HOMESCHOOL SOFTWARE JUNCTION
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Homeschool Terms
Accidental Homeschooler – A term coined by Time4Learning to describe the homeschoolers who start on the homeschool path somewhat accidentally, more through a process of elimination of choices of educational options than a deep-seated desire to homeschool. Often, they convert from their initial skepticism to true enthusiasm.
ADD and ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. For standard research and information contact the non-profit organization CHADD. For information and research arguing that ADD is a myth, visit the website of Dr. Thomas Armstrong.
ADA Money
Average Daily Attendance Money (or allowance) is the amount of funding per pupil allotted by the state to school districts, charter schools, and special education programs. The ADA in 2006-07 for K-12 students in California was approximately $8,250.
Afterschooling
Refers to supplementing a child's learning after school. In other words, after a child attends regular public or private school all day, they engage in additional educational classes or activities supervised by their parents, tutors, or others.
Auditory Learner
Refers to a person who learns best by listening and discussing.
Autodidact
A term used to describe a person who is self-taught.
"Boxed Curriculum"– There are many programs for purchase that provide homeschool families with a comprehensive scope and sequence, textbooks, assessments, projects, and timelines that are grade leveled. These programs provide day-by-day very specific instructions to the parent and student.
Boxed Curriculum
Also known as School-In-A-Box — Refers to a complete package of curriculum that includes study materials for all subjects for any given grade level. Most of these products offer traditional, scope-and-sequence courses of study that meet national curriculum standards. They usually include textbooks, workbooks, tests, activity suggestions, and suggested resources for further learning. Includes a teacher's manual that provides day-by-day instructions on how to teach the lessons and structure the assignments. Examples include:
ADD and ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. For standard research and information contact the non-profit organization CHADD. For information and research arguing that ADD is a myth, visit the website of Dr. Thomas Armstrong.
ADA Money
Average Daily Attendance Money (or allowance) is the amount of funding per pupil allotted by the state to school districts, charter schools, and special education programs. The ADA in 2006-07 for K-12 students in California was approximately $8,250.
Afterschooling
Refers to supplementing a child's learning after school. In other words, after a child attends regular public or private school all day, they engage in additional educational classes or activities supervised by their parents, tutors, or others.
Auditory Learner
Refers to a person who learns best by listening and discussing.
Autodidact
A term used to describe a person who is self-taught.
"Boxed Curriculum"– There are many programs for purchase that provide homeschool families with a comprehensive scope and sequence, textbooks, assessments, projects, and timelines that are grade leveled. These programs provide day-by-day very specific instructions to the parent and student.
Boxed Curriculum
Also known as School-In-A-Box — Refers to a complete package of curriculum that includes study materials for all subjects for any given grade level. Most of these products offer traditional, scope-and-sequence courses of study that meet national curriculum standards. They usually include textbooks, workbooks, tests, activity suggestions, and suggested resources for further learning. Includes a teacher's manual that provides day-by-day instructions on how to teach the lessons and structure the assignments. Examples include:
- A Beka Correspondence School, Christian perspective.
- Calvert School, Secular perspective.
- Griggs University & International Academy, Christian perspective.
-
Oak Meadow School, Waldorf-inspired, secular perspective.
Charlotte
Mason Education – Charlotte Mason was a 19th century educator who believed that education should be based on great literature and the arts. She believed in a leisurely, self-directed style of education based on observation and reflection, often through discussion and journaling. Charlotte Mason education is based on a lifelong quest for knowledge and skills. Mason was an educator who believed in guiding a child's natural curiosity and ability as a process for learning. She emphasized Christian morals and values and developing good work habits. She believed children should interact with nature and their environment as they learn -- as opposed to just mastering facts in drill and practice work.
Charter Schools
Charter schools are a new breed of public schools that offer more flexibility for teachers and students. Some charter schools offer "home study programs" and students enrolled in these programs are considered to be public school students. Rules and regulations governing charter schools vary by state.Typically, if you enroll in a charter school home study program, you are assigned a facilitator/teacher/education specialist who works with you to establish a course of study for your child. The facilitator meets with you once-a-month to discuss progress and collect attendance sheets and samples of the students work. Individual Charter school programs may provide educational credits to be used toward the purchase of consumable educational curricula (workbooks, textbooks, science kits, etc.) from a list of approved vendors.In some cases, educational credits may be applied toward music, art, P.E., science lessons, etc. Many of these programs require standardized testing, and return of textbooks and other materials at the end of the school year. The resources, structure, and flexibility of these programs vary widely.
CHEA
Christian Home Educators' Association — A Christian homeschool advocacy group that provides information, resources, and annual homeschool conference.
Classical Education – A process of teaching children to learn based on developmental phases
and educational principles developed by the ancients. For the primary years, children learn factbased
information. In the middle school years, children learn logic and reasoning, and in the high
school period, children develop the art of abstraction and persuasion. Also referred to as "trivium-based education.
Classical Education
This method has a number of interpretations but focus is on a rigorous academic curriculum of reading, writing, math, classic languages such as Latin & Greek, logical thinking and debate. The structured learning employed with this method ideally results in mastery of the basics of rudimentary subjects that are emphasized in the elementary years, progressing to the development and use of critical thinking skills in the upper grades.
