Homeschooling has a vocabulary.  It includes homeschooling terms as well as other words borrowed from the world of traditional education.  When first beginning to homeschool, it can be helpful to learn what some of these terms are.

What is meant by Language Arts?

Language Arts is the area of the curriculum in which students are taught the range of skills needed to become proficient in using the language.   In the elementary and secondary grades, Language Arts is often used when referring to reading and writing.  In upper grades, Language Arts usually includes oral communication, as well.

Those from a traditional school background may be accustomed to using the word “English” instead of the phrase “Language Arts”.  Sometimes, parents may also use these words that refer to all of the different components of Language Arts:

• spelling
• vocabulary
• word study (or phonics)
• reading (or literature)
• writing (or composition)
• grammar

These are all part of the Language Arts.