I get it all of the time: how can you possibly teach high school?
As a matter of fact, in thinking back over my 17 plus years of answering questions about our homeschooling experiences, this is the one question I seem to answer the most often. Well, maybe after that whole socialization silliness. It strikes me as funny as well, because quite frankly it is something I really never even thought about. I guess in a way I figured that if God had brought us this far, He had a plan. Good thing, since at the time, I did not.
Now, having one college graduate and one senior in high school who already has 23 college credits to her name, I can firmly and with great confidence tell you that you CAN do this! You can teach high school.
Here’s how!
You are learning too!
For the most part, most of us do not start homeschooling in high school. Because you start at a younger age by far, you are learning right along side your child as you teach them the basics. You learn as they learn and therefore you will have the background you need to teach most subjects.
Most subjects are not as hard as you think they are.
Yes, Biology and advanced math seemed hard when we were in high school, but that is because we were in high school. Most of us have a few more years on us now and are more than capable of handling more difficult subjects.
You do not have to be an expert.
Why? Because there are experts out there and most are very willing to help out if asked. Really! Did you know some people really love dissecting frogs? I am not one of them, but I know people who think it is cool and love being asked to do so with a group of young people.
You do not have to like everything.
Nor does your child. But somethings do have to be taught and learned. Once you make a tentative four year plan for your highschooler, determine those classes that you just do not think you can stomach and figure out a plan B. It may be that you just have to tough it out for a season, but it also may be that an alternative route will present itself. Be willing to think outside the box and even get your teen’s opinion on the subject. Their creativity can often help you out here. Keep in mind, that in some cases, life experience can be used for credits if meticulous records have been kept.
There are other ways to take a class.
Yes, it is your job to see that your child learns, but that does not mean you have to teach them every subject. In fact, sometimes it is a good thing for them to get outside instruction. Both of my girls have taken numerous classes online from a Christian college. Not only have we saved time and money by doing so, but they have been exposed to college level classes taught by some pretty amazing teachers and experts in their particular fields.
Peers are sometimes a good thing.
Gasp, I know, right? But this is where sometimes a local co-op experience can be a great thing if it is a good co-op. Kids learn from each other, They can challenge each other. And sometimes their discussions can help each other grow. Team that up with a good teacher or moderator, and peers can often be the thing that helps something click in your child’s head. I have seen it happen and it is an amazing thing. It is no wonder college professor rely so heavily on class discussions. They know the power of peer learning.
So how do I teach high school? Just like any other grade. With maybe a little more prayer, maybe.
