Confusing Curriculum Terms, Explained
Every new homeschool parent has been there. You are scrolling through an online catalog, or a homeschool mom’s recommendations page, and you are reading the words, but have no idea what they mean in this context. What is a spiral curriculum? What is the Singapore method? That sounds… advanced. And why the heck why does everyone have so many opinions about Common Core?
Let’s break down some commonly used terms about curriculum, so you can make more informed decisions about what will work for you family.
Spiral curriculum: Often used in math curriculum, this is the idea that rather than spend several weeks devoted to one topic, you “spiral”. You keep revisiting different topics or skills, adding more layers each time you teach it,
For example: You introduce the very basics of a skill (geometry, for instance), and spend a day (or maybe two) learning how to identify different shapes. Then you move onto another skill (such as addition) and introduce the very basics of that. And while you focus on one skill day, you continue to practice the skills you have already learned, until you are pretty comfortable with them. Eventually, you circle (or spiral) back to geometry, and add another layer to what you have been practicing- now that you are comfortable identifying different shapes, you talk about measuring the perimeter of shapes. Saxon Math is a classic (and well-loved) example of this method.
Note: For many kids, it works well. However, I have worked with kids who really needed to “soak” in a concept for a while, and struggled to move on to another topic so quickly. It really depends on the child, their learning style, and personality.
Spiral curricula can be “short spiral” or “long spiral”. Saxon Math is a great example of the short spiral curriculum— you keep circling back to the same concepts and building on them throughout the school year.
Typically, long spiral curriculum covers multiple years. Science and history curriculum often use this method, and school systems typically structure their curriculum this way.
For example: Fourth grade science might focus on life science (i.e. biology). Obviously, you will continue to revisit (spiral back to) biology, perhaps again in 7th grade, and then again in 10th grade. Each time, you use what you learned from past biology classes, and go more in depth each time.
Manipulatives
For many people, the word manipulative conjures up images of that unpleasant acquaintance or relative, but in the education world, we love manipulatives! It simply means hands-on materials that can help demonstrate a concept. (It comes from a Latin word, meaning to move around with your hands.)
They are most commonly used in math and are definitely a must. It is SO much easier to teach about fractions when you have circles that are already divided into the appropriate sizes, or to teach about time if you have a clock that kids can use themselves. Most curriculum have sets that you can purchase along with the books.
Note: While you can save money making some manipulatives yourself, I usually think these are worth the investment. Most will last you through several kids, and are helpful for several years,
Other subjects can have manipulatives, especially for younger kids. For instance, letter blocks and tiles are common when teaching younger kids how to identify letters, or create sentences.
Common Core
Ooof. This is a big topic, and I am only going to give a basic outline, and then link to some more in depth information. Basically, Common Core is a set of national education standards adopted by most states in 2010, focusing on math and language arts. The aim of Common Core is to standardize “what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade”.
You will see many curriculum described as “Common Core Aligned”, which means they follow the standards set forth in Common Core.
What does this mean for homeschool families? Not much. This is simply a set of standards that states have to follow if they want to receive federal funding. It is not a requirement for those outside the public school system. You still have to follow what your state requires in terms of the subjects you teach, but you are not required to follow Common Core.
However, if you live in a state that requires you to periodically submit standardized tests for your kids, often those tests are aligned with Common Core Standards. Find out the laws in your state, and see what is required. If you still find it confusing (don’t worry- many people do), the Homeschool Legal Defense Association is a great resource.
However, this should not be a big stressor- if you are using age-appropriate curriculum, it will include the topics you need to teach, and will not be incredibly different from Common Core standards.
A note for those who are confused about debate: Many people have opinions about how Common Core approaches math. The truth is, there are a variety of ways to teach math concepts, and trends in education shift over the years. This is nothing new. Common Core uses one particular way of demonstrating math concepts, and some people find it confusing, and some find it helpful. The beauty of homeschooling is that you get to choose what works for your kids.
Keep in mind that the homeschooling community is largely populated by non-conformists who are not afraid to be different, and who are willing to devote significant money and time to their children’s education because they have opinions and want to make their own choices. So the idea of a national, standardized education plan that requires all kids to learn the same things, in the same way, at the same age is going rub many of them the wrong way, no matter what math models it uses, or which president was in office when it was adopted.
It doesn’t mean that Common Core-aligned curriculum is terrible (although maybe it is for your family), or that you are surrendering to Big Brother by using one (each family gets to decide their own comfort level in that regard). Do your own research and decide if it will work for your family.
Singapore Method
Simply put, this is a method of teaching math. As the name suggests, it originated in China and is widely used in international schools. The curriculum runs from Kindergarten to 6th grade. While there are many facets to this approach, if can be summed up by “CPA” (Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract)
Concrete: You introduce each mathematical concept with a very concrete, hands-on example, ideally using manipulatives. (Example: Looking at 3 equal groups of eight blocks, students, pencils, etc.)
Pictorial: When the student understands the concrete idea, you use pictures to discuss/ practice the same idea. (Example: Looking at a picture of 3 equal groups of eight people, and finding the total. Again, keep repeating this until students really gets it.)
Abstract: When the student understands and grasps the idea in pictures, then you move on to abstract thinking. (Example: Looking at the math problem 3 x 8 and finding the total.)
There are other important aspects of this approach, but that’s the main idea.
Note: If you like this approach (and there is much to like about it) the younger you start, the easier it will be. Most schools who adopt this curriculum do so gradually— it is introduced in the younger grades (kindergarten or 1st grade) and each year, the next grade transitions to this curriculum. If students have used another method until fifth grade, suddenly adopting this would be a very difficult change.
If you are considering this curriculum, I strongly recommend some training, I do think it is effective, when used correctly by someone who is willing to invest time and energy into learning about it.
Note: There are several different versions, all produced by the same company. This site has a great break down of the different editions.
Some drawbacks and common criticism of Singapore Math:
Most students will need to move s-l-o-w-l-y. The Singapore method results in a very indepth understand of mathematical concepts, but that takes time. I have yet to meet any teacher or parent who has covered an entire Singapore textbook in one year. There have been years when I barely got to the second workbook. This can be tough for many kids- I was downright sick of word problems by the time my class had mastered them one year and we were able to (finally!) move on. I am sure the kids felt the same way.
The textbook is not a step-by-step teaching guide, the way most math textbooks are. If you are new to this, I strongly suggest purchasing the instructional guide as well as at the textbook and workbook.
Because students spend so long in one subject, there is not much review of previous chapters. I ended up creating my own “weekly reviews” for students to continue practicing skills from earlier in the year. They will use those skills again and build on them, but I found most of my students needed more consistent review than Singapore offered.
Want to know more? MathGeekMama has a great article covering the basics of Singapore from the perspective of a high school math teacher.
What other curriculum terms would you want explained? This is definitely a multi-part series, so add some ideas in the comments!
Why homeschooling may be your best option this fall
If you are a parent, educator, or anyone who is even vaguely aware of current events, you know there is a HUGE debate about schools in the fall. There is no shortage of opinions about this. Even food bloggers are wading into the fray.
It is one of the many reasons I decided not to return to classroom teaching this year. I do not envy the people trying to devise a plan that is even remotely feasible in the midst of a global pandemic. I envy even less teachers, parents, and students caught in the middle. It is a mess, and I am not going to debate what schools should do. I have no idea. There are no good answers, and whatever plan is put into place, lots of people will lose.
So that is not the aim of this blog post. Instead, I want to explain why, if your school is continuing “online learning” (distance learning, non-traditional instruction, digital education, or whatever term your state is using), you should strongly consider homeschooling.
In short, your kids are at home anyway, and homeschooling gives you freedom. This is not freedom to let your kids slack off (most states require some proof that you are actually providing an education for your kids), but freedom to do school in a way that works for your family.
As a teacher who was thrown into the deep end of online learning this past semester (with two days notice), I can attest that teaching online is completely different from teaching in the classroom. And it was hard. (This video pretty accurately captures how most teachers felt about it.)
In the classroom, effective teachers make dozens (maybe hundreds) of minor and major adjustments throughout each lesson, based on verbal and nonverbal feedback from students. We are constantly helping kids focus, explaining more when we see blank stares, answering questions, etc, etc. Almost none of this is possible when we are teaching to a screen. It is not as effective, and we feel it deeply.
