Inside: Learn the job interview tips for teens which teach your child how to stand out among the candidates and get hired. Get a list of 50 interview questions to practice with.
Do you have a teenager ready to go out into the workforce? Does they communicate easily, know their strengths and weaknesses, and can they look up from thier phone to make eye contact for more than a few seconds?
You might think the last one is crazy, but it’s a huge problem with the millennial generation right now. Employers are having a terrible time finding employees who have basic skills such as carrying on a conversation and making eye contact with people. It’s sad but true!
Is your teen ready for a job interview? If you’re not sure, don’t worry! I have some job interview tips for teens that can teach him how to stand out from among the other candidates and get hired.
How Do You Prepare Your Homeschooler for a Job Interview?
Preparing your teen for his first job interview isn’t hard. Having conversations with him and discussing what he should say and do is a great place to begin. I have put together 18 tips so you can cover the most important areas for a successful interview. I separated them into three categories for before, during, and after the interview.
Tips for Before the Interview
Practice Interview Questions
You never know what questions people will ask. It’s a good idea to practice as many of them as possible. Find a friend or family member to rehearse with your child. I have a big list of first job interview questions your teen can practice answering. Be sure to sign up for it at the bottom of this article.
Research the Company
Have your teen spend some time learning about the company he is interviewing with. Start with their website and then their social media channels. If they ask him what he knows about their company, it will impress them he took the time to find out. This will show he is interested and knowledgeable, but also help him see if the job is a good fit.
Put Together a List of References
If the interviewer is interested, he may ask for references. Having a list already prepared can speed up the process.
Dress Appropriately
What should a teenager wear to a job interview? Wearing jeans and tennis shoes might be great for everyday apparel, but not for an interview. While they don’t have to wear a suit or dress, it is nice for the guys to wear khaki pants and a collared shirt and girls in a skirt or dress pants and a nice shirt. Half the battle in making a positive impression in the first few minutes is how your teen looks.
Arrive Early
It is always a good idea to arrive at the interview at least 10 minutes early. This shows them your teen is punctual. It also allows him time to find the room they are interviewing in and get himself together before being called. It may be a good idea to drive by the building the day before so he knows where it’s at and doesn’t get lost. Arriving late will set a bad tone and also cause your teen to be more nervous.
Tips for During the Interview
The First Five Minutes Are the Most Important
Remind your child he has five minutes to win these people over. They often make the decision to hire someone during those first few minutes. It starts with how he looks when he walks through the door. The next step is wowing them with some energy and saying something positive he’s heard about the company. He should remember to smile and interact with everyone.
Act Professional
Giving a firm handshake, making eye contact, and stating your name is not something many teens do today. These simple acts will make your teen stand out and look professional. If your child has had a job before, make sure he doesn’t talk negatively about his previous employer.
Use Good Body Language
Our body language says a lot. Tell your child not to slouch in the chair. He should sit up, act interested, and establish good eye contact. The SLANT strategy would be perfect for this.
Use the STAR Method When Asked Questions About Past Situations
Behavioral interviews are the new thing. Employers ask questions about situations your teen may have been a part of in the past and how he handled them. To answer these, the STAR method can help.
Situation- Describe the situation and include the setting. It helps the interviewer to understand where and when it took place. An example would be. “When I was the captain of my community basketball team in high school, we were trying to make it to the championships.”
Task- This step explains what his duty was. “It was my job to motivate my team members and make sure everyone was working together.”
Action- This step describes the action he took. “I had team meetings before each game and talked about how far we had come and told them we needed to work even harder and not give up. I pointed out positive ways each of them had helped us get that far.”
Result- What resulted from the action? “We played harder than we ever had and won the game to advance to the championship!”
Career Exploration focuses on vocational and career exploration. Students will understand their strengths, challenges and more as they prepare to launch as adults in a complex, digital, and fast-changing world as wellwill identify the intersection of passions, interests, and the necessity of work. Students will explore the difference between work and career and how both fit into their personal pathway.
Have Questions Prepared for the Interviewer
The interviewer isn’t the only one who can ask questions. In fact, your teen should prepare a list and be ready to ask them. This lets him get involved in the process and also get some answers to the questions he may have.
Some examples might be:
What would my responsibilities be?
Do I work with other departments and how does that work?
What does a typical day in this job look like?
Is there an opportunity to advance?
What do people like the most and least about this job?
Keep Answers Short
When answering questions, there’s a fine line between talking too much and not enough. Tell your teen not to give one-word answers, but at the same time, don’t go on and on. Try to answer the questions with the information they are looking for and not add to it with unnecessary rambling.
Stay Away from the Phone
Today’s teens are constantly on their phones. This can be a problem in the workplace. If the interviewer sees your teen glancing at his phone, he’s going to assume he will play with his phone during work hours as well. It’s best to keep it in his pocket or leave it in the car during the interview.
Find a Negative That’s a Positive
Almost every interviewer will ask what a person’s strengths and weaknesses are. Finding something negative that is still a positive can be tricky. The weakness should be something that is truly a negative, but there are ways to correct it. If your teen has difficulty managing time, he can say he uses a planner or sets reminders on his phone to make sure he meets deadlines and doesn’t miss appointments.
Know Your Schedule
Most likely they will discuss the hours your teen is available for work. Make sure your child knows his schedule and is flexible. Also, if he is not driving yet, he should explain how he will get to and from work.
Tips for After the Interview
Ask What’s Next
It’s perfectly fine at the end of the interview for your teenager to ask what to expect. It shows he’s interested in getting the job. This will let him know whether to expect a phone call or email and if there is another step involved before getting hired. He may find out when they intend to fill the position and if they still have other people to interview.
Send a Thank You Note
It might seem strange to your teen, but writing a thank you note is a personal touch that will set him apart. If he asks for a business card from the interviewer before he leaves, he will have an email address to send his thank you to. Do this the same day if possible, but at least within 48 hours.
He should thank the person for his time and considering him for the position. It’s a good idea to include something from the interview such as, “I am interested in…” or “I am excited about the possibility of…” Finish by letting the person know he looks forward to hearing from him soon. Not only is sending a thank you note polite, but it also puts your child’s name in front of this person again.
Follow Up Email/Call
If a week has gone by and your child hasn’t heard from the company, it’s acceptable to call or email and find out if they have filled the position. He can write out a script if he’s nervous about making a phone call. Let the person know he’s still interested in the job and was calling to find out if they have hired anyone yet.
Learn from Your Mistakes
Have your teenager think about what went right and wrong after he’s done with the interview. Have him tell what he could change next time. Tell him it’s okay if he made a mistake or didn’t answer something correctly. The best way to practice for interviews is to do more interviews. The more he does the easier they will get. Explain even adults are nervous for them.
Resources
Here are two helpful books to prepare you even more for interviews:
Getting a job can actually be a job! Practicing how to get a job, and how to interview are important life skills that will take your teen far beyond their first employed position!
Download a complete list of teenage job interview questions here.
Two Classes that will increase your students interview, communication and life skills:
Life Skills is a full-year, online, live class. Teens primed and ready for the next phase of life- meets weekly. The 8+ sections of this one-year course are centered on three broad topics: Making the most of your life, transitions, and preparing for your first job. Student practice the interview process and gain confidence and real world experience!
Your teen will be driving without you soon, whether you’re ready for it or not. And teaching your kids about the car is just as much a matter of safety as stewardship. Learning how to take care of a car is one more big step towards independence and launching with confidence! It’s a necessary life skill! And since summertime is traditionally when many of us are heading out for adventure, it’s a great time for your kids to learn about the car and then plan a Road Trip!
10 Things Your Teen Needs to Know about Their Car:
How to inspect and register a car. Every state will have different requirements, but all of them will require paperwork and licensures! Here’s a handy guide to get started.
Know where the oil gauge is, how to add oil. Bonus points for being able to change the oil.
Tires. An often overlooked safety feature on cars is the tires. Teach your kids how to check the tie pressure, spot balding and what questions to ask when purchasing tires.
How to use a set of Jumper Cables and where they are kept in the car.
