Homeschool Essentials for Graduating - Faith and Worldview

These are arguably the most important things I want my kids to learn. Without a vibrant personal faith and a confidence in their Biblical worldview, the other skills and head knowledge may not be worth much. Godly character and integrity are developed through a relationship with God. Also, I believe there's a pretty good case to be made for Biblical worldview being the primary motivator for good education, solid work ethics, healthy relationships, and positive involvement in communities.

We chose to homeschool because we took seriously the responsibility we have to disciple our children, and to bring them up to know God and to honor him in everything. "Everything" including education, work, hobbies, relationships, community, and the list goes on. That's why I believe in using education, especially during the high school years, to get kids firmly grounded in God's Word and to encourage them to grow deeper in their faith. What they learn and believe about God's character and God's plan for their own lives will have a huge influence on their choices.



Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is --
his good, pleasing and perfect will.
~Romans 12:2~

Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
~Proverbs 22:6~

Why do we value education and learning?





Buy the truth and do not sell it;
get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.
~Proverbs 23:23~

Why should we do our best in our jobs and in any work we undertake?



Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (Colossians 3:22-23)

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. (Ephesians 6:5-7)

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 4:1)

I believe that the instructions to slaves and to masters apply to employees and employers too.

What should our relationships look like? How should we treat others?
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)



How and why should we be involved in the world around us?
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. (Philippians 2:14-17a)

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as your see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

This is the Scripture I chose as the theme verse for our school this year (the other pictures in this post are theme verses from previous years):



It helps sum it up, I think. Love abounding in knowledge and insight - and not just for the sake of getting a good grade or a good job, but so that we can have discernment and grow in righteousness, and all for the glory of God.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
~3 John 1:4~ 

Related posts from my archives: T is for Teenagers, M is for Mission Statement, K is for Keeping It Real, and Why Homeschool? Why Not?

Related articles: I recommend Brandi's article, Day 3: Character, written for the 5 Days of Homeschooling Essentials. And this one at Crosswalk: Talking With Your Children is an Ongoing Process

This post is part of a series: 5 Days of Homeschooling Essentials - Homeschool Essentials for Graduating

Other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew are writing about Homeschooling Essentials this week as well. Visit the Crew Blog for links to all 89 participating blogs and see what they consider essential for homeschooling. Don't have time to visit all of them? Try this sampling from the entire group - you'll still get a variety of ideas on what's essential, and there's something here for everyone, whether you're a homeschooling veteran or just thinking about getting started.

This post is part of the May 2019 Homeschool Collection on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

Don't miss a coffee break! Subscribe to Homeschool Coffee Break by Email!

 ©2006-2014 Homeschool Coffee Break. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://kympossibleblog.blogspot.com/

Homeschool Essentials for Graduating - Skills for the Real World

Having a great transcript might smooth the way into college, but neither the high school transcript nor the college education are a guarantee for a good job and success in the real world. Being able to cook and keep house are essential real world skills, but today I'm focusing on the kinds of skills we need to get and keep a job, and to contribute meaningfully in our communities. In this area, homeschooling can offer some great opportunities for training, but we do need to give some thought to including it!

Last year, I had the opportunity to co-teach a small group of middle school age kids about personal finances and basic economics. We focused a couple of the classes on showing these kids how to put together a resume, how to handle a job interview, and how to be a good employee. When we got feedback from some of the moms of those kids, a couple of them expressed the wish that their older teens could have a class like that. While I don't know that I'd be the best person to teach the class, I do think that it's important for teens to get some instruction and pointers on those sorts of things before they go out to hunt for their first job.