Sure, technology is trying it’s best to replicate the in-person learning experience, and they are making effective changes, but it is still not the same. For many kids, learning this way did not work, and, as parents, you know it. You were the ones “managing” someone else’s teaching. You were the ones helping your kids focus, trying to answer questions, and keep your kids on someone else’s schedule and meet someone else’s expectations, even if you knew it wasn’t working. (If you have not seen this mom’s hilarious video of her son doing schoolwork, stop reading this blog post and watch it now. Make sure to watch until the end— her final face is priceless. You are welcome.)
Homeschooling means that you are in charge, and you can adjust as you need to for your child and your family. Do you have extra Zoom meetings on Wednesday? Don’t assign a lesson that will need extra guidance. Give them a lighter day, and move that big assignment to next week. Have some last-minute cancellations and suddenly have a free afternoon? Maybe today is the day to do that cool science experiment that needs a lot of supervision, spend some time going over their report about great white sharks, or review that confusing math concept. Did you finish a big project for work or it’s suddenly sunny after days of rain? Celebrate as a family and spend the day exploring a local park, identifying native plants, or just take your reading books and blankets outside with snacks and lemonade. This level of flexibility is possible if you are working on your schedule.
This is especially helpful for families sharing devices. No one is telling you that all three kids have to turn in lessons on one computer by 4 pm. You can stagger and share technology as you see fit.
You can also work non-traditional hours. Research is pretty clear that teenagers need more sleep. There is no rule that says they need to be up and dressed by 8 am, ready to learn. Let your older kids sleep in, and start the day later. They can start at 2, and end at 6 or 7, if that works for your schedule.
But I barely have time to do my own work— how am I going to plan my kids work, too? This is where we can help. There a lot of resources out there for parents, at all levels of involvement. You are already spending time each day, managing your kids’ work. Even with someone else doing the planning, many families are acutely aware that what they had in the spring did not work for their families. There are plenty of ways to plan (or simply choose) lessons for your kids and still have the freedom to do what you need to, as well. If you are homeschooling, you have the freedom to adjust to fit your needs.
This is your family, and your choice. Do what works for your family.
I will end this with my most common piece of advice for potential homeschoolers: Most family can homeschool, if you are willing to learn and adjust. But that doesn’t mean every family should homeschool.
However, the uncertainty (and absurdity) of some school reopening plans add another layer to the debate this year. For more and more families, homeschooling is an option you should consider..
How Churches Can Help Homeschool Families
Ministering to homeschool families
As we approach this fall, an increasing number of families, previously devoted to their public and private schools, are considering homeschooling. And an increasing number of pastors are sitting (and praying) with families as they try to determine the best option for their kids in the midst of so much uncertainty..
So what can churches do to support these families? Here are some ideas:
Ask the parents. What do they need? Are they feeling competent about the academic subjects, but unsure about all the “special” classes, like art, music, and PE? Maybe they are worried about time management, or socialization for their kids, or want someone more competent in algebra to help with their 8th grader.
Ask the parents and kids what is holding them back from homeschooling, or what would make it manageable. The best thing about homeschooling is that each family gets to choose what their school looks like, and what works for them. There is such freedom in that decision— and much responsibility. But it also means that each family is going to be different in terms of the support they need, and few solutions will work for everyone. Keep in mind that you are not going to solve all the problems, but by asking, you can get an idea where to start.
This questionnaire is focused on our services here at Lewis Tutoring and Homeschool Advising, but you can contact us for an adaptable set of questions to use for your church or community.
Ask the congregation what skills they have to offer. While retired teachers are often the most obvious choice to approach for help, many people have skills sets that would support new (or even seasoned) homeschool families. Is there a parent who would love to organize a weekly PE or art class? A businessman who excelled in geometry, and would love to meet with a group of middle schoolers a few times a week? A lawyer who would love to teach an American history class? There may be skills out there that parents haven’t even considered.
Organize a meeting for interested parties. Simply gathering parents in the same room to discuss the challenges and benefits of homeschooling can help spark ideas and plans. Again, I would suggest asking families to fill out a questionnaire as a starting point for discussion.
