The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

The Homeschool Highschool Podcast
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The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

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

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Teens Who Become Entrepreneurs with Leigh Nguyen

    This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Teens Who Become Entrepreneurs with Leigh Nguyen. Teens Who Become Entrepreneurs with Leigh Nguyen Teens have the potential to be anything they want to be and do anything they want to do. It’s incredible how many opportunities are available for homeschool high schoolers in today’s age. One popular path many young adults are taking nowadays is entrepreneurship. Leigh Nguyen, of the Little by Little Homeschool podcast, is a homeschool mom who’s raising entrepreneurial teens. Leigh joins Vicki to not only share her experience homeschooling her children but also the remarkable journey of her son. He turned a simple lawn mowing gig into a thriving business. Leigh’s story will encourage you to embrace their individuality and help you to guide your them on their unique paths! About Leigh Nguyen Leigh Nguyen's homeschool journey began, as many do, unexpectedly. She did not initially plan to homeschool her children. Like most of us, she thought the public school route was a given.  However, halfway through her daughter's 2nd grade year, Leigh felt a calling, a nudge from God, encouraging her to homeschool. What started as a leap of faith led to years of dedication, growth, and some incredible achievements, including raising teens with a passion for entrepreneurship.  Leigh’s story highlights that homeschool is not just about academics, it’s about nurturing your child’s unique gifts and potential... even if that means stepping into the unknown world of entrepreneurship. Leigh's homeschool high school entrepreneur Leigh’s 19-year-old son, who once ran a humble firewood stand, now owns a full-fledged landscaping business with multiple employees, trucks, and a snow-plowing operation.  His entrepreneurial spark was first noticed when he expressed a desire to split and sell firewood. Fast forward to today, and that small venture has grown into something much bigger, fueled by his interest in business and the freedom that homeschooling allows. Homeschooling gave Leigh’s son the time and flexibility to pursue his interests, even incorporating business principles into his elective credits. By weaving entrepreneurship into his homeschool curriculum, he pursued his passion while ensuring he met academic requirements.  Business books, hands-on learning, and mentorship all counted toward his education, and as Leigh wisely notes, “We learn best by failure.” Leigh believes in giving kids room to fail, encouraging them to learn from mistakes without the fear of drastic consequences. It's this balance of guidance and freedom that has allowed her son to grow into a confident and capable young entrepreneur. Tips For Raising Teenage Entrepreneurs For homeschool moms looking to foster entrepreneurial minds in their teens, Leigh offers a few key insights.  Allow Them To Make Mistakes Encourage them to pursue their passions by allowing room for mistakes, provide opportunities to learn through real-world experience, and find mentors who can guide them.  Entrepreneurship helps start a business, yes, but it also involves cultivating soft skills like resilience, networking, and problem-solving. By doing this, Leigh has helped her son—and now her younger children—turn their interests into potential careers. Use Entrepreneurship as Elective Credits One of the unique opportunities in homeschooling high schoolers who are pursuing entrepreneurial ventures is capturing these experiences as elective a rel="NOFOLLOW" href="https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/authoritative-guide-to-homeschool-career-exploration/" target="_blan...