"Compulsory Attendance/Education – Refers to the ages during which the state requires students to receive formal education.
Cooperative (Co-Op) – A collective group of homeschoolers working together for a common purpose. All members of the co-op must contribute in some way toward the end goal; usually this contribution is in the form of effort, not money.
Correspondence Courses and Schools
There are correspondence schools and programs that offer everything from single classes to full courses of study for every subject in every grade level from Pre-K through 12. Subjects are taught through a variety of mediums including textbooks, software, online classes, tele-classes, videos, audio CDs and more. Also called "Distance Learning."
Cover School – A school that enrolls homeschooling children or families and offers services supportive of home education. This type of school is also known as an "Umbrella School." A cover school is a service that oversees homeschoolers, especially in states where homeschoolers must either register as a school or belong to a school. Refers to a private school that provides a legal way for parents to homeschool their children. Parents who enroll their children in an umbrella school usually take responsibility for their child's education by developing a course of study, providing curriculum, instruction, and complying with all of the education requirements.
Creative thinking: Creative thinking is a method of teaching a homeschooler how to think and find answers instead of just memorizing facts and figures. Creative thinking workbooks are available in many forms and are filled with exercises that help students use logic to find answers.
Curriculum – The materials used for a course, which can include a text-book, a teacher and grading guide, lesson plans, tests, and worksheets. In an online curriculum, some of these elements can be integrated and automated. Refers to the materials used to teach/learn a single subject or all subjects for any given grade level. May include textbooks, workbooks, worksheets, tests, CD ROMs, CDs, video, DVD, software, computer-based lessons/materials, activities, field trips, and more.
Curriculum-In-A-Box (also Boxed Curriculum and School-In-A-Box)
Refers to a complete package of curriculum that includes study materials for all subjects for any given grade level. Most of these products offer traditional, scope-and-sequence courses of study that meet national curriculum standards. They usually include textbooks, workbooks, tests, activity suggestions, and suggested resources for further learning. Includes a teacher's manual that provides day-by-day instructions on how to teach the lessons and structure the assignments.
Curriculum Map – A Curriculum Map (or a concept map) clarifies how different subjects and levels of education relate in terms of sequence and dependency. For instance, it would highlight that to teach "twoddigit addition with carrying over' in one grade, the child must have previously
mastered place values, addition, and single digit math facts.
Cyber Schools – A new term referring to the new online schools that use computer-based electronic medium for delivering a lesson or course of study. These range from public schools, administered as a correspondence school, to a range of highly specialized approaches offered by public, private, parochial, and charter entities. Some homeschoolers do not consider cyber schools to be homeschooling as the parents are not necessarily responsibility for their child's education. Schools generally need an additional accreditation to be specifically allowed to provide online credits and degrees.
Examples
Eclectic Approach – A method of teaching that does not rely on any one approach but rather culls the best from multiple approaches.
Exclusive – A term used to describe support groups that require a religious declaration of faith or other criteria for membership.
Eclectic Method of Homeschooling
Parents and students use a variety of resources to learn based on interests, needs, and abilities. They may use textbooks for math, and travel or go on field trips to cover social sciences. They may hire a tutor for foreign languages, and take a correspondence course for language arts, etc. Eclectic homeschoolers are generally quite flexible in their approach to home education combing all kinds of materials and resources. They use what works -- and leave the rest behind.
Homeschooling – Education in which the parent takes primary responsibility as opposed to an institution like a private, public, or parochial school. There are increasingly a number of blends in which schools remotely supervise children with involvement by the parents. Homeschooling has a different legal status in each of the 50 states.
FIAR
Five in a Row — The name of a curriculum product created by Jane Claire Lambert, a veteran home-school teacher. FIAR offers a unit-study approach to learning based on outstanding children's literature that covers Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and Art.The original FIAR program is designed for early education (of children ages 4-8). There are also FIAR programs for ages 2-4, 8-12 and 12 and up.
GWS
Refers to the Growing Without Schooling organization and magazine that was started by John Holt, a teacher turned education reformer who coined the word "unschooling" and helped to pioneer the modern day homeschool and unschool movements.
HEM
Refers to Home Education Magazine published by homeschool pioneers Mark and Helen Hegener. This secular, bimonthly publication contains many articles by homeschool parents that include tips for learning every subject with a focus on interest-initiated learning and a preference for independent homeschooling (without the use of government programs).
Homeschool
(also called Homeschooling, Home School, Home Based Learning, Home Education, Home Learning, and Home Study) — An alternative method of education in which parents help their children learn at home rather than sending them to public or private school. There are many different methods or styles. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. It is estimated that there are about 2.5 million homeschoolers in the U.S. with a projected increase of 7-15% per year. It is the fastest growing educational alternative in the U.S.
Homeschool Buyer's Co-Op
The nation's largest purchasing cooperative for homeschooling families. Membership is free and enables homeschool families to purchase curriculum and educational materials at significant discounts.
