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High School Homeschool Graduation Invitations Day 3 of 10 Days Planning a Graduation

February 27, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today is Day 3 high school homeschool graduation invitations for the updated 10 days series for planning a homeschool graduation. Also, look at more ideas on my how to homeschool high school page.

You would think it would be easy.

Pick out some homeschool graduation invitations and have them printed or ordered online. What could possibly be hard about that?

High School Homeschool Graduation Invitations Day 3 of 10 Days Planning a Graduation

When it got close to the time of having to pick them out, the do-it-yourself homeschooler in me kicked in. 

The words mattered to me because we have traveled a different road for almost our whole journey.  

Why should I end up with something normal when it matters the most now?

I admit it, tears came with mulling over and searching to find the right words of how I felt deep down. You know not the surface wording we are suppose to say on an invitation.

But words you keep tucked away low down, because if they surface people may think you have lost it.

Planning Homeschool High School Graduation: Invitations – Which Words Matter (Day 3). You would think it would be easy. Pick out some graduation invitations and have them printed or ordered online. What could possibly be hard about that? When it got close to the time of having to pick them out, the do it yourself homeschooler in me kicked in. Why should I end up with something normal when it matters the most now? Click here to get ideas for wording for your homeschool graduate's invitation!

I wanted to express how grateful his father and I were that we had the privilege to homeschool Mr. Senior 2013. I wanted to thank the Creator for the blessing of having him in our life.

Heart Felt Words Meaningful to Your Family

Tears streamed as my hands typed.

Knowing the quiet, dignified demeanor of my son (he doesn’t take after me, must be his father) I knew right away he would be, to say the least uncomfortable by what I had already drafted.

Remember, what I said earlier about this not being just your party? It’s true. Mr. Senior 2013 cared about the details of the party including the invitation wording.

I had always thought because he was a boy, he might leave some of that up to me, but he didn’t.

I think that it is one of the privileges of homeschooling – teaching kids to care and being responsible even about little things.

Front Side of Mr Senior 2013 Homeschool Graduation Invitation | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

So after realizing that much of my wording was way too sentimental for an invitation and that it wasn’t a Thank the Lord invitation for his life, I was able to pick out words that expressed how we felt without scaring away my guests.

Too, by this point you will have decided if you will do a group graduation, which we decided not to. 

We really wanted something private where we dictated the events for the evening.

More Homeschool High School Graduation Planning Resources

  • Start the Planning Day 1.
  • High School Senior Portraits Day 2
  • Invitations Day 3
  • Graduation Menu and Party Venue Day 4
  • Home Graduation Ideas Day 5
  • DIY Decorations Day 6 
  • Table Decoration Ideas Day 7
  • High School Graduation Gift Day 8
  • Free Editable High School Diploma Template Day 9 
  • Graduation Celebration Day 10 

Look at some of these ideas for wording for both individual and group graduations.

Homeschool Graduation Invitations

  • “Join us as we celebrate the homeschool graduation…..”
  • “The Class of 20__ proudly announces the homeschool graduation from (use the name of your school).”
  • “We have accomplished our God-given assignment and proudly announce the homeschool graduation of…”
  • “Mr. & Mrs. You are proud to announce the graduation of …….from their homeschool education.”
  • “With thanks to God for his guidance, the parents of ….. announce the homeschool high school graduation of……”
  • “…….will be receiving his high school diploma from (name your school) Homeschool Program.”
  • “As our final years come to an end, we pause to reflect on the joy and memories. Please join us as _____ celebrates his homeschool high school graduation.”
  • ‘We celebrate the blessing of our homeschool journey by announcing the high school graduation of……”
  • “Please join us in honor of ____’s graduation from (your school name)”
  • “It is with great pride that we announce the graduation of our son………..from ………”
homeschool graduation invitation back side @ Tinas Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Do Save the Date Text or Email

Deciding to do a double-sided card also allowed room for more wording on the back which was important to us.

We were able to express our thankfulness for Mr. Senior 2013 and keep his dignity. Looking above I was able to get in all the details on the card.

Just as a side point to remember, I did send out a save the date email/text way early to my guests.