    23 min

  2. OCT 1

    How to Have Good Conversations with Your Teen

    This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How to Have Good Conversations with Your Teen. How to Have Good Conversations with Your Teen Communication is key with teens! Join Vicki for some tips on ways to strengthen relationships with your homeschool high schoolers by sharing meaningful conversations with them. We homeschool moms wear multiple hats, from teachers to mentors and referees and counselors, and naturally, we want to have those kinds of connections with our teens. But let's be real – some teens open up like books, while others need a whole invitation to get past "fine" when you ask them how their day was. Strategies For Having Good Conversations with Teens First things first, it's important to remember that not every teen is the same. Some are natural-born chatterboxes, while others are more introspective and observers.  It's important to recognize that each teen has their own personality and preferred way of communicating   If your teen is not the type to pour out their thoughts right away, try not to take it personally. It does not necessarily mean they do not want to talk. It might just means they might need a different approach. Let's try some of these approaches: We at 7Sisters had all kinds of teens. Here are some of the different approaches that we found worked with various teens. Pick the Right Time and Place That leads to the first strategy – pick your time and place. For instance, trying to engage a night owl teen at 7:30 AM is a recipe for disaster. And if your early bird is ready for a chat, 10 PM might not be the best time.  Likewise, sometimes a neutral setting, like grabbing a coffee or taking a car ride, can make all the difference. Car rides, in particular, can be magical because no one has to make eye contact, and the movement seems to ease the pressure. Vicki found car rides were the number one location for deep and meaningful conversations with her teens. Talk with Food Another helpful tip? Let food facilitate a fun conversation! It's funny, but sometimes sitting down with snacks creates an atmosphere where teens feel more comfortable. It's like sharing food levels the playing field and makes even tough conversations feel less formal.  You do not have to go all out – a simple snack at the kitchen table or a stop at a drive-thru can help facilitate a smoother exchange.  Plus, if it's an especially challenging conversation, food can offer a little comfort to both of you. Be Judgment-Free When talking with teens, it's crucial to make them feel safe in expressing themselves without fear of judgment.  Sometimes teens may assume we already have all the answers or are not genuinely interested in their thoughts, but a simple question like, “What did you think about that?” or “I wonder why you feel that way?” can unlock deeper conversation.  It’s essential to approach these talks with an open mind, giving them the space to share, even if their perspective challenges your own. Remember: relationship is the emphasis! Don’t Try to Fix it - Just Let Them Talk If your teen has an opinion that you do not fully agree with, resist the urge to jump in and “fix” it. Let them talk it out, and then ask follow-up questions that show you are genuinely curious.  Encouraging them to explain their thought process not only makes them feel heard but also helps develop cr...

    22 min

  3. SEP 24

    Homeschool Graduate and Entrepreneur: Lydia Smith

    This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Homeschool Graduate and Entrepreneur: Lydia Smith. Homeschool Graduate and Entrepreneur: Lydia Smith Today, we’re excited to share the inspiring story of Lydia Smith, a homeschool graduate who has already journeyed on an entrepreneurial adventure. Lydia has combined her passion for creativity with her homeschooling foundation to launch her own business, Pieces of Forever. This interview showcases Lydia’s homeschool experience, her entrepreneurial tips, and her journey in turning memories into cherished keepsakes. About Lydia Smith Lydia Smith was homeschooled for her entire academic life, and she credits homeschooling for providing her with unique learning experiences and flexibility.  One of her fondest memories is sitting under a blanket with her mom during preschool, imagining the pillar of fire with a candle as they studied the Ark of the Covenant.  This creative approach to education gave Lydia a deep love for learning early on, especially in reading and writing. As the oldest of eight children, Lydia appreciated the flexibility that homeschooling offered, especially when it came to tailoring her education to her strengths and weaknesses. For example, she was able to dive into advanced literature like The Chronicles of Narnia in first grade, while also receiving the support she needed in math, which didn’t come as easily to her. This individualized pace allowed her to excel where she had a passion and take her time in areas that needed more focus.  As Lydia put it, “The flexibility was just incredible.” Continuing the Love of Writing Lydia’s love of literature continued through high school, where she enjoyed reading classics like Moby Dick, Jane Eyre, and Shakespeare. She credits a rigorous literature course she took in high school, Right at Home Literature (formerly Wasco Lit), for deepening her appreciation for challenging texts. But as a homeschool graduate, Lydia didn’t just stop at reading. Her passion for writing blossomed, and today, she’s involved with The Author Conservatory, a program that mentors young writers who aspire to be full-time authors.  She joined the program during her senior year of high school and is currently working on a project about Eliab, the oldest brother of King David. Her story explores the theme of being the forgotten older sibling – a topic close to her heart as the eldest of eight! More creative writing ideas at 7SistersHomeschool for co-op or individual. About Pieces of Forever The real reason we’re highlighting Lydia today is entrepreneurial project: Pieces of Forever. This unique business transforms cherished pieces of clothing into decorative throw pillows, giving people a tangible way to hold onto special memories. From graduation gowns to baby clothes and even quirky cat swe...

