{"id":1443,"date":"2016-12-27T13:57:50","date_gmt":"2016-12-27T03:57:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fearlesshomeschool.com\/?p=1443"},"modified":"2020-01-28T10:41:23","modified_gmt":"2020-01-27T23:41:23","slug":"project-based-homeschooling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fearlesshomeschool.com\/project-based-homeschooling\/","title":{"rendered":"Project-Based Homeschooling | The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Styles"},"content":{"rendered":"\n \n\n\n\n

Welcome to the eighth post in the Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Styles series! Click here to view the rest of the series.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n

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Project-based homeschooling is based on the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy. The philosophy developed in the city of Reggio Emilia in Italy after World War 2, with the work of Loris Malaguzzi, a psychologist. Still popular in schools, it is usually limited to preschool and primary school ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n

It is less a method than an approach or philosophy. There\u2019s no prescribed curriculum, or materials, or developmental expectations. You can\u2019t train specifically to be a Reggio teacher, and anyone can use the term Reggio Emilia as there is no accrediting body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n

Project-based homeschooling essentially brings Reggio Emilia into the home, and is suitable for all ages. It was popularised by Lori Pickert, former owner \/ director of a Reggio school, and homeschooling mum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n

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Project-based homeschooling is child directed and child managed. This means the child takes all the responsibility for their project and their learning. As a parent, you must resist the urge to step in and be \u2018helpful\u2019! The child decides what it is they\u2019d like to learn about. They choose the resources. They decide on the format, length, and direction of their learning. They do the work. Similar to unit studies<\/a>, projects incorporate many skills across the curriculum. Learning is complex and layered, and deep. Most projects will incorporate all of the major learning areas, simply because real-life learning cannot be divided neatly into subject boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, visit my disclosure page<\/a>.<\/div>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n

So what do you, the parent, do?<\/strong> Much like unschooling<\/a> (which PBH works really well with) you facilitate and provide support. You help the child learn research skills, take them to places they need to go (library, historical sites etc.) and ensure they have the supplies and dedicated space they need. You provide an interested ear, and any help that is requested. Finally, you help them to prioritise their work, and show them that you believe it\u2019s important and worthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n

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Parents keep a detailed learning journal<\/strong>. This is an integral part of the method. From regular observation you note behaviour and actions, and record questions and interests. The journals provide a record of steps taken, questions asked, and parental observations. They enable the parent and the child to reflect on and discuss projects that have been done, and remind children of other interests and questions that they may have forgotten otherwise. They also show the child that their work is important, and worthy of your investment of time and attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n

Environment is extremely important<\/strong>. Great lighting, quality materials and suitable furnishings are essential. The space should be inviting and comfortable, encouraging your child to work on their projects. Your child must be able to easily access what they need, to feel secure in using the space, and not need to stress about making messes. Antique white tablecloths are out! Bulletin boards and galleries can help to provide reminders of their work and make it central.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n

Unlike virtually every other method, Project-Based Homeschooling doesn\u2019t promote itself as the one and only. If all you want to do is PBH that\u2019s great. If not, set curriculum or activities from other methods can easily be done alongside projects. The PBH’s won’t kick you out, or tell you you’re not ‘really’ doing Project-Based Homeschooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n

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The good points<\/h3>\n\n\n\n