The final installment in the line up of homeschool posts!  Thanks for joining me on this journey…time for our 10th grade curriculum choices.

To review:

My journey in releasing my children to be more in charge of their education (yes, it’s true).

Our 2nd grader’s curriculum :: Our 5th grader’s curriculum

A reader mentioned to me she wishes she were brave enough to allow her children more room, more freedom.  Ah, I don’t know that I’m brave – simply attempting to be obedient to God’s prompting for changes across the board.

Remember too, there is more than one way to holistically educate a child.  Hear God’s heart for your family, your particular children and I believe He’ll give you clear insights.

Why wouldn’t He?  They’re his kids too! 🙂

Vision in the High School Years

“For I know the plans I have for {your highschooler},” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper {them} and not to harm…, plans to give {them} hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11, NIV, changes added 

The teen years are an exciting time!  Really, it’s one of my favorite seasons to parent. Honestly though, I struggled with homeschooling during these years.

First, I feared the obvious ‘I can’t do this!’ mentality before realizing it’s a huge myth of homeschooling to believe Mom is the ultimate teacher for all subjects.  Then, I battled with the educational weight and importance of these years.  Eventually, my heart was settled and we moved forward.

High school seems a great time to hone in, to center on bigger life skills, knowledge banks, spiritual development areas.  We go deeper and wider on some topics (whether academic or otherwise), and cut back on those which no longer need room.

As I said, it’s an exciting time!

10th Grade Homeschool Curriculum

Our girl’s character bends toward the independent, studious, cautious yet bold when ready, lover of all things right & just, type of learner and person.

Basically, she doesn’t mind being in charge once she knows what’s expected.

This was the child who gently informed me in her 5th grade year (and it was gentle) that she felt we spent too much time on crafts and hands-on projects.  We needed more structure and textbooks please?

Well, well!  My feathers were a little ruffled, but I made some changes.  We’ve been rolling smoothly ever since! 🙂

Here’s what up to for 10th grade:

Latin 6, Ancient Greek 2, Arabic 2 – I know, I know.  It’s kind of crazy, but this is her area of strongest aptitude (world languages) and she loves it.  Latin and Greek classes are via a local center for classical languages, Arabic is a live online class via The Potter’s School.

She hopes to continue studying linguistics beyond high school, and work in translation and/or interpretation.

Language Arts – well, the other languages support her knowledge of English so I don’t fuss much with vocabulary, grammar, etc.  There are a few tools we enjoy for quizzing her Latin/Greek roots.  At home we focus on essay writing and reading quality literature (a mix of American & British Lit) and poetry.

Mathematics – in 9th grade Algebra II was pursued, and we’re wrapping this up as well as moving on with Geometry, both done at home.

Chemistry –  a live online class via Veritas Scholars Academy, with lab work completed at home.  We’re totally equipped with a mini chem lab!

U.S. History – she’s already fulfilled this requirement for graduation, but couldn’t pass up a local class being offered (with a great teacher!).  I hear glowing reports from their interactive, discussion-based, primary sources centered classroom time. My girl is loving it!

Other-curriculars include Concert Choir, a Percussion class and playing the drums for our worship services, occasional piano & vocal performances, and a super minimal part-time job (ending early November).

Oh, and bike rides around the neighborhood!  We’ve talked of taking up racquetball together, but have changed our minds to skiing, at least for the winter.

In the spring, she’ll participate in debate competitions.  Don’t forget the social calendar!  Keeps me hopping, that’s for sure…

I do believe it’s going to be a wonderful year.