Meryl van der Merwe's guest appearances

Meryl van der Merwe

The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

Homeschool Success Stories

Julie Polanco

Stacey Lane

Anne Guarnera

Misty Bailey

Susan Landry

Amy Sloan

Jamie Erickson

Ann Karako

Connie Albers

Noah Tetzner

Cheryl Bastian

Danielle Papageorgiou

Geoff Benge

Kendra Fletcher

Melanie Wilson

OwlTail

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Helping Teens Own Their Education, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe.  Helping Teens Own Their Education, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe Homeschool high schoolers need to develop independent learning skills. As they do this, they start to own their education. That’s why Vicki is excited to talk with our friend, Meryl van der Merwe from the Homeschooling with Technology Podcast. (BTW- If you have not checked out that podcast, you are missing out SO many good resources! Check it out.) Meryl and her family moved to the United States from South Africa. They started homeschooling because they moved to the US in the middle of the school year. However, the family loved homeschooling so much that three of her four graduated from homeschool high school. (Look for an upcoming interview with her daughter, Rachel, who is a homeschool graduate and is now a college professor.) Even though Meryl’s own children are all graduated, Meryl stays connected to the homeschool community through the podcast and FundaFunda Academy (online courses and academy for homeschoolers). One gift Meryl gave her teens was a voice in their education, so when her youngest approached high school age, she asked to go to a traditional school. Meryl allowed her to own her own choice and give it a try! Which brings us to this episode’s topic: Helping teens own their education Most homeschool parents want our high schoolers to own their education, to become independent learners and independent adults. With that in mind, let’s check out Meryl’s tips that have worked for her family. Give teens a voice in their education As we mentioned, Meryl’s youngest went to a traditional school. That was what she wanted to do. On the other hand, her older three children homeschooled through graduation because they wanted to. Also, Meryl gave her homeschool high schoolers a voice in the selection of courses and curriculum. Parents need to create the framework based on state graduation requirements and what they are planning on doing after high school. For some guidance on a high school framework, here are some helpful posts:  College Attractive Transcripts Interview with Associate Provost Dr. Renae Duncan on what colleges are looking for in incoming freshmen Discussion with Lauren Patrick: How I Prepared for Competitive College Interview with Angela O’Shaughnessy: How to Help Non-College Bound Teens Find Success Advice from Susan Stewart on Careers that Don’t Require College  As you work with your teens on choices for homeschool high school, help them look at:  Interests Electives– they can explore interests and earn elective credits Specific History and Science course topics (for instance, Meryl’s daughter liked art so she earned some Art History credits).   Strengths Weaknesses  To help homeschool high schoolers make curriculum choices, try doing some research. Then present it to your teens You can ask for input in 7SistersHomeschool Facebook group or Meryl’s Facebook group Homeschooling College-bound Teens. Collect some curriculum and elective ideas and allow your teens to rank them according to their interest as:  Love it Maybe Meh Nope  Meryl has found that her teens like online courses. To make it even better, online courses are available all over the place:  FundaFunda Academy (of course) Moocs such as EdX Teaching Company’s Great Courses (Hey, and now 7Sisters is starting to roll out asynchronous courses, such as Psychology)   Remember: Relationship is more important than academics Try to keep in mind that choice-making is part of relationship building. As teens become part of their educational choice-making process, they gain confidence in themselves and in you. (Not only that, but if they make a choice and later on find they do not like it..it was their choice!) Teens need to make mistakes, it is part of their growth process. This builds a growth mindset, which helps them own their education. Help teens learn to own their own schedule Help them understand their own rhythms and needs while learning to set goals (download this SMART goal freebie). Teach them time management skills. Then let them experience the consequences if they make a mistake. Of course, keep in mind the framework of the family’s needs (mealtimes, events, etc). Use as much YES as possible Whenever possible, give a “yes” to teens. That way, when you must say “no” it will bring less pushback. You will have to step in sometimes with more information. For instance, if a teen wants a light academic schedule but wants to go to a competitive college, have them research admissions requirements and costs for those colleges. That might change their goals. BTW- For the college search, Meryl’s FundaFunda Academy has a gamified college search summer project each year. It’s open to the public. Check out her Summer Challenge on her Facebook group, Homeschooling College-bound Teens. (7Sisters helps provide material for this each year. It’s fun!) Help them choose extracurriculars Teens need a well-rounded lifestyle to be healthy. Also, college-bound teens need extracurriculars on their transcripts. Here are some of Meryl’s for owning their extracurriculars.  Meryl has her teens choose some sort of physical activity whether they are athletic or not They also choose service projects or organizations Some of her teens also chose musical instruments Jobs count too (here are some tips on how to get jobs on the transcript)  Join Vicki and Meryl for inspiration for helping teens own their education. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER  Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source” This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page. Click SUBSCRIBE. Choose RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) Thanks!  PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE      Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone Choose the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon Choose *Subscribe* Please tap *Ratings and Review*        A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor:  Courageous Movie    From the Kendrick Brothers, creators of the No. 1 box-office movie WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER, comes the remastered re-release of COURAGEOUS Legacy, in theaters September 24. Celebrating 10 years of impact on families and fathers, this updated version of the film includes new scenes and an enhanced look and sound. Filled with action-packed drama, COURAGEOUS Legacy will once again have viewers laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That’s courageous. Check out the trailer here! The post Helping Teens Own Their Education, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.Click the icon below to listen.

