Homeschooling Terms: Homeschooling Terminology Explained
If you are new to the world of homeschooling, sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what people are talking about because of all of the confusing homeschooling terms!
In this blog post, I’ll break down essential homeschooling terminology like Deschooling and Morning Basket to help you feel more confident and informed on your educational journey!
Here are some general homeschooling terms you may hear brought up in conversation or when reading other blog posts online. I have them set up in alphabetical order below.
General Homeschooling Terms
Accidental Homeschooler
An Accidental Homeschooler is someone who “ends-up” homeschooling unexpectedly, sometimes suddenly, in order to do what is best for a child. For example, a lot of parents became accidental homeschoolers during 2020.
Note this is not the same as doing public school at home – also known as Crisis Schooling -, but the act of withdrawing the child from public or private school and being homeschooled.
Deschooling
Deschooling is a process that involves taking a break from formal education to allow children to reset and rediscover their natural love for learning. This approach recognizes that traditional schooling can sometimes create stress, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from the joy of learning.
By pausing formal education for a period of time—often recommended as at least one week for each year spent in traditional schooling—children can decompress, explore their interests, and engage in self-directed learning experiences.
During this deschooling period, children have the opportunity to pursue hobbies, engage in creative play, and explore the world around them without the constraints of a structured curriculum.
This time off can help them rekindle curiosity, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a more intrinsic motivation to learn. Ultimately, deschooling aims to create a more positive and personalized educational experience, paving the way for a more effective and enjoyable learning journey moving forward.
Faith Based Homeschool
Faith-based homeschooling is an educational approach that integrates spiritual beliefs and values into the learning process. It allows families to create a personalized curriculum that aligns with their religious principles, fostering not only academic growth but also moral and ethical development.
This method encourages a strong sense of community, as families often connect with like-minded individuals for support, resources, and shared experiences. By prioritizing faith alongside education, parents can instill a sense of purpose and character in their children, nurturing both their intellect and their spiritual journey.
Homeschool Association
A homeschool association is an organization that supports and advocates for homeschooling families within a specific community, state, or region. These associations often provide resources, information, and networking opportunities for homeschooling parents and students.
They may offer workshops, educational events, and social activities to foster a sense of community among homeschoolers. Additionally, homeschool associations can serve as a voice for homeschooling families in legislative matters, advocating for their rights and promoting awareness about homeschooling.
By connecting families and providing valuable resources, these associations help enhance the homeschooling experience and support parents in their educational journey.
Homeschool Cooperative AKA Homeschool Co-op
A homeschool co-op, or cooperative, is a collaborative group of homeschooling families that come together to share resources, knowledge, and teaching responsibilities.
In a co-op, parents and caregivers often take turns leading classes or activities, allowing children to benefit from diverse teaching styles and expertise. This cooperative model fosters a sense of community, providing social interaction and support for both students and parents.
Co-ops can offer a variety of subjects and activities, such as academic classes, arts and crafts, physical education, and field trips, enhancing the educational experience beyond what families might provide individually.
By pooling resources and talents, homeschool co-ops create a rich learning environment that encourages cooperation, friendship, and a shared commitment to education. This collaborative approach not only enriches the curriculum but also helps families build lasting connections within the homeschooling community.
Homeschool Curriculum
A homeschool curriculum is a structured plan or framework that outlines the educational content and learning activities used by homeschooling families to guide their children’s education.
It can include a variety of materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, online resources, and hands-on activities, tailored to meet the individual learning styles and needs of each child.
Homeschool curricula can be purchased as complete packages or pieced together from various sources, allowing families to create a personalized educational experience.
Within Homeschool Curriculum you’ll see the terms Core Subjects and Non-Core Subjects. We will define those here as well:
Core Subjects vs. Non-Core Subjects
Core Subjects: Core subjects are the foundational areas of study that are typically emphasized in formal education systems. These subjects are essential for developing critical skills and knowledge that students need for academic success and future opportunities. The core subjects generally include:
- Mathematics: Focuses on numerical skills, problem-solving, and logical reasoning.
- Language Arts: Encompasses reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
- Science: Involves the study of natural sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.
- Social Studies: Covers history, geography, civics, and cultural studies, helping students understand society and their role within it.
