Homeschooling High School: Discovering Passions and Purpose – Carrie De Francisco (Through the Years Series)
"I truly feel like God saved the best of our homeschooling journey for last." ~ Carrie De Francisco
Homeschooling through high school can be daunting, but it can also be the most rewarding time for both parents and students. In this episode of the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast, Yvette Hampton sits down with Carrie De Francisco, author of "Homeschool Through High School: A Handbook for Christian Education," to discuss the advantages of homeschooling during the teen years, for this addition to our Homeschooling Through the Years Series. Carrie shares her experience, wisdom, and practical tips for navigating these crucial years, from nurturing relationships, to providing a Christ-centered education, to choosing the right curriculum, Carrie shares her insights and experiences. If you're considering homeschooling your teen or are already in the thick of it, this episode is a must-listen!
Recommended Resources:
Coffee With Carrie (Podcast, Resources, Homeschool Coaching)
Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education, by Carrie De Francisco
Just Breathe (and Take a Sip of Coffee): Homeschool Simply and Enjoyably, by Carrie De Francisco
More books from Carrie De Francisco
Just Breathe: Simplify Your Homeschool - Carrie De Francisco on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Recommended High School School Curriculum:
Institute for Excellence in WritingPodcast Recommendations:
Listen to the full Homeschooling Through the Years Series here.
Homeschooling Every Subject Series
Schoolhouse Rocked Series and Topic Directory
Stream Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution for FREE Tonight!
Get your FREE Homeschool Survival Kit!
Discussion Questions:
1. How did Carrie's perspective on homeschooling high school change over time, from initially not wanting to do it to enjoying it as the best years of homeschooling? Can you relate to her initial hesitations?
2. Carrie mentioned Isaiah 54:13 about the Lord being the children's teacher. How have you seen God fill in gaps and come alongside you in your homeschooling journey, especially in subjects or areas you felt inadequate to teach?
3. Why does Carrie say the relationships are what made the high school years so special for her? How can parents focus on building strong relationships with their teens while homeschooling?
4. Carrie and Yvette discussed the importance of being a friend to your teen, not just their parent. What are some ways parents can foster close friendships with their teenagers while still maintaining authority?
5. For moms struggling in their relationship with teens, what tips did Carrie give for restoring the relationship, such as taking a break from academics to spend quality time together?
6. How can showing interest in your teen's hobbies, friends, and the things they love help strengthen your relationship with them? Share some examples.
7. What did Carrie say is the most important advantage of homeschooling high school from a Christian perspective? Do you agree and why?
8. Carrie mentioned the flexibility teens have to explore passions, gifts and start impacting the world for God's kingdom while still in high school. What opportunities have you seen for this?
9. When choosing high school curriculum, how much student input did Carrie solicit? What are pros and cons of giving teens choices in what and how they learn?
10. Carrie's family took an eclectic approach to high school, even unschooling for her son. What factors should parents consider when choosing educational methods and curriculum for each child's high school years?
11. What fears or concerns do you have about homeschooling through high school? How can Carrie's perspective help address those fears?
12. In what ways does an "interest-led learning" or "unschooling" approach differ from a more traditional homeschool experience? What are the potential benefits and challenges of each?
13. What two key questions does Carrie recommend asking yourself and your teen before starting the high school homeschool journey? Why are these critical to consider upfront?
14. How can understanding your "why" for homeschooling help guide important decisions about curriculum, activities, and goals for the high school years?
15. How can creating a "course of study" provide a helpful roadmap for the high school years? What resources are available to help parents develop one?
16. Under what circumstances might taking a "5th year" or "super-senior" year of high school be beneficial for a homeschooled student?
17. How can homeschool students still participate in quintessential high school experiences like prom, senior portraits, and graduation if desired? What creative solutions have you seen or could you imagine?
18. Should parents be concerned about potential "holes" in their homeschooled student's high school education? Why or why not?
19. In what ways can learning to "teach themselves" serve homeschool graduates well in college and adulthood? How can parents cultivate lifelong learners?
20. What encouragement did you take away from this conversation about embracing the homeschool high school journey? What perspective shift was most impactful for you?
21. What are some ways parents can help their high school teens develop and strengthen their own relationship with the Lord?
22. How important is it for teens to see their parents walking closely with God, especially during difficult times? Why?
23. What role can regular family Bible study and prayer times play during the high school years?
24. Discuss the importance of finding like-minded Christian mentors for your high school students. What are some ways to go about this?
25. Why is it challenging for homeschool parents to start letting go and releasing their teens as they progress through high school?
26. What are some practical ways to gradually give your high schooler more responsibility and accountability with their studies and schedule?
27. How can you include your teen in the high school planning process - choosing curriculum, courses, outside activities, etc.? What are the benefits of this?
28. Carrie mentions there really is no "typical day" when homeschooling high school. How can this lack of predictable routine actually be an advantage?
29. What tools or systems (like Carrie's weekly academic to-do list) could help you manage your high schooler's assignments and progress?
30. For those with middle schoolers, what are some key ways you can start preparing now for the high school years? What advice from this episode seemed most valuable to you?
Sponsors:
Apologia is a Christ-centered, award-winning homeschool curriculum provider. Our mission is to help homeschooling students and families learn, live, and defend the Christian faith through our print and digital curriculum and online classes.
BJU Press Homeschool is dedicated to providing homeschool families with academically strong curriculum rooted in a biblical worldview. They offer a complete curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, available in both traditional textbooks and video courses. By teaching through the lens of Christ’s power, they help students view the world through the transformative story of God’s creation
CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Creative graphics and animation, synchronized with the friendly voice of internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, make learning math easy and effective. Start your free trial today.
The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows, like the Thinking Dad, Culture Proof, Homeschool Insights, and Made2Homeschool.