 Teens should know how to build their resume, and have it critiqued - preferably by a family friend who is familiar with hiring in their business. Most teens can list some applicable skills and experience on a resume, even when applying for their first job! Skills they learn while helping with the family business or farm, or while doing volunteer work can translate into skills that will be helpful at a job. For example, my boys (and now my daughter too) have been running the time clock and doing scorekeeping for the hockey league my husband runs with some of his buddies. They do get paid for sitting in the timekeeper's box in an unheated hockey rink for a couple hours every week, but it's not a "payroll job". Still, they can list that as experience on a job application or resume, and it provides them with someone to use as a reference that has dealt with them in the equivalent of an employer-employee situation. (They list one of the other league commissioners as their reference, not their dad!) When applying for a first job, one of my sons used this experience on his application, and also had to call the hockey guy and make sure it would be okay to give his name and contact information as a reference. (I found out that a lot of young people don't realize that they should ASK the person they'd like to give as a reference if that's okay!) Landon will also be able to translate much of what he is learning through Civil Air Patrol into valuable job skills.

I think almost every teen would benefit greatly from knowing what to expect at a job interview. Having a mock interview and knowing what kinds of questions will likely be asked and how best to answer them will help them feel prepared and less nervous. Do they know how to dress appropriately for an interview? Do they know how to address the interviewer, how to truthfully and respectfully answer questions, and what questions they should ask about the job? Do they know how to give a firm handshake? Let's not assume they know!

Once they've landed the job, they should be prepared to prioritize their job appropriately (by being on time and ready for work, etc), how to handle any conflicts or problems that may arise responsibly (calling in sick, handling difficult work situations, scheduling conflicts, etc), and how to make themselves a valuable employee. Being an asset to the employer includes skills like taking initiative, working hard and working smart, and not wasting time at work.

Starting their own micro-business is a great idea too, and homeschooled teens are in an excellent position to try it, because their school hours are generally very flexible, and their coursework and business idea might be combined. I've got my eye on this: Micro Business for Teens and I think it will be something Landon might be interested in.

By the way, we found the Money Matters for Teens Workbook to be an excellent resource for that middle school class, and it would be even better for the 15-18year olds that it is specifically targeting.

Interpersonal skills are another essential ingredient for success in the real world, and those aren't usually covered by a textbook either. For most families, homeschooling offers kids lots of opportunities to interact with all kinds of people in all kinds of situations - this is because we tend to take our kids with us as we live our lives. Don't stop taking your kids along just because they're old enough to stay home! You'll probably be more selective about taking them along everywhere, and having the freedom to run errands or go to your appointments without having to drag them along is a fantastic thing. But consider taking your teen along to help teach younger kids at your co-op, or to work alongside you or others doing service projects, or to divide and conquer errands (cut the time at the grocery store in half by giving them half the list while you take the other and meet at the checkout, for example). I've observed that homeschooled kids are worlds better at including everyone - for example, I've seen high schoolers devise a way to split a whole playground of kids into even teams and play a version of basketball that includes and encourages kindergartners through young adults to participate and everyone will have fun - and at being generally comfortable talking with people that are different from themselves. Give your teens those opportunities, and guide and encourage them.

Some people believe that homeschoolers are all socially awkward and don't know how to behave "in the real world."  But the truth is, homeschooled kids are much more likely to be exposed to the real world in context, and I really can't think of any homeschooled kids I know that are genuine social misfits.  They all have friends, and their friends are likely to be of varied ages and interests too.  They know how to relate to all kinds of people and can have intelligent conversations.  They are respectful and responsible and diligent.  I suppose that might make them "different" from their peers in some cases, but in a good way, if you ask me.  If these kids don't dress like, or act like, everyone else, I'm not sure that's a bad thing.  I find it funny that a society that claims to value individuality is quick to point a finger at someone who doesn't always run with the crowd or follow the latest fad.

That's part of a post I wrote a couple years ago. You can read all of it here: X is for eXpectations.
Another related post from my archives: Measuring Success

Related articles that I recommend:
The Purpose of High School at "Live Life with Your Kids" highlights the preparation for adult life that should be part of homeschooling through high school - things like relationship skills, self-management, the ability to keep on learning, and participating in the community.
How to Make Yourself Indispensable: Advice for Young People at The American Vision lists some great ideas encouraging people to continue to learn and challenge their minds in ways that will make them more successful and well-rounded.

