Does your high school student take courses outside the standard curriculum?

In this episode, Ginny and Mary Ellen explain when outside study belongs on a transcript, what records you should keep, and how to simplify documenting independent study courses.

Show Notes:

Isn’t homeschooling high school tough enough? Why would anyone want to ADD courses to an already busy schedule?

Sometimes, you have a very good reason.

Your student may be studying advanced math, taking college classes, pursuing the fine arts, or learning a language outside the standard curriculum. When that happens, you need to know what belongs on a transcript and how to document it.

1. KNOW WHEN RECORDS MATTER

Elementary enrichment usually doesn’t need to appear on a transcript.

High school credit is different.

• Algebra I taken in eighth grade
• College or online courses, foreign language study
• Fine arts training or courses required by a state or college

This is key: If you want high school credit, keep records.

2. CHECK YOUR SCHOOL’S RULES

Before designing an outside course, check with your home study school.

• Will the course count toward graduation?
• Can it replace a required course?
• Does it need prior approval? And what documentation will be required?

Seton offers an Independent Study approval process for qualifying outside coursework.

3. GET APPROVAL EARLY

Don’t assume an outside course will automatically satisfy a graduation requirement.

A community college science course, online language class, or other program may be excellent—but your school may have specific requirements.

Remember: Approval is much easier to obtain before the course is completed than after.

4. THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE

If your student has an idea of where he or she may pursue further education, investigate admission requirements early.

Requirements can vary for:

• Colleges
• Conservatories
• State universities
• Specialized programs

Those requirements may influence the courses your student should take now.

5. RECORD THREE BASIC THINGS

A simple course record should include:

• Course name
• Materials or outside classes used
• Grade earned

For example:

Algebra I — Saxon Algebra I — 92

That may be all you need for a straightforward academic course.

6. DOCUMENTING UNUSUAL COURSES

Some courses require more explanation.

A fine arts course might include:

• Weekly lessons and daily practice
• Voice lessons
• Choir and theatre rehearsals and performances

Include schedules, teacher evaluations, grades, programs, or other evidence when helpful.

Hint: Give administrators enough information to understand what your student accomplished.

7. FULL OR HALF CREDIT?

As a general rule of thumb:

• A full-credit course requires about five hours of coursework per week
• A half-credit course may require about three hours per week

Keep enough records to show that the course was substantial.

8. KEEP THE FUTURE IN MIND

We may homeschool as if our children will always be learning at the kitchen table. They won’t.

Eventually, they may:

• Apply to college
• Enter a conservatory
• Transfer schools or pursue other opportunities

Finally: A little planning and recordkeeping will simplify your student’s next step.

A Final Encouragement

Transcripts don’t have to be complicated. Know what your student needs, check requirements early, document outside coursework, and keep good records. You’ll be glad you did.

Homeschooling Resources

Seton Independent Study

A Blank, Fillable Homeschool Transcript Form from Southern Utah University

Seton Catalog - Free

Seton Home Study School

Seton Testing Services

Homeschooling teenagers brings new freedoms—and new challenges. In this episode, Ginny and Mary Ellen share practical advice for helping teens manage schoolwork, use technology wisely, and gradually take responsibility for the choices that will shape their lives as adults.

Show Notes:

Laurie contacted us on Facebook and asked for advice about homeschooling teens. Since both of us homeschooled children through high school graduation, she came to the right place.

The teen years will be much easier if you start preparing before those pesky hormones arrive.

1. ESTABLISH AUTHORITY EARLY

You don’t need to be mean or harsh. But you will never regret teaching your children obedience and respect.

• Set reasonable rules and expect respectful behavior
• Teach self-control
• Follow through

This is key: Teenagers don’t suddenly develop self-discipline on their thirteenth birthday.

2. TEACH PRACTICAL SKILLS

Before high school, children should already be contributing to family life.

• Load the dishwasher and do laundry
• Vacuum and mop
• Mow the lawn and wash the car

As they get older, encourage them to take ownership of household responsibilities.

Hint: You may begin to see your teenager as a contributing member of the family.

3. EXPECT COURTESY

Modesty matters—but so does how teenagers speak and behave.

Teach them to say:

• Please and thank you
• Do you mind?
• How can I help?

Teenagers should also understand that younger siblings are watching them.

4. HAVE AN ACADEMIC PLAN

Teenagers should take increasing responsibility for their schoolwork, but they still need a plan.

