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Starting Homeschool in High School – Is It Too Late?

March 17, 2016 | 5 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

It’s not my style to sugar-coat projects. Starting homeschool in high school is hard work, but it is never too late to bring your teen home.

Giving you practical and doable starting points, I hope you’re empowered to see that your child is worth every challenge you have ahead.

Look at these questions that need to be addressed right away so that you know how to move forward.

1. Do You Really Need the Cooperation of Your Teen?

Talk about a touchy subject, but it really has to be addressed first.

What we need to appreciate as parents is that we are influenced by our upbringing like whether or not we had overbearing parents, whether or not we had a choice to go to college and whether or not we were negatively influenced as teens.

Teens are not adults though at times they can make adult like decisions. I have helped new homeschoolers who had teens in school that did get negatively influenced by other teens.

Too, some teens are just plain tired of the grind of public school schedule and know that their time is better used at home where they can dive into what interests them.

Then other teens and parents feel that what is offered at home couldn’t possibly compare to what is offered in public school and are apprehensive about homeschooling, but need a break. I have much to say on this too, but need to save this for another thread so I can keep this manageable for you today.

The point here is: Who is Going to Be in Charge?

The most successful families have been those who guided their teens, but tried to work together with them too.

Never thinking that the teen is elevated to the “third” parent in a situation, but showing yourself as a parent who is interested in the way they learn best allays some of the stress.

Simply put, a teen’s future cannot be completely left up to him and his inexperience. Many times it calls for being the parent and sometimes not so much the friend. However, it never is wise to berate teens or not listen to their needs.

Do Homeschool Benefits Outweigh the Challenges?

Everyone, including teens, wants to be heard. Sensible parents listen to their teens input because it is valuable and you want to be the kind of person your teen respects and listens to, but realize the final decision is made by the parent.

Moving forward, it’s not necessary that you and your teen agree, but it is necessary that he realizes that you will listen to him, but you have the final say.

Besides, there is a reason you brought your teen home, whether it was physical, moral, spiritual or academic.

2. Is it Necessary to Lesson Plan Right Away?

As you can see before you even think academics, your relationship needs to be addressed. However, right behind that, the next weighty thing on your mind is academics.

No fear, you can do this. First, start by getting a copy of your teen’s transcript before you leave public school. It’s less hassle that way, but you can get it afterwards too.

Most public schools want to transfer the transcript to the next school, but just let them know you’re homeschooling and need a copy too as the parent.

After you get the transcript, you will know how many credits your teen has and that is your starting point.

Look here at my helpful article, Homeschool High School–How to Log Hours for High School because in most states, you are the one that determines how many credits your teen needs to complete graduation.

Base the total number of credits needed for graduation on the direction you and your teen chooses.

For example, if your teen is college bound, be sure your teen has enough credits, which are closer to 24 to 26.

If you are looking for your teen to graduate with a high school diploma and looking to start a career, then 19 to 22 may be just fine.

I often say, work backwards to plan. This means start with your end goal in mind, whether college or career and work backwards by deciding the number of credits.

3. Are All Subjects Equal?

Next, before you choose curriculum or an online school, you need to be clear in your mind as to what subjects your teen needs.

You don’t want to pay for something you don’t need and also, you don’t want to neglect something you should be covering.

For example, if your teen is college bound, he may need one or two more English credits that the college requires. Maybe he needs to take a foreign language. Fill in the rest of the transcript by make a list of what subjects to cover.

If your teen is looking for a career in computers, he may need more computer courses.

Look carefully at the subjects because if your teen is working toward a career, does he really need one more credit in a subject that will be a waste of his time?

I have a few more helps for you, review my articles Homeschool High School The Must Cover Subjects Part 1, and Homeschool High School The Must Cover Subjects Part 2.

I promise, scrutinizing those 3 questions will kick off your teen’s high school years on the right foot.

With the articles I have here and too by you posting your questions here, I will help you every bit of the way.

Take it slow by taking tiny steps, but know you will be making monumental and meaningful changes that are worth every effort.

Hugs and love ya,

I gotcha covered. Arm yourself with more information.

How Does my High School Homeschooled Kid Get a Diploma If I Do This Myself and
Grab my free High School Planning Form Here.

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.

Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

3 Things To Remember When Homeschool Unit Studies Get Complicated

March 16, 2016 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Homeschool unit studies are a natural and relaxed way to learn. However, it is easy to get off track and create obstacles instead of keeping them simple. I know, why do we that?

Look at these 3 things to remember when homeschool unit studies get complicated.

1. Slow Down Momma!

I have the tendency to over plan, not just because I love to plan, but because we find so many fascinating topics to cover.