Emergency stops. How to handle a tire blow out or other mechanical failure
How to replace and check windshield wipers and fluid. How to repair a windshield crack before it gets out of hand.
What to do if any dashboard lights come on
How to drive safely includes
Wearing Seatbelts
No texting
Checking mirrors and using turn signals
Keeping an eye out for motorcycles, bicyclists and pedestrians
Driving defensively and with alertness
Knowing where they are going and how to get there
Use the 3-4 Second rule to keep a safe distance from other cars
PRO Tip: Teach your young driver to keep their car clean and fill the gas for the next person who will be using the car.
Now that you Have the Basics Down, it’s Time to Head out on an Adventure!
While your kids are learning how to drive, get them involved in your next road trip! If you kids know how to drive and can read a map, why not let them plan your next road trip! Give your teens a direction, time limit and a budget and let them come up with
A route to the location
A list of places along the way
Final destination & recommendations on where to stay upon arrival
A packing list for the car and recommended packing items for family members.
Car Maintenance items
Have your teen check fluids and tires before you head out, including the spare tire!
The whole point of having a car is to go places, right? What better reward for learning to drive and understanding how to take care of the car, then heading out on an adventure together! After all, these teen years go by so fast, so creating memories together is so important!
Life Skills 101 is a full-year, online, live class that will get your teens primed and ready for the next phase of life- meets weekly.
The 8+ sections of this one-year course are centered on three broad topics: Making the most of your life, transitions, and preparing for your first job. This is a practical, project based course that students love and parents appreciate!
While my younger two kids were homeschooling through high school, I was working. They were doing some rigorous academics and my time was divided. Both of them also participated in several extra-curriculars; music and karate, Latin National Exam, and Shakespeare Camp. You know, a typical homeschool schedule, full of fulfilling academics and activities! I’ll be honest, some days it was a real challenge; work competed with school, which competed with dinner which competed with the activities. But you know that old adage, when there’s a will, there’s a way!
Planners to the Rescue!
We got it all done by using Planners. A simple, but super effective tool that also teaches your kids some basic Executive Functioning Skills! That’s a definitive win in my book!
so, maybe you’re like me and you’ve heard of these skills. They sound important, but you’re not exactly sure what they are? No worries I looked them up for us! The 3 Main Aspects of Executive Functioning are:
Working memory
Cognitive flexibility
Inhibitory control
Learning to use a planner assists or develops all 3 areas! Using some sort of time management system teaches flexibility as you manage all of the tasks and responsibilities. Managing one are (time and priorities is a transferable skill which can, which can lead to more inhibitory control. The very act of managing your time and priorities tends to dissipate some frustration over missed appointments or assignments. So, while teaching your kids to use a basic tool, you’re also developing some really valuable skills, to boot. That’s a big win for this Momma!
First, find a planner that works for each Individual
Let’s face it- we’re all different. In this family, that means everyone chooses a different planner. For example, I like Bullet Journals. I love creating a detailed calendar, having a place to take copious notes, brainstorm, brain-flow, and Venn diagram all in one place. My BuJu becomes my Common Place Journal and I find myself referring back past journals frequently! My son likes a very structured planner with plenty of room for notes. He color coordinates his day and refers to it all day long. My daughter has a very girly planner where she keeps notes, doodles and writes comedy sketches. My husband is a Franklin Covey man from way back.
If it’s too structured, doesn’t leave enough room for doodles, notes or creative thinking or not structured enough when you need it, it’s a recipe for not getting used. With so many planners ont he market, there really is one for everyone. And a fun planner, one that makes you happy, is going to inspire you to dream as well as do!
Help your kids learn the skills and tools they need to function in a complex world with this practical, hands on class. The class goes over the basics of Executive Functining Skills, is project based and perfect for kids who just can’t seem to “get it together” on their own.
The students will also be able to improve their day to day school and family life as we work in the following areas:
making schedules
creating a personal calendar
creating short, effective lists
tips to help our memory
understanding how our actions affect others
Teach them to use it!
