Don't have much time! My 14 yro son is bored, easily frustrated and not at grade level. (bipolar and LD) He wants to learn but has his issues. I am looking for ways to teach my son the basics, has a hard time retaining things. But everytime we work on something he says its baby stuff. He asked me yesterday if I could make school more fun! I work with younger chidren so doing this for the younger child is easy. But I am struggling with ideas for a teenager. He likes sciences, we have already done the basic here. I don't have much money to go out and buy anything. But I need to find away to keep him learning thats enjoyable. Its way to cold to go outside. Can't wait til spring! So any ideas????
Amy, ask him what he wants to do.. tell him what you have to cover and have him help you come up with fun ways to learn it!
Amy, have you thought of computer games to go with the subject, google online there is alot of sites that have fun games that go with some subject, yes it gets harder as they get older, no one wants to do much with them. but there is somethings out there. Let us know what subject you are looking for maybe we can help with some sites...
I am starting to do lapbooks for my almost 12 year old to make things "more fun". Maybe some science ones? Hands of a Child has a free volcanos one right now - break it down to 1 page per day or something.
Could you maybe add in more hands-on activities/projects where he can build things? Is he artistic at all? History, science, and literature all lend themselves to doing projects where kids of any age can explore their creative sides as a tie-in to the more mundane readings. I've seen math teachers use math scavenger hunts for the middle and high school grades [with prizes to be found at the end of it]. They've also gone to theme parks for math practice [most even have math/science days]. Could you share some of his interests and, as others have said, maybe the subjects he's least interested in?
The hard thing is his mood change so often. One day he is willing to do thing great. Other days he is just so crabby we don't get much done without a big fight. I am looking for some cheap science experiments to do that we haven't already done. I really am looking for things on all areas, Math (pre algerbra), history, lang. skills etc. He is working at a 4-8th grade level. His reading and writing are very poor. He enjoys doing things by himself, because he hates intruction. Says I talk to much like a teacher. We will be starting lapbook soon. I try to relate things to what he is interested in. Which is hard, he has lost alot of interest in things since become ill in 2007. His big thing right now is computer programing. He wants to create his own game. Build a computer. One minute he will be interested in something and then by the time I get it ready to do he's not interested anymore. Next year he will start high school and I am thinking of preparing him for his GED or something like that. I guess I am just frustrated because I can't win with this child. He wants me to be there and help him but then he wants to grow up. Probably a big part of it is age.
I find that letting them study what they want, how they want, to help them retain better. I would still have a math and vocab curriculum and grammar too. But beyond that, I would let him read on whatever topics interest him (as long as they are somewhat academic) and watch documentaries and so on. The math and vocab and grammar will give him the tools for learning and the rest, well, seriously, does it matter if he studies auto engines now...or later? The order for the rest of the subjects do not matter and textbooks are not good for retention.
I do think that with some of these kids the intrest led learning is the way to go. On the other hand I feel ya on the reading. It is so time consuming as the teacher to have a poor reader. We watch a lot of videos and I try to find stuff online (games and things) to keep the interest level high. We tend to struggle and then hit on a bright spot. (astronomy and greek mythology) We are almost done with astronomy and I am at a loss on what to do next.
Bored And Frustrated Goodnsimple. I think you're right and that the age issue is a big part of this. Plus the bi-polar disorder. Not sure what specifically LD is referring to as there are so many learning disorders! So mix all that in with hormones too (as well as, presumably, medication) and you have a recipe for one rather unpredictable young man... he probably can't even control his ups and downs himself. He's at the age where you need to genuinely earn his respect.SO: I suggest you explain to him the situation.Suggest that HE takes more ownership; of the learning. What does he want to learn? How can he learn it? Where can he find out? What's available on the web? And let him know that you will respect HIS decisions, and will try to help him get resources etc. Is he a member of any clubs , and does he have any friends? Best regards JEAN from little New Zealand
