The Homeschool Highschool Podcast The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

This week on the Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Find Homeschool Resources with HomeschoolHQ.





Homeschool HQ with Lauren Bordeaux

It’s always exciting to discover new resources for homeschooling, especially ones that cater to high schoolers. It's truly a blessing to have such a wide range of options available nowadays. One such blessing is through Lauren Bordeaux, the founder of Homeschool HQ. Lauren shares her inspiring homeschooling journey and the creation of this unique app, Homeschool HQ, that aims to revolutionize the way homeschooling families connect and find resources!

About Lauren Bordeaux

Lauren and her husband, both products of public education, initially considered sending their three children to traditional schools. However, a forest preschool experience in Germany opened their eyes to different possibilities for education.  As their daughter flourished in a non-traditional environment, Lauren's perspective shifted, and she began exploring homeschooling through podcasts and research.



After moving back to the United States and experiencing the challenges of homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lauren realized the need for a centralized platform that could gather and organize homeschooling resources. She shared her idea with her husband, and together they started on the journey of building the Homeschool HQ app.

About HomeschoolHQ

When Lauren was looking into homeschool resources and management, she could not find anything comprehensive enough to consider using. There were some lists on Facebook, but they were limited to specific groups, and Lauren wanted to create an aggregate resource that would be accessible to all homeschoolers, such as tools or apps for homeschool organization in mind.



And even though neither Lauren nor her husband had any tech background, they were determined to make HomeschoolHQ happen. They found an online program that allowed them to build the app themselves, and with the help of some friends who are also homeschoolers, they brought homeschoolHQ to life. 



And Homeschool HQ launched just a year ago!



This app is not just “another homeschooling app.” It is a user-populated platform that allows homeschooling families to share and discover resources in their local areas. The app features various categories, including co-ops, classes, field trip ideas, conventions, and more. Users can customize their search radius and save their favorite resources for easy access.



Lauren and her husband are constantly working on updates to enhance the app's features. In fact, they’re currently awaiting approval for an update that will include a higher education section, allowing homeschoolers to find homeschool-friendly colleges and universities, along with information on admissions, dual enrollment, and scholarships for homeschoolers!

Using HomeschoolHQ In Your Homeschool

With Homeschool HQ, you can plan your homeschooling activities, find local classes, and even organize play dates or nature hikes. The app provides a sense of community and simplifies the process of locating resources tailored to your family's needs. 



Getting started with HomeschoolHQ is easy. Simply download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. While there is a subscription fee of $19.99 per year, this nominal amount ensures the availability of high-quality resources and safeguards the app's integrity. 



Once you are in the app, explore the different categories, save your favorites, and customize your search options to find resources near you.



Homeschool HQ is currently available in the US and Canada, with plans to expand to more countries in the future. The app's user-driven nature fosters a sense of collaboration and community among homeschooling families. By contributing to the app,

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast- Teen Publishes A Book: A Young Author's Journey in the Writing Process.





Teen Publishes A Book: A Young Author's Journey in the Writing Process

Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity for kids to explore their passions and discover hidden talents. One such talented young person is Sophia Errico, a young author who found her passion for writing through homeschooling. Sophia joins Vicki to share her journey about writing her first book. Join us in Sophia's writing process of her book, The Tree House, along with the valuable lessons she has learned along the way.

About Sophia Errico, a Young Author

Sophia Errico's homeschooling journey began when her parents made the decision to switch her from public school after the pandemic hit. Initially, it was an adjustment, but she soon realized the benefits of more flexible learning. Homeschooling allowed her to dedicate more time to her love for writing, as she could create her own academic schedule (rather than spending eight hours a day in class). Sophia found herself finishing her assignments earlier, giving her ample time to pursue her passion.

A Young Author's Journey in the Writing Process

Sophia's love for writing blossomed when she joined a writer's group led by teacher, Miss Keri in our Cousin Cheryl Carter's Creative Classrooms at Outschool. This group provided a safe space for Sophia to share her work and receive valuable feedback from her mentor. 



And through her online writing group, the constructive criticism she received helped her grow as a writer and refine her storytelling skills. Sophia also credits her editor for their guidance in shaping her book, The Tree House, into its final form.

The Birth of The Tree House

Inspired by classic TV shows and drawing from her own public school experiences, Sophia was inspired to write her first book, The Tree House. The story revolves around protagonist Chris, a young boy striving to be a better person, and how his world is turned upside down when a new friend joins their group. 



Sophia's writing process involves allowing ideas to flow as she writes. She welcomes the ebb and flow of inspiration, occasionally facing writer's block but always pushing through it. 



Sophia emphasizes the importance of editing and revising, acknowledging the valuable input of her editor and mentor, Miss Keri, and her own evolving understanding of writing. She was able to receive her criticism with an open mind and then use that to modify her writing into the masterpiece it is today. 



This is a wise process that could be an obstacle to overcome by even adults in the writing process, but Sophia took the edit suggestions and ran with them! She admits she is much happier with the way it turned out than the way it started. 



