I Can’t Homeschool Because My Kids are in Middle School

Do you find yourself saying, I can’t homeschool middle school?

For most of us, homeschooling when our kids are young is fun. Days are filled with Play-Doh, books, craft projects, play dates, and story time. As kids get older though, learning becomes more serious and involved, prompting many families to rethink their decision to homeschool.

Are you afraid to homeschool middle school?

Personally, I love teaching my older students. Our time is spent working on hands-on projects, in deep discussions, learning life skills, and pursuing individual passions.

There are many reasons why parents decide to stop schooling their children at home once they start middle school. Sure, homeschooling during the older grades may not be right for all families, but for some, they only stop because of fear.

There are many reasons why parents decide to stop homeschooling once kids get to middle school, but most of the time it comes down to one thing. FEAR. Don't worry. It's not as hard as you think it is. What frightens parents about homeschooling middle school? I've got some answers to common concerns parents have about homeschooling after elementary school. Have I listed the fear that's keeping you from homeschooling your tween/teen? #homeschooling #tweens #teens #middleschool #educationpossible

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What frightens parents about homeschooling middle school?

Subjects are too advanced

In middle school, students are starting to do more advanced work, especially in math and language arts, which can scare some parents.

If you still have nightmares about algebra, how are you supposed to teach your kids how to do it?

If you were thrilled to never have to write another essay once you left school, the last thing you want to do is show your kids how to write one.

It’s understandable to have concerns. Luckily, you don’t have to teach your child every subject they are required to learn.

You just have to make sure they learn the material. If you don’t feel comfortable teaching a subject, look at hiring a tutor, choose curriculum that comes with DVD or online instruction, or see if a fellow homeschool mom would like to teach your child in a co-op setting.

I Can’t Homeschool Because My Kids are in Middle School Education Possible

I don’t want to use textbooks

It seems like most families return to textbook learning once their kids enter middle school. But what if you aren’t a fan of textbook learning or that isn’t the way your children learn best? Can you continue using other learning methods to teach them?

YES!

There is no reason why you have to abandon everything that’s been working over the years. True, you will have to make some adjustments (you can’t just do crafts and call it art) but, for the most part, you can continue using your favorite homeschooling method.

As an example, my girls don’t really create lapbooks anymore. However, they do use notebooking regularly in history. We use tools like colonial notebooking and activity unit and science method pages as part of their lab notebooks.

Kids need to be with friends

Personally, I don’t know a single homeschool family that spends their days stuck inside the house, never interacting with anyone. In reality, homeschool kids often have a wide variety of friendships, developed through the numerous activities they participate in.

We understand the importance of friends, especially for older students.

In fact, unlike public school students who are rarely given time to talk to their friends during the school day, kids who school at home often see their friends during “school time.” They take field trips together and participate in co-op classes, giving them the opportunity to chat as well as learn.

So although they might not see their friends every day, they are most likely spending more time actually hanging out with their friends than if they were in a traditional school.

I Can’t Homeschool Because My Kids are in Middle School Education Possible

I want them to play sports

Many states allow homeschool students to participate in public school sports programs. If this is something that is important to your family, check your state’s guidelines to see if it is an option for you.

If you don’t care if the sport is school sponsored, look in your community for rec leagues or think about sports that aren’t usually found in a school. Activities like karate, archery, and bowling.

Sports can be a wonderful way to boost your student’s confidence, while helping them grow and mature. Luckily, homeschoolers have more options than ever to reap all the wonderful benefits of sports participation.

It’s true, homeschooling during the middle school years may not be for you, but if you’re letting fear stop you, I want to encourage you to think about it some more. You might see how rich and rewarding teaching your older children can be.

More Middle School Support

Does your family plan on homeschooling through middle school?

Megan Zechman
I love homeschooling! Learning is a way of life for our family. Most days you will find us exploring our Central Florida community, having fun while learning. I am constantly looking for new and interactive ways to engage my older children.
Megan Zechman
Megan Zechman
Megan Zechman

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7 Comments

  1. Great post! I have a rising 5th grader and it is certainly different than the beginning years full of crafts, cuddles, and projects. Now it’s more discussion and deeper projects. I am enjoying these years and working at studying ahead so I’m prepared!

  2. Great post! Over from the Thoughtful Spot. Middle school is one of my favorite ages to teach.

  3. This is great! I keep forgetting I don’t need to try harder, my son just needs to try harder. Yes it is going to require more effort from him, but it will be better for him in the long run.

  4. I had been using a language arts curriculum but just sold it last week and vowed not to use one again. They do their best writing without it anyway – and I’ve found so many free resources online. Thanks for the encouragement! 🙂

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