Your teen is embarking on a journey toward academic and real-world independence. It’s an exciting time for both of you — one that should be embraced and enjoyed.
Dual Credit at Home Study Plans and Extra Mile Assignments are a complete, comprehensive package, and while your teen will be able to do much of the work independently, it’s important to stay connected and involved throughout this stage of their education. Stay connected with them by following these easy suggestions.
Make time for daily conversations — Whether you’re driving to appointments or cleaning up the kitchen, it’s important to talk with your teens about their studies, Extra Mile assignments, what they’re reading and current events.. This will enable you and your kids to make meaningful connections between bookwork and the real world.
Meet weekly to go over your teen’s work— Not only will this give you an idea of the big picture, but it will also help you catch any problems that may be brewing. Some teens are good at time management, while others may need a more structured schedule. For teens who need more structure, a weekly meeting is a great time to break down the assignments into manageable chunks of time.
Look for ways to cheer for your teen— Earning dual credits is an exciting, but challenging journey. Even though teens can study independently, they still need cheerleaders! Praise your teen for what they’re accomplishing and the good habits you see, while encouraging improvement in their weak areas.
Involve the whole family— Include your whole family in what your student is learning by having meaningful dinner time conversations. You can even involve young children by asking if they’ve heard of a certain news event, or if they know where a certain foreign country is, etc. Some of the books on the Extra Mile assignments can be read by younger teens and they’ll enjoy being part of the discussion, too.
Help your teens prepare for exams — Exams can be stressful for teens, even if they are prepared and know the material. Give them the peace of mind they need by offering to help them study. You can work through flashcards together or share test-taking techniques.
Make test day special for your teen— Make sure your teens get plenty of sleep before test day, along with a healthy breakfast to fuel their brains for the big day. After the test, celebrate! They have worked hard! Take them out for a special treat, outing, or enjoy a favorite activity together!
Over the years, you’ve helped your teens prepare for academic independence, and they are well on their way. While you can relax because you’ve helped your teens develop a plan for success, never stop working to cultivate a relationship with them as they finish homeschooling.
