Homeschool Graduation: A Guide to Creating a Memorable and Meaningful Ceremony!

It’s that time of year when homeschoolers are planning for the upcoming graduation of their seniors. We know that there are endless possibilities for creating a special and meaningful event, and it can feel overwhelming at times. From intimate gatherings with close family and friends to larger celebrations with fellow homeschoolers, there are plenty of homeschool ceremony ideas to choose from that can truly honor and highlight the accomplishments of these graduates, and I hope this handy guide helps make your job a little easier.

Planning Your Homeschool Graduation Ceremony

Hosting your own graduation awards ceremony can serve as a platform to acknowledge the hard work and dedication by your student if that is their preference. If they prefer a larger event more like traditional school you can look up organizations in your area that hold graduation ceremonies so your homeschooler can experience a similar type graduation as students from other types of schooling. We are doing this with our kids and highly recommend it! Make sure to get your graduate’s cap and gown in time for whatever ceremony you choose.

And don’t forget to get your homeschooler their diploma as they will certainly want that for display and future proof of graduation. You can order a professionally made diploma or make your own. For homeschoolers attending college check out our post on how you can create your own high school transcript from home!

Homeschool Graduation Gift Ideas

When it comes to planning your homeschool graduation ceremony, personalization is key to making it a truly special event. Consider incorporating personalized graduation ideas such as custom photo displays, handmade decorations, or even a special tribute video. These touches will not only make the event more meaningful but also showcase the graduate’s journey and achievements in a heartfelt way.

Here are some of my favorite graduation gift ideas:

1. Gift Cards! – Gift cards are always welcome by graduates, especially cash cards and Amazon gift cards. 🙂

2. Get them an experience – Sometimes an experience if far more valuable than a gift. Find out somewhere your graduate wants to go or something they want to do and take them there, even if it’s pretty out of the ordinary!

3. Laptop Upgrade – These days everyone needs a laptop, so you may want to consider upgrading to a more recent laptop version. And a lot of them are actually more affordable than you may think!

4. Books – Why not encourage your graduate with some of those old-fashioned paper books or even an audible gift card or subscription to encourage them to let the joy of their learning journey continue! A great book for boy is 7 Men and the Secret of their Greatness by Eric Metaxas and for girls 7 Women and the Secret of Their Greatness. Both of these gifts accompanied by an encouraging message to the graduate would be a really special gift!

5. Headphones – whether it’s for their laptop or phone, having a nice set of headphones is a great gift to help make their work and play more enjoyable.

The After Party

Make sure to have a fun and enjoyable after party for your graduate. You can do it at your home or at your HOA clubhouse or a restaurant to name a few places. Some light decorations and balloons are a nice touch to make it feel more personal.

Mom and dad can get up and say some nice things about the graduate as well as anyone else. This would be a great time for a time of prayer over your graduate as well to send them off to the next stage of their life!

I hope this guide helps make your graduate’s day more special. Your graduate has worked hard to get to this point, so make sure to make it as meaningful and joyful as possible for your graduate!

***Be sure to join our How To Homeschool For Free Support Group for daily encouragement and more great resources for your homeschooling journey!***

Create Your Own High School Transcript From Home!

This question comes up a lot in homeschool circles and groups: what do I do about a high-school transcript? It seems official and formal and scary! But it doesn’t have to be. It’s super helpful to know what requirements your state has for graduation/ college entry, so definitely check out the Homeschool Requirements in Your State to get started.

There are several ways to produce homeschool transcripts for your student, including availability from various organizations and online planner services, but creating your own isn’t as scary as it sounds.

A transcript really only needs the following information

  1. a list of the high school courses that your child has taken,
  2. the grade earned for each course
  3. the credits earned for each course
  4. GPA’s: one for each year and a final, overall GPA
  5. a graduation date/ projected graduation date (for seniors who haven’t yet finished)
  6. Student and school information (student name, birthdate, and/or social security number; school name & address)
  7. your signature

Any additional information is optional (unnecessary) so there’s no need to clutter up a spreadsheet with extra-curricular accomplishments or awards. And their SAT/ACT scores are entered on the actual college application, so there’s no need to include them on the transcript. This is just the academic record. You want it to be as clean and uncluttered as possible. A quick search will pull up hundreds, even thousands of examples to follow.

Check out this incredibly informative post over and Annie and Everything, where she lays it all out for you.

You can download this free transcript template here!

Giving Credit

There are several different ways students may acquire credits. Your state’s requirements will guide you through determining how many credits your student needs in each subject., but oftentimes homeschool moms have questions about what constitutes one high school credit.

