If you are new to homeschooling, you may have already come across many words you are unfamiliar with. To assist you in navigating this unfamiliar territory, I have provided a list of terms commonly used in the homeschool community. These words are organized in alphabetical order.

Accredited: Officially recognized and approved by an accrediting agency as meeting a certain level of educational standards. Schools are monitored periodically to assure these standards are maintained. Many ‘school-at-home’ programs offer an accredited option.

Association: Groups of like-minded individuals. Associations can be localized, state-wide, national, or international. Some associations organize conventions, which host speakers and curriculum vendors from a specific region or across the nation. Local associations offer member support and activities.

Auditory Learning Style: Auditory learners learn best by hearing and listening. Appropriate teaching methods include verbal explanations, discussions, audio books, lectures, podcasts, and viewing videos with sound. Assist these students remember their lesson by asking them to repeat it out loud, sing it, or recite a poem they wrote about it.

Basket Time/Morning Basket (aka Circle Time): A period of time usually before individual learning time begins when the family comes together to enjoy various activities such as games, books, devotionals, music, and song. Basket themes typically change monthly or seasonally. The storage area doesn’t have to be a basket, a shelf or plastic bin will suffice.

Boxed Curriculum: Everything you need to teach one year of learning for a specific grade level. May include DVDs, teachers guide, lesson plans, textbooks, workbooks, activities, lab equipment, art supplies, and tests.

Carnegie Unit: A unit of measurement in which one unit is earned after 120 hours of instructional time. This is calculated as one hour of instructional time per day, five days per week for 24 weeks (or 300 minutes per week). For a traditional 36-week school year this works out to about 3.5 hours (200 minutes) per week, for 4 days each week. A specific number of credits are needed in select subjects in order to graduate from high school. The credit requirement is determined by each state, so check your state website for details.

Charlotte Mason: The philosophy that kids learn best from experiences. A literature-based curriculum, students read quality books (referred to as ‘living books’) and give verbal summaries of what they have read or heard. Students also complete short lessons, journal, do copywork, and are encouraged to enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Circle Time (aka Basket Time/Morning Basket): Usually occurs before individual learning time begins. A time for the family to come together and enjoy various activities such as games, books, devotionals, listen to music, and sing. Basket themes may change monthly or by season. The storage area doesn’t have to be a physical basket, a shelf or plastic bin will suffice.

Classical: A teaching method based on a student’s level of cognitive development – concrete, analytical, or abstract, which is referred to as the Trivium. It is language and literature-focused, the student learns rhetoric and logical and critical thinking skills. History is taught in chronological order.

Co-op (Co-operative): An organized group of homeschool families who support each other and meet together for activities such as fieldtrips, educational studies, or for socialization, such as dances and playdates. Participation in a co-op may require a vetting process and membership fees. Members are expected to regularly contribute by organizing activities or teaching a class. Co-ops typically meet one or more times per week.

Copywork: Students copy text from a variety of sources. Aside from the penmanship practice, copywork helps with fine motor skills, reading skills, grammar, and memorization. Common sources used for copywork include classical literature, the bible, historical events, and biographical information. If preferred, fun and humorous copywork workbooks for all age groups can be purchased at bookstores and online.

Credits: A credit is a unit of measurement associated with learning. Credits are calculated by minutes, hours, or days of study completed. A common standard is the Carnegie unit. Students are required to earn a certain number of credits to graduate high school. Credit and graduation requirements vary by state, check your state’s standards on their website. An Umbrella school may require additional credits, but by law cannot accept less than the state minimum.

Curriculum (plural curricula): Refers to the educational materials used to teach a particular scope and sequence of content. Includes all manner of resources such as textbooks, literature, workbooks, worksheets, games, puzzles, flashcards, audio recordings, video/DVDs, and online classes. Parents can choose religious or secular curriculum, and book-based, online, or a combination of both.

Curriculum Spine: The book or books used as the main unit of study. Other resources which are added fit with this textbook’s topic of study.