Pushing quickly through each unit study, we find ourselves at times exhausted. Reminding myself that our unit study topics fit my kids and so should the time we spend on them gets me refocused.

Determine what is a good pace for you and your kids because each unit study is different. Take a cue from your kids and slow down if they are immersed in a topic.

2. Steal Ideas From Other Homeschool Approaches.

When I first started unit studies, I had my boys writing about everything we learned.

Soon I realized that our time spent together was not about talking or interacting with each other about what we’re learning, but about writing everything down on paper.

Should Exploration and Discovery Cost?

Who was I impressing with all the mounting writing reports we had?

Adopting the narration technique from the Charlotte Mason approach was the wonderful gem we needed to add to our learning day.

See my tips at 3 Unexpected Benefits of Homeschool Narration and Narration – Telling Back or Testing.

And though conversations are exhausting with little kids because of their desire to soak up new things, teens are equally challenging because they want to let you know what they know. Let them while they want to talk.

It makes for some great debate at home. Of course, pick your times carefully to “discuss” because teens are almost always ready to question anything and there will be times you are mentally exhausted.

With all that being said, I would never trade our time together talking and recalling all that we learned.

Narration is a way for your kids to each share what they remember and when they do, all of your kids get the benefit of what each child is sharing. It’s mastery learning at its best.

3. Crafty, I am not.

No, I don’t long for or pine to stay tucked away in a room someplace and do crafts. I have friends like that and they make beautiful crafts and did I mention they are very creative? I am moved by different reasons to create or craft.

Crafty and hands-on are not necessarily synonymous as I have learned. Letting go of the thought that we have to do crafts with each unit study helped me to make unit studies adaptable for our family.

The difference between a craft and hands-on project is that hands-on learning is about making a learning connection between doing and reading.

Here is the clincher though and that is that kids that are motivated by the act or live for crafts and kids that want a practical purpose for a project both benefit.

Because I had always associated hands-on learning with a craft, I had put obstacles in the way of learning.

Oh sure, we love to have fun too and I realize now that having fun is a great way to learn. Letting go of public school mentality that learning has to be austere, severe and dry helped too.

Hands-on is a win-win because it doesn’t mean you have to do a craft, just find a hands-on project that your kids like.

I am so passionate about hands-on learning that I created an article, 365 Days of Hands-on Activities – One For EVERY Day of the Year. Grab an idea or two from there for your next homeschool unit study.

Embracing unit studies and making them fit the way my kids learn has allowed us to learn more thoroughly instead of constantly reviewing.

The key has always been getting back to simplicity when I find myself over complicating them.

Has that happened to you?

Have you seen my Ultimate Unit Study Planner? It is my way of tracking what we have learned.

Ultimate Unit Study Planner Store @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus 600x

Also, you may like to read these tips.

5 Simple Ways to Enhance a Homeschool Unit Study,The Big List of Unit Study Hands-on (and Hands-off) Curriculum, and 5 BEST Books to Create an Around the World Unit Study (and Hands-on Activities).

Hugs and love ya,

Follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.

Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

12 Ways for a Homeschooled Teen to Earn Money – A Budding Entrepreneur?

March 13, 2016 | 11 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’m sharing 12 ways for a homeschooled teen to earn money. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

Long before they are of age to start working, kids want their own money.

And whether they count bricks at a construction site as a kid like my entrepreneur husband did or just want some spending money, kids are looking for creative ways to earn their own bucks.

12 Ways for a Homeschooled Teen to Earn Money – A Budding Entrepreneur @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

I am sharing some of the things we have thought of to put some money in kids’ pockets.

Have You Seen My Husbands Book, Entrepreneur Born or Made?

I am so PROUD of him because he created this book as a manual for my boys. I know you’ll love it.

The First Signs of an Entrepreneur

Though, I have always wanted my boys to care for the elderly regardless of whether they got paid or not, there are some elderly people that set aside funds each month to pay for the “little” things like buying groceries or cleaning their house.

So, look at these 12 ways a homeschooled teen can earn money.

My mother in law just recently told me about wanting to find somebody to vacuum her house regularly.

1. Running errands for the elderly.

If we lived closer, we would do it no charge of course, but the thought got the creative juices flowing for my boys.

2. Garage sales.

If you live in a neighborhood that allows you to have garage sales a little more regularly than twice a year, then garage sales are a great way for your kids to help you clear out clutter and for them to earn a few dollars.

3. Pet walking/pet setting.

Pet setting for a friend going on a trip or walking a pet while a friend is at work is a great activity for kids too.

4. Vet office.

Kelley’s daughter started working at a vet office helping out and cleaning after the pets until she worked up to a full working professional.

5. Babysitting.

An oldie, but goodie is babysitting.

