Homeschool Glossary

A child-led approach to education that allows learning to happen naturally based on the child’s interests, without following a set curriculum. It emphasizes learning through life experiences and exploration. For more information check out Karla Willians on Youtube and on Facebook at Homeschool Gone Wild - UNschooling Community To understand the diffrence between unschooling and deschooling, check out our Deschooling and Unschooling page.

The process of transitioning from a traditional school mindset to a homeschool mindset. It involves letting go of school-like structures and expectations, giving children and parents time to adjust to new learning methods and rhythms. The Homeschool mom has a great series to help with this! To understand the diffrence between unschooling and deschooling, check out our Deschooling and Unschooling page.

A group of homeschooling families who come together to share teaching responsibilities and resources. Co-ops often meet weekly and can offer classes, social activities, and support for both students and parents. You can find some area Co-Ops on our website !

A small, usually private school, sometimes formed by homeschoolers, that combines the benefits of homeschooling with a structured environment. Classes are typically small, and the curriculum is flexible. The National Microschool Center

A teaching method where multiple subjects are connected around a central theme or topic. For example, a unit study on space might include science (learning about planets), math (calculating distances), language arts (reading about astronauts), and art (creating space-themed projects). You can find some great Unit Studies using our custom-built Curriculum Finder !

A hands-on educational tool that involves creating a folder with flaps that students fill in with facts, pictures, and notes about a particular subject. It’s a creative way for children to organize and present what they’ve learned. HOMESCHOOL SHARE has all the directions and a great selection of freebie ones!

A process of certification for schools and programs that ensures they meet certain standards. In homeschooling, accreditation doesn't apply because parents are the primary educators. Accreditation is not necessary for homeschoolers, as colleges, universities, and employers typically accept homeschool diplomas and transcripts without accreditation, as long as the student meets other admission or qualification standards. Accredited Homeschool Program Not Required - the whys and what fors

(Not required, but sometimes helpful.) A collection of a student’s work over time, used to demonstrate progress and learning. This can include written work, projects, photos, and other evidence of learning. Portfolios are often used for assessments, especially in states that require homeschoolers to submit work for review.

(Not required in AL, but sometimes helpful) Some states require homeschoolers to take standardized tests to assess their academic progress, though this varies by location. These tests can be used to measure learning and compare it to traditional school students' levels, but many homeschoolers use alternative assessments. Check out these Testing Options .

A combination of homeschooling and traditional school, where students split their time between learning at home and attending a school part-time. This can offer the flexibility of homeschooling with access to in-person instruction or activities. Check out these pros and cons .

A pre-packaged set of lesson plans, books, and materials designed to cover a full year’s worth of education. This option is popular with families who want a structured, all-in-one approach without having to design their own curriculum. You can find some great curriculum using our custom-built Curriculum Finder !

A subject that students choose to study beyond core subjects like math and reading. In homeschooling, electives can be highly personalized to the child’s interests, such as art, coding, photography, or a foreign language. Elective ideas and how to assign them .

A program that allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. This is often a popular choice for homeschooling families looking to give their high schoolers a head start on college. We have an excellent Dual Enrollment resource on our Homeschooling Through the Years page under the College tab.

A common concern about homeschooling is the perceived lack of socialization, but should not be especially in our area. Homeschoolers often socialize through co-ops, extracurricular activities, sports, and community events, which can provide a wide variety of social interactions outside of a traditional classroom. Check out our Homeschool Connections page for many ways for socialization!

A homeschool family’s philosophy or approach to education, often influenced by religious beliefs or secular perspectives. This can shape the curriculum choices, teaching styles, and overall goals for the child’s education. This is helpful to know when you ask for curriculum suggestions.

In the homeschool context refer to the various ways in which students most effectively absorb, process, and retain information. Understanding a child’s learning style allows homeschooling parents to tailor their teaching methods and curriculum choices to best suit their child’s natural preferences, making education more engaging and effective. Learning styles encompass a wide range of preferences, and individuals often exhibit a combination of these styles. Here are the seven primary learning styles: Understanding and accommodating your child's learning style is a valuable tool in your homeschooling journey. By catering to their unique preferences among these seven learning styles, you can create a more effective and enjoyable learning environment. Remember that many children may have a combination of learning styles, so flexibility in your homeschooling approach is key to their success. Here are some key benefits: