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Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation

Day 25 Homeschool High School And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

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Today is day 25 homeschool high school. You’ll find the other tips on 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers.

Quite a few years back in my humble homeschool beginnings my best friend and I went to a convention.

We paraded right to the very front row of a workshop about homeschool high school.

It was one of our first homeschool conventions.

Sitting happily, we were hoping as if by osmosis that we could devour every seasoned veteran’s experiences about high school.

Day 25 Homeschool High School And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Then we both realized as the speaker started to talk that no bolt from the heavens would come down and infuse us instantly with high school expertness.

Bewilderment turned to plain anxiety when the speaker asks that parents of 14 and 15 year old kids come to the front row now so that he could assist them with the other parents presently sitting there.

A graceful and fast exit we tried to make as we had determined that we could not find a teen among our 3 year old and 5 year old.

Homeschool High School

I still get a huge chuckle today when I think about this, but it also reminds me of the deep-seated fear that I had of the high school years.

I agree with Sir Frances Bacon when he said: “Knowledge is Power” and especially when it comes to homeschooling in high school.

Knowledge is acquired over time so that it becomes of value and you will acquire it too.

3 Foundational Pegs When Homeschooling Highschool @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

3 Tips to Homeschool High School

Instead of focusing on exactly how you are going to do it, focus on foundational pegs that will keep you moving to homeschooling while in high school.

Here are some foundational pegs to take notice of:

1. Homeschool High school is Just A Continuation of Education.

Keep in mind that you still ARE the best teacher whether you arrive at highs chool after many years of homeschooling or whether your teen has just left high school.

Highschool is a readiness program for adulthood. You as the parent are the one most qualified to do that.

Focus on the 3 R’s and on creating a unique experience for your teen by pinpointing subjects that he will need.

I heart this motto and have kept it in mind as I planned courses for Mr. Senior 2013 and now planning for Mr. Awesome: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else” by Judy Garland. How VERY true in high school.

2. Plan Backwards by Looking Forward.

Plan for life after high school by looking forward and working your way back for courses to fulfill.

If your child is college bound, then take time now while they are a teen to find out what the requirements are for college and adjust your transcript accordingly.

Not all highschoolers are college bound, but may prefer a vocational school or missionary service.

You still need to look forward at the requirements and work on those over the teen’s course of middle school and high school.

Learning to weed out knowledge or courses that are not relevant to your final goal should be accomplished during high school.

In other words, high school is not the time for busy work, but rather for subjects that will help your teen reach his goals.

3. Your Hat Changes from Teacher to Supervisor.

A few parents may yammer at the thought of given their child the teacher’s manual, but that IS part of homeschool high school.

However, how can they teach themselves if they don’t have access to it?

Sure, in the beginning a teen just out of high school may use it to find answers.

Then again that is all he may have been taught from his previous educational experience.

When he realizes that he actually needs to learn the subject, he builds an appreciation for learning.

He sees that you have placed confidence in him and that he needs to take his learning seriously.

Both of my older boys work their problems, then look at the teacher’s manual. However, I check their work by having them tell me at ANY given time what they know.

That is mastery of learning and the teacher’s manual becomes a tool.

Homeschool High School Tip

Resorting back to the teacher’s hat too during the high school years is common too.

It may sound absurd when I say you actually need to homeschool until 12th grade, but it is very true.

It is the manner in how you homeschool a young adult that will change.

They need your guidance and patience.

Whether they apply for colleges, look for part time work, look at missionary work or take care of their first car, your teens need you.

There is life after graduation and high school is just a continuation of the journey.

Too, I’m going to switch gears here on you.

Who is Tina Robertson

But before you can appreciate how I can help you here are a few things about me. Sure, this free new homeschooler boot camp is all about you.

However, you need to know that I’m not new to the homeschool world.  

It has been several years since I wrote this series and I want to update you on my successes. And I’ve helped HUNDREDS get on the road to homeschooling.

Too, I have 3 homeschooled grads. So I’m well past having my oldest kid being 10 years old.

