Why I Don’t Follow Just One Homeschool Method & What I Do Instead
Homeschooling for me is a deeply personal journey, and no single method fits every family perfectly (at least not mine!). When I first started homeschooling, I explored different philosophies—Waldorf, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, and had many talks and chats with other homeschoolers about their approach—each of them offering something beautiful. But as I grew into my role as a homeschooling mom, I realized that I didn’t want to be confined to just one method. Instead, I’ve created a blended approach that works best for my children and our home. I use from all 3 methods and adds a ton of my own philosophy to and make our journey unique and suited to our family..
The Problem With Sticking to Just One Method
Each homeschool philosophy has its strengths, but they also have their limitations. It often becomes to rigid for me and I do love each method for their own unique qualities. Here’s what I discovered:
Waldorf: I love the focus on rhythm, storytelling, and art in Waldorf education, as it creates a rich, immersive learning environment that nurtures creativity and a deep connection to the material. The emphasis on allowing learning to unfold naturally through play and hands-on experiences resonates with me deeply. However, I also believe in gently introducing elements of formal learning, like playing with letters and numbers, a little earlier than traditional Waldorf methods suggest. For me, this isn’t about pushing academics but rather offering an organic, playful exposure to foundational skills in a way that aligns with my child’s curiosity and readiness. Through songs, movement, nature-based activities, and hands-on exploration, I weave early literacy and numeracy into our days without disrupting the beauty of childhood or the rhythm of our learning.
Montessori: The hands-on, self-directed learning approach of Montessori is wonderful because it fosters independence and encourages children to take ownership of their learning. I love how it allows my kids to explore subjects at their own pace and dive deeply into areas that spark their curiosity. However, I’ve found that in subjects like history and literature, a bit more structure helps create a cohesive learning experience. Rather than relying solely on child-led exploration, I like to introduce structured read-aloud sessions, guided discussions, and storytelling to provide historical context and depth. This way, my children still have the freedom to engage with the material in a meaningful way, but with enough guidance to ensure they gain a well-rounded understanding of the subject.
Charlotte Mason: I adore the emphasis on living books and nature study in the Charlotte Mason approach. The idea of immersing children in beautifully written literature and fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world resonates so much with me. There is something truly magical about watching children form connections with stories and nature in a way that feels organic and meaningful. However, I also find great value in incorporating more play-based and practical life learning—elements that Charlotte Mason doesn’t always emphasize as much. Hands-on exploration, movement, and practical skills like baking, gardening, and crafting are just as vital to a well-rounded education. By blending these approaches, I create a balance where rich literature and nature study coexist with experiential, playful, and real-world learning, allowing my children to engage deeply with their education in a way that feels both enriching and natural.
Rather than feeling like I had to fit into just one box, I started asking: How can I take the best of each and make it my own?
My Self-Made Homeschool Approach
Over time, I’ve built a homeschool rhythm that blends these methods in a way that feels natural and fulfilling for my family. Here’s how I do it:
1. A Rhythm-Based Approach (Waldorf-Inspired)
We follow a daily and weekly rhythm rather than a rigid schedule, allowing for a natural flow of learning.
We use storytelling and art to introduce concepts in a way that is engaging and memorable.
Our learning is seasonal, aligning with nature and festivals to make education feel connected to real life.
2. Hands-On, Self-Directed Learning (Montessori-Inspired)
I create beautifully prepared learning spaces where my kids can explore independently.
We emphasize practical life skills like cooking, baking, and nature crafts as a core part of learning.
We use hands-on manipulatives for math, early reading, and science to make abstract concepts tangible.
3. A Literature-Rich Environment (Charlotte Mason-Inspired)
We read living books that bring subjects to life instead of relying solely on textbooks.
Narration and discussion play a huge role in comprehension, allowing my kids to engage deeply with what they’re learning.
Nature journaling is a favorite part of our routine, combining observation, art, and science beautifully.
The Benefits of a Blended Homeschool
Since embracing this self-made homeschool approach, I’ve noticed some incredible benefits:
Flexibility: I can adjust based on my children’s needs instead of forcing a method to work.
Engagement: My kids are more interested in their lessons because they are learning in a way that suits them.
Confidence: I feel more at ease knowing that I’m providing a well-rounded education without feeling restricted by any one philosophy.
Encouraging Other Homeschool Moms
If you feel like you don’t fit neatly into one homeschool method, that’s okay! You have the freedom to take what works and leave what doesn’t. Your homeschool should be as unique as your family.
Instead of worrying about whether you’re doing “Waldorf correctly” or “following Charlotte Mason the right way,” give yourself permission to create your own path. The beauty of homeschooling is that it’s not about following rules—it’s about following your child’s needs.