    21 min

  4. SEP 17

    Why Study Early Childhood Education in High School

    This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Why Study Early Childhood Education in High School. Why Study Early Childhood Education in High School? One of the most fun and practical electives your homeschool high schooler can take is Early Childhood Education. While it’s not a required course for graduation, it’s a fantastic choice for career exploration and life preparation. Why study early childhood education in high school, you might be wondering? Jump in and let’s explore why it can be such a valuable and enjoyable part of your child’s homeschool curriculum. Early Childhood Education (ECE) is an elective course designed to teach teens about the growth and development of young children, especially preschoolers.  With 7Sisters Homeschool’s Early Childhood Education, your teen will get a chance to learn how young children grow, the different educational philosophies that influence early childhood education, and some practical teaching ideas.  Whether your teen is babysitting or simply has younger siblings, they’ll come away with useful skills that they can apply immediately. The best part about this curriculum?  It’s simple and straightforward. Like all 7SistersHomeschool courses, it avoids busy work and is designed to inspire rather than bore students.  This course takes teens through key topics like educational philosophies (think Montessori or Charlotte Mason) and lesson planning, helping them understand how to create fun and engaging activities for young kids. Why Should Your Teen Take An Early Childhood Education High School Course? There are several great reasons why your teen should consider taking an early childhood education in high school years: It Adds Power to Their Transcript ECE can serve as a “sparkle elective,” which is an elective that shows your teen’s ability to develop interests, life skills, and dive into potential future career paths.  If your teen is interested in education, social sciences, or psychology, Early Childhood Education is a perfect elective to boost their transcript and help them stand out to colleges. Career Exploration Early Childhood Education offers a chance for your teen to explore potential careers, whether they’re interested in teaching, working with children, or even psychology.  For teens already studying courses like human development or psychology, ECE pairs perfectly and can level up their overall learning experience.  If your teen is thinking about going into social sciences or education, this course will give them a head start. Life Preparation Many teens will become parents someday, and an early childhood education high school course provides them with valuable insights into the developmental and educational needs of preschool-aged children.  Understanding how little ones learn and grow prepares teens for future parenting roles and gives them confidence when caring for young children, whether it’s their own or while babysitting. Curriculum Highlights The 7SistersHomeschool Early Childhood Education course includes a mix of theory and practical application. Here’s what your teen can expect: Child Development: The course starts with an introduction to the physical and cognitive development of preschool-aged children. Teens learn what makes preschoolers tick and how they grow and learn during those crucial early years.

    12 min

  5. SEP 10

    Homeschool and Life Balance with Natalie Burton

    This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Homeschool and Life Balance with Natalie Burton. Homeschool and Life Balance with Natalie Burton Feeling overwhelmed as you start your homeschool year? Join Vicki and our friend, Natalie Burton as we discuss the secret to homeschool and life balance. (Hint: it is less about perfection and more about grace, faith, and flexibility.) About Natalie Burton Natalie Burton's story is both inspiring and relatable. Homeschooled from second grade through graduation. As a child, Natalie initially resisted the idea of homeschooling but soon grew to love the freedom and personalized learning it offered.  Now, Natalie is a second generation homeschooler! From the outset, she made it clear to her husband that homeschooling was non-negotiable for her. He has been a supportive partner throughout their five years of homeschooling. The journey into homeschooling was not without its challenges, but it has been a fulfilling and faith-driven experience. BTW: We have interviewed several second generations on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: * The Blackwoods from Unlock Math * Katie Waalkes * Amy Sloan The Reality of Homeschool-Life Balance Natalie’s approach to balancing homeschooling with life is refreshingly honest: "When people talk about balance, I don’t know what that is!" For Natalie, balance is not about having everything in equal measure all the time. Instead, it's about discerning what needs attention in each season and being willing to shift focus as needed. She emphasizes the importance of leaning on the Lord for guidance and strength, acknowledging that some seasons will demand more from certain areas of life than others. Natalie’s experience has taught her that striving for perfection is futile. Instead, she has learned to embrace the messiness of life, allowing herself and her children the grace to grow and learn at their own pace. This philosophy is liberating, especially for homeschool moms who may feel pressured to do it all and do it perfectly! Finding Joy in the Journey One of the key takeaways from Natalie’s story is the importance of grace – both for oneself and for one's children. Early in her homeschooling journey, she felt out of control and constantly stressed about not meeting her own high expectations.  However, as she grew in her faith, she realized that perfection was not the goal. Instead, she learned to trust in God’s plan, even when it didn’t align with her own.  This shift in mindset not only improved her homeschooling experience but also brought more peace and joy into her family life. Natalie’s homeschooling method reflects this grace-filled approach. She allows her children the freedom to learn in ways that suit their individual styles, whether that means following a traditional curriculum or taking a break to color and recharge.  She’s also a firm believer in year-round homeschooling, which gives her family the flexibility to take breaks as needed without being tied to a strict schedule. Building a Legacy of Faith and Learning As someone who was homeschooled herself, Natalie is passionate about passing on the same positive experiences to her children.  She recalls her own homeschooling days fondly. Her education was filled with opportunities to explore her interests,