I sit down with my kids weekly when they hit jr high school throughout high school and talk them through planning their week. We usually do this on Mondays and plan to spend about an hour. That might seem like prime time wasted, but again, think of it as training! Kids might naturally think to put in the one-hour activity a week, but don’t’ think of drive time, gathering gear or prep time, putting things away when they get home or how that affects meals, if rush hour will slow them down or who else needs the car. Planning one activity takes executive thinking skills because every activity has a ripple effect!
Together, we’ll put in daily details, any upcoming due dates, overall big picture planning, on-going projects, monthly re-occurring things, church, music, school, sports and volunteer activities.Often kids don’t think to put recurring weekly meetings on their planner, because it’s part of their regular routine. But doing so allows them to see cause and effect of how one decision affects another. It also allows kids to see firsthand that saying yes to certain things means you are dedicating time and attention to that particular event over other opportunities.
And, for kids how struggle with ‘surprises” having things clearly written down ahead of time allows them to mentally get ready for transitions between activities. This cuts down on frustration as well as teaches kids that they can manage their own responses with good planning.
For visual learners, having a weekly visual can be really helpful. Seeing what times are filled allows you to say “no” to opportunities as they come up or move things around. For example, we did a morning meeting for many years, but as our schedule changed, it wasn’t possible to gather first thing. Looking at our weekly calendar allowed us to move that time together to after lunch- flexibility in action!
Keeping Track of Due Dates
In the past, our week revolved around an academic class day, and projects, papers and presentations were all due on that one particular day. Later we switched to more online classes and due dates were throughout the week. Learning to juggle due dates that occur throughout the week is helpful if you are preparing your kids for college, as that’s more a university model.
Moreover, using planners can enhance a child’s ability to manage stress and reduce anxiety. With a clear overview of their commitments and deadlines, children experience less overwhelm and gain a sense of control over their daily routines. By encouraging them to break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, parents can teach their children valuable problem-solving strategies that will serve them throughout their lives.
Family Meetings
Besides our weekly 1:1 Teen. Mom Planning Meeting, we have regular family planning meetings as we have several drivers and multiple cars, live out of town and often have engagements in the evening. This helps everyone to understand the overall plan and ensure that everyone is picked up on time!
Teaching children to use planners also cultivates a sense of responsibility and accountability. By being actively involved in their planning process, parents can foster open communication, discuss goals, and provide guidance when needed. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership, as children learn to set realistic expectations and take pride in their accomplishment
Invest in Thier Future!
Ultimately, teaching children to use planners is an investment in their future. It equips them with vital executive functioning skills that will serve as a solid foundation for success in all aspects of life. By promoting organization, time management, goal-setting, and self-reflection, parents empower their children to become capable, confident individuals who are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
So, embrace the power of planners and embark on this journey of fostering executive functioning skills in your children. By giving them the tools they need to plan, organize, and excel, you are setting them up for a lifetime of achievement and fulfillment. Together, let’s unlock their full potential and watch them soar to new heights.
Interested in Similar Content?
Check out this video about how to Use Planners in Your Homeschool!
What’s the Difference between Study Skills, Executive Functioning, Life Skills, Career Exploration and Personal Finance?
This class is perfect for kids who haven’t yet developed the Study Skills they need to live up to their full potential! Chock full of practical tools, tips and tricks to help your student achieve academic success! Enroll today!
Student success might seem more elusive than ever before. Education is facing a crisis, and everyone seems to be aware of it. Public schools admit the problems and issues are reported regularly in the mainstream news. Parents and even students recognize that there are problems, including violence, loneliness, failing test scores, rising expenses. These are just a few of the challenges that families are grappling with as they wrestle with how to educated their children!
So, What’s a Parent to Do?
Sure, homeschooling is often touted as a great alternative, but let’s be honest here—there can be challenges with homeschooling as well. There’s many reason why homeschooling can be challenging, both parents are working full time, kids might have learning challenges or crazy dream beyond the parents skills set. And what if your kids simply lack motivation and refuse to listen or do schoolwork?
We are living in a really unique time! Families can literally pick and choose from a wide variety of educational options. It’s quite possible to participate in public school sports, belong to a homeschool coop, take online classes as well as Dual Enrollment at a local college. The sky is the limit!
