The Homeschool Highschool Podcast The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Careers that Don't Require College, Interview with Susan Stewart- Special Replay.





Careers that Don't Require College, Interview with Susan Stewart

God creates all kinds of children. All kinds of children develop all kinds of interests and giftings. We need to make sure that teens are not pressured into going to college if their callings include careers that do not need a college degree. Why waste talent, time and money on that?



One our of favorite topics at 7SistersHomeschool is Career Exploration (in fact, our Career Exploration text is one of our top sellers), so Vicki was really excited to be joined for this HSHSP episode by Susan Stewart of Practical Inspirations. Susan serves the homeschool community as advisor and blogger (and now has a book: Harried Homeschoolers). She has three homeschool graduates who are all doing well careers and life. None of them have college degrees.

Here are thoughts from our discussion on careers that don't require college.

Susan starts off with a little encouragement for homeschool moms:



* Things aren't perfect

* Things fall apart sometimes

* You are not a failure because of that

* We are not God, he has simply given you the job of raising his kids

* God has made you enough for what he has given you



Susan and her husband did not have the homeschool goal of raising kids who go to college. Their goal was training Godly adults. So they concentrated on life skills and teaching to their homeschoolers' needs and interests.

Susan reminds us: Not all teens are called to go to college!

Redefine success. We can fall into the trap that in order to be successful, our teens must earn a four-year degree. That is not true. Success is growing and fulfilling God's plans!



Susan reminds us that her three kids learned that their career callings did not need college degrees. Her husband is an electrician and so her kids knew by watching their dad that career satisfaction comes from a satisfactory career, not necessarily a college degree!



* Her kids were tired of education so graduated and just "got a job". Her daughter got a job with a tech company and is now in management, climbing the ladder.

* One son had some learning difficulties. He tried photography but decided he loved repairing mechanical instruments. His trouble shooting skills have made him valuable to his company.

* One son started out in the Marines. After his stint, he made the most of his love of travel by becoming an over-the-road truck driver. He loves earning a living by doing the thing he loves: seeing America.



Susan says: We homeschoolers need to remember not be snobs about jobs. If a job is honorable and fits a person's needs, it is a good job.





Because her older homeschool high schoolers were not interested in college, Susan invested in her children with some life preparation skills and experiences which included:



* Part-time jobs (watering plants at a local plan nursery). Began resume building

* Service opportunities (they did Meals on Wheels, library volunteer)

* Job application skills (resume, interview skills, filling out application- especially answering short essay questions)

* Financial Literacy

* Community involvement (they did theater and other community activities)



Susan's homeschool graduates have found that these extracurricular activities on the high school transcript can be as important (or even more important) in early employment opportunities.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Advice For New Homeschool Moms With Sue Sobszak.





Advice For New Homeschool Moms With Sue Sobczak

If you are a new homeschool mom, and you just need a little boost of encouragement, or if you have been homeschooling and need to recalibrate and find that encouragement, then you’ll love the tips from today’s guest: our Cousin Sue Sobszak! After reading the advice for new homeschool moms laid out by Sue, be sure to check out her coaching website for even more support on your homeschooling journey.

About Sue Sobczak

Sue is a retired nurse practitioner and is now a life coach. She and her husband are both retired from the army and have six kids, three of whom have graduated from college, two are currently in college, and their youngest is in high school. 



Sue and her family have homeschooled while moving around the United States and even in Germany through their military jobs. This means they have experience with different laws and making homeschooling work in various situations.

Embrace Individuality

One of the tips for new homeschool high school moms from 7SistersHomeschool is that there is not ONE right way to homeschool. It is important to remember that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. 



Do not feel pressured to follow a specific method or approach just because someone says it is the right way. Our goal as homeschooling parents is to do what is best for each individual child. God has created each teen uniquely and given them gifts, and as homeschooling parents, we have the privilege of tailoring their education to meet their specific needs and interests. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to homeschool.

You Won't Mess Up Your Kids

Many parents worry about whether they are capable of homeschooling and fear that they might mess up their children.  It is common to feel uncertain and worried about whether we're doing enough or teaching them everything they need to know. But the truth is, learning is a lifelong journey.



Our kids will continue to learn and grow even after they graduate. Even if we do not have all the answers, our teens' ability to learn and adapt will help them succeed in life beyond homeschooling.



If there are gaps in their education, they can always learn those things later when they need to- after all, ALL of life is education! The important thing is to foster a love for learning and a curiosity that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Character Development

While academics are important, the significance of character development in homeschooling cannot be emphasized enough. Focusing on building good character traits, such as perseverance, resilience, and adaptability, can leave a permanent impression on our children's lives. 



For Sue’s family, character development was a top priority. While academics are important, her family focused on building good character traits in their children. This emphasis on character has had a lasting impact on them, and they've grown into responsible and compassionate individuals. 



