My son is just learning to write. I would say that he is at the beginning of Kindergarten with his writing skills. With the TapToTalk, he is now communicating independently. I believe that this will be a great asset for school work. I can set up a screen for multiple choices, A, B, C, D and E. Independently, he will be able to answer questions that are presented as multiple choice.
Math will be a little more difficult. We have to work really hard on improving the writing skills and, of course, his attention span needs to be increased. I know I am in for a lot of work and so is my son. The good thing is that my son and I are both willing to put in the hard work.
I do have a problem that I could use help with. I am trying to come up with his curriculum. I looked through the guidelines for 6th grade in NC. My son is fully capable of doing this curriculum, but he has so much that he was not taught in previous years. I would like to test him at the end of the year at the 6th grade level, but I am not sure I am being practical.
He needs to learn NC History and US History. I did cover 5th grade science with him the last time I homeschooled him, but that is all he has had. He is at the Pre-Algebra level for math, but I believe he has some things missing from basic math that he needs to learn (like shapes, measurements of them).
So, what should I do? I want to make sure he learns everything he needs to, but I need to be practical. I need to make sure he has the foundation that he is missing and still build on what he knows. I need to challenge him, while still working on improving his weaknesses. He is going to hate working on his writing skills everyday, but I need to take advantage of the fact that he is finally showing an interest in learning this important skill. On the other hand, I don't want to push him too hard and have him shut down on his writing.
Any advice?
9 comments:
The thing is, is although he may be able to do it, he is lacking key elements he may need though out the lesson. Maybe not the ones you went over but ones to come. There are alot of subjects that recover stuff from previus grades. I have my kids on a "fast track plan". Only hitting what needs to be hit because the others will be used later.
Thats also the beauty of homechool,you can have him in K writing, Pre-Algebra and 6th grade science.... I think encourage him, find fun interesting ways he'd enjoy practicing his writing... Not just a piece of paper. Blocks are a great tool for interrupting the mundane, yet still he's practicing letter shapes. The Magnadoodle? Anything to keep him entertained and learning♥
♥Good Luck♥
This is the wonderful thing about homeschool. He can be learning basic shapes, measurements, and pre-algerbra at the same time for math. Not only that but there are so many creative ways to learn. To learn area, sure we had the books, but what worked out best was going outside with the basic wooden blocks. To my amazment they actually learned. We do a lot of cooking and baking, they help with measuring things out, Is my kitchen a mess when they are done? Yup!! But they learn and that is all that matters.
I get a lot of my basic items and books from http://rainbowresource.com/index.php The main thing is to enjoy and have the best time you can.
It's all a matter of using the strengths to cover the weaknesses.
You do have to get the reading writing and arithmetic skills up but you may need to do so in creative ways which engage his interest.
For example; If the school doesn't provide books which are suitable and interesting, then use a library or write your own. They don't have to be published novels, you can make your own books in a matter of minutes - perhaps you can make some together.
As for the rest of the subjects, aside from a few that you need to participate in (sport and art/craft), the others can best be learned from TV/DVD, if you son is a visual learner.
I don't just mean documentaries either. If you talk to your son about space after (or during) watching Star Wars, he'll listen. The same goes for many other film subjects.
Have you tried looking online at the World Book Encyclopedia? They have suggestions by grade and then you might be able to get ideas from that. I was terrible at homeschooling and felt so lost. That's about all I can offer.
I will check on the homeschool cir that my Mom uses. I am the oldest of 7 kids. I was the only one who went to public schools...my Mom is still homeschooling my siblings. But she also has 2(not counting me) that are in college in TX...so I will find out what all she is doing....she helps me with my son Gannon even thought he is only 4.
Do how is the Tap To Talk working out? I really want to get it for Gannon....but I am nervous to see if it really works or not....what do you think?
The TapToTalk is going really good. I will start writing up about it this week. There's a lot I'd like to share about it with everyone, and I don't think one post will do it. It's easy to carry around and easy for my son to use. I also like that I can upload my own pictures on the design website.
I think the important thing is to throw the "standards" out the window. Your son doesn't learn the same way as other kids do so recommendations for "grade levels" aren't going to work. Figure out what it is he needs to work on to bring him up to where you want him to be and focus on those things. For example, we have copywork because 2 out of 3boys need that practice in writing. You know your child better than anyone. What do you think he needs to work on this year?
In Christ,
Sallie
I think we need to work on handwriting. I also want to work on Pre-Algebra and US History. With his handwriting, would like to get him to start writing sentences and paragraphs for reading comprehension.
I could not agree more with focusng on strengths. Build on strengths, and use those strengths to compensate for weaknesses.
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