This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Homeschooled and Headed for College- Special Replay.

Our 7Sisters’ own homeschoolers have all graduated. While most of them went to college, others headed for the workforce. That’s cool! But today we want to talk about our college-bound homeschool high schoolers!

Many homeschool high schoolers are planning to attend college. How about yours? We know there’s not one right way to homeschool high school AND there’s not one right way to do life after high school. Some teens are call right into the workforce, military or missions. Others must go through college.

Remember, these are tips. You know what is best for your homeschool high schoolers.

First, you need to know that you and your teens can do this! Now, here are the questions.

Join Sabrina, Vicki, Kym and Quella the seeing eye puppy for a lively and helpful discussion about college preparation and application!

Also, check out this resource for helping keep calm and homeschool on:

Click here to download freebie how-to.

Visit TheStarMovie.com to learn more.

The post Homeschooled and Headed for College- Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Advice for Moms of Homeschool High Schoolers.

We 7Sisters have graduated our kids from homeschooling high school. We have also advised several hundred others. So, by experience and by learning from lots of homeschool mom-friends, we have LOTS of advice for moms of homeschooling high schoolers!

As you know, with the ability to tailor curriculum to their child’s unique needs and interests, homeschooling offers a flexible and personalized approach to education. With having been through it all with several kids, we want to give you some advice that we wish we knew early on. We’re not here to judge or give you a formula, but rather to be honest, vulnerable, and transparent. Think of the following advice for moms as a conversation over coffee with your older sisters!

One important lesson we have learned is that there’s not ONE right way to homeschool. Our sister, Marilyn, used to say that all the time, and it’s stuck with us ever since. 

The ability to customize the curriculum to suit your teen’s learning style and pace is a wonderful advantage to homeschooling.  Homeschooling allows for one-on-one instruction, enabling you to adapt lessons to your teen’s strengths, weaknesses and interests. 

This kind of individualized approach fosters a deeper understanding of concepts, promotes critical thinking skills, and encourages a love for learning.

When you feel pressured to follow a specific curriculum or teaching method, remember that you have the freedom to homeschool in a way that works best for your teens. 

Do not let peer pressure or mom shaming get to you. Trust your instincts and do what feels right for your family.

You have the power to choose the curriculum materials that align with your child’s interests and values. Choosing the right curriculum is a crucial aspect of homeschooling and one of the best advice for moms we can give.

We have all made mistakes in this area, such as picking up a math curriculum that ends up being too advanced for your daughter. So, when selecting curriculum, keep your teen’s abilities and interests in mind. 

It’s okay to challenge them, but be mindful not to overwhelm them. And remember, you can always supplement their learning with your own side projects and interests.

Understanding your teens’s personality is also key. As Kym, our resident extrovert, discovered, it’s important to consider the needs of both the students and the teachers in your homeschool. 

If you are an extrovert like Kym, make sure you find ways to engage with others, even if your kids are more introverted. 

On the other hand, if you need more time at home, communicate that with your family and find a balance that works for everyone.

One of the best tools for learning about your teen’s personality and using that in your homeschool is the book Star Finder by our friend, Anita Gibson. Learn about it in our interview with Anita about helping teens find their star!

Field trips are a fantastic way to bring learning to life. Whether it’s a history trip to Gettysburg or a visit to a waste processing plant (yes, we’ve done that!), these experiences create lasting memories and deepen understanding. 

And do not forget to take care of yourself along the way. Check in with yourself regularly and make sure you are filling your own tank. (Need a little gentle support and encouragement for your own self-care? You will love all the homeschool mama self-care support that our Cousin Teresa Wiedrick shares on her blogs and podcast at Capturing the Charmed Life- that’s what she’s all about!)

You cannot pour from an empty cup, so prioritize self-care and find activities that rejuvenate you.

Homeschooling goes beyond academic instruction. It also offers opportunities for personal growth and the development of essential life skills. 

One piece of advice for moms we cannot stress enough is to follow your teen’s passions. Each of us is unique, with our own gifts and interests. Instead of trying to fit into someone else’s box, tap into what makes your teen special and help them explore their what makes them get excited. 

