New to Homeschooling/ struggling with my 11yr. old son

[alexia]

My oldest son (6th gr.) was in ps all his life (7yrs if you count the pre-k).

I brought him home 4 months ago and we are still struggling to adjust....

He always got almost all 4's, did great on CA. standarized tests, is identified gifted, his teachers raved about him at the parent conf. But, when I brought him home I was so shocked to find out all sorts of problems. Both personal issues and academic ones.

 

Main one being the attention problem, have been conditioned to just do "enough" to get by or to get approval by a teacher or his pier. When he was done with all his work at ps he acted as TA to classmates or "staple" papers.... and he did that almost every year. (I found this out after a long talk with him why he hates to do anything too long or challenging.)

He takes so many breaks through out the day. Just dribbling basketball around the house, play with cards (he's into magic these days..) just can't sit still for too long. What do I do?

 

He has to be "told" what to do for every little thing. I thought since he is 11yr. old I expected him to do more independent work but, oh boy! My 3rd grade son also home for the 1st time this year is better at it.

I chose Robinson curriculum for him and it is too drastic of change for him. Ps curriculum has a lot of workbook type (independent) but, somehow internally he has never learned to be an "independent learner/thinker". Robinson curriculum is mostly all independent work. He is not handling it well.

 

I would appreciate any input!

Thank you!!!!

[Hedgehog]

Well it sounds like you might need to try another curriculum - or maybe get a mix, as we and some others do (MCP for Spelling and Phonics, R&S for Grammar, Saxon for Math etc.)

 

I also have an 11yo, and we've been in and out of various homeschooling groups over the years, as we've moved from one place to another. In my short experience, I've seen that quite often, a child who has been in school for a time needs to take a complete break when they come out, to de-school. This doesn't mean doing nothing, it just means taking a break from education as they know it. They need to have the time to get out of the institution mindset, and given the chance to re-discover their curiosity and love of learning which I am almost certain your ds would have had as a preschooler.

 

De-schooling looks different to different people. If I was doing it with a child of that age, it would probably involve a lot of library visits, allowing my dc to choose books that interested him/her; a lot of walks, discussion, reading the news, and going out to places of culture and activity. Whet the appetite, so to speak. Later on, you can re-introduce Language Arts and Math. It won't necessarily take long, but I would be looking for a more relaxed attitude generally, more happiness, more curiosity, a willingness to participate in activities and the seedlings of the ability to self-teach and organise.

 

Actually, I just realised that what I've just described is one form of unschooling, which despite moving away from it for the most part, I still think has it's value at times. I am beginning to allow DD11 a little bit of rope in the choices department now, as she's getting older and is developing her own opinions about - everything, really! It's a way of keeping her interest.

 

I think the issues such as your ds's attention span will improve over time, unless you think there is some underlying concern there. I don't have any specific experience with things like that.

 

HTH some! :001_smile:

[SailorMom]

His ps experience sounds pretty normal - as does his reaction and his attitude. I'm not surprised that at this age he is having a tough time making the switch. My son just went from 6 years of hs-ing to ps 8th grade this year and he can't believe some of what he is seeing there.....

 

Anyway, I agree that he needs some de-schooling time. Don't fret over what he may miss for a few months (I'd say at least 3) - you'll more than make up for it later. You may want to have him just do math in the morning, and then let him do a project on something he is interrested in. Maybe have him pick a book for a book report. Watch Discovery Channle videos. That's about all he needs for a bit.

 

It really is a difficult switch for them - just as difficult as the opposite was for my son. Many of the kids in ps were never taught to be active in their education, nor did they learn any love of learning itself. There is certainly a mentality of "do the bare minimum". My DS has been absolutely shocked at his history and science classes: few of the kids care or know much at all. These are his favorite subjects :)

[redsquirrel]

Sounds a lot like an 11 year old. Let him dribble a basketball between subject. just set a timer. Ok, go shoot baskets for 15 mins! What is wrong with that? I do it with my boys all the time. I let my 10 year old run around the block in good weather. I live in the NE and we have a mini-trampoline that comes out in the cold. Hey, you did such a good job on that hard math you get to have a 10 min jumping break! My son will tell you it helps him to keep his focus. Adults don't sit at a desk all day. They get up, go to the bathroom, walk around, get coffee, etc, etc. Why would a growing child be able to sit any longer?

 

Working independently is a learned skill and PS doesn't teach it. I learned a lot from the SWB audio lecture available at Peace Hill press. You can get the audio lecture about teaching students to work indepenedently.

 

And oh my goodness, I wouldn't jump into the Robinson curriculum with a kid just pulled from public school! No. way. That is from one end of the spectrum to the other

[alexia]

Thank you so much for all your encouraging words.

I feel so much better knowing others had similar prob. when HSing previously pschooled kids. I naively thought my son didn't have any prob. and was an academically successful child. I just didn't realize what really occurs at PS, how low its expectations are for all kids.

 

My personality is somewhat serious and not too flexible. I read about different methods of education/HSing. I did try unschooling (prob. not the right way...lol) but, it's too difficult for me and I am afraid my son would do online games or watch dvds all day long...

From gleaning through few books and here on the forum I learned about different type of HSing. Like CM, Classical, TJ, LCC,RC, etc. one question I still struggle with is this.

 

Is learning (maybe better to term it education/academics) supposed to be fun? Even for older kids? When(what stage) or how much of the hard work is still needed and should be exercised enough for them to "later?" use those to learn independently? (does this make sense? I am still kind of confused trying to figure out different type of Hs philosphy.)

It seems in some circles "fun,entertaining"type of curr. or act. seems temporary and and real type of learning involve more of hard, challenging discipline work. Kind of stretching your mind...

But, then my question is if a child does not enjoy the book or curr. then isn't he pushed to look for external motivators? vs. if curr.or task is fun then he does it cause he likes it/enjoys it=intrinsic? no or yes?

 

It's esp. hard for me to discern knowing that my son was rarely or never challenged during his ps years. Don't I need to challenge him now that he's home? That was one of the reason I chose RC. I guess I need to deliver challenging content in more kid friendly type method. Am I right? And as my son hopefully changes to learn with intrinsic motivation then I can move him onto more "independent" type curriculum?

I was shocked to find out he did/does almost everything with exterior motivations like rewards, good grades, praise from he's teacher and piers.

 

I have stopped using RC for now. I have add on audio cds of SOTW, Diane Waring. He's favorite sub. is History! We are keeping K12/HO. Discovered through this forum Schlessinger (spelling?) videos at the library.

Saxon math is o.k. I still need grammar. I don't like too much religious (though I am christian but, not that "kind" of religious.) content in RS so I am looking at Hake/Saxon grammar. I am not sure if my son can handle 2 same type of curriculum. He doesn't really enjoy Saxon math but, not everything is supposed to be fun and easy right?