Non-Core Subjects: Non-core subjects, while still valuable, are not considered essential for foundational academic skills but contribute to a well-rounded education. These subjects often focus on personal interests, creativity, and practical skills. Examples of non-core subjects include:
- Art: Encourages creativity and self-expression through various mediums.
- Music: Involves learning about music theory, instruments, and performance.
- Physical Education: Promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and healthy lifestyle habits.
- Foreign Languages: Provides exposure to other languages and cultures, enhancing communication skills.
- Life Skills: Covers practical skills such as cooking, budgeting, and personal organization.
While core subjects provide essential knowledge and skills necessary for academic achievement, non-core subjects enrich a child’s education by fostering creativity, physical health, and practical life skills. A well-rounded homeschool curriculum typically includes a balance of both core and non-core subjects, catering to the holistic development of the child.
Homeschool Electives
Homeschool electives are courses or subjects that students can choose to study outside of the core curriculum in a homeschooling environment. Unlike mandatory subjects such as math, science, and language arts, electives allow students to explore their interests, hobbies, and talents.
These can include a wide range of topics such as art, music, foreign languages, physical education, technology, and life skills. Electives provide opportunities for personalized learning and can enhance a student’s overall educational experience by fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Homeschool Enrichment
Homeschool enrichment refers to additional educational activities or programs that complement and enhance a student’s core homeschooling curriculum. These activities are designed to provide deeper learning experiences, foster creativity, and develop skills beyond traditional subjects.
Enrichment can include a variety of options such as field trips, workshops, co-op classes, extracurricular activities, community service, and hands-on projects. The goal of homeschool enrichment is to broaden a student’s educational experience, promote social interaction, and encourage exploration of new interests and talents.
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
An organization whose mission is to bring homeschool families together in order to provide low-cost legal defense (membership-based). HSLDA
Homeschool Unit Studies
Homeschool unit studies are an integrated approach to education where a specific theme or topic is explored across multiple subjects over a set period. Instead of teaching subjects in isolation, unit studies combine elements of language arts, science, history, math, and art around a central theme.
For example, a unit study on “ocean life” might include reading literature related to the ocean, studying marine biology, exploring the geography of oceans, and creating art projects inspired by sea creatures. This method encourages deeper understanding and connections between different subjects, making learning more engaging and meaningful for students.
Morning Basket
A homeschool morning basket is a collection of educational materials and resources that families use during a designated time in the morning to facilitate learning and foster a sense of community and routine. This approach is particularly popular among homeschooling families as it allows for a relaxed, yet structured, start to the day.
Key elements of a homeschool morning basket may include:
- Books: A selection of read-aloud books, poetry, or literature that can be shared among family members. This can include fiction, non-fiction, and books related to specific subjects or themes.
- Art and Craft Supplies: Materials for creative activities that can be incorporated into the morning routine, such as drawing, painting, or hands-on projects.
- Educational Games and Activities: Interactive games or activities that reinforce learning in subjects like math, language arts, or science.
- Nature Study Items: Tools for exploring the outdoors, such as field guides, magnifying glasses, or notebooks for nature journaling.
- Morning Rituals: Activities that promote mindfulness or gratitude, such as journaling, meditation, or discussing daily goals.
The morning basket serves as a flexible framework for learning, allowing families to incorporate various subjects and activities based on their interests and needs. It promotes a cozy, inviting atmosphere for learning and can be adapted to suit different age groups and educational styles. The goal is to create a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and connection among family members at the start of the day.
Secular Homeschool
Secular homeschool refers to a homeschooling approach that does not incorporate religious teachings or perspectives into the curriculum. Instead, it focuses on educational content that is based on secular principles, emphasizing academic subjects such as math, science, literature, and social studies without religious influence.
Secular homeschooling materials and resources are designed to be inclusive for families of various beliefs and backgrounds, allowing for a diverse range of educational philosophies and methodologies while prioritizing evidence-based learning and critical thinking.
Umbrella School (Cover School)
An umbrella school, also known as a cover school, is an educational organization that provides support and oversight for homeschooling families. These schools often offer a range of services, including curriculum guidance, record-keeping, access to extracurricular activities, and resources for compliance with local education laws.