Another benefit of a “brainstorming” session maybe simply support. For many, the idea of “homeschooling” immediately brings to mind socially awkward kids with waist-length braids and ankle-length jean skirts. (You know it’s true, people.) By bringing together these families for discussion, churches can help normalize an educational choice that may seem incredibly foreign and risky.
Offer classroom space if families want to work together. This part seems pretty self-explanatory. And, if possible, offer to monitor the cleaning of the space.
Other general ideas:
Offer weekly supervision to give parents a break. This could be 3-4 volunteers (or even paid child care workers, if your church can afford that) organizing games or board games for a few hours.
If you hear of a need, and think of someone in the congregation that would be a good fit, go ask. Often, people do not feel qualified or confident to volunteer, even if they are a good fit. Obviously, make sure they have the freedom to turn down the idea.
Offer “homework help” hours during the week, when kids can come in and get help from other adults. For some families, the biggest barrier is a personality conflict between parent and child, and simply having a different adult offering guidance can be a lifesaver. Ask for 2-3 volunteers a week and open up a classroom for 2-3 hours once a week.
Do you have other suggestions? Success stories? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!.
Famous Homeschoolers
Tim Tebow
While I reject the notion that we need a famous spokesperson to justify the validity of homeschooling (if it works for your family, that is all the justification you need), it is always gratifying to know there are successful people out there who were educated at home. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of trivia about famous people?
Obviously, this list is edited toward my own preferences (if you want a more comprehensive list, try famoushomeschooler.net), but I am excluding two categories of people for specific reasons.
There are plenty of famous historical figures who were homeschooled, but they are not particularly notable. Being educated at home was pretty common in previous centuries— families often lived too far from schools, or needed their kids to work at home, so these are not unusual cases. I am making a few exceptions for people who were homeschooled for reasons that still resonate with families today.
And I am not including child celebrities. Being tutored by a private teacher on a movie set, or on a tour bus en route to your next concert is definitely not “regular school”, but it is a category all its own. Dakota Fanning and T-Swift do not count as homeschoolers. (If you want to use them as examples to get your kids excited about the idea, though, that’s your call.)
With those caveats, here are some interesting examples of people whose parents chose to educate their kids at home:
Sandra Day O'Connor
The first woman appointed to the Supreme Court, Sandra Day O‘Connor grew up on a remote ranch in Arizona, and was homeschooled in her early years, before living with her maternal grandmother in town to attend an elite private school.
Another (probably even more interesting) fact about O’Connor: she dated, and then rejected a marriage proposal from William Rehnquist, while they were both students at Yale. Later, they were both appointed to the Supreme Court, where they worked closely together for more than 20 years.
Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison, widely described as America’s greatest inventor, was a terrible student, possibly as a result of hearing loss. He was in and out of various schools in Michigan and Ohio, and was primarily educated at home by his mother.
If you ever worry about your kids’ escapades, read this article from Time Magazine in 1931 to learn more about Edison’s (pretty harrowing) childhood. I think we are all lucky he managed to live to adulthood.
Agatha Christie
One of America’s most beloved writers, Christie’s education was unusual, in part because most of her early education was from her father. (Even in the modern world, mothers are the more common home educator.)
Ansel Adams
One of the greatest photographers of the 20th century, Adams was repeatedly kicked out of private schools for poor grades and inattentiveness in class. From the age of twelve, Adams was educated at home by his father, his Aunt Mary, and a private tutor. In 1915, part of Ansel’s education was to study exhibits at the Panama–Pacific International Exposition on a daily basis.
Another fun fact: While Adams did eventually return to a private school and earned a diploma, for much of his life, he chose to display the diploma in his family’s guest bathroom.
Teresa Scanlan
As Miss America 2010, Teresa was homeschooled until her junior of high school, and then completed a double load of classes to graduated a year early.
Andrew Wyeth
One of the most well-known American artists of the 20th century, Wyeth had very frail health as a child and was educated exclusively at home by his father (a well-known illustrator).
Christopher Paolini
The author of the bestselling Inheritance Cycle, Paolini wrote the first draft of Eragorn at age fifteen. It was originally self-published, and later picked up by Knopf Publishing, and quickly became a NYT Bestseller.
Paolini was homeschooled from the very beginning, and he credits homeschooling with giving him the freedom to pursue his interests and build a successful writing career.
