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Feb. 26, 2008
How to motivate a reluctant 7 year old
My 7yo is usually very reluctant to do his school. Most days we do 1 or 2 things then he goes to play for a bit while I help his brothers. Later I bring him back to another subject or 2 with much gnashing of teeth. He's supposed to do 4 things every day (math, English, phonics and reading/history- he reads a story, I read a chapter) He's just not a 'sit down' kind of kid, not anywhere for any reason. I try to make things as active and fun (and short) as I can, but I am just not able to ride a bike and read a book at the same time.
This morning I had to run over to our local Boy Scout council to pick up a few things for my husband (he's the cubmaster of our youngest's pack and Committee Chairman of the older boys' troop). While we were there we stopped in the scout shop, DS1 needed a new shirt (he's having trouble getting his buttoned it's so small), DS2 needed new pants (can't quite see his socks yet, but I'm not sure I can patch the knees again) and DS3 needed a new button for his shirt (no luck, they don't stock just buttons.). While the older boys tried on their new uniform parts, DS3 and I wandered around a bit. I picked up a couple of neckerchief slides (I really should buy these by the case!) and DS3 (7yo) found a Make Your Own Super Ball Kit. He was trying to convince me to buy it for him since he wasn't getting a button. I told him that a button wouldn't cost $5.99 like the kit. So he reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out $6. "I have my allowance Mom." He's really good at saving, but that's another post. So I told him that if he wanted to use his money he could buy it, BUT he had to finish school before he could make the balls.
We came home and I did history with the older boys while DS3 hovered nearby. Then I did math and English with him before I fixed his lunch. As soon as he finished his last bite (while I'm still eating of course) he announced it was time to finish school. So we finished his phonics, reading and history. No fuss, no complaining and very little distraction. We made his "bouncy balls" and talked about potential and kinetic energy.
Now, what am I going to do tomorrow.... |
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