Traditional homeschooling is a style of education that closely resembles the school system. In homeschool circles, it is often referred to as “playing school” because you try to mimic the look, feel, and rhythm of a regular school day in your home. It can work wonderfully for some moms and children, but for a good amount of people, it is a recipe for disaster. That being said, it is one of the most common homeschool styles simply because we naturally teach the way we were taught… which if we grew up in the school system ourselves… means traditionally. We have been conditioned to believe that this is the way school should look, the way children learn. And yet one size simply does not fit all! Today we are going to be addressing what traditional homeschooling is, what it looks like, some of the pitfalls to watch more and more!
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Is traditional homeschooling right for me?
Only you can answer that question for your family. I started out as a traditional homeschooler. The reason this style did not work for me is because I am too much of a perfectionist and the high expectations I put on myself cause me and my children a lot of stress and pressure that makes homeschooling not fun for anyone. I also find it is completely impractical. I simply can not teach 4 different kids at four different grade levels times 7-8 subjects each. Not to mention the preschooler hanging off my legs whining the entire time! My life simply does not facilitate and I had to adjust to more of a “one-room-schoolhouse” model of education. The reality is we are all on a journey. I started out traditional, I am now more Charlotte Mason, and I think I am heading towards more of an unschooling approach. I am not where I want to be but I am better off than where I was 5 years ago. We are more at rest in our homeschool, we connect more, we laugh more, and we have fun together.
Links mentioned in today’s podcast
The Homeschool Style Quiz
What is Traditional Homeschooling?
The Curriculum Course
Also check out the Charlotte Mason podcast I did last week for more info on that homeschool style!