Especially if you plan a graduation in the summer, you will want to do this way ahead of time even if you don’t have all the details worked out.

I know our friends appreciated the save the date email/text so they could make vacation plans.

Homeschool High School Graduation Invitation Wording

Though saving money was not the main driving point for me preparing his invitation, it was a nice side advantage.

Two ways I have saved money so far, but felt like we were still having a unique experience are:

  • I had 2 photographers. One was not quite so professional where I had more time to devote to the photo shoot. The second one I knew exactly how long I would have him and had a list of photos for him too which I will tell you about in an upcoming post.
  • I designed my own invitations and only paid for printing/envelopes. Even if you don’t have the skill set for creating graphics, a lot of homeschoolers do. It is possible among your local group that you may find a homeschool teen or parent that can do this.

In the end, choosing invitations mattered more than I realized, and I didn’t want to leave the words that mattered most up to a stranger.

High School Homeschool Graduation Invitations Day 3 of 10 Days Planning a Graduation

Whether you homeschool the whole time or a few short years, it is is a treasured time and there is no substitute for expressing your heart.

The other words that I have for my son as his mom stayed where they should be and that is with him.

But those are not the only ways I unexpectedly saved money.

The venue or location to have our graduation was equally important and by accident I stumbled across another way to save money on this part of the planning too.

In my next post on this series, I will give you some tips on how we chose a venue.

More High School Help

  • Homeschooling High School: Curriculum, Credits, and Courses
  • How to Build High School Curriculum Directly From Amazon
  • Best High School Homeschool Curriculum Packages (Accredited and Not Accredited)
  • What You Must Know to Teach High School Unit Studies
  • How to Make A Homeschool High School Transcript & Middle School (Free Editable Form)
  • 3 Free High School Planner Cover Designs
  • 25 Great Homeschool High School Science Curriculum
  • How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of Homeschool High School Science

1 CommentFiled Under: 4. {10 Days of ... Blogging Series}, Graduate a Homeschooler, How To - - -, Planning a Homeschool High School Graduation Tagged With: boys, high school, homeschool highschool, homeschool joy, homeschool joys, homeschoolgraduation, homeschoolhighschool, teens

High School Senior Portraits Day 2 of 10 Days Planning a Homeschool Graduation

February 26, 2023 | 4 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today is day 2 homeschool high school senior portraits for the updated 10 days series for planning a homeschool graduation. Also, look at more ideas on my how to homeschool high school page.

Early on I realized that I could go ahead and get Mr. Senior 2013’s official portraits done.

And I could purchase his cap and gown as we hashed out the other details on venue and menu.

Homeschool senior portraits were important to him.

High School Senior Portraits Day 2 of 10 Days Planning a Homeschool Graduation

But I learned while graduating my other seniors that it was not the same for each one.

For example, my second graduate was not interested in formality or tradition.

And my third graduate was a mix of both.

First, determine what is important to your senior.

10 days-Planning Homeschool High School Graduation: Senior Portraits (Day 2). Many details were floating around in my mind, one thing I figured out quite early was that I could go ahead and get official portraits done and purchase his cap and gown. Grab some ideas for places to take pictures that last a lifetime!

Too right away, we had to determine if he wanted a senior ring or not.

Homeschool Senior Portraits Matter Most

Breaking with tradition, he didn’t want a graduation ring.

I knew a regular, but no ordinary ring would be worn by him longer.

Grandma and grandpa wanted to make that purchase for their gift to him.  So that was one long term project done.

I love how sometimes he was traditional during planning and other times not so much.

Loving the details about planning, earlier in the year I had put together some color boards.

In my mind, we could then go from there to choosing a cap and gown for his high school senior portraits.

That approach made sense to me or so I thought at the time.

High School Senior Portraits Day 2 of 10 Days Planning a Homeschool Graduation

{Picture Source: The Craft Begins)

We spent wasted hours poring over color schemes. 

Being the boy that he is the color scheme above is close to what he ended up liking best, or he thought so too at the moment. Of course with less peach and more terra cotta color at the party is what he thought he wanted.

All I could think of was a green cake when I saw that color scheme.

All Mr. Senior 2013 could think of was an ivory wedding cake and a wedding theme which he wanted to be sure to steer clear of.

We backed up and started with what was easiest to pick out first and that was his favorite color for his cap and gown. He knew right away he wanted royal blue.

(Picture: Graduation Source)

There it was. Our inspiration for our color scheme and party just got easier.

We ended up going with Graduation Source because it was a  big company, had some great reviews and it was fast and pretty painless to deal with.

Overflowing Inspiration

Also, I went ahead and ordered only the diploma cover because guess I was creating his homeschool diploma too.

All of it was at our home fairly quickly and all I had to decide now on was how to get official senior portraits.

As I figured out, the color scheme could wait a bit longer because I needed to focus on senior portraits. I knew I wanted other pictures too of him showing things he loved.

After looking at a lot of senior packages from photographers, I knew I wanted more control input into the pictures and how many we got.

So I ended up getting my girlfriend who has a DSLR camera and is not an expert and knows less about her new camera than I do about photography. 

I coordinated the photo shoot because I knew what type of settings and expressions on my son’s face that I wanted to be sure to capture.

Let me tell you the extent of my knowledge of photography.

I know one very important thing and that is that light is everything.

I know the prime time to take pictures is either close to sundown like between 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. or shortly after sunrise. That’s it! That is the extent of what I know to make pictures beautiful.

On the evening of the photo shoot, my girlfriend came to my house first because working with that amount of time, you need to work fast. I wanted some inside pictures too.

Creating Events To Remember

I picked out 3 outfits ahead of time for my son to change into as we went along so I was sure to have a variety to select from.

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232323232%7Ffp54393)nu=9;55)937)257)WSNRCG=368; ; 8(5348nu0mrjI wanted to capture moments that he was proud of like his music or piano at our house and his car.

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So we were able to snap several pictures and ended up with these that we liked the most.

After that, I grabbed his change of outfits, his cap and gown and we headed to a local historical park.

Another important thing to me was getting some pictures outside in a natural setting that would have a background that inspired our Texas heritage.

When it comes down to it, I am a simple girl and like simple country charm with a hint of formal. This park is close to our home and the perfect setting for our outdoor pictures.

If all possible, I encourage you to have one photography setting outside. You would be surprised at the places that make great photo shoots and I will list some for you in a minute.

Unforgettable Outdoor Photos

Look at my list though of what I brought for our outside pictures after choosing a location.

  • I brought three different outfits for my son to change into.
  • I brought a step ladder because I wanted some pictures of the photographer looking down at him.
  • I brought my point and shoot camera too.
  • I brought a chair so we had a place to lay some of the clothes on.
  • If you have a girl think about bringing makeup to touch up her face or to wipe any sweet, but shiny oily faces.
  • I brought some cotton pads for my son’s face to wipe away shiny spots too and of course hairspray and hair brush.
  • I also brought some flip flops or sandals because we took some photos of him barefooted and so he could put those on his feet as we walked to another part of the park.
Homeschool High School
Homeschool Graduation
High School Senior Portraits Day 2 of 10 Days Planning a Homeschool Graduation. Today is homeschool high school senior portraits for the updated 10 days series for planning a homeschool graduation. Also, look at more ideas on my how to homeschool high school page. As I figured out, the color scheme could wait a bit longer because I needed to focus on senior portraits. I knew I wanted other pictures too of him showing things he loved.

As you can tell we got a variety of poses and pictures to choose from.

Do not leave the decisions for the poses and positions you want to see your child in up to a photographer, even a good one. Though most professional ones will consult with you prior to the shoot so that they can understand your child’s personality, you are the only one who knows them the best. A photographer will love you for having a list or better yet pictures from the internet if you found some.

I came up with all the poses either by finding poses online close to what I liked or understanding what my son liked best. He is not an over the top person when it comes to taking pictures either so we knew we didn’t want glamorous. Girls like that kind of stuff better.

High School Senior Portrait Tips for DIY

When thinking of an outside place for a portrait think outside the box.

  • Like I mentioned an old historic building makes wonderful outdoor pictures. When we there taking our pictures a girl that was graduating too came in a beautiful formal dress. I can just imagine what her pictures looked like with a touch of class and a touch of simple.
  • Think of old downtown
  • Think of an arboretum
  • Think of a park or place along a river or pond
  • Think of the beach
  • Think of the area around a museum
  • Think of a state park
  • Think of all the cool, out of the ordinary places you have been on a field trip to because they make great photo shoot locations
  • Here in Texas, we have the river walk in San Antonio if you wanted to take them at several different venues and start early by visiting other cities.
High School Senior Portraits Day 2 of 10 Days Planning a Homeschool Graduation

More Homeschool High School Graduation Planning Resources

  • Start the Planning Day 1.
  • High School Senior Portraits Day 2
  • Invitations Day 3
  • Graduation Menu and Party Venue Day 4
  • Home Graduation Ideas Day 5
  • DIY Decorations Day 6 
  • Table Decoration Ideas Day 7
  • High School Graduation Gift Day 8
  • Free Editable High School Diploma Template Day 9 
  • Graduation Celebration Day 10 

By using one photographer, my girlfriend, for these pictures and a professional photographer at the party, we saved a bundle already.

I knew at the party I would be tied up with details for our guests, but my mind could be less stressed because I knew I had pictures already that were important to me.

Take inspiration from something simple and capture pictures way ahead of time because without one, it is hard to determine the color scheme for the party or for invitations.

No rest for the excited, because right after that, I had to determine details for the invitation. Next post I will share the details on invitation and venue.

4 CommentsFiled Under: 4. {10 Days of ... Blogging Series}, Graduate a Homeschooler, Planning a Homeschool High School Graduation Tagged With: high school, homeschool, homeschool joys, homeschoolgraduation, homeschoolhighschool, homeschooljoy, teens

25 Great Homeschool High School Science Curriculum

July 12, 2022 | 1 Comment
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.

  • Exploring Creation with High School Astronomy
  • Exploring Creation with Physics

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

  • High School Science: Reproducible Chemistry
  • Exploring Creation with Health and Nutrition, Textbook

More Homeschool High School Teen Elective Resources

  • 14 Fun and (maybe Frugal) Homeschool High School Electives
  • A to Z List: Middle and High School Homeschool Electives
  • Best High School Homeschool Curriculum Packages (Accredited and Not Accredited)
  • A Homeschool Beginner’s Guide to Figuring Grades and Saving Time
  • 25 Great Homeschool High School Science Curriculum

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.

  • Must Know High School Biology 1st
  • Focus On High School Chemistry Student Textbook

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

  • Physical Science Student Edition
  • Chemistry Student Edition
25 Great Homeschool High School Science Curriculum

More Creative Solutions for High School Posts

  • Creative Solution for Homeschool High School When Life Happens
  • How to Make A Homeschool High School Transcript & Middle School (Free Editable Form)
  • Free Editable High School Diploma Template Day 9 of 10 Days Of a Homeschool Graduation

Equally important is to compare prices and prep time.

  • BIOLOGY
  • Friendly Biology (Christian Worldview Edition)

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

  • Must Know High School Chemistry
  • Friendly Chemistry Student Edition: A Guide to Learning Basic Chemistry

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

  • A Beka Science of the Physical Creation 9th Grade Student Textbook (Science of the Physical Creation)
  • Biology living Creation (Science and Health Series, Grade 10)

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

  • Physics the Foundational Science – Abeka 12th Grade 12 High School Science Student Text Book
  • Integrated Physics and Chemistry

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.

  • Precepts of Anatomy & Physiology
  • Integrated Physics and Chemistry

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

  • Principles, Theories & Precepts of Biology
  • REAL Science Odyssey Astronomy

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.