<p>This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Helping Teens Own Their Education, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe.</p> <p></p> <h2>Helping Teens Own Their Education, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe</h2> <p>Homeschool high schoolers need to develop independent learning skills. As they do this, they start to own their education. That’s why Vicki is excited to talk with our friend, Meryl van der Merwe from the <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/homeschooling-with-technology/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Homeschooling with Technology Podcast</a>. (BTW- If you have not checked out that podcast, you are missing out SO many good resources! Check it out.)</p> <p>Meryl and her family moved to the United States from South Africa. They started homeschooling because they moved to the US in the middle of the school year. However, the family loved homeschooling so much that three of her four graduated from homeschool high school. (Look for an upcoming interview with her daughter, Rachel, who is a homeschool graduate and is now a college professor.)</p> <p>Even though Meryl’s own children are all graduated, Meryl stays connected to the homeschool community through the podcast and <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.fundafundaacademy.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">FundaFunda Academy</a> (online courses and academy for homeschoolers).</p> <p>One gift Meryl gave her teens was a voice in their education, so when her youngest approached high school age, she asked to go to a traditional school. Meryl allowed her to own her own choice and give it a try!</p> <h3>Which brings us to this episode’s topic: Helping teens own their education</h3> <p>Most homeschool parents want our high schoolers to own their education, to become independent learners and independent adults. With that in mind, let’s check out Meryl’s tips that have worked for her family.</p> <h4>Give teens a voice in their education</h4> <p>As we mentioned, Meryl’s youngest went to a traditional school. That was what she wanted to do. On the other hand, her older three children homeschooled through graduation because they wanted to.</p> <p>Also, Meryl gave her homeschool high schoolers a voice in the selection of courses and curriculum. Parents need to create the framework based on state graduation requirements and what they are planning on doing after high school.</p> <p>For some guidance on a high school framework, here are some helpful posts:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/college-attractive-homeschool-transcripts-what-to-include/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">College Attractive Transcripts</a></li> <li>Interview with Associate Provost Dr. Renae Duncan on <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/hshsp-ep-78-what-are-colleges-looking-for-incoming-freshmen/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">what colleges are looking for in incoming freshmen</a></li> <li>Discussion with Lauren Patrick: <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/hshsp-ep-167-how-i-prepared-competitive-college-interview-with-lauren-patrick/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">How I Prepared for Competitive College</a></li> <li>Interview with Angela O’Shaughnessy: <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/hshsp-ep-108-helping-non-college-bound-teens-find-success/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">How to Help Non-College Bound Teens Find Success</a></li> <li>Advice from Susan Stewart on <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/hshsp-ep-186-careers-that-dont-require-college-interview-with-susan-stewart/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Careers that Don’t Require College</a></li> </ul> <h4>As you work with your teens on choices for homeschool high school, help them look at:</h4> <ul> <li>Interests<br><ul> <li><a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/authoritative-guide-to-electives-for-homeschool-high-school/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Electives</a>– they can explore interests and earn elective credits</li> <li>Specific History and Science course topics (for instance, Meryl’s daughter liked art so she earned some Art History credits).</li> </ul> </li> <li>Strengths</li> <li>Weaknesses</li> </ul> <h4>To help homeschool high schoolers make curriculum choices, try doing some research. Then present it to your teens</h4> <p>You can ask for input in <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.facebook.com/groups/7SistersHomeschool" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">7SistersHomeschool Facebook group</a> or Meryl’s Facebook group <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooling.collegebound.teens" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Homeschooling College-bound Teens</a>.</p> <p>Collect some curriculum and elective ideas and allow your teens to rank them according to their interest as:</p> <ul> <li>Love it</li> <li>Maybe</li> <li>Meh</li> <li>Nope</li> </ul> <p>Meryl has found that her teens like online courses. To make it even better, online courses are available all over the place:</p> <ul> <li>FundaFunda Academy (of course)</li> <li>Moocs such as <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.edx.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">EdX</a></li> <li>Teaching Company’s <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.thegreatcourses.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Great Courses</a></li> <li>(Hey, and now 7Sisters is starting to roll out <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/what-is-asynchronous-learning-in-homeschool-high-school/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">asynchronous courses</a>, such as Psychology)</li> </ul> <p></p> <h4>Remember: Relationship is more important than academics</h4> <p>Try to keep in mind that choice-making is part of relationship building. As teens become part of their educational choice-making process, they gain confidence in themselves and in you. (Not only that, but if they make a choice and later on find they do not like it..it was their choice!)