Kaitlyn could write her name at age 3, but now at age 15 would STILL prefer to doodle than focus!
Jordan, while still struggling with legible penmanship at age 13 knows more about computers than most adults that I know! (And I know some very smart adults!)
Ian, age 11, can tell you every fact about Navy Seals that you EVER or NEVER wanted to know, but that is almost ALL he wants to read about!
Noah, not quite 9, is bored with EIGHTH grade spelling lessons, but struggles to hold a pencil properly.
When Hannah was not quite 4 she BEGGED to be taught to read, but now at 7 is BARELY grasping basic addition!
Can you recommend a curriculum to accommodate THIS crazy group… otherwise known as: MY FAMILY?
EVERY GROUP has so many individual differences. Whether you are homeschooling one child or a classroom full that envies the local public school, there is NO one-size-fits-all lesson plan that you can order online and distribute to your eager offspring!
In one family you may have GIFTED children AND Learning Delays.
Furthermore… in one CHILD, EVERY CHILD, you will have individual strengths and weaknesses!
What works for us?
Well, we are far from having “arrived”, but so far we have found a few things that make the job more of a joy!
Delight-Directed Learning: Let your child’s interests lead sometimes!
Use Strengths and Interests to motivate weaknesses!
Consider Outside Activities (But be careful NOT to over-commit!!!)
THE LIBRARY can be your best friend as a free resource!
Don’t you hate it when someone gives you a list and you find yourself saying YES, but HOW????
Since I could never address all of the possible variables within YOUR family, I’ll just tell you some of OUR how and maybe it will spark and idea or two for YOU!
Kaitlyn:
Spelling is more interesting when given time to illustrate each word!
Science takes on a whole new focus Kaitlyn when it is through a camera lens!
Composition is a lot less “boring” when it is called BLOGGING!
Jordan:
Why read fiction when you can read technical bulletins and owner’s manuals?
Working mowing lawns actually becomes exciting when the money saved can be used to buy electronics!
Swimming Lessons are a GREAT way to work on under-developed gross motor skills!
Ian:
Reading is interesting when we check military books out of the local library!
Since Ancient Egypt is so interesting to him, a lapbook on the subject seemed to be in order!
Ian LOVES to be outside and fresh air and hard work give him a quieter body that is ready to learn!
Here is a Jordan and Ian idea in "action"! http://homeschoolblogger.com/quietcajun/174585/
Noah:
Builds the Eiffel Tower with our Math Manipulatives!
Creates all kinds of interesting things with old shoe boxes, string, masking tape, etc.
Can dictate the longest stories in the world into a hand-held tape recorder! (These will be keepsakes later!)
Hannah:
Math is tasty when it involves baking and cooking!
Making hand-made cards for friends is much more satisfying than buying them at the store!
Reading is only allowed for this child IF her bed is made!
Lovingly and Prayerfully,
Christina
Christina and her family are in their 11th year of homeschooling. They believe that it CAN be done despite the many challenges of life! Every member of a family brings its own unique needs and blessings. Maybe some of what they have learned can be a blessing to YOU!