  • The Stargazer’s Notebook
  • Exploring Creation with Marine Biology

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

  • Novare Physical Science
  • Introductory Physics
  • Exploring Creation with Physical Science

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 Favorite Science Movies and Documentaries for Homeschooled Kids
  • How to Easily Meet the Lab Component of Homeschool High School Science
  • How to Teach Science Through A Story – Middle & High School
  • Free Homeschool High School Planning Sheet (and pssst help for high school too)

1 CommentFiled Under: Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, Teach Homeschool Science Tagged With: earthscience, high school, high school science, homeschool highschool, homeschoolhighschool, homeschoolscience, life science, physical science, science, science lab, sciencecurriculum, teens

10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

May 9, 2022 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’m sharing ten popular high school chemistry homeschool curriculum. Sorting through popular chemistry homeschool curriculum can be daunting. Check out my how to homeschool high school page for awesome tips.

However, a practical high school chemistry homeschool curriculum should be easy to understand.

Both a non-science oriented teen and strong science oriented teen can find a curriculum to match their interests.

10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

Also, I’ve included choices for homeschool chemistry curriculum whether your teen is on a college track or career track.

The beginning of teaching chemistry can seem scary; I’m not sure how a fear of teaching chemistry began.

I know, I felt that way at first too.

However, as a non-science mom and after three homeschooled grads, my love and education for chemistry has grown.

With the right choices of curriculum and ideas, you and your teen can really enjoy the study of chemistry.

Besides, we practice or use chemistry every day.

From the food we eat to watching lightning produce fire, chemistry can be a fun subject to learn.

Once I moved past thinking it was only for science majors, my teens and I could dive into learning even beyond the basics.

The point is chemistry can be fun and should always be hands-on.

And one of my favorite parts is that any science study can be tied to learning the history of it. Chemistry is no different.

5 Pointers Before Choosing High School Chemistry Curriculum

And as you sort through each one, here are a few points to be aware of:

  • A lot of the major providers suggest prerequisites like having completed Algebra 1 and/or Geometry before chemistry;
  • And some providers integrate physics and chemistry because they feel all science subjects are intertwined and best taught together;
  • Still other providers which integrate physics and chemistry don’t require complex math to encourage student curiosity;
  • Too, some courses are a honor course and still others are basic chemistry; and
  • Lastly, pay attention to the credits assigned, if any, and the worldview. Some are secular and some Christian.

High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

Next, look at these ten popular high school chemistry homeschool curriculum.

1. BOB JONES CHEMISTRY

BJU Press offers Chemistry in the 11th grade. They recommend that students should be taking Algebra 2 and Chemistry at the same time. According to their site, students in Chemistry have already completed Algebra 1 and Geometry.

This set is an example of an all-in-one. The complete set has a student edition, teacher’s manual, lab manual, assessments, and answer key. And like their other courses at this level, it is a solid college prep course and strong Christian worldview.

2. DISCOVERING DESIGN WITH CHEMISTRY for non-science student

3. DISCOVERING DESIGN WITH CHEMISTRY, SUPPLEMENT 2 for science student

Then, Discovering Design With Chemistry series were designed for use in 10th grade and require Algebra 1 math level. Too, they have a strong Christian worldview.

Designed as an all-in-one, they also offer video on demand classes.

4. FOCUS ON HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY

Another awesome option is Focus On High School Chemistry.

When Real Science 4 Kids came on the homeschooling scene homeschoolers swooned. They’re still swooning at the ease and options offered.

Focus On High School Chemistry is offered for grades 9 to 12. It introduces students to high school basic chemistry and some concepts found in college-level chemistry.

This curriculum goes into more depth than a lot of chemistry high school programs, but does not cover all topics.

You’ll love how the experiments are broken down and easy to implement.

This original series is a one-semester course and can count as half of a high school credit. One more note of detail is that this course has a secular slant.

If your student is wanting a basic overview of chemistry, is undecided about chemistry as a science major, or wants just an overview, this curriculum keeps all options open.

5.FRIENDLY CHEMISTRY

Further, there is a reason this next chemistry option is called Friendly Chemistry.

This high school chemistry curriculum uses friendly language and introduces chemistry in a fun way.

I’ve not looked at the current editions, but some of the first editions had several typos. To some this can diminish the weight of the content.

Although I don’t like typos, I know it happens. I have a higher standard for curriculum providers. But I do not think it is a reflection of the content and the way the chemistry is taught.

Many homeschoolers love using it because their teens can use it independently.

