Homeschool-ese: homeschool terms defined

Ever feel like homeschoolers speak their own language? Here we have some of the homeschool terms.

Unschooling approach: a home-school education with the child taking the primary responsibility instead of a parent or teacher; also called child-directed learning, self-learning

Example: Under unschooling education, parents may act as facilitators and may provide a wide-range of resources to their children, exposing their students to topics, items, events, and activities that spark interest and independent discovery/learning.

Eclectic approach: An Eclectic Homeschooler is one who looks at the different approaches and methods of homeschooling and takes from each forming his own unique philosophy.

Montessori approach: a revolutionary method of observing and supporting the natural development of children. Montessori educational practice helps children develop creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and time-management skills, to contribute to society and the environment, and to become fulfilled persons in their particular time and place on Earth. The basis of Montessori practice in the classroom is respected individual choice of research and work, and uninterrupted concentration rather than group lessons led by an adult.

Waldorf approach:(also known as Steiner or Steiner-Waldorf education) is based upon the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy. Learning is interdisciplinary, integrates practical, artistic, and intellectual elements, and is coordinated with "natural rhythms of everyday life". The Waldorf approach emphasizes the role of the imagination in learning, developing thinking that includes a creative as well as an analytic component. Its overall goal is to provide young people the basis on which to develop into free, moral and integrated individuals, and to help every child fulfill his or her unique destiny.

Charlotte Mason approach: This approach is probably best summarized by eighteen principles or teaching methods: living books, narration, habit training, short lessons, dictation, copy work, art appreciation, nature study, math, poetry, grammar, bible, history, geography, and foreign language. Two key mottos are "Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life" and "Education is the science of relations." Her motto for students was "I am, I can, I ought, I will."

Learning styles: A method of educating, particular to an individual that is presumed to allow that individual to learn best. It is commonly believed that most people favor some particular method of interacting with, taking in, and processing stimuli or information. Based on this concept, the idea of individualized "learning styles" originated in the 1970s, and has gained popularity in recent years.