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This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast:7Sisters Curriculum Eligible for State Reimbursement- Replay. This post is running concurrently on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.





7Sisters Curriculum Eligible for State Reimbursement- Replay

This week Sabrina explains how 7SistersHomeschool curriculum will work for state reimbursement. Now, do not get too excited! Not all states offer any reimbursement programs for curriculum! (Take a look at all the 7Sisters curriculum that meets reimbursement criteria.)



However, some states DO offer at least partial reimbursement for curriculum purchases. Every state's laws are different. Often states that offer reimbursement programs have very specific rules on how to go about being reimbursed. SO, if you are not sure what your state's rules are, check your local homeschool organization or Homeschool Legal Defense Association.



If you DO live in a state that gives your a tax credit or reimbursement, then this episode is for you!

Is the curriculum from 7SistersHomeschool acceptable for reimbursement programs?

Until recently, we would have said, "maybe not". That is because, each of us 7Sisters are of the Christian faith. We are each from different denominations but our overall worldview is shaped by our faith. Thus, it is often explicitly mentioned in our textbooks. (However, we are never pushy, judgmental or preachy with our messaging...just to be clear.)



In recent years, we have had consistent and increasing numbers of homeschooling parents who live in states that reimburse. They want to be good stewards of the family finances, which means it makes sense to avail themselves of the reimbursement programs. However, most states that give tax credits or have reimbursement programs require that curriculum NOT be used for "religious instruction".



Often the term, "religious instruction" means that in the textbook there is mention of religion or is intended as religious instruction (or could be construed as such).

So HOW did 7Sisters handle this dilemma?

We want to help our 7th Sisters and their families. (BTW- there are six of us 7Sisters: Sabrina, Marilyn, Kym, Vicki, Allison and Sara. SO, who is the 7th Sister? YOU are!)



How could we help our homeschooling friends in states that reimburse use 7Sisters texts and still qualify for reimbursement? First, we thought and prayed and came up with a unique solution. Then we evaluated each:



* Textbook

* Literature Study Guide

* Cinema Study Guide

* Writing Guide



First, we searched through each text and guide and found the curricula that we could create a state-approvable version that does not damage the integrity of the material. Then we removed material in these curricula that was gave the appearance that we were giving (or attempting to give) religious instruction, teach the Bible or Christian ways of living or model preachiness of any kind.



However, if you download a piece of curriculum that you do not feel will not meet your state's guidelines, pay attention to your gut! It was our intention to present curriculum that did not include any semblance of religious instruction. When we evaluated the adapted texts and guides, we feel we did well with this. But if your gut says you do not think it will work in your state, contact us and ask for a refund. As you probably know, 7SistersHomeschool is proud of our:



10-Day No-Questions-Asked Money-Back Guarantee on all 7Sisters EBook curriculum!



SO you do not have any risk when you purchase our curriculum! Just scroll down in the 7Sisters bookstore to the category: a rel="NOFOLLOW" h...

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





How to Start the Homeschool High School Year

Starting a new homeschool high school year can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're a seasoned homeschool mom or just beginning this journey, having a solid plan in place is crucial. Let’s explore effective strategies for how to start the homeschool high school year by selecting the right curriculum, managing schedules, and fostering a positive learning environment for your high schooler.

Setting Long-Term and Short-Term Goals

The very first thing we want to do is make sure we get our planning under control. What are the long term goals that you have? It's essential to establish both long-term and short-term goals because that helps you with the planning. 



Discuss with your teen what they hope to achieve by the end of high school and break these down into yearly objectives. This will guide your planning and ensure that your teen’s educational journey aligns with their aspirations.



What should those goals be? It depends on what the career interests or the subjects they need to take to be ready for college.



If your teen is preparing for college, consider how much exposure they need to specific subjects. Take the time to sit down and discuss the courses they should focus on this year. Then, decide together how long the academic year should be.



And you both should be on the same page - or as close to that as possible!

Curriculum Choices

Let's dive into choosing the ideal curriculum for our teens, recognizing that preferences can vary significantly by individual and subject. For instance, some teens prefer the straightforward structure of a textbook, particularly for subjects like math where progressing page by page offers a clear path.