Sports,

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Resources for Struggling Students, Interview with Cheryl Carter.





Resources for Struggling Students, Interview with Cheryl Carter

When looking for fantastic resources for homeschooling high school students, it can be a hit or miss situation at times. For this reason - but many more reasons - we are so excited we share with you all about The Capable Scholar by founder Cheryl Carter! Cheryl shares her expertise and insights on supporting struggling learners, building confidence, and preparing students for college and beyond. Let’s explore the world of The Capable Scholar and discover how it can empower your homeschooling journey, along with learning about some fantastic resources for struggling students!

About Cheryl Carter

Cheryl Carter is a seasoned homeschooling parent with five children, two of whom have already successfully completed their homeschooling journey and achieved impressive academic milestones, with another in graduate school, and her younger two twins currently in their teens. 



In addition, Cheryl is one of our 7SistersHomeschool Cousins. These are homeschooling good friends who offer resources and/or support that we can trust. You can see what they  have to offer on 7Sisters' Stuff We Like page.



With a background in special education and as a college professor, Cheryl has dedicated her career to helping struggling students excel in their studies. Her passion for empowering students with learning differences led her to create The Capable Scholar.



The Capable Scholar is a comprehensive resource that focuses on helping students with learning differences, disabilities, and those who simply struggle academically. Cheryl believes that every student is capable of success and aims to instill confidence and a love for learning in each student she works with. 

About The Capable Scholar

The Capable Scholar offers a range of resources, including a writing curriculum, Outschool classes, personalized support, and even opportunities for students to get published.



One unique aspect of Cheryl’s approach is teaching grammar through the students’ own writing. She’s found that students with learning differences thrive when they can apply grammar rules to their own work. 



In fact, some of her students have even gone on to get their work published, building impressive portfolios for college admissions.



It’s important to note, however, that The Capable Scholar is not just for students with formal diagnoses or IEPs. If you are a parent who knows your child is struggling, even without a specific label, she’s here to help. Whether it's writing or math, Cheryl can provide the best strategies and approaches to ensure your student's success. 



On The Capable Scholar, you'll find Cheryl’s writing curriculum, which covers grades 6 to 12, and even extends into the first year of college. It's designed to build confidence and provide the necessary skills for college-level writing.

Additional Resources for Struggling Students

In addition to using the writing curriculum at The Capable Scholar, Cheryl recommends focusing on English, math, history, and science. 



For English, the Grammar Review inside The Capable Scholar is a great resource that covers all the essentials. 



When it comes to math, she suggests using a college remedial algebra book like Martha Liao's or the Life with Fred series.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Tips for Homeschooling High School, Interview with Natalie Mack- Special Replay.





Tips for Homeschooling High School, Interview with Natalie Mack

Vicki and Natalie are so excited to finally connect! We have been waiting to connect to share Natalie's expertise on homeschooling high school!



Natalie Mack is a retired Navy chaplain's spouse (after thirty-four years of service). She is a passion military spouse advocate because she knows that the military spouses are the ones who are holding military bases and military families together. The whole family serves!



Not only that, but she is a homeschool mom (who is a passionate advocate for all homeschooling families- and especially military homeschooling families). She has five kids.



* Her oldest graduated from Liberty University and George Washington University (Masters in International Education- fluent in Mandarin and conversational in Russian). She is currently an International Baccalaureate coordinator for the Washington DC public school system.

* Natalie's second daughter is a "kick-butt soccer athlete" who played Division One soccer for Liberty University. She recently completed her Masters in Social Work at Howard University. Besides preparing for her social work career, she is also on a professional indoor soccer player.

* Her oldest son graduated from American University's School of International Service. He worked on a Congressional campaign for a season and is now working for a nonprofit.

* Natalie's second son is an Honor College student at George Mason University, a Bonners scholar there.

* Her youngest son is fifteen. He is kind of like an only child now because his siblings are all in college or beyond.



Despite being down to one high schooler at home, Natalie is still super busy. When her kids asked her why she was still so busy, she told them that she is finally doing all the things she could not do when she was homeschooling five kids as a military wife. This is a new season but there is no time to sit around eating bonbons!

These days, when she is not working on lessons with her youngest, Natalie is:



* Teaching homeschool co-op and group classes

* Working for Homeschool Legal Defense Association as an outreach co-ordinator to military families and homeschooling high school parents

* In leadership in a large military homeschool support group at Fort Bell (she has been in military homeschool family leadership for nineteen years)

* Writing a NEWLY released book of homeschooling success tips- 101 Tips for Homeschoolers: Loving Your Homeschool Experience



Advice from Natalie about homeschooling high school:

Natalie has gained lots of wisdom over many years of homeschooling high school! Here are a few.

