Last year approximately 4 percent of school-age children were homeschooled. That number is expected to increase by at least 10 percent according to the National Home Educators Research Institute, with many schools still closed and students doing virtual learning.
Many families new to virtual learning are trying to find their groove this year. Homeschooling older kids has their own unique set of challenges; they’re more likely to become bored and miss the social aspects of traditional school. If you’re struggling with how to make your teen’s homeschool day fun and engaging while supporting your teen’s mental health during this time, these 7 tips may help.
How to homeschool teens: Give them some control|How to homeschool teens: Give them some control
Make homeschooling fun by putting away the books for a while
Let’s face it – everyone gets bored with conjugating verbs and calculating mass after awhile. Allow your teen to put away the books for a little outside-the-box learning to re-energize and re-engage.
6. Consider a family staycation
With so many parents working remotely and students distance learning, many families are taking advantage of staycation opportunities. Camping, hiking, and beach vacations are great staycation options for families. They allow for a change of scenery while still remaining connected to work and school. Pack up the laptops, lesson plans, and bathing suits and mix in some fun.
7. Help your teen explore their interests
If your teen’s online learning schedule allows, let them set their own learning schedule. If you’re homeschooling teens for the first time, this is the perfect way to help them discover their passions and embrace their talents.
Oneill, who has already graduated 2 of her sons from high school, advocates allowing teens to manage their time so they can learn how to free up hours for things they want to do. “I give my high school son his weekly schedule of work that is due on Friday afternoon. He gets his weekend free to do online watch sessions with friends if all his work is completed,” she told Mom.com.
8. Offer your teen real-world challenges
Over the last year, my oldest son has helped with maintenance around the house. He’s learned to install ceiling fans and taught himself how to build a computer. Successfully performing these household tasks can build your teen’s confidence. You may find that offering your teen independence in this way will lead them to take initiative and ownership of their lives and discover other ways to make virtual learning fun on their own.
