One of the difficulties I have been struggling with is creating a positive and effective learning experience based on good habits for my oldest ds age 8.  He is bright, yet he has no focus.  He reminds me of the "butterfly girl" Karen Andreola describes in the Charlotte Mason Companion.  Even though the switch to CM short lessons from the oppressive workbooks we used last year has been a tremendous improvement, he still does not like to sit and work at all.  Focus is an important skill to foster, though I'm sure #1ds will continue to be a challenge.

My biggest struggles have been with Math and Science.  The math problems he's doing in MUS Gamma involve multi-digit multiplication.  He know how to do them but his attention frequently drifts off in the very midst of a calculation such that he loses where he is and thus miscalculates.  Perhaps it's because he has mastered the concept that he is bored with no-context calculations?

I am really learning a lot from the Living Math web site and forum and I want to incorporate those techniques into our HSing, though I'm not really sure how yet.  Last week I did, on a whim, take out some tape measures and had the boys measuring various items and then have my oldest ds figure out area.  He approached the multi-digit multiplication with focus and vigor that was heart warming.  I just fear it is a fluke because it was a break from the routine and that making it routine will take the joy from it.  I pray not.