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Homeschool Philosophies and Methods in South Africa

  • Jun 4
  • 14 min read
Infographic on homeschool methods with a lightbulb and pencil. Methods include Charlotte Mason, Eclectic, Waldorf, and more. Bird decorates.

Homeschool philosophies and methods offer diverse ways to educate your children at home in South Africa. These approaches range from structured, traditional curriculums to child-led learning experiences and everything in between. Popular philosophies include Charlotte Mason, Eclectic, Traditional, Classical, Unit Studies, Montessori, Waldorf and Unschooling.


These are just a few of the many homeschooling philosophies and methods available. Choosing the right approach can take time and reflection, but it's important to find a method that aligns with the family's values and the child's learning style to create a successful homeschooling journey. Understanding these different approaches can help families choose the best fit for their children's learning styles and their family's values.


Here's a closer look at the most common homeschooling philosophies and methods with examples of homeschool curriculums that align with that approach to homeschooling.


  1. The Charlotte Mason Way | Literature-based


Charlotte Mason (1842 – 1923) was a British educator who challenged the concept of a utilitarian education. She believed that children learned best through life and “living books,” rather than rote memory and dry facts. She advocated that students read narrative books, retelling what they read in their own words. Her ideas also favor outdoor exploration, art, music, and a wide variety of subjects, with an emphasis on focus, effort, and a love of learning. The Charlotte Mason Homeschooling method has at its core the belief that children are not mere containers waiting to be filled with knowledge, but persons in their own right deserving of respect. According to Charlotte Mason, children should be given time to play, create, and be involved in real-life situations from which they can learn.


We feed a child’s lively curiosity. “But mind does not live and grow upon entertainment; it requires its solid meals,” she says. Therefore, we safeguard a child’s curiosity with the best we have to offer in books and things. Children are born learners. We can see how babies devote themselves to it—with eyes, ears, nose, hands, and mouth. We can’t do the learning for them. They do that part on their own. When we attempt to “learn them” boredom sets in. – Charlotte Mason

The Charlotte Mason method is based on Charlotte’s firm belief that the child is a person and we must educate that whole person, not just his mind. So a Charlotte Mason education is three-pronged: in her words, “Education is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life.”


Read more about the The Charlotte Mason Way.


The literature-based homeschooling approach focuses on teaching core subjects through high-quality literature and engaging books authored by experts. Central to this method is learning via biographies, autobiographies, ancient texts, original documents, and historical fiction. Science can be explored using children's books, online magazines, journal articles, or chapter books. The goal is to incorporate books known for their literary excellence, written by respected authors who possess both expertise and passion for their topics.


  • Methods:

You can gather information from books, web sites, online resources and perhaps even create your own Charlotte Mason support group. Students also show what they know, not by taking tests, but via narration and discussion. Students of the Charlotte Mason method take nature walks, visit art museums, and learn geography, history, and literature from “living books.” (Books that make these subjects come alive). This method is often combined with the Eclectic method of homeschooling.



  1. The Eclectic Way | Relaxed | Delight-directed


Eclectic homeschooling has no single defining medium or discipline for bringing education together. Instead, it's a collage of multiple styles of learning, methodologies, and curricula. For this reason, the eclectic style's most defining characteristic might actually be its lack of definition. The eclectic style is often referred to as "relaxed" or "delight-directed". Eclectic homeschooling is the most popular and frequently practiced method by homeschoolers in South Africa because it is child-centered and individualized. The hallmark of eclectic homeschooling is flexibility and personalization. Families often gravitate towards eclectic homeschooling because they are able to meet the specific needs of their child. Furthermore, sometimes what works for one year or one semester might not work the next. Eclectic homeschooling families often want a more robust methodology, and more flexibility than what a fixed curriculum offers.


