Becuase I work nights, one day a week my kids need to do self directed learning (so I can sleep). They are really good about it, and work well. The problem is that ds ends up with much less to do, b/c he needs more literacy support (he is dyslexic). He is very happy to do less, but dd gets upset about it. So I am trying to even things out a little, but I am struggling to come up with ideas for him. There are only so many worksheet he will do before he freaks out. I have also tried educational computer games, but then I have no way of knowing if he's actually done it, or for how long etc... Probably what he needs is some kind of hands on project....any suggestions? All ideas greatfully accepted
try taping(recording) your voice giving him lessons? Then he can follow along and do what you say, even when you are asleep... creative stuff even? Give him the objects needed to create a project, and give him instructions to follow in voice. Make it on Media whatever, and then he can stop and go back to hear you again!
How about an audio book? Say it was something like the Hobbit. He could have the print copy in his hands while listening to the narrator. Or, he could sketch while listening to the audio book. My kids sketch while I read aloud and while audio books are playing all the time. If he has not mastered typing yet, he could work on that and his progress can be tracked. The same for many math programs. He signs in, completes different levels and the record of that is stored. You can access it and check it for him. I provide my kids with a schedule each day that I created in Word. There are little boxes to check off for all that we do. If it's only one day a week, I might choose to use that time in to toss a bit of leisure the kids' way as well. Is it possible for them to have a kids' choice movie on that day? Or can you rent documentaries to have on hand that day? After the kids watch it they could either write about it, draw about or narrate (into a small, hand held recorder) about it. I might also toss in some housechores for them on that day. That would be something else for them to do to fill time nicely. Hope that helps! I have a friend who works full time nights, I have no idea how you ladies make it through the day. Michelle
Michelle, I do a schedule thing on Word for my kids too. But I didn't know of a way to print out boxes---I just draw them manually after I print it out. Is there somewhere I can click or whatever to make the boxes?
Hi Deena If you click on Insert and choose Symbol, just scroll around until you find the boxes. I believe I used a number 8 font to fit them in but they look great in the bottom corner of each box. Let me know if that works! Michelle edited to add: the boxes are about 2/3's the way down in the symbols selection area.
Ongoing science projects? This year dd researched, bought, planned & planted a carniverous terrarium while keeping a record of everything she did. Cooking? If you're not sure about the stove & oven get him to find non cook recipes. Perhaps that's something they could share. A visual project so he doesn't have to write so much if that is a problem.
Maybe there is something online he could be doing. An educational game maybe? How about a book report?
It's okay, I just it figured out this past year I still remember asking a friend how to cut and paste about four years ago! Now that is bad! One of my goals for the year coming up is learn how to use all the features of the programs we have. I just scratch the surface with them all. Michelle
I like the documnetary idea - I always forget about the TV. Duh! Thanks, I will try it. They already do chores daily, and it is an easier day for them usually. I work full time night too, but b/c I work weekends and 10hr shifts (so only 4 a week) it usually only affects one school day. And then there's the day each week when I don't sleep
Thanks ladies for the suggestions. I will try taping instructions for a project of some kind...maybe cooking or gardening or science experiments or craft. And the documentaries with voice (taped reports). Does anyone know of an online typing tutor program that allows you to track progress? He does his maths independently, so that's OK. Find a word type puzzles are the worst thing for him...the letters sometimes move when they are arranged into words, so you can imagine how a grid full of jumbled letters looks to him I don't know why I didn't think of taping instructions for more complicated tasks or using the TV....sometimes I guess the inspiration just runs low. Thanks again
Karen, That's why it's great to have Homeschool Spot! Sometimes I'll ask a question, and when people answer it, I'll think, "Well, duhhh, why didn't I think of that?!" But hey, that's what we're all here for, to gain more knowledge ourselves, and help others when we can......and to enjoy each others friendship and support! :love:
I just wanted to let you know how it's going..... I have been taping instructions, and it is working well so far. At the moment for history we are reading a book (I read, he listens, lol) so this wekk I even read the next installment on the tape. When I got home he was listening to it over breakfast! And I found some really great DVD's at the library. Documentaries aimed at the 8-12 yo. Fantastic! He enjoys them, and they are on a whole range of subjects. So far, so good..... This hump seems to be over for the minute. So thanks for the inspiration.
I am just awed at you even attempting to school & work nights! My kids wouldn't want to know me if I tried that.
I am so glad it is working! I am having dd read her science and History readings into tapes this year, we decided if we sell the sets when done we will send the tapes with and she will keep the $ for them! But she wants to read so she can listen to them while she falls asleep at night. She usually listens to stories but said she would get the science stuff better , and history would be great that way too for she will be reading and listening!
those all wonderful ideas. if he like to cut and glue things like that have him do a research on animal or something he wants and make a small book of it...