Homeschool Support Group – (Also known as a Homeschool Group) A group of homeschoolers who interact on a regular basis for the purpose of networking, sharing resources and energy, providing opportunities for socialization and co-teaching. Some support groups are virtual (i.e., internet-based), but the majority have physical locations and meetings. Abbreviated as HSG or SG.
HSLDA
Home School Legal Defense Association — A non-profit, conservative, Christian fundamentalist, homeschool advocacy organization "established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms."
Inclusive – An "inclusive" homeschool group accepts and includes all homeschoolers, irrespective of their beliefs or reasons for seeking an alternative to "traditional" education. Some religious home school groups require a "declaration of religious belief" in order to join.
Independent Study Program (ISP)
This term is used in two ways:
K-12
Refers to the scope of grades covered from Kindergarten through 12th Grade (or Senior Year of High School) by public and private schools.
Learning Methods – Learning methods focus on the way a person best takes in and processes information. There are many theories that look at the way a person learns best including the Theory of Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences.
Lap Book™ (or Lapbooking)
This is a method of recording and tracking learning about a particular subject through the use of "foldables" which are then mounted and stored on file folders that have been refolded from a bi-fold form into a tri-fold form for better presentation.
Learning Styles – This includes Auditory (learning through listening and talking), Visual (learning through seeing) and Kinesthetic/Tactile (learning through movement and touch). When learning takes place through the senses, students gain a more solid understanding of the content.
Montessori Education
Based on the life's work of Dr. Maria Montessori, the Montessori method has a broad vision of education and follows the natural development of the individual child and their innate directive that freely guides them toward growth and maturity.
The children's innate passion for learning is encouraged by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous, purposeful activities with the specific materials under the guidance of a trained adult. Within a framework of order, the children progress at their own pace and rhythm, according to their individual capabilities. Montessori recognizes a developmental order from birth to adulthood and activities and environment are adjusted to suit developmental needs.
Multiple Intelligences – According to Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, there are eight different intelligences that shape the way a person interacts with information. These include: linguistic or "word smarts," logical/mathematical or "math smarts," bodily/kinesthetic or "movement smarts, " visual/spatial or "picture smarts," musical or "music smarts," interpersonal or "people smarts," intrapersonal or "self smarts," and naturalist or "nature smarts."
Natural Learning Systems –The five natural learning systems which were developed by Barbara Givens include the emotional, social, cognitive, physical and reflective learning systems
NHEN
National Home Education Network, "exists to encourage and facilitate the vital grassroots work of state and local homeschooling organizations and individuals by providing information, fostering networking and promoting public relations on a national level."
Non-Sectarian
This term is usually used to describe homeschool support groups, organizations, and publications that are not associated with a particular religious denomination. In homeschool circles, the term is sometimes used interchangeably with the word "secular."
Notebooking
A method used to creatively journalize or track homeschool studies and learning experiences by recording them on pages in notebooks or 3-ring binders. In the popular children's historical fiction book, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, by Jean Lee Latham, the main character, a young man named Nathaniel Bowditch (born 1773), uses notebooking to record what he learns about astronomy and nautical navigation leading to his famous work, The American Practical Navigator, also known as "The Sailor's Bible."This piece of children's literature helped to make the notebooking concept popular. Homeschoolers who engage in notebooking jot notes or write thoughts about what they are studying. They may enhance the pages with drawings, photos, and illustrations. They may even paste mementos of academic pursuits and subjects of interest onto the pages - similar to a scrapbook.
Online support group
Homeschooling parents who offer support and help to each other through e-mail lists or forum message boards on the Internet call themselves an online support group. They lack face-to-face contact, but are especially valuable for those who don't know other homeschoolers, for those who are shy, and for those who are on a tight schedule and don't want to get involved in a busy local group.
Portfolio – An accumulation of materials that demonstrate your child's learning. Some items included are: logs (reading, attendance), assignments (samples from each subject demonstrated throughout the year), awards, certificates of participation, list of materials used (textbooks, websites, computer programs, resource books etc), pictures of projects and fieldtrips, writing samples (composition and penmanship), and other items that you feel represent your child's education. Portfolios can be online, in file boxes, in 3-ring binders (the most common), or otherwise. But, it's Organization is the key. This is an on-going process that your child should take part (and pride) in from the beginning.
R-4 Form
Also known as the Private School Affidavit — A form used by homeschoolers in California to notify the state that they have established a private school. (Now known as a Private School Affidavit.)
Relaxed homeschooling – Relaxed homeschooling is a similiar term to Unschooling but who take more of a blended approach. Sometimes, their blend is required if they reside in a state with subject and logged time requirements.
A term coined by author Dr. Mary Hood in her 1994 book, The Relaxed Homeschool: A Family Production to explain a less stressful, family-based way of learning. Read Dr. Hood's explanation of the term.
School at Home – A common beginning method of homeschooling in which a family attempts to simply recreate a conventional classroom education within their home. Many times this includes a boxed curriculum and a somewhat rigid daily schedule.
Scope and Sequence – An outline of skills and information to be taught, typically organized by grade level or by course. Provides information on what will be covered. Includes a range of skills and learning objectives to be taught at each successive stage of the coursework or grade level.
