It is important that young people are actively engaged in learning. Search Institute recommends that, as parents, you stay in touch with your kids’ school experience – that you ask them every day what they did in school, what they learned, what they liked about school, and what they didn’t like, to make sure they are staying engaged. If you are a Phoenix family, or another homeschooling family, it goes without saying that you are monitoring your child’s school experience closely, so well done! You’re doing a great job already, but here are a couple of things to keep in mind to help ensure that your youth is actively engaged in learning:
- What are your teen’s particular interests, passions, and talents? One great thing about homeschooling is that you have the freedom (and the responsibility!) to encourage your teens to invest and excel in areas that are important to them as individuals. Connect them with mentors and tutors who have the knowledge and background to help them realize their potential in areas about which they are passionate.
- Stay positive about schoolwork. Learning is one of life’s greatest joys if approached with the right attitude.
RECOMMENDED READING: Connect 5: Finding the Caring Adults You May Not Realize Your Teen Needs by Kathleen Kimball-Baker and Engaging Every Parent! Encouraging Families to Sign On, Show Up, and Make a Difference by Nancy Tellett-Royce and Susan Wootten.
Search Institute has identified 40 building blocks of healthy development, known as Developmental Assets, that help adolescents to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. Visit us here every Wednesday to read about different ways that you, your family, and your community can take action to help equip our young people develop resilience and achieve success in life.
Phoenix Education Foundation 