To help you make those determinations, here are some examples of how students may acquire credits via subjects or electives:
  • The completion of a high school level textbook
  • Completing a semester-long course at a college
  • Taking a high school or college level online course
  • Completing a year-long unit study (or 2-semester long unit studies)
  • Participate in homeschool sports teams
  • Take private lessons and participate in competitions (Martial Arts, Dance, Swim, Theater, etc.)

General high school credit guidelines are that a 1-year course = one credit; and a semester course = one half credit

What if the course type isn’t so clearly defined? Chess and swim teams don’t exactly measure accomplishments this way, right? In that case, as a general rule, you can calculate credits this way: 120-180 hours of work = one credit. 60-90 hours = one-half credit

Missing Credits

In general, students in a well-planned homeschool won’t be missing credits because the homeschool sets the requirements. As home educators, we are aware of the workload facing our students in their college years and we work diligently to prepare them for success.  That said, it’s wise to contact colleges your student is considering attending and ask them what requirements they look for students to complete.  Don’t be surprised if they expect all state requirements to be met.

The Perfect Transcript

Don’t be afraid to take the time to make a great first impression, but don’t fear the transcript process! You can do this! Ask veteran homeschool parents who have graduated a homeschool student to share a sample with you.

And when you’re all done, congratulate your student on a job well done. Don’t be afraid to pat yourself on the back a little either.

***Be sure to join our How To Homeschool For Free Support Group for daily encouragement and more great resources for your homeschooling journey!***

Five FREE Ways to Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus During Passion Week!

Passion Week (the week starting with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter/Resurrection Sunday) is an amazing time to focus on the Resurrection of Jesus while incorporating intellectual and spiritual activities to teach our children to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here are five free activities that you can incorporate into your homeschooling curriculum to make this special time even more meaningful:

1. **Bible Study** Dive deep into the story of Easter by reading and discussing the accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection in the Gospels. Encourage your children to ask questions, share their thoughts, and reflect on the significance of Christ’s Resurrection. This lap book is a fun and educational activity for the kids to give them hands on learning about the resurrection!

2. **Art & Crafts Projects** Get creative with Easter-themed crafts like making resurrection eggs, creating cross collages, or painting scenes from the Easter story. These hands-on activities are a great place to start and help children engage with the resurrection story in a fun and interactive way.

3. **Nature Walk** Take a nature walk with your children and use it as an opportunity to talk about new life and growth symbolizing Jesus’ resurrection. Look for signs of spring such as blooming flowers, chirping birds, or budding trees to connect with the theme of renewal.

4. **Easter Egg Hunt** Organize an Easter egg hunt in your backyard or living room for some festive fun. Hide eggs filled with small prizes or meaningful messages related to the resurrection story to add a spiritual element to this traditional activity. Feel free to throw in some scriptures such as John 11:26-27 in some of the eggs!

5. **Family Devotional Time** Set aside dedicated time each day during Passion Week for family devotions focused on Jesus’ journey from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Use resources like devotionals, videos, or music to guide your discussions and prayers as you prepare your hearts for Easter. This guide here can help you get started on family devotions. REMEMBER: don’t stress or worry about “getting through” everything you want to get to during a family devotion. Sometimes just getting together, even if you don’t get to the Bible lesson, is enough. 🙂

BONUS: The Case for Christ for Kids by Lee Strobel is a great way to introduce your kids to the historic case for Christ’s Resurrection and a wonderful thing to read during Passion Week! (or any time)

By incorporating these free activities into your homeschooling routine, you can create lasting memories and deepen your family’s understanding of the true meaning behind the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection during Passion Week.

How do I Convince my Parents to Homeschool Me?

How do I Convince my Parents to Homeschool me?

I saw this question posted online a few days ago and it broke my heart knowing that there are kids out there who so badly want to be homeschooled they feel the need to turn to online public forums for help. If you’re a child who happens to find this post who would like to be homeschooled but your parents need a little convincing, I hope this article will help prepare you for broaching and honestly discussing the topic with your parents. 🙂 Read More

***Be sure to join our How To Homeschool For Free Support Group for daily encouragement and more great resources for your homeschooling journey!***

Free Homeschool Preschool, Pre-k, & Elementary Curriculum: Brightly Beaming Resources!

What is Brightly Beaming Resources?

Brightly Beaming Resources is a full and totally free curriculum for preschool age up to age 11. Brightly Beaming Resources is home to a very popular preschool curriculum called Letter of the Week. Letter of the week works exactly how it sounds… you learn one letter per week with your preschooler and Brightly Beaming Resources gives you the lessons, activities, and book lists.

For the older kids there is also Science of the Week, Spellbright Spelling Lists, Country of the Week, Journal Prompts and more.  You’ll also find a really great program for 9-11 year olds called Blazers of Greatness that takes them through studying popular heroes and heroines like Albert Einstien, George Washington and others.

