This method is based on the writing of a 19th century educator who felt children should learn from real books and not from textbooks. In this method, after a child reads, he narrates back what he has learned. This takes the place of quizzs and tests. It is characterized by no homework, no grades, short lessons, and few lectures, along with morning classes, copy work, and nature study.

This method also relies on “real” books with some help from teaching manuals. There is very little workbook or textbook work, but there is more structure. All of the reading ties together in various subjects, but it requires less prep time than a unit study.

This method is based on the medieval model of education consisting of two parts: the Trivium and the Quadrivium. The Trivium contains three phases: The Grammar period (ages 9-11) – acquisition of facts and language, particularly Greek or Latin; The Dialectic period (ages 12-14) – understanding what has been memorized and asking questions; and the Rhetoric period (ages 14-16) – learning how to present arguments in a persuasive and pleasing form.

Unit Studies mean that all subjects point back to the topic. The theory here is that repetition builds retention, and students have a “big-picture memory file” for topics giving them a fuller understanding. They also claim that it allows greater discovery for the student causing them to be better thinkers. Here there are no textbooks and workbooks and it is heavy on activities, which means they usually require significant prep time. Unit studies can be used for all children at all different levels, tailoring it to their own level. This can help build family togetherness. Some examples are KONOS, based on character traits, and The Weaver based on Biblical passages. Many people make up their own unit studies.

This method is also known as relaxed homeschooling or flexible homeschooling. The belief is that the child’s natural curiosity about the world, and natural desire to learn should be the motivating factor in education. They believe it is the parent’s job to guide and help the children explore and pursue their own interests at their own pace.

This method is closer to a traditional textbook and workbook approach. Many of the popular curricula are used in Christian schools. These can be accelerated or normal paced.