Homeschool Glossary (words homeschoolers should know) - B

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

02 Mar 2007 09:52 AM

Back to basics: A back to basics approach suggest teaching children in lower grades reading, writing, and arithmetic and factual knowledge only. It suggests leaving out lessons that mold and socialize children like sex Ed, tolerance, and other feel good topics found in schools.

Benchmarks: Benchmarks are set by the state and governmental education departments and dictate standards for children's' knowledge base for each grade or age level. These standards are also set for the beginning middle and end of the school year.

Benefits: Regardless of the reason, if you choose to homeschool you will be sure to discover numerous other benefits. For example, one might choose to homeschool for academic reasons, and discover the great benefit of being able to teach faith based lessons.

Bias in education: Whether real or perceived, many people claim they experienced bias in the educational system. This means they felt disadvantaged based on discrimination against their race, religion, beliefs, or income level.

Blogs: Blogs are an excellent way to learn more about homeschooling. Homeschool bloggers record day-to-day occurrences, share what does work for them, and does not work. Homeschool bloggers also entertain and support each other.

Boxed Curriculum: A boxed curriculum is a complete educational program purchased for a grade level. A box curriculum should contain a textbooks, assessments, projects, and timelines for the entire grade level. Boxed curriculum often includes day-by-day very specific instructions for teaching and/or learning.

Brainwashing: Homeschoolers are often accused of isolating their children in attempt to brainwash them to their beliefs.

Bridging: To bridge is to help your student connections between what they are studying and real-life, experiences. As homeschoolers, this is often a natural occurrence as take advantage of 'teaching moments'.

Budget: One of the factors that will help you determine what methods you will use to homeschool your child. Homeschooling can be done at any income level. Considering your budget when planning homeschool curriculum, is very important.

Bully: A bully is someone who preys upon others to intimidate and often control. Many homeschool opponents claim that learning to deal with bullies is and important skill that homeschoolers miss out on.

Find the rest of the homeschool glossary here

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

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