Need to know how to homeschool World Languages in high school?
How to Homeschool World Languages in High School
As academic advisor to homeschooling families for almost 2 decades, I found that there were 2 subjects that brought fear to many homeschool moms: Math and World Languages. I’ll share some ideas on how to homeschool World Languages in high school (the Math will wait until another post). It’s not that hard with all the curriculum choices we have these days.
First, what’s the difference between World Languages and Foreign Languages? Nothing!
World Languages is a more polite term and is thus used by many colleges these days. The term *Foreign Languages* implies something alien, difficult and unlikable. The term *World Languages* implies exactly what is says, languages from around the world. They are different from English but not alien or unlikable (and sometimes, not difficult).
We live in a country where it is not uncommon to meet people who count English as their second language. It is good for those of us who spoke English first to also speak another language. It helps our teens to develop perspective taking skills and expand their thinking skills (sometimes learning the grammar structures of another language, helps teens to better understand English grammar, too). Here are 10 more benefits of learning a second language from the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages.
Many states and homeschool programs require at least 2 credits of a foreign (world) language for high school graduation. A number of colleges want 3 or 4 credits in the same language.
The allowed languages vary from place to place, so check HSLDA’s website for information (and join, too) on state requirements.
In our area, these languages count:
- Any non-English language spoken today from any part of the world
- Latin, Biblical Hebrew and Greek
- Sign Language
There are various ways to earn the credit:
- Take classes at the local homeschool umbrella
- Do a language co-op
- Work with a tutor
- On your own: try immersion courses (where the entire course is taught in the language) such as Rosetta Stone (homeschool version).1 level= 1 credit in the homeschool version
- On your own: try grammar-based curricula such as Switched-on Schoolhouse or McMillan
- On your own: a couple of our local homeschool families have begun to use Speed Spanish
- Do Carnegie Units: 135 logged hours. What’s a Carnegie Unit? Here’s a post that explains this great way to earn a World Language credit.
- On your own: American Sign Language University. Log 135 hour for Carnegie credit
For struggling learners, there are ways to make the World Languages credit happen. However, you might need to work with your local homeschool advisor to see what is permissible in your area.
You might also get a kick out of our enlightening discussion on teaching World Languages on the Homeschool Highschool Podcast. We love sharing our ideas and experiences with our homeschool mom-friends!
Read more about why to study a foreign language in high school.
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