How to Choose High School Curriculum

The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How to Choose High School Curriculum.

How to Choose High School Curriculum

Choosing curriculum for high schoolers can feel intimidating. As veteran homeschoolers ourselves, we know how the process of finding homeschool curriculum has changed. Join Vicki in discussing how to understand your teen’s learning style and give you practical guidelines for selecting the best resources.

The Evolution of Homeschool Curriculum

In the early days of homeschooling, curriculum choices were limited. Few publishers were willing to sell to homeschoolers, leading parents to create their own resources, which is what we did at 7SistersHomeschool.

Pioneers like Bob Jones University, Abeka, and ACE were among the few who supported the homeschool community. Over time, the landscape dramatically changed, with a wide array of curriculum options now available from traditional publishers. In fact, there can be so many options that choosing curriculum can feel intimidating.

Guidelines For Choosing Homeschool High School Curriculum

One of the key points is that there is not ONE right way to homeschool high school. Each family and student is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

Another key point to keep in mind is, if someone says their curriculum is the “right” curriculum for your child, take it with a grain of salt.

For instance, even though 7Sisters Homeschool curriculum serves multiple kinds of homeschoolers, it may or may not fit well your family or your unique situation – and that’s okay. Don’t let anyone tell you which curriculum you must use in order to “do homeschooling right”.

Identify Learning Styles

When considering how to choose high school curriculum, it can help t to think about your teen’s learning style, as well as your family’s educational philosophy.

If you have been homeschooling for some time or have transitioned your teens from traditional school to homeschooling, you might have noticed that each teen has a unique combination of learning styles. However, one style may be particularly prominent.

BTW- If you are unsure about identifying the most effective learning style for your teens, we highly recommend Star Finder by Anita Gibson. Anita, a dear friend of ours, authored this insightful book to help parents observe and understand their children’s learning preferences, uncovering their innate talents and the gifts they possess.

Four Basic Learning Styles

There are four basic learning styles (though people will define them in different ways). Teens tend to have a mixture of them, but usually there is one that really stands out. (However, don’t get too stressed about it if you just can’t figure out which one is your child’s learning style- this is just food for thought):

1. Visual
2. Auditory
3. Reading/Writing
4. Kinesthetic

Visual Learners

Teens with visual learning styles are those who need pictures. They need curriculum that will have

• photographs
• graphs
• diagrams
• illustrations
• links to videos, and so on,

because they need to see something with their eyes and something that includes color. It’s just the way they work.

In the early days of homeschooling, some of the textbooks, particularly the older ones, lacked illustrations. For someone who learns better visually, this was a significant barrier.

Recognizing that visual aids are crucial for many learners, especially teens, we ensured that our 7Sisters curriculum has plenty of images. We have also included links to videos at the end of chapters to cater to those who benefit from a more dynamic form of learning.

Nowadays, most curriculums are designed with visual learners in mind, making it easier for them to find resources that suit their learning style. However, when faced with multiple options, it’s beneficial to include your teen in choosing curriculum that resonates with them.

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners thrive when they can listen and absorb information through their sense of hearing. This learning style requires educational environments where auditory engagement is a key component, whether it’s through:

• co-op and group classes
• online live classes (like those offered by our friends at FundaFunda Academy)
• self-paced courses
• or, of course, one-on-one discussions with a parent or tutor.

These learners excel when lessons are delivered verbally because hearing the information helps them to understand and remember it more effectively. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this approach. It’s simply a unique strength.

Fortunately, there are many choices for auditory learners.

In the spirit of helping auditory learners find resources that cater specifically to their strengths, 7SistersHomeschool has been dedicated to expanding our collection of self-paced, asynchronous courses on the Teachable platform. Feedback from teens indicates that these courses are not only enjoyable but also highly effective in meeting their unique learning needs.

Reading/Writing Learners

The next category of learners is the reading-writing learner. These individuals have a profound love for reading and writing, embracing both activities with enthusiasm.

Far from being intimidated by the written word, they find joy and satisfaction in engaging with texts, whether through reading, note-taking, or crafting outlines. This affinity for the literary world often means they thrive in academic settings that prioritize these skills.

They enjoy taking in information from textbooks and delight in the process of writing papers.

For reading-writing learners, traditional textbooks can be a valuable resource. However, they truly excel when exposed to a curriculum rich in actual literature. Integrating real books into their studies, especially in subjects like history and science, allows them to engage deeply with the material.

• Historical nonfiction, historical fiction, and science texts not only enrich their learning experience but also provide a more engaging and comprehensive understanding of the subjects.

Moreover, reading-writing learners are particularly well-suited to creative academic approaches. They can earn credits or level-up to achieve honors status on their transcripts by undertaking additional writing projects.

This flexibility in learning strategies not only caters to their strengths but also encourages a deeper exploration of topics of interest.

Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic learners, even at the high school level, thrive on hands-on experiences. They engage and absorb information more effectively through interaction. Many of us benefit from interacting with our learning material, whether it’s something as simple as clicking a link to engage with interactive content online.

A prime example of a homeschool high school curriculum that leverages this learning style is our 7SistersHomeschool Financial Literacy course. It encourages students to interact with the material by navigating through links, experimenting with forms, and completing interactive exercises.

This approach not only makes learning more engaging but also ensures the knowledge has a lasting impact.

Physical movement can be crucial for some teens. For instance, Angela O’Shaughnessy has shared with us several times how her kinesthetic learners are deeply engaged with American history through reenactments.

• Participating in Civil War and Revolutionary War activities allowed them to learn through movement and immersive experiences, earning credits by logging hours in these activities.

However, it’s not all about movement. Sometimes, kinesthetic learners need to sit down with a textbook, like for math, but there are also opportunities to be creative, particularly in science and history.

Resources such as EFMeducation.com offer valuable support. Our Cousin, Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville, for example, offers consulting and teaches classes designed for kinesthetic learners, providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

Parents and students often wonder about how to choose high school curriculum that aligns with college admission requirements.

Consider Your Own Preferences

Choose a curriculum that aligns with both your teaching style and lifestyle preferences. In a perfect world, identifying how your teenagers learn most effectively can guide you to the most suitable curriculum for their learning style.

Then, consider what suits you best. For instance, when my teens were in high school, I found that engaging with subjects together was crucial. However, if the textbook lacked visuals, I found it disengaging. For my own satisfaction, it was essential that the text included illustrations, which, fortunately, is commonly available nowadays.

Consider your own preferences. If you’re a parent who thrives on adventures and loves organizing field trips, then perhaps you could lean towards courses that accommodate this. If your family enjoys read-aloud sessions, as mine does, you can incorporate this into language arts, history, and science.

My children, now adults, still cherish read-aloud sessions when they get together. It’s a practice we never outgrew.

It’s about finding what works best for your teaching style and incorporating that into your educational approach as much as possible.

Evaluate Structure

Determine how much structure your family needs, from highly structured programs like Keystone to more relaxed, project-based approaches. Consider evaluating the needs and preferences of each family member, as well as your overall goals and values, to determine the ideal level of structure for your family.

Set Goals

Adopt a goal-driven mindset, focusing on long-term objectives and short-term milestones. This will help you maintain clarity and direction as you work towards your ultimate vision. It’s important to stay flexible and adapt to changes as you progress towards your goals.

Parents and students often wonder about how to choose high school curriculum that aligns with college admission requirements. It is important to understand that different colleges may have varying requirements and preferences when it comes to high school curriculum.

Research and consider the specific colleges or universities that the student may be interested in attending and then align the courses up accordingly.

Exploring Different Educational Philosophies

Think about the kinds of homeschooling methods that work best for you and your family. Similar to the curriculum choices, we have so many, and again, there’s not one right way to homeschool. So you do what’s best for you.

Considering the many methods available for homeschooling, it’s helpful to find what resonates best with you and your family. Homeschooling does not need a one-size-fits-all approach!

Think of the philosophies, or methods, like a spectrum of curriculum choices to suit various needs and learning styles:

• On one end of the spectrum, you have extremely rigid and structured environments
• and on the other end of the spectrum, are the most relaxed learning environments

That’s how we will go through these different approaches now, beginning with the extremely structured approaches.

All-In-One Programs

For those who prefer a highly structured learning environment, programs like Keystone or K12 might be appealing. These are akin to traditional school settings, offering a structured curriculum that guides students through their educational journey, much like a classroom experience.

For instance, Abeka’s online classes, which replicate filmed classroom sessions, cater to students who thrive in a well-organized setting.

Textbooks Approach

On the other hand, the textbook approach offers a slightly less rigid structure but still requires selecting specific textbooks for each subject and following a systematic plan. Creating a syllabus, especially at the high school level, can greatly benefit students.

Utilizing resources such as the free syllabi offered by 7Sisters’ curriculum can help maintain organization and focus throughout the school year.

For those interested in exploring different textbooks and curriculum options to choose from, Cathy Duffy’s reviews are an invaluable resource, providing comprehensive insights into a wide range of homeschooling materials.

Classical Education Approach

Classical education represents another structured approach, rooted in the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers and adapted over centuries. It emphasizes a chronological learning process, doing things in a certain order using certain books, and includes the study of Latin, grammar, rhetoric, and logic, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.

Publishers like Veritas Press and Classical Academic Press specialize in this educational model, offering resources for those interested in adopting a classical education framework.

Charlotte Mason Method

Less structured than the classical method, the Charlotte Mason approach focuses on reading, narrative writing, beauty, and observational learning through real books and experiences.

This method has proven successful for students aiming for competitive colleges, thanks to its emphasis on communication skills.

For those interested in this approach, Dreaming Spires Home Learning and Mater Amabilis offer programs inspired by Charlotte Mason’s methodologies.