The same lessons are taught in like a traditional high school course.

Unlike some other courses, motivated junior high-aged children complete the lessons in Friendly Chemistry.

Because this is a high school level course, you can count it as a credit because it’s intended to be completed in a year.

6. CHEMEXPLAINED

Next, if your teen prefers to learn online and take a college-prep course, then ChemExplained may be a good option.

Taught by a chemistry teacher, the videos are short and explanations are well.

Too, you’ll want to encourage your teen to take notes while learning.

Additionally, it’s hard to find faith-neutral curriculum.

A faith-neutral curriculum strives to leave religious or secular slants out of their curriculum. If you want to teach your own worldview, this is an option.

7. INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY

Not to be overlooked is Integrated Physics and Chemistry by Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum. I’ve used several of their worktexts and my teens have loved the different courses.

Unlike other programs, the pacs are separate worktexts.

Encouraging the teen to learn independently with minimal supervision is the focus on their courses.

The course has twelve chapters of text and twelve companion student activities.

Whether your student chooses 9th or 10th grade to study Integrated Physics and Chemistry by Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum, it introduces students to the people, places and principles of physics and chemistry.

Also, it is a secular curriculum, but I found it easy to add faith-based ideas.

8. CONCEPTUAL CHEMISTRY

Then another solid choice is Conceptual Chemistry.

As the title of the textbook states there is emphasis on concepts, but with a fun conversational quality.

Non-science majors will love the practical part of the explanations in easy to learn language.

Introducing easy hands-on activities is another strength of this curriculum. With structure to encourage an independent learner, there is enough content to also foster critical thinking skills.

If your will teen will be a non-chemistry major or has a solid, but basic understanding of math, this is a great option. It can be used for any grade in high school.

9. Chemistry in the Kitchen

In addition, Chemistry in the Kitchen by Guest Hollow is a fun slant on chemistry.

Cooking their way through learning chemistry, teens in 9t to 12th grade don’t have to have higher levels of math.

Just a love of science and to learn in a different way are all that are required.

10. Homeschool Buyer’s Selection.

Finally, another popular option is the assortment which Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op offers each year. It’s popular because who doesn’t like to save money when you can.

Each year, Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op will list chemistry options and supplements. Be sure to check what is discounted there too.

10 Popular High School Chemistry Homeschool Curriculum

Be sure to look at my fun ideas for all ages to add to supplement your curriculum.

Look at my fun ideas for all ages to supplement your curriculum.

What do think? Are you feeling a little less intimidated about choosing a homeschool high school chemistry curriculum?

Chemistry Homeschool Ideas

If have some other chemistry homeschool ideas to help make teaching this subject fun like it should be.

  • Homeschooling High School: Curriculum, Credits, and Courses
  • Homeschool High School Chemistry & Free Reference Sheet and Resources
  • Atomidoodle Chemistry Game App
  • Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity
  • Easy Hands-On Science: Label the Atom Playdough Activity
  • EASY Hands-on Earth Science: Fun Water Testing Kit

2 CommentsFiled Under: Choose Curriculum, Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, Homeschooling, Science, Teach Homeschool Science Tagged With: chemistry, curriculum, high school, high school science, homeschoolhighschool, science, science lab, sciencecurriculum, teens

12 Great Options of High School Literature Curriculum

May 3, 2022 | 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Next to math, deciding high school literature curriculum for my first high school teen was scary for me. Today, I will share practical pointers in choosing high school literature curriculum. Also, look at How to Homeschool High School for more ideas.

Looking back after three homeschooled grads, I’ve learned you need to be absolutely clear of your goal.

Choosing curriculum versus stand alone components was confusing as well.

So, I want to help you make a better choice.

12 Great Options of High School Literature Curriculum

First, confusing to me in the beginning was what to teach from high school literature.

Also, how to transition from teaching your child reading to literature wasn’t clear.

Quickly, I learned there is a shift in high school to not just reading a variety of literature, but to analyzing it.

What to Teach With High School Literature

As you can see, the elements you look for in a high school literature curriculum will vary depending on your goals.