Day 21 Time Tested Tips For Homeschool And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

But the best part is that what I have for you works.

Also, look at a few other things about me.

And I have a detailed self-paced online homeschool Kickstarter course. It is a detailed comprehensive course for first time homeschoolers.

Day 21 Time Tested Tips For Homeschool And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

That is enough about me.

Day 21 Time Tested Tips For Homeschool And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

New to Homeschooling Start with the Basics

1 – 7 Start with the Homeschool Basics

8-14 Homeschool Organization 101 for Beginners

15 – 21 Best tips for New Homeschoolers Choosing Curriculum

22- 28 Homeschool Preschoolers, Highschoolers, and Unique Learners

Day 25 Homeschool High School And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
Day 25: Homeschooling Happily Through Highschool. {31 Day Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers on My Blog}

Day 19 Guiding Homeschool Teens And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Guiding older children or homeschool teens is our topic for day 19 of the 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers. 

Teaching teens can be a joy. I know there are many nightmare stories about teens.

And I too have experienced my sons’ surges of emotions, but I’ve breathed in every minute of enjoying their company.

Day 19 Guiding Homeschool Teens And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

However, I have also learned in helping other new homeschoolers that teaching teens whom you have homeschooled from the beginning is quite a different story than teaching a teen that has just been pulled out of public school.

Academics have to be put on auto pilot if your relationship has suffered or is suffering.

Guiding Homeschool Teens

This is true whether you homeschool from the beginning or are just starting out. It is possible to restore and repair any strained relationships if you are willing to work on relationships at the same time as refining their school subjects.

Also, teaching homeschool teens requires a bit more of diplomacy over discipline. So, I hope in sharing these tips from the trenches, you will benefit.

Tips from the Homeschool Trenches on Guiding Teens

When your children are young, you are making almost all the decisions on curriculum. It is not that way as they grow older.

1. Preparing for Adulthood Means Your Teen Gives Input Now.

Give up some of the control without giving up the authority as a parent.

Include your child in some of the research, scheduling and selection of curriculum.

It will be hard for them to learn how to weigh a heavy decision when they are an adult like choosing a job or marriage mate when they are not allowed to make a decision on books, science experiments and teacher’s manuals.

Learning to make decisions and accepting consequences for decisions made are best learned under your roof and while they are still living with you.

Day 19: Guiding Older Children. {31 Day Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers on My Blog}

If your teen seems to be behind in every subject now that you are a full time homeschooler, don’t be discouraged.

2. Relationship Over the Three Rs – reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic

but take time to work through the lower grades. You’d be surprised at how fast a teen can get caught up when he is inspired and has your support.

This is one time in their life when a relationship means more than the 3 R’s. A good heart will be of far more lasting value than not learning how to do math on their fingers.

Besides, I know a lot of brilliant people who still do math on their fingers.

Capture his heart for the doing of good and all education will be used for that. We want to teach our children to be self-less, not self-serving when it comes to helping others. We don’t want to lose that goal in the academic road that lies ahead.

Your teen may not look like they need you now and even to other people may look like an adult, but now is the time they your solid and consistent principles are needed more than ever.

Toddlers require a lot of physical work and it can be exhausting. Teens require a lot of meaningful conversations that seem to drain me at times faster than any physical activity.

Day 19: Guiding Older Children. {31 Day Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers on My Blog}

Then I remember I have a few short years left now and don’t want to waste any opportunities and discuss all that is on their mind.

My household has changed now and I find it weird and strange to ask things like did you remember to shave before we leave for a field trip.

3.Relationship with Others Outside the Family is a Must

Teens need a network of true friends outside their family. Having friends adds to the joy of living and many homeschoolers do not want their children to be loners. A lot of homeschool teens enjoy their life and it is natural to want friends.

I read one article that said learning how to make friends is like riding a bicycle and neither one can be learned from a book. We encourage our sons to make friends with persons of all ages. Long lasting friendships are priceless treasures. While they are with you and are honing in on how to size up a man by his character, you can guide them about social relationships.