Basically, eclectic homeschoolers use a little of this and a little of that, using a variety of homeschool curricula and service providers with workbooks for math, reading, and spelling, they may take an unschooling approach for some subjects and even combine it with a traditional approach for other subjects. They may combine book-based resources with online resources and follow their child's preference and what works best for that child to thrive.


The eclectic homeschooler may incorporate regular "grade level" standards (scope and sequence) for "core subjects" like English, Math, Science and Social Studies. This may align with traditional homeschooling. They may also use standardized tests to measure their child’s progress in certain subjects, e.g. Math. The advantage of the Eclectic method is that the parent feels that the “important” subjects are being covered thoroughly. This method also allows the family to choose curricula, service providers, textbooks, field trips and classes that fit their needs and interests.


  • Methods:

Combines elements of different homeschooling philosophies and methods, creating a customized approach that best suits the family's needs and preferences. May incorporate elements of traditional, classical, Charlotte Mason, or Montessori methods, adapting them to the child's learning style and interests. An eclectic homeschooler might use a traditional curriculum for math and science, while also incorporating nature walks and living books from the Charlotte Mason method.


For the family who practices “relaxed” or eclectic homeschooling, mornings are often used for more formal, “have to” work, and afternoons are used for hobbies and other special projects or extracurricular activities with their local homeschool community. There are no specific times set up for each subject, but instead, the child is expected to meet certain educational goals.


You can basically use any homeschool curriculum provider and "cherry pick" what works best for your child. Usually it is best to pick subjects that align with the same "scope and sequence", e.g. homeschool resources that all align to the US curriculum. But for primary school you could also combine SA CAPS subjects with US and UK subjects. You many need to use a more formal and traditional approach for high school, depending on your preferred school exit and school leaving certificate.



  1. The Traditional Way | "School at Home"


The “traditional approach” to education, mirroring public school classrooms, views teachers as givers of knowledge, and students as receivers of it. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the foundation they will need in order to achieve their own personal goals in life. Parents use textbooks, workbooks, videos and computer programs, tests, and grading systems.


"School-at-Home" or Traditional homeschooling is the style most often the most expensive and the type of homeschooling method with the highest burnout rate. Most families who follow the CAPS curriculum use a school-at-home approach where they purchase a boxed curriculum that comes with textbooks, study schedules, grades and record keeping or enroll with a CAPS online school. Some families use the school-at-home approach, but make up their own lesson plans and find their own learning materials.


  • Methods:

This traditional approach mirrors a public school setting, focusing on a structured curriculum, lectures, textbooks, memorization, worksheets, tests, and grades. This can be book-based or online.



  • The Classical Way


The “Classical” homeschool approach has existed since the Middle Ages and has produced some of the greatest minds in history. The goal of the classical homeschool technique is to teach people how to learn for themselves. The five tools of learning, known as the Trivium, are Reason, Record, Research, Relate and Rhetoric. Younger children begin with the preparing stage, where they learn the three R’s. The grammar stage is next, which emphasizes compositions and collections, and then the dialectic stage, where serious reading, study, and research take place.


All the tools come together in the Rhetoric stage where communication is the primary focus. For help, homeschoolers following the classical homeschool technique will read books about this method, find websites about classical homeschooling, and possibly join a classical homeschooling support group.


Classical homeschoolers have a unique way of creating “History Notebooks.” These notebooks are very popular with Eclectic homeschoolers too. Many Eclectic homeschoolers will borrow this way of teaching history and will add it to their own Eclectic curriculum. The most popular book on the Classical approach is “The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home” by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer.


  • Methods:

Focuses on teaching children to think for themselves, using a three-stage approach called the Trivium: Grammar (memorization of facts), Logic (critical thinking), and Rhetoric (effective communication).


Emphasizes living books, great literature, history, and language studies. Often incorporates Socratic dialogues to encourage critical thinking and discussion. A classical homeschooler might use literature to teach history and language, while also incorporating debates and discussions to develop logical reasoning skills.