S-Myth
Refers to the "Socialization Myth" -- a false belief that homeschoolers will not be well-socialized.
S-Word
The "S" stands for "socialization" which equates to a "dirty" word among homeschoolers. That's because it is continuously raised as the major objection to homeschooling despite research studies by the U.S. Department of Education and other public and private organizations that indicate homeschoolers are better socialized than their school-going peers. Many homeschoolers are criticized as not providing appropriate socialization, meaning the interaction found in a traditional school. As homeschoolers point out, traditional school's artificial grouping by age, grade, and ability-level, is a dysfunctional and unrealistic situation compared to the socialization of children within a family and more natural social groupings.
Saxon Math
Saxon publishes traditional math textbooks and workbooks that are popular with many homeschoolers. The lessons are incremental, each one building upon the concepts learned in previous lessons. There is lots of drill-and-practice review work at the end of each chapter along with tests.
Secular
This term is usually used to describe homeschool support groups, organizations, and publications that are not associated with a particular religious denomination. In homeschool circles, the term is sometimes used interchangeably with the word "non-sectarian
Singapore Math
The name of a popular K-12 math curriculum that was initially used in primary schools in Singapore where it is NOT called "Singapore Math." The term, "Singapore Math," came into use in the U.S.A. about the year 2000 when teachers, homeschoolers, and others started referring to the books as "Singapore Math."
Socialization
Most people ask homeschoolers, "But what about socialization?" They want to know how homeschooled children will learn to interact socially in a civil way with other people if they do not go to school.Despite the concern, all research studies to date, by the U.S. Department of Education as well as other public and private organizations, finds that homeschoolers are BETTER SOCIALIZED than their peers who attend school. That's because homeschoolers are not confined to interacting only with their peers in an institution all day. They interact with a wide variety of people in the real world. Their parents model appropriate social behavior and provide plenty of social opportunities that include play, competitive experiences, co-op classes, field trips and more.
Statement of Faith
In an effort to maintain cohesiveness, some Christian homeschooling support groups require members to sign a statement indicating their agreement with the specific religious tenets of the group.
Standardized Tests
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 requires standardized testing in public schools to measure and compare students' knowledge of standardized curriculum by grade level. Test results are used to determine funding for public school programs.Schools with good test results are rewarded with more funding. Here is an incomplete list of the standardized tests required by various states. Some (but not all) states require that private school students and homeschool students take standardized tests. Standardized testing has been shown to be biased and ineffective. Learn more at Students Against Testing.
Support Group
Refers to a group of homeschooling families who come together to share information, resources, encouragement, and to provide cooperative educational and social activities for the children. Most groups offer a "park day" once-a-week where families gather; parents chat and kids play.Some groups have a more organizational style with rules and membership dues, while others are extremely casual without any formal structure at all. Support groups vary widely - some are distinctly religious, some follow a particular homeschooling method or style, and some are all-inclusive. There are also virtual homeschool support groups that meet online via Internet forums or chat groups.
Supplemental Resources – These are educational materials, field trips, and projects that are used to enhance the learning experience.
Textbooks – Textbooks are just one part of a package of resource materials that includes: a scope and sequence, an educators' manual with teaching strategies, a student book with content explanations and examples, and a practice workbook. These packages usually offer a re-teach (remediation) workbook or an enrichment workbook that focuses on higher level critical thinking skills.
Thomas Jefferson Education (TJE)
A "leadership model of education" and according to the home website, it is based on the belief that statesmanship is the product of a particular educational system, used by the great leaders of the past (including America's Founding Fathers), but lost to modern academia. Grounded in the belief in God and immutable moral law, it is framed on the classics in all subject areas under the guidance of a committed mentor.Basically, students read the classics, discuss them with a mentor who uses a Socratic-like method of questioning to expand the student's understanding of what they read, and then, the student writes about it. TJE is designed for young adults (age 12 and up, and sometimes later for boys) -- when they have the physical maturity and therefore cognitive capability to handle a regimen of daily study. There is flexibility built into the program since there isn't a rigid or "set" curriculum to follow.
Traditional Schooling – A term used by homeschoolers to refer to students who attend public, private, or parochial schools .
Umbrella School – A school that enrolls homeschooling children or families and offers services supportive of home education. This type of school is also known as an "Cover School." Refers to a private school that provides a legal way for parents to homeschool their children. Parents who enroll their children in an umbrella school usually take responsibility for their child's education by developing a course of study, providing curriculum, and complying with all of the education requirements.The Umbrella School complies with the legal requirements of the state including filing annual forms (if needed), keeping attendance, maintaining student records, etc. Some of these schools have additional requirements including testing. Some also offer counseling and coaching along with field trips, co-op classes, and enrichment programs such as sports, music, drama, and other electives. You'll find information on umbrella/cover schools by state and country here.
Unschooling – Also known as student-led education, this is a teaching method in which students study those topics that interest them, rather than follow a pre-defined curriculum. A term coined by John Holt, an educator who in the 1960s and 1970s spoke out about school reform, and finally abandoned the idea that schools were a good idea at all.Originally, the term simply meant the act of not going to school. Holt believed that true learning only happens when it is desired by the learner. He taught that following the child's natural curiosity about life would lead to learning about every subject typically required by schools and more. He saw parents not as instructors, but as facilitators of their children's learning.