 

If all this curriculum changing doesn't work should I try BJU dvd? He did like the demo. But, if I do then would I deter him in the long run of becoming more of an independent learner?

Thank you for any input!

[Testimony]

What's his learning style? I always ask that question because I feel that the more you understand how your child takes in information, the better choices you can make with curricula.

 

A lot of the problems that you are having sound like adjustment issues. But you know your son.

 

Blessings,

Karen

[alexia]

THank you Karen, for posting.

He seems to be of auditory learner. I added sotw,Diane waring cds. I have also put on hold (at the library) Schlessinger and teaching com. cd or videos. But, is it o.k. to let him hear/watch so many of these? Shouldn't he be using mostly books? I am o.k. with audio but, video I still feel kind of uneasy.... But, he's so used to it from ps.

Edited December 14, 2010 by alexia

[alexia]

Well it sounds like you might need to try another curriculum - or maybe get a mix, as we and some others do (MCP for Spelling and Phonics, R&S for Grammar, Saxon for Math etc.)

 

I also have an 11yo, and we've been in and out of various homeschooling groups over the years, as we've moved from one place to another. In my short experience, I've seen that quite often, a child who has been in school for a time needs to take a complete break when they come out, to de-school. This doesn't mean doing nothing, it just means taking a break from education as they know it. They need to have the time to get out of the institution mindset, and given the chance to re-discover their curiosity and love of learning which I am almost certain your ds would have had as a preschooler.

 

De-schooling looks different to different people. If I was doing it with a child of that age, it would probably involve a lot of library visits, allowing my dc to choose books that interested him/her; a lot of walks, discussion, reading the news, and going out to places of culture and activity. Whet the appetite, so to speak. Later on, you can re-introduce Language Arts and Math. It won't necessarily take long, but I would be looking for a more relaxed attitude generally, more happiness, more curiosity, a willingness to participate in activities and the seedlings of the ability to self-teach and organise.

 

Actually, I just realised that what I've just described is one form of unschooling, which despite moving away from it for the most part, I still think has it's value at times. I am beginning to allow DD11 a little bit of rope in the choices department now, as she's getting older and is developing her own opinions about - everything, really! It's a way of keeping her interest.

 

I think the issues such as your ds's attention span will improve over time, unless you think there is some underlying concern there. I don't have any specific experience with things like that.

HTH some! :001_smile:

 

I maybe repeating myself...(i am still learning to manuever on this forum, I am not sure how to quote,etc..sorry!)

I guess in heart I want to do HS more with Unschooling way but, it reality I am not confident to actually implement it though.

 

I tend to think about the big picture in everything and I am not the type of person to just do something because it "works". I am not good at learning through trial and error. I think I can enjoy hs if I can be more flexible and see what "works" or clicks for each of my children.

 

Thank you again!

[alexia]

His ps experience sounds pretty normal - as does his reaction and his attitude. I'm not surprised that at this age he is having a tough time making the switch. My son just went from 6 years of hs-ing to ps 8th grade this year and he can't believe some of what he is seeing there.....

 

Anyway, I agree that he needs some de-schooling time. Don't fret over what he may miss for a few months (I'd say at least 3) - you'll more than make up for it later. You may want to have him just do math in the morning, and then let him do a project on something he is interrested in. Maybe have him pick a book for a book report. Watch Discovery Channle videos. That's about all he needs for a bit.

 

It really is a difficult switch for them - just as difficult as the opposite was for my son. Many of the kids in ps were never taught to be active in their education, nor did they learn any love of learning itself. There is certainly a mentality of "do the bare minimum". My DS has been absolutely shocked at his history and science classes: few of the kids care or know much at all. These are his favorite subjects :)

:iagree:I am just beginning to realize the "bare minimum" education he received at the PS. After all those years....he's so used to doing the minimum. I take comfort in the fact that my younger son does not show much of what I see in older ds.

I plan to bring home my dd (6yr.kinder) soon. As soon as I feel my ds 11 is adjusted to Hsing.

Thank you for your input!

Alexia

[5LittleMonkeys]

I have only been homeschooling for 2 1\2 years so take what I say with that in mind.

 

My oldest son (6th gr.) was in ps all his life (7yrs if you count the pre-k).

I brought him home 4 months ago and we are still struggling to adjust....

He always got almost all 4's, did great on CA. standarized tests, is identified gifted, his teachers raved about him at the parent conf. But, when I brought him home I was so shocked to find out all sorts of problems. Both personal issues and academic ones.I brought my dd11 home at the end of her 4th grade year of ps. She was getting As and Bs and was a favorite of the teachers. When I got her home I discovered she was really on a 2nd grade level in math and couldn't spell even simple 4 letter words. Her reading was also below level. Don't worry about where he should be...concentrate on where he is and meet him there.

 

Main one being the attention problem, have been conditioned to just do "enough" to get by or to get approval by a teacher or his pier. When he was done with all his work at ps he acted as TA to classmates or "staple" papers.... and he did that almost every year. (I found this out after a long talk with him why he hates to do anything too long or challenging.)

He takes so many breaks through out the day. Just dribbling basketball around the house, play with cards (he's into magic these days..) just can't sit still for too long. What do I do? Arrange his schedule to allow for these breaks. Even in ps dc have breaks. They move to art, music, recess, lunch, P.E., library, move about the classroom, go to the bathroom...the amount of moving around in ps is why homeschoolers can typically get the same amount of work done in a shorter day.

 

He has to be "told" what to do for every little thing. I thought since he is 11yr. old I expected him to do more independent work but, oh boy! My 3rd grade son also home for the 1st time this year is better at it.

I chose Robinson curriculum for him and it is too drastic of change for him. Ps curriculum has a lot of workbook type (independent) but, somehow internally he has never learned to be an "independent learner/thinker". Robinson curriculum is mostly all independent work. He is not handling it well.My dd11 is just this year doing more independent work but she still wants me to be available for questions and support. Working independently, for my dd, is a learned behavior and some dc have a very hard time with it. The "independent" work your ds was doing in ps probably required nothing more than fill in the blanks with words from a word bank, word searches, multiple choice reading comprehension and math problems which required the same formula or order of operations for an entire page of problems. No critical thinking or independent thought required. I would say that you are going to need to start out sitting with, and teaching all of his subjects for awhile. After just a short time you could start excusing yourself during the seatwork portion of some of his subjects but be close by and check in with him to let him know you are available. I would highly recommend a pp's suggestion to listen to SWB's lecture on dc working independently. http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/teaching-students-to-work-independently-mp3.html However, some subjects lend themselves well to never, or at least rarely, having any independent work. Science and history, for some homeschoolers, is best experienced through, discussion, debate and working on projects together.

 

I would appreciate any input!