Why I Love It

First off, it’s so easy to use. Everything is laid out week by week, so you can just jump in whenever you’re ready. Whether you have a busy week or a little extra time, you can adapt it to fit your schedule. Because it is a free resource, most of the materials are things you already have or can print from the website.

The activities are perfect for young kids—lots of play and hands-on learning. My kids have been picking up letters and numbers without even realizing they’re learning. Plus, the flexibility is amazing. You can go at your own pace, no pressure.

Just head over to their website and you’ll find everything you need to get started!

For more free online Full Curriculum resources, check out our FREE Full Curriculum Options Resources page!

***Be sure to join our How To Homeschool For Free Support Group for daily encouragement and more great resources for your homeschooling journey!***

Free Online Assessment Tests!


Before I go through the free test-taking resources available online, let me say that I’m an “unschooler” at heart. I love learning to be just a regular part of life and I think that most gaps in a homeschool education can be taken care of pretty easily.

But there are certain subjects that I do like to test in each year, like math and reading. The kids don’t know that it’s a “test” (especially when they are younger) but it gives me a tool for finding any gaps in those subjects that I need to take care of.

If you do opt for a test that gives scores, know that not all scores are completely accurate and are not the final say in grade level (if you even do grade levels). Keep in mind as you administer a test that a lower test score does not mean that your child is “behind” or that you have not done an awesome job as a teacher – these are just tools for finding any gaps in the areas that you want to be sure to cover.

State Testing

EdInformatics

EdInformatics provides a list of states with assessments and benchmark tests available online (keep in mind that different states have different standards)

Please note that these tests may be aligned with Common Core Standards.

Internet4Classrooms

Internet4Classrooms has a simple way to find an assessment to meet your needs. When you arrive on the page linked here, you will be asked for information but most are optional. You simply click on the grade level or subject you are interested in testing. There is a wide variety of tests available here for printing as well.

Curious about your state’s homeschooling requirements? Read all about them here.

Secondary and College Testing

If you want to give your child a preview of the SAT visit Test Prep Preview. Test Prep Preview offers free testing samples which include the GRE, Vocational Exams, Law School LSAT, and many more. Also be sure to check out these great resources for practice ACT and SAT tests.

Curriculum Placement Tests

Taking Curriculum Placement Tests is another way to find any gaps in your homeschool academics (these are what I typically use). Several curriculum companies offer free diagnostic and testing tools for your use. Even if you have to register to take the test, you are not obligated to buy the curriculum at all.

Sonlight

Sonlight provides Horizons Math readiness tests.  You will also find tests for Teaching Textbooks, Singapore Math, and Saxon. Once you have your student take the test, look at the results to see where gaps.

Math Mammoth

Math Mammoth tests are intended to assess end of year mastery.   The tests group the questions by topic, so it is easy to find any gaps in understanding. Let us know in the comments if there are any other assessment testing resources that you like!

Lifepac

Lifepac homeschool curriculum features workbooks that are student-paced for Kindergarten through 12th Grade. They offer curriculum for Bible, Math, Language Arts, Science, History, and more! There are free printable placement tests for Bible, History/Geography, Language Arts, Math, and Science covering Grades 1-8 and 7-12.

***Be sure to join our How To Homeschool For Free Support Group for daily encouragement and more great resources for your homeschooling journey!***

How Long Should My Homeschooling Day Be? A Guide to Every Level

One common question that homeschooling parents often grapple with is how long a day of homeschooling should be. The answer to this question varies based on the grade level of the child, however, just know that there is no exact, set answer to how long a day of homeschooling should be. It’s YOUR school and YOU are the dean, headmaster, principal, and teacher. You make the rules and no one knows your child better than you, so you have the amazing privilege of tailoring the homeschool day to the educational goals you have set for your school and the needs of each individual child. Read More

***Be sure to join our How To Homeschool For Free Support Group for daily encouragement and more great resources for your homeschooling journey!***

Simple & Fun Fall Activity – Autumn Tree Painting with Cotton Balls!

Autumn is a magical time of the year when nature puts on a breathtaking display of vibrant colors. As homeschoolers, we have the unique opportunity to explore and celebrate the beauty of this season in creative ways. We can even spend the whole day on art if we’d like, and there’s no better time of year than the fall to explore artistic fun with your kids.

I found this simple and fun activity that captures the essence of fall from Projects with Kids: painting autumn trees with cotton balls! This artistic activity not only promotes creativity but also provides a great opportunity to teach kids about the changing seasons and the wonders of God’s creation.