Do their friends have the same values? Do their friends like them for who they are and not what they can get from them?

Day 19 Guiding Homeschool Teens And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Even though their life in the next few years will have plenty of demands of adulthood, don’t close the gap on the care free days of being a young man or young woman too soon. They will pass through this stage and enter adult hood which has it own weighty responsibilities soon enough.

One day I will exhale, but for now I’m savoring every moment of guiding my teens.

New to Homeschooling Start with the Basics

1 – 7 Start with the Homeschool Basics

8-14 Homeschool Organization 101 for Beginners

15 – 21 Best tips for New Homeschoolers Choosing Curriculum

Day 19: Guiding Older Children. {31 Day Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers on My Blog}

3 Free High School Planner Cover Designs

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have three free high school planner cover designs for your teens. Whether your teen is building his own homeschool planner, diy student planner or just wants checklists, you’ll love these choices. Check out my how to homeschool high school page for awesome tips.

These brand new homeschool high school planner covers come in three different color choices.

And if your teen is building his or her own planner, these covers would be the first step to build their planner.

3 Free High School Planner Cover Designs

In addition, I have 12 free homeschool high school planner covers on the DIY Best Student Planner pages for more choices..

Too, these mew homeschool student cover pages are full color like most all of my planner pages.

Plus, when your teens have their own planner it encourages them to learn how to manage time.

How to Use the High School Planner Covers

For example, when you don’t buy a full put together student planner, your teen has choices for each section.

Individualizing a planner is not only something we love to do, but our teen too.

Some teens prefer to only include lesson planning pages.

Other teens include time management sections and tips, goals, or even journal pages.

By planning and printing exactly the pages you want your teen will be more motivated to use it.

Also, printing these high school planner covers do not really require any special printer.

I have used the Canon PIXMA TR150 Wireless Mobile Printer for years and love it.

It’s not the most expensive and doesn’t have tons of bells and whistles.

3 Free High School Planner Cover Designs

But I like to put together my planner slowly.

So I used an inexpensive printer and take my time.

Other Homeschool Planner Sections to Add

Furthermore, look at some of these options that can make your teen’s homeschool planner unique.-

Add a two page month calendar. Not all teens plan everything on their phone. Some prefer to jot down appointments.

Too, teens may prefer to use their own lesson planning pages.

I have some unique ones which helps them to track time by 15 minutes increments.

In addition, add some growth mindset pages or pages to help plan for college or a career.

Even fun growth mindset coloring pages are a whimsical add if you have a creative teen who loves to color still.

3 Free High School Planner Cover Designs

Look at these different color combinations.

The first cover above is blue, the second one has a bit of a floral touch and the last one is a gorgeous green.

3 Free High School Planner Cover Designs

Just remember that my pages are not created to print black and white but that is your choice.

Other Planner Forms for Your Teen

Not only can your teen use my calendars in his or her planner, but any of my forms which help your teens to manage their day.

3 Free High School Planner Cover Designs

How to Grab the Free HIGH SCHOOL PLANNER COVERS
This free printable is a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access to my freebies.

This is how you get access quickly.
 1) Sign up on my list.
 .2) Grab the freebie now.
3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages

25 Great Homeschool High School Science Curriculum

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Several years before I chose a homeschool high school science curriculum, I was feeling anything but calm. Fast forward 20 years and I’ve learned there are many options to teaching high school science right. Check out my how to homeschool high school page for awesome tips.

And it’s hard to go too wrong when narrowing down the options for homeschool high school science.

However, before you can choose the right homeschool science curriculum for your teen you need to determine the answers to these 7 questions.

25 Great Homeschool High School Science Curriculum
  • Will your high school teen pursue a science career and want to dive deep or are you wanting to give him a broad overview?
  • What is your teen’s current attitude toward science? More on that in a minute.
  • How will your goals or expectations affect your teen? For example, will hands-on activities be priority over completing the science text or will a completed text be the only way to count a grade?