If your teen is on a college track, analyzing literature is a basic requirement for most colleges.

However, if your child is on a career track, you decide if analyzing literature will benefit your teen.

That was the part that confused me. My English teacher in high school taught me like I was in an AP Lit class. I was not, but her love for literature was obvious.

The very basic reason why you teach high school literature is to move your child beyond the reading is fun stage. Appreciating why literature moves us, how to be involved in the great conversation, and how to analyze literature is one goal.

Another goal is to help your child appreciate the variety of genre. Think about it.

You have doing this all along as you taught your child to read.

Teaching a love of reading doesn’t stop in high school, but you want your child to now dig into the literature.

In addition, one more thing to be aware of before choosing curriculum is to decide if you need the other components of language arts.

Besides literature, grammar, vocabulary, composition, and writing are other components of language arts.

Teens are normally all over the place on each component of language arts, I encourage you to try to choose just literature curriculum.

High School Literature Curriculum Goals

One huge advantage to choosing just high school literature curriculum which is not tied together with the other components is to save time.

I don’t think teens should get bogged down with the other components when focusing on beautiful pieces of literature.

However, some options I share below is curriculum which does not make deep dives into analyzing.

That too has been a great option some quarters in high school when your teen needs a change of pace from analyzing in depth.

Covering all the components together may be your goal.

The point is your teen, your choices, and your goals should stay front and center when poring over options.

Furthermore, tying literature to history is another fun way to bring both subjects to life.

This is a slant that many teens enjoy.

On top of that, some choices will be more faith-based and others with a secular focus.

Keep all those facts in mind as you compare curriculum below.

12 High School Literature Curriculum

Finally, look at these twelve high school literature curriculum.

  • BJU Press Literature for Junior and Senior High. This is one of my favorite because it’s so comprehensive in the variety of genre.
  • Memoria Press is another one I’ve used and although they’ve updated through the years, I still love their guides.
  • Stobaugh is another keeper which has been around for years. It’s comprehensive and takes more of a classical approach.
  • Lightning Literature has been another mainstay by homeschoolers. I love their choices.
  • Windows to the World: An Introduction to Literary Analysis. Although the topics covered are comprehensive, there are short passages. So it makes for a great option.
  • Illuminating Literature is one by Sharon Watson. I’ve used her other writing and love them because of their step by step guidance.
  • Beautiful Feet we used when we wanted to cover literature analysis lightly. Focusing on our history love, we could include a framework of analysis with the literature choices.
  • Progeny Press is another favorite because of how many activities they have and ease of use.
  • Learning Language Arts Through Literature is not as well know today as it used to be. I love it because it’s gentle and has a Charlotte Mason flair. Some years, we just needed light language arts and literature. So, I’m listing it as option. There is both American and British literature options. It’s just a beautiful option
  • Sonlight has been around for years. Started by a homeschool family like some of other companies, it too has a comprehensive language arts program.
  • Total Language Plus is just what it says. All the components of language arts when you want to cover them at one time. We love this curriculum as well.
  • The Art of Poetry is a resource we just absolutely loved. If your teen is wanting to dive deeper into poetry, you’ll love this resource. In addition, this resource can be used for middle school kids too.

These are not all the resources available for you, but they are ones I know will work.

They give your teen guidance; And the best part is they create a love of literature and push your teen out of his comfort zone.

Which ones have you tried?

12 Great Options of High School Literature Curriculum

Look at some more posts which will help you:

  • Best Homeschool High School Literature Suggestions For Teens
  • Modern U.S. and World History High School Literature
  • 3 Beginner’s Tips: Homeschool High School Literature
  • How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts Curriculum & Options
  • Homeschooling High School: Curriculum, Credits, and Courses
  • Free Homeschool High School Planning Sheet (and pssst help for high school too)

3 CommentsFiled Under: Choose Curriculum, Graduate a Homeschooler, Homeschool Teens _ From Teen to Graduation, Homeschooling, Lesson Plan, Middle School Homeschool Tagged With: high school, high school literature, homeschool, homeschool highschool, homeschoolhighschool, lessonplanning, literary analyis, literary devices, literature, teens

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