</p> <p>Teens need to make mistakes, it is part of their growth process. This builds a <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/how-to-teach-a-growth-mindset-in-homeschool-high-school/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">growth mindset</a>, which helps them own their education.</p> <h4>Help teens learn to own their own schedule</h4> <p>Help them understand their own rhythms and needs while learning to set goals (download this <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/product/smart-goals-worksheet/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">SMART goal freebie</a>). Teach them<a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/time-management-teaching-teens-to-use-a-schedule/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> time management skills</a>. Then let them experience the consequences if they make a mistake.</p> <p>Of course, keep in mind the framework of the family’s needs (mealtimes, events, etc).</p> <h4>Use as much YES as possible</h4> <p>Whenever possible, give a “yes” to teens. That way, when you must say “no” it will bring less pushback. You will have to step in sometimes with more information. For instance, if a teen wants a light academic schedule but wants to go to a competitive college, have them research admissions requirements and costs for those colleges. That might change their goals.</p> <p>BTW- For the college search, Meryl’s FundaFunda Academy has a gamified college search summer project each year. It’s open to the public. Check out her Summer Challenge on her Facebook group, <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooling.collegebound.teens" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Homeschooling College-bound Teens</a>. (7Sisters helps provide material for this each year. It’s fun!)</p> <h4>Help them choose <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/extracurriculars-for-the-homeschool-transcript/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">extracurriculars</a></h4> <p>Teens need a well-rounded lifestyle to be healthy. Also, college-bound teens need extracurriculars on their <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/authoritative-guide-to-homeschool-high-school-transcript/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">transcripts.</a> Here are some of Meryl’s for owning their extracurriculars.</p> <ul> <li>Meryl has her teens choose some sort of physical activity whether they are <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/5-fun-ways-to-log-phys-ed-hours-for-non-athletic-homeschoolers/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">athletic or not</a></li> <li>They also choose <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/virtual-community-service/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">service projects or organizations</a></li> <li>Some of her teens also chose <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/how-to-create-music-appreciation-credit-for-transcripts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">musical</a> instruments</li> <li>Jobs count too (here are some tips on how to get<a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.7sistershomeschool.com/how-to-record-jobs-on-the-homeschool-transcript/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> jobs on the transcript</a>)</li> </ul> <p>Join Vicki and Meryl for inspiration for helping teens own their education.</p> <h4><b>PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER</b></h4> <ol> <li>Follow this <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-homeschool-highschool-podcast/id1098263655?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link to our Apple Podcasts page</a>.</li> <li>OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on <b>View in “…your favorite podcast source”</b></li> <li>This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page.</li> <li>Click <b>SUBSCRIBE</b>.</li> <li>Choose <b>RATINGS AND REVIEW</b>. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)</li> <li>Thanks!</li> </ol> <h4>PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE</h4> <ol> <li> <ol> <li> <ol> <li>Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone</li> <li>Choose the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen</li> <li>In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast</li> <li>Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon</li> <li>Choose *Subscribe*</li> <li>Please tap *Ratings and Review*</li> </ol> </li> </ol> </li> </ol> <p> </p> <h3><strong>A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor:  Courageous Movie</strong></h3> <p><a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://bit.ly/courageousmovieuhrn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>From the Kendrick Brothers, creators of the No. 1 box-office movie WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER, comes the remastered re-release of COURAGEOUS Legacy, in theaters September 24. Celebrating 10 years of impact on families and fathers, this updated version of the film includes new scenes and an enhanced look and sound.</p> <p>Filled with action-packed drama, COURAGEOUS Legacy will once again have viewers laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That’s courageous.</p> <h3><a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://bit.ly/courageousmovieuhrn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out the trailer here!</a></h3> <p>The post <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/helping-teens-own-their-education/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Helping Teens Own Their Education, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe</a> appeared first on <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.</p>Click the icon below to listen.