For many families, choosing online classes, both synchronous and asynchronous, allows them ultimate freedom. It makes it possible to provide academic oversite, ensure a healthy and safe physical environment for their kids as well as provide academic excellence for a mere fraction of what a private school would cost.
3 Fundamental Aspects of Future Success!
As you consider where your kids will be educated, consider three fundamental aspects of success: developing study skills, fostering flexibility, and nurturing a strong foundation of faith.
First and foremost, it’s essential to equip your children with effective study skills. Our kids will need to pivot quickly throughout life. Study skills allows them to upgrade their skills and pivot as necessary. This ability to adapt is crucial as we navigate the uncertainties of the future.
Second, focus on cultivating flexibility. In addition to study skills, your children will need a range of soft skills; most importantly flexiblity. Flexibility will allow your student to navigate new challenges, seize opportunities, and adapt to the demands of a changing job market.
Third, don’t overlook the importance of a strong foundation in faith. In a world bombarded with diverse ideologies, our kids will face countless influences. Equipping our kids with the tools they need to stay grounded provides them with a precious gift that will serve them well throughout their lives.
While the core principles of education remain steadfast, it’s also crucial to adapt the curriculum to an unknown future!
Classes that are Highly Beneficial for Every Student
Career Exploration: A solid career exploration class can be a game-changer. It will save both your children and you valuable time, money, and frustration. Students will gain insight into their own skills, abilities and interests. Students will begin to think about what kind of life they want to lead. Students will consdier the cost of college as well as alternatives. A solid Career Exploration class can literally change your student’s life!
Entrepreneurship: These skills will be invaluable as most of us will be working in a global, gig economy in the future. Encouraging your children to embrace entrepreneurial thinking will empower them to create their own opportunities. This will be more important than ever before in a disrupted, competitive market.
Foreign Language: In an increasingly globalized world, being bilingual or multilingual will undoubtedly give your children a competitive edge. It will open doors to diverse cultures and opportunities. Furthermore, it will boost their confidence and enabling them to connect with people from all walks of life.
World Geography: Often dismissed as just another “nice-to-have” class, world geography is so much more. It provides a holistic understanding of politics, history, and the economy. By grasping the interconnectedness of nations and regions, your children will develop a broader perspective on the world, fostering empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deeper appreciation for diversity.
Student Success is Possible!
By reimagining education and incorporating these classes into high school curricula, we can equip our children with the tools they need to thrive in an uncertain future. Let’s prepare them to become lifelong learners, adaptable problem solvers, and compassionate global citizens. Together, we can transform education and pave the way for a brighter future.
Save big this summer!
True North Homeschool Academy is offering a BOGO deal on all their summer classes. 6 Weeks of skill building and fun June 5- July 15! Classes include Study Skills, Career Exploration and more!
Sign up now and get twice the learning for half the cost!
No coupon required! It’s this simple: choose two classes, add to cart and the $149 discount will be automatically applied!
What do you do with an undecided homeschool student?
Many use the terms work, job, career, and vocation interchangeably. While it’s true that each involves working and a wage, having a career and vocation means more than just a paycheck. They describe a type of work where your passion, purpose, skills, and the marketplace collide. In the words of theologian Frederick Buechner, “Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.”
While some students seem destined for a particular vocation at an early age, it is common for today’s students to near high school graduation without a plan. Parents can encourage informed early-career-direction decisions. It starts with helping teens identify who God made them be, supporting them as they explore occupations, and finally, helping them develop goals and create an action plan. By partnering with and encouraging them in this important decision, they can graduate high school with a vision for their future.
Help an Undecided Student Build Identity
Nothing is more foundational than being rooted in Christ. Assisting teens in forging strong, positive identities is one way to help them form true convictions and stand firm in them regardless of what everyone else does. Google “Who I am in Christ.” Print and review as a family. Emphasize that work is part of God’s plan and that He designed them for a purpose.
Be generous with your praise, affirming skills, and natural abilities you have observed.
