38 episodes

Encouragement and support for homeschool families who are entering or currently in the high school years.

The Homeschool Highschool Podcast The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

    • Education
    • 4.8 • 69 Ratings

Encouragement and support for homeschool families who are entering or currently in the high school years.

    Study Skills For Homeschoolers

    Study Skills For Homeschoolers

    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.

    • 19 min
    Ten Tips for Terrific Transcripts- Special Replay

    Ten Tips for Terrific Transcripts- Special Replay

    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,

    • 21 min
    After Graduation: Making the Most of Community College- Special Replay

    After Graduation: Making the Most of Community College- Special Replay

    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."

    • 25 min
    Handling Depression in Teens, Interview with Natalie Mack

    Handling Depression in Teens, Interview with Natalie Mack

    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...

    How to Schedule the Homeschool High School Year

    How to Schedule the Homeschool High School Year

    This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How to Schedule the Homeschool High School Year.





    How to Schedule the Homeschool High School Year

    While it may sound boring, finding the right homeschool high school schedule is important.  The great thing is, there's not just ONE right way to homeschool high school. 

    Let's explore the three basic ways for scheduling the high school year 

    You might even develop your own unique schedule. However, it's easy to start with one of these three scheduling styles.

    Year-Round Approach

    Let's start with a year-round approach. Instead of cramming all academics into one part of the year, this method integrates learning into everyday life. 



    Families following the year-round schedule have several different strategies:



    * Some families allocate three days a week to traditional academic work, such as core courses. Then they reserve the remaining two days for extracurricular activities or family field trips.

    * Other families prefer a five-day academic week with a full week off each quarter for bigger projects or travel. 



    The year round approach allows for more frequent breaks throughout the year. Not only that, but taking breaks every few weeks instead of one long summer break, students can avoid burnout and maintain their motivation for learning.



    However, it's important to note that the year-round homeschooling approach may not be suitable for all families scheduling the high school year. Some students may struggle with the frequent breaks and require a more structured traditional schedule.



    It's also important to consider any state or local regulations regarding homeschooling schedules, as some areas may require a certain number of instructional days or specific breaks throughout the year.



    The key is to find a balance that works for your family and allows for flexibility.

    Block Scheduling

    Now, let's talk about block scheduling. This approach is perfect for teens who prefer to focus on one or two subjects at a time before moving on to the next. Instead of juggling multiple subjects each day, they can dedicate their time to completing an allotted amount of work, increasing their focus and productivity.



    With block scheduling, you can divide the day into larger chunks of time for each subject or activity. For example, your teen could have a two-hour block for math in the morning, followed by a one-hour break before tackling their science work for two hours in the afternoon. 



    The goal is to create a homeschool high school schedule that suits your teen's learning style and keeps them engaged.



    This method also allows for more flexibility in terms of how long it takes to complete a certain task. If your teen needs extra time to understand a concept or finish an assignment, they can use the designated block of time without feeling rushed or behind schedule.



    Just remember that, when scheduling the high school year, aim for flexibility. Your schedule can always be adjusted as needed. 

    Two Semester Year

    Lastly,

    • 23 min
    Why High Schoolers Need to Write Research Papers

    Why High Schoolers Need to Write Research Papers

    This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Why High Schoolers Need to Write Research Papers.





    Why High Schoolers Need to Write Research Papers

    Let’s talk about the often dreaded task of writing research papers in homeschooling. Is this topic taboo in your household?



    We understand that while some students may enjoy the process, many find it challenging and overwhelming. However, there are several benefits of writing research papers, such as:



    * developing critical thinking skills

    * character development and

    * preparing students for future endeavors



    It is one of those things we need to embrace, imperfections and all, so let's dive talk about it.

    The Benefits of Writing Research Papers

    First of all, there are academic benefits from writing research papers:



    * learning about a specific topic in-depth

    * practicing following styles like



    * APA

    * MLA or

    * Chicago







    Seeking Outside Help



    Sometimes, parents may not feel equipped to teach research paper writing, or the dynamics between parents and students may become tense during the process. In such cases, it is perfectly acceptable to seek outside help. 



    We encourage homeschoolers to connect with experienced writing teachers who can provide the necessary guidance and support. There are many options these days:



    * classes at co-ops or umbrella schools

    * asynchronous courses (like 7Sisters APA Research Paper course)

    * online courses at homeschool academies like FundaFunda Academy, Dreaming Spires Home Learning or the Capable Scholar.



    There is no shame in admitting that writing is not your strong suit. We all have different strengths and weaknesses as homeschooling parents. The important thing is to find support and guidance in the areas where we need it. 



    When we acknowledge our limitations and give ourselves permission to seek assistance, we empower ourselves and our homeschool high schoolers. Then, they can excel in areas where we may not feel confident.

    Why Are Research Papers Important?

    Research paper writing is not just about academic skills. It's also about character development and critical thinking. In today's information-rich world, we have access to an overwhelming amount of information, where facts and opinions are readily available at our fingertips. 



    Our teens have grown up in this information-saturated environment, but not all information is reliable or accurate. That is where research papers come in. They teach our teens how to evaluate the information they find. 



    It is like learning to sift through the Niagara Falls of information and discern what is trustworthy and what's not. 

    • 21 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
69 Ratings

69 Ratings

mamajourney ,

Empowering and encouraging

I appreciate this podcast! It helps fill in the gaps and gives me wisdom where needed. I’m encouraged when I listen and hear something positive that we are already doing. So fun!

nickname jules ,

Solid advice

Sometimes it’s hard to think objectively when you’re smack in the middle of raising a teen. I’ve appreciated the wise advice and balanced perspective given in this podcast.

SabrinaJustison ,

Real, Practical, and Encouraging

Real homeschool moms sharing ideas and encouragement that will actually make a positive impact on your homeschool in the high school years!

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