Education Methods
Project-based
Project-based homeschooling is based on 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 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.
Strengths
- very much student-led and student-centered
- not an ‘all-or-nothing method’; but, works well with many other homeschool methods
- students that collaborate on projects develop valuable social skills
- inquiry-based learning fosters a love and motivation for learning
- working on projects can make research meaningful and develop strong research skills
- having a projects-based approach to learning can nurture student passions and talents
Points to consider
- a good choice if you value independent or self-directed learning
- difficult to plan a structured learning path
- projects might need some guidance to ensure that all core competencies are being developed
- attempting to incorporate every subject into a project might not work so well for certain subjects that build on a growing bed of systematic, prerequisite knowledge (e.g. math)
Resources*
- "Project-based Homeschooling: Mentoring Self-Directed Learners" by Lori Pickert
- Bringing Reggio Emilia Home: An Innovative Approach to Early Childhood Education – Louise Boyd Cadwell
- The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Experience in Transformation – Edwards, Gandini and Forman
- Freinet, C. (1993) "Education Through Work: a model for child-centered learning" translated by John Sivell
* 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.
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