Encourage them to pursue their interests and provide opportunities for them to develop their skills. By doing so, you are preparing them for a future where they can thrive and make a difference.

Take a step back every month and evaluate how your homeschool is going. Look at the overall well-being of your family and make adjustments as needed. 

It’s not about sticking to a rigid schedule or completing every lesson perfectly. 

It’s about creating a healthy and balanced homeschool environment where everyone can grow and learn.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. We at 7SistersHomeschool are here to support and encourage you every step of the way. We are grateful to be part of your homeschool journey! Keep having fun and enjoy the adventure! (Hey, join our fun 7SistersHomeschool Facebook group for real-time encouragement and support.)

Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

The post Advice for Moms of Homeschool High Schoolers appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How to Use Levels with7Sisters Curriculum-Special Replay.

We 7Sisters have graduated twenty-plus of our own from homeschooling high school. In our own grads we now have:

As you can see, we 7Sisters we had lots of high schoolers with different levels of interest and needs. We found that we could make the most of homeschooling high school by using different levels of academic rigor for teens different needs and abilities.

Teens have different goals.

Homeschooling allows us to place emphasis on the areas they want to explore by increasing the “levels of rigor” of their interest courses. You cannot make every course the highest level (Level 5) in every interest area, but you can choose some. So, how do you know what level of rigor for your high schoolers’ courses? Talk to your teen!

You can tailor the homeschool transcript to meet each individual needs by teaching courses at the level of your teen’s needs. If your teen is working on average high school level and is not headed for college, you often can skip adding levels of rigor to their course listings on their transcripts.

On the other hand, for teens heading to college, your high schooler will probably benefit by including the level of rigor for each course right in each course’s title. Here are two posts that go in-depth for working with levels on the transcript:

7Sisters Literature Guides include instructions for enjoying our popular Literature Guides at:

Each guide covers only one or two literature themes so we don’t kill the book. There is also vocabulary, a little background information, comprehension and inferential questions.

Check out Cathy Duffy’s Review of American Literature. It is in-depth and helpful.

Join Sabrina, Vicki and Kym for more about using levels with 7Sisters curriculum.

Rebecca from the Well Planned Gal understands the challenges of working within a budget, managing multiple children, and trying to keep up with a variety of information. That is why she created popular planner bundles!

Combine organizational tools with year long encouragement by bundling Well Planned Day planners with the popular Family Magazine. For a limited time, Save 30% with one of her popular planner bundles. Each bundle contains 2 planner products with a one-year subscription to Family Magazine.

Click Here to Go to Well Planned Gal

The post How to Use Levels with7Sisters Curriculum- Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Courses Our Teens Actually Liked

As homeschool parents, we know that not every subject will capture our children’s interest, but finding courses that they genuinely enjoy can make the learning experience more engaging and memorable. So, let’s dive into the various types of courses our teens have loved, fro

m co-op settings and extracurricular activities to individual exploration and more.

Our teens had a number of courses the loved in co-op and group classes. Here are a few:

One of the our homeschool high schoolers’ favorite co-op classes is worldview. Our kids had a blast with this course. It covers how humans grow and change from womb to old age- not just physically but also, emotionally, cognitively and socially. 

The curriculum offered engaging activities and fostered deep conversations about personal growth, relationships, and even our own experiences as teenagers. It was a surprise to see how this course created new connections and built stronger relationships between us and our teens. Human Development also was a perfect topic for fun learning activities and videos. (We captured these in the Lesson Plans for Human Development.)

Not only that, there is a free syllabus for Human Development to adapt to your co-op needs.

Teens need to ask questions! That need led to another course that our teens enjoyed in a group setting: Philosophy in Four Questions. The textbook as written at the request of our local homeschoolers by Dr. Micah Tillman (big brother to one of the requesters). This course provided a framework for asking questions and encouraged deep thinking. The tone of the curriculum made our teens feel respected and treated as peers. The group setting made the discussions engaging and allowed our teens to explore ideas.

