OUR TYPE OF SCHOOLING

I think the best way to describe our method of homeschooling is "eclectic". To put it simply, it's "child-oriented" homeschooling. This way, I feel I am able to better Nikki and Ethan according to their individual strengths. So far, the boys have been doing great. Nikki is learning so much and Ethan is enjoying art. I hope to continue with this arrangement until they are ready for traditional school. I have been bugged by family to send Nikki to school but I really don't think that's the best thing for him at all. So now, I'm sticking to this and we're staying with this come hell or high water.

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source: http://preschoolerstoday.com/resources/articles/homeschooling.htm

What Is "Eclectic" Homeschooling?
A traditional definition of "eclectic" from the Webster's Unabridged English Dictionary says, "Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources." So it is only fitting to say that an eclectic homeschooler is one who looks at the different approaches and methods of homeschooling and takes from each forming his/her own unique philosophy.

"An eclectic homeschooler may like the concept, adapted from the unschooling method, that education should be child oriented," says Terry McKee, an eclectic homeschooling advocate from Eclectic, Ala. "He/she will possibly draw from the classical approach by familiarizing his/her child with grammar, logic and rhetoric. The eclectic homeschooler may utilize unit studies to his/her own degree their maximum effectiveness, using them to help his/her child choose what will be his/her vocation or occupation in life. He/she probably will seek out living books, like Charlotte Mason suggested, though choosing only the classics that he/she deems worthy and appealing to him/her and his/her family."

The eclectic approach can also include developing moral character, with some choosing to do so through a variety of ways and those that best meet the needs of the family. "Eclectic homeschoolers may choose the approach of the relaxed homeschooler, allowing the child to learn at [their] own pace especially in the child's early years," says McKee. "Then he may opt to speed his child through the rest of school, 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."

One of the most common benefits of eclectic homeschooling is the fact that the children have the majority of say in what they do, study, learn and develop. While parents will offer some basic rules or "must dos," allowing children to determine their own course of study often keeps them motivated, interested and striving to accomplish more.

"Most of the eclectic folks I know might insist their children do some math and language arts workbook stuff as basic study," says Shay Seaborne, moderator of the Virginia Eclectic Homeschooling Organization. "The parents may even choose which period of history the child will study. However, the children are then allowed to determine which history books to use and projects to make. They may let the kids decide what science or art areas they'll discover. It is a nice balance, and many parents feel most comfortable having some say in what is covered and when. But the benefit of allowing the child to determine their own course is still there, resulting in a much more involved student."

"An eclectic homeschooler is flexible, knowing that each day of homeschooling brings new challenges and opportunities," says McKee. "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. Eclectic homeschoolers recognize that each individual has a soul that will live throughout eternity. And as parents, [the higher power] will hold us accountable for our part in raising children, so we must consider each child's unique needs."