Science Curriculum for Teens

And here are the next four questions.

  • Determining the lab component is important. So, will you devote time to understanding how to count labs. By the way, I have you covered. Grab some tips here at my post How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of Homeschool High School Science.
  • Also, because homeschool high school science curriculum has exploded, do you want a Christian-based, secular or even faith-neutral science curriculum?
  • In addition, while not being totally fixated on grades, determine how you will grade? Will you grade only daily work and tests or will participation in discussions with you and hands-on activities be a big part of the grade? And finally,
  • what goals does your teen have? Ask him or her what they want to learn or get from the course.

It won’t take long to think about those seven questions and don’t forget some of this will change depending on the age of your teen.

If your teen is just entering high school, he may change his goals from ninth grade to twelfth grade.

Stay flexible and don’t forget to have fun. The high school years were some of the best years of my journey.

What are the Branches of Science

First begin with understanding course descriptions.

For those of us who are not science majors sorting out the branches of science can be confusing.

All I knew was that in high school, I chose topics I loved for all four years.

Even if the topics are considered subtopics of the main branches of science, it’s still considered a study of science for high school.

I love these simple definitions from Study.Com where it says, “Physical science is the study of non-living things and the laws that describe them. The life sciences, which can also be called biology, have many subsets. The most common ones include botany, zoology, genetics, human biology, nutrition, and medicine. Earth sciences include geology, paleontology, meteorology, oceanography, and ecology.”

Homeschool High School Science Curriculum Sequence

Next, what is important to consider is the sequence.

As I mentioned before whether your teen is pursuing a college track or career track is a deciding factor for the sequence of courses.

For instance, if your teen is pursuing a college track, it’s important that you check first with the college to determine the science sequence and credits needed.

A good rule of thumb is to have your teen do all fours years and a lab. This way the science doors stay open. A teen may decide to pursue a science career five years after completing high school. A solid science background would be important then.

If your child is not pursuing a science career, then probably two or three years of science with a lab is enough. Look below at a couple of sequences for high school science courses.

High School Science Curriculum Sequence

  • 3 years and 1 lab
  • physical science
  • biology and
  • chemistry
  • 4 years and 1 lab
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • earth science
  • physics or an elective

And when I started homeschooling 20+ years ago, below were some of the sequences.

I think they’re still wonderful for our current day.

This one comes from Home Learning Year by Year by Rebecca Rupp. It still stands solid.

And this sequence comes from College-Prep Homeschooling by David and Chandra Bryers.

  • Grade 9 Earth/Space Science
  • Grade 10 Biology
  • Grade 11 Chemistry
  • Grade 12 Physics
  • Grade 9 Physical Science
  • Grade 10 Biology Lab 1/2 credit
  • Grade 11 Chemistry Lab 1/2 credit
  • Grade 12 Physics

Next, something else to not forget is to think about your child’s mathematical abilities.

When you choose courses like biology or earth science first your teen has time to strengthen his math foundation.

My opinion is the sequence depends on your child’s math abilities.

I don’t think there is a right or wrong. If your child needs more time to strengthen his algebra skills, do earth science or biology first.

However, if your teen’s algebra skills are solid by 9th grade, then jump into physics right away.

As you can see there are many paths to cover the 3 main branches of science physical sciences, life sciences, and earth sciences.

Furthermore, look through these high school science curriculum to see the wonderful choices.

And a few pointers will help you in choosing a high school curriculum which meets your needs.

More Homeschool High School Teen Elective Resources

Whether you’re looking for a faith-based resource like Apologia or you are looking for a resource like Abeka’s physical creation, you’ll find a resource here.

In addition, if you prefer more of a secular or faith-neutral approach, look at R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey.

25 Great Homeschool High School Science Curriculum

More Creative Solutions for High School Posts

Equally important is to compare prices and prep time.

For instance, if you choose a course online, would your teen feel pressured to keep up or enjoy being with other teens?

Again, you and your teen’s goals matter. So, don’t let a scope and sequence of any course be the only guide.