Here is a free syllabus for Philosophy in Four Question.

In addition to traditional courses, our teens had the opportunity to explore their interests through extracurricular activities. For example, drama camps and theater classes provided a unique and enjoyable learning experience. 

Through these activities, our teens developed skills in public speaking, time management, and teamwork. Drama camps also created a culture of civility, where respect and encouragement were prioritized, fostering deep relationships and personal growth- our teens called drama camp: The week that has meaning!

Electives play a crucial role in a well-rounded homeschool education. One of our teens’ favorite electives was photography. When our daughter’s interest in photography outgrew what we could provide, we enrolled her in a local community college’s photography program. This experience not only allowed her to pursue her passion but also earned her a certificate and extra scholarships when she pursued photography in college.

We found that specialized courses from reputable resources like The Great Courses offered high-level instruction through DVDs. Our teens engaged with subjects like anatomy and physiology and nutrition, gaining valuable knowledge that was applicable to their personal lives and interests. These courses provided expert instruction without the need for extensive textbook reading.

Online courses are a great way for homeschool high schoolers to earn elective credits. Some of our favorite sources for electives online include:

Sometimes, the most meaningful courses are the ones tailored to our teens’ specific interests and curiosities. For instance, one of our teens delved into the history of church music, conducting an independent research project (and then that year’s APA research paper).

This individualized learning experience allowed them to explore their passion and earn a credit in the history of church music, showcasing their dedication and personal growth.

As homeschooling parents, it’s important to foster a love for learning in our teens. By incorporating courses that align with their interests and providing opportunities for hands-on experiences, we can make their high school journey more engaging and enjoyable. 

Whether through co-op classes, extracurricular activities, interesting electives, or individualized learning, there are countless ways to tailor their education to their unique strengths and passions.

Remember, not every course will resonate with your teen, and that’s okay. The key is to find a balance between core subjects and courses they genuinely enjoy. By doing so, you’ll create a positive learning environment and help them develop a lifelong love for learning.

If you’re seeking inspiration for courses your teen might love, be sure to check out the curriculum offerings at 7sistershomeschool.com. Our curriculum has been created and tested by homeschooling families, ensuring engaging and enjoyable learning experiences for your teens.

Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

The post Courses Our Teens Actually Liked appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

WThis week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Online Transcript Platform for Homeschool High Schoolers, Interview with Enid Franklin.

If you’re wondering about how to get your high schooler’s transcript under control, we have you covered here in this interview with Enid Franklin and Brittany Williams. Our friends Enid and Brittany are the masterminds behind Franklin Homeschool Services and My Portfolio Page. These incredible women have developed an online portfolio and transcript service. It will revolutionize the way you document and showcase your homeschooling achievements.

Let’s dive into their journey, the benefits of online portfolios, and how this online transcript platform can transform your homeschooling experience.

Enid Franklin, a lifelong Maryland resident and homeschooling mom, has successfully homeschooled her three children. Her oldest daughter recently earned her master’s degree in journalism at the age of 21! Her son is pursuing a career as a firefighter, while her youngest daughter has just completed her first year at Drexel University. 

Brittany Williams, another homeschooling mom, also has successfully homeschool her three kids. Her oldest son graduated from Towson University two years ago and now works in the film industry. Her daughter is about to enter her third year at Coastal Carolina, majoring in marine biology. And then Brittany’s youngest son just graduated from high school, and he plans to attend Baltimore County Community College before transferring to a university for mechanical engineering. 

Franklin Homeschool Services became established in 2021, after Enid recognized the need for comprehensive homeschooling support. That summer, she started the company after working as an administrator for a homeschool umbrella. When COVID hit, many families who never intended to homeschool suddenly found themselves needing guidance. 

When Enid finished homeschooling her own children, she realized she had a wealth of knowledge to share. So, she decided to start Franklin Homeschool Services. With her years of homeschooling knowledge and experience, Enid was determined to give back to the homeschooling community. 

