3 Tips to Help Your Child Transition from our Grades Classes into our High School

As your children transition into high school at Seasons of Seven, you may be wondering, what will be different, in terms of my role as a homeschooler? As homeschoolers, your role naturally shifts each year throughout the grades and into high school, as the students are capable of more independence in their learning each year. Ultimately, however, as homeschool families, you are still responsible for your child’s learning, and it can feel intimidating. Now they have new teachers, will be receiving grades, and you want to prepare them for success, no matter where their path leads! Here are some things to remember as your child prepares for the next step into high school. 

1. Respect their Developmental Stage

Each age of childhood holds a unique and special gift of the unfolding human being. Adolescence is a time when the intellect is awake and active. Young people have this inherent optimism, and can be so enthusiastic and full of ideas and plans! Teens are at once so completely capable, yet also can struggle with things like long term planning, and remembering to check in at the agreed-upon hour. As teachers, and parents, this can sometimes be infuriating. Yes, we want our high school students to be working independently and confidently, and to be responsible for their own work. But realistically, high school students are still children; they are still learning independence, and you are there to guide them! Hold strong boundaries and family expectations, while acknowledging, and allowing for, their growing independence. Will they fail? Most likely, sometimes they will. But “failure” is an important step in the growth and development of an individual, too, and when they do, it is important that they know that you are there as a safety net. 

2. Model Routines and Rhythm

Set up a culture of routine in your home that includes checking in on their daily and weekly plans and responsibilities. Model how you schedule your week, and your family’s week, in an intentional way, and get input as to what their needs are for family scheduling. Although most adolescents are not fond of being told “what to do,” they will be supported by, and ultimately (maybe secretly), appreciate the accountability of regular routines and family check-ins which take their needs into account. The teachers will be an outside guiding force, but you will still need to be that in-person accountability, especially as your child is forming a healthy routine that works for them. 

3. Keep Communication Open 

This goes for you and your child, as well as you and your child’s teacher. While respecting and supporting your child’s growing ability to communicate with their teachers independently, your child’s teachers are there to help you, and them, with the process! Reach out if you have questions, or if there is anything going on in your child’s life that we should be aware of. We remain co-supports on your child’s journey towards adulthood. 

Learn more about our classes HERE.