Nowadays, they even have free CPR classes and babysitting classes, unlike they did when I babysat.

6. Yardwork.

Most people, not just elderly would like reliable help for their yard at different times of the years.

Even raking leaves is hard work and people will pay to have leaves bagged.

Having all the boys I have, I didn’t realize how easy I have it when something needs to be moved.

7. Moving small furniture or hanging pictures.

They seem to consult with each other about what is the best way to move furniture longer than the actual process of moving a piece of furniture.

That is okay, however, because they are learning to think of creative ways of moving furniture to make it easier for them.

So that is why I say small pieces or projects to move as they learn safety.

Also, picture hanging and getting on ladders is something teens can do since a lot of women, including myself, don’t like getting on ladders.

8. Washing and detailing cars.

This is also a great way to earn money.

If the teen has supplies, he can “travel” (meaning I don’t mind taking them to where my teens need to go to wash a car), be mobile and bring a personal service to a person.

People are busy and like being at their home and will pay for a washing service to come to them.

**9. Washing the outside windows of professional buildings.**

My husband has encouraged my boys to create their own business, like he did at their age by washing windows in professional buildings.

There are still many locally owned business today and they may get cleaning services for the inside but maybe not the outside windows.

Making a trip once or twice a month on a regular route to clean outside windows is a great teen business.

The best part is that your teen can make his own hours and do them after school.

It doesn’t matter if nobody is there or not at the business and its probably better because some businesses want cleaning done after hours anyway.

10. Make and sell crafts.

Though my boys are not always the crafty loving type of kids, they see this as a great business for some teens.

Teens can make jewelry or duct tape wallets and sell on line. Look at some ideas for duct tape crafting here.

11. Setting up instagram, email or printers for older folks.

Many folks, like my parents want to see what we are doing by having instagram or need help setting up a printer or even help managing an email account.

Things that are very easy for us and our kids are not so easy for older folks.

What older person wouldn’t like a well-behaved and respectful teen (cute probably too – okay, okay) set up some of these apps for them on their devices?

12. Selling New Products Purchased Freely

Then one more way to make income that I think is very creative is something I learned from a dear friend.

She would save coupons and buy products, like soap or toothpaste with her coupon that were 100% free.

And then turn around and sell those new items in a garage sale or flea market booth.

The garage sale was better and a lot of time, she would find flea market booths that would give her a free booth for a month or two as an introductory offer and she would sell items she got free with her coupons.

Many times, the products were small trial size, but it didn’t matter because she would still make a 100% profit.

I was impressed then and I am still impressed today.

Coupon cutting along with online apps save money in the store.

The best thing is to buy the size where the coupon buys it for free, but a discount works too.. Just show the app on your smart phone and you get a discount.

What ways has your homeschooled teen earn money?

Also, look at these other tips:

Hugs and love ya,

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.

Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

3 Reasons Why You Should Be Reading Homeschool Magazines

March 9, 2016 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The homeschool community is tight-knit. Geographical boundaries or cultural differences are transcended when a family mentions they are homeschoolers. For many years, homeschool magazines have played a huge role in helping homeschooling families stick together.

Is Homeschooling Your Hobby?

Today, in sharing 3 reasons why you should be reading homeschool magazines, I want to share about not only why I love homeschool magazines, but why I specifically love Homeschooling Today.

Homeschooling journeys are time specific, but not so with homeschool magazines.

If you have homeschooled for a while and graduated a kid or two like I have, you know how precious short the time is to homeschool and to share personal experiences of your journey through blogs.

Homeschooling magazines don’t necessarily have a short life (that is unless we support them) span. This is a good thing because if you are new, you are encouraged from experiences of the past and are informed about trends of the future.

For example, one year at a booth Kelley and I had, we got to visit with Debbie Strayer, who was one of the original founders of Homeschooling Today and my heart was moved by her passion and love for homeschooling.

We shared some chit chat, but more than that she was willing to share so openly about what kept her going through her homeschool journey for many years.

Sadly, she is gone now, but her daughter keeps the homeschool passion alive through the pages of that magazine. So the homeschooling community moves forward strong as ever as our ideals are passed down to the next generation.

Do not miss precious nuggets of wisdom shared in that magazine from many seasoned homeschoolers from times past. A homeschool magazine, like Homeschooling Today, gives you roots.

Ready to Use Lessons. Love it!

Another perk of Homeschooling Today that I love is that they have ready made lessons.

In the above picture is one ready made lesson you’ll love that just came out in their current magazine.

The lesson is built around beautiful literature and the book in this lesson is about Abe Lincoln. Not only is a book mentioned, but hands-on activities and ideas are given so that you can use them instantly with your kids.

