I'm new to homeschooling with a kindergartener and a preschooler. I'm all over the place and at the sametime absolutely nowhere. 🤯

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

I still feel like that a lot, mama. It’s a challenge to juggle it all, but so worth it for the time spent together and knowing the results of our effort now will pay off in dividends later. Blessings to you!

[@Dreblueskies]

I can relate! My issue is falling down the rabbit hole of methods and loose sight of what “l” want for our family. Then re-read Durenda Wilson’s book and remind myself what I connect with.

[@bearhilladventures]

Totally eclectic!

[@guadalupemeza7805]

Hello. I am new at homeschooling I have 7th, 5th and 3rd graders. I think we are doing eclectic homeschooling. I feel lost, and not advancing much. Public school did a dyslexic test to my 3rd grader, the result was no clear. She had a really hard time reading when we started the curriculum so I focused on teaching her to read first. Now she reads better but can't spell and mixes up her number too. My 5th is working pretty good only has trouble on his handwriting and gets frustrated when writing essays. My 7th grader gets distracted very easily and takes too much time to finish work he mixes up some letters too. Some times I want to give up. Then I watch your videos and keeps me going and thinking its going to get easier.

[@TheEclecticHomeschooler]

One of my kids is dyslexic as well and we have found All About Spelling to be really helpful! He needed to learn those rules to help him put all the pieces together. Things definitely do get easier in the sense that the longer you do this, the more you can figure out your flow and find things that work for your family. There will always still be struggles for sure though. But having the right mindset can really help make sure you are putting the emphasis on the most important things and learning to relax in areas that aren’t as necessary. It’s definitely a learning process for the whole family! ☺️

[@guadalupemeza7805]

@@TheEclecticHomeschooler Thanks. I will try All About Spelling. I'll work on relaxing and focus on the most important.

[@lemonkitty8320]

Thank you

[@karlagreen7819]

Math and language classic way! All the other subjects eclectic !

[@Ourhomeschooladventures]

We are somewhere between eclectic and traditional.

[@livebygodscommands7613]

Thank you