And Sophia did exactly what a good writer does - skillfully incorporated these suggestions and feedback to enhance the storytelling inside The Tree House.



a rel="NOFOLLOW" href="https://www.amazon.com/TreeHouse-Sophia-Errico/dp/B0C9K6LJWH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TSJK48FCT7KJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yIEE1ZayntOF2IK-WuXVQw.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Study Skills For Homeschoolers.





Study Skills For Homeschoolers

Some teens are born knowing how to study. However, most teens need to learn study skills. We often hear from homeschool graduates, especially those bound for college, that they need guidance in this area. We asked our 7Sister Marilyn to help explain study skills for homeschoolers.

About Marilyn Groop and Mt. Sophia

Marilyn is an editor of our 7SistersHomeschool textbooks, along with Sarah and Allison. Not only that, but she is also the principal of our local umbrella school, Mount Sophia Academy. This umbrella school has been serving homeschoolers for over twenty years. Hundreds of students have passed through those doors, with more than twenty-six graduating classes to date. It is truly amazing and feels us all with a sense of pride and joy. 



Mt. Sophia Academy serves as a homeschool diploma program, providing academic advising, transcript management, and diploma issuance for high school students. They offer classes for middle and high schoolers, ranging from average to advanced levels. Although they do not teach AP classes, some of their students have successfully taken and passed AP tests. With a diverse group of teachers and a busy schedule of classes on Mondays and Thursdays, a comprehensive education is the goal for the students attending.



Mt. Sophia Academy also offers outstanding academic advising to help students prepare for college and beyond, including guidance in extracurricular activities like sports and choir. They take pride in supporting parents and taking responsibility for the academic aspects of their homeschool high schoolers' education.

Here are the study skills for homeschool high schoolers

Marilyn teaches homeschool high schoolers these study skills.

The Importance of Effective Time Management

Time management is one of the most critical study skills for homeschoolers in order to achieve success through high school and beyond. But procrastination is the opposite of this, and quite the demolisher. It’s never a good strategy, especially when it comes to studying. When it comes to subjects like world languages, consistency is key.



Research has shown that cramming is not an effective method for retaining information. Instead of cramming for hours the night before, encourage your teens to spend fifteen minutes each day reviewing vocabulary or concepts. This practice helps information transfer to long-term memory more effectively.



By spreading out study sessions and engaging in regular review, students can improve their long-term memory and overall understanding of the material.

Doing the Work and Meeting Deadlines

Another crucial aspect of successful studying is actually doing the work. Completing assignments and meeting deadlines are fundamental skills that all high school students should develop. 



While there may be occasions when prioritizing certain tasks becomes necessary, encourage your teens to make time for their academic responsibilities. It's essential for students to develop awareness and take responsibility for their academic responsibilities.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Ten Terrific Tips for Transcripts-Special Replay.





Ten Tips for Terrific Transcripts

Transcripts are vitally important as record of all the work your homeschool high schoolers have done. Who needs need a high school transcript:



* Homeschool graduates who want to serve in the military (check out this interview with a military recruiter)

* Non-college-bound homeschool graduates who will be going into the workforce. (Most employers do not ask to see your teens' transcript, but it does happen occasionally.)

* College-bound homeschool graduates



Click image for full description.



BTW- 7Sisters has a transcript kit that includes an editable template and detailed instructions.

So if your teen needs a transcript, it might as well be the most advantageous transcript you can produce. With that in mind, here are ten tips for a terrific transcript!

Remember, there's not ONE right way to homeschool high school. Also, there's not ONE right way to create a transcript. So, do what is best for you and your teens.

Transcript Tip #1

You need it. You may not be required by homeschool law to produce a transcript, but your teen will likely need it at some point.



In my years as the upperclass advisor for our local umbrella school, I found that transcripts can be important years after graduating from high school.



* I remember one graduate school insisting that one of our graduates produce her high school transcript, even though she had just graduated with her undergraduate degree from a four-year college.

* Another young man was required to produce his high school transcript for a new job years after homeschool graduation.



Transcript Tip #2

It should be easy to read. As we have often noted: there is not a standardized format that your homeschoolers' transcripts need to follow. However, the most useful transcripts are easy to scan quickly to get an idea of who your teens are.

Transcript Tip #3

Start in ninth grade. You will thank me for this tip. Can you imagine getting to senior year and needing to dig through years of portfolios and crates and boxes, trying to piece together a transcript? (We have had to help a few homeschoolers do that. While we made it happen, it's tough.)



You don't need that stress. Go ahead. Start in ninth grade!



The cool thing, as you watch that transcript develop year to year, you and your teens will feel SO proud of what they are accomplishing. As the transcript builds each year, teens can really feel proud of their successes.





Transcript Tip #4

Keep the format consistent year to year, especially the order of the courses your teen completes. Take for instance:



* List English/Language Arts first each year

* Then list Math next each year

* After that list Science

* Then list History



You do not need to follow this format, per se, but do order the courses. That way admissions officer,

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: After Graduation: Making the Most of Community College- Special Replay.