Brittany joined forces with Enid due to their shared passion for helping families navigate the overwhelming process of homeschooling. Together, they provide consulting services, guidance, and encouragement to homeschoolers at all stages of their journey.

Do you recall the days of bulky physical portfolios and the stress of having them reviewed? Not anymore! Introducing My Portfolio Page, an online portfolio and transcript service offered by Franklin Homeschool Services that makes the process of keeping up with your transcripts and documents super easy. 

And easy is exactly what we busy homeschool moms are looking for these days, especially when it comes to prepping our high schoolers for graduation and college.

Because Enid and Brittany understand the challenges of creating and maintaining physical portfolios, they have created My Portfolio Page, which is a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process and eliminates the risk of losing important documents. This digital portfolio service allows homeschoolers to effortlessly track attendance, create activity logs, log reading lists, and even upload pictures to support their educational experiences.

You’ll find numerous advantages of using an online transcript maker in homeschooling. Firstly, it provides an organized and easily accessible record of your child’s educational journey. No more searching for misplaced log sheets or worrying about physical portfolios getting lost during moves or transitions! 

​ The portfolios are not only useful for reviews but also serve as keepsakes and a way to celebrate the progress and achievements of homeschooling. Once the portfolio is complete, it can be downloaded, printed, and organized in a binder for a physical keepsake. 

Using an online transcript platform, like My Portfolio Page, also allows you to showcase your child’s achievements in a professional and visually appealing manner, making it easier to share with colleges, universities, and potential employers.

It’s like a media kit or a resume of your child’s academic years, and My Portfolio Page makes the process of accumulating all the information a breeze.

One of the most exciting features of My Portfolio Page is the ease with which it generates transcripts. By linking the report card to the high school component, parents can input grades, including weighted grades for honors or AP courses, and the system automatically calculates the GPA. 

My Portfolio Page eliminates the stress of manually calculating GPAs and ensures accuracy in transcript creation. Once completed, you can easily download and print the transcript, ready to be included in college applications or other educational endeavors.

It’s important to start off your high schooler on the right foot and utilize the tech tools available to make homeschooling more manageable. Enid and Brittany understand the importance of support and encouragement, and their services reflect their commitment to helping families thrive in their homeschooling journeys.

Enid and Brittany are beloved in the homeschool community. Satisfied parents often share the impact of their services and the ease with which they can handle record-keeping and documentation.

If you are a homeschooling parent looking to streamline your record-keeping process and enhance your child’s educational portfolio, Franklin Homeschool Services and My Portfolio Page are the perfect solutions for you. With their user-friendly online transcript platform, comprehensive services, and commitment to supporting homeschooling families, Enid and Brittany have revolutionized the way we document and showcase our homeschooling achievements.

Remember, the journey of homeschooling is made easier when you have the right tools and support. Explore Franklin Homeschool Services and My Portfolio Page today and take your homeschooling experience to new heights!

For more on what to include on your homeschool transcripts and all the transcript details, check out these resources:

Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

The post Online Transcript Platform for Homeschool High Schoolers, Interview with Enid Franklin appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Why Study Spanish, Interview with Suzanne Gose.

Spanish is one of those subjects moms often don’t know where to begin when they’re homeschooling their high school teen. But do they really need to study Spanish? We got to chat with Suzanne Gose, the founder of Flip Flop Spanish and Spanish Geniuses, and Suzanne shares her homeschool journey and how she created a unique and engaging Spanish curriculum for homeschoolers. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Flip Flop Spanish!

Suzanne, a former public school teacher, found herself searching for something more fulfilling after becoming a stay-at-home mom. Intrigued by the concept of homeschooling, she decided to offer Spanish tutoring and classes to homeschoolers. 

She was amazed by the level of engagement and interest from the teenagers she taught. They were attentive, caring, and genuinely interested in their own education. It was a revelation for her, and she knew she wanted her own children to have that kind of experience. So, she became a homeschooler herself! Little did she know that this decision would change her life and lead her to create Flip Flop Spanish. 

