Methods: Comparing Learning Stages

How do you know what to teach a 3 year old, versus a 14 year old? What are the phases of learning according to differing ages?

This is a questions I asked when I first started homeschooling...and am still learning more about.

So, let's look at a few popular alternative homeschooling methods that have similarities in the ages/phases, and see how they describe each. (Although I'm skipping the traditional school model, because many of us grew up with that and know the grade levels in school)

Thomas Jefferson Education: The 4 Phases of Learning

Core Phase (ages 0-8)

Inspire, not require. A time for basics, within the context of daily home life. Allow confidence and curiosity to flourish. Grow a love and value of work and learning.

Love of Learning Phase (ages 9-14)

Develop a love for learning. Allow time to dabble in a variety of subjects freely, for fun. Explore learning with a light heart, without the strict demands of scholar phase.

There is a transition phase for adolescents between 12-14, where they get use to scholar requirements gradually.

Scholar Phase (ages 14-20)

Students study long hours and work with a mentor to refine their academic skills—the emphasis placed on cultural literacy and a personalized approach to studies. (ultimately preparing them for a deeper mentoring experience of their own, before they are able to move into their personal  "Mission Phase.")

*for more detailed notes, see my post or go to www.tjed.org.

Waldorf Education: 7-year Cycle

The early years (0-7) Willing

Children primarily learn through empathy, imitating their environment. They stimulate pupils' desire to engage with the world by offering a range of practical activities.^[33] The educator's task is to present worthwhile models of action.^[11 Children are also given daily opportunities for creative, imaginative play.^[34] The early years education seeks to imbue the child with a sense that the world is good.^[35]

Second Stage (7-14) Feeling

Children primarily learn through presentations and activities appealing to their feelings and imagination. Story-telling and artistic work are used to convey and depict academic content so students can connect more deeply with the subject matter. The educator's task is to present a role model children will naturally want to follow, gaining authority through fostering rapport. The elementary years education seeks to imbue children with a sense that the world is beautiful.^[35]

Third Stage (14+)  Thinking

children primarily learn through their own thinking and judgment.^[36] They are asked to understand abstract material and are expected to have sufficient foundation and maturity to form conclusions using their own judgment.^[11]:391 The secondary years education seeks to imbue children with a sense that the world is true.^[35]

*for more about Waldorf, see my post on an Intro to Waldorf education

Celestial Education

For more info on Celestial education, see full graphic on my Why homeschool post.