Thank you!!!!

 

You need to give yourself and your ds time to explore the different avenues of homeschooling. Just because he did workbooks in school doesn't mean he wouldn't thrive using a more interest led method for your content subjects. My dd11 watches documentaries and movies as a springboard for interest projects in science. She hates history so if it weren't for documentaries and movies she would get very little in the way of history. Books aren't always the best method for every child and textbooks are definitely not good for some dc. As for your core subjects, instead of doing grammar out of a workbook look at doing some or all of the lessons on a whiteboard with him. Same with math. Of coarse he may love workbooks but just needs time to adjust to being home and having more required of him academically. If that is the case then I would perhaps give him some time off and then re-introduce his subjects only a few at a time, say 2 subjects every other week or until he is comfortable with the workload. Definitely include him in all of your research and planning. Show him all of the different types of curricula choices are out there, the different learning styles, the different methods for homeschooling. Ask him what he envisions as his ideal homeschooling experience. Get him to write out a schedule that he thinks would be conducive to your desires for rigorous academics and his need to have time to move around and relax, and then work together to make adjustments to it. If you can't switch curriculum right now (I've never seen Robinson Curriculum so can't comment on whether it is conducive or not) then try to find a way to tweak\modify it to work for your ds. You can get great advice on the boards for tweaking curriculum.

 

All in all, I would say you are probably doing fine for being 4 months out of ps. Just accept that this first year is going to be all about finding what works and doesn't work. Be flexible and open-minded. Don't be afraid to ditch something or tweak it beyond recognition if you don't feel it is effective. That goes for schedules too. His need to move about and take breaks may change several times a year...just go with it as long as he is keeping up his academics to your standards. Try to keep your ds in the loop with all of it though, as it will help to give him ownership of his own education.

 

Good luck in finding a groove your both happy with!

[alexia]

Aime, thank you so much!!!

Being flexible and open-minded seems to be the key! Gradually easing into it will make both of us more bearable too! I have been on his case everyday, making him miserable....But, somehow he still says he does not want to go back to PS. He was a star student there but, he'd rather HS.

I did get the SWB you mentioned and her writing lecture as well. I need to listen it few more times to really feel comfortable enought to try it! I am not a natural "teacher".

[5LittleMonkeys]

Is learning (maybe better to term it education/academics) supposed to be fun? Even for older kids? When(what stage) or how much of the hard work is still needed and should be exercised enough for them to "later?" use those to learn independently? (does this make sense? I am still kind of confused trying to figure out different type of Hs philosphy.)

It seems in some circles "fun,entertaining"type of curr. or act. seems temporary and and real type of learning involve more of hard, challenging discipline work. Kind of stretching your mind...

But, then my question is if a child does not enjoy the book or curr. then isn't he pushed to look for external motivators? vs. if curr.or task is fun then he does it cause he likes it/enjoys it=intrinsic? no or yes?When I first started out I tried to make everything fun but quickly realized that I couldn't keep up with it and that it wasn't teaching my dc the value of hard work and dedication. Our core subjects are our serious work. Math, Language Arts and Latin are serious business. That isn't to say that we don't enjoy them but they aren't fun and games. Science, history art and music are where my dc get to let loose and experiment, have fun, pursue personal preferences.

 

Using my dd 11 as the example: she hates history and unless it is visual or kinesthetic can not understand it. I tried literature based and textbook with her and she never, never pursued any other avenue of learning about history and didn't retain anything she was introduced to. Once I switched to an interest\project based method she took off with it. She doesn't follow any type of plan or schedule. If she wants to study about knights for a week or a month it is totally up to her. Once she feels her curiosity has been satisfied she can move onto another topic. I will provide her with documentaries and movies to pique her interest but where she takes that is up to her. Once I let go of the reigns she grabbed them. Having said that, it would be hard for me to teach the core subjects this way so I have worked very hard to accommodate her learning style within these subjects. Within each core subject I have to try to give her as much visual and kinesthetic opportunities as I can, but she knows that these are our serious subjects without which all other "fun" stuff will be unavailable.

 

It's esp. hard for me to discern knowing that my son was rarely or never challenged during his ps years. Don't I need to challenge him now that he's home? That was one of the reason I chose RC. I guess I need to deliver challenging content in more kid friendly type method. Am I right? YesAnd as my son hopefully changes to learn with intrinsic motivation then I can move him onto more "independent" type curriculum?Exactly, but keep in mind that he may not change as quickly as you want him to. One thing that has helped me is to look at long term goals instead of weekly or monthly or even yearly. I have tentative goals regarding where I want my dc to be academically by the time they hit 9th and then again by the time they hit 12th. That means I have 2 1\2 more years to get my dd11 to where she needs to be to begin high school studies.

I was shocked to find out he did/does almost everything with exterior motivations like rewards, good grades, praise from he's teacher and piers.There is nothing wrong with doing a good job because you want praise, it is a powerful motivator. I think doing a good job because it makes him feel good about himself will come though. I tell my dd all the time how proud she should be of herself instead of how proud I am of her. She is starting to base her work on how she feels about it instead of how she feels others will feel about it.

 

I have stopped using RC for now. I have add on audio cds of SOTW, Diane Waring. He's favorite sub. is History! We are keeping K12/HO. Discovered through this forum Schlessinger (spelling?) videos at the library.

Saxon math is o.k. I still need grammar. I don't like too much religious (though I am christian but, not that "kind" of religious.) content in RS so I am looking at Hake/Saxon grammar. I am not sure if my son can handle 2 same type of curriculum. He doesn't really enjoy Saxon math but, not everything is supposed to be fun and easy right? Fun and easy is one thing but making a dc use a curriculum that is not conducive to his learning style can be detrimental. I would use Saxon math until the end of the year but if he hates it and isn't doing well with it then keep looking at other programs with him until you find one that resonates with him. Have you checked out Cathy Duffy's review site? http://www.grovepublishing.com/ It can give you some ideas about different programs.

 

If all this curriculum changing doesn't work should I try BJU dvd? He did like the demo. But, if I do then would I deter him in the long run of becoming more of an independent learner? I'd like to caution you regarding switching curriculum. I mentioned in my other post not to be afraid of switching if something isn't working but I would say that giving something at least one semester (half a school year) is a good amount of time to determine if it truly is a bad fit. I'm sure there are more experienced hs'ers that can tell within a few weeks but my concern with an unmotivated dc is that they tend to think that as soon as something gets tough you ditch it. Not a good habit to get into.

Now as far as your concern about getting him to work independently: I would, for at least the rest of this year, be more concerned with concentrating on his ability to do the work according to his ability, being able to think critically and have independent, logical thoughts rather than pushing him to being able to work alone. If by working "independently" you mean sitting alone going through all of his subjects and only coming to you for checking\grading\correcting (basically self teaching) I think you might want to reconsider what an 11 year old is capable of; especially one coming out of ps. He is probably going to need a year or more before he is at the "working completely independently" level.

Thank you for any input!

 

Hope some of this helps in some way!

Edited December 14, 2010 by 5LittleMonkeys

[Corraleno]

Is learning (maybe better to term it education/academics) supposed to be fun? Even for older kids? When(what stage) or how much of the hard work is still needed and should be exercised enough for them to "later?" use those to learn independently?

 

He doesn't really enjoy Saxon math but, not everything is supposed to be fun and easy right?

"Hard" is not the opposite of "fun" — "boring" is the opposite of fun. Curriculum can be challenging and still be lots of fun, and it can also be easy and incredibly boring/not fun. In fact, I'd argue that this is especially likely to be the case with gifted kids. IME gifted kids have a much lower tolerance than most kids for slogging through material they find boring, and they tend to do much better with a challenging curriculum that has more variety and less drill/repetition/rote learning.

 

I have also put on hold (at the library) Schlessinger and teaching com. cd or videos. But, is it o.k. to let him hear/watch so many of these? Shouldn't he be using mostly books? I am o.k. with audio but, video I still feel kind of uneasy.... But, he's so used to it from ps.

A video lecture or documentary can provide just as much information as a book, and by providing that information both verbally and visually, it can actually be more effective for many kids; my son remembers far more of what he sees than what he reads. Teaching Co lectures and documentaries are a big part of our homeschool, and are very effective, especially because they're able to convey college-level content to a student who can process the content but could not read a college-level textbook (too small type, not enough illustrations, etc).

 

With a gifted kid, I would definitely try to include him in the planning and decisions about content, structure, scheduling, and curriculum. If he's used to being totally passive in PS, I'd try to get him to engage and take a more active role in the homeschooling process as a whole, rather than just expecting him to suddenly be able to work independently in subjects and materials he may have had little choice in.

 

Jackie

[lionfamily1999]

These things take time. Dd has only been home since October, but she is still getting to used to being independant and she's 13. I started off watching over her, for her own comfort (she felt like she was 'cheating' if I wasn't there). Then, one subject at a time, I started weaning her off of me. We still do math, grammar, vocabulary and logic together. She does the rest on her own.

 

Now, I will also say, if your son gets done with his work early, I'd let him have the rest of the day off (we don't do time mandates for any classes beyond required reading). Eventually, you could make a work week check list and let him know, if he gets the work for the week done he's done with that class for the week. Dd does this now for writing and has started sneaking ahead in math. What she does not know is that I bump up her work load as I see she can do more ;)

 

It's alright, give yourselves some time to adjust. It took a few years to get him to that point of dependency, it's going to take some time to teach him otherwise ;)

[PenKase]

Hi. I just wanted to "poke" my head in and say that I'm having a similar experience with my dd10 who got pulled out of ps in October. Although she exceeded ps expectations, school was just way too easy for her. Purposefully, although I decided against deschooling, I decided to slowly phase in her subjects. Right now she does math, MCT LA, history and tons of reading (I choose a book, she chooses a book). We will gradually add in more subjects starting in January. This has worked well for us so far.

 

Hope this helps some!! Good luck in your future endeavors. You have gotten some awesome advice thus far! I'm also all :bigear:.

[onaclairadeluna]

If he's a history fan I highly recommend teaching company courses.

 

FWIW. My son at 12 runs around at least as many minutes as he works. It helps him think. I limit things like Magic and D and D during the week (I let him do these at night AFTER all the work is done). Otherwise he doesn't focus as well.

 

There is a spectrum between unschooling and child led. I am most definitely not an unschooler (Writing is not an option, for example). However I try to get material that he is going to love so that I am not steering the ship all day long.

 

"Can I please listen to the Vikings mom?" "Yes dear, clear off the table first."

 

It can be helpful to have an idea of what's a priority. In our house my priority is to help my son learn to spell since he is dyslexic and its hard for him. His priority is math because he is good at it. So we start with that and then add as many things as we can. I tend to unschool history because he is so into it and does it on his own. And science too, though recently I have been needing to be a more involved with this. Lately I have been including more written work in these subjects because he needs to build his writing stamina.

 

I am not a big Saxon Fan.

 

http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm

 

This curriculum is free. I think it's cool. I also really like Singapore.

 

It might be that your son is not into math and Saxon is not the problem. But I would not have liked Saxon as a kid and I love math.

 

It takes time to figure out what is going to work. Sounds like you are doing all the right things.

[regentrude]

Alexia,

I am homeschooling my 11 y/o gifted son whom I pulled out of 5th grade ps because he was not challenged.

Is learning (maybe better to term it education/academics) supposed to be fun? Even for older kids? When(what stage) or how much of the hard work is still needed and should be exercised enough for them to "later?" use those to learn independently?

 

 

I believe learning should be fun. That does not mean that every day and every subject must be fun, and it does not mean one gets out of doing unpleasant things - but the whole atmosphere should be one of learning=fun and not school=duty.

I am a very academically minded person and very structured - yet I found myself giving DS a lot of freedom and at times almost unschooling him. Except for math, we are not using a set curriculum at all. We losely follow the suggestions of WTM for English and history and are currently on Medieval history. For science we assemble books from the library; I will start something more formal next semester.

My son gets to choose his own assignments, he just has to be working on some kind of project. He has done several oral presentations with power point visuals on topics from his history and science studies. He also writes about topics he is interested in.

He is much more motivated this way- he, too, was a minimalist in school who would not go beyond the required minimum. PS really brings out this trend.

DS works very independently, except for math which happens daily, he selects what he wants to study when. It balances out over time - there will be history phases, there will be science phases.

 

But, then my question is if a child does not enjoy the book or curr. then isn't he pushed to look for external motivators? vs. if curr.or task is fun then he does it cause he likes it/enjoys it=intrinsic? no or yes?

 

Yes, to force a kid to learn from resources he does not like requires a lot of motivation - for many kids external, though some have the necessary intrinsic motivation and are driven enough to still do well.

This said, with the freedom of homeschooling I see no point in using materials my children dislike - there are plenty of equally valuable books they might like and from which they could learn. So one big quest is to find stuff that works - and to not be afraid to discard curriculum that does not, even if other people rave about how great it is.

 

Don't I need to challenge him now that he's home? That was one of the reason I chose RC. I guess I need to deliver challenging content in more kid friendly type method. Am I right? And as my son hopefully changes to learn with intrinsic motivation then I can move him onto more "independent" type curriculum?

 

I believe you need to challenge him - but I do not think the RC works for everybody. For me, it would be a nightmare.

I find that a lot of intrinsic motivation happens when the child gets a say in what they want to learn. then independent work becomes easier, too.

