Project-Based

Home Education Method

Project-based homeschooling is rooted in the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, developed in Italy after World War 2. The Célestin Freinet method is a similar project-based approach to learning. The child takes all the responsibility for their project and their learning, with parents assisting them with research, planning, or obtaining resources for their projects.

Real-life learning cannot be divided neatly into separate subjects, but many projects will incorporate all the major learning areas. The parents keep a journal, recording such things as observations, steps taken, or questions asked so the parent and child can later reflect on and discuss the project.

A typical day using the project-based approach might include: a visit to the local library to conduct research; some planning on a white board; discussing aspects of the project over lunch; stretches of time where the student is absorbed in working on his project; reading related books; and, some time for studying any subjects that aren’t incorporated into the project.

Mother helping daughter with homework

* The Resources on this page are examples of resource options that many homeschooling parents have found helpful. Note that they are not created or distributed by HOMESCHOOL.TODAY. For your convenience we occasionally add links to helpful websites, books, etc. but these will open in a separate tab.

Advantages

  • Student-led and student-centred.
  • Easily integrates with many other homeschool methods.
  • Valuable social skills are developed as students collaborate on projects.
  • Inquiry-based learning fosters a love and motivation for learning.
  • Project work can make research meaningful and develop strong research skills.
  • Projects-based approaches to learning can nurture student passions and talents.

Points to Consider

  • Good choice if you value independent or self-directed learning.
  • Structured learning paths can be difficult to plan.
  • Guided learning will ensure that all core competencies are being developed in project work.
  • Incorporating subjects into a project might not work well for certain areas of study that build on systematic, prerequisite knowledge (e.g. math).

Resources*

  • Education Through Work: A Model for Child-Centered Learning by Freinet, C.; translated by John Sivell
  • Project-based Homeschooling: Mentoring Self-Directed Learners by Lori Pickert
  • Bringing Reggio Emilia Home: An Innovative Approach to Early Childhood Education by Louise Boyd Cadwell
  • The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Experience in Transformation by Edwards, Gandini and Forman
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