By Lewis
If you’re homeschooling a high school student, you may be wondering how to help them get involved in extracurricular activities. Finding ways to help your homeschooled teen feel involved and form friendships is vital for mental health and learning life skills. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can help your teen be involved.
Here are five ways you can do just that:
1. Get Involved with a Local Homeschool Group
There are likely other people in your area who are also homeschooling their high schoolers. Getting involved with a local group can help your child meet other kids their age and find out about extracurricular activities that might be available to them.
Check out local online homeschool groups and get to know other parents who share your home school goals. You can get started by looking at online fundraising ideas for schools in your area.
You can also find groups through your local library, community center, or homeschool association. Starting your own group is also a great option if you cannot find a suitable group in your area. You can use online resources such as social media and homeschooling directories to find potential members.
2. Look into Community Service Opportunities
Many organizations welcome volunteers, and homeschoolers can often find opportunities to serve in their local communities. Not only will this help your child feel more connected to the outside world, but it will also give them a chance to develop important life skills.
Service opportunities can be found through religious organizations, non-profit groups, and local businesses. Contact your local community center to see if any volunteer opportunities are available. The Christmas season offers all sorts of opportunities to participate in fundraising for charity.
3. Participate in Local Sports Leagues
If your teen is interested in playing sports or running track, homeschoolers can often participate in local leagues and running clubs. This is a great way for your teen to stay active and meet other sports enthusiasts their age.
There are plenty of ways to get involved in local sports teams and clubs. Look for community recreation leagues or clubs that offer team sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. You can also see if your local YMCA or other recreational facility offers sports programs or teams.
Running clubs may organize weekly group training runs, youth programs, track workouts, and special running events. One annual event that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the Santa Run, in which runners dress up as Santa and raise money for charity.
4. Join a Local Theater Group
If your child enjoys acting or singing, there may be a local theater group in your area. These groups usually put on one or two performances per year, so it’s a great way for your child to get involved without having to commit a lot of time.
One way is to look for auditions that are open to the public. Another way is to find theater workshops or classes that your teen can take part in. If there are any community theater groups in your area, that would be a great place to start. Large churches often put on Nativity plays and Easter plays as well. You can also contact your local high school or college theater department to see if they have any recommendations. Getting your teen involved in theater can be a great way to help them develop their creativity and confidence. It can also be a great way for the whole family to enjoy the arts together.
5. Take Classes at a Local Community College
Many community colleges offer classes for homeschooled students. A college course is an excellent way for your teen to get exposed to college-level coursework and make new friends.
Classes are often available in a variety of subjects, so you can find something that interests your teen. You can also look into dual enrollment programs, which allow homeschoolers to take college courses for both high school and college credit.
Helping your homeschooled teen feel involved is important for their mental health and development. There are many ways you can help them form friendships and get involved in extracurricular activities. By getting involved with a local homeschool group, looking into community service opportunities, participating in local sports leagues, joining a local theater group, or taking classes at a community college, you can help your teen have a well-rounded homeschooling experience.