Fred Terman
An electrical engineer known as one of the fathers of Silicon valley, Fred Terman was educated at home by his father until age nine.
Tim Tebow
No homeschool list would be complete without a nod to one of the more famous homeschoolers today. Tim Tebow is notable because he played football for two different high schools, despite not being enrolled in either. Florida state law allows homeschooled students to participate in the sports programs at their local public schools, and, as a result, Tebow went on to a career in professional football and baseball.
Socialization: The Elephant in the Homeschool Classroom
Why we still need to talk about it.
When I first told a friend of mine about starting this website, and this blog, his immediate response was, “You need to address the issue of socialization.” I nodded politely, but thought, “I am not going to beat a dead horse- socialization has been discussed ad nauseam. We are past that misconception about homeschoolers!”
I recounted the conversation to another friend (a former homeschooler and current homeschool mom) who laughed. “Sure,” she acknowledged. “It has been discussed ad nauseam in the homeschool world. But plenty of people still see it as an objection.”
So here we are.
Let’s begin by acknowledging that there are some homeschoolers who fit the stereotype. If you have been around homeschool families at all, you have met them. Sometimes you might worry that you are them.
However, let’s also acknowledge that, for many (probably most?) families whose kids go to public or private schools, they have seen their kids pick up socialization habits that are unhealthy. It could be vocabulary, an obsession with devices or clothes, a less-than-heathy attitude about themselves, or attitudes toward people who are different from them. We have to admit that public schools are not the breeding grounds for ideal social skills. And many private schools are not much better.
One of the benefits of homeschooling is that you get more influence over your kids’ socialization, not less.
So how do we make sure our kids are not the weirdos?
Do not isolate them from other kids. Easy. Make sure they have free time to interact with a variety of other kids. Neighbors, cousins, kids from church. If the are interested in sports, many states have laws that enable homeschoolers to join teams at their local school. (That’s how Tim Tebow ended up in professional football, after all.) In fact, because your kids are not in school 7-8 hours a day, with hours of homework every night, they will actually have more time for socialization.
Talk to your kids. Again, you have more influence over their social skills, because you will be interacting with them more. If you see them saying something inappropriate or awkward, find a gentle way to point it out. (After the fact, when you are alone. Not in the middle of a crowded room.) If you see other kids doing or saying something inappropriate, ask your kids what they thought about it.
Also, talk to your kids about their friends. Do they get enough time with them? Do they feel like outsiders? Each family is different, and each kid is different. Introverted kids may feel fine seeing other kids once or twice a week, while your extrovert may go crazy after a day without outside interaction. Communication is the key. Which leads to the next point.
Make sure your kids feel free to talk to you. Do not jump to judgment or approvals immediately. Respect what they have to say, even if you disagree. And if you disagree, ask them questions to learn about their point of view rather than just dismissing it.
And realize that not all kids are talkers— be open to talking to your kids about issues without pushing it on them.
Make sure your kids understand the appropriate way to talk to adults. Yes. this is a stereotype: because homeschool kids spend more time (proportionally) talking to adults, they can assume a familiarity that is . . . awkward. It can also be a sign of confidence, so feel free to ask your friends for an objective perspective if you are worried about this in your kid.
Find ways for your kids to interact with people who are different from them. Homeschoolers are overwhelmingly white, upper middle class, suburban families in two-parent households, where both parents have college degrees. That’s pretty specific. Sure, there are plenty of exceptions to that rule, but if you are not careful, your kids’ social circles could be pretty narrow. Often the awkward nature of some homeschoolers comes from the fact that they assume everyone will agree with their point of view, because they so rarely talk to someone who doesn’t.
Find ways (sports, volunteering, local theatre, etc.) for your kids to interact with people who do not act, look, or think like they do. It’s good practice for real life.
6. Do not talk about homeschooling in a way that breeds a superiority complex. Homeschool is not an option every one has, or one that is beneficial for every family. It may be the right choice for your family, but it’s not the only “right” choice. There is no quicker way for your kids to alienate potential friends than to spout off why public schools are evil. Homeschooling is simply the choice your family has made.
Do you have other ways to address the issue of socialization? Add your thoughts in the comments.