  • Homeschool Curricula Providers & Resources

    • A Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer, various subject titles also by Bauer including, The Story of the World, The Complete Writer, and Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind.

    • Classical Conversations South Africa


  1. The Unit Studies Way


The Unit Study Method builds a variety of topics around a common theme rather than teaching each subject as separate courses. A unit-study homeschool might use pre-planned studies, or create their own based on their children’s interests. This method lends itself to aspects of project-based education, multi-age education, and open-ended exploration and learning.


For example, if your child shows an interest in dogs, you could explore various aspects together, such as learning about different dog breeds and their origins, understanding how to care for and train a dog, considering factors when buying or adopting a dog, having your child volunteer at a dog shelter, or learning how to construct a dog house. By nurturing your child's interest in dogs, you can create learning opportunities in science, particularly cynology (the study of dogs from a zoological perspective) when exploring dog breeds, the practical skills of pet care and training, critical thinking when deciding on a dog to buy or adopt, compassion and community service through volunteering with dogs, and math and architecture when designing and measuring materials for building a dog house.


  • Methods:

The daily schedule is streamlined so the parent does not have to juggle separate textbooks for each child. There’s not enough time in the school day to cover everything anyway. Each student can explore the topic at their own ability level.


Unit studies incorporate the basic subjects into a thematic unit. Any unit can cover reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and fine arts. Lessons are adaptable to different skill levels, various learning styles, and multiple intelligences.


Thematic unit studies start with a primary subject area, such as Literature or History. This primary subject progresses in sequential order from topic to topic. Each chapter ties in other subject areas with practical hands-on activities. The students make meaningful connections between the various subjects.



  1. The Montessori Way


Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the method aims to foster holistic development in children by nurturing their natural curiosity, encouraging independence, and building a foundation for lifelong learning. Dr. Maria Montessori, born in Italy in 1870, revolutionized education with her hands-on learning approach, opening the first Casa dei Bambini in 1907. Her method, emphasizing independence and tailored learning, gained global acclaim, with schools worldwide.

Montessori's vision for "Education through Peace" earned her three Nobel Peace Prize nominations. Implementing Montessori principles fosters future leaders adept at navigating a changing world.


Although Montessori materials are available for high school students, most homeschoolers use the Montessori method for younger children. The Montessori method also discourages televisions and computers, especially for younger children. The Montessori method emphasizes “errorless learning” where the children learn at their own pace and in that way develop their full potential. The Montessori homeschool approach emphasizes beauty and quality and avoids things that are confusing or cluttered. Wooden tools are preferred over plastic tools and learning materials are kept well organized and ready to use.


10 Principles of Montessori Education

  1. Respect for the Child

  2. Sensitive Periods

  3. Absorbent Mind

  4. The Prepared Environment

  5. Educating the Whole Child

  6. Auto-Education

  7. Individualized Learning

  8. Mixed-Age Classrooms

  9. Freedom of Choice

  10. Intrinsic Motivation


  • Methods:

The Montessori Method is a child-centered approach to education that emphasizes hands-on learning, individual pacing, and self-directed activity within a prepared environment.


1. Observation and Planning:

Educators observe children's interests and developmental stages to plan appropriate activities and lessons.

2. Key Lessons:

Teachers introduce materials and concepts in a clear and structured way.

3. Independent Work:

Children are then given the opportunity to work independently with the materials, practicing skills and exploring concepts.

4. Teacher Guidance:

Teachers provide guidance and support as needed, encouraging children to take initiative and make discoveries.

5. Documentation and Assessment:

Educators document children's progress and use this information to inform future lessons and activities.



  1. The Waldorf Way


Waldorf education is based on the work of Rudolf Steiner and stresses the importance of educating the whole child- body, mind, and spirit. In the early grades, there is an emphasis on arts and crafts, music and movement, and nature. Older children are taught to develop self-awareness and how to reason things out for themselves. Children in a Waldorf homeschool do not use standard textbooks; instead, the children create their own books.