Cyber School (aka Virtual School, Distance Learning): All of the content is taught and submitted online. Public schools and charter schools offer online virtual school. Parents usually have little to no control over content and scheduling. Many students experienced this type of learning during the school closures in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Deschooling: Used by some families as a period of transition from traditional school to homeschool. The time length varies but can be from a couple of weeks to several months. During this time learning occurs, but it is not scripted or scheduled. An emphasis is placed on relationship building, outdoor activities, and exploring the child’s interests.

Distance Learning: Online school provided by a school system. Students log in for the required classes and are assigned a teacher liaison to answer questions. Completed assignments and tests are graded by the teacher and become part of the school record.

Dual Enrollment: A program offered by some colleges and universities to high school students. Students  enrolled in college courses earn both high school and college credits.

Eclectic: Uses a variety of approaches and methods to fit each student’s unique needs. Parents often select curriculum from several sources to build a cohesive course.

Educational Methods: Refers to the various educational techniques used based on several different teaching/learning philosophies. Parents determine which method best suits their lifestyle and each child’s unique needs. Methods include Traditional, Classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, Unit Studies, Eclectic, and Unschooling.

Electives: Courses which are not part of the core curriculum. Usually required in high school in order to graduate. Electives may include subjects such as foreign language, business, fine arts, home economics, or environmental science.

Enrichment Programs: Offer additional opportunities for learning. These can include electives and extracurricular activities taught by persons skilled in the subject, not the parent. Examples of enrichment classes include sewing, drone piloting, horseback riding, and rock climbing.

Homeschool Conventions: The gathering together of large groups of homeschool families. Conventions provide homeschool families an opportunity to learn and grow. Attendees listen to speakers and connect with like-minded people. Curriculum vendors are invited to showcase their products so families may see and purchase the products in person. Conventions are held once or twice per year in many states.

Homeschool Days: Select days when discounts and special events are offered to homeschool families by museums, zoos, and other organizations.

Homeschool Style: The approach or philosophy behind specific teaching methods. The basic styles are Charlotte Mason, Classical, Traditional, Montessori, Unit Studies, Eclectic, and Unschooling. Some homeschool sites offer quizzes to determine your preferred homeschool method.

HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association): Founded by two homeschool dads in the 1980’s. As attorneys they assisted homeschool families with legal issues and helped pave the way for homeschool freedom in all fifty states. The HSLDA website offers free legal advice as it relates to general homeschool issues, as well as curriculum advice. The association also provides grants for families who are experiencing financial difficulty. Paid membership includes individualized advice and representation for legal issues, personalized educational recommendations, and (optional) ID card services. Though it is a Christian organization, their services are available to all regardless of faith or beliefs.

Independent: Refers to a curriculum where the student takes responsibility for their own education. Parents act as facilitators, monitoring progress and evaluating completed work. This method uses video lessons, textbooks, and workbooks.

Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP): A comprehensive plan detailing the subjects and topics to be taught and the curriculum to be used. Not required by all states, this IHIP is submitted to the state homeschool governing body along with the parent’s letter of intent or annual renewal notice.

Individual Service Plan (ISP) aka Individualized Service Plan (IEP): A document or contract between the parent and school which outlines annual goals and additional services to be provided for a student with special needs.

Instructional Hours: The amount of time, in hours which a student is engaged in learning activities. States or school districts may require a minimum number of hours calculated weekly or annually. Some states only require time tracking for high school students. This instructional time is recorded as credits. High school students are required to earn a certain number of credits in order to graduate.

Kinesthetic or Tactile Learning Style: Kinesthetic learners learn best through touch and movement. Appropriate teaching methods involve a hands-on approach through manipulatives, activities, experiments, and field trips. When kinesthetic learners touch and feel what they are learning it helps them solidify concepts and to recall what they have learned.

Learning Style: The process by which a person learns best. Most people combine one or more styles. Knowing how a student learns is important, especially when determining if a specific curriculum is appropriate for his or her needs. Learning styles include visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic/tactile. They are sometimes referred to by the acronym VARK.

