Lesson 1: High School Overview
What courses should your teen be taking in high school? How involved should the parents be? Are extra curricular activities important? Are we all handling this the right way? This lesson will address these issues and make you all more confident about your choices.
High School Requirements & Activities
Course Requirements
When your child begins his/her high school career, there may not be much leeway in planning the schedule. Based on your child’s prior academic record, s/he will be assigned to classes based on ability level and perhaps some preference. In the United States, most high schools require 4 years of English, 2-3 years of math and/or science, 2-3 years of foreign language, 3-4 years of social studies, at least one year of art/music, either combined or separate, with chorus/band sometimes fulfilling this requirement. Four years of physical education are usually the norm. To “round out” the student, there will be health education, some type of home economics course and perhaps a life-skills type course, such as woodworking shop or electronics. Most schools offer, if not require, computer courses.
Encourage your child to participate in some activities. A balance of sports, community service and school activities sounds perfect, but doesn’t usually happen. Do not force your child into any activities and don’t let the plethora of clubs, sports and social activities undermine academic pursuits.
Extracurricular Activities
If your child has always been athletic, by all means let him try out for the freshman team. High school athletics are the "be all and end all" to many teams. I can remember my middle son telling me that life would not be worth living if he didn't make the J.V. soccer team as a freshman. I didn't immediately go off the deep end and label him as suicidal, but I did make sure to talk positively about his "travel" soccer team experiences and how they would continue whether he made J.V. or not. Do not take your child's convictions lightly. To you, it might just be another sports team, but to your teen, it could be a real feather in his cap or a devastating defeat.
If your child is not geared towards sports, most schools offer numerous clubs - from chess, to cooking, music, art, computers, photography - the list is endless. There is a club for most students in high school. Encourage your child to try to find his/her niche in the school society. The four years of high school are much more pleasant and productive when your child is involved.
Lastly, do not forego all outside activities. If your child takes piano lessons, encourage her to continue. If he belongs to Boy Scouts, don't let him drop out now.
The key to juggling the academics of high school, the social aspects of new teenaged friends and all the extra-curricular activities is balance. Yes, school is important, but so are social skills and friendships. Don't let your child overextend the first year and burn out. Help him to find the best blend of activities and the best use of time.