When things feel thankless, remember that someday your teens will be grown up- they will thank you then

Natalie knows from experience. Sometimes homeschool days can be thankless. On those days, you have to keep on keeping on- putting one foot in front of the other. You will make it. You can do this!

Trust the process

You may feel like you are venturing into the unknown when you start homeschooling high school. That is okay.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Top Tech Tools for Homeschool High Schoolers with Meryl van der Merwe.





Top Tech Tools for Homeschool High Schoolers with Meryl van der Merwe

If you are looking for something to enhance the homeschool experience for high school students, there is a range of tools and resources available. From technology and career preparation to organization and community service, these tools can help students thrive academically and beyond. Here, we want to dive right into the top tech tools with our friend, Meryl van der Merwe, fellow podcaster at Homeschooling With Technology as well as owner of Funda Funda Academy. So, let's dive in and explore the exciting world of homeschooling with technology!



BTW- Meryl has shared her wisdom with Homeschool Highschool Podcast several times. If you have missed them, check these episodes:



* Helping Teens Own Their Education

* Choosing Elective Credits for Homeschool High School

* Tech Skills for Teens



About Meryl van der Merwe

Originally from South Africa, Meryl moved to the United States 20 years ago and decided to homeschool her children due to their advanced academic abilities. 



Meryl's passion for teaching led her to start teaching online and eventually establish Funda Funda Academy, where she and a team of teachers offer a wide range of online classes. 



On top of Funda Funda Academy, Meryl ventured into podcasting and connected with Vicki, our very own 7Sisters Homeschooler, through the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast network, their shared podcasting network.



Merrill’s amazing podcast is called Homeschooling with Technology. If you are looking for resources on the best technology for homeschooling, this is the podcast you don't want to miss. 





Favorite Top Tech Tools for Homeschool

Let's talk about some of the best technology for homeschooling you can use that happens to be Meryl’s favorite top tech tools that she encourages you to check out. 

Grammarly

First up is Grammarly. Grammarly is a free app that helps with grammar and spelling. It's like having a personal editor that highlights any mistakes you make. Good grammar is important for high school writing requirements.



It is incredibly helpful, especially when writing essays or any other written work. Trust me, your teens will thank you for introducing them to Grammarly.

Vocabulary.com

Next on the list is Vocabulary.com. This is another free tool that is fantastic for building vocabulary. It is essential for understanding what you read and improving your writing skills. 



Plus, having a strong vocabulary is crucial for standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. And here is a little secret: even though many colleges are going test-optional, scholarships still require test scores. 



It's important to help your children develop a ro...

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Helping Teens Make New Friends. Give your high schoolers the networking skills that will help them now and in adulthood.





Helping Teens Make New Friends

Delivered by 7SistersHomeschool’s very own licensed professional counselor, Vicki is here to talk about one of her most favorite topics: helping teens make new friends. In Vicki’s other hat, besides having raised her kids through the homeschooling process, she’s worked with all kinds of teens on how to make new friends. No matter where you are in life, there are times where you need a new set of friends, whether that’s moving to a new area, joining a new church or breaking up with a homeschool co-op group. You’ll learn all the pointers you need to know in these tried and true tips!

Share Basic Life Skills

First, know that helping teens make new friends doesn't mean you make the friends for your homeschool high schoolers. We can't do this for our teens, but we can give them the skills needed to pursue friendships, for making those friends themselves, and for creating their own network. This is a skill that, if learned now, can apply to the rest of their lives, well into their careers.



Also, work with your teens on basic life skills so they can have the tools already in their toolbox to use. And they need to know they can choose to use these or they can choose not to use these tools. It's their choice. As long as teens feel like they have a choice in something, they will very often use those skills. 



Even shy teens can learn skills like these to build their confidence.

Find New Things To Try Locally

When your teen finds some things to try, this doesn't mean it's something that they are already passionate about, nor is this necessarily something they want to do. They just need to try some new things. It's one of the most important things we can do for learning and practicing skills and actually discovering some things that we don't know whether we like or not until we try it. 

Local Support Groups

If you're new to an area, or you’re beginning your homeschool journey brand new, look around your local area and start simple. Find some things that have other teens involved. For instance, look to see if there is a local homeschool support group or other organization. That is a good place to start looking, and then see if they have a youth group. Check out their website, or see if they have an online schedule or calendar to see what is happening.

Local Classes

If there's not a support group with just some youth activities, are there some classes that they can take locally? Regardless if they need the class or not, enroll your teen in an umbrella school class or two at a homeschool umbrella school or someplace where there's group learning. 

Church Youth Groups and Service Organizations

For teens, church youth groups and church missions trips are another way to be around other teens doing something.



Service organizations for teens that are out in the community, such as library volunteers or food bank volunteers. See what different things are available where there are groups of teens going out and/or volunteering.