Homeschool Glossary (words homeschoolers should know) - F-G

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

07 Mar 2007 08:00 AM

Flexible Learning is a lot like unschooling. Actually, it is like unschooling under the umbrella of a private school. Some flexible learning programs will provide a diploma; others will just allow the homschooler to take classes. Clonlara Home Based Program, for example is a functioning day schools that work as a flexible learning school. Clonlara does administrative work for the parents. All the parents need to do is journal the activities of the child and submit it. The school turns the journals into a documented diploma. There are dozens more flexible learning schools especially in states like California where restrictions make it easier for homeschoolers to work under the umbrella of existing schools.

Field Trips are a very important part of unschooling. While traditionally schooled children might go on one or two field trips in a year, homeschoolers will venture into the world for hands on learning once or twice a month. Many homeschoolers have evolved their homeschooling style into 'car schooling' as they are always on the go, learning from every experience available. Field trips will include visits to historic sites, science and art museums, civic monuments, and more.

GED: Some homeschoolers opt to take the GED test (general equivalency diploma) to prove they have learned enough to stop homeschooling and possibly apply to college. The GED however has a high school drop out stigma attached to it. Some colleges, such as state colleges in NY, require homeschoolers to take the GED for admissions.

Gifted: The word gifted refers to children with an intellectual ability significantly higher than average. Giftedness is a trait that people are born with. It is not a marker of success, but marked ability to learn and succeed.

Government schools: Public schools are also known as government schools. Homeschoolers often use this label to differentiate homeschooling from private and public schools more clearly. The use of the word government in government schooling is a reminder that the government educates public schooled children.

Find the rest of the homeschool glossary here

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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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