Homeschooling isn’t just for elementary school kids anymore. It can be a lot of work; not everyone can do it full-time. Here’s how homeschoolers handle high school.
There are many benefits to homeschooling your teen or tween. The most common reasons include personal interest, flexibility, and parental involvement. Following a schedule, setting deadlines, staying organized, choosing a curriculum, and maintaining student records will be your and your student’s top priorities throughout the high school years.
Homeschooling has become more popular in the past decade as parents seek alternatives to traditional school systems. Many home educators use the term “unschooling” instead of homeschooling, but either way, they are teaching their children at home.
But what if you don’t have the time or resources to teach your child yourself? What if you want to spend time with them without worrying about grades, tests, and homework?
The Benefits Of Home Education For Teens
There are plenty of benefits to homeschooling your teenager. If you think homeschooling is only for elementary school kids, think again. It’s never too late to start homeschooling. Teenagers are often bored with their classes and need something new to keep them interested. They must also learn self-discipline, accountability, organization, and responsibility.
Here are some key benefits of homeschooling your teenager:
1. Flexibility – Because homeschooling is entirely up to you, you can tailor your schedule to fit your family’s needs. You may take a break from studying one day to go on a field trip instead. You might even choose to skip a week of school when you have a big event coming up.
2. Parental Involvement – Homeschooling allows parents to get involved with their teens’ education. This makes it easier to help with homework and track progress. Plus, it will enable parents to connect with their teenagers much deeper. After all, who better know what their kid likes and doesn’t like than themselves?
3. Life Skills – Teens will learn valuable life skills outside the classroom. They will learn to manage money, deal with stress, practice good communication skills, and develop self-confidence. These skills are essential for every aspect of life after high school.
What Is The Cost?
One thing to remember is that homeschooling isn’t free. There are many costs associated with homeschooling, including tuition, books, supplies, and materials. Homeschooling requires planning, preparation, and discipline.
Tuition is the cost of sending your child to public or private schools. Depending on where you live and how far away your child’s school is, this could be expensive.
Books – Books can range anywhere from $10-$100, depending on your curriculum type. Subscriptions are available that allow you to purchase textbooks at a discounted price.
Supplies – Most homeschool families buy supplies because they save money compared to purchasing school supplies at a store. However, you can buy secondhand items online to save money.
Materials – Materials can vary wildly depending on the curriculum you choose. There might be additional fees if you decide to use a particular curriculum.
Discipline – Discipline is required no matter what kind of schooling you choose. Homeschooling requires more self-discipline because you must set aside daily time to study.
A Few Tips To Make It Easier Or More Enjoyable
If you’re thinking about homeschooling your teen, here are a few tips to make it easier or more enjoyable:
1. Find A Mentor/Teacher Who Can Help You With Your Personal Learning Plan (PLP)
You may feel overwhelmed by the idea of creating your PLP. Instead, consider hiring someone to help you. A mentor or teacher can help guide you through different topics and answer questions.
2. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions When Things Get Challenging
It’s OK to ask questions during the process of homeschooling. Many resources are available online to help with any questions you might have. You can also reach out to other homeschoolers via social media groups.
3. Keep Records And Track Progress
Keep records of everything, whether you use a paper journal or an online diary, and document information such as daily lessons, weekly assignments, and monthly goals.
4. Create An Online Community That Will Support You & Encourages You As Well
Create an online community where you can share ideas and experiences with others. Look into joining a Facebook group or creating a blog. Both of these options allow you to connect with other homeschoolers, which can provide support along the way.
5. Stay Organized!
Proper organization is essential for any homeschooler. It keeps your mind clear and helps you stay focused. There are several ways to organize your homeschooling routine. One option is to divide your days into blocks for specific subjects. Another option is using a planner or calendar to plan your day.
6. Take Breaks From Time Management
Time management is essential for any student, especially teens. It would be best to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout. Try walking around the neighborhood or going outside for a little bit to enjoy nature.
7. Have Fun While Studying
While homeschooling has many benefits, it can also be very stressful. If you are frustrated with your child’s lack of motivation or focus, it may be best to take a break and resume studies later. Instead, why not find a fun activity that you both enjoy?
8. Set Deadlines
Setting deadlines for homework, projects, assignments, and anything else will help your child understand the importance of finishing things on time.
Homeschooling is an excellent alternative to traditional schooling. But it comes with its own set of challenges. If you decide to homeschool your teen, make sure to prepare yourself well and take the time to research different curriculums and resources. Once you’ve found a program that works for you and your child, stick with it!