Goals-Driven Approach

In the middle of the structure spectrum lies a goal-driven homeschooling approach. This method, championed by us here at 7Sisters, emphasizes balance, avoiding the stress often associated with rigid educational frameworks.

We are kind of stuck in the middle. We do not believe in getting ulcers over anything being too rigid or overly formatted. Instead, we want to set goals and teach our teens to set goals and work towards those goals. And so we start high school, and every year, with long term goals as well as short term goals.

Choosing a curriculum that aligns with each teen’s goals for the year, with a clear vision of what they aim to achieve by graduation and how they wish to be prepared for life in the long term, is crucial.

For us, the essence of high school education is teaching teens to adopt a goal-driven mindset, and the curriculum is the tool that facilitates this development. Here’s more on 7Sisters Homeschool curriculum philosophy.

Our friend and Cousin Karim Morato’s Homeschool Spanish Curriculum exemplifies this goal-oriented approach exceptionally well.

Relaxed Homeschooling

Relaxed homeschooling and project-based homeschooling present unique avenues for educational engagement, focusing on a teen’s interests to drive learning.

This approach emphasizes exploration and project completion as tools for learning, allowing students to accumulate credits and build a transcript around their passions.

Our friend and Cousin Theresa Wiedrick, of Homeschool Mama Self-Care, exemplifies this method. She has successfully guided her teens through project-based homeschooling, leading them to college and beyond while fostering self-discovery and impressive achievements. Teresa offers coaching for those interested in shifting towards an unschooling approach with their teenagers.

This more relaxed, interest-driven approach naturally cultivates a student’s motivation and self-direction. It challenges students to earn their credits in a way that resonates with their personal interests, empowering them as they prepare for college or the next chapter of their lives.

Additionally, incorporating notebooking projects and other hands-on activities enriches the learning experience. Resources and examples, such as those from our friend and Cousin, Tisha Messing who has extensively utilized notebooking with high schoolers, offer practical insights and inspiration.

Unschooling Approach

Transitioning through the spectrum of educational philosophies, one encounters unschooling at the opposite end of the traditional curriculum-based approach. Unschooling is profoundly led by the learner’s interests, steering clear of the conventional “school-like” education that often saps the joy from learning.

It’s predicated on the belief that genuine learning struggles to take root if the learner resents the subject matter. Unschooling champions the idea of following one’s passions and curiosities.

It emphasizes a personalized exploration and deep dive into subjects that truly captivate the learner, thereby transforming engagement into educational credit through innovative strategies.

To further explore unschooling, you would like our interview with Julie Polenko.

Recognizing that each teen is unique, unschooling presents an alternative pathway to homeschooling that eschews a one-size-fits-all method.

Homeschooling offers a range of methodologies from highly structured to unschooled approaches, allowing families to tailor the educational experience to their preferences and goals. Exploring these options and leveraging available resources can help create a fulfilling and effective homeschooling environment, which will lead you to how to choose high school curriculum for your homeschoolers!.

Adapt to Life Circumstances

Remember, there’s not ONE right way to choose curriculum and your strategies will naturally evolve over time. What works one year might not be the best fit the next, and that’s completely fine. You are free to adapt and change.

Consider these thought-provoking questions to help you make some decisions about your curriculum choices.

• Are there things in our lifestyle right now that may affect what we need for curriculum?
  • For example, are you planning to travel or have a new baby soon?
• Does my child have any special interests or talents that could be incorporated into their learning?
• What are our long-term goals for homeschooling and how can our curriculum choices support those goals?

When you are considering different curricula and have a few ideas, it’s helpful to reflect on your current lifestyle and how it might influence your needs. For instance, you may want to do more independent learning or unschooling or even online courses if you know you’re going through a particularly hectic year, perhaps:

• you’re moving
• caring for someone with a chronic illness
• managing the needs of aging parents with frequent doctor’s appointments
• maybe you have a new baby or several young children at home.

The key is making informed choices that acknowledge your unique situation.

Choose a curriculum that accommodates your current life situation, whether it’s a busy year or specific family needs. Select a curriculum that is flexible and adaptable, one that has this year’s educational journey aligning with your unique circumstances for the year.

And lastly, if you are in the throes of a busy year, consider programs that offer online or remote learning options to provide convenience and accessibility. These programs can be beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or limited access to traditional educational institutions. They can offer a wide range of courses and subjects to cater to diverse interests and learning styles.

How To Choose High School Curriculum

Choosing the right homeschool high school curriculum for your teenager can seem daunting, but when you follow these guidelines, it can become a manageable, and even enjoyable, task. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s okay to adapt and change as needed.

Thank you for Seth Tillman for editing this podcast and for Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER

1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page.
2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source”
3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page.
4. Click SUBSCRIBE.
5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)
6. Thanks!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE

1. Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone
2. Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen
3. In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast
4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon
5. Tap *Subscribe*
6. Please tap *Ratings and Review

The post How to Choose High School Curriculum appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.