This post is part of a series: 5 Days of Homeschooling Essentials - Homeschool Essentials for Graduating

Other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew are writing about Homeschooling Essentials this week as well. Visit the Crew Blog for links to all 89 participating blogs and see what they consider essential for homeschooling. Don't have time to visit all of them? Try this sampling from the entire group - you'll still get a variety of ideas on what's essential, and there's something here for everyone, whether you're a homeschooling veteran or just thinking about getting started.

Wendy @ Simplicity Breeds Happiness writes today about the daily schedule and planning system that is working for their family.
Jodi @ Insane in the Mombrain
Lynn @ Ladybug Chronicles
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy
Jenn @ Teaching Two Stinkers
Brandi @ Brandi Raae
Lisa @ A Rup Life, Jordyn @ Almost Supermom, and Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog are all co-sponsors of an iPad Mini Giveaway as part of the 5 Days series, so be sure to visit their blogs and enter.

Don't miss a coffee break! Subscribe to Homeschool Coffee Break by Email!

 ©2006-2014 Homeschool Coffee Break. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://kympossibleblog.blogspot.com/

Homeschool Essentials for Graduating - Home Management Skills

When you first left home to go to college or to live on your own, were you well-prepared to handle household responsibilities on your own? I have to admit, I really wasn't. My parents had set a great example, and they required all of us kids to pitch in and help around the house. So there were lots of things I did know, but I still felt like I was floundering. Although I knew how to follow recipes and could bake almost anything, I really didn't know how to scramble eggs when I got married!

I decided that it would be a priority in our home and homeschool that kids would learn how to manage a household before they left the nest. I also think this is one of the many benefits of homeschooling - it's natural for kids to take an active part in running the household when they spend more of their time in the home and with the family. Especially as I started to realize how many kids were going off to college without knowing how to do their own laundry or how to fix a meal that didn't involve the microwave or the drive-thru. My oldest three are boys, and I figured they should be able to look after themselves as far as laundry and meals and housekeeping so they could live on their own successfully, whether completely on their own or when they get married.

Sometimes we assume kids know how to do stuff around the house, and how often, but it's possible that they don't! Some of the essential skills I have been teaching my kids include: laundry, dishes, general cleaning, grocery shopping, meal preparation, household maintenance, vehicle maintenance, yard maintenance (okay, those last two are my hubby's job to teach), balancing a checkbook, and handling personal finances. I'm not even very good at some of those things, and sometimes it's a matter of telling my kids I hope they learn from my mistakes!

Continue easing them to independence. Hopefully they've been learning life skills all the way along. The skills they need to learn might start to look a little different as they become young adults, but they need to be able to do for themselves, take responsibility, and make good choices. Think of yourself as a sort of life coach, and you're getting your kids - and yourself! - through the transition from dependent child to independent adult. They know how to make a sammich - now let them cook a meal for the family once a week. (I wish I'd done this. I still have a chance with my daughter, I guess. LOL) After all, they'll need scavenge their own meals when they move out, and you'll want them to have more than scavenger-level skills. Adjust their household responsibilities to their age and skill level. They will need to know how to do their own laundry and dishes, do their own grocery shopping, take care of household maintenance and yard care duties, do their own banking, pay their own bills, etc someday. If they don't move out as soon as they graduate high school, you will want them to clean up after themselves at the very least. Don't let them graduate high school without knowing the basics of running a simple household. Expect them to take responsibility for their own actions and choices. They should learn how to be trustworthy workers, and that they should contribute positively to society, rather than sit around expecting the world to cater to them.

I wrote that as part of post about life with teenagers in August. You can read the whole thing here:  T is for Teenagers. That's what I'm working on - moving kids toward independence, so that they not only graduate from high school with a decent-looking transcript, but with the skills to look after themselves. I hope that we're doing a good enough job that my future daughters-in-law and son-in law will be grateful!



This post is part of a series: 5 Days of Homeschooling Essentials - Homeschool Essentials for Graduating

Other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew are writing about Homeschooling Essentials this week as well. Visit the Crew Blog for links to all 89 participating blogs and see what they consider essential for homeschooling. Don't have time to visit all of them? Try this sampling from the entire group - you'll still get a variety of ideas on what's essential, and there's something here for everyone, whether you're a homeschooling veteran or just thinking about getting started.

