Needing advice from you good people :)

Discussion in 'Homeschooling' started by AmyK11, May 16, 2015.

  1. AmyK11

    AmyK11 New Member

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    I have been set on homeschooling since my first ds1 was born almost 6 years ago. He is a fine student and I have no problems whatsoever there. My youngest ds2 is almost 4 now and he is...willful? I'm hesitant to label him that though he does fit the bill. He's body, art, technically, and common sense smart. He also has a whopping sense of humor. My problem is when we do ANY kind of activity together ds2 is gone. Either he crosses his arms and "humphs" with a complete insta-tude or he'll play along with me until I ask something of him and it's like he melts. (Today it was when I put on abc rock to sing together. He humphed and went and hid under the table.) I try and coax and coerce and have tried guilt, once, in earlier days. I decided that probably wasn't a healthy tactic. Ds1 and I rocked the abc's and then ds2 and I made blueberry bread. Ds2 loves to cook, (I think ds1 gets this and usually goes and colors or reads a book) so that was great and I incorporate as much as I can when cooking or doing things he does get interested in, but then we sat down to read a book...ds2...insta-tude and trying to get ds1 disinterested. I don't feel like I expect too much, but that I don't know how to address and fix the issue. I have been trying so hard to appeal to his interests that ds1 hasn't gotten a whole lot of challenge and has been acting up. He sometimes cries before going to bed " I didn't learn anything new today!" With the public school year ending, I'm wondering If I have what it takes and maybe I should set up a plan b. I'm kind of wore out. And I haven't even started...really officially. On curriculum: For d2 I got The Homegrown Preschooler "curriculum". I found a homeschool store not far from me, hopped in the car and made a bad decision and purchased partial curriculum. For d1 I got apologia exploring creation flying creatures and botany, explode the code reading comprehension, primary mathematics 1a, and horizons phonics and reading k. I feel like these are on his level, but I can't organize it all or get any of it done with ds2. Nor did I get corresponding workbooks, readers, or teacher books. :/ I was thinking of changing to Bridgeway Academy or Logos Press because it's all laid out in a box (So they make it seem.) Has anyone used either? And please forgive any grammatical errors or rambling. I am using mobile and the text box is so narrow and tiny. I'm finally turning to you ladies, and a few gentlemen, because I've seen how supportive and truthful you are through the years.
     
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  3. 2littleboys

    2littleboys Moderator

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    I see possibly two things happening here: (1) sibling rivalry and jealousy, each wanting you all to himself, and (2) expectations that are higher than necessary.

    So, first of all, they're both wanting your full attention but having to share you. Yes, they need to learn to share you, but at the same time, a homeschooling schedule would allow you to have more individual time with each, so that each is appropriately challenged and made to feel important at the same time.

    Secondly, a preschool curriculum isn't necessary. The purpose of preschool is to prepare a child for the rigors of a brick & mortar classroom with one teacher and many students. In a home environment, it's more important to allow a child space to mature reasoning and creativity skills through both independent and guided playtime. There are certainly teachable moments for basic skills leading to reading and math, but putting the focus on those is stressful to a high-energy child. Let them come naturally.

    For less of a scheduling headache, use curriculum for the older child that works for the child, not that works for you. (I'm not a fan of boxed curriculum sets, anyway. Children aren't boxy, because each child has a particular learning style, level, and set of interests that usually can't be found in a packaged set.)
     
  4. eyeofthestorm

    eyeofthestorm Active Member

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    I would say that it sounds like your 4yo isn't ready. Instead, read TO him. And he doesn't have to be sitting, looking at the book. That worked for all our boys when they were little at bedtime... but the rest of the time? Ha! Unless it was their idea, there was no sitting and listening. Instead, I read to them while they played with blocks or legos or whatever. Oh, yes, also, we lived in the city and took the train a lot. On really long rides, I brought whatever book we were reading and read that.

    A lot of the time, when it seems they aren't listening... they really, really are.

    In the mean time, at four, we stuck with activities they found engaging, working in all the concepts that make sense, pointing out things in the environment, and made sure they got plenty of outside play time.
     
  5. Jackie

    Jackie Active Member

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    Also a "no curriculum for preschool" person! One thing Sandra said was reading to him. She mentioned that it's OK to have him doing OTHER things while you read. Really, she's quite right about that!

    What are your son's interests? Dinosaurs? Space? Robots? Whatever it is, can it be incorporated into your teaching?
     
  6. MinnieMouse

    MinnieMouse New Member

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    My kids often do their work while being busy..... my 7 year old sits on a small yoga ball and bounces. lolIf I'm reading aloud all of my kids will color, draw, play with Lego (even the teenagers.)

    As for all the books you bought, it sounds like a lot for a 6 year old. Each of them sounds good but maybe too many at once.
     

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