Welcome to "Tea with Julie," a weekly missive by me, Julie Bogart. My wish is to give you food for thought over a cup of tea to enhance your life as an educator, parent, and awesome adult. Glad you're here. Pinkies up!
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Cincinnati, January 15, 2022
Hi Friend,
I’ve been asked: “If you had to boil it down to a Top Ten List, what would you say every child should have studied before they leave home?”
I accepted the challenge and compiled a list that will help you pull back from the panic of trying to teach every single classical work of literature, cover the entire scope of World History from the dawn of time until present, consider each scientific breakthrough, learn three languages (one dead), and understand all composition formats.
Stop! It’s possible to have a sense of satisfaction and completion even if you leave a few dangling metaphors and several centuries of war and peace un-explored.
The list:
- Share the joy of reading with your kids.
- Help them be critical thinkers.
- Teach them math and science (and history!)
- Nurture their writing skills.
- Introduce them to a foreign language.
- Give them the opportunity to chase at least one affinity.
- Make sure they encounter different people and places.
- Encourage them to perform in some way for an audience.
- Help them find friends.
- Most importantly, be their advocate.
Yes, some intentionality is necessary. Good news. Your teens are ready for it!
Between specific instruction in writing, math, science, and history and exploration of a variety of subjects (fashion, linguistics, music, role playing games, nutrition, animation, computer programming, sports, organic gardening…whatever your kids find interesting), your kids will become prepared for life beyond homeschool.
It also helps for teens to get out into the community in their areas of interest so that they can find out that they have what it takes to stand on their own two feet, to prove to themselves that they are growing up.
And if they choose to attend college, deep diving IS the right preparation for that world. That’s why homeschoolers do well in college! They already understand how to teach themselves, how to read critically, how to develop and form a legitimate opinion (as long as they have the chance to do those things as teens).
So keep doing what you’re doing, and add a little intentionality in high school, and your kids will be fine!
Warmly,
P.S. Catch up on all the “Tea with Julie” emails here!
Julie Bogart
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