From Homeschool to High School
Transitioning Your Child From Homeschool to High School
My soul feels like a balloon zipping around after it has been released. “I love it,” was my daughter’s response concluding her first month of public high school. And let me add, her first month after being homeschooled the previous 5 years!
Making the transition from homeschool to high school has been more like a giant leap rather than a mere jump. Aside from much paperwork and the dreaded physical, it has been nearly effortless. Not much has changed in the past 25 years with the exception of culture, educational standards, and technology; you know, minor stuff. Thankfully, we do not have to rely solely on our educational experiences from ancient of days to prepare for this monumental move.
If you’ve homeschool you are worthy of a huge pat on the back. As precious as time is with your child many do not understand the exceptional patience that you developed due to countless hours of your child’s company. And certainly the number of hours you’ve spent in your mind redecorating your kitchen-classroom while stirring spaghetti sauce and teaching polynomials is worthy of mention. Joking aside, I thoroughly enjoyed investing in our daughter and freely exploring the world with her, but now time has come to test the waters. Perhaps you are in the same boat.
First of all, rest knowing that your child has a story and this ultimately will be a blip on their timeline. That being said let me advise you to help your student familiarize themselves with their new setting as much as possible. If you’re able, please visit the school while in session. Let them experience the slamming of lockers, stream of students, and shrill of bells prior to day one. As you tour the building explain the time available to change classrooms, tardies, choosing a seat wisely, and when a locker may be beneficial.
Introduce your child to the main characters. Help them locate their guidance counselor, school nurse, principal, librarian, bus driver, and of course, their number one interest – lunch and all that entails (ordering, lunch accounts). Talk about what may be expected from morning announcements to hall passes, upper classman to current cultural norms (PDA, language, cell phones).
With an incoming student you have a huge influence in choosing classes. There are electives to explore, future diplomas to consider, and clubs to investigate. Be sure to discuss the rigors of this new plot. Before and after school, homework routines, managing student email, online grades, advocating for themselves, and running the mile in gym class! Gym class is definitely something to focus on and by that I mean, let’s not forget good hygiene and remembering to regularly wash sweaty gym clothes.
Your child is entering into one of the most impactful scenes of his or her life. Help them direct it well with your wise perspective and encouraging heart. Before too long the credits will be rolling and they’ll be on stage holding their diploma giving much of the praise for their success to you.
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For homeschool tips read these:
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Cook, Baker, Phototaker, Fitness Mover and Shaker, Cupcake Tester, Deal Maker, Adventurous Undertaker, Do Good “Deeder”, Teacher, Mom, Wife, Patriot for Life & Giver of Good Advice – RealAdviceGal