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Extracurricular Ideas for Homeschool High School
Homeschooling high school is about a lot more than learning. While extracurricular involvement for homeschoolers does not always look the same as it does for traditional high school learners, extracurricular matters a great deal. Activities assist students in developing their talents and find community. Some parents worry that extracurricular activities will add to the price of homeschooling high school. While it is possible to spend a great deal of money to support a learner’s athletic or art training, parents should also know there are several excellent free and low-cost extracurricular options.
Extracurricular Activities Matter
While math, social science, English, foreign language, and science are the foundation of core academics during the high school years, extracurriculars are, for many, the more significant part of growing up. Extracurriculars help teenagers feel capable of themselves and offer a positive path to adult independence. School admissions and scholarship committees hope to see applicants who are doing more than spending time at home on screens.
They respect learners who have stretched themselves and developed connections with other people in their communities. Learners don’t need to have a vast, well-rounded list of activities. It is fine to specialize and develop depth in an area of distinct interest. The key is that this interest is where the learner develops important character traits such as being able to work cooperatively with other persons, stick with a task even when the going gets tough, and develop compassion toward others.
Great Activities for Homeschool High School Learners
Community Programs
Learners are advised to look beyond activities that are for teenagers only. Most communities have organizations where like-minded individuals of all ages come together to develop their interests and learn new skills. Some examples comprise chess clubs, community theater, birdwatching, folk dancing, and astronomy clubs. These organizations may be a perfect way to get to know adults who are positive role models.
Volunteering
It is hard to come up with a better activity for teenagers than volunteering. Volunteering helps learners grow a greater sense of compassion and self-esteem. Volunteering can help learners develop life skills and explore potential career interests. Additionally, community service can be an effective way to build contacts in the community and to be better prepared for college admissions and scholarships.
Small Business
Entrepreneurial homeschool teenagers may find high school the ideal time to start a small business. Popular choices include babysitting, lawn mowing, jewelry making, tutoring or music lessons, website design, and computer repair.
Working with Mentors
Mentoring allows learners to work one on one with community volunteers who help them develop a particular interest. Mentorships can be helpful for career exploration, and mentors may serve as a basis for college recommendations.
Awards and Certifications
Teenagers work best when they have very specific goals. One option is to establish certificates, or awards learners could strive to achieve. There are a wide variety of choices for students with specialized interests. Here are some examples:
Master Gardener: Provided through county extension or university offices, Master Gardeners take part in training to develop a strong knowledge base about growing vegetables and flowers. They then volunteer to lead programs in the community to train other people. This is an excellent example of how your child can take a personal interest they develop at home and utilize it to build connections in their community.
Lifeguard: Experienced divers may wish to contact the Red Cross to be trained as a lifeguard. In some aspects, this can be a helpful skill for finding summer work.
Computer Training: There are numerous certifications available for learners with abilities in the area of information technology. Certifications are available for Microsoft users, iPhone app developers, and web designers. Some training and examinations can be costly, but others allow students to self-study.