    23 min

  6. SEP 3

    How To Ask for a College Recommendation Letter

    This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How To Ask for a College Recommendation Letter. How To Ask for a College Recommendation Letter For many years, 7Sister Vicki served as junior/senior advisor for our local homeschool umbrella school, while the rest of the 7Sisters taught these teens. SO we all have written a LOT of college recommendation letters for our homeschool students! Here are so tips that we always told our teens. Plan Ahead for Recommendation Letters One of the most important steps in securing a college recommendation letter is to plan ahead. Start the process early, ideally in the summer before senior year. Start talking with your teen about getting recommendation letters and, together, try to identify potential recommenders. Anyone they have worked with can be a good recommender, such as teachers, coaches, mentors, youth pastors, volunteer leaders. When it’s time, give your recommenders at least three to four weeks' notice to ensure they have ample time to craft a quality letter. These are all people who who can provide valuable insights into their character and abilities, work ethics and commitment, and a growth mindset. So understand the application timelines! In addition to brainstorming with your teen on who to request a recommendation letter from, you will also want to understand the timelines for college applications, especially for those using the Common App.  This will help your teen manage time effectively and ensure that everything is submitted before the deadlines. It's important to stay organized and keep track of all the requirements for each college or university your teen is interested in or applying to.  Empower Your Teen to Ask Who asks for the recommendation letter? Not you! It’s time for your teen to prepare for the next stage in life, and that includes reaching out to appropriate individuals themselves for recommendation letters.  So encourage your teen to personally ask for the recommendation letter. This is an essential life skill that teaches them the importance of polite and direct communication. Whether in person or via a well-composed email, your teen should clearly request the favor, expressing gratitude and respect for the recommender’s time. Ask in Private and Follow Up Asking for a recommendation letter is one thing, but how your teen asks is equally as important. Coach your teen to ask for the recommendation letter in a private setting, not in front of others. Doing so ensures the request is taken seriously and remembered. You do not want to assume the recommender will say “yes” and by asking in an open setting, your teen is putting the recommender in an uncomfortable situation..and possibly an embarrassing one for your teen as well.  After your teen does ask, they should follow up with an email. This puts the request on the recommender’s radar and provides a written record of the conversation. Do not be afraid to follow up multiple times too.  People get busy and things get pushed to the wayside the busier we become. Do not take it personal. Just politely bump it back up in the forefront of their attention by following up. Provide Supporting Information Once the recommender agrees, it’s a good idea for your teen to promptly send a list of their accomplishments and experiences, such as an experiential resume.

