Making the Most of the Middle School Years
Homeschooling the middle school years? You’ll want to check out these tips to help you navigate the middle school years in your homeschool and help tweens and teens gain independence in a positive way.
I’d like to say that I have fond memories of my middle school years, but truthfully they were pretty cringe-worthy. I just knew that when I became a mom one day and faced those years with my own kids, I would try to make the most out of an awkward time. Thankfully, homeschooling makes that easier to do just by the virtue of spending so much time together and knowing each other well.
Even still, middle school is definitely a time of transition physically, emotionally, and educationally. My daughters are now 20, 15, and 13, so we have navigated (and are navigating) these middle school waters in our homeschool.
Making the Most of the Middle School Years
I had an opportunity to write a chapter on this subject in the latest book from the iHomeschool Network, The Big Book of Homeschool Ideas: Volume 2. It’s available as an ebook and print book on Amazon.
In my chapter, I cover the following topics as related to the middle school years:
- Transitions
- Teach Them to Learn
- Skills to Focus On
- Hobbies and Extracurricular Activities
- Preparing for High School
We personally focused on gaining independent learning skills. My daughters have taken on the responsibility of deciding what they would like to study and finding resources to use. That includes taking several online courses in particular areas of interest — writing, designing, and computer coding. These courses will prepare them to start their own business, which they are actively pursuing together. It’s exciting to see them develop those talents now.
You can listen to this podcast I recorded on how to create your own electives for your teens, too:
You’ll also want to check out these posts for more middle school ideas to help you:
Why Delight-Directed Homeschooling Works for the Middle School Years
How to Foster Independence in Your Middle Schooler
Above & Beyond Five in a Row for Middle School
My Prayer Journal and Bible Verse Book for Tweens
A Daily Devotional for Tween Girls
The Big Book of Homeschool Ideas: Volume 2
If you’re looking for more ideas in your homeschool for all ages and stages, you’ll appreciate The Big Book of Homeschool Ideas, Volume 2, from the iHomeschool Network bloggers.
From the Description:
There are so many big ideas when it comes to home education, we couldn’t just stop at one volume! New for 2017: The Big Book of Homeschool Ideas: Volume TWO. We welcome 38 moms who share their expertise on 57 topics.
- Need ideas for getting Dad or grandparents involved?
- What should you do if you have anti-homeschool family members?
- Need help creating socialization opportunities for your homeschooled teen?
- Are you confused about how to assign high school credit for courses and electives?
- Would you like to make back to school time special for your kids?
- Are you a city-dweller who longs to go outside for nature studies?
- Need ideas for raising tomorrow’s thought leaders and entrepreneurs?
- Do you have a child who is a chronic worrier?
In this book, we once again go beyond the basics of academics and delve into delightful, yet practical topics like dual enrollment and college prep, transcripts, personality and learning styles, ADHD, book clubs, flashcards, STEM, small spaces, and oodles more! The 38 experienced homeschool moms who contributed to this book don’t hold back from sharing their best advice about managing your homeschool, your home, your life, and your sanity.
The book is divided into easy-to-read sections and there really is something for every homeschooling family:
- Ages and Stages: Teen and Beyond
- General Homeschool Helps
- Learning Resources: Language Arts and Literature
- Learning Resources: STEM
- Learning Resources: Training Hearts
- Learning Resources: Unique Needs
- Managing Your Life: Unique Homeschool Situations
My favorite aspect of the book is being able to pick it up and start reading on whatever topic I need at the moment. I like to have the print copy on my shelf for reference and keep the ebook handy on my Kindle. I can read it on the go anytime that way.
Whether you’re homeschooling a tween or teen or little ones, you’ll appreciate the wisdom from homeschool moms who have gone before you to pave the way. It’s the next best thing to having a personal mentor to help you out!
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