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Cognitive Apprenticeship


The work/study/service method is a homeschooling style developed by the "grandparents of homeschooling," Raymond and Dorothy Moore. The Moores' formula for success involves the following: (1) studying from a few minutes to several hours a day, depending on the child's maturity, (2) manual work (working with one's hands), as least as much as study, and (3) home and/or community service, an hour a day or so. Students following the Moore Formula have received scholarships to some of the finest universities in the country.

Typical Work/Study/Service Schedule

The work/study/service model of homeschooling emphasizes equal amounts of mental and physical work, and service to the community.

  • 6:00 a.m. Parents and children arise. Children may keep their bathrobe and slippers on until after breakfast.

  • 7:00 a.m. Family time or worship, breakfast, children dress, morning chores

  • 9:00 a.m. Individualized work in different subjects, including phonics/spelling, reading, penmanship, and math

  • 10:30 a.m. Work/play break

  • 11:00 a.m. Group projects like science experiments, reading theater plays, and arts and crafts

  • 12:30 p.m. Lunch and quiet time

  • 2:00 p.m. Home business (cottage industry), service to others, laboratory time, vigorous exercise, free time

  • 5:30 p.m. Supper and family time

  • 7:00 p.m. Bath, bedtime routine

  • 8:00 p.m. Bedtime