Families who enroll in an umbrella school typically maintain primary responsibility for their children’s education while benefiting from the school’s administrative support and community.
This arrangement can help ensure that homeschooling families meet legal requirements and provide a structured educational environment while allowing for flexibility in their teaching methods.
Homeschooling Methods
Charlotte Mason Homeschooling:
Charlotte Mason homeschooling is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the use of living books, nature study, and short lessons to provide a well-rounded education for children. Named after its founder, Charlotte Mason, this approach to homeschooling seeks to develop a child’s mind, body, and spirit through a variety of educational experiences. Read more about Charlotte Mason Homeschooling Here!
Classical Homeschooling:
An approach to homeschooling that teaches students how to learn and think through three stages of learning—the grammar stage, the logic/dialectic stage, and the rhetoric stage—known as the trivium (originating from early Greek and Roman civilizations). Read More about Classical Homeschooling Here!
Eclectic Homeschooling:
Eclectic homeschooling is a popular approach to educating children that involves combining different teaching methods and materials. It is a flexible and personalized approach that allows parents to tailor their children’s education to their individual needs and interests. The term “eclectic” comes from the Greek word “eklektikos,” which means “selective.” In the context of homeschooling, it refers to the practice of selecting and using a variety of educational resources and methods. Read More about Eclectic Homeschooling here. Read more about Eclectic homeschooling here.
Montessori Homeschooling:
An approach to homeschooling that uses child-directed Montessori Learning methods such as discovery and exploration
School-At-Home Homeschooling (aka Traditional Homeschooling):
An approach to homeschooling that recreates what typically happens in a traditional school setting (sometimes called School-At-Home). Read More about Traditional Homeschooling here.
Unit Studies:
An approach to homeschooling that groups learning activities across subject areas into themes. Read more about What is a Homeschool Unit Study and How to create your own!
Waldorf Homeschooling:
An approach to homeschooling that uses the Waldorf Approach (popularized by Rudolf Steiner in the late 19th-early 20th centuries), which focuses on age-appropriate learning through three developmental periods and does not separate learning by traditional subjects.
Homeschooling Curriculum Options
Afterschooling:
Supplementing traditional school with homeschooling after school hours
Boxed Curriculum:
A curriculum that comes with all materials needed for a year in a single package
Carschooling:
Carschooling refers to the practice of incorporating educational activities into travel time, particularly while driving in a car. This approach allows families to make productive use of time spent in transit by engaging in various learning experiences.
Carschooling can include listening to audiobooks, educational podcasts, language learning, discussing topics of interest, or using travel-related learning games. It is especially popular among homeschooling families, as it provides an opportunity to reinforce subjects and concepts in a flexible and enjoyable way, turning everyday travel into a valuable educational experience.
Correspondence School:
A correspondence school is an educational institution that offers courses and programs primarily through mail or online communication, allowing students to study at their own pace and from remote locations.
Traditionally, correspondence schools provided printed materials and assignments sent through the postal service, but many now utilize digital platforms for delivering content and facilitating communication between instructors and students.
These schools cater to a variety of learners, including those seeking high school diplomas, vocational training, or continuing education. Correspondence schools provide flexibility for individuals who may not be able to attend traditional classroom settings due to work, family commitments, or geographic constraints.
Distance Learning:
Distance learning is an educational process that allows students to engage in learning activities without being physically present in a traditional classroom setting. This approach utilizes various technologies, such as the internet, video conferencing, and multimedia resources, to deliver course content and facilitate communication between instructors and learners. Distance learning can take many forms, including online courses, virtual classrooms, and hybrid models that combine online and in-person instruction. It provides flexibility for students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, making education accessible to a wider audience, including those with geographical, professional, or personal constraints.
Dual Enrollment:
Dual enrollment is an educational program that allows high school students to enroll in college courses while still completing their high school education. This arrangement enables students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, providing an opportunity to get a head start on their college education.
Dual enrollment programs can be offered through partnerships between high schools and local colleges or universities, and they may include a variety of courses across different subjects. Participating in dual enrollment can help students experience college-level coursework, improve their academic skills, and potentially reduce the time and cost required to complete a college degree.