Helping Teens Own Their Education, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe

Meryl van der Merwe homeschooled her 4 children and has taught at a homeschool co op for 10 years. She is a computer programmer by training who loves traveling and reading. She is the founder of Fundafunda.com .Her kids have all moved on from...--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amber-semerau/message

Meryl van der Merwe homeschooled her 4 children and has taught at a homeschool co op for 10 years. She is a computer programmer by training who loves traveling and reading. She is the founder of <a href="http://Fundafunda.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fundafunda.com</a> .Her kids have all moved on from...<br><br>--- <br><br>Send in a voice message: <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amber-semerau/message" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/amber-semerau/message</a>

2 - Success with Academics in Homeschooling - with Meryl van Der Merwe

This week on HSHSP Ep 182: Tech Skills for Teens, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe.  HSHSP Ep 182: Tech Skills for Teens, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe Vicki is so excited to have our fellow podcaster, Meryl van der Merwe of the Homeschooling with Technology podcast, join us today to talk about technology and teens and homeschooling high school. Meryl is also the owner of a fun online academy where students use technology in multiple ways in each course: FundaFundaAcademy.com. Meryl and her husband moved from South Africa to the United States (Tennessee) in 2003 for a better American life. When their four kids started school here, they found that American schools were far behind what her kids had learned. She did not want to waste their time or bore them by having them repeat things they had already learned, so she and her husband decided to start homeschooling. She calls herself an *unsuspecting homeschooler*. Meryl’s kids have all graduated now. Four of the five graduated from homeschooling high school. The youngest decided to go to public school for high school and did well there. Meryl’s family again proves that there’s not ONE right way to educate our kids…even if that means some teens switch to traditional schooling. Meryl is a programmer by profession (she worked for Shell South Africa). Her father was an engineer so there was always *techy stuff* around the house when she was growing up. She always enjoyed technology, so even though she majored in English and German in college, she naturally gravitated to technology as a career. When she started homeschooling her kids and then teaching in homeschool co-ops, she found her tech skills to be in high demand! Meryl’s tech experience is why we asked her to join us on for this episode of Homeschool Highschool Podcast. We homeschool moms are often digital immigrants (we were not born into the world of digital technology- as opposed to our kids who are digital natives). We often need some guidance on technology. With Meryl’s help, we can make sure to help our teens have good tech skills so they are prepared for life. In this HSHSP episode, Vicki and Meryl discuss important basic technology skills that you or your teens may not be thinking about yet. Here are basic tech skills for teens:  Email (they need email for college, work and organizational communication) File storage (how to create and store files, then find them!) Screen shots (how to create, store and share screen shots) Google drive for virtual collaboration. Most college courses these days require group project work using Google drive. This is a good project for homeschool co-op projects. Basic trouble shooting (starting with the classic reboot) Google search or YouTube search for solutions and information Word processing (if they cannot QUERTY, they will not be ready to quickly word process for college-level work) Without QUERTY, they end up using the *Columbus system* (find a key and land on it)  for keyboarding, that makes typing SLOW!   Create a slide show: It is a good idea to learn as many of these as possible. This is because things change all the time. Knowing a multitude of things helps homeschool high schoolers and graduates to be nimble in their adjustment to changes. Some examples are: Powerpoint, Prezi, Google Slides, Keynote. Spreadsheets: Organize ALL kinds of information: money, math, tasks. Some examples are: Google Spreadsheets, Excel. Creating graphics. Teens will end up using graphics for many projects in college and life.  Some examples are: Picmonkey, Canva, Adobe Spark, Google Drawings. Create flyers and promotional materials. Using the graphics they have created or other photos. Create videos. Loom is an example of software. Create videos with voiceover. Some examples are: Windows Moviemaker, iMovie. Create cartoons. Use Tech tools for organization: Schedulers, Google Calendar Take some online courses, many colleges use at lease some digital (Learning Management System/ LMS) courses. Know how to download and upload assignments, use discussion boards.  Meryl’s Funda Funda Academy has lots of online courses that use lots of kinds of technology in each lesson. The name Funda means *study* in Zulu, repeated words mean *really*, so her courses are really about fun learning and study.  Programming Computer Application How to do Online Research Tech Addiction Also basic courses like Health Economics  Trying out all these builds confidence and preparation for life and/or college. Including technology as a high school credit also satisfies requirements for graduation for some states. Check out this post on the credits needed for graduation. Meryl also has Facebook groups:  Homeschooling College Bound Teens Homeschooling with Technology  Check Meryl’s episode on Google Drive and this one on free video tools. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER  Follow this link to our iTunes page. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in iTunes This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page. Click SUBSCRIBE. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!) Thanks!  PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE  Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon Tap *Subscribe* Please tap *Ratings and Review* and give us some stars and a comment to help others find us more easily. Thanks!  HSHSP Ep 182: Tech Skills for Teens, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe The post HSHSP Ep 182: Tech Skills for Teens, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