After Graduation: Making the Most of Community College

These days many homeschool graduates (and traditionally-schooled high school graduates) choose to attend community colleges. Join us for an interview Seth Tillman, a community college graduate (and now a graduate from  University of Delaware and an elementary school music teacher, as well as editor of this podcast).

Choosing community college is a great idea! Why?



* You can come ahead financially (community colleges are SO much cheaper than universities)

* Plus, you have more time to clarify majors (many times teens need an extra year or two to clarify their majors)

* You attend smaller classes (as opposed to two hundred students in freshman-level classes at some universities)

* Also, you earn general education course credits that transfer to many universities

* You can stay local (saving money and time)

* A big bonus: you can take community college experiences and opportunities to build your resume

* One of the biggest bonuses: You can build excellent networking connections



Cautionary note:

Look at transfer college's requirements, not all courses transfer. Each university or transfer college will accept different courses. Check that college's *transfer matrix*.  Sometimes community colleges will tell you lots of courses transfer, but they are not always accurate.

Note from Seth:

Even if a community college course is not quite on the transfer matrix, you might be able to appeal. (The advisor to the transfer college major department will handle this with you.) So, be sure to keep your course syllabi.

Make the most of those community college years. If you are at a local college, it might as well be awesome! Here are tips from Seth:



* Get involved

* Don't just go to class, sit in the back and be silent.

* Go to class every time

* Arrive early

* Sit near the front

* Participate in class

* Find activities in your department and campus



Study skills tips from Seth:



* Do it

* Readings

* Homework

* Follow the



* course syllabus (in many colleges: Academic Honesty Policies, grading policy of the course, texts, explanations of projects)

* course schedule (readings, homework, exams schedules)





* Study for exams

* Stay off the cell phone in class

* Get enough sleep

* Explore ways to study and land on one way to study that works for you



TOP TIP from Seth:



* Say "yes" to opportunities (especially from faculty)! The more *yeses* you say, the more opportunities will come.

* Saying *yes* builds your resume and creates great networks (and referrals).

* Get involved in work study.



Managing money is a big issue for college students. Seth was well-prepared in high school for handing his own finances.



* Take Financial Literacy in high school. Seth took 7SistersHomeschool.com's Financial Literacy from a Christian Perspective.

* Then work your financial plan and budget!

* Seth uses the *Notes* app on his phone to keep his budget records and *funds* records.



Seth's parting advice:

Don't let anyone make fun of you going to community college. When he graduated and transferred to the local university, he sometimes got a little razzing for his years at community college. However, he did not allow that to phase him. "They are just insecure and have their own problems."

This week on the Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Handling Depression in Teens with Natalie Mack.





Handling Depression in Teens, Interview with Natalie Mack

As homeschooling parents, we wear many hats and play multiple roles in our children's lives. One such navigator of life is military wife, homeschooling mom, and business owner, our Cousin Natalie Mack. Natalie talks about the importance of being aware of the unique challenges our teens may face, especially when it comes to mental health. She and Vicki also discuss the impact of military life on teens as well as how to support them in prevention of and in response to handling depression in teens.

About Natalie Mack

Natalie, a retired Navy chaplain spouse, has been adjusting to this new phase of life recently. Four of her five children have graduated from college, and now all that’s left is their 10th grader to homeschool. 



But throughout the homeschooling years, this military family has been serving their country. This often required moving at the drop of a hat, so Natalie is used to adapting to new challenges, or big changes, of life.



Alongside homeschooling, she runs a consulting and mentoring business called Natalie Mack, where she focuses on military homeschooling. She also works with HSLDA as the military community outreach coordinator. As you can see, she wears many hats, just like all homeschool moms do!

Military Life and Teen Adjustment

Military families serve their country as a unit, and the adjustments required during frequent moves can be mentally, emotionally, and physically challenging for everyone involved. While some children may embrace change with excitement, others might struggle with the constant adjustments. 



Military kids do not always have a choice in these moves, which can lead to bouts of depression or difficulty adjusting. As homeschooling parents, we have the advantage of spending more time with our teens, allowing us to identify potential signs of depressive episodes or adjustment difficulties.

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Teen Depression

Be vigilant in observing any changes in your teenagers' behavior. Depression in teens may manifest as:



* increased isolation

* lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities

* excessive sleep

* irritability

* bouts of anger.



It is crucial to differentiate between normal teenage development and signs of depression.



The winter months, particularly in certain regions, can bring about a condition known as winter blues or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Teens, in particular, may feel the effects of SAD more intensely due to their hormonal changes. 



The lack of sunlight during this time can affect our teens' optic nerves, impacting their emotional well-being. Symptoms of SAD can range from:



* feeling down and lethargic

* to experiencing difficulty concentrating and sleeping excessively. 



In order to help them, teach them some coping skills for teenage depression can help, for instance:



* light therapy and

* increased outdoor activity are important interventions t...