Do you think it is feasible to expect teenage boys ages 13 and 15 to do some of their work independantly?

Question

We have been homeschooling for several years and recently lost the main homeschooling teacher in the family. I must work and am wondering if anyone here has ever let their children do some of their school work during the day on their own and completed it in the evening. That is our plan. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

Answer 1

Kids this age should be taking more responsibility for their own education, for sure.  They know how it's done.  You're going to want to have some plans laid out for them to carry out, but you might just set weekly goals for each subject and discuss their lessons with them evenings and over your days off.

Depending on how actually responsible the boys are, you may want to have them go somewhere supervised, or have someone check in on them, or even haver someone stay a couple of hours with them, just to make sure they're not goofing off.  Most kids will start off being very responsible, but soon that wears off and they start goofing off.  It's just the nature of kids.

And I am so sorry for your loss.

Answer 2

Sure, they are approaching that age when they should work on their own.  

Certain curriculums will be easier to do this with than others. . .Teaching Textbooks Math, Apologia Science.  

There are some tricky things about High School transcripts, etc, that you should know about.  I suggest you become a member of HSLDA, and then use the High School Advisors.  They are wonderful, and can help you the whole way.  

Anne

Answer 3

Yes, Yes ,Yes! By that age,if they have been homeschooling awhile,  they can be doing the majority of their work by themselves but they still need supervision.

Provide them with

-check off sheets

-clear cut expectations

-accountability-check on the regularly

-incentives for working hard

Best of Luck!

jana

http://www.purehomeschooling.com

Answer 4

I don't think it's good to leave a 13 and 15 year old alone all day.  I think it would be best to put them in school.  They will get lonely and boys this age need to stay busy and worn out.  I know you want to home school and feel that is best, but if you can't be there I don't think it's a good option.

Answer 5

Absolutely! Homeschooling is all about learning to do the work on your own. It especially helps when college comes along, because college is all self-study. No one will be there to guide you.