Facing the Crossroads
Posted by Lee | 0 comments
When the fun and games end
One of our standard parental retorts when our kids were younger was “it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” It usually came on the heels of “somebody” crying after the brother was too rough during a game. Over time, however, we found this proverb also applied to us as parents when we considered homeschooling through the high school years.
Throughout elementary and junior high, our homeschooling was truly “fun and games.” We loved the freedom of learning together, at our own pace while matching curriculum to the kids’ interests and learning styles. High school seemed like much more serious business. We worried that somebody’s future might get hurt. Our free and easy homeschool style started to take on a decidedly more “serious” tone. Dark questions crept in: “Can we do this? What about college? Can they get scholarships?” And the ever popular, “How on earth will we teach Calculus??”
I wish I could give you a well-reasoned answer to why we continued homeschooling through graduation. The truth probably had more to do with inertia than conviction. We loved homeschooling. We felt it was exactly what God wanted us to do. It had worked well so far, so we continued. As is often the case, “no decision” is a decision. We feigned confidence, but there were lingering doubts that grew as we started college applications. As slowly as these doubts crept in, they were gone in a single day.
I’m referring to the day we got a call from our children’s first choice university. My boys had both been awarded a four year, full-tuition scholarship. We were amazed! I had given the college a transcript I made on my home computer using a Word document. All the grades were “mommy grades.” Our beloved and precious homeschool diploma was not accredited; it was purchased from an online printing company.
We were able to succeed in high school even though we were unprepared for the subject matter, doubtful of our capability, concerned about college, and afraid of the unknown. We were scared, but it worked out anyway. We were faithful to God’s voice, despite our fears. So, while our faith was small, God’s faithfulness was huge.
Looking back, we can see how homeschooling high school gave us advantages in academics, socialization, specialization and character.
Academics
When parents think about homeschooling high school, it is often the academic subjects scare them the most. They look at calculus, French, or biology and are overwhelmed. That’s why there is curriculum made just for homeschoolers. Those who develop homeschool courses cater to the parent who knows nothing about the subject. This type of curriculum can encourage teenagers to become self-directed learners. Remember, it’s not a failure when children teach themselves, it’s a success! You want to produce adults who can learn what they need to know!
Of course, not every child will go to college, and yet every homeschooler can have a college preparatory high school. College preparation is important for college bound students, that much is clear. But it may be even more important for a student who is not college-bound! For these students, our homeschool may be the only formal education they receive. They need this strong start to be good citizens; to vote responsibly, and to provide for their families. Teenagers will often change their minds about everything. Preparing them for college can help teens succeed no matter what path they choose. A well educated student can go into the workforce, go to college, or become an entrepreneur – all with equal chance of success.
Socialization
Homeschoolers are wonderful people. I remember the very first week I began to homeschool; I took my children to the local “Homeschool Skate.” I walked in and saw a small child fall down. Immediately, teens flew in from every direction to help. They scooped up the little one and delivered him safely to his parent. I had been around a lot of teenagers before, but I had never seen such group-wide social responsibility. I was hooked on homeschooling from that instant.
Homeschooled teens socialize in the real world, with a variety of people of all ages and backgrounds. They get feedback from adults and children, not just age-mates. They become adept at interacting with all people, regardless of their age, gender, culture, or religion. My youngest son became our church choir director at the age of 16. One elderly choir member confided, “He talks to me the same way he talks with the young people!” He was shocked that a young man could converse naturally with everyone.
Character
Character may be demonstrated when nobody is looking, but it is learned when parents are watching. Homeschooling high school provides opportunity to daily shape and mold children, so character is firmly established. Their manners, values, and faith can be influenced by parents more than peers, during the time when kids are deciding the kind of people they will become.
Rebellion takes an unusual form when you learn character with Godly people watching. One day when my children were very little, I overheard them playing. They decided to act like “bad guys.” As I wondered about their view of “bad guys,” I over heard my eldest explain his plan. “Let’s bump into people and NOT say excuse me!” Now that they are in college, their form of “rebellion” is to grow facial hair. Pretty innocent, especially considering the alternatives! Character development through homeschool high school will make a huge difference in a child’s life.
The Whole Package
Parents provide the best representation of their student on paper. One of the scariest parts of homeschooling high school is the transcript (also called the “permanent record”). Crafting the transcript, however, is the best part of homeschooling! Public and private schools can only record what happens inside their classrooms. Homeschoolers, however, may include all educational experiences on a transcript.
Homeschooling provides a wider array of high school classes than other settings. Our choices aren’t limited by a school district or school board, and we don’t have to include classes that waste time. Because life is about learning, we get to include academic “learning for fun” on their transcripts as well. A homeschool transcript can present a well rounded picture of your child because it reflects the whole child, not just their classroom activities.
Specialization
Homeschooling is efficient education, even in the high school years. There’s no waiting in line, bus rides, homework, or disrupted classes! Our students’ time is utilized more efficiently. Homeschoolers can spend time diving into activities and subjects they love. It’s not unusual to see children spending hours doing what they love. That’s how homeschoolers become a spelling bee champion, worship leader, or research intern. Their parents didn’t push them; the children had time to pursue their own interests.
In our homeschool, we had structured academics four days a week. The fifth day was for specialization. They could study, read, work, or research. That experience developed interests that shaped their career choice.
What it takes to succeed
Little is required to homeschool high school successfully. You must love your child and want the best for them. You want them to grow up and gain skills needed to support themselves. That, I suppose, is the biggest motivation for parents. If we fail, they might live with us forever! And we know at some point children will have to make their own home.
Beyond love, attentive effort can make all the difference. You don’t have to be a math major, a bilingual scientist, or certified teacher! Success requires the conscientious effort of a loving parent. Educate yourself about high school issues. Treat homeschooling like a vocation. Your job requires continuing education, so spend time and money learning about homeschooling high school.
God has chosen you to homeschool your children. If you have homeschooled before, is God asking you to change? If you are just starting homeschool, do you believe He is able to provide? If a parent looks at high school without fear, it’s much easier to listen to the urgings of the Spirit. My job is to remove the fear of high school. I don’t know what is right for your family, but you do. If you decide to homeschool through high school, there is a LOT of support available. I’m here to help you finish the job, and finish strong!
Hints for Homeschooling High School: Some do’s” and “don’ts”
- Continue the homeschool methods that have worked for you
- Keep using curriculum that has worked for you in the past
- Use curriculum made for homeschoolers not classrooms
- Allow teens to give input in curriculum choices
- Allow free time for your child to specialize
- Do the next thing and move ahead, even into tough subjects
- Keep academics challenging but not overwhelming
- Invest in your vocation as a home educator
- Seek a veteran homeschooler as a mentor
- “Practice high school” during 7th and 8th grade
What Colleges Really Want
- Rigorous academics
- The ability to read, write, and do math
- “Passion”
- Interests are unique to your child
- Good Works
- Community service and work experience
- Character qualities
- Honesty and work ethic
Check out my article on page 8 of the funky flipbook edition of Heart of the Matter Magazine.
Lee Binz is The HomeScholar. Her mission is “help parents homeschool high school.” Her free mini-course, “The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make When Homeschooling High School,” is a great introduction to high school essentials. Her free newsletter provides monthly encouragement and support. Her book “The Easy Truth About Homeschool Transcripts” teaches parents how to create high school transcripts for every homeschool style. You can get a daily dose of high school help at her blog, The HomeScholar Helper, recently voted as the “best homeschool business blog.” For help, please call 1-888-Lee-2Help, or email Lee@TheHomeScholar.com.
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