With the explosion in growth within the home schooling movement has come a multitude of options from which to choose. As home educators, we can select from numerous curricular materials. We can also choose from different educational methods. Navigating this sea of opportunity can be challenging at times. To learn more about the options and discern which are best for your and your children, follow these recommended steps:

1. Be a continual learner! Learn about the different resources and educational methods. Although one option may not work for you this year, it may be an excellent option for you in the future. Some recommended books that discuss different educational methods include:

Classical Curriculum

Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum: A Guide to Catholic Home Education by: Laura Berquist

The Well Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by: Susan Wise Bauer and Jessi Wise



Thomas Jefferson Education

A Thomas Jefferson Education:Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-first Century by: Oliver DeMille

Unschooling

A Little Way of Homeschooling: Thirteen Families Discover Catholic Unschooling by: Suzie Andres



Charolette Mason Education

A Charlotte Mason Education by:Catherine Levison



Thoughts on Education

Weapons of Mass Instruction: A Schoolteacher's Journey Through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling by: John Taylor Gatto

Dumbing Us Down by: John Taylor Gatto

For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

5 Steps to Successful Home Schooling: How to Add Faith and Focus to Your Home Education Program by: Pamela Patnode www.philomenapress.com/order-information/

2. Consider your child's needs, learning style, and personality. Find curricular materials and educational methods that best match your child's learning style.



3. Consider your needs (as the parent and educator). Find a program and method that matches your personality and teaching style. Be cautious around extremism - radical unschooling or extreme over scheduling. Strive for balance and good matches for you and your children.



4. Know your schedule and find approaches that meet the needs of your calendar.



5. Be flexible. What works one year and for one child may not work another year with another child. Be prayerful while discerning which option will work best for the upcoming year!