Letter of Intent (LOI)/Notice of Intent (NOI): A notification sent to the school district prior to commencing home education which informs the state of a parent’s intent to homeschool. Not required in all states.

Living Books: Books written in such a way as to bring a subject to life. A Charlotte Mason inspired term.

Mastery of Skills:  To master a particular concept or skills set before moving on to a new one.

Narration: The retelling of a story or lesson in the student’s own words. Can be oral or written. Used in the Charlotte Mason teaching method.

Manipulatives: Objects used to create a hands-on experience. Examples are blocks, games, rocks, buttons, play money, or models of real life items. Usually used for math and science. Manipulatives make concepts easier to understand and remember. They can be used at any age but are most common at the primary level.

Montessori: Self-directed learning through hands on, cooperative play using child-sized tools and special equipment. Montessori teachers are present as guides to learning, offering indirect instruction. This method was originally developed for special-needs students but was found to be so effective it was expanded to include all students. Montessori is not always included in a list of homeschool methods as special training and a certificate is required (though some families sidestep this by incorporating Montessori principles into another educational method).

Multi-level Curriculum: A curriculum with the flexibility to be used for more than one age group. Common in history, fine arts, or bible classes, this style of curriculum enables families to teach the subject to all students at once. Additional activities, readings, and assignments leveled by age group are included with the curriculum.

Lapbooking: A teaching method where students create a folder based on a single topic or idea. These folders may contain several printed mini books with written research, bulleted lists, or visuals such as charts, diagrams, images, and maps.

Notebooking: The student records what is learned by writing and drawing in a notebook, journal, binder, or using a computer. Specific notebooking journals are available for purchase containing templated pages and images to color based on the subject matter being taught.

Outsourcing: Using sources outside the home for educational purposes. Can include tutors, proctored tours, online classes, music or art lessons, and digital learning.

Parent Education Level: Some states require parents to have a certain level of education in order to homeschool their child. The requirements vary by state and range from no minimum requirements to a GED or even a teacher’s certificate. Check with your state for the legal requirements.

Parent-led: Refers to a curriculum in which the parent is responsible for instructing the child. Resources such as video, audio, textbooks, and lesson plans with answer keys may be utilized.

Portfolio: The collection of schoolwork, academic records, and other experiences which represent a child’s learning. May be required by the local school district as proof of learning/educational time. Portfolios may include photos, artwork, workbooks, worksheets, online certificates, and awards. The portfolio often includes a list of materials used such as textbooks, online programs, or websites. It can be kept in a 3 ring binder, file folder, keepsake box or online.

Portfolio Review/Portfolio Assessment: A review process where examples of the student’s work over the school year are presented to a certified teacher or assessor. The purpose of a portfolio is to demonstrate and assess the growth and learning which occurred in each required subject. This review is not mandatory in all states, but if required it may be scheduled between one to four times per year.

Read & Write Learning Style: Read and write learners acquire and retain knowledge best by reading information and writing it down. These students should be exposed to books, handouts, bulleted lists, and be encouraged to take notes.

Road Schooling: Homeschool which is accomplished during travel. Many families choose the RV lifestyle and travel the fifty states and beyond, visiting historic sites, landmarks, and attractions.

School-at-Home: This method is closest to traditional school. It is typically centered around a complete curriculum package for a particular grade level. Students participate in online or DVD classes associated with a public or private school and submit to regular testing. The school day can be quite long when compared to other methods, and the curriculum tends to be expensive. This method can be either parent-led or teacher-facilitated. Teacher-facilitated classes are often accredited and are preferred by some parents as standard homeschool curriculum is ineligible for accreditation.

Scope and Sequence: The complete list (scope) of subjects, topics, and skills to be taught over one year or several years and their order (sequence). Similar to a class syllabus.

Sequential learning: Taught in a logical order. Once a skill is mastered, the student is ready to build on it, so new skills or knowledge is introduced. An example of this is history taught in chronological order.

Socialization: Involves both being with others and learning to interact and behave with people.