    16 min

  7. AUG 27

    Why Study Psychology in High School

    This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Why Study Psychology in High School? Why Study Psychology in High School Psychology is such a fun and useful topic for homeschool high schoolers. It's not just about filling a slot on their transcript; it's about giving them tools for life. Diving into psychology helps teens become more self-aware, understanding the intricate workings of their minds and bodies. So, why study psychology in high school? Join Vicki for reasons why teens should study Psych! Why Studying High School Psychology is Beneficial Imagine your teen gaining insight into their emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and how all these elements interplay. This kind of self-knowledge is priceless and can help them navigate the complex world of high school, relationships, and beyond. But that's not all. Studying psychology isn't just beneficial for personal growth. It also makes their high school transcript shine! (BTW- here's a Psychology course description for your teen's records.) For college-bound students, a half-credit in psychology fits a social sciences requirement or a highly attractive elective.  Even if college isn't in their immediate plans, psychology offers a rich, engaging elective that shows a willingness to explore and understand diverse fields. This kind of exploration adds breadth to their education, making them well-rounded and more prepared for whatever path they choose.  Plus, the skills they gain (like critical thinking, empathy, and understanding human behavior) are universally valuable, no matter their future career.  So, why study psychology in high school? Because it's a stepping stone to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, setting them up for success in all areas of life. Let's dive even deeper into why studying psychology in high school can be transformative for your teen! Why Study High School Psychology? There are lots of reasons to study (and like) Psych! Psychology Helps Teens Understand Their Brain and Body One of the most compelling reasons is that it equips them with practical knowledge about how the brain and body function together. This is not just academic theory, it's about understanding real-life applications.  For instance, learning about perception, genetics, and the basics of learning and behavior helps teens grasp why they think and act the way they do. This kind of insight can improve their academic performance, personal relationships, and even their mental health. Also, psychology is a subject that resonates with many teens because it offers immediate relevance to their lives. From understanding personality theories to exploring the science of sleep and dreams, psychology covers a broad range of topics that are both fascinating and applicable.  These myriad of topics within this subject matter can ignite a passion for learning and encourage them to pursue further studies in psychology or related fields. Psychology Helps Teens Develop Necessary Life Skills Another critical aspect of why study psychology in high school is its impact on developing essential life skills. Topics such as communication, needs and motivation, and abnormal psychology provide teens with tools to navigate their...

    19 min

  8. AUG 20

    Emotionally Preparing Teens for College with Natalie Mack

    This week on the Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Emotionally Preparing Teens for College with Natalie Mack. Emotionally Preparing Teens for College with Natalie Mack Navigating the journey from high school to college can be both exhilarating and daunting for you and your teen. It's not just about ensuring they have the academic skills to thrive in higher education, but also preparing them emotionally and socially for the whirlwind of new experiences that college life brings. As a seasoned homeschool parent, you have likely guided your children through many transitions, and now it's time to tackle this significant milestone. Join our friend and 7Sister Cousin Natalie Mack to discuss what it takes to set your teen up for success. Natalie is a homeschool mom who has graduated four with one in his senior year of homeschooling. She is also a figurehead in the military homeschooling community. Preparing Your Child For College From cultivating independent learning habits and managing time effectively to fostering emotional resilience and navigating the diverse social landscape of a college campus, there's a lot to cover to prepare your teens for college success. How can you equip your teen to not just survive but to thrive in their college journey? Every homeschool high schooler is different. However, we have found these tips help them be ready for college. Academic Preparation First, let’s talk about academic preparation. You have already done a fantastic job homeschooling your teen, tailoring their education to fit their unique needs and interests. Now it’s time to shift gears and focus on developing independent learning skills.  Encourage your teen to take ownership of their studies by including them in high school planning and their own goals.  One practical tip is to introduce them to planners or digital calendars where they can track assignment deadlines, test dates, and study schedules. This helps them stay organized while also instilling a sense of responsibility. Incorporate College-Level Work Next, consider incorporating some college-level coursework into their high school curriculum. This could be through dual enrollment programs at local community colleges or online courses that offer college credit.  These experiences provide a taste of the rigor and expectations of college academics and can boost your teen’s confidence as they transition to higher education.  You can also familiarize your teen with the types of exams they might encounter in college. Practice timed tests can be a great way by building their test-taking stamina and reducing anxiety. But preparing for college is not just about academics. Emotional readiness is equally crucial.  What Emotionally Preparing Teens For College Looks Like College life can be a significant adjustment, with new social dynamics and increased independence. For emotionally preparing teens for college,

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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    The Homeschool Highschool Podcast
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2024
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2017 Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network
  • Show Website
    The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

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