Homeschooling From the Heart

Feb. 20, 2007

Late "Bloomers"

Lately it seems that I've had several conversations with moms who are worried about their child who "should be" more advance acadademically at their age. They share their genuine concern over a son or daughter who just doesn't "get" phonics and therefore isn't reading yet - and they're 7, 8, or even 9 yrs old. These same children also seem to struggle with handwriting and sometimes math.

I few years ago I was one of these moms :-) I knew my younger son was a bright child - inventive, creative, dramatic and tender-hearted. He marches to the beat of his own drummer when it comes to learning anything new! I had read the books, talked to veteran homeschool moms and kept telling myself that it was "okay" - that he one day the reading light would come on and he would finally "get it". We do a lot of reading aloud and I also notice that he was beginning to read many words, mostly by sight. At 9 1/2 he finally began to make progress and he was reading fluently by 10. Another 6 months went by and he was reading pretty much on "grade level".

Now at 12, he is the one who is always wanting new books from the library - and oh the books he picks makes my heart swell! He seems drawn to the classics - even Shakespeare! Of course, if I suggested any of these books, he wouldn't touch them :-) So, I just keep my mouth shut and when he mentions that he thinks "Kidnapped!" sounds interesting, I just say, "I've heard that's a good book." :-)

Interestingly enough, my late bloomer is also a much more natural speller than his older brother. I wonder if that is because he didn't have intensive phonics until he was a bit older than most children? Now memorizing words and remembering new material is another story - but I've gained a lot of insight after reading Dianne Craft's materials on teaching Right Brain Learners.

I'm blogging about late bloomers today, because I felt led to encourage others who might wonder if their child is ever going to read, spell, ______ (fill in the blank). Although we do need to be aware of possible learning disorders, I definitely believe that most children simply mature in different areas at different ages. I can't believe the huge academic leaps I witnessed in both of my boys right about the age of 12. Hmmm...maybe Raymond and Dorothy Moore were right after all!

Be encouraged today - keep feeding your child great books, help him learn new material in history and science by reading aloud if necessary. Let him dictate stories to you. If they are inventive or artistic, feed their interests. Keep introducing those subjects like phonics, etc., but be careful not to push if you or your child is getting burned out.

Those children who march to the beat of their own drummer are destined to be the thinkers, creators and inventors of the future. Each is a unique creation of God and He knows the plans He has for them!

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Comments

Mar. 1, 2007 - hi cindy!

Posted by mamatc

i was talking to my daughter about something similar today. only it was in regards to public school. we talked about how kids were just sent on through to the next grade if they only did 'good enough' and how that can be detrimental if they really didn't understand. and all the different pressures on kids and parents-more, better, faster, etc... homeschooling creates an environment where moms and dads can take the time a child needs to help them learn-the way they learn best and in the best time frame. we also talked about how people tend to equate advanced social skills, usually in girls, with advanced maturity so they put their kids in school who are actually too young. and the child suffers. the moral is:homeschool is the best way to make sure our kids are taught well and when they're ready they can move on-and mommies know when that time comes.

blessings,
traci :)
p.s.i'll be praying for your move. TN is a really nice place!

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Apr. 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by OldPathsMom

Thanks for the reminder. I have a 'late bloomer'. A 9yo that reads on an early 2nd grade level. It's frustrating to me but we try to just keep plugging along. I have noticed that since I have backed off, she has shown more of an interest in learning and she's doing some on her own. partially it may be due to peer pressure; not sure. Anyhow, thank you.

I can relate to your post about seasons of change and living in limbo. I've btdt most of the last decade. It's not fun but it is when we can see our faith grow and the Lord move. Blessings to you as you seek to serve the Master!

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Jul. 24, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Thanks for reminding me that I'm not alone. I have an 8 yr. old that can't read/write and it definitely gets frustrating sometimes. But, like your child, he's very creative, intelligent, and affectionate. I had him tested and found that he had fine motor skill delays and visual perception delays which basically means that he just needs more time and practice. We exercise his fine motor skills by playing the piano and working with modeling clay and his visual perception by doing word find puzzles and seek & find books. I believe with patience and commitment, any child can learn to his full potential.
Your sis in Christ,
Terri

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Truly, a mother's heart IS her child's classroom! On this wonderful journey called homeschooling, it is always nice to have someone to encourage your heart and provide solid practical tips to equip you for the awesome task of educating your children for the Glory of God! I look forward to sharing product reviews, talking about learning styles, and looking at ways to minister to the hearts AND minds of our children!