However, when it comes to electives or subjects conducive to hands-on learning, such as history, many teens thrive on experiential learning opportunities. This could include engaging with interactive projects, videos, or logging hours spent on practical activities to earn credit - methods that emphasize learning by doing.



For those who favor flexibility, asynchronous online courses present a valuable option. Platforms like 7Sisters offer a variety of courses ranging from Human Development to Shakespeare, allowing students to learn at their own pace. 



This is particularly beneficial for those who might find their most productive study times outside the conventional school hours, whether early in the morning or late at night, without the distractions of siblings or other commitments.



On another note, live online courses are gaining popularity among teens who enjoy the structure and community aspect...

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Self Care for Life Transitions for Homeschool Moms.





Self Care for Life Transitions for Homeschool Moms

Life's transitions can be challenging, especially when juggling homeschooling responsibilities. But self-care is a vital component of sustaining your ability to care for others - and not a selfish act. Proper self-care can help manage stress and ensure that you are emotionally and physically prepared for whatever life throws your way. Let’s talk about how we do our self-care for life transitions while we're being healthy moms of adult young people and caregiving for older people.

What are Life Transitions?

Life transitions are periods of change and adjustment that we experience throughout our lives. These can include both expected and unexpected events, such as starting a new job, getting married, moving to a new city, or going through a loss or illness. 



These transitions can bring about a range of emotions and challenges, from excitement and anticipation to uncertainty and stress.



During these times of transition, it is important to prioritize self-care in order to maintain mental and emotional well-being. This means taking the time to focus on your needs and engaging in activities that bring you joy and peace. 

It also involves being mindful of your thoughts and feelings during this time, acknowledging them without judgment.

We used to do a lot of this. We've had different transitions in life.



We transitioned our kids through high school and then graduation, and that's a big transition. And as they're doing their adult things, all of a sudden, we have adult kids and aging parents at the same time.



When your kids graduate high school, especially the oldest, that could be a tough life transition. 



Another one, like us, is when we had twins. We didn't know we were having twins until the second one showed up!

Practicing Self-Care Strategies

There are lots of ways to practice self-care during life transitions.



To soothe your mind and help choose calm over anxiety, engaging in a deep conversation with another person can be incredibly effective. Surrounding yourself with individuals who positively impact you can be nourishing for the spirit.

J.O.Y.

We homeschool moms often are trained that self-care is selfish! In fact, we were taught the acronym J.O.Y (Jesus, Others, Yourself)- with the implication that we are selfish if we manage to include the Y in the acronym. We have often been conditioned to believe that Jesus and Others matter- but not you.



However, we have to keep body, soul and spirit healthy. If we do not, will can burn out or get sick. Engaging in activities that nourish your spirit, such as playing an instrument or gathering with supportive friends, can significantly impact your well-being. 



As Kym says,

Joy: If you don't include the Y, all you have have is JO!





Recognizing God's presence in everyday moments and finding joy in simple pleasures like nature can be profoundly restorative.

Let us note two things so that everything needs to stay in balance:

We don't want to get so caught up in self-care that we invent the word: YJO!



Also, be careful of escaping uselessly (as in hours of scrolling). Instead, do something good for body, soul or spirit if you are working on self-care.

Community and Support Systems

Lean into your support systems. We should be looking out for one another and sharing what we learn along the way. Having some prayer partners, or bffs that you can have coffee breaks with (or simply texting during tough times).

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Holiday Family Story Project.





Holiday Family Story Project

Planning your next homeschool year? Let's talk about holidays (it's Christmas in July)!



Are you looking for an engaging and educational project perfect for the week after Christmas? Join Vicki for a discussion of 7Sisters' Holiday Family Narrative. It is an activity not only brings families together but also enhances your homeschool high schoolers' writing skills! They can turn cherished family stories into written narratives and create lasting keepsakes while honing their creative writing abilities.





Rediscovering Family Stories

During holiday gatherings, families often reminisce about past events, sharing anecdotes about relatives and memorable moments. These stories, whether frequently told or nearly forgotten, can serve as the foundation for a wonderful writing project. 