This method of instruction allows students to learn about all subjects through the study of one topic. For example a unit study about Egypt might include language arts through reading Egyptian-themed literature or history, writing a story about an Egyptian Pharaoh, learning about archaeology or hieroglyphics through investigating Egyptian pyramids, listening to Egyptian music, eating Egyptian food, checking out Egyptian artifacts at a museum, etc.There are lots of variations on this theme as families tweak it to suit their individual interests and needs. You can purchase unit study curriculum or create your own.
A method of learning based on the teachings of Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner. Steiner was asked to develop a school for the children of workers at the Waldorf-Astoria Cigarette Factory. He believed children experience three distinct developmental stages and that learning should be tailored to the stages. In Waldorf Schools traditional academics are delayed until at least age 7. Subjects are introduced creatively through stories, art, and music. Some homeschoolers use a Waldorf-inspired method of education at home.
Charter Schools
Charter schools are a new breed of public schools that offer more flexibility for teachers and students. Some charter schools offer "home study programs" and students enrolled in these programs are considered to be public school students. Rules and regulations governing charter schools vary by state.Typically, if you enroll in a charter school home study program, you are assigned a facilitator/teacher/education specialist who works with you to establish a course of study for your child. The facilitator meets with you once-a-month to discuss progress and collect attendance sheets and samples of the students work. Individual Charter school programs may provide educational credits to be used toward the purchase of consumable educational curricula (workbooks, textbooks, science kits, etc.) from a list of approved vendors.In some cases, educational credits may be applied toward music, art, P.E., science lessons, etc. Many of these programs require standardized testing, and return of textbooks and other materials at the end of the school year. The resources, structure, and flexibility of these programs vary widely.
CHEA
Christian Home Educators' Association — A Christian homeschool advocacy group that provides information, resources, and annual homeschool conference.
Classical Education – A process of teaching children to learn based on developmental phases
and educational principles developed by the ancients. For the primary years, children learn factbased
information. In the middle school years, children learn logic and reasoning, and in the high
school period, children develop the art of abstraction and persuasion. Also referred to as "trivium-based education.
Classical Education
This method has a number of interpretations but focus is on a rigorous academic curriculum of reading, writing, math, classic languages such as Latin & Greek, logical thinking and debate. The structured learning employed with this method ideally results in mastery of the basics of rudimentary subjects that are emphasized in the elementary years, progressing to the development and use of critical thinking skills in the upper grades.
"Compulsory Attendance/Education – Refers to the ages during which the state requires students to receive formal education.
Cooperative (Co-Op) – A collective group of homeschoolers working together for a common purpose. All members of the co-op must contribute in some way toward the end goal; usually this contribution is in the form of effort, not money.
Correspondence Courses and Schools
There are correspondence schools and programs that offer everything from single classes to full courses of study for every subject in every grade level from Pre-K through 12. Subjects are taught through a variety of mediums including textbooks, software, online classes, tele-classes, videos, audio CDs and more. Also called "Distance Learning."
Cover School – A school that enrolls homeschooling children or families and offers services supportive of home education. This type of school is also known as an "Umbrella School." A cover school is a service that oversees homeschoolers, especially in states where homeschoolers must either register as a school or belong to a school. Refers to a private school that provides a legal way for parents to homeschool their children. Parents who enroll their children in an umbrella school usually take responsibility for their child's education by developing a course of study, providing curriculum, instruction, and complying with all of the education requirements.
Creative thinking: Creative thinking is a method of teaching a homeschooler how to think and find answers instead of just memorizing facts and figures. Creative thinking workbooks are available in many forms and are filled with exercises that help students use logic to find answers.
Curriculum – The materials used for a course, which can include a text-book, a teacher and grading guide, lesson plans, tests, and worksheets. In an online curriculum, some of these elements can be integrated and automated. Refers to the materials used to teach/learn a single subject or all subjects for any given grade level. May include textbooks, workbooks, worksheets, tests, CD ROMs, CDs, video, DVD, software, computer-based lessons/materials, activities, field trips, and more.
Curriculum-In-A-Box (also Boxed Curriculum and School-In-A-Box)
Refers to a complete package of curriculum that includes study materials for all subjects for any given grade level. Most of these products offer traditional, scope-and-sequence courses of study that meet national curriculum standards. They usually include textbooks, workbooks, tests, activity suggestions, and suggested resources for further learning. Includes a teacher's manual that provides day-by-day instructions on how to teach the lessons and structure the assignments.
Curriculum Map – A Curriculum Map (or a concept map) clarifies how different subjects and levels of education relate in terms of sequence and dependency. For instance, it would highlight that to teach "twoddigit addition with carrying over' in one grade, the child must have previously
mastered place values, addition, and single digit math facts.
