Jul. 30, 2008 - today was not any better
I'm really sorry for writing my about bad days, but it's a way for me to vent, and hopefully receive some more encouragement and advice. Today my DS and I both ended up in tears! I just don't think that I can do this anymore. Math is our nightmare. I just can't get him to WANT to do this. His inattention isn't the only problem. My DD, who is struggling with new concepts right now, also needs my help. I can't be in two places at once and on top of that, evidently my explanations are not clear enough, because they both have that glazed over look after I've tried to show them how a problem is done. I bought them Teaching Textbooks in hopes that the lectures would be sufficient to help them through. At first it was, but now that the concepts are getting deeper, it doesn't seem to be enough. Math-U-See wasn't meeting the need, either, which is why we changed to TT. What am I to do? I do NOT want to send my kids to school, neither public NOR private, but if I'm not able to teach them what am I going to do? If my DD were to go to our public school she would be in the high school building! Can you even imagine the things she would see and hear? We pulled her out of 1st grade public school because of things she was ALREADY seeing and hearing! I don't want to think about it. My DS would be labeled ADD or worse because he is such a boy. But if I can't get him to learn, what else? My DH works WAY too much, so I can't rely on him to come home and do math with them - we've already tried that and it's just not feasible. I really feel hopeless. I'm completley disgusted with myself for making my DS cry today. It was awful. I just don't know what to do.
Comments
Jul. 30, 2008 - No advice
Posted by brafordchemist
But I can send you a prayer and a virtual hug. Hang in there.
Jamie
Jul. 30, 2008 - Awww...
Posted by abundantblessings
(((hugs)))).....those hard days are so difficult....
Is math your only difficult subject? Are they able to do their other subjects with no problem?
If so, could you do math one on one with both of them at different times?
Is there anyone in your area who does tutoring who could maybe help you in the how to teach so they "get it". I'm sorry Math U See didn't help...it's not for everyone...we all learn differently.
Hang in there...there is a solution to this!!! And just think how great you will feel when you have conquered this mountain!!!!
Blessings,
Laurie
Jul. 30, 2008 - I can TRULY relate
Posted by Potpourri of Praise...Laura A.
Math is our big struggle too....DD can do it, but just does not think she can:( Many days we are both in tears or I say things to her in frustration that are SO not like me.
Is it possible, like someone else mentioned, to have him tutored in math?
Also, if there are other skills he has not yet mastered or if he has not memorized his facts, he will probably have to work a lot harder to do math this year. It's hard to do long division or multiplication if you are still having to think thru the answers to basic facts as well as the whole computation process.
Also, does he do well with certain parts of math? If so, it is possible to try to incorporate a little of those things each day so he feels some success in math each day? I am not familiar with TT on his level, so I don't really know how it is set up.
I will certainly pray for you.....and if I can help you, please let me know. I have always enjoyed teaching math and maybe I could "borrow" him sometime to go over a few things if that would help you and him. Just let me know...I'll be glad to help in any way I can.
Jul. 31, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sadie423
Just wanted to say I am sorry it is rough going right now and I hope it gets better. Many days we have all ended up in tears around here. I am not sure of your ds's age/level so I don't know what type of advice to give...We are starting to use a lot of montessori based manipulatives with our math
Jul. 31, 2008 - update
Posted by dcellis
I don't know if any of you wonderful ladies will come back to read this, but I wanted to thank you so much for your suggestions and encouragement. Today as I was sharing this struggle with my cover's adminstrators, they informed that one of our mother's has volunteered her time in tutoring math! I thought this just might be God sending me the help I need. How awesome is that? Also, L.A., your offer to help in this way is so comforting that I can't thank you enough. I no longer feel alone in this battle. I have taken a deep breath, prayed, and now I feel ready to tackle this again. I will try a new approach with the kids myself and if that doesn't help, I will definitely take up the offer from those who have said they will tutor. Praise God!
Jul. 31, 2008 - I'll be happy to help
Posted by Potpourri of Praise...Laura A.
When I saw the email about ES being willing to tutor for free, I thought of you immediately. It is neat how the Lord provides the support and prayers we need when we reach the 'end of our ropes.' I will truly be willing to help in any way I can....sometimes just having another person to share a concept speaks to a child in a different way. My DD is not nearly as likely to lose it or end up in tears if another adult is doing an academic activity (she finds frustrating) with her.
Aug. 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by blessedwith2angels
Hang in there and don't give up! I know it is frustrating--especially with math,but you can do it. Have you tried any hands on math activities? We do fractions with chocolate bars and skittles, etc. It is fun and my son loved it!
Praying for you to have better days soon!
Pam