Subjects Required for College
by
Sherri Linsenbach
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- Colleges expect to see well-rounded students
- Supplement texts with real-world activities
- Library Video has a range of math topics
As your child prepares for college or a career, it’s a good idea that she take four years of English courses (including grammar, composition, and literature) during her high-school years. In addition, she should take three years of math (including algebra and geometry); three years of science (including biology, physical science, and lab experiences); and three years of social studies (including U.S. history and government and economics). If she’s applying to college, she’ll also need two years of a foreign language, a computer technology course, and at least two years of electives.
Handling Difficult Subjects
Along with the fun subjects, the high-school years can hold some challenging subjects, as well. It may have been a while since you took Algebra I or Algebra II, and you didn’t like it the first time around. How, you may wonder, will you be able to help your child with those subjects?
There are several ways.
The Saxon Math books are excellent. They are designed for the user to teach herself, by reading easy-to-understand lessons, building upon previous lessons, and continually practicing and refreshing her skills.
Their set of math textbooks (ranging from basic math to pre-algebra, advanced algebra, advanced math, calculus, and physics) may not be for everyone, but they worked wonders in our homeschool math program. Of course, we supplemented the textbooks with lots of math games and software, logical reasoning skills, problem solving, and working with basic, everyday math problems.
Many other math programs are also available, as well as videos that clearly explain and illustrate math concepts and exercises. Library Video, at www.libraryvideo.com, carries numerous videos on nearly every mathematical topic. If your homeschool group has several homeschoolers approaching the high-school years, you may want to pitch in and purchase a few videos to share over the upcoming years.
If your group has a couple of parents who are especially interested in math, they may want to work with a group of teens on weekends. This type of group learning, use of videos, or educational software can be helpful in any of the subject areas: foreign languages, government and economics, biology, or electives.
Help from Tutors and Mentors
Sometimes you just can’t teach certain things to your child. If you took French in high school or college, you may not be the most helpful when your daughter decides she wants to learn Russian. When certain subjects prove to be too difficult for your child, it can be a good idea to seek a well-trained and experienced tutor. Don’t hesitate to help her find the resources that will help her learn best.
Colleges and libraries often keep a database of tutors, along with their specialties, such as foreign languages, calculus, chemistry, physics. These tutors tend to be language majors, math majors, accounting majors, or computer science majors. If you’re still unable to find tutors or mentors in your community, don’t forget your local school district. They will have a list of tutors who may be able to help your child.
...from The Everything Homeschooling Book. For more books, visit Adams Media Bookstore.
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