Cyber Schools – A new term referring to the new online schools that use computer-based electronic medium for delivering a lesson or course of study. These range from public schools, administered as a correspondence school, to a range of highly specialized approaches offered by public, private, parochial, and charter entities. Some homeschoolers do not consider cyber schools to be homeschooling as the parents are not necessarily responsibility for their child's education. Schools generally need an additional accreditation to be specifically allowed to provide online credits and degrees.
Examples
- BestOnlineHighSchools.com provides a directory of online high schools and correspondence courses.
- Laurel Springs School, K-12, all-inclusive/secular perspective
- Switched On Schoolhouse, 3-12, Christian perspective
- Time 4 Learning, Pre-K-8, all-inclusive/secular perspective
Eclectic Approach – A method of teaching that does not rely on any one approach but rather culls the best from multiple approaches.
Exclusive – A term used to describe support groups that require a religious declaration of faith or other criteria for membership.
Eclectic Method of Homeschooling
Parents and students use a variety of resources to learn based on interests, needs, and abilities. They may use textbooks for math, and travel or go on field trips to cover social sciences. They may hire a tutor for foreign languages, and take a correspondence course for language arts, etc. Eclectic homeschoolers are generally quite flexible in their approach to home education combing all kinds of materials and resources. They use what works -- and leave the rest behind.
Homeschooling – Education in which the parent takes primary responsibility as opposed to an institution like a private, public, or parochial school. There are increasingly a number of blends in which schools remotely supervise children with involvement by the parents. Homeschooling has a different legal status in each of the 50 states.
FIAR
Five in a Row — The name of a curriculum product created by Jane Claire Lambert, a veteran home-school teacher. FIAR offers a unit-study approach to learning based on outstanding children's literature that covers Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and Art.The original FIAR program is designed for early education (of children ages 4-8). There are also FIAR programs for ages 2-4, 8-12 and 12 and up.
GWS
Refers to the Growing Without Schooling organization and magazine that was started by John Holt, a teacher turned education reformer who coined the word "unschooling" and helped to pioneer the modern day homeschool and unschool movements.
HEM
Refers to Home Education Magazine published by homeschool pioneers Mark and Helen Hegener. This secular, bimonthly publication contains many articles by homeschool parents that include tips for learning every subject with a focus on interest-initiated learning and a preference for independent homeschooling (without the use of government programs).
Homeschool
(also called Homeschooling, Home School, Home Based Learning, Home Education, Home Learning, and Home Study) — An alternative method of education in which parents help their children learn at home rather than sending them to public or private school. There are many different methods or styles. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. It is estimated that there are about 2.5 million homeschoolers in the U.S. with a projected increase of 7-15% per year. It is the fastest growing educational alternative in the U.S.
Homeschool Buyer's Co-Op
The nation's largest purchasing cooperative for homeschooling families. Membership is free and enables homeschool families to purchase curriculum and educational materials at significant discounts.
Homeschool Support Group – (Also known as a Homeschool Group) A group of homeschoolers who interact on a regular basis for the purpose of networking, sharing resources and energy, providing opportunities for socialization and co-teaching. Some support groups are virtual (i.e., internet-based), but the majority have physical locations and meetings. Abbreviated as HSG or SG.
HSLDA
Home School Legal Defense Association — A non-profit, conservative, Christian fundamentalist, homeschool advocacy organization "established to defend and advance the constitutional right of parents to direct the education of their children and to protect family freedoms."
Inclusive – An "inclusive" homeschool group accepts and includes all homeschoolers, irrespective of their beliefs or reasons for seeking an alternative to "traditional" education. Some religious home school groups require a "declaration of religious belief" in order to join.
Independent Study Program (ISP)
This term is used in two ways:
- It can refer to a public school program created to address the learning needs of students who cannot attend classes regularly due to illness, competitive sports training (i.e. gymnastics), or who are in the entertainment business.
- It can refer to a home study program offered through the local school district to families who want to homeschool. In these programs, parents work with a designated teacher to develop a course of study and implement it at home. Then, the parent meets with the teacher on a monthly basis to turn in the students work, get resources, take tests, etc. Programs vary widely in terms of flexibility, supervision, resources, accountability, etc.
K-12
Refers to the scope of grades covered from Kindergarten through 12th Grade (or Senior Year of High School) by public and private schools.
Learning Methods – Learning methods focus on the way a person best takes in and processes information. There are many theories that look at the way a person learns best including the Theory of Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences.
Lap Book™ (or Lapbooking)
This is a method of recording and tracking learning about a particular subject through the use of "foldables" which are then mounted and stored on file folders that have been refolded from a bi-fold form into a tri-fold form for better presentation.
Learning Styles – This includes Auditory (learning through listening and talking), Visual (learning through seeing) and Kinesthetic/Tactile (learning through movement and touch). When learning takes place through the senses, students gain a more solid understanding of the content.
Montessori Education
Based on the life's work of Dr. Maria Montessori, the Montessori method has a broad vision of education and follows the natural development of the individual child and their innate directive that freely guides them toward growth and maturity.
The children's innate passion for learning is encouraged by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous, purposeful activities with the specific materials under the guidance of a trained adult. Within a framework of order, the children progress at their own pace and rhythm, according to their individual capabilities. Montessori recognizes a developmental order from birth to adulthood and activities and environment are adjusted to suit developmental needs.