High School Homeschool Curriculum

Further, some curriculum are worktexts for students who may not want labs. PAC Works or Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum below are straight worktexts.

Furthermore, rabbit trails or subtopics under the main branches of science can be so fascinating.

Whether your teen wants to study marine biology or take a year studying the night sky it’s still science.

For example, anatomy, zoology, botany, and geology are more fascinating subtopics.

As I mentioned at the outset, you can see why your teen’s interest matter.

More important to me is the experience and hands-on activity. And nurturing my teen’s love for any branch of science.

Sure, we must record keep and maintain credits, but don’t choose completing a textbook over the experience.

I still don’t view myself as a science mom, but I am a science lover and all three homeschooled grads still love science.

What do you think, can you find an option for your teen here?

In conclusion, you’ll love my other high school tips:

10 Best Science Movies for Middle School

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’ve rounded up some of the best science movies for middle school. Also, look at my page homeschool middle school for more fun tips.

Whether it’s science fiction or life science, or any other branch, learning through movies nurtures a love of science.

10 Best Science Movies for Middle School

For example, while viewing science fiction movies, students can think about the future or make a prediction about it.

Best Science Movies for Middle School

However, science movies can help your middle school students in more than one way.

  • Movies can introduce topics which may spark an interest prior to high school.
  • Whether you use movies occasionally or more often, your students perception of science events can be changed.
  • In addition, students love a diversion from a routine which may now be boring.
  • And lastly a movie can refresh your student’s mind while sneaking in fun science.

Look at these fun science movies for middle school.

1.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

First, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is also a movie and a book. This could be a complete unit study for both your middle and high school teens. This movie is on Netflix.

Here is what it is about. Against all the odds, a thirteen-year-old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine

Too, this self-paced language arts class based on the book is a great way to get credit for a language arts course. Remember you can get credit in middle school too. In addition, add topics about deforestation and biology to this study.

Look at my Rain Forest – Amazon Unit Study and Lapbook and Carnivorous Plants Unit Study and Lapbook.

Next, another fun movie series is Planet Earth.

2.
Planet Earth

We could literally watch each one several times over. The series is on Amazon Prime if you have it. It’s so worth it. And to hear David Attenborough narrate is well worth the watch.

Below, I have a round up of my unit studies here which will go with the different movies.

The third one is a science fiction move – The Time Machine. It also is on Amazon.

3.
The Time Machine

If you want to have your student learn about time travel or ponder what your viewpoint is on the age of the earth this is a fun movie to use.

You’ll love my lapbook Free Earth Science Lapbook to go along with the movie.

More Homeschooling in Middle School Resources

Next, one of our all-time favorites is Star Trek.

4.
Star Trek

Whether you want to teach about black holes or space, Star Trek is a great movie to ponder those topics.

Science Movies for Middle School

Another fun one we love is Spiderman 2.

5.
Spiderman 2

And learning about a nuclear fusion reaction is a fun topic to consider for a middle school student. Investigating ways to have limitless energy and about the sun make for great writing topics too.

Then Robot and Frank is the next one.

6.
Robot and Frank

Moreover, Robot and Frank make for great discussion and topics about the future will change. What will be considered relics and who will use artificial intelligence are great ideas for your student to consider.

7.
Charlotte’s Web

Additionally, Charlotte’s Web is the next one.

The version on Amazon prime is good to begin a biology topic. Beyond the topic of friendship, pigs and spiders can make for unit studies.

8.
Galileo : On the Shoulders of Giants

In addition, learning about famous scientist makes for a great series. Although the movie is fiction, it nurtures your future scientist’s love for learning about astronomy.

9.
Gorillas in the Mist

Whether you have a budding veterinarian, want to learn about Dian Fossey or about Africa, Gorillas in the Mist is a fun way to learn about science.

10 Best Science Movies for Middle School

10.
Swiss Family Robinson

Lastly, Swiss Family Robinson has to be the original survival study movie. Add these hands-on ideas here to make your science day fun.

For more science fun, look at these other posts: