Lit class, or keep my plans??

[MrsH]

I'd love some help on thinking through the best choice for dd12. Academically, we want her to be ready to enter the honors program at the high school in two years, though we may or may not actually do that when the time comes. Socially, she's feeling lonely and like she doesn't have many friends. I think this is pretty accurate, but we're both a bit mystified as to the reason for it. She's very outgoing and participates in many things, but just hasn't been able to pull those friendship into regular "circles" where she actually hangs out socially with other kids.

 

A great literature class in the area has openings. I've heard fantastic things about the facilitator and the depth of discussions that take place. She incorporates writing, including ensuring they can all do the basic 5 paragraph essay (dd isn't a strong writer and can stand some instruction on it, but she's not super weak either). It's close enough to our home that dd can get there and back on her own (so maybe she'll finally find some local kids her age??), and the price is right.

 

The only drawback? It's all year and will focus on medieval literature, while we plan to do modern this year in history (so far she's done early modern, ancient, and middle ages, in that order). Realistically, dd doesn't read quickly enough to do any literature on top of the class (maybe a couple of books over breaks and during the summer?), on top of her non-fiction science and history material, and whatever she gets assigned in co-op.

 

I'm having a hard time shrugging my shoulders to the literature that I'd planned, and the way it would enhance her history studies. Thoughts?

[aaplank]

Assuming that this class is once a week, I don't think there will be enough social impact to outweigh what you are already planning on doing with Literature. Unless there was a lunch time built in or outside field trips planned, I think you should look elsewhere for a social group to belong to and keep doing what you planned for Lit.

[Lori D.]

Just some questions to help you think through what best helps your short-term and long-term goals -- I'm not really taking the social aspect into consideration (which I would see as a "nice bonus", but not the prime reason to take this particular class). Instead I am asking questions to help you focus on the academic rigor and potential future benefit of the class, vs. home study, for Literature:

 

 

Can you talk to the instructor and ask to see some samples of the work the class will do, and what the instructor will be covering? That would give you the ability to compare depth of what you had planned vs. what the class would provide as far as Literature topics, literary analysis, and writing instruction.

 

How much at-home work will there be each week? (reading, thinking questions/assignments, writing) -- How much total time (commuting, class time, and homework) will the class take out of your schedule, and are the overall benefits worth that amount of time for your family?

 

Also consider the kinds of focus the instructor will have -- probably different types of things than what you would include in your home Literature study. Is that of interest, or would that be of special benefit to your family?

 

Students often work harder (esp. with writing) for an outside teacher than for mom-teacher (at least, more than one mom told me that when I was teaching a Lit & Writing class at our homeschool co-op ;) ). And, it's very nice for moms to get an outside set of eyes on your student's work, esp. writing. Teachers often can provide new "tools" for writing that really benefit students, and that moms may not have known about or thought to include in teaching writing at home.

 

Would doing one outside class right now be helpful prep for all-outside-the-home honors high school in 2 years? Or would doing 1-2 classes NEXT year be enough advance preparation?

 

What books were you planning for Lit. this year to go with your Modern History? Could a few be switched to evening family read alouds, and a few others switched to summer reading for DD, and not worry about the rest?

 

What about extending your schooling by just 30 minutes 3-4x/week this year and doing a number of those Modern books *aloud together*, and make this an intensive study year, in preparation for the level of work for honors high school? Or, can you drop something else that is not quite as high on the list of priorities, and use the time you would have spent on that, to do your Modern Lit/History studies?

 

How hard would it be to withdraw from the class if, after a month, you and DD are finding it does NOT live up to your expectations? Could you then jump back into fully with your original Lit/History plans?

 

A really tough thought: If, after previewing materials and talking with the teacher you feel the class would be of high interest and good for meeting your goals, BUT you really want the Lit. & History to match up for enhanced studies… how difficult would it be -- or how flexible are you willing to be -- to switch YOUR History studies to match the time frame of the Literature class, if you really want to do a History/Lit combined study this year?

 

Most importantly of all -- what does DD think or want? Is she looking forward to Modern times, and some of the books she'd be doing for Modern Lit? Does she WANT to do Medieval again, right after having finished a round of Medieval? Has she already done a number of the books in your previous study of Middle Ages -- and if so, would that be frustrating/boring to DD to re-do those books -- or would it make it easier for DD, having had previous exposure? And, during those "repeat" books you would likely have more time at home to go more in-depth with your Modern Lit/History studies...

 

 

Hope that ultimately more questions help you come up with the pros/cons of your 2 options, and help you think through which option best helps your family reach both your short-term AND long-term goals! :) Warmest regards, Lori D.

[lmrich]

Does the center offer other classes as well? 

 

I teach at a hybrid school (Literature for the Middle Ages - actually), and I have seen that the kids who take more than 1 class and stay for lunch actually make friends. We plan lots of socials and outings for the kids as well. 

[Coco_Clark]

If the main draw is social (and it seems like it is) I'm not sure this will help. Close friendships are rarely built off of group settings like a reading group. You may initially MEET kids there, but it sounds like she already MEETS kids (very outgoing, participates in many things). I'd encourage her to pick a girl or two she enjoys from one of her already standing activities and invite them over (to craft, for a movie, ect).