Brandi @ Brandi Raae talks about the importance of character today, and how homeschool is a great place to develop godly, positive character in our kids.
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy has another giveaway today - this time for the book Circle Time. Visit her blog to find out more!
Jenn @ Teaching Two Stinkers
Wendy @ Simplicity Breeds Happiness
Jodi @ Insane in the Mombrain
Lynn @ Ladybug Chronicles
Lisa @ A Rup Life, Jordyn @ Almost Supermom, and Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog are all co-sponsors of an iPad Mini Giveaway as part of the 5 Days series, so be sure to visit their blogs and enter.

Don't miss a coffee break! Subscribe to Homeschool Coffee Break by Email!

 ©2006-2014 Homeschool Coffee Break. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://kympossibleblog.blogspot.com/

Homeschool Essentials for Graduating - A High School Plan

Okay, we know how many credits your student needs to graduate, and we know the course requirements. The next essential ingredient is some kind of a high school plan or course of study. Whether you are the type of homeschooler that thrives on detailed lists and schedules and lesson plans, or you're more likely to make up the lesson plan as you go, you'll need a plan. And take it from me - it's better to make the plan when your student is in 8th or 9th grade than to wait until partway through their senior year. Remember, you can always tweak it as you go along. Write it in pencil because it will change!

 You can find information and free forms at DonnaYoung.org  and at HSLDA's Homeschooling Through High School page to help you plan. If you have a membership at SchoolhouseTeachers.com (and you should, because it is full of all kinds of curriculum and resources at a great price), they offer an amazing Schoolhouse Planner, and the high school version of it includes every form you might need or want to help plan a course of study.

Some aspects of planning are easy, such as planning at least one English course each year, and probably one Math and one Social Studies course each year. If your student has a good idea of what they want to do for their career or how they will focus their college studies, try to customize courses to those interests and needs. Choose electives that will further the student's interests and career goals, or that will meet requirements for college entrance. For example, many colleges require two years of a foreign language study.

For many students, knocking off as many credits as practical during the first two years of high school is a good idea, because it allows them to focus on their specific interest courses in their final years of high school, and it may also give them more free time to work at a part-time job or take more demanding courses as a dual-enrolled student at a community college.

Related posts from my archives:  I Love It When A Plan Comes Together (how I do lesson planning, including a high school course of study)

Read fellow blogger's experience at an HSLDA workshop to help homeschool parents navigate the high school years. High School at Home from Homegrown Hatfields I agree with her - if you get a chance to go to a similar workshop, it can be so helpful in encouraging and preparing you for homeschooling during the high school years!



This post is part of a series: 5 Days of Homeschooling Essentials - Homeschool Essentials for Graduating

Other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew are writing about Homeschooling Essentials this week as well. Visit the Crew Blog for links to all 89 participating blogs and see what they consider essential for homeschooling. Don't have time to visit all of them? Try this sampling from the entire group - you'll still get a variety of ideas on what's essential, and there's something here for everyone, whether you're a homeschooling veteran or just thinking about getting started.

Lynn @ Ladybug Chronicles (yesterday Lynn explained their homeschooling method, and today she'll be sharing about their homeschooling space.)
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy (Jennifer is hosting a giveaway for a Workbox System eBook today. Visit her blog to find out more and enter!)
Jenn @ Teaching Two Stinkers
Brandi @ Brandi Raae
Wendy @ Simplicity Breeds Happiness
Jodi @ Insane in the Mombrain
Lisa @ A Rup Life, Jordyn @ Almost Supermom, and Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog are all co-sponsors of an iPad Mini Giveaway as part of the 5 Days series, so be sure to visit their blogs and enter.

Don't miss a coffee break! Subscribe to Homeschool Coffee Break by Email!