Online Curriculum:
An online curriculum is a structured educational program delivered primarily through the internet, allowing students to access course materials, lessons, assignments, and assessments digitally. This type of curriculum can encompass a wide range of subjects and grade levels, often incorporating multimedia resources such as videos, interactive activities, and discussion forums to enhance the learning experience.
Online curricula are designed to be flexible, enabling students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, making them suitable for various educational settings, including homeschooling, traditional classrooms, and adult education. Many online curricula also provide tools for tracking progress and facilitating communication between students and instructors.
Roadschooling:
Roadschooling is a form of homeschooling that takes place while traveling, often in a vehicle such as an RV, camper, or car. This approach allows families to combine education with exploration, using their travels as a backdrop for learning experiences.
Roadschooling can involve a wide range of activities, including visiting historical sites, national parks, museums, and cultural landmarks, as well as incorporating travel-related lessons in subjects like geography, science, and history.
Families may use various resources, such as books, online courses, and hands-on projects, to create an educational experience that is both flexible and immersive. This lifestyle promotes experiential learning, allowing children to gain knowledge and skills through real-world experiences while enjoying the adventure of travel.
Worldschooling:
Worldschooling is an educational approach that emphasizes learning through travel and cultural immersion. Families who practice worldschooling often explore different countries and cultures, using their experiences as a primary source of education.
This method encourages children to learn about geography, history, language, art, and social studies through firsthand experiences, interactions with local communities, and exploration of diverse environments.
Worldschooling can include activities such as visiting historical sites, participating in local customs and traditions, engaging with native speakers, and exploring natural landscapes. The philosophy behind worldschooling is that real-world experiences provide valuable lessons that can enhance traditional academic knowledge, fostering a broader worldview and a deeper understanding of global issues. This approach allows for flexibility in learning, as families can adapt their educational focus based on their travel experiences and the interests of their children.
Unschooling:
Unschooling is a method of homeschooling that emphasizes child-led learning. Instead of following a set curriculum, unschoolers allow their children to pursue their interests and learn at their own pace. This can involve reading books, watching videos, participating in online communities, and engaging in hands-on activities. Unschooling can be a great fit for children who are self-motivated and curious.
Year-Round Homeschooling:
An option that allows homeschool families to spread the required 180 days of instruction over the entire year, allowing for less work each day and more frequent, shorter breaks (which can eliminate “summer slide” and other learning regression due to longer breaks). Personally, I like to do 6 weeks on 1 week off schedule throughout the year plus breaks for vacations.
Popular Homeschooling Learning Theory
Learning Styles:
A popular term used to describe the way a person learns (now controversial because of its categorical, fixed nature and being replaced by more fluid ideas like multiple intelligences and learning preferences in educational circles). Learn more about Learning styles here.
Multiple Intelligence Theory:
An approach to learning that is based on Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory stating that we have eight individual intelligences rather than just one
- Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence: One of eight intelligences identified in Multiple Intelligence Theory referring to the ability to use one’s whole body or parts of one’s body to learn, problem-solve, etc.
- Interpersonal Intelligence: One of eight intelligences identified in Multiple Intelligence Theory referring to the ability to interact effectively with other people socially
- Intrapersonal Intelligence: One of eight intelligences identified in Multiple Intelligence Theory referring to the ability to understand one’s own self
- Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: One of eight intelligences identified in Multiple Intelligence Theory referring to the ability to think logically about the relationships among symbols or actions
- Musical-Rhythmic Intelligence: One of eight intelligences identified in Multiple Intelligence Theory referring to the ability to understand the components of music
- Naturalistic Intelligence: One of eight intelligences identified in Multiple Intelligence Theory referring to the ability to understand the world of nature
- Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence: One of eight intelligences identified in Multiple Intelligence Theory referring to the ability to understand language
- Visual-Spatial Intelligence: One of eight intelligences identified in Multiple Intelligence Theory referring to the ability to visualize objects in space
VARK Model of Learning:
An approach to learning based on the work of Neil D. Fleming and Coleen E. Mills (1992) that considers four VARK modalities preferred by students—visual, auditory/aural, reading/writing, and kinesthetic
- Aural Learner: One of four VARK learning preferences, characterized by students who prefer to learn information that is heard or spoken (e.g., explanations, discussions, podcasts); also known as Auditory Learner
- Kinesthetic Learner: One of four VARK learning preferences, characterized by students who prefer to learn information that is presented through the senses in a realistic way (e.g., hands-on, case studies, field trips); also known as Tactile Learner
- Read/Write Learner: One of four VARK learning preferences, characterized by students who prefer to learn information that is in printed form (e.g., books, handouts, bulleted lists); also known as Linguistic Learner
- Visual Learner: One of four VARK learning preferences, characterized by students who prefer to learn information that is presented visually/symbolically (e.g., pictures, diagrams, charts, graphs)
Homeschooling Record-Keeping
Homeschooling Portfolio:
A homeschooling portfolio is a curated collection of a student’s work and documentation that showcases their educational progress and achievements over a specific period, typically a school year.
