Eclectic Homeschooling
Eclectic homeschooling is what most of homeschoolers do when they choose to teach the Trivium, use living books, have your children narrate to you what they just read, do a unit study when you begin learning about Ancient Egypt or Light and Color, and have lots of manipulatives of all kinds in your home for every subject. Okay, this is almost an exagerration, but actually describes our homeschool to a tee. I have read books on almost all homeschooling methods over the last 12 years and have tried different aspects until I found the aspects that fit with our homeschool.
Because I also have special needs children, I could not embrace any one method excluding all others because my children just don't learn one way. In math, one might do well with a Saxon Math textbook alone. My daughter needs to use a large chalkboard and manipulatives in order to master a concept. My 12yo hates manipulatives because they slow him down. My 9yo has been reading for 5 years, but is barely writing. We make adjustments. There is no way he could take notes and write summaries of his reading assignments. He does almost all of his school work using computer curriculum. This is the eclectic homeschooling family!
The Eclectic Homeschooler by Terri McKeeWhat is Eclectic Homeschooling?
Eclectic Homeschool Online - extensive info
Eclectic Homeschooling from A to Z Home's Cool
Should You Homeschool Your Gifted Child? - how the eclectic method is the answer
Excerpted from: http://www.waymarks.com/homeschool/
A traditional definition of "eclectic" from the American Heritage Dictionary says, "1) Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles: an eclectic taste in music; an eclectic approach to managing the economy. 2) Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources: 'a popular bar patronized by an eclectic collection of artists, writers, secretaries and aging soldiers on reserve duty' (Curtis Wilkie)."
Webster's 1828 dictionary defines "eclectic" (a) as, "Selecting; choosing; an epithet given to certain philosophers of antiquity, who did not attach themselves to any particular sect, but selected from the opinions and principles of each, what they thought solid and good..." The Greek word for "eclectic" is eklektos - selected or chosen.
So an Eclectic homeschooler is one, not necessarily of "antiquity" :-), who looks at the different approaches and methods of homeschooling, at the "opinions and principles of each," and takes from each approach and method what is "solid and good" for his family, forming his own unique philosophy. Because the definition of an Eclectic homeschooler isn't specific, I cannot tell you exactly how he homeschools. But I would like to give you some examples of the different elements included in an Eclectic homeschoolers adventure!
An Eclectic homeschooler may like the concept, adapted from the Unschooling method, that education should be "child oriented." He will possibly draw from the Classical approach by familiarizing his child, through his own method, with grammar, logic, and rhetoric. The Eclectic homeschooler may utilize unit studies to his own degree their maximum effectiveness, using them to help his child choose what will be his vocation or occupation in life. He probably will seek out "living books," like Charlotte Mason suggested, though choosing only the classics that he deems worthy and appealing to him and his family. The Eclectic approach also can include developing moral character, with some choosing to do so through a Christian outlook and a Biblical worldview, like the principle Approach preaches. Eclectic homeschoolers may choose the approach of the Relaxed homeschooler, like Mary Hood, allowing the child to learn at this own pace especially in the child's early years. Then he may opt to speed his child through the rest of "school," like the Swann children were, using a structured textbook curriculum in preparation for college. And finally (at least for now) the modern Eclectic homeschooler may decide to step up to the Computer age, selecting some quality software that is fun and educational.
As for curriculum, an Eclectic homeschooler rarely uses a resource exactly as the instructions indicate. He will take the information and mold it, restructuring it to glean what he needs most from it. And absolutely EVERYTHING can be considered curriculum.
The Eclectic homeschooler considers that there is a time for everything, and it is up to him to consider the "right" time for everything to do with his family.
An Eclectic homeschooler is flexible, knowing that each day of homeschooling brings new challenges and opportunities. And he must always be looking for open doors and what works best for his child.
The Eclectic homeschooler usually recognizes we are all unique individuals, right down to our very own DNA building blocks! Christian Eclectic homeschoolers recognize that each individual has a soul that will live throughout eternity. And as parents, God will hold us accountable for our part in raising His child, so we must consider each child's unique needs.
An Eclectic homeschooler is always searching for something new and better, but at the same time is happy and content with his current choices, knowing that no one and nothing is perfect. We just have to give it our best shot!
An Eclectic homeschooler will gladly share what he knows, but will be the first to tell you that you must find your own way, that no one else's formula will be the best for you. Only you can know what is best for your family. He wants you to have the freedom that homeschooling CAN offer if you have the courage to take it. Are you an Eclectic Homeschooler?
Excerpted from The Eclectic Homeschooler by Terry McKee
http:// www.educationalfreedom.com/heart/pages/eclectic.html