Teens and Independent Studies

Hi!

I do think this is a really good thing, that he desires independence and is showing self-motivation. My oldest (of 5) never was able to work on her own. When my youngest 2 children were born at the beginning of her 10th grade year she never did find the motivation to get school done without having to be constantly reminded and pushed.

I did things much differently with my younger 4 children. My older 3 are married now and my youngest are 9th grade 15 year olds. They do everything on their own. If they need math help, my husband helps them when he gets home (he’s home early, at 4:00). While they get their school work done I get my daily house chores done. It works out wonderfully, and we have the afternoon to spend doing the things we love together.

We have not really participated in co-ops. Mine do P.E. outside of the home through a homeschool PSP sports program (my olders did this as well). Next year they will be going to a co-op for American Sign Language, but just for that one class. I do also dual enroll all of my high schoolers for online community college classes at age 16.

I don’t think you need any suggestions. It sounds like you are doing a great job and found what works!

Edited to add: Mine were “mostly” independent by junior high and completely independent by 9th grade. They preferred it that way! Again, I think this is a great thing!

I do think independence is a good thing, especially in high school. I sometimes wish I were a little more involved in my teens’ school work, but I just don’t have the time with younger ones. I try to balance it by asking them lots of questions about what they’ve read (a sneaky version of oral narration, if you will) and trying to discuss their subjects with them. Written narrations or summaries of their work is another way I can connect with what they are doing. It lets me know what they get out of it and confirms that they understand their work, since you can’t write about what you don’t understand.