Here are all of the materials you’ll need to get started, most of which you’ll already have on hand:

  1. Cotton Balls:  serve as our paintbrushes for the project.
  2. Acrylic Paints: Choose a variety of autumn colors, such as red, orange, yellow, brown, and green. Acrylic paints work well because they are vibrant and dry quickly.
  3. Paper: You can use heavy white paper or a canvas board for a more long-lasting artwork.
  4. Glue: White school glue or a glue stick will help adhere the cotton balls to the paper.
  5. Markers or Crayons: Optional, but these can be used to add extra details to your artwork.
  6. Paintbrushes and Water: If you want to add some background details or blending to your painting.

Be sure to check out ALL of the free homeschool art activities here at How to Homeschool for Free!

***Be sure to join our How To Homeschool For Free Support Group for daily encouragement and more great resources for your homeschooling journey!***

Free Printable Country Word Searches!

If you’re looking for creative ways to engage your children in geography, language, and culture, these printable country word searches from 123Homeschool4Me are a great way to do it!

Homeschooling is all about customization and flexibility, and these country word searches fit seamlessly into that philosophy. Here’s how you can maximize their potential in your homeschool classroom:

  1. Geography Lessons: Make geography come alive by introducing a new country through its word search. Identify its location on a map, discuss its neighbors, and explore its significance in global context.
  2. Cultural Immersion: Each country’s word search comes with relevant terms, landmarks, and cultural icons. Use these as a starting point for exploring the country’s customs, traditions, and way of life.
  3. Language Exploration: These word searches often include words in the country’s native language. Take this as an opportunity to introduce your children to new languages, even if it’s just a few basic words.
  4. Critical Thinking: As your children hunt for words within the grid, they’re honing their critical thinking skills. They’re learning to analyze patterns, differentiate between letters, and apply logic.
  5. Multidisciplinary Learning: Expand the learning experience by combining word searches with other subjects. Incorporate writing assignments, drawing activities, or even cooking recipes from the countries you explore.

Making It Personal

One of the beauties of homeschooling is tailoring education to your children’s interests. Involve them in the selection process – let them choose which country’s word search they want to explore next. This not only fosters independence but also ensures they’re genuinely engaged in the learning process.

After completing a word search, encourage your children to share what they’ve learned. It could be through a presentation, a creative project, or a simple conversation. This helps reinforce their understanding and communication skills.

***Be sure to join our How To Homeschool For Free Support Group for daily encouragement and more great resources for your homeschooling journey!***

Free Geology Videos for Kids from Geology Kitchen!

The world beneath our feet is a treasure trove of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Geology, the study of Earth’s structure, composition, and processes, holds the key to understanding the planet’s history and its incredible formations. One resource that stands out as a great tool for home educators is Geology Kitchen from Esteem Education. This website offers a collection of free geology videos tailored for young learners, making the exploration of Earth’s geological wonders both engaging and educational.

Geology Unveiled: The Importance of Geology Education for Kids

Geology might sound like a complex scientific field, but at its core, it’s the study of the Earth’s processes and the forces that shape it over time. Teaching kids about geology goes beyond naming rocks; it fosters a deep appreciation for the planet’s history, ecosystems, and the role humans play in preserving its beauty. Geology education for kids can:

  1. Spark Curiosity: Kids are naturally curious, and geology offers a wealth of intriguing phenomena to captivate their interest, from volcanoes and earthquakes to fossils and minerals.
  2. Foster Observation Skills: Geology encourages keen observation of the natural world. Learning to recognize different rock types, landscapes, and geological formations enhances a child’s observation and analytical skills.
  3. Connect Science to Real Life: Geology is tangible and visible in our surroundings. By learning about the Earth’s processes, kids can connect scientific concepts to their daily experiences.

Geology Kitchen: A Rich Source of Exploration

The Geology Kitchen by Esteem Education offers a diverse range of educational videos that make learning geology a delightful and immersive experience. Here’s why it stands out:

  1. Engaging Visuals: Geology can be visually captivating, and these videos use animations, real-world footage, and colorful illustrations to bring geological concepts to life.
  2. Kid-Friendly Approach: The videos are tailored to suit young learners, presenting complex ideas in a simplified and accessible manner without compromising on accuracy.
  3. Interactive Learning: The Geology Kitchen encourages interactivity. Through experiments, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, kids can actively participate in the learning process.
  4. Varied Topics: From exploring different rock types and their formations to understanding geological phenomena like erosion and sedimentation, the Geology Kitchen covers a wide array of geology topics.

Accessing the Geology Kitchen: How to Get Started

  1. Visit the Website: Navigate to Esteem Education’s Geology Kitchen.
  2. Explore the Videos: Browse the collection of videos available on the website. Each video focuses on a specific geology topic and is designed to be engaging and informative.
  3. Enjoy and Learn: Sit back, watch the videos, and encourage your kids to absorb the knowledge presented. Consider taking notes or discussing the concepts together to enhance the learning experience.

***Be sure to join our How To Homeschool For Free Support Group for daily encouragement and more great resources for your homeschooling journey!***

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