Spiral learning: Based on the belief is that repetition reinforces knowledge. A topic or skill is repeated at select intervals over a period of time- can be weeks, months, or years. With each with each return additional information and more detail are added, building on the foundation of knowledge already learned.

Standardized Testing: Students are given assessment tests in core subjects to evaluate their performance. The test results are compared to those of their peers. Though available to anyone who wishes to participate, standardized testing is not required in all states. Please check your state laws to determine if this testing applies to your student.

Student Education Plan (SEP): A plan created by the homeschool parent to meet the needs of a particular student, similar to an IEP or IHIP. This plan should include measurable goals, individual instruction plans, and accommodations used. Having SEP documentation is helpful if a student plans to enter public school at a later date.

Subject Area Requirements: Subjects which are to be taught at specific age or grade levels. Some states offer recommendations while others are more strict and have mandatory subjects. In order to be compliant with state law, it is imperative to know this information before you begin homeschooling (especially prior to purchasing curriculum).

Supplemental Resources: As the name suggests, these are materials which are not required to complete a course of study but may be beneficial. Often used to deepen learning or to provide fun.

Traditional Method: Also referred to as ‘school at home’, this teaching method simulates the classroom environment. Students follow a schedule and traditional grade-levels, and use textbooks, workbooks, and graded worksheets and quizzes to demonstrate knowledge. Often used by families when transitioning from institutional learning environments as it is what they are most familiar and comfortable with.

Tutorial: Classes taught by tutors which can take place in person or online. Can provide enrichment such as cooking, electives such as art or music, or core subjects such as language arts, math, history, and science.

Twaddle: A Charlotte Mason term which refers to talking down to a child. Often used when referring to books. Twaddle books are predictable, unchallenging, and uninspiring. Instead, the Charlotte Mason method uses living books, those which bring a subject to life.

Umbrella School (Cover School or Satellite School): An entity, usually a private school which provides support to homeschool families. With paid membership, they help parents fulfill the legal requirements of home educating and offer course advice and other resources. The umbrella school communicates with the local school district, offers letters of intent, and portfolio reviews. They may also provide standardized testing, transcripts, diplomas, or host social events and graduations. Umbrella schools are either secular or religious. Religious umbrella schools may have additional course requirements, such as bible class.

Unaccredited: Not formally recognized as meeting prescribed standards or requirements. In general homeschool curriculum is ineligible for accreditation, so state law does not require it. The freedom from government oversight is viewed as a benefit by many homeschoolers, and for some parents is a primary reason to educate at home. Standard, unaccredited homeschool programs are less expensive and far more flexible than accredited ‘school-at-home’ study programs.

Unit Studies: Are based on a theme or topic which can cover several subject areas at once such as language arts, history, and art. Unit studies may be spread over a year or a shorter time period, or even used as a break from regular studies. This teaching method is particularly useful when teaching several age groups as learning materials can be customized for each student’s knowledge level and ability.

Unschooling: Also known as child-led learning, unschooling allows students the freedom to choose subjects and unit studies based on their personal interests. Learning occurs mainly through hands-on experiences, play, fieldtrips, travel, performing household tasks, and customized classes. Students set their own pace, they are under no pressure to complete or master a particular skill within a certain time frame. This method tends to avoid textbooks, tests, and strict schedules. Not to be confused with Deschooling, which is time off from school to decompress, often used when transitioning from traditional school to a homeschool environment.

Visual Learning Style: Visual learners acquire knowledge and skills best by seeing and reading. Appropriate teaching methods may include watching videos, reading books, and by looking at pictures, illustrations, charts, graphs, and maps.

Year-Round Homeschooling: The educational period is spread over the entire calendar year rather than the standard 180 days/36 weeks. Frequent, shorter breaks are incorporated throughout the year. Parents may choose this option for many reasons including to reduce daily workload, to avoid the loss of learning which occurs after summer break, and to encourage lifelong learning. Some states have specific date requirements, so check these laws prior to commencing a year-round schedule.

If you have additional terms and definitions to share, please do so in the comments below.