I love the teaching support I have received from them throughout the years. You’ll pine over this section.

Not time specific, but subject specific.

I know you would get hot under the collar if somebody told you that homeschooling is a hobby. It happened to me back when the kids were little and I was shocked and speechless.

Yes, I know hard to imagine me without a word to say, but I realized that a lot of people just don’t understand that homeschooling is a lifestyle.

And because homeschooling is a lifestyle choice, we need help on specific subjects and concerns that might come up in our journey.

Whether we are teaching multiple ages, special needs children or need help on organization, Homeschooling Today gets very specific on teaching tips.

Not all homeschool bloggers can host more experienced homeschoolers or even professionals on their blog, so we need homeschooling magazines, which continue to share very subject specific content.

Get a glimpse of Homeschooling Today by reading some of the up to date articles on their blog.

So not only purchase magazines for your children, but grab some help for yourself too.

I am unabashedly proud to say that homeschool magazines, like Homeschooling Today, not only make me feel like I am part of the global homeschooling community, but revive my homeschooling spirit when I feel it slumping.

Those are just three very short reasons why I love homeschool magazines.

Have you seen Homeschooling Today? You’ll love getting yours in the mail too. (uhmm yes I still love print magazines)

Hugs and love ya,

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.

Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

10 Things to Include in Your Homeschool Planner – Because Paper Planners Rock!!

March 8, 2016 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

10 Things to Include In Your Homeschool Planner - paper planners rock @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus — 10-Things-to-Include-In-Your-Homeschool-Planner-paper-planners-rock-

{Note: This is my ultimate unit study planner in the photo above with multiple cover choices.}

Homeschoolers by nature are do it yourself type of people and the homeschool planners we use are no different. I am pretty fussy about mine, which is why I created the free 7 step homeschool planner. And today, in sharing 10 things to include in your homeschool planner, it’s all about making your planner unique and as creative as you want it to be.

Your Homeschool Needs Change Each Year – So Should Your Planner – Build It!

Look at some of these ideas and the best thing is that most of these things below are free here on my site.

1. Field Trip Tracking/Planning Forms.

Whether you want to track field trips for the year or need to plan them for a group, grab these forms.

Grab the field trip reference chart too so that when planning you stretch yourself to think of places (other than the museum or zoo) outside of your comfort zone.

field trip tracking july to june TDHP 6.1.2013

2. Inspirational Quotes.

Inspirational quotes are tiny power packing nuggets of energy.

They give me a boost when I feel like falling off the homeschool wagon. Grab some of them to sprinkle throughout your planner and use it for the front and/or back of your planner.

Free Quotes for homeschool planner back cover @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

3. Planning Schedule.

I say this often, but there is no need to try to plan your homeschool year by writing in tiny boxes on a calendar or using the same calendar where you write down appointments.

School Year Around Planning Form @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

You need to have a separate page where you keep your school schedule for the year and track it too. You can grab one from the link above (or Step 5a) or grab this current one above from my blog category for organizational printables, which has all my current ones.

4. Calendars, of course, BUT pretty ones.

No need to give up style when you homeschool. Pretty colors for calendars, please and I have them.

You can choose from academic or physical year calendars each year and I normally give you about two or three color choices each.

Free Academic and Physical Year Calendars @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

5. 2 Page Spread Calendar – Appointment Keeper

The calendar above is for reference, but of course there is no way I am writing around those tiny numbers.

I create and use the two page spread calendar appointment keepers each year and keep all appointments on those pages.

By the way, I have the new year up already, which you can get on that same page.

2016 2 page per month physical year - Dreaming @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

6. Holiday List – 5 Years Worth

I love this page because it is a great reference for long term planning and I update it each year. I have several of them spread out throughout my planner so I can access it quickly.

Holidays Listed 2015 to 2019 passion pink 300x375

Holidays Listed 2015 to 2019 @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus. Over 200 Free Curriculum Planner Downloads and Growing 300x

7. Important Dates.

Everyone tracks differently and I like to keep one area where I can look at a glance at important dates, whether they are blog related, personal or homeschool.

It’s just the way my brain thinks.

Home Management Binder amd Free Important Dates Printables @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

8. Lesson Planning Pages – well of course, BUT . . .

Lesson planning pages come in MANY different forms and I have seen many of them. However, I prefer room to write and prefer daily lesson planning pages.

Undated pages, that is too. Just fill in the current date and move on to the next page instead of feeling like you are behind if you can’t school a day or two because life happens.

I have many different choices of lesson planning pages here on my site.

The link above is my main page with free lesson planning pages where you can learn about the basic differences, but I also have my unit study planner and glam it up pages lesson planning pages.