I've updated this post from the archives because it is more relevant now than when I first posted it.
Our year officially started in August but since we were a little unorganized due to my work schedule, the majority of our curriculum was in boxes, and lessons were sporadic at best ~ we're basically starting over from a long extended break.
It's homeschool, so we can do that, right?
Mary wrote a post that was almost verbatim to thoughts I've been having for quite a few months. So, I'm making a change in how we do things. In the past I'd make a plan and schedule lessons similar to the public school method. I was a little more flexible with time and resources, but the plan was still the same. I’d say, “Here are your lessons, now let’s do it.”
Well, that's not working for us.
My son isn’t seeing the connection between education and real life. I've always wanted him to be excited and interested in learning, but that's just not happening. Then I thought of implementing an "interest led" or what is called an "unschooling" approach. I'm not sure this would be something my son or I would be happy with. It gives him too much control, not enough structure, and plain and simple my son is not interested in school at all. If he had his way there would be no learning.
I think my biggest problem has been that I've focused so much on teaching the fundamentals I forgot a simple but major fact; I can't teach everything all at once and what I do teach should be interesting, compelling, and worthy of my child's time and energy. Sometimes the "fundamentals" need to be re-prioritized, or just changed completely.
I've wanted my son to be able to write and do it well, regardless of his attitude, learning style, and all other equations that don't fit into my plan. I've wanted my son to excel in math beyond what he is capable of because I know he is smart. Doesn't he know how smart he is? His mind just hasn’t conformed to my standards. (Dare I say a public school standard?) So in order to get my way, I've tried to break him. Poor guy!
My son is only interested in one thing - what is in it for him.
He doesn't see the benefits of a good education, and I'm not helping him by trying to cram it down his throat. I've been telling him with good grades he’ll be able to get into a great college (he's not interested). He'll be able to get a better paying job (what does that matter). He'll have a chance for a better life (what does that mean).
Sounds like a typical teen, right? Well it makes me want to lose all control; ripping out of hair, smashing windows, putting a few holes in the wall, but I digress. I'm praising God that I'm a passive person, but I'm loving the images passing through my mind. Anyway....
We've talked about being a good steward and God's expectations, but the bottom line is