As Suzanne began creating her own curriculum for homeschoolers, she noticed a gap in the market for a flexible and interactive Spanish program. She started printing packets for parents who couldn’t attend her classes, and her husband encouraged her to get published. This led to the development of the Flip Flop Spanish workbook, which became the foundation of her curriculum.

The name Flip Flop Spanish perfectly captures the essence of Suzanne’s curriculum. The workbook was designed with pages that could be flipped upside down, allowing students to review what they had already learned. This unique approach not only made learning Spanish fun but also encouraged students to think in Spanish rather than translate word-for-word.

She later added flashcards, which became their flagship product. They were especially helpful for her second child, who had a visual processing disorder. The flashcards allowed him to learn Spanish without the need for reading, which was a game-changer for him.

Flip Flop Spanish is an incredible curriculum that caters to different learning styles and challenges.

Motivating teenagers to learn a second language can be a challenge. Suzanne believes that making language learning enjoyable and relevant is key to capturing their interest. Like Flip Flop Spanish, which incorporates game-like activities, speed rounds, charades, and even friendly competitions to make learning Spanish exciting for teens.  

There are a few ways to motivate teens when it comes to learning Spanish. Making it fun and game-like often does this well. Using flashcards for speed rounds, charades, or even competing against parents can make learning enjoyable. 

Learning Spanish goes beyond simply adding a language to a transcript. Suzanne emphasizes the practical benefits of being bilingual, particularly in the job market. Speaking Spanish can increase earning potential by $10,000 or more per year. It also enhances job security and opens doors to a wider range of career opportunities. 

Suzanne’s curriculum aims to equip teens with the language skills they need to thrive in a bilingual world. Learning Spanish not only enriches your life but also opens doors to new friendships and experiences.

Another remarkable benefit of learning a second language, according to Suzanne, is the positive impact it has on brain health. Learning Spanish exercises various areas of the brain, improving memory, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills. Bilingual individuals often experience better cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline later in life. 

Learning Spanish goes beyond just fulfilling a transcript requirement. It’s about making a positive impact on the world and embracing the opportunities that come with being bilingual.

Being bilingual in Spanish is like having a superpower. It sets you apart and allows you to connect with people in a unique way. – Suzanne Gose

Flip Flop Spanish offers a comprehensive curriculum for the whole family, starting as young as three years old. The curriculum incorporates flashcards, games, and engaging activities to create an immersive learning experience. 

For high school students, Suzanne has developed a video course called Spanish Geniuses, which combines a textbook approach with interactive video lessons.

If you’re new to Flip Flop Spanish, Suzanne recommends starting with the flashcards and the See It and Say It curriculum. This approach allows students to think in Spanish from the beginning, building a solid foundation for further learning. 

Because when you start with their flashcards, it uses pictures and simple sentences to train the brain to think in Spanish rather than relying on translation. This method is effective for young children as well as older teens. 

For high schoolers, the Spanish Geniuses video course provides a structured and engaging way to progress in their language studies. It includes a textbook and covers more advanced concepts while still maintaining a motivating and interactive approach. 

Flip Flop Spanish and Spanish Geniuses is designed to build a strong foundation in Spanish while keeping the learning process fun and manageable.

So if you have a teen who feels overwhelmed by traditional grammar-heavy textbooks, Suzanne’s approach of starting with flashcards and gradually introducing more complex concepts is a great way to build confidence and fluency.

Suzanne wants to make learning Spanish a positive and empowering experience for teens, setting them up for success in both their academic and personal lives.

Learning a second language is not only a valuable skill but also a gateway to new opportunities and personal growth. Flip Flop Spanish offers a refreshing and engaging approach to language learning, making it accessible and enjoyable for homeschoolers of all ages. 

Whether you’re a parent looking for a comprehensive Spanish curriculum or a teenager seeking to boost your language skills, Flip Flop Spanish can guide you on your language learning journey. Embrace the fun and benefits of learning Spanish with Flip Flop Spanish!

To learn more about Flip Flop Spanish and connect with Suzanne Gos, visit the Flip Flop Spanish website at flipflopspanish.com. You can also find Flip Flop Spanish on Facebook and Instagram, where Suzanne shares updates, tips, and resources for language learners.

For more on world language learning, check out these posts and Homeschool Highschool Podcast episodes:

Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool & Humor for writing this blog post!

The post Why Study Spanish, Interview with Suzanne Gose appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Homeschooling in Imperfect Circumstances- Special Replay

Have you noticed that real life does not actually look like:

If you are like most of us (well, ALL of us 7Sisters), then your family looks like a real family living in real life, real circumstances. SO let Sabrina and Vicki offer you a little homeschool real-life encouragement for you.

Recently, Sabrina had a conversation with a person who has been working through some challenging circumstances. Through this unasked-for time of growth, he has learned to frame the way he is handling life by saying:

Circumstances being what they are and me being who I want to be, I have decided to…

Notice what he has discovered: We know in imperfect circumstances, we humans can tend to think this way:

Circumstances being what they are and me being who I am…

See the difference? If we focus on who we are right now, we can become focused on our limitations. On the other hand, if we focus on who we want to become, we open the door to possibilities and even more availability to God working in and through us!

(However, remember to keep things balanced. God made us in special ways and each person it unique. When we remember and build on our God-given gifts and personalities, we are available to making good things happen.)

While we are working on balance, then, think about who you are and who you want to be at the same time. With that in mind, hold onto God’s grace and allow him to help you grow.

Most of us are homeschooling in less than perfect situations. That is just life! Here is some encouragement for some challenging situations.

Have you noticed how much FABULOUS curriculum is out there. Oh man! If we could only buy a fraction of the cool texts, courses or programs that are available to our homeschoolers, our kids would have an amazing education!

However, money is often tight. In challenging financial times, we can say:

Financial circumstances being what they are. And me being the flexible and create person I want to be, we will be creative with what we can afford and trust God for good education.

Vicki recalled when she was homeschooling her kids in the early days of homeschooling. In those days, there was not much variety in the homeschool curriculum market. Not only that, but the curriculum that was available was expensive. Unfortunately, the marketing for those curricula was guilt and fear oriented: IF you do not use our curriculum, you are not homeschooling correctly!

In those early days, there was so much pressure to homeschool “right” because there were truly “truant officers at the door” occasionally. However, Vicki’s family had five homeschoolers and a very limited budget but she knew (especially for homeschooling high school) that she wanted to do a good job! (More on choosing curriculum here.)

Circumstances being what they are. And me being the good homeschooling parent I want to become, I will trust that God has our family where he wants us. Not only that but it is “right” for me to create our own curriculum that fits our kids’ needs (and not be whiny and complain-y person while I was at it).

Vicki’s homeschool mom-friends were in the same boat at the time. They were thinking the same thoughts. Together, they began creating curriculum for their kids and co-ops. Because their kids are all encouraged to have well-thought-out opinions, they gave feedback on the curriculum. Thus, it was refined until they ended up with the materials that became 7SistersHomeschool.com‘s  curriculum offerings.

SO, good can come out of financially challenging circumstances!

What if you are a mom who wants or needs to homeschool but you do not feel competent because:

Here is a suggestion, think about saying to yourself:

Circumstances being what they are, and me being who I want to be, I can learn to work creatively and model a growth mindset for my kids. I can farm things out and develop resources for my homeschoolers.

Sabrina shares about her own experiences homeschooling her family. She felt concerned about whether she was competent to homeschool her kids because she only had a year and a half of college. Not only that, but she severely struggled in her college math class.

Her math struggles haunted her as she began to homeschool her kids.

Circumstances being what they are, and me being who I want to be (a wise and calm mother who is creative with her resources), I will find a different solution to the math problem!

Then she realized that she could swap resources in her local homeschool co-op and umbrella school. Sabrina is a wonderful literature teacher. She swapped teaching literature to the homeschool high schoolers, while another mom taught her kids math! It was perfect!

