Sometimes overcoming academic
boredom is as simple as changing curriculum. Allow your teen to have input
into what curriculum you use. You may
be surprised to find that letting him
choose a curriculum that sounds interesting might just be the motivation he
needs to get excited about homeschooling again.
Co-ops are another great option for academically bored teens. Co-op classes can
provide the discussion time your teenager
desperately desires and that you cannot
provide. If co-op classes are not available
in;your;area;or;do;not;fit;into;your;fam-ily’s;schedule,;then;why;not;host;or;help
coordinate a discussion group with other
homeschooled teens? Discussion groups
can gather to discuss current events, theo-logical;topics,;or;a;book;that;all;the;teens
are;reading.;Be;creative;and;let;your;teen
be a part of deciding who should be in the
group and what the format and topic of
the discussion group should be.
Online classes and community col-
lege courses are another great option for
academically bored teens. You might also
consider hiring an adult or college stu-
dent to tutor your teen in more rigorous
academic;subjects.;Don’t;forget;about;the
resources your local church has! Many
older adults would be delighted to help
tutor your teenager for free.
What if your efforts to help establish
healthy friendships, to encourage the use
of their interests and talents, or to provide a more rigorous education for your
teen fail? Then prayerfully consider the
following questions: Is public school really going to provide healthy friendships
and social experiences for my teenager?
Are;my;teen’s;God-given;interests;and
talents;going;to;be;cultivated;and;utilized
at a public school? Is a secular education
able;to;renew;my;child’s;mind;with;the
knowledge;of;the;Lord?
God;may;intend;for;your;teen;to;find
greater intimacy with Christ through this
season;of;loneliness.;Perhaps;a;less;rigor-ous education will allow for time to de-velop;a;skill;or;to;venture;out;into;other
areas that your teen might not otherwise
have time for.
I’m guessing that as a parent, your
desire;is;for;your;teenager;to;flourish;in
his faith, not just survive the high school
years.;Remember;that;God;knows;what
your teenager needs socially, spiritually,
physically, and academically. Trust Him
to provide for your teen in His timing.
Janelle Knutson and her husband, Kurt,
are joyfully homeschooling their six children in Southern California. You can find
Janelle writing about her joys and struggles with motherhood and homeschooling
on her website, www.JanelleKnutson.com;
chatting about everyday life on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/janelle
knutsondotcom; or encouraging women
through her speaking engagements at
homeschool and women’s events.
www.TheOldSchoolhouse.com
Our one year homeschool science
curriculum for students grades
K- 6 uses the Charlotte Mason
methodology to introduce the
fascinating world of chemistry and
physics. It is a wonderful way to
teach your young students just
how God made everything in the
universe. Jeannie Fulbright presents
a scientifically sound and God-honoring study that covers atoms,
molecules, simple chemicals, laws of
motion, electricity, magnetism, and
simple machines. Filled with exciting
activities, partnering notebooks, and
an easy-on-the-parent approach, this
will be a year of science you (and
your kids) will love!
WATT Are You Waiting For?
apologia.com 888-524-4724
NOW
AVAILABLE!
Homeschooling
through the high school
years gives your teen
the;Biblical;worldview
he or she is going to
need to stand strong in
a;dark;world.