Ask questions that help identify likes and dislikes and what is important: What kinds of interactions energize you or drain you? Do you like to work with facts and data, or prefer people-oriented activities? Are your decisions objective and logic-based, or are your decisions based on how they may impact others? Do you like to discuss your ideas, or do you prefer time alone to make decisions?
Encourage busy teens to enjoy downtime, strengthening their creativity and problem-solving skills. Schedule time to pursue hobbies and to invest in electives, sports, and other team activities that build skills and reveal interests.
Explore Career Options for the Undecided Homeschool Student
A better motto than “You can be anything you want to be” is “Be all you can be!”
Researching careers online will help teens better understand occupational profiles that match their interests and personalities. Set a goal for how many careers to research. Information should include primary duties, the education or skills needed for working in that field, the work environment, and the median wage. Discuss the findings. Check out CareerOneStop.org.
Utilizing a career assessment tool at age 16 may further identify vocations that match God-given interests. Informal assessments are readily available on the web.
These are self-interpreted and can lack reliability, so they are best used to generate discussion. Fee-based or formal assessments are more comprehensive and statistically validated. A trained career counselor can interpret the results to identify best-fit careers and college options. Look for a comprehensive assessment that covers the four components of vocational design: personality, interests, skills and abilities, and values. Check out CareerDirect.org.
Good Career Planning
Good career planning includes building curiosity and excitement toward participating in the marketplace. Use your networks to introduce people in occupations that interest them and match their vocational design. Thinking about a career sector rather than a specific occupation will generate a bigger list of options that match their interests. Encourage them to prepare a list of questions by Googling “informational interview.” Practice interview skills to improve their confidence level.
Take advantage of the flexible schedule of homeschooling. Facilitate opportunities to learn outside of the classroom through part-time work, volunteering, and job shadowing. This will help confirm interests and build a resume with skills that employers value.
Set Goals and Take Action with Your Undecided Student
By integrating the gathered information and identifying the education, training, and skills needed for the career sectors, plans and goals can be determined. Don’t worry about choosing one specific occupation at this stage. Goals can be categorized into five pathways: four-year STEM-related college degree; four-year liberal arts college degree; two-year vocational degree or certificate; apprenticeship training, military, or workforce; and gap year or travel.
Teens with a healthy and productive level of parental guidance and support have a much better chance of making good college and career choices. Here are some questions: Which post-secondary institutions offer the programs needed? What is the cost for completion? How will it be funded? Can affordable or free college credits be earned in high school? What are the prerequisites or admission requirements? What courses should be completed during high school? Besides education, what experiences or skills would be valued? Together, you can develop a plan for high school, aligning them to support post-graduation goals.
Many students are more motivated when they have a defined purpose and set personal goals. Those who write down their goals are 50% more likely to achieve them. Work to break down their goals into specific, manageable tasks with timelines for completion. Change is constant, so capitalize on preparations for success after high school, no matter their choice.
Need Additional Help?
Need help preparing your student for their career path? Check out our Academic Advising Program at True North Homeschool Academy.
Cheri Frame is a homeschool parent of three graduates, a certified Career Direct® Consultant, and the author of Credits Before College: A Comprehensive High School to Graduation Guide. She advises parents and students on how to earn affordable college credits in high school, choose a career, and graduate college debt free. Cheri and her husband live in suburban Minneapolis.
As the world of Homeschooling has expanded and options have increased and become more focused, it’s a great time to be homeschooling.
Frankly, the options for High School Homeschooling are better than ever! As the world of homeschooling has expanded and the unknowns of the next school year loom, parents of high schoolers are wondering how to plan for what’s ahead. A basic understanding of a typical course of study can be a simple and helpful guide to planning the future, even when that future seems uncertain!
Focus on the Core 4 in High School
You should focus on the Core 4 high school subjects and then add electives and extra-curricular ones. Some of this will depend on what type of transcript you are creating and where your students plan to land after high school. Vocational programs, college or university, ivy league or conservatory, or the Military all warrant focusing on different aspects of your student’s learning program.