• Set timelines and make expectations clear
• Check progress regularly
• Watch subjects they tend to avoid

It is very easy for a teen to work on favorite subjects and suddenly discover in May that chemistry or English is barely started.

5. CHECK IN REGULARLY

Independence does not mean no oversight.

Set a regular time to review:

• What has been completed and what is falling behind
• What needs more attention
• What deadlines are coming

Remember: Teens tend to work on the subjects they like first.

6. WATCH THE DEVICES

Teens may need computers for assignments and phones for driving and GPS.

But social media can be toxic.

• Use parental oversight tools and know what your children are using
• Establish device rules
• Consider a family charging station at night

Good kids still need protection.

7. KEEP THEM BUSY

A solid high school day still leaves plenty of time.

Fill some of it with:

• Paid work
• Volunteer work
• Sports, music, dance, theatre

Productive activity helps teenagers develop skills, responsibility, and confidence.

8. DON’T ARGUE

Even good teenagers will test the rules.

Increasingly, they should experience the consequences of their own choices.

When Mom and Dad do need to step in, be clear and firm.

Finally: Don’t waste hours arguing or trying to make your teenager admit that you are wise. You may be waiting a very long time.

A Final Encouragement

The goal of homeschooling a teenager isn’t to control every decision. It is to gradually prepare a young person to manage schoolwork, responsibilities, relationships, technology, and eventually life without you standing over his or her shoulder.

Homeschooling Resources

Seton Catalog - Free

Seton Home Study School

Seton Testing Services

How do you homeschool when a baby needs your attention all day—or when that baby becomes a very busy toddler? In this episode, Ginny and Mary Ellen share practical ways to adjust your schedule, use nap times, involve older children, get help, and keep homeschooling through the baby years.

Show Notes:

Annalise contacted us on Facebook with a pressing question: How can Mom homeschool when she has a baby who demands lots and lots of attention?

She came to the right place.

The first thing to remember is that homeschooling does not have to look like a traditional school day.

1. FORGET SCHOOL HOURS

Young children do not need six hours of school.

• Work during naps
• K–3 may take only a few hours
• Use weekends when necessary
• Finish something after Dad gets home

This is key: You do not need to recreate public-school hours at home.

2. ADJUST THE SCHOOL YEAR

Homeschoolers do not have to follow a traditional school calendar.

Having a baby in early January? - Extend Christmas break.

Need more time later? - Take it.

Remember: Nothing says you have to finish school by June 1.

3. TRY “BED SCHOOL”

The first days and weeks after giving birth can be exhausting.

Keep the baby nearby and do school from bed.

• Read aloud and do more work orally
• Use a lap desk
• Let older siblings spend time with the baby

You can recover while keeping school moving gently forward.

4. KEEP BABY CLOSE

When you’re ready to return to the table, keep the newborn nearby.

Babies often enjoy watching family life. When the baby needs you, pick him up, feed him, and continue when you can.

Hint: Babies often become accustomed to the normal noise and rhythm of family life.

5. ESTABLISH NAP TIMES

Newborns sleep a lot. Try to establish predictable quiet times as early as you reasonably can.

Nap schedules will change, but a dependable quiet period can make homeschooling much easier.

And you may appreciate that routine even more when the baby becomes a toddler.

6. EXPECT TODDLER TROUBLE

Frankly, newborns can be a piece of cake compared with toddlers.

Once Junior becomes mobile, everything changes.

• Save special toys for school time
• Call the blocks “schoolwork”
• Move lessons outside when weather allows
• Use nap time for focused work

Remember: This stage won’t last forever.

7. ROTATE THE OLDER CHILDREN

Older siblings can help.

One child can play with the toddler while you work with another. Then switch.

• Mom gets focused teaching time
• The toddler gets attention
• Older children learn responsibility

This doesn’t mean turning older children into substitute parents. It means allowing family members to help one another.

8. GET HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT

There is no disgrace in hiring a college student or homeschool teenager for an hour or two to take the toddler outside or to the park.

Sometimes a little help can transform the entire day.

Finally: And again, there is always nap time!

A Final Encouragement

Homeschooling with a baby—or a toddler—requires flexibility more than perfection. Adjust your schedule. Use nap times. Let older children help. Take breaks when you need them. Your homeschool may look different during this season, and that is perfectly fine.

Homeschooling Resources

Seton Catalog - Free

Seton Home Study School

Seton Testing Services