Multiple Intelligences – According to Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, there are eight different intelligences that shape the way a person interacts with information. These include: linguistic or "word smarts," logical/mathematical or "math smarts," bodily/kinesthetic or "movement smarts, " visual/spatial or "picture smarts," musical or "music smarts," interpersonal or "people smarts," intrapersonal or "self smarts," and naturalist or "nature smarts."
Natural Learning Systems –The five natural learning systems which were developed by Barbara Givens include the emotional, social, cognitive, physical and reflective learning systems
NHEN
National Home Education Network, "exists to encourage and facilitate the vital grassroots work of state and local homeschooling organizations and individuals by providing information, fostering networking and promoting public relations on a national level."
Non-Sectarian
This term is usually used to describe homeschool support groups, organizations, and publications that are not associated with a particular religious denomination. In homeschool circles, the term is sometimes used interchangeably with the word "secular."
Notebooking
A method used to creatively journalize or track homeschool studies and learning experiences by recording them on pages in notebooks or 3-ring binders. In the popular children's historical fiction book, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, by Jean Lee Latham, the main character, a young man named Nathaniel Bowditch (born 1773), uses notebooking to record what he learns about astronomy and nautical navigation leading to his famous work, The American Practical Navigator, also known as "The Sailor's Bible."This piece of children's literature helped to make the notebooking concept popular. Homeschoolers who engage in notebooking jot notes or write thoughts about what they are studying. They may enhance the pages with drawings, photos, and illustrations. They may even paste mementos of academic pursuits and subjects of interest onto the pages - similar to a scrapbook.
Online support group
Homeschooling parents who offer support and help to each other through e-mail lists or forum message boards on the Internet call themselves an online support group. They lack face-to-face contact, but are especially valuable for those who don't know other homeschoolers, for those who are shy, and for those who are on a tight schedule and don't want to get involved in a busy local group.
Portfolio – An accumulation of materials that demonstrate your child's learning. Some items included are: logs (reading, attendance), assignments (samples from each subject demonstrated throughout the year), awards, certificates of participation, list of materials used (textbooks, websites, computer programs, resource books etc), pictures of projects and fieldtrips, writing samples (composition and penmanship), and other items that you feel represent your child's education. Portfolios can be online, in file boxes, in 3-ring binders (the most common), or otherwise. But, it's Organization is the key. This is an on-going process that your child should take part (and pride) in from the beginning.
R-4 Form
Also known as the Private School Affidavit — A form used by homeschoolers in California to notify the state that they have established a private school. (Now known as a Private School Affidavit.)
Relaxed homeschooling – Relaxed homeschooling is a similiar term to Unschooling but who take more of a blended approach. Sometimes, their blend is required if they reside in a state with subject and logged time requirements.
A term coined by author Dr. Mary Hood in her 1994 book, The Relaxed Homeschool: A Family Production to explain a less stressful, family-based way of learning. Read Dr. Hood's explanation of the term.
School at Home – A common beginning method of homeschooling in which a family attempts to simply recreate a conventional classroom education within their home. Many times this includes a boxed curriculum and a somewhat rigid daily schedule.
Scope and Sequence – An outline of skills and information to be taught, typically organized by grade level or by course. Provides information on what will be covered. Includes a range of skills and learning objectives to be taught at each successive stage of the coursework or grade level.
S-Myth
Refers to the "Socialization Myth" -- a false belief that homeschoolers will not be well-socialized.
S-Word
The "S" stands for "socialization" which equates to a "dirty" word among homeschoolers. That's because it is continuously raised as the major objection to homeschooling despite research studies by the U.S. Department of Education and other public and private organizations that indicate homeschoolers are better socialized than their school-going peers. Many homeschoolers are criticized as not providing appropriate socialization, meaning the interaction found in a traditional school. As homeschoolers point out, traditional school's artificial grouping by age, grade, and ability-level, is a dysfunctional and unrealistic situation compared to the socialization of children within a family and more natural social groupings.
Saxon Math
Saxon publishes traditional math textbooks and workbooks that are popular with many homeschoolers. The lessons are incremental, each one building upon the concepts learned in previous lessons. There is lots of drill-and-practice review work at the end of each chapter along with tests.
Secular
This term is usually used to describe homeschool support groups, organizations, and publications that are not associated with a particular religious denomination. In homeschool circles, the term is sometimes used interchangeably with the word "non-sectarian
Singapore Math
The name of a popular K-12 math curriculum that was initially used in primary schools in Singapore where it is NOT called "Singapore Math." The term, "Singapore Math," came into use in the U.S.A. about the year 2000 when teachers, homeschoolers, and others started referring to the books as "Singapore Math."
Socialization
Most people ask homeschoolers, "But what about socialization?" They want to know how homeschooled children will learn to interact socially in a civil way with other people if they do not go to school.Despite the concern, all research studies to date, by the U.S. Department of Education as well as other public and private organizations, finds that homeschoolers are BETTER SOCIALIZED than their peers who attend school. That's because homeschoolers are not confined to interacting only with their peers in an institution all day. They interact with a wide variety of people in the real world. Their parents model appropriate social behavior and provide plenty of social opportunities that include play, competitive experiences, co-op classes, field trips and more.
