How to Homeschool Multiple Teens without Going Nuts.
How to Homeschool Multiple Teens without Going Nuts
I have been blessed with the joy of learning how homeschool multiple teens. First, I was blessed with lots of teens myself. Then I’ve been blessed to serve as academic advisor and coach to lots of multiple-teen families for almost 2 decades.
Here are some practical tips I’ve learned from my own kids and my advisees.
*Teach everything possible as a group. Lots of our homeschool high schoolers did numerous courses together as siblings and family. Here is one way several local families have handled sibling courses.
Language Arts: Literature
Teens need 4 years of Literature but there is no specific order of events. So each year, they’d pick a topic to explore together, do a literature study guide together each month, and then fill our their reading lists according to their interests, age, and abilities.
Many of the local families have chosen these Literature courses:
- Great Christian Writers– Great for inspiration and role modeling. It is a perfect discussion course.
- World Literature– Great course for helping teens get out of their own *western culture* box. Good for thinking and discussing together.
- American Literature– Americans should be familiar with their own literature. American Lit really gives teens a chance to introspect, enjoy their culture, or be willing to change.
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- British Literature– Our American roots are in British Literature and culture. This is a fun course that lends itself to creative thinking and discussion as siblings.
Language Arts: Writing
Some writing projects can be done concurrently. Those projects make great sharing, critique and discussion between siblings.
Some terrific writing projects to do concurrently are:
Yearly research papers. Each sibling should pick their own topic, but if they work through the MLA or APA Research Paper Writing Guide at the same time, they will have lots of support! (And it is easier on Mom.)
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Short story writing. While 7Sisters writing guides can be completed in any order. Choose Family Narrative, Tall Tales, or Myth-Fantasy. (If all are novices, start with Family Narrative.)
Essay Writing and Poetry Writing should also be done each year, but skills will vary so greatly it is good to have teens work on the most appropriate grade or ability leveled guide.
Language Arts: Speech. This should definitely be done together. 7Sisters Speech curriculum is fun and great life prep!
Mathematics: This course will not usually be taught to the group because of the diversity of ages and needs. Look for courses that are taught online or digitally. That way Mom can serve as tutor, not teacher. (Or hire a tutor for the tough maths!)
Social Studies: Can always be done together and in any order. Pick a topic that fits well with you homeschool high schooler’s Lit course where possible.
- American History with American Literature
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- World History with World Literature. 7Sisters History and Philosophy of the Western World is the perfect sibling course. SO much great discussion material and LOTS of fun!
- Civics and Economics. (Didn’t fit so well with British Literature, but we did it anyway.)
- Psychology and Geography with Great Christian Writers.
Sciences: Often homeschooling siblings can do some of their sciences together.
- Biology
- Health or Human Development
- Elective Science are good together
- Chemistry and Physics can sometimes be done as siblings but often it is best for older grades. Look into co-op and group classes, online or digital courses.
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World Languages are terrific to do together. Look into co-op and group classes, online or digital courses if you are not comfortable teaching it.
Phys Ed is often a great course for siblings. They can simply log hours.
Fine Arts can often be done together. Especially if the teens are in activities like Drama Camp or Choirs together.
Career Exploration is a great course to take together. After their initial course, they will probably want to do some personal exploration, though.
Other Electives. Choose one elective each year for the teens to do together as siblings. Then allow them to do independent study for other electives. Early Childhood Education is a favorite of lots of teens.
Co-ops, group classes, online and digital courses are perfect ways to help lighten your load and allow the teens some fun class discussion or hearing another teacher’s ideas.
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Homeschool your high school siblings! These are the best years yet!
As you can see, 7Sisters has develop curriculum that fits the needs of all kinds of homeschool families. Our adaptable, no busywork texts are enjoyed by many different kinds of teens. Download your curriculum today!
How to Homeschool Multiple Teens without Going Nuts
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