 ©2006-2014 Homeschool Coffee Break. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://kympossibleblog.blogspot.com/

Homeschool Essentials For Graduating - Required Coursework and Credits

There are some things that you simply have to learn before graduating high school, no matter where you receive your education. While details and number of credits vary, the academic requirements are the part that most of us agree on and are prescribed by state or local education standards. By the time a student finishes high school, they should have a number of other skills and abilities that may not be as neatly covered in a textbook, but may well be essential to their success. One great advantage to homeschooling is that 'book-learning' and real life learning often go side-by-side. This series - 5 Days of Homeschooling Essentials: For Graduating - highlights some of the things that I deem essential for my students before they graduate from my homeschool. 

First up, the most obvious essential for graduating - completing the required courses and number of credits.This is on my mind right now, as first semester just ended so I have been working on grades and report cards!

Required Coursework and Credits

The specific requirements for graduation from high school are slightly different depending on the school district or state requirements; and some homeschool oversight groups have specific requirements as well. At present, my group's minimum requirements look something like this:
Bible - 2 credits
English - 4 credits
Social Studies - 3 credits
Math - 3 credits
Science - 2 credits
Phys.Ed. - 1 credit
Technology - 1 credit
Fine Arts - 1 credit
Electives - 6 credits
Total - 23 credits

English must include both literature study and creative writing. Personally, I am not too fussy on whether my students can do a detailed sentence diagram, but I think it's essential that they can express themselves intelligently in writing. At least one of the Social Studies credits must be US History. And my personal requirement is that they learn some Canadian history as well, so I make sure that it's included somewhere during the middle school or high school years. One of the Math credits must be Algebra 1. My rule is that no one graduates from my home school without passing a full credit Consumer Math course - we use a nice basic one that teaches things like amortized loans, compound interest, wages and benefits, and simple accounting. One of the Science credits must be Biology. I believe it's essential that science is taught from a Bible-based creationism viewpoint, although I do want my students to learn about evolutionary theory so they're prepared for what they may encounter if they take science courses at college.

It's always a good idea to check with the colleges a student is considering to find out what they expect to see on a transcript, and plan a high school course of study accordingly. 

So far we haven't encountered difficulties with meeting the requirements for college entrance. My first graduate went to a broadcasting school and our transcript was accepted without any problem. My second graduate isn't attending college yet, so we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Landon is next in line to graduate, and is a freshman this year. We think he'll probably go to the community college and take some business courses, and there's a good possibility that he'll take some courses as a dual-enrolled student in his junior/senior years, so we'll find out what might be required then.

Perhaps it's not as easy to quantify or show on a transcript, but I think it's essential for students to be familiar with the Bible as literature - to have some familiarity with great literature, even if they aren't excited about reading - to be exposed to quality music and art, even if they aren't particularly musical or artistic themselves - to have some working knowledge about world cultures and geography - and to have some historical and cultural context to help them understand current events at home and abroad.

Related posts from my archives:
Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due (some practical help on determining credits earned in coursework without a traditional textbook) and I Love It When A Plan Comes Together (planning a high school course of study and other lesson planning tips)

Other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew are writing about Homeschooling Essentials this week as well. Visit the Crew Blog for links to all 89 participating blogs and see what they consider essential for homeschooling. Don't have time to visit all of them? Try this sampling from the entire group - you'll still get a variety of ideas on what's essential, and there's something here for everyone, whether you're a homeschooling veteran or just thinking about getting started.

Lisa @ A Rup Life (Lisa is sponsoring an iPad Mini Giveaway - visit her blog to enter!)
Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog (Crystal is another sponsor for the iPad Mini Giveaway - visit her blog to enter and see what tools her family considers essential for homeschooling!)
Jordyn @ Almost Supermom (Jordyn is another sponsor for the iPad Mini Giveaway - visit her blog to enter!)
Jenn @ Teaching Two Stinkers (Jenn's list of homeschool essentials is inspired by Frog and Toad)
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy
Brandi @ Brandi Raae
Wendy @ Simplicity Breeds Happiness
Jodi @ Insane in the Mombrain
Lynn @ Ladybug Chronicles

Don't miss a coffee break! Subscribe to Homeschool Coffee Break by Email!

 ©2006-2014 Homeschool Coffee Break. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://kympossibleblog.blogspot.com/