I never know what each year is going to bring homeschooling. This year when I knew I was going to homeschool all three boys I had no idea that little sister was going to be home with us too. She is four, talks a mile a minute, never is quiet, loves Barbies, horses and anything pink. She is a hand full to say the least. I can hear her upstairs now talking to ANYTHING that will listen. When I talk to her about being quiet she just says she "has to talk" or "loves to talk" or must get at least 4 million 5 hundred thousand words out in one day.
She is exhausting.
One thing that has emerged quickly this year is my children’s different learning styles. Some stay on task quite easily. Some think quietly, some out loud. Some get up at the crack of dawn to finish first. Some take most of the morning. It’s wonderful to be learning them so well.
One thing that has emerged with my oldest son is his abilty and inability to learn spelling words. We began the year with Abeka spelling but after just two weeks that’s been put aside. We have been using AVKO Sequencial Spelling alongside of Abeka but now it’s our only spelling. It makes sense to him (and to me) where as just memorizing spelling words doesn’t. I’d recommend it to anyone!
Another thing I discovered this week is what a wonderful tool the dry erase board is for him. Math has been a challenge when worked out on paper with a pencil but the dry erase board? MAGIC!! There’s something about the size of it that seems to grab and hold his attention so much better than a small piece of paper.
YIPPEE!!
I’ve tried several things because my oldest is very wiggly. We tried holding silly putty while working. That didn’t work and took all his attention away from the task at hand. We tried sitting on a yoga ball so he could bounce while working. Might be a good idea for some but he was all over the place.
I’m learning that he needs something to grab his attention, not necessarily allow movement. Thus, typing works (we’re using AVKO again for that – it’s called Indivualized Keyboarding), the dry erase board works, and we’re doing our AVKO Sequential Spelling at the dry erase board too! I like that with this particular curriculum you correct misspellings immediately. Yesterday we were spelling wood, stood etc and then had could, should etc and he said, "Ha! You almost got me! I know how to spell that!"
What a blessing.
So for all you moms with wiggly boys…there is HOPE!
Now, if I could just figure out what to do with that over talkative 4 year old.
Always in Him…
Thanks for coming by and sharing with me. I'm not sure if I can give any advice that you haven't already thought of.
The first thing that came to mind is to break things up into smaller slots of time. Many people make their kids do math 45 min or more a day. Marissa could never handle that. We've worked up to about 20, occasionally 30. If you feel like you need more (or less), break it up into 2 different sessions. Do 15 min. in the morning, and 15 min. after lunch. Then give him a "wiggle break" after each subject.
For science and history, I'd try to stay away from textbooks. Will he listen to you read historical fiction? This could include all the kiddos. I let my girls color or draw while I read to them. This keeps their hands quietly moving, and they stay more plugged in. Also, don't stress about doing science and history every day. Do science for a month, then a historical period for a month, or break it up some other way. Even, one subject 2 days a week, the other 3.
It sounds like hands on projects are a great hit for him…more work for you, of course, but worth it in the long run. It took me 2 years to get my act together and emotionally get back into doing hands on projects with the little girls, after having the older ones be independent for a long time.
If he works better on the computer, do more there. Let him get on Word or Works to write sentences, etc. You may even need to change it up between the dry erase to computer to keep it fresher. During times I've used a dry erase board, I'd let them choose (made them feel like they had a part in it)…"do you want to do it on the computer today or on the dry erase board?"
If you panic about "not getting all of the book done", ask God to give you peace. It's okay not to go by the book. Use them only as a tool of what is best for your children. As long as they are learning and growing in Him and in their knowledge and wisdom, it doesn't matter if they get the book done. Learning comes from all around you. If you only conquer 2 new spelling words this week, that's okay. That's 2. One day it will all click, if you trust the "system" (God's).
And, on days that's it's bad, and everyone is frustrated, you're not going to accomplish much, plus it's bad for the self esteem of both of you. Take a day off. Go on a field trip, go on a nature walk around your yard or street, then do something crafty with your finds and look them up on the internet. Read aloud to them, draw, play educational games, do crafts, watch an education video or program. There are lots of ways to still have a productive day without stressing you both out.
Most importantly, continue to ask God to show you how to teach your child. He wants you to, and will give you the wisdom if you ask and believe.
"If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent you asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." James 1:5-6. I don't say that as a lecture, but as a reminder to ME, too. I have a child who has been very difficult in the past (we're beginning to see some light), and it's so easy to throw my hands up and think it's hopeless.
I'm praying for you and trusting that God will give you answers. I hope something in there was new and will help. Just keep searching and don't give up. And, take lots of "wiggle breaks!"
Letitia
P.S. I know this is too long alreay~sorry! But, when I typed "don't give up", I was reminded of a song that was in our church musical last Christmas.
Don't give up.
Don't give in.
When the goin's tough
That's just when faith kicks in.
The Lord will see you through,
Yes, He's watching over you.
Night and day He's telling you to keep the faith.