In any circumstance, you can choose to become the person that God created you to become. He is working in and through you, to make you a model of creativity. trust and growth mindset for your kids. So keep saying:

Circumstances being what they are and me being who I want to be, I have decided to…

So in the brokenness of your imperfect circumstances, you can trust God to help you become the homeschooling mom he wants you to be. Share your stories and questions with us here or on our 7SistersHomeschool Facebook group, please!

Join Sabrina and Vicki for encouragement about homeschooling in imperfect circumstances. You CAN do it!

The post Homeschooling in Imperfect Circumstances-Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Financial Literacy for Homeschool High Schoolers- Special Replay

How do you go about preparing homeschool high schoolers for managing money throughout their lives? Financial Literacy is a life skills math credit that many teens will use WAY more often than their high school math. Join Sabrina, Vicki, Kym and Eagle, the Seeing Eye puppy for a fun discussion of Financial Literacy curriculum.

Lots of us homeschooling parents did not have Financial Literacy courses in their high school days. Remember back then? The emphasis was taking lots of rigorous academic maths and sciences so that we would look competitive to colleges. Consumer Math or Financial Literacy was looked down on- a waste of credit-earning time. Often, those practical courses were reserved for non-college bound peers.

Then came 2008, when the economy crashed! Some economists believed that poor personal financial management (including too much mortgage debt) was part of the problem. Education officials realized that many teens graduated from high school with no financial training. In reaction to this, many state education departments began to require that high school transcripts include Consumer Math so that teens could be ready with at least basic life-preparation, money-management skills.

But Consumer Math might not be enough for many teens. If they want real-life preparation for not just money, but for:

Teens need more than Consumer Math for a financially successful future. They need Financial Literacy!

There are several good financial training courses. We, of course, like 7Sisters’ Financial Literacy because it covers all the bases of Financial Literacy courses but also trains students on how to find information (and where to avoid information). It is a fun, interactive, internet-based, practical curriculum that teens love…and actually use. Homeschool high schoolers finish the course with a life financial plan.

As soon as 7Sisters’ published our Financial Literacy course, our teens began using it and teaching it in our local homeschool co-op and group classes. The curriculum was vetted by the teens, who gave valuable feedback on how they learn best. Many teens are now adults and still using the skills they learned from their Financial Literacy course.

Vicki shares that her youngest was one of the first students to use this curriculum. He started budgeting and planning for the future in eleventh grade and is now grown with a solid job, marriage, home and reasonable lifestyle. This is because he started learning and applying Financial Literacy skills in his youth.

That’s a good question. Financial Literacy can be either a Math or Elective credit, according to your teens’ goals. For non-college-bound teens, or for teens who are not aiming for a competitive college, they can usually use Financial Literacy as a Math credit (after all, it employs a LOT of math, right?). For teens aiming for a more competitive college, it is a good idea to count Financial Literacy as a Life-Skills Elective.

Check out these posts with lots of cool, practical ideas for learning about money.

Start off with sharing few blog posts that explain the benefit of learning Financial Literacy.

Then, you can add some fun to your Financial Literacy course with games. Here are some favorite Consumer Math games.

Your teens will benefit from taking Financial Literacy, but don’t take our word for it. Check out these posts from 7Sister Sara’s sons Luke and Joel. You’ll also enjoy this Dollars and Cents Podcast episode on How to Teach Kids about Managing Money.

The post Financial Literacy for Homeschool High Schoolers- Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week on Homeschool High School Podcast: Scheduling Your Homeschool High School Year Successfully- Special Replay!

We know that many homeschooling moms love scheduling…and many DON’T. Whether you enjoy scheduling, it is a good idea to employ some scheduling skills! High school needs organization and scheduling if you are going to achieve your goals (and your teen graduate in four years).

We often receive questions about the right way to plan and then create schedules for homeschool high schoolers! What is the one right way to schedule your homeschool high school year?

Based on what has worked for our 7Sisters families (along with our teens), here are some tips for successfully scheduling your homeschool high school year:

A mom’s mind plans her way, but God directs her steps.