I will link to classes we offer here at True North Homeschool Academy since we try to create classes with a typical course of study plan for each age group. Still, you should choose the curriculum or classes that work best for your family. It’s always awesome if you decide that means our online classes, but we want this blog article to help you make an amazing transcript for your high schooler, even if TNHA classes don’t fit your plan.
Typical Course of Study: High School
Let’s start by looking at high school as a four-year program. This will give us a long-view approach and help us determine what classes make sense within our subject areas. I’ll list each subject and then a common 4-year course of study. You are going to want to focus on the Core Four and go from there:
(History can also include other areas or times of History like Ancient History)
Once you plan these, filling in with electives and extracurricular activities will be much easier.
Typical Course of Study: High School – Electives and Extra-curriculars
Foreign Language– this can be any Ancient or Modern Language. Keep in mind that Latin is a fantastic foundation for grammar and learning how to learn a Foreign Language, and Critical Languages are a great way to earn Scholarship Dollars; French, German,Spanish, Hebrew, Chinese, Latin
Physical Education – ½ credit each year. Check out our amazing Dance at the Movies for a fun credit of P.E!
Music – a general overview of music, including Music Theory, Voice, Songwriting, or instrument lessons- also counts. Check out our Music at the Movies for a fascinating look at the power of music in culture!
Art/Humanities – a general understanding of Form and Color, Photography, Photoshop, etc.
Bible/Apologetics Studies – should include a general overview of the Old and New Testament, Church History, and Apologetics. Every educated person was expected to have a general understanding of the Bible and could easily reference books and passages. Take time to read and discuss the Bible together and memorize Scripture. Awanas and the Bible Bee are excellent programs to commit the Bible to memory.
Basic Computer Information Systems – Powerpoint, Video Editing, Internet Safety, and Accountability.
Health – should include general health information, introduction to addictions, cybersecurity and addictions, ages and stages, and reproductive health.
Vocational & Career Interests, including Entrepreneurship – in today’s quickly changing market and the gig economy they will inevitably be a part of, your students need to explore Vocational and Career Options as Life Skills and Personal Finance.
Typical Course of Study electives can vary and be wildly diverse. Think about students’ areas of interest and what’s available to them. Many students delve deeply into a subject area that piques their interest, like art, drama, music, electronics, etc. And don’t forget to provide a robust reading list for your high school students, including short stories, novels, plays, and poems.
High School is also a time to explore new areas of interest so take some time to seek out and expose your student to activities and unique experiences.
Include Community Service in Your Homeschool
A typical course of study for your high school should also include Community Service– I would recommend 15 hours a year or more. It’s tricky with Covid, but you can always write letters to service men and women and collect coats or food for the local coat drive or food pantry. You might have to get creative, but high schoolers typically are creative.
Please teach your students about internet safety and how to protect themselves from addictions, pornography, and perpetrators. Teach them how to manage social media and how to be accountable. Getting snared in addiction at a young age can have devastating implications for them. I highly recommend Glow Kids for every parent and young adult.
Testing Options and More
ACT Test Prep can save you thousands of dollars in Scholarship earned, National Latin Exam looks great on a transcript, and our Performance Series test is a straightforward way to assess where your student is at and helps them gain confidence with standardized tests.
Want to know more about credits, transcripts, and standardized tests to ensure your high school student is getting a typical course of study? Survive Homeschooling High School is a comprehensive eBook that will walk you through how to plan and prepare for high school. Suppose you have a good handle on your high school plan but want help with the logistics of a transcript or assigning credits. In that case, you may want to check out our Academic Advising- we offer Academic Advising, SPED Advising for nontraditional learners, and NCAA Advising for those looking to compete for an NCAA position.
It’s a great time to homeschool, and the options for High School Homeschooling are better than ever! Check out our live online dynamic, interactive classes taught within an international community by world-class teachers! Students interact and work together- we believe excellent education occurs within a community!
Money Saving Bundles
And, in case you didn’t know, we offer Bundles for terrific savings.
We hope you have found our quick guide to a typical course of study for high school helpful. We invite you to join our Facebook group to let us know and to chat with other homeschool parents about credits, transcripts, curriculum, and everything homeschool.
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