Nov. 8, 2008 - A 'new' approach
Well, not 'new' in the true sense of the word.....but......NEW to us.
I've discovered the "multi-discplinary approach" to teaching/learning.....at least in THIS school.
After lo these many years of trying this program and that program ....... this style and that style......this approach and that approach......
......I think I've finally hit on it.....and you all out there probably already know this, but I am thinking I'm a genius.
Well, sort of.
Small son needs many different kinds of learning techniques in order to not only stay interested.....but to retain the knowledge he gleans.
Phew.
ALL computer or ALL books or ALL auditory or ALL video or ALL anything.....just doesn't cut it for him.
SOOOOO......we are creating a learning approach of our own.
Currently and working well for right now, but may need to bump it around soon, we are using this protocol......FOR NOW.
Bible - is on SOS computer. Small son is fizz banging thru this and actually LIKES the content. And it even appears to be.....advanced for him, but .....oh well. Whatever works, eh? COMPUTER
Math - is MathUSee. Re-doing the book he used last year, still trying to get a grasp on place value, time and money. Sigh. VIDEO and HANDS ON and WORKBOOK
History - Currently doing the SOS disc on computer......but am looking for a great AMERICAN history book. Really like the Bob Jones one we used about......5 years ago. Still searching.....any suggestions would be great. Have thrown in some reading from Ambleside; Marco Polo, Child's History of the World. COMPUTER and READING
Science - here's where it gets difficult. I think I'm just leaving it up to the co-op we're involved in to teach physical science and do the experiments, since our living space is just so small currently. READING and HANDS ON somewhere else.
Language Arts/Grammar - heavy sigh. SOS just isn't getting the job done. I'm considering going back to Rod and Staff, as he not necessarily enjoyed it, but "got it" more often than not. I could slow the pace and re-do certain areas that were problematic. Small son, however....does not WANT to do Rod and Staff again.....says it's 'boring'. Might do "Further Up and Further In" or have even considered "Writing the Novel Way"......again, any suggestions here would be helpful. This is also a touchy subject here, as I am a writer, editor and English major.......sigh. NOTHING CONCRETE YET
There is much more I am adding. He absolutely LOVES BOOKS and loves holding them in his hands, referring to them, stacking them.....it is a true love of all things books.
Small son has requested "nature study" again and he LOVED "The Sciences" which is only available online. Has asked me to find the 'book'.....blech. Might not happen.
Also, he LOVES all things Egypt (has even asked his dad to take him there next year for their one week 'father/son' vacation). AND wants to learn arabic. Borrowed the Pilsen method from the library for awhile and he's actually showing signs of being linguistical.....chip off the old block, I think. Like his big brother and sister.....if ONLY Rosetta stone didn't cost so much.....it goes on the Christmas wish list....along with a rich uncle!!!
Then, there is always his art. LOVES it. And we're adding art appreciation again, a la Charlotte Mason style. Should be fun.
There are other things I am toying with, but do not want to overwhelm. Him or ME.
He is also going thru a phase that I suspect is part of growing pains.....'revisiting' the old films/soundtracks of his younger years. Hard to grow up these days, eh? But, it's comforting to him in our upheaveal. Glad he found it.
Will keep an update here.
As always,
Denise aka The Domestic Angel
Comments
Nov. 10, 2008 - Grammar..
Posted by HeatherC
Sounds like your getting a good handle on what your son needs and will work for him, isn't it great to be able to adjust each and every subject to fit our kiddos!
I don't know if you have tried it, but my dd has some learning issues, (some in common with your ds) I use Easy Grammar for her, it has lots of opportunity for review, which right now she really seems to need. The pages are fairly short, not so overwhelming to open up to, this seems to work for her. We use a little Writing Strands too, for basic Grammar, Easy Grammar seems to be a good fit for her. Just thought I would drop that in for ya to check out.
Hope you have a great week!!
Blessings
Heather