When life happens or things go wrong, give yourself grace and breathing space! Then get back to the schedule as soon as possible OR choose the create a NEW schedule based on the family’s current needs. (For instance, if a chronic illness has developed, you will probably need a whole new schedule. Thats’s okay! Realistic goals and flexibility are key!)

If you need some support, you might enjoy some coaching from Vicki at VickiTillmanCoaching.com.

Join Sabrina and Vicki for this helpful discussion.

The post Scheduling Your Homeschool High School Year Successfully- Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Teens Who Don’t Like to Read- What to do!

Many parents can relate to having a teen who doesn’t love reading, but let’s get one thing out of the way from the state – this is not a character flaw, but rather a part of their individuality. If you’re homeschooling teens who don’t like to read, you can embrace this in a whole new way instead of trying to force it. Let’s explore how we can support and encourage our non-reading teens on their educational journey. 

We often feel pressure as homeschoolers to raise book-loving kids, but that’s not always the case. It’s essential to recognize that there is room for all types of learners in the homeschool universe, including teens who don’t love reading!

Just as there are kids who love everything about school, there are also those who don’t find joy in reading. And that’s okay! 

It doesn’t mean they are flawed or lazy; it simply means they have different strengths and interests. 

Instead of viewing a teen’s lack of love for reading as a character flaw or a sign of laziness, let’s consider it as an opportunity to explore alternative ways of learning. 

We need to redefine what success with reading means. We often fall into the trap of measuring success by the number of books our teens read. But teens reading shouldn’t be the measurement of success; success should be evaluated based on a broader perspective. 

It’s not about the number of books read, but rather the ability to comprehend and apply what they read. The goal is to ensure they can comprehend and apply the information they encounter, even if it’s not through traditional reading.

By shifting our focus from the quantity of reading to the quality of learning, we can alleviate the pressure on our non-reading teens and homeschool moms.

We sometimes need an outside perspective to help us navigate challenges. Consider seeking input from trusted friends, youth group leaders, or co-op teachers who can offer insights into your teen’s strengths and potential. 

Seek input from trusted friends or mentors who can provide a fresh perspective on your teen’s unique qualities. 

Remember, God has a plan for each young person, and it may not align with our expectations.

Sometimes, others can see the growth and progress that we may overlook. This feedback can be invaluable in helping your teen gain confidence and recognize their unique abilities.

If your teen doesn’t enjoy reading, don’t despair. Education is not solely confined to reading books. Today, there are countless resources available, such as audiobooks, read-alouds, discussion groups, and even movies, that can help engage non-reading teens. 

So if your teen prefers learning through the internet or watching educational videos, that’s okay! Encourage your teen to explore these alternative methods of acquiring knowledge. Whether it’s watching informative videos, engaging in online research, or pursuing hands-on activities, emphasize that learning can take many forms.

Focus on their individual growth and the areas of their strengths or skills, and help them develop those further. 

By broadening the definition of success, we empower our teens to embrace their individual learning styles and interests.

You’re doing a great job as a homeschool parent, and your child’s worth is not determined by their love for reading.

In the homeschooling community, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. We hear stories of other teens devouring classic novels and feel as though our own children are falling short. 

It’s crucial to remember that each child has their own unique path. 

Comparing our teens to others only leads to self-doubt and unnecessary pressure. Instead, focus on your teen’s growth, progress, and individual strengths. Celebrate their accomplishments, regardless of how they align with societal expectations.

So take a deep breath and embrace the journey. Homeschooling is about nurturing your child’s individuality and helping them become the best version of themselves. If you have a teen who doesn’t love reading, remember that it’s not a character flaw or a reflection of your parenting. 

By shifting our perspective and embracing lifelong learning, we empower our teens to thrive and succeed in their own way.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Check out 7SistersHomeschool for free resources, literature study guides, and career exploration tools. We’ve created these resources based on our own experiences and the success we’ve seen in our own homeschools and co-ops. 

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

The post Teens Who Don’t Like to Read- What to do! appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.