By Lewis
If you are thinking about homeschooling your teen, there might be a variety of reasons that are the driving force behind this. Your teen might need more attention, they may have asked to be homeschooled due to bullying or boredom, or perhaps you feel a homeschool environment would be a safer and more productive setting for them.
While your teen can absolutely thrive in a homeschool setting, it is necessary to give them the right tools so that they can flourish and do their best.
Consider One or More Types of Educational Styles
There are a variety of different educational styles you can use when homeschooling to help your children learn new skills and build upon the ones they already have. If you have a student of any age – even high school – who would benefit from reading more often or who loves to read, Charlotte Mason could be a good way to instruct them. For those who love the outdoors and enjoy learning that way, you might find that Waldorf methods helpful to create a vibrant homeschool environment.
You can try experimenting and see how these different learning styles work with your homeschool student, and if you notice any positive changes. Sometimes it might take a little effort, but it could make a big difference in how it impacts your teen.
Figure Out What Appeals To Your Student
The homeschool environment should be adapted to the student. What does your teen want to learn about or how do they process information easily? Do they enjoy having things explained to them, would they rather read about them, or would hands-on work be the best way for them to learn more about the world around them?
If you aren’t sure, you should try out different methods while teaching your student, getting their feedback along the way. This can make it easier to understand any strengths, weaknesses, and what they need in order to succeed in a school setting.
Consider Using a Tutor for Extra Help
There might be some cases where it could be helpful to use a professional for extra help and guidance when it comes to specific learning needs your teen has. Just like you would use personal lines insurance to protect yourself and your home, you should also consider reaching out to a professional if you think your student needs more guidance than you can provide within your own homeschool environment.
If your teen needs help with math, reading, or some other subject, and you are finding that what you are doing is not working, find out about different tutors and what they can do to help. This could be a worthwhile investment based on your child’s needs and how much trouble they are having with certain subjects.
Provide Socialization Opportunities
Going to school is a common place for children of all ages to socialize in. If you are homeschooling, your child or teen may not have those opportunities unless you create them. You can do this by finding out about clubs such as 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, or other activities in which your kids can meet others their own age and socialize.
You might also find out about homeschool groups that are in your area or close to where you live. This could be an opportunity for your teen to learn with other homeschoolers and meet others their age who are in the same situation they are in.
If you are trying to create a quality homeschool environment for your teen, it’s important to find an educational style that will work well for them, and help them to make sense of the material that they are learning. You should figure out what appeals to them and what types of subjects they enjoy learning about the most, so you can decide how much extra help they’ll need.
You might consider getting a tutor or another professional for areas that your student may need special assistance with. Consider looking for outside groups and other ways in which your teen can socialize and meet other kids their age. This can ensure a positive homeschooling experience.