<p>This week on HSHSP Ep 182: Tech Skills for Teens, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe.</p> <p></p> <h2>HSHSP Ep 182: Tech Skills for Teens, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe</h2> <p>Vicki is so excited to have our fellow podcaster, <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/homeschooling-with-technology/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meryl van der Merwe of the Homeschooling with Technology podcast</a>, join us today to talk about technology and teens and homeschooling high school. Meryl is also the owner of a fun online academy where students use technology in multiple ways in each course: <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.fundafundaacademy.com/?wpam_id=10" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FundaFundaAcademy.com</a>.</p> <p>Meryl and her husband moved from South Africa to the United States (Tennessee) in 2003 for a better American life. When their four kids started school here, they found that American schools were far behind what her kids had learned. She did not want to waste their time or bore them by having them repeat things they had already learned, so she and her husband decided to start homeschooling. She calls herself an *unsuspecting homeschooler*.</p> <p>Meryl’s kids have all graduated now. Four of the five graduated from homeschooling high school. The youngest decided to go to public school for high school and did well there. Meryl’s family again proves that there’s not ONE right way to educate our kids…even if that means some teens switch to traditional schooling.</p> <p>Meryl is a programmer by profession (she worked for Shell South Africa). Her father was an engineer so there was always *techy stuff* around the house when she was growing up. She always enjoyed technology, so even though she majored in English and German in college, she naturally gravitated to technology as a career. When she started homeschooling her kids and then teaching in homeschool co-ops, she found her tech skills to be in high demand!</p> <p>Meryl’s tech experience is why we asked her to join us on for this episode of Homeschool Highschool Podcast. We homeschool moms are often digital immigrants (we were not born into the world of digital technology- as opposed to our kids who are digital natives). We often need some guidance on technology. With Meryl’s help, we can make sure to help our teens have good tech skills so they are prepared for life. In this HSHSP episode, Vicki and Meryl discuss important basic technology skills that you or your teens may not be thinking about yet.</p> <h4>Here are basic tech skills for teens:</h4> <ul> <li>Email (they need email for college, work and organizational communication)</li> <li>File storage (how to create and store files, then find them!)</li> <li>Screen shots (how to create, store and share screen shots)</li> <li>Google drive for virtual collaboration. Most college courses these days require group project work using Google drive. This is a good project for homeschool co-op projects.</li> <li>Basic trouble shooting (starting with the classic reboot)</li> <li>Google search or YouTube search for solutions and information</li> <li>Word processing (if they cannot QUERTY, they will not be ready to quickly word process for college-level work)<br><ul> <li>Without QUERTY, they end up using the *Columbus system* (find a key and land on it)  for keyboarding, that makes typing SLOW!</li> </ul> </li> <li>Create a slide show: It is a good idea to learn as many of these as possible. This is because things change all the time. Knowing a multitude of things helps homeschool high schoolers and graduates to be nimble in their adjustment to changes. Some examples are: Powerpoint, Prezi, Google Slides, Keynote.</li> <li>Spreadsheets: Organize ALL kinds of information: money, math, tasks. Some examples are: Google Spreadsheets, Excel.</li> <li>Creating graphics. Teens will end up using graphics for many projects in college and life.  Some examples are: Picmonkey, Canva, Adobe Spark, Google Drawings.</li> <li>Create flyers and promotional materials. Using the graphics they have created or other photos.</li> <li>Create videos. Loom is an example of software.</li> <li>Create videos with voiceover. Some examples are: Windows Moviemaker, iMovie.</li> <li>Create cartoons.</li> <li>Use Tech tools for organization: Schedulers, Google Calendar</li> <li>Take some online courses, many colleges use at lease some digital (Learning Management System/ LMS) courses. Know how to download and upload assignments, use discussion boards.</li> </ul> <p>Meryl’s <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.fundafundaacademy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Funda Funda Academy</a> has lots of online courses that use lots of kinds of technology in each lesson. The name Funda means *study* in Zulu, repeated words mean *really*, so her courses are really about fun learning and study.</p> <ul> <li>Programming</li> <li>Computer Application</li> <li>How to do Online Research</li> <li>Tech Addiction</li> <li>Also basic courses like</li> <li>Health</li> <li>Economics</li> </ul> <p>Trying out all these builds confidence and preparation for life and/or college. Including technology as a high school credit also satisfies requirements for graduation for some states. <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://7sistershomeschool.com/homeschool-high-school-transcripts-the-26-credits-needed-for-graduation/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out this post on the credits needed for graduation.</a></p> <p>Meryl also has Facebook groups:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschooling.collegebound.teens/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Homeschooling College Bound Teens</a></li> <li><a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://www.facebook.com/groups/HomeschoolingWithTechnologyCommunity/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Homeschooling with Technology</a></li> </ul> <p>Check Meryl’s episode on<a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/google-drive/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Google Drive</a> and this one on<a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/free-video-creation-tools/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> free video tools</a>.</p> <h4><b>PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO HSHSP VIA COMPUTER</b></h4> <ol> <li>Follow this <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-homeschool-highschool-podcast/id1098263655?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link to our iTunes page</a>.</li> <li>IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on <b>View in iTunes</b></li> <li>This will take you to iTunes and our own podcast page.</li> <li>Click <b>SUBSCRIBE</b>.</li> <li>Click <b>RATINGS AND REVIEW</b>. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)</li> <li>Thanks!</li> </ol> <h4>PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE</h4> <ol> <li>Tap the purple Podcast icon on your phone</li> <li>Tap the search icon on the bottom-right of your screen</li> <li>In the search bar type: Homeschool Highschool Podcast</li> <li>Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon</li> <li>Tap *Subscribe*</li> <li>Please tap *Ratings and Review* and give us some stars and a comment to help others find us more easily.</li> <li>Thanks!</li> </ol> <h3>HSHSP Ep 182: Tech Skills for Teens, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe</h3> <p>The post <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com/hshsp-ep-182-tech-skils-for-teens-interview-with-meryl-van-der-merwe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HSHSP Ep 182: Tech Skills for Teens, Interview with Meryl van der Merwe</a> appeared first on <a href="http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/t/0/0/thehomeschoolhighschoolpodcast/~https://ultimateradioshow.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network</a>.</p>