For teens, participating in a variety of homeschool high school activities will develop so much more than the particular activity’s focus. Character is often forged in community and each one of the following activities includes working with and alongside others.
Does simply participating in any activity automatically mean that your teen’s character will grow? Of course not.
We need to be intentional about helping our teens decide what they should join, and what will be less than beneficial for them. For example, involvement in sports can be an incredible opportunity to cultivate character, but it’s important to know who is leading the team! Which brings us to our first activity.
While not all states allow students to participate in public school sports, many communities offer other opportunities for homeschool teens.
When looking for a team for your teens to join, you’ll want to find one that you believe will have a positive impact on your student. Coaches can be very influential in athletes’ lives. Ask: Does the coach have high expectations, yet remembers it’s only a game? Does he encourage and teach, or demean players?
The coach and the players don’t have to be perfect, but if you want your teens to build character, it’s important to note who will be influencing them.
There are so many different types of clubs for teens to get involved in!
4-H. Homeschoolers in an area often form their own 4-H clubs. Through 4-H teens can participate in a variety of groups and competitions—it’s definitely not just for those raising animals anymore. They can even earn scholarship money. Whether they are interested in drama, musical performance, robotics…there’s really something for everyone.
Scouting or Trail Life. The quality of the group in your area makes a big difference with any program. But through them, students can learn about leadership, as well as a variety of practical skills. These types of programs give students a goal to work towards, opportunities for adventures, and help them to serve the community.
Homeschool groups. Often other homeschoolers in your area will offer a class or club of some kind to fill a need for their own children. If there isn’t something available in your area, don’t hesitate to start your own!
Ideas for Homeschool Groups/Clubs:
When high school students take co-op classes or dual-enrollment courses at a local college, they have the opportunity to hear from other authority figures besides you while learning to function in a classroom of other students that may be very different from them.
You have to know your kids and whether they are ready to take on that type of responsibility, but for mature teens it can be a great chance to transition into college courses and learn to deal with those who have different worldviews than they do.
These characteristics aren’t a given simply because your teens participate in an activity. Intentionality in developing these skills is important.
Ask yourself (and your teens) some of the following questions as you try to decide what your teens will participate in:
As you evaluate, know that nothing is perfect. And being around imperfect people and having to deal with hard things is one of the ways character is formed in our teens.
Whatever activities your teens are involved in can help them build character while learning with others.
And if you need some help in learning how to put these ideas together for High School credit stop by our shop and grab your copy of …
The High School Course of Study & Planning Workbook will simplify the process for you and your high schoolers.
In it, you will:
At The Character Corner, we want to take the fear and the overwhelm out of homeschooling high school so you can spend your time and energy on the thing that matters the most: your relationship with your teens. Grab yours today to get started!