This portfolio serves as a comprehensive record of the student’s learning experiences, including samples of completed assignments, projects, assessments, and other materials that reflect their academic growth and skills.
In addition to work samples, a homeschooling portfolio may include lesson plans, curriculum outlines, attendance records, and reflections on the learning process. It can also feature photographs of field trips, extracurricular activities, and other educational experiences.
Portfolios are often used for assessment purposes, to demonstrate compliance with local homeschooling regulations, or to provide evidence of learning when transitioning to traditional schooling or higher education. They offer a personalized way to document a child’s unique educational journey and can be tailored to reflect the individual learning style and interests of the student.
Individual Home Instruction Plan (IHIP):
An Individual Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) is a formal document that outlines a homeschooling family’s educational plan for a student. It serves as a roadmap for the student’s learning objectives, subjects to be studied, and the methods of instruction that will be used throughout the school year. The IHIP is often required by state or local education authorities to ensure that homeschooling families are providing a comprehensive and structured educational experience.
Typically, an IHIP includes the following components:
- Educational Goals: Clear objectives for what the student is expected to learn during the year.
- Subjects and Curriculum: A list of subjects to be covered, along with the specific curriculum or resources that will be used.
- Instructional Methods: An outline of the teaching approaches and strategies that will be employed, such as hands-on activities, online learning, or literature-based instruction.
- Assessment Methods: Information on how the student’s progress will be evaluated, including tests, projects, or portfolios.
- Schedule: A general timeline or plan for when subjects will be taught or when specific milestones will be reached.
The IHIP is designed to provide a structured framework for homeschooling, ensuring that families meet educational standards while allowing for flexibility in how those standards are achieved. It also serves as a communication tool with educational authorities, demonstrating the family’s commitment to providing a quality education.
Individual Service Plan (ISP):
An Individual Service Plan (ISP) is a customized document that outlines the specific services and support required for an individual, particularly in educational or therapeutic settings. ISPs are often used for students with disabilities or special needs to ensure they receive the appropriate accommodations and resources to facilitate their learning and development.
Key components of an ISP typically include:
- Assessment of Needs: A summary of the individual’s strengths, challenges, and specific needs based on evaluations and assessments.
- Goals and Objectives: Clearly defined, measurable goals that the individual is expected to achieve within a specified timeframe. These goals are tailored to the individual’s unique circumstances and abilities.
- Services and Supports: A detailed description of the services, interventions, and resources that will be provided to help the individual meet their goals. This may include special education services, therapy, counseling, or assistive technology.
- Implementation Plan: A plan for how and when the services will be delivered, including the roles of educators, therapists, and family members in supporting the individual.
- Monitoring and Review: Procedures for monitoring progress toward the goals and regular review dates to assess the effectiveness of the plan and make necessary adjustments.
ISPs are designed to ensure that individuals receive personalized support tailored to their specific needs, promoting their academic success and overall well-being. They are often developed collaboratively by a team that may include educators, specialists, family members, and the individual themselves.
Lapbook:
A lapbook is a hands-on educational tool that allows students to creatively organize and present information on a specific topic. It typically consists of a file folder or a similar base that is filled with various interactive elements, such as foldable booklets, flaps, pockets, and mini-books. These elements can contain drawings, written information, diagrams, and other materials related to the chosen subject.
