Jul. 28, 2008 - Day One - are we done yet?
Today was the official first day of our '08-'09 school year. Two subjects into the day and my son chimes in, "Are we done yet?". Oh brother! ALREADY? You've got to be kidding me! He did absolutely fine with the first subject, of course it was PE with a ride on our bikes around the neighborhood, but get him back in the house where he has to sit down and do - God forbid - math! Of course what makes it worse is that he has to write it down. Can you believe that I am such a horrible, tortuous mother that I would expect and require my son to show his work and write it down on paper? I know, it's too much, isn't it? I should just let him watch TV and play his video games, shouldn't I? Well, that's what he thinks. He's nine years old! When is he going to get that school isn't always fun? Now I know why I was having those minor anxiety attacks - it was for good reason. This is going to be a survival of the fittest between my son and I, isn't it? Well, I'm not very fit these days, so the outlook for myself is not good.
any suggestions?
Comments
Jul. 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Potpourri of Praise...Laura A.
Are you sure our children aren't related???? My DD does the same thing. It has helped her to have a check list or a posted schedule so that she knows what we are doing that day (and in what order). Also, having a snack break after the 2nd or 3rd subject helps her too. Also, having a specific stopping time....ie., we need to be done by 1:30 pm (or whatever time) so we can go to the library, swimming, piano lesson ... (insert on of DS's favorite activities). Also, my DD often does better with PE being done a little further into the day....I know it's probably too hot for that now, but if we can do, say 2-3 subjects, then do the bike ride or walk, it seems to help her a lot. Also, if possible, giving the child some choice in the order of subjects some days is nice. We cannot do it all the time, especially if we are on a time crunch, but some days I let her choose which class to do first, second.....
All in all, motivating them can be SO hard. Sorry that your DS was not as excited about getting school done as you'd like. :(
Jul. 28, 2008 - Suggestions....
Posted by abundantblessings
Sorry your first day wasn't a rousing success....
Here are my suggestions....if you haven't already, read The Way They Learn by Cynthia Tobias. Your son may be more of a hands on learner. Mine sure is. We used to use Rod & Staff math....but it soooo didn't work with my son. Now, we use Math U See and it clicks for him!
Second, maybe save your PE time for when you need a break after getting some other subjects in. It would be a great incentive to get, say, English and Math finished to be able to go be active and burn off some of that boy energy.
Also, when we begin our school year, we start with only one subject, then add in another subject in the coming week....by the end of a month or so, we are full bore into our school work. It's an easier transition than all at once....even for Mama! :)
Also, starting our day with prayer and some Bible reading always makes the day go smoother.
Take a breath...it will all work out.
Blessings,
Laurie
Jul. 30, 2008 - thanks
Posted by dcellis
I've already got our schedule laid out for the kids, but I think I will try doing what you both suggested and that's to have PE later on in the day. I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and to give me your suggestions. ;) I certainly hope all is going well with you and yours.