đ§ Finding Your Teaching Style for Parents
(Thereâs no wrong way â only the way that works) Every parent starts home education wondering: âAm I doing this right?â Spoiler: there isnât one âright.â There are just different ways to do it â and the magic happens when you find the one that fits your family. Here are a few styles you can mix, match, or reinvent: đŻ 1. Structured Learning You like clear plans, printed worksheets, and ticking boxes. Itâs predictable, easy to measure progress, and keeps everyone on track. Best for: kids who like routine or parents who need a roadmap. Tip: build in mini âfree choiceâ breaks so it doesnât feel like school 2.0. đż 2. Unschooling The opposite of structure â child-led, interest-driven, and often spontaneous. Learning happens through life, projects, and curiosity. Best for: creative thinkers and kids who learn by doing. Tip: keep a loose record of what you cover â youâll be amazed at how much learning happens naturally. đ§Š 3. Thematic Learning Pick a topic and run with it across subjects â âSpaceâ becomes science, art, maths, and writing all in one. Best for: kids who love deep dives and connections. Tip: use your childâs interests (dinosaurs, trains, baking) as starting points. 𪴠4. Eclectic (aka âReal Lifeâ) A mix of everything â some structure, some freedom, some chaos, some brilliance. You use what works and drop what doesnât. Best for: most families, honestly. Tip: stop apologising for being âinconsistent.â Youâre being adaptive. đ 5. Montessori / Charlotte Mason / Classical (etc.) These are established philosophies with their own structures and rhythms. You can borrow what resonates without committing to the whole system. Best for: parents who like a framework but want flexibility. Tip: start with one small idea (like nature journaling or hands-on tasks) before diving into full curricula. âď¸ The Bottom Line You donât have to pick a single label. Youâre allowed to change approaches, mix methods, and experiment until it feels like you.