High School is the most exciting 4 years of homeschooling. You get to watch your son or daughter make leaps from childhood into adulthood. Think of it like driving, these years are the permit and adulthood is the drivers license. Getting their permit has been a long process of learning the right information, instilling good habits, forming a good sense of direction, and fostering a desire to improve their abilities. This has been quite arduous and thankless at times, but you both persevered to pass the test. Now you are getting out of the driver’s seat, but not the car. It’s time to put their knowledge into practice, to help them get where they want to go.
Select the destination they’ll reach at the end of these 4 years and choose the path they’ll need to get there. Don’t drive the most boring route if interesting options will also get them there. A Design or Computer-aided-drafting class are choices to fill a budding architect’s fine art requirement. Athletes and those interested in medicine will find Human Anatomy very beneficial. Find classes that meet the requirements while also tying in your teen’s interest.
TN graduation?
https://www.tn.gov/education/instruction/graduation-requirements.html
College bound?
https://www.thoughtco.com/high-school-course-requirements-college-admissions-788858
Specific College or Trade School?
Look at their website or call admissions to find out what their requirements are.
Entrepreneur?
Your teen can lay the groundwork and even start their business by gearing classes to this goal, while meeting the TN graduation requirements above.
Get your car in order with the proper resources. This may include buying the proper manuals, adding technology, asking others to do work, and more. A self guided curriculum and reference materials allow your teen to practice learning independently. Additional teachers through tutors, videos, dual enrollment courses, co-ops, ect help your teen become comfortable with other teaching styles and expectations. A job or volunteer work provides many opportunities to hone their life skills.
Review how to drive, before you start the car. Check your teen knows what is expected of them and how to do it. Remind them they are now in control of something very powerful, which demands a higher level of respect, focus, and follow through. Make it clear this new independence can be taken away if you see something is going wrong. Reassure them you are always available to help, but know they are going to do their best.
Get going….. Getting out of the driver’s seat doesn’t mean you can fall asleep. Actually at first it would be easier if you drove, but then you are missing the point of these years. You need to make sure they stay on the road and the resources are in place for a safe ride. Ask questions that cannot be answered with one word. Ask them what they are going to accomplish today and let them show you what they can do.
Watch for detours. Wrong turns or road closures are bound to happen. Keep a list of any resource, class, opportunity you encounter in case need to recalculate the directions. Taking Spanish at Rio Salado to finish your foriegn language credits in 2 semesters instead of 2 years may clear much needed space in your schedule. Biology class might make them realize they need a new destination and EVIT’s Veterinary Assistant program could be the new route needed. It is not a failure to change the path or even the destination.
Enjoy the ride. Homeschooling makes High School a reward. You get to have wonderful discussions about school subjects and life. You get to be their sounding board as they make decisions and face the consequences. Your teen is getting better driving their lives making the transition to their next leg of their journey so much smoother.
Stella Maris 