The Waldorf homeschool approach is appealing for several reasons, including its emphasis on hands-on, creative play and the incorporation of a monthly learning theme known as the Main Lesson.


  • Nature-Based Learning:

Children engage with the natural world through outdoor activities, gardening, and hands-on explorations of nature.

  • Creative Expression:

Music, art, storytelling, and movement are integral to the curriculum, allowing children to express themselves and develop their imagination.

  • Holistic Development:

Waldorf education aims to develop all aspects of a child's being, not just academic skills, but also emotional, social, and physical development.

  • Age-Appropriate Curriculum:

The curriculum is designed to match the developmental stages of children, with specific focus areas for each age group.

  • Emphasis on the Arts:

Music, art, and storytelling are woven throughout the curriculum, fostering creativity and imagination.

  • Hands-On Learning:

Waldorf education emphasizes practical skills and activities, such as gardening, baking, and crafts.

  • Teacher Support:

While many homeschooling families use pre-packaged curricula, Waldorf homeschooling often involves creating your own curriculum and adapting it to your child's needs.


  • Methods:

Rhythm and consistency are very important to Waldorf homeschoolers, so the daily schedule is designed to flow easily and to give the homeschooling parent plenty of time for their many responsibilities. (This is a sample schedule for a younger child.)


  • Circle: The day starts with a 15-minute circle. (Circle time takes place in a special spot in the house. The family lights a candle and says the morning verse. They then sing a Movement Verse, which usually involves finger play, a Closing Verse or song, and then blow out the candle.)

  • Main Lesson: The family spends 45 minutes of focused time on reading and writing. (The family obtains these lessons from a Waldorf curriculum supplier).

  • Free Time: During this time, the parent attends to their normal responsibilities, like household management or perhaps even running a home business, and the child watches and eventually imitates the parent’s actions. In addition, parents provide opportunities for creative play (like puppets, or art, or building projects).

  • Lunch: Children help with preparation and clean-up.

  • Afternoon Lesson: Science is done twice a week and math is done three times a week. Science lessons involve frequent outings. Reading lessons are also done during this time, reading from a Waldorf Reader for approximately 15 minutes a day. This afternoon session lasts approximately one hour.

  • Free Play: Crafts, imitation activities, and creative play occupy the child until dinner time.

  • Dinner: Children help with preparation and clean-up.

  • Bedtime Ritual: This usually takes one hour. The parent either reads aloud or tells a bedtime story.



  1. The Unschooling Way


John Holt, known as the father of unschooling, transformed the way we think about education. As an educator, author, and advocate for child-led learning, he believed children learn best when given the freedom to explore their interests. After years of teaching in traditional classrooms, he became disillusioned with the school system, believing it stifled curiosity and natural learning. John Holt’s observations led him to write several groundbreaking books, including How Children Fail and How Children Learn, which challenged conventional education and argued that children learn best through exploration, play, and real-world experiences. Holt believed that learning is not something that happens to children but something they actively do for themselves.


Holt’s work laid the foundation for modern unschooling, but his influence didn’t end with his passing in 1985. His close collaborator, Pat Farenga, carried Holt’s vision forward, ensuring that the philosophy of unschooling continued to evolve and reach new generations of homeschooling families.


The Unschooling homeschool style is also known as natural, interest-led, and child-led learning. Unschoolers learn from everyday life experiences and do not use school schedules or formal lessons. Instead, unschooled children follow their interests and learn in much the same way as adults do-by pursuing an interest or curiosity. In the same way that children learn to walk and talk, unschooled children, learn their math, science, reading, and history.


Unschoolers embrace that freedom and believe strongly that learning happens naturally and effortlessly and they trust in their child’s ability to direct their own learning. This Ted Talk video by a 13-year-old homeschooler is an excellent example of Unschooling. He calls it “Hackschooling”. Notice how he does not use one single curriculum. Notice how his learning is based on his interests. Notice how his homeschooling takes place at home, at Starbucks, and out in the community.


