Homeschooling Through the Teen Years
The teen years can bring new opportunities and greater independence in homeschooling. As teens grow, they tend to take an increasingly active role in deciding how and what they learn, explore interests more deeply, and develop skills that may connect to their future goals.
How Learning Changes
Homeschooling can gradually shift from being primarily parent-directed to becoming a shared process, with teens taking greater ownership of their education.
Teens may begin to:
- Follow interests more deeply
- Develop stronger skills rather than just knowledge-based learning
- Take more responsibility for planning and completing their work
- Use more specialised resources, courses, tutors, mentors, and subject experts
- Learn to research and make sense of information
- Connect their learning to future goals and interests
Learning Options
There is no single way to learn through the teen years. Young people can use different approaches and resources depending on their interests, goals, and learning needs.
Options can include:
- Self-directed learning
- Online courses and resources
- Tutors, mentors and subject experts
- Community classes and local learning opportunities
- Work experience and volunteering
- Apprenticeships and hands-on learning
- Online Learning courses for BC credit while remaining a homeschooler
- Enrolling in the BC school system, either in a classroom or through an online learning school
Choosing Subjects and Areas of Study
Teens may choose areas of study based on their interests and goals. Some may want a broad education, while others may choose to spend more time developing particular interests or skills.
Consider:
- Choosing subjects based on interests, strengths and goals
- Meeting post-secondary prerequisites where needed
- Going deeper into areas of interest
- Balancing broad education with specialization
- Changing direction as interests develop
Exploring Interests, Skills and Careers
The teen years are also a time to explore possibilities beyond traditional academic subjects. Real-world experiences help young people discover what interests them, develop practical skills and learn more about possible careers
This might include:
- Trying new activities and experiences
- Developing practical and specialized skills
- Exploring different careers and occupations
- Gaining work experience, volunteering or job shadowing
The goal is not to have everything figured out. The teen years provide time to explore, develop skills and discover possible directions for the future.