Just some late night ramblings from a homeschool mom with a touch of insomnia.
I am struggling a bit wondering if I am challenging our oldest son enough in his studies. We are doing many of the same things with all three boys and I am beginning to recognize that I need to require more of him. He is finishing his work in record time, very rarely coming up against something he must struggle through. I need to find ways to offer him areas and opportunities to struggle a bit. Through those struggles, he will be challenged. Better to face them now, in the safety of home than to leave home having never failed.
For those of you with 10-year-old sons, how do you find ways to challenge them? What sorts of things are you teaching them this year?
This is SUCH a great question. Sounds like you have one of those 'smarties' on your hands. You know, good at most things, rarely breaks a sweat?
For me I think just changing it up really helps my son stretch himself. There's the normal book work (math, science....etc) But when he's asked to do things he's not 'good' at.....that's when his brain seems to kick into overdrive.
I can't tell you how many times he's told me, "Mom, it's just not my thing...." when we are discussing art (amongst other things.) So, what do I do? make him do art. LOL. Something we did today wasn't art really, but it used colored pencils. (Beautiful Feet Geography guide maps....excellent....A+++++) He's forced to do something his sisters BEG me to do. And I think it's great for him.
You also read my poetry entry. I was just so happy that today when we tried a different poem type he was on board with it. He didn't roll eyes or anything and he came up with a hilarious poem about David & Goliath. (see, still a masculine touch to his poem....fighting was involved)
I'm really interested to read your responses. This is something I've thought long and hard about.
I struggle with exactly the same doubts about my oldest. It's too difficult to run completely different programs for all four grade levels, so I tend to bunch their learning together as much as possible. But...either the youngers are being challenged too much, or the olders not enough. I think shifting the focus of the learning each week to accomodate either the older kids, or the younger ones is a good way of trying to meet all their different needs.
A good way to challenge the older with some independant work it to assign a report.
Regardless, I'm sure you're doing a wonderful job.
The daily, sometimes hourly, musings of a homeschooling mom of four surviving on prayer, friendship and lots of Starbucks. Some days my cup runs over and some days it all spills out the cracks...and I wouldn't have it any other way.
