Hi, everyone. I'm a 39 year old wife and mom of 3. My oldest has cerebral palsy and is in his senior year of public high school. My middle child, and only girl, is in 5th grade homeschool. My youngest just joined my daughter and I for homeschool kindergarten. My oldest son, because of his disability, has been in the public school system since he was 2 years old. It has been a struggle from the beginning, with surgeries, therapies, and endless meetings with teachers. I always call it a circus, because that's what it's felt like sometimes. I was so young and inexperienced when he was younger. I realize now that he probably could have benefitted from homeschooling; but, I thought I was doing what I was supposed to. Frankly, I believe now that the schools just passed him on through. Regrettable, but true. After my struggle with my son, I was ready for an easier road with my daughter. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that way. She has attention issues that hurt her academically, and socially, she just shut down. My bubbly little girl turned timid and quiet from her first day of preschool. Her first cousin is a year younger and excells in school. It's hard not to compare them. Still, I kept trying, even allowing the schools to send her through kindergarten twice. Kids picked on her, and she couldn't read at all by the end of 2nd grade. I started homeschooling at 3rd grade, and here we are. I had her reading by the end of two months. Math is another story. She just can't seem to memorize her multiplication tables. Any ideas? Her little brother just joined us for kindergarten, and so far, so good. He has a first cousin the same age that just started kindergarten. So...I worry that he feels left out. Socialization is always a problem in our small town, but he makes friends very easily. Hopefully he'll stay that way. I apologize for writing so much. I've been feeling rather burned out and isolated lately. I guess I just got on a roll. I appreciate any advice and prayers other homeschoolers have to offer. If I can help anyone, I will certainly do my best as well. Blessings.
First, welcome to The Spot! Second, as to the multiplication tables; try a variety of games to make it fun. Play war, but flip 2 cards. The person with the highest answer (multiply the values) wins the hand. Find fun games on the computer. If you have an iPad/smart phone, find some apps. Have her race herself on doing drills. Drill her out loud and give her an M&M for each correct answer. Third, socialization... The most important people with whom he can socialize are already living under your roof. Plus there is the grocery store clerk, the bank teller, the postman, etc.
Welcome! I wouldn't worry too much about being behind in a few areas. My kids are not on the same level in every subject and for them sometimes all it takes is time before things click and they completely understand things. I have a dd that is starting 2nd grade this year and she only know basic sight words. If I compare her to the public school kids she is WAY behind in that area but I know she is just afraid of not getting the words right so she struggles with not wanting to try. She is very similar in this area to my oldest and reading finally clicked with him when he was 7.5yo. Now he reads everything and has excelled beyond his grade level. I never compare my kids because if I did it would drive me crazy. Other people compare my kids all the time and I have finally gotten to where I can shrug it off. As long as my kids are progressing and can graduate hs and have a career andand be happy....that is all that really matters.