Encouraging teens to capture these narratives on paper preserves family history and provides a meaningful way to redirect potentially uncomfortable holiday conversations.

What are Family Narrative Guides?

7Sisters Holiday Family Narrative Writing Guide is a downloadable workbook that helps students transform spoken stories into written stories, focusing on character development, storyline structure, and appropriate dialogue. Simply put, teens can turn a given family tale into a well-crafted story using these guides!



(BTW- 7Sisters Homeschool offers another affordable Family Narrative Guide designed for one-week projects. In a family narrative, you simply take a general family story.)







In the Holiday Family Narrative, you could pick either a Christmas story or any kind of holiday family stories come up. You are using the holidays as an excuse to capture that story down on paper.



Teens simply ask relatives to tell holiday stories.  Once the story outline and details are gathered, the Family Narrative Guide helps students through the writing process. Teens will learn to develop characters, set the mood, and structure the story effectively. 



After completing the narrative, students can turn their stories into cherished keepsakes. Whether through binding, creating a scrapbook, or designing a cover using tools like Canva or PicMonkey, the final product can be shared with family members as a special memento. 

Academic Benefits

When teens engage in creative writing projects, they also strengthen their overall writing skills. For instance, creative thinking helps teens to write well when they take on more formal assignments like research papers and essays. 

Example of a Family Story Project

My great grandmother lived in Louisville, Kentucky in the farmland around the town, during the early days of the Model T Fords. In her little neck of the woods, a bit outside the city limits, everybody's telephones were connected. (You may have heard of party lines, where the telephone line goes from house to house,

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Job Hunting Skills for Homeschool High Schoolers- Special Replay.





Job Hunting Skills for Homeschool High Schoolers

It can be really stressful for teens to look for their first jobs. They are stressed because they have never done this before and often do not know where to start! And face it, it is been a LONG time since we moms have had to search for a first job! Want some tips to help? Join Vicki for this quick, concise coaching session on job hunting skills for homeschool high schoolers.

So as a quick, encouraging review on what to do. Here are ten tips.

Here are some basic tips that help teens as they look for their first job.

#1 Develop an experiential resume

Teens may think they do not have anything they could put on a resume because they have not had a "real" job yet. However, they CAN create an experiential resume.



Experiential resumes highlight skills that teens have been developed through their volunteer work, travel or other experiences. By the time a young person reaches high school, they have lots of skills. Homeschool high schoolers can highlight those on a resume that shows various experiences rather than showing a job timeline. Some experiences they might include would be:



* Volunteer experiences

* Travel experiences

* Interesting academics that show ability to go above and beyond the average

* Hobbies and special interests

* Extracurriculars



You can download 7Sisters Experiential Resume Writing Guide to help your teens with this project.

#2 Develop a cover letter

A cover letter explains why your teen wants a job at a specific job at a specific place. Teens will not always need a cover letter for entry-level jobs. However, knowing how to write one will help if they find a job that needs one. You can download 7Sisters Cover Letter Writing Guide to help with this.

#3 Ask reference-givers permission to list them as references.

This is one of the most important job hunting skills for homeschool high schoolers. Teens will need to list some references on most applications. Reference-givers need to have a politely-worded request ahead of time and a follow-up thank you afterwards. I highly recommend you have your teens read this post on how to ask for favors and not leave a terrible impression.

#4 Make a list

Many first jobs come from people you or your teens know. In fact, networking is the way many jobs are found- even jobs well into an adult's career. SO, sit with your teens and make a list of people your teen knows:



* youth pastor

* friends' parents

* relatives

* co-op teachers

* coaches



#5 Make the ask

Once your teens know their "network", they can ask each person if they know of any job openings. Have your homeschool high schooler rehearse telling each of those people they are looking for a job. Then they can also ask if they know anyone who needs help. Here is a Great episode on how this worked for our friend Angela's son.

#6 Look for help wanted signs

Tool around local businesses and the mall. See if you see any "help wanted" signs. If so: have your teen run in, drop off the resume. They may be given an application to fill out right then and there (or more likely: told to apply online).

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.