Ok. So you just found out you’re a homeschooler. For awhile at least. Breathe.
We thought it might be helpful to poll some of the world’s foremost experts in being homeschooled teenagers: Homeschooled teenagers. These are teenagers who were homeschooled before COVID-19 — and we asked them if they have any tips on how to spend all day at home and a) not go crazy b) actually maybe learn something.
We reached out to 4 homeschooled students from Providence Extension Program to see if they had any tips:
From Judah, age 17:
Engage in something you’re passionate about: From music and painting to racing and hunting, most people know what they enjoy. However, there are many people who just don’t know what they are passionate about. Take some time trying some new hobbies and find out what’s enjoyable to you. Then, when you get bogged down by school you can take a break and grow in your passion. Once you find something you love, it provides something to look forward to in the midst of the piles and piles of homework.
Remember, a bad grade won’t end the world: Believe it or not many people go on after high school and do exceptionally well in life, even after receiving some bad grades. Obviously don’t aim for bad grades, but when you fail an assignment, quiz, or test, recognize that the world’s not over and God’s still with you. While grades in high school are decently important for colleges, future jobs don’t really look back to high school grades. Try to de-stress a bit and don’t beat yourself up.
If it’s not working, stop doing it!: Many homeschool students complain about classes being too hard for them and tasks taking too much time. While some of these may be frivolous complaints, often students have a valid point. Homeschooling can be very difficult at times, but the problem is students continue trying to finish tasks in the same manner when it just doesn’t work. Instead of preparing for a test in your room all night, try some other options: Ask a teacher, parent, or friend for help, prepare more ahead of time and don’t procrastinate, figure out whether you’re an audio or visual learner and study in that manner, etc. Homework and studying can become so much easier if students would take some time to figure out what’s best for them.
From Luke, age 18:
4. Learn to manage your time — later in life you’ll be thankful you did: Own it. Take hold of the time that you have at home and structure your life. Most students across America operate under the dull and strict schedules of public and private schools; homeschooled students have a unique opportunity to take life by the reigns and really structure their day how they see fit. This system allows you to grow in the necessary real-world skill of managing your time. On days at home, set aside a chunk of your day to plan out and outline the goals and tasks that need to be completed. This skill applies not just for being homeschooled, but also later in life in your first job or when it’s time to lead a family. Start small and implement good planning habits now.
5. Connect with friends to keep boredom at bay: We live in a modern age where distance is no barrier to connection. Kids in public and private schools enjoy seeing their friends every day, but that doesn’t mean that homeschoolers can’t be social! Start a study group, do an online conference call, find some way to make your friends a part of your day to day homeschooling life. With homeschooling comes great independence, but also great opportunity to make connections and socialize with loved friends.
From Aida:
6. Make a to do list. Everything probably seems really overwhelming right now but if you separate it into little chunks it won’t seem as terrible. One way might be by separating it by school subject. For example, one big check for math and then under that have little checks for all the tasks you have to do. Use this as motivation like “after I get my big check for math, I’ll take a 15 minute break”. At the end of the day you’ll be able to see all your progress, and who doesn’t love the satisfaction of checking off boxes?
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s easy to feel trapped when you’re working alone but the truth is you’re not. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone. Your teachers and parents are there waiting to help you. I promise you they aren’t against you; they are there to help you. They understand that this can be a confusing time, so let them help you through it.
8. Sleep is your friend! Getting a good night’s rest is one of the biggest things for any schooling, especially homeschooling. It’s super tempting to stay up those few extra hours when you don’t have to be at school at 7:30 and can sleep in. But when you sleep in until lunchtime, you may have gotten hours of sleep, but no more than you normally do. You end up spending the rest of the day doing school and not enjoying free time! Set a bedtime (as childish as it sounds) and an alarm so that you put yourself on a regular sleep schedule. Having a sleep schedule helps keep you awake, alert, and focused.
From Makayla:
9. Listen to music. Finding yourself losing focus while doing homework? Put on some music! But don’t put on music with lyrics, as it can distract you. Put on instrumentals or classical music.
10. No electronics! No teachers, no supervision, so phones can be out, right? Wrong. Cellphones and other electronic devices that have pop-up notifications will easily distract you and make it take twice as long to finish homework, which gives you less time to do the stuff you love!
11. Set goals. Feel yourself getting bogged down? Set a goal! Make a list of tasks you want to complete by a certain time, and give yourself a reward! It could be giving yourself extra video game time, a snack, or anything that motivates you!
Got more ideas?
Submit your tips here or in the comments below, and if we get some good ones, we’ll keep sharing them!
Want to learn more about homeschooling? Visit www.PEP1.org and talk with an administrator on how to homeschool through the teen years with joy.