Homeschooling Tips: What You Should Require of Middle Schoolers

Homeschooling middle school aged children does not have to be more difficult than homeschooling elementary school children are, but it is certainly different. By the age of 12 or 13, your child will be more independent and able to learn more on his or her own. Because of their advanced abilities to learn independently, this is a great time to start requesting more from them. Here are some things you should request:

Middle school age homeschoolers need to compare and contrast: Instead of continuing to memorize facts, it is time for your child to go a bit deeper. When learning a new concept they should compare it and contrast it to other things that they know. This will help them to make better sense of difficult concepts and help them to reason better. 

Middle school age homeschoolers need to express themselves: One-word answers should no longer be acceptable. When your middle school aged homeschooler answers you yes, or no, do not accept their answer. Ask them why. 

Middle school age homeschoolers need to attempt perfection: In lower grades, we try to ignore spelling and minor grammar mistakes as long as it does not take away from the meaning of what a child writes. It is not time to demand that spelling and grammar be correct, even if the subject being studied is science. 

Middle school age homeschoolers need to more time to homeschool: While an elementary aged homeschooler may have done lessons for 3 or 4 hours a day, an older child requires five or six. Allow them adequate time to get their work done. 

Middle school age homeschoolers need to do independent study: A middle school child desperately needs time to explore his or her own interests. Allow plenty of time for independent study. This might mean paying for different lessons, but it is important that your child develop his or her own personalities and interests.