From the High School Lesson Book - A Few More Resources for Electives

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When thinking about high school electives, our thoughts often turn to arts, but there are a lot of other possibilities to consider. In fact, an elective is any course that does not fill another requirement. I haven't worded that very well, but essentially any course that is above and beyond the specific credit minimums could be considered an elective. If three math credits are required but your student takes a fourth math class, that's an elective. If four English credits are required but your student takes an extra Lit course or two, those are electives. So in addition to studies in the areas of Foreign Language, Fine Arts, or Technology, there are lots of other possibilities, depending on your student's interests and goals. I can't begin to list all those possibilities, but here are a couple of courses we've used or reviewed that might spark some ideas.

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A couple of courses that my students really enjoyed come from Insight Technical Education -  Practical Drafting and Practical Graphic Design. 

Practical Drafting is a course in technical drawing, the kind used in engineering design and technical manuals and other settings. Technical drawing, with or without a computer, is an important skill used in all kinds of engineering, construction and technical fields. This course is a good choice for a student needing a technology credit course, or for an elective that may help a student prepare for or choose a career. The book is self-paced, with some shorter lessons, and others involve reproducing drawings. The student learns by observing and coming up with their own solutions, as well as by doing real drawings. It introduces the basic principles of drafting, and the practice can be done by hand drawing, by using a computer drafting program, or a combination. 

Practical Graphic Design teaches the basics of page layouts and effective use of elements like fonts, headers, graphics and designing logos in practical applications. The book is humorous and gives tools and ideas for designing ads, business cards, presentations, and all kinds of documents.  It also gives ideas of the many career options that involve graphic design.  Students learn how magazine and newspaper pages are put together; and how fonts, graphic elements and layout are combined to create promotional products with maximum appeal. Topics include design rules, page layout, repetition, dominance, rhythm, unity, contrast, and balance. This book is also self-paced, and all the lessons may be completed by hand or using graphic design software.

Read more about our experiences with these courses here: Drafting and Design (Blogging Through the Alphabet)

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Related to the Technical Drawing course is a product that we reviewed and considered as a possibility for the Technology credit. Thinking Like an Architect from Innovators Tribe combines the study of the technology of architecture with some artistic appeal. The course guides students in solving problems related to buildings and structures. Students learn how to use an architect scale, read blueprints, and even use 3D design software (which is included with the purchase of the course)! Lessons cover the history of architecture; an overview of Form vs. Function and how both are essential; using the math, science, and tools of architects; and understanding blueprints. Students do hands-on activities like drawing, designing floor plans, using the 3D Design Software, and creating models. 

It's very cool and it is very technological, but on its own, Thinking Like An Architect is recommended as only a quarter credit. So combine it with something else if you need to bring it up to a full credit or even half credit. The Practical Drafting course would be perfect. Another good add-on that is related would be the Introduction to Architecture course from SchoolhouseTeachers.com. That course can be done as a full or half credit, depending on how many of the projects are completed. 

Read our review here: Thinking Like an Architect from Innovators Tribe

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With some forward thinking and good record-keeping, a part-time job in a potential career field can become an excellent and practical elective. Internship for High School Credit is a very useful  resource from Apologia Educational Ministries that's a great help for families wanting to turn job experience into high school credit. It's a combination guidebook and workbook for high school students and their parents, explaining how internships work and can benefit students, and giving practical help for getting the job and keeping the necessary records. Author Sherri Seligson demystifies the process of seeking out and applying for internships, and offers step by step help in planning and completing a successful internship in the student's chosen field.

Read our review here: Internship for High School Credit - From Apologia

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UltraKey Online from Bytes of Learning - I have always hesitated to suggest a typing or keyboarding class for high school credit, because in my mind it's just too easy. When I was in high school this was the class that bored me to tears because it was way too easy and I could not believe I got a credit for doing it! It's not easy for everyone though, but in today's world it's one of the basic skills you need just to get through high school, never mind college and most careers. Most young people learn a lot of keyboarding skills as they grow up using their computers and tablets so often, but learning to type correctly and efficiently will make typing papers and communicating that much easier as they head off to college. So all that to say, of the many websites and resources to teach keyboarding, this one that we reviewed is one I can recommend confidently because it's very broad as far as ages it's appropriate for, and it is definitely thorough. And if your student would benefit from learning proper typing skills (or if you're out of ideas and want something relatively easy and practical!), they might as well get a high school credit for it. 

Read our review here: UltraKey Online (A Homeschool Coffee Break Review)

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For more ideas, browse the courses at SchoolhouseTeachers.com. There are so many courses to choose from, and when just one membership allows you and your whole family access to all those courses, it's one of the most cost-effective resources available. Don't settle for "bear" minimum! Join SchoolhouseTeachers.com with the code: MAMABEAR for only $159/year (reg. $224.97), and you'll also receive a beautiful tote for Mama and an inspirational copy of The Old SchoolhouseⓇ Magazine (US only).

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What electives are you curious about? Let me know! I'd love to help you track down information on resources to help!

As always, I'd be delighted to answer further questions about these resources, or any questions you may have about homeschooling. 

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