Ok, I am a little lost at where to start homeschooling my son this year. For those of you that don't know me I have a 13 year old son who is bipolar. We have been homeschooling for 4.5 years now. Our first 3.5 years went really well and then this last year went spent most of the year just surviving. My son had 2 stays in the hosiptal for 14 days each. We then did a lot of hands on stuff and just making it through our days. Well last night my son started talking about school and how it is so hard. And he just wants to drop out. I am sadden by this and don't know what to do. I want to bring the love of learning back to my child. But really don't know where to start. We really don't have the money to go out and buy things we may use or may not. My family thinks he should go to some special school that knows how to deal with him. I don't want to do this. We have finally seen a little bit of the light with our child and his bipolar issues. With the help of meds and a great pdoc. But when it comes to school I don't know where to start. I feel like we are starting all over again. I want to make things fun and interesting. He is not working at grade level and I don't know if he ever will. I just want him to learn that he can learn and not give up on this education. Any advice??
Try to relax! Did you ever look into the unschooling aspect? I know you had talked about it. I think the main thing I would want my child to have is good life skills so maybe that is something you can concentrate on. Btw, here is another series to look into for you ds: The Olympians by Rick Riordan. There is currently 4 in the series and Joyce ate the first one up. The boy in the story is a mortal and his dad is Zeus if I remember right. She wants to learn about Greek Mythology for this next school year now!
My recommendation would be to try some child centered learning, just for a bit - find things HE is interested and cater his learning around that. For example, since my dh works for a video game company, my kids are ADDICTED to games (video or not) - so I have a lot on online and educational soft ware, and I let them play a lot of "SIMS" games (like zoo tycoon - where they have to create and maintain a zoo and all its animals - very cool). I also make games for the kids (we've done an Egypt game, and a Columbus game, and I let the kids help me make it - it's usually trivia based in some way) or buy games from companies like Mayfair games (they make games that involved several strategic steps to win - not just dice rolling!) or Out of the Box games. This way they are using critical thinking and problem solving skills, and subject specific skills (math/history). Essentially, you are making little unit studies specifically for him. You don't have to keep everything catered to him, and you might want to include more elements like writing or research if you want to keep up with this idea, but at least it is a start and you will know that he will LIKE the stuff he is learning about. My prayers are with you and best of luck!
Everyone has offered great suggestions so far....I'm wondering about shorter "lessons" in those critical subjects (thinking 3R's here). One reason why I'm switching my kids to Rod & Staff English is because the daily lessons are clear cut and short (think 15 mins tops)....but very thorough because its used by Amish and Mennonite schools where the Amish in particular don't go past the 8th grade. And it's cheaper than many programs....you can even do alot of it orally and because the student & teacher book are not consumable, you can re-sell it pretty easily (or re-use it for every other younger sib like I'll do). You can even just do 1/2 per day or whatever. Just a thought....my son is wiggly and I do most of his schooling in 10-15 minute bursts of learning. He gets it done, has playtime in between and still completed his yearly work before schedule (I should add he's only 5 so he has less yearly work). Sounds like home is the best place for him now.....you can keep better tabs on his meds, moods, etc than any school (special or not ) Hang in there! Rhonda
We were looking into the unschool thing and I think I may cont. to go that route. I wish I could find a unschool forum as good as this one. Or a sight where parents are teaching MI children like mine. You guys are great and have supported me this year through our rough times, thanks. I wish I could find other sites with as understanding people as you guys are that understood alittle of what I am going through. I know in the long run God will show me the way. I'm just starting to worry alittle and so is he. I think he is starting to think about his future and how being bipolar will play a role in it. He knows school is hard thats one reason we homeschool, so we can do it his way or what works for him. I'm just not sure what will work for him anymore. I think I am going to talk with him about what he would like todo now and when he grows up and see what we can come up with. Anymore ideas keep them coming and thinks to all that responded.
Amy, I love what ever was saying I was thinking the same thing. Just find something he likes and go from there. If he likes dog study dogs, if he likes computer study computer make it fun. Good luck if you find something and need ideas with that let us know.
I don't spend time at WTM forums (although I have the book and like many ideas in it)....wondering it that would be a good fit for an unschooler though? A friend of mine unschools for academics (but doesn't follow the total radical unschool philosophy for child rearing). A site she gave me once when I asked her about some unschool things was http://www.joyfullyrejoycing.com/unschooling/unschoolingphilosophy.html There are lots of links down the side...this is just one section. Rhonda
Amy are you a member of HSLDA. The reason I am asking is because they have gave me great ideas for Vicki. Vicki has a diagnosis of a little of bit everything. I emailed them and talked with the special needs lady. She was really nice. They also have funds to help pay for the curriculum if you qualify. That is just a suggestion.
No we are not member of HSLDA, I will look into it. Rhonda thanks for the web site I will be looking at it closer laster. Thanks to everyone else for your ideas and support. I also found a yahoo group last night and so far they all seem nice. They all have children with special needs and are homeschooling them. So I hope they will be able to provide ideas and support as well.