  • Methods:

Unschooling requires significant parental involvement in guiding and supporting the child's learning journey. Unschooling encourages children to explore their natural curiosity and pursue areas of interest. Unschooling is often misunderstood, but at its core, it’s about trusting a child’s natural ability to learn—without rigid lesson plans, standardized tests, or school-like schedules. Instead of following a set curriculum, children explore their interests and learn through real-world experiences, curiosity, and play.


  • Parents as guides:

Parents play a supportive role, acting as mentors and guides, rather than instructors.

  • Exploration and discovery:

Children are encouraged to explore their environment, learn through experiences, and discover new interests.

  • Real-world learning:

Unschooling emphasizes learning through practical applications and real-life experiences.

  • Personalized learning:

Each child's learning journey is unique, reflecting their individual interests and pace.

  • Flexibility and freedom:

Unschooling allows for flexible schedules and learning environments.



People's hands engaging in activities at a wooden table: reading books, writing notes, using a tablet. A plant, apple, and mug are present.

Choosing your Homeschool Philosophy and Method


What to keep in mind:

  • Consider your family's values, learning styles, and preferences.

  • Explore different methods and find one that aligns with your family's needs.

  • Be open to trying different approaches and adjusting your method as needed.

  • Consider your child's unique education needs based on their overall profile:

    • Personality Type

    • Learning Styles

    • Career Aptitude

    • Neuro-profile


Still not sure which homeschool philosophy and method would best fit your family?

Try out these online quizzes to find your fit:



In South Africa you have a lot of freedom and flexibility to choose your own homeschool philosophy and method, especially for primary school and middle school. You may use a wide variety of homeschool curricula and service providers that provide homeschool material and resources based on the South African CAPS curriculum, the US national curriculum and the UK Cambridge Curriculum. For high school though, you will need a more formal approach as you prepare your child for their school exit and tertiary studies, depending on preferred your school exit and school leaving certificate.


Graduate in cap holds a large green book, peering over its top. Surrounded by library shelves, warm light creates an academic mood.

HIGH SCHOOL | FORMAL PHASE | SCHOOL EXIT


Keep in mind that for high school you will have to choose a "Matric Pathway" once your child is in the "formal phase" of learning and working towards their school exit and preferred accredited school leaving certificate.


In South Africa a homeschool parent cannot just create their own "Transcript" for a Matric qualification, you need to use one of the valid and accredited "school leaving certificates" available to homeschoolers that are also acknowledged by SAQA and USAf. e.g. CAPS NSC / NCV, Cambridge, American High School Diploma or the GED.


You will need to meet certain criteria to have access to our South African tertiary institutions (depending on their admission requirements) and to qualify for matric exemption according to USAf's requirements. Your child will have to write formal standardized exams, and each "school exit" has their own process and set of criteria.


You are welcome to contact me for more information and support.


Happy Homeschooling!

Hanlie





Sources


Devitt, R. (2024, May 29). 10 Homeschool Methods Explained: Which is Right for Your Family? How Do I Homeschool? https://howdoihomeschool.com/homeschooling- methods-ways-approach-style/


Ellen, M. (2020, February 12). Homeschooling Philosophies and methods. Homeschool Compass. https://homeschoolcompass.com/homeschooling-philosophies-and- methods/



Homeschool.com. (2024, August 7). How to Find Your Homeschooling Style | Homeschool.com. https://www.homeschool.com/homeschooling-methods/


Spooner, R. (2018, February 27). The homeschool style quiz. Homeschool On. https://homeschoolon.com/the-homeschool-style-quiz/


Wentzel, H. (n.d.). Eunoia Consulting | Homeschool. Eunoia Homeschool. https://www.eunoiahomeschool.com/


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