Lapbooks are often used in homeschooling and educational settings to reinforce learning through a tactile and visual approach. They can cover a wide range of topics, from history and science to literature and geography, making them versatile for different age groups and subjects.
The process of creating a lapbook encourages students to engage deeply with the material, promoting research skills, creativity, and critical thinking. Additionally, lapbooks can serve as a personalized portfolio of a student’s learning journey, allowing them to showcase their understanding of a topic in a fun and interactive way.
Letter of Intent (LOI):
A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a formal document that expresses a person’s or organization’s intention to take a specific action or enter into a particular agreement. In the context of homeschooling, a Letter of Intent is often used by parents or guardians to notify their local school district or educational authority of their decision to homeschool their child.
Key components of a Letter of Intent for homeschooling typically include:
- Parent/Guardian Information: The names and contact information of the parents or guardians who will be homeschooling the child.
- Child Information: The name and age of the child being homeschooled.
- Statement of Intent: A clear declaration that the parents intend to provide home instruction for their child.
- Educational Plan: While not always required, some letters may include a brief overview of the educational approach or curriculum that will be used.
- Signature: The signature of the parent or guardian, indicating their commitment to homeschooling.
The LOI serves as a formal notification to the school district, ensuring compliance with local homeschooling laws and regulations. It is an important step in the homeschooling process and helps establish the family’s intention to provide an alternative educational experience for their child.
Progress Report:
A written quarterly or annual report showing a child’s progress (i.e., topics completed, assessments, grades) that may be a required submission to the school district in some states.
A progress report is a formal document that provides an update on an individual’s or group’s performance, achievements, and development over a specified period. In the context of education, particularly in homeschooling, a progress report is used to assess and communicate a student’s academic progress, skills, and areas for improvement.
Key components of a progress report typically include:
- Student Information: The name, grade level, and relevant details about the student.
- Subject Areas: A breakdown of the subjects being studied, with specific focus on the curriculum or topics covered during the reporting period.
- Assessment of Performance: An evaluation of the student’s progress in each subject, often including grades, completed assignments, and any assessments or tests taken.
- Strengths and Achievements: Highlights of the student’s accomplishments, skills demonstrated, and areas where they excelled.
- Areas for Improvement: Identification of subjects or skills that may need additional focus or support.
- Goals and Recommendations: Suggestions for future learning objectives and strategies to help the student continue to progress.
- Reflection: A section for the student or educator to reflect on the learning process and experiences during the reporting period.
Progress reports serve as a valuable tool for tracking educational development, facilitating communication between parents, educators, and students, and ensuring that educational goals are being met. They can also be used for compliance with homeschooling regulations, providing evidence of a student’s learning journey.
Standardized Testing:
Testing that requires uniform administration and scoring in order to determine a student’s performance relative to his/her peers (required for homeschoolers in some states).
Standardized testing refers to a type of assessment that is administered and scored in a consistent manner across all test-takers. These tests are designed to measure students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities in specific subject areas, such as mathematics, reading, writing, and science.
Standardized tests are often used in educational settings to evaluate student performance, compare academic achievement across different populations, and assess the effectiveness of educational programs.
Key characteristics of standardized testing include:
- Uniform Administration: The tests are given under controlled conditions, ensuring that all students receive the same instructions, time limits, and testing environment.
- Objective Scoring: Standardized tests typically use a predetermined scoring system, often involving multiple-choice questions or specific rubrics for open-ended responses, which minimizes subjectivity in grading.
- Comparability: Results from standardized tests can be compared across different groups of students, schools, or districts, providing data on educational outcomes and performance trends.
- Benchmarking: These tests often serve as benchmarks for educational standards, helping educators and policymakers identify areas of strength and weakness within the education system.
Standardized testing can play a significant role in educational accountability, influencing decisions regarding curriculum, funding, and student placement. However, it is also a topic of debate, with discussions around its effectiveness, potential biases, and the pressure it may place on students and educators.
Hopefully, we defined many homeschooling terms that you needed help understanding! If there are any you’d like me to add to it feel free to email me at hello@hsfg.org with the subject line “Homeschooling Terms”.
Always Learning and Always Growing! Happy Homeschooling!