Well, what we have done this week has been pretty light. Math, grammar, light reading, the first chapter of SOTW and spelling. They have done small portions of each topic. We start at 9:30 have 1 1/2 hours for lunch then we really should be done by 1:30-2:00. I have let them chose what they want to do and when. I remind them that it doesn't have to take all day, as soon as we're done they can go play. DS 7 gets frustrated if its too hard, yet gets frustrated if its too easy. I don't restrict him to sitting in a desk, he has freedom to move and wiggle. But he just sits there and makes funny faces, makes crude noises, sings songs he's made up and does everything he can to distract his brother. It isn't until his brother is done, that he decides he better do some work or he will be in the classroom all night! The classroom was his idea, so he could focus better at school. He is in 2nd grade, he is a smart kid but strong willed.
Really, I expect him to try. He doesn't even try, I will show him his work he will look at me and tell me he's not going to do it and proceed to put on his show. This is how the entire morning goes. It's only until my oldest leaves the room that he will pull himself together. We struggled a bit last year, but this year is over the top.