What is Timberdoodle's Approach?

A question we are often asked is, "What is your homeschool approach?"

I would say that we integrate more than one approach.

We're huge fans of short lessons, living books, and no "twaddle" (as Charlotte Mason calls it). We love discussion and great books, as are prominent in classical education. The real-life learning, integration of lots of movement and hands-on approach of Montessori are foundational for us, particularly in our youngest ages. Waldorf learning emphasizes creativity, rhythms, emotional regulation/self awareness, and the arts - all of which you'll find as integral parts of Timberdoodle curriculum.

The homeschooling approaches we have less in common with would be unit studies, school-at-home, and unschooling. We're far too structured for unschooling, although we have no problem recommending interest-based education when feasible. We pull from too many sources and topics to be considered a unit study. We also expect too much independent learning and put too much emphasis on flexible scheduling for most school-at-home fans.

Eclectic learning is definitely a good description for us, with our wide variety of sources and approaches!  Our special emphasis is engineering, hands-on, and thinking-skills products that kids love.