Statement of Faith
In an effort to maintain cohesiveness, some Christian homeschooling support groups require members to sign a statement indicating their agreement with the specific religious tenets of the group.
Standardized Tests
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 requires standardized testing in public schools to measure and compare students' knowledge of standardized curriculum by grade level. Test results are used to determine funding for public school programs.Schools with good test results are rewarded with more funding. Here is an incomplete list of the standardized tests required by various states. Some (but not all) states require that private school students and homeschool students take standardized tests. Standardized testing has been shown to be biased and ineffective. Learn more at Students Against Testing.
Support Group
Refers to a group of homeschooling families who come together to share information, resources, encouragement, and to provide cooperative educational and social activities for the children. Most groups offer a "park day" once-a-week where families gather; parents chat and kids play.Some groups have a more organizational style with rules and membership dues, while others are extremely casual without any formal structure at all. Support groups vary widely - some are distinctly religious, some follow a particular homeschooling method or style, and some are all-inclusive. There are also virtual homeschool support groups that meet online via Internet forums or chat groups.
Supplemental Resources – These are educational materials, field trips, and projects that are used to enhance the learning experience.
Textbooks – Textbooks are just one part of a package of resource materials that includes: a scope and sequence, an educators' manual with teaching strategies, a student book with content explanations and examples, and a practice workbook. These packages usually offer a re-teach (remediation) workbook or an enrichment workbook that focuses on higher level critical thinking skills.
Thomas Jefferson Education (TJE)
A "leadership model of education" and according to the home website, it is based on the belief that statesmanship is the product of a particular educational system, used by the great leaders of the past (including America's Founding Fathers), but lost to modern academia. Grounded in the belief in God and immutable moral law, it is framed on the classics in all subject areas under the guidance of a committed mentor.Basically, students read the classics, discuss them with a mentor who uses a Socratic-like method of questioning to expand the student's understanding of what they read, and then, the student writes about it. TJE is designed for young adults (age 12 and up, and sometimes later for boys) -- when they have the physical maturity and therefore cognitive capability to handle a regimen of daily study. There is flexibility built into the program since there isn't a rigid or "set" curriculum to follow.
Traditional Schooling – A term used by homeschoolers to refer to students who attend public, private, or parochial schools .
Umbrella School – A school that enrolls homeschooling children or families and offers services supportive of home education. This type of school is also known as an "Cover School." Refers to a private school that provides a legal way for parents to homeschool their children. Parents who enroll their children in an umbrella school usually take responsibility for their child's education by developing a course of study, providing curriculum, and complying with all of the education requirements.The Umbrella School complies with the legal requirements of the state including filing annual forms (if needed), keeping attendance, maintaining student records, etc. Some of these schools have additional requirements including testing. Some also offer counseling and coaching along with field trips, co-op classes, and enrichment programs such as sports, music, drama, and other electives. You'll find information on umbrella/cover schools by state and country here.
Unschooling – Also known as student-led education, this is a teaching method in which students study those topics that interest them, rather than follow a pre-defined curriculum. A term coined by John Holt, an educator who in the 1960s and 1970s spoke out about school reform, and finally abandoned the idea that schools were a good idea at all.Originally, the term simply meant the act of not going to school. Holt believed that true learning only happens when it is desired by the learner. He taught that following the child's natural curiosity about life would lead to learning about every subject typically required by schools and more. He saw parents not as instructors, but as facilitators of their children's learning.
- Teach Your Own, by John Holt
- Holt Associates
- Family Unschoolers Network
- Radical Unschooling
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Unschooling.com
This method of instruction allows students to learn about all subjects through the study of one topic. For example a unit study about Egypt might include language arts through reading Egyptian-themed literature or history, writing a story about an Egyptian Pharaoh, learning about archaeology or hieroglyphics through investigating Egyptian pyramids, listening to Egyptian music, eating Egyptian food, checking out Egyptian artifacts at a museum, etc.There are lots of variations on this theme as families tweak it to suit their individual interests and needs. You can purchase unit study curriculum or create your own.
- Konos Curriculum (Christian)
- Five In A Row Curriculum (Christian)
- Beautiful Feet Books (focus on history)
- TheHomeschoolMom.com, has a list of FREE Unit Studies.
A method of learning based on the teachings of Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner. Steiner was asked to develop a school for the children of workers at the Waldorf-Astoria Cigarette Factory. He believed children experience three distinct developmental stages and that learning should be tailored to the stages. In Waldorf Schools traditional academics are delayed until at least age 7. Subjects are introduced creatively through stories, art, and music. Some homeschoolers use a Waldorf-inspired method of education at home.
As You can see, there are a lot of options available to the 1st time homeschooler and the veteran alike. For what it's worth, though, homeschooling does not need to be that confusing. Or expensive. Alpha Omega has ironed out all the wrinkles for us long ago. Try SOS, the best homeschooling method there is available and you will not be disappointed!