Helping Your Teenager Choose Their High School Classes
Choosing classes can feel equal parts exciting and scary. While you want your child to succeed, you also want them to enjoy their high school years. With a few quick tips, you can make high school class enrolment easier.
Ask Their Thoughts
You may have an educational path in mind for your child. But if they don't feel involved in the decision-making process, they're unlikely to perform as well as you would like.
When the time to choose classes arrives, ask them what they would like to do. Although you may be able to persuade them into choosing one or two different subjects, allowing them to take the lead can really boost their engagement.
Seek Teacher Feedback
If you regularly engage with your child's teachers, you may already have an idea of where they perform well. But you may need to seek further feedback if your child is looking at a class that you're unsure of.
For example, if your child didn't previously perform well in science and is veering towards science-based options, speak with those who have taught them over their educational years. They may be able to offer advice on how you can best support your child when they start their new classes.
Look at Their Schedule
Enthusiastic teens may feel tempted to overload themselves with classes. While this is an excellent sign that they're keen to learn, you need to take a realistic approach to balance their schedule.
Look at whether your teen's current extra-curricular activities will work well alongside the classes they're choosing. From there, have an honest discussion about timetables and whether theirs is likely to be too busy. If they feel as though the number of classes they're choosing may be overwhelming, you'll need to work together to drop one or two.
Play on Their Interests
It's natural that, as a parent, you feel as though your child should focus on subjects that prepare them for further academic pursuits. Because of this, you may not feel too enthused about classes such as drama or dance. However, there are benefits to letting your child get their own way.
By allowing your child to choose classes that excite them, you make them happier at high school. When children feel happy, they're more likely to engage with the rest of their workload. When high school class enrolment comes around, they'll feel excited about the new academic year ahead.