When a child loves, loves, LOVES a subject, it can feel complicated to put it on the transcript or create a course description if it is not a standard subject like math or science.  Instead of trying to get too technical with “fun” subjects, think about what they are doing with this thing they love.  How much time do they spend?  Just a little, or too much to count?

For example, a member was talking to me about photography.  Bethany always has a camera on her hands. She is constantly snapping photos, looking at photos of others, and learning more and more about her passion of photography.  In fact, as we discussed it, we were even able to begin a course description that included four major areas of work.  Bethany does portrait photography, has started a photography blog, and has competed at the country fair and won multiple ribbons and awards.  Here is how that might look on a course description.

Each of these things are delight-directed learning opportunities.  Not mom-driven, but child-led. It’s also real learning, real high school credit, and should really be included on the high school transcript.

Not all high school classes have to be like math, with a textbook, and two hours a day of blood, sweat, and tears. Include some classes that are fun for the student, so they enjoy learning! It’s good to balance hard classes with some easier ones. Not every class has to have analysis.  Not every class needs to have a paper. Here is a blog post that may help:Homeschooling High School – Underwater Basket Weaving: Sometimes Easy is OK.

Check out Bethany’s photography blog here, it’s excellent! BethanyFaithPhotography.blogspot.com

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Filed under: Consulting, Grades & Credits by Lee