With a gifted child fresh out of ps, I would stay away from all busywork and worksheets and have them learn in a less structured way.

 

I also think that independence goes along with maturity and that he needs to learn how to work independently after having been spoonfed in ps. It will come.

Good luck.

[LisaKinVA]

Just so you know... 11yo boys who have been homeschooled all their lives have these issues ;D

 

My oldest is 11. When he was in the 2nd grade I tried to go to a whole literature-based curriculum (not Robinson, but definitely classical WTM, whole-9 yards). It was a complete and total flop. I don't think he actually read more than 3 books that year. He *hated* it.

 

We switched back to a reader-type textbook approach, and he has really done much better (still is not a bookish boy, would rather do anything but school...but it's still better than it was that 2nd grade year!).

 

Next year, we are changing things again. I am going to give him a "fog year" (because he seems to be already in the fog... and I'm getting there late in the game). We are changing to MCT which is a HUGE deal for me, because it will be just the two of us doing these lessons, more oral... not work-booky at all. (I'm a workbook kind of gal!). We are also doing a transition year for history (VP press cards, chants, SOTW on audio, and books, and timeline...only "tests" are knowing those chants! He will have to write a brief narration for what he read that day/listened to... I will be employing LOTS of audio books. They work GREAT for him.). Literature, we will do Abeka as a spine and 4 Progeny Press Guides (his book choices). Math... Lord! I hope he's ready for Algebra, but I'll guess we'll see...LOF Algebra I, maybe a little AOPS, Chalkdust...whatever works. I will be signing him up for the VP Secondary Latin I course. This is very important to me. I am ordering one of the MCT levels used tomorrow.

 

I meet each year with this child with fear and trepidation. I do not worry nearly as much about the other 4... hardly seems fair.

 

So to sum... part of what you are dealing with is personality. Part of it is conditioning. You are going to have to work within his personality (and workbooks may just be an intermediate step to bigger, better things), while you re-condition the expectations.

 

FWIW, high expectations + good textbooks + good followthrough will equal a much better education than high expectations + good books and poor follow through. Best wishes!

[alexia]

Aime,

I really appreciate all your input. You guys are so kind and helpful for a newbie like myself.

I am learning a long as I try to Hs. But, I need to remember to take it slow and look at long term goals.

Thank you again!!!!

[alexia]

"Hard" is not the opposite of "fun" — "boring" is the opposite of fun. Curriculum can be challenging and still be lots of fun, and it can also be easy and incredibly boring/not fun. In fact, I'd argue that this is especially likely to be the case with gifted kids. IME gifted kids have a much lower tolerance than most kids for slogging through material they find boring, and they tend to do much better with a challenging curriculum that has more variety and less drill/repetition/rote learning.

 

 

Jackie

 

This is helpful "challenging curriculum that has more variety and less drill/repetition/rote learning." Hmmm, I might need to rethink about Saxon Math. He says he understands the concepts but, keeps on making so many careless mistakes.... Math used to be his favorite subject up until @3rd grade, then it became "boring" for him. I don't know the real reason behind it though.

[Corraleno]

He doesn't really enjoy Saxon math but, not everything is supposed to be fun and easy right?

Can I make a math suggestion? Look at Life of Fred and see if that might be something he'd enjoy. It's done independently (students read the story and do the math as they go along), and it's both rigorous and really really funny. That might kill 2 birds with one stone for you: getting him to work more independently, and making math fun while still challenging him. I'd start with the Fractions and Decimals books, even if you think he "already knows that stuff," just to get him used to the format and ease him into independent work. Fred is so funny that doing math becomes it's own reward, so it may help in that area as well.

 

(If you haven't heard of Life of Fred before, search the boards for Fred or LOF and you will find lots of threads.)

 

Jackie

[Testimony]

THank you Karen, for posting.

He seems to be of auditory learner. I added sotw,Diane waring cds. I have also put on hold (at the library) Schlessinger and teaching com. cd or videos. But, is it o.k. to let him hear/watch so many of these? Shouldn't he be using mostly books? I am o.k. with audio but, video I still feel kind of uneasy.... But, he's so used to it from ps.

 

Hi Alexia!

 

I do not think that there is anything wrong with this method. I would get more books on tape... Wait. Here's what I do: I have my children listen to books on CDs. I find the book online or check it out at the library. I have my child follow along with the book. If the book is online and they are hearing it, then you will follow his learning style. Have him narrate back to you what he has heard. Have him read books, etc. Still combine the rest of the senses into his learning process, but his dominant learning style is auditory. You can incorporate it. As long as you know what his dominant learning style is. You don't do all your teaching from an auditory style, but a larger amount than the others. I hope I am explaining myself properly.

 

For example, read to the child his books or have him read aloud his math to you. But have him do logic from a workbook. I hope the example was a better explanation or did I confuse you more?

 

Blessings in your homeschooling journey!

 

Sincerely,

Karen

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimony

[Capt_Uhura]

My oldest son (6th gr.) was in ps all his life (7yrs if you count the pre-k).

I brought him home 4 months ago and we are still struggling to adjust....

He always got almost all 4's, did great on CA. standarized tests, is identified gifted, his teachers raved about him at the parent conf. But, when I brought him home I was so shocked to find out all sorts of problems. Both personal issues and academic ones.

 

Main one being the attention problem, have been conditioned to just do "enough" to get by or to get approval by a teacher or his pier. When he was done with all his work at ps he acted as TA to classmates or "staple" papers.... and he did that almost every year. (I found this out after a long talk with him why he hates to do anything too long or challenging.)

He takes so many breaks through out the day. Just dribbling basketball around the house, play with cards (he's into magic these days..) just can't sit still for too long. What do I do?

 

He has to be "told" what to do for every little thing. I thought since he is 11yr. old I expected him to do more independent work but, oh boy! My 3rd grade son also home for the 1st time this year is better at it.

I chose Robinson curriculum for him and it is too drastic of change for him. Ps curriculum has a lot of workbook type (independent) but, somehow internally he has never learned to be an "independent learner/thinker". Robinson curriculum is mostly all independent work. He is not handling it well.

 

I would appreciate any input!

Thank you!!!!

 

Sigh...... My DS, similar to yours, was in PS for K-2nd grade. When I brought him home for 3rd grade, I observed the EXACT same thing you described. I spoke about it in MomtoBostic's (sp???) thread in this forum. He never had to focus for more than 5min in the classroom. This was kid who had an incredibly long attention span well beyond his years until he went to school. I cried and cried. He too gets up and wanders around the house. He's now in 5th grade and this is our 3rd year HSIng. I can say it has gotten much, much better but I'll aways regret sending him to school b/c I feel those ages K-2 were critical developmentally. A teacher said once that a child's whole outlook about school is developing in K-1. I'm beginning to believe that. Now after 3years, I see it wearing off but Alexis, that first year HSing was HARD, HARD, HARD. Did I mention it was hard? Even though it was something he wanted, he just couldn't focus more than 5min. It was physically and mentally exhausting for him. I even had him tested by a psych and he mentioned how DS fatigued during the test and DS would scored even higher if he had tested over 2 days. As I said, it is now much, much better and I hadn't actually thought about this until I began posting to MomtoBostic so I guess I've gotten over it. :glare:

 

For now, I would definitely ask DS what he wants to learn about in science and history. Go to the library, get some books, get some videos, read them together, watch the DVDs together. I thought my son had the summer to decompress from being in PS but I think he needed longer.

 

I haven't yet read any of the posts or if you've provided more info so I'm sorry if I"m way off base. I'll check back tomorrow.

 

I see our kids are close in ages. I have DS10.5, DS7.5, DDalmost4. DS7.5 went to PS for K b/c he wanted to and I figured I wanted the year w/ the baby and only DSthen8 at home. This is my 3rd year HSing the oldest and my 2nd year HSing DS7.5.

 

I'm not at all familiar w/ Robinson Curriculum. I can say the one HUGE, HUGE hit in our house is Michael Clay Thompson language arts curriculum.

Capt_Uhura

Edited December 15, 2010 by Capt_Uhura
adding ages of kids

[alexia]

onaclairadeluna,

 

Thank you for that math website! Like you said I want so much for my son to be challenged and enjoy learning. I appreciate all your advice!!!

Edited December 15, 2010 by alexia

[alexia]

Karen,

I never even thought of reading his math book aloud. I'll try that.

I also like your ideal on having him narrate what he heard on cd. He is really enjoying just listening to Aplogia General Science before he goes to bed every night. As I am typing this he just came to me and "narrated" part about placebo. I guess when he takes in materials that fits he's learning style, he naturally want to share it with me. He really encouraged me just now!!!

[alexia]

Sigh...... My DS, similar to yours, was in PS for K-2nd grade. When I brought him home for 3rd grade, I observed the EXACT same thing you described. I spoke about it in MomtoBostic's (sp???) thread in this forum. He never had to focus for more than 5min in the classroom. This was kid who had an incredibly long attention span well beyond his years until he went to school. I cried and cried. He too gets up and wanders around the house. He's now in 5th grade and this is our 3rd year HSIng. I can say it has gotten much, much better but I'll aways regret sending him to school b/c I feel those ages K-2 were critical developmentally. A teacher said once that a child's whole outlook about school is developing in K-1. I'm beginning to believe that. Now after 3years, I see it wearing off but Alexis, that first year HSing was HARD, HARD, HARD. Did I mention it was hard? Even though it was something he wanted, he just couldn't focus more than 5min. It was physically and mentally exhausting for him. I even had him tested by a psych and he mentioned how DS fatigued during the test and DS would scored even higher if he had tested over 2 days. As I said, it is now much, much better and I hadn't actually thought about this until I began posting to MomtoBostic so I guess I've gotten over it. :glare:

 

For now, I would definitely ask DS what he wants to learn about in science and history. Go to the library, get some books, get some videos, read them together, watch the DVDs together. I thought my son had the summer to decompress from being in PS but I think he needed longer.

 

I haven't yet read any of the posts or if you've provided more info so I'm sorry if I"m way off base. I'll check back tomorrow.

 

I see our kids are close in ages. I have DS10.5, DS7.5, DDalmost4. DS7.5 went to PS for K b/c he wanted to and I figured I wanted the year w/ the baby and only DSthen8 at home. This is my 3rd year HSing the oldest and my 2nd year HSing DS7.5.

 

I'm not at all familiar w/ Robinson Curriculum. I can say the one HUGE, HUGE hit in our house is Michael Clay Thompson language arts curriculum.

Capt_Uhura

 

Thank you so much for your input!!

Yes, I did go ahead and read MomtoBostic's posts. Do we all have same kids or what!!! I even let my son read some and he smiled as well. He was comforted to know he was not alone. Wow, 3 years! I do realize more and more that this is really going to be a slow processes. But, knowing this actually relaxes me and look further down the line. so thank you for emphasizing that it is going to be hard!

 

I struggle a lot with myself as well. I feel very inadequate to teach my kids. English is my 2nd language and writing/grammar were my worst subject area in school. I will look into MCT you recommended, I can see almost everyone just loves MCT here. Is it teacher intensive? Does it require a parent to have great english background knowledge?

I thought about going for CLE because it seems like pretty thorough and independent work. But after what somethinking it does not seem like the type of curriculum my ds would enjoy.

 

GTG. but, thank again for your input!!!

Alexia

[alexia]

I just wanted to thank you for your advice, wisdom and kindness. You all have encouraged both my son and I. (he read some of your posts too!)

I realize I need to slow down and share a book or an activity with my son more that trying to force some type of "great" curriculum on him.

Hopefully I can find the right type of learning curr. and tools for each of my kids. I will welcome my ds for his input as well.

 

I will spend much more needed time here on the forum....

 

Warm regards,

Alexia

[PeterPan]

Functioning independently and being self-taught are not one in the same. One can work independently with the BJU dvd's. Are you giving him a daily checklist? Pretty hard to be independent if you're waiting for your mom to tell you the next thing. If he hates Saxon, toss it. Life is WAY too short to screw around with a math curriculum he utterly hates. There are so many math curricula, no reason to stay put. CLE, Horizons, Math Mammoth, Singapore, all of these have samples he can look at online and placement tests. The placement tests give you a really good feel for the differences in the curricula, helping you find a good fit.

 

You'll get there. You just need to work together on finding a good fit. He's not in hard enough material to say it's just his character and that he needs to grin and bear it. He's still at the place where fit matters. Tweak till you find it. You'll get there. :)

[alexia]

Jackie,

Thank you!!!

I will check out the Lof math. It sounds very interesting.

[alexia]

OhElizabeth,

I started with a check list on the whiteboard in our living room but, since he wasn't so fond of RC booklist/vocab.worksheet he started to take so many breaks.....just never got done. He is pretty advanced in math but, he makes so many careless mistakes. Like wrong decimal placement, his basic math fact (even addition) wrong once in a while. So I thought he needed more review, drill so I chose Saxon. I am looking into other math curr. I do have MM. I want to find out the reasons behind his mistakes before I decide on a wrong curr. again.

I will check out the ones you mentioned and Lof (Jackie recomm.).

And like I said earlier if all this doesn't work out I might go for BJU.

Thanks again.

Alexia

[PeterPan]

Ok, I'll say this, I don't believe in careless mistakes. If it's a careless mistake, all you have to do is motivate him to work more accurately, a topic on which there have been numerous threads here. I think a lot of times careless mistakes are a sign the student hasn't mastered the material as well as we think. There's a difference between what they really know and can do on their own vs. what they can do when we walk them through it and are there prodding, hint hint. I'd give him a placement test, like for MM, and WALK AWAY. Whatever he gets is his score, and place him there. Sometimes backing up is how you go forward.

 

Oh mercy, no crime in not liking RC. What a soul-sucking way to school a child! Clearly you were drawn to it, but what would have been a good fit for *you* in school isn't necessarily going to fit him. Have you thought about just taking him to the juvenile non-fiction section of your library and telling him to get three books to read and make notebooking pages on? We're doing a Vicki Cobb book "Light Action!" I had seen recommended here, and her stuff is SO wonderful. You don't have to be stuck in the mud of old books and b&w pages to learn something. Break free! He hates the books? Sell it and move on. There are so many great books in the world.

 

I like BJU a lot btw, but I don't see how putting him in BJU straight is an answer either. It's just reactionary. You need to work through the process and learn how to teach, learn how to use everyday and enjoyable things to build the skills he needs. Have you read WTM yet? It is the PREMIER way to learn how to do this!!! If you haven't read it yet, you really want to. You don't have to read the whole book (It's thick!), just the sections that apply. Have you been to a homeschool convention yet? You really should start looking for which ones will be near you. http://www.cincinnatihomeschoolconvention.com is AMAZING, and the organizers are putting together three other, equally fabulous conventions around the country this year!!! They'll be in late March, early April. You could do some ecclectic things, transition, find how you like to work together, and get great ideas in March for how to go a bit more formal. You're barely scratching the surface yet of your options.

 

As far as that schedule, a checklist on the board might work for some kids, but others would do better with a sheet of paper. Have you ever looked at the sample pages for the IG (instructor's guide) for SL? Their tables are set up particularly nicely. You can make a table in the spreadsheet or word software on your computer. I have a mac, so it makes them particularly snazzy. Either way, I'd make him a beautiful printed checklist, with boxes for each thing. I've used all kinds over the years: daily, weekly, a list, a table, etc. Boys like to be independent and manly, not looking to their mothers for everything. (Say I whose boy is 2, haha.) You want to nurture that psychology. I think SL has it all wrong when they say "The way you wish you had been taught." It's not about how you would have liked to have been taught in school but how HE needs to be interacted with to bring out his best. And sometimes those styles, the work styles, learning styles, thinking styles, writing styles, are polar OPPOSITES. The wise parent starts to think through that and see the difference. Books like the ones from Cathy Duffy (highly, highly recommend) or Cynthia Tobias can help with this! Duffy's books should be at your local library, and they would help you identify his learning style, yours, and then see how YOUR work style results in the materials you prefer and HIS leads to the type he needs. Then you try to mesh those, finding materials you both can live with.

 

Just something to think about! :)

[alexia]

Ok, I'll say this, I don't believe in careless mistakes. If it's a careless mistake, all you have to do is motivate him to work more accurately, a topic on which there have been numerous threads here. I think a lot of times careless mistakes are a sign the student hasn't mastered the material as well as we think. There's a difference between what they really know and can do on their own vs. what they can do when we walk them through it and are there prodding, hint hint. I'd give him a placement test, like for MM, and WALK AWAY. Whatever he gets is his score, and place him there. Sometimes backing up is how you go forward.

 

Oh mercy, no crime in not liking RC. What a soul-sucking way to school a child! Clearly you were drawn to it, but what would have been a good fit for *you* in school isn't necessarily going to fit him. Have you thought about just taking him to the juvenile non-fiction section of your library and telling him to get three books to read and make notebooking pages on? We're doing a Vicki Cobb book "Light Action!" I had seen recommended here, and her stuff is SO wonderful. You don't have to be stuck in the mud of old books and b&w pages to learn something. Break free! He hates the books? Sell it and move on. There are so many great books in the world.

 

I like BJU a lot btw, but I don't see how putting him in BJU straight is an answer either. It's just reactionary. You need to work through the process and learn how to teach, learn how to use everyday and enjoyable things to build the skills he needs. Have you read WTM yet? It is the PREMIER way to learn how to do this!!! If you haven't read it yet, you really want to. You don't have to read the whole book (It's thick!), just the sections that apply. Have you been to a homeschool convention yet? You really should start looking for which ones will be near you. http://www.cincinnatihomeschoolconvention.com is AMAZING, and the organizers are putting together three other, equally fabulous conventions around the country this year!!! They'll be in late March, early April. You could do some ecclectic things, transition, find how you like to work together, and get great ideas in March for how to go a bit more formal. You're barely scratching the surface yet of your options.

 

As far as that schedule, a checklist on the board might work for some kids, but others would do better with a sheet of paper. Have you ever looked at the sample pages for the IG (instructor's guide) for SL? Their tables are set up particularly nicely. You can make a table in the spreadsheet or word software on your computer. I have a mac, so it makes them particularly snazzy. Either way, I'd make him a beautiful printed checklist, with boxes for each thing. I've used all kinds over the years: daily, weekly, a list, a table, etc. Boys like to be independent and manly, not looking to their mothers for everything. (Say I whose boy is 2, haha.) You want to nurture that psychology. I think SL has it all wrong when they say "The way you wish you had been taught." It's not about how you would have liked to have been taught in school but how HE needs to be interacted with to bring out his best. And sometimes those styles, the work styles, learning styles, thinking styles, writing styles, are polar OPPOSITES. The wise parent starts to think through that and see the difference. Books like the ones from Cathy Duffy (highly, highly recommend) or Cynthia Tobias can help with this! Duffy's books should be at your local library, and they would help you identify his learning style, yours, and then see how YOUR work style results in the materials you prefer and HIS leads to the type he needs. Then you try to mesh those, finding materials you both can live with.

 

Just something to think about! :)

Thaks OhElizabeh,

Since I feel so inadquate being a teacher I am so tempted to find a curriculum that would almost "replace" me as a teacher. But, like you said there is no way around that!

Yes, I did looked at SL, their IG. And thank you for explaining @learning styles...I will try to do some reading on 2 recommended resources you mentioned.

I might get SCM planner it looks easy enough to use even for a non-comp. tech. like myself. Just weighing the cost if its worth it.

Thank you so much !!!!

[Capt_Uhura]

I struggle a lot with myself as well. I feel very inadequate to teach my kids. English is my 2nd language and writing/grammar were my worst subject area in school. I will look into MCT you recommended, I can see almost everyone just loves MCT here. Is it teacher intensive? Does it require a parent to have great english background knowledge?

 

Alexia

 

No one curriculum works for every child or teacher. Many love MCT and many run from it screaming. :lol: MCT is great for my boys for the following reasons. My oldest hates workbooks. We did Growing with Grammar and we checked the list called it done. There was no light, no fire. We switched to MCT. Now all 3 of us snuggle on the couch and read through Paragraph Town together. We discuss the pictures. We discuss how MCT uses the text to illustrate the points and my boys laugh and laugh. They enjoy reading the parts of the characters. heck, that's read aloud skills for my 2nd grader! They love language now. My 2nd grader says "I love grammar! Can we do that first?" They enjoyed the poetry and we enjoy reading poetry books together. It really is a do w/ parent, sit and read on the couch program. It is not for independent, read on your own work. Some kids hate the discussion and do better with an independent workbook. You just have to figure out your kid and go from there.

 

As for as English being your second language. I don't know. It is not as spelled out as other curricula out there. I was a scientist so I wouldn't say I have a strong language arts background. I've gotten a few resource books. I bought Warriner's Composition and Grammar book used. It is recommended by SWB and MCT. I also use Rex Bark's for diagramming. There is also this board if you have questions as well as the MCT messageboard.

[alexia]

Thanks! I will take a look at the sample on their website and do search here on the board.

Alexia

[PeterPan]

I missed the part about english being your 2nd language! You might want to look for online or co-op classes to help with writing.

[HeidiKC]

Jackie,

Thank you!!!

I will check out the Lof math. It sounds very interesting.

 

I was going to suggest this as well. My son sounds a bit similar to yours. Pulled him out after 4th grade for similar reasons, he doesn't want to work hard at ALL, etc. We are using Saxon, which he used at school so he's ok with it but it isn't his favorite (too much thinking, you know). Interestingly, he's gotten MUCH sloppier (careless errors with borrowing/carrying!) since he's been doing math with me. GRRRR!!!! But we do Life of Fred on Fridays - and he LOVES it. I even caught him READING AHEAD last week! He thinks it is so funny. It's cheap, too.

 

We are using R&S English, and while it is Christian, I have not found anything that seems that it might offend/annoy people. It is more things like this, "Brother John read the Bible to us today". And there's not a lot of it. Maybe a sentence like that every other few lessons? I haven't even come across much about Jesus other than things like "Jesus healed the leper". Anyway, I mention this because my son doesn't seem to mind it too much since we do almost all of it orally. He likes spending the time with me, and definitely prefers answering orally instead of writing the answers (did I mention he's lazy?!). I don't know if that appeals to you, but it's working great for us. And some of the sentence examples crack us up, since they are rather old-fashioned. Adds a bit of humor!

[redsquirrel]

My son was making careless errors. I fixed it easily. I gave him my defintions of what a 'careless error' is. For example, wandering off in the middle of a problem and not finishing is a careless error. Not adding in a 'carried' number is careless. There were about 5 things that I labeled as careless. Not surprisingly, they were the errors he was making all the time. I wanted to differentiate between an error of not understanding the problem or doing incorrectly because he was learning versus just being lazy. I am not ever going to penalize a wrong answer made with good effort.

 

I sat him down to do his math and I pulled out a bag of chocolate chips. I should mention that we don't get much sugar in this house. I put down a line of chips in front of him, one for every problem. I told him that for every question he got correct he got a chip. For every question he got wrong due to a careless error he had to hand one over to ME.

 

I think I got seven chips that first day. I haven't had one since. :lol:

 

See, homeschooling can be fun...you get chocolate chips, lol!

[fairfarmhand]

Thank you so much for all your encouraging words.

I feel so much better knowing others had similar prob. when HSing previously pschooled kids. I naively thought my son didn't have any prob. and was an academically successful child. I just didn't realize what really occurs at PS, how low its expectations are for all kids.

 

My personality is somewhat serious and not too flexible. I read about different methods of education/HSing. I did try unschooling (prob. not the right way...lol) but, it's too difficult for me and I am afraid my son would do online games or watch dvds all day long...

From gleaning through few books and here on the forum I learned about different type of HSing. Like CM, Classical, TJ, LCC,RC, etc. one question I still struggle with is this.

 

Is learning (maybe better to term it education/academics) supposed to be fun? Even for older kids? When(what stage) or how much of the hard work is still needed and should be exercised enough for them to "later?" use those to learn independently? (does this make sense? I am still kind of confused trying to figure out different type of Hs philosphy.)

It seems in some circles "fun,entertaining"type of curr. or act. seems temporary and and real type of learning involve more of hard, challenging discipline work. Kind of stretching your mind...

But, then my question is if a child does not enjoy the book or curr. then isn't he pushed to look for external motivators? vs. if curr.or task is fun then he does it cause he likes it/enjoys it=intrinsic? no or yes?

 

It's esp. hard for me to discern knowing that my son was rarely or never challenged during his ps years. Don't I need to challenge him now that he's home? That was one of the reason I chose RC. I guess I need to deliver challenging content in more kid friendly type method. Am I right? And as my son hopefully changes to learn with intrinsic motivation then I can move him onto more "independent" type curriculum?

I was shocked to find out he did/does almost everything with exterior motivations like rewards, good grades, praise from he's teacher and piers.

 

I have stopped using RC for now. I have add on audio cds of SOTW, Diane Waring. He's favorite sub. is History! We are keeping K12/HO. Discovered through this forum Schlessinger (spelling?) videos at the library.

Saxon math is o.k. I still need grammar. I don't like too much religious (though I am christian but, not that "kind" of religious.) content in RS so I am looking at Hake/Saxon grammar. I am not sure if my son can handle 2 same type of curriculum. He doesn't really enjoy Saxon math but, not everything is supposed to be fun and easy right?

 

If all this curriculum changing doesn't work should I try BJU dvd? He did like the demo. But, if I do then would I deter him in the long run of becoming more of an independent learner?

Thank you for any input!

 

look into Easy Grammar...

[Capt_Uhura]

I think I got seven chips that first day. I haven't had one since. :lol:

 

See, homeschooling can be fun...you get chocolate chips, lol!

 

:lol:

[pbjmeyer]

THank you Karen, for posting.

He seems to be of auditory learner. I added sotw,Diane waring cds. I have also put on hold (at the library) Schlessinger and teaching com. cd or videos. But, is it o.k. to let him hear/watch so many of these? Shouldn't he be using mostly books? I am o.k. with audio but, video I still feel kind of uneasy.... But, he's so used to it from ps.

 

This video series is fantastic. Since you are getting them from the library, look for books in the same topic to read after seeing the video They don't have to be hard books - just interesting ones. The ones that are from 32 to 64 pages are short enough to hold interest and not too detailed to overwhelm or bore.

 

One of the things you are trying to accomplish during this adjustment period is to re-ignite love of learning and for him to realize that there are topics he wants to learn more about.

 

Most of the Schlessinger videos are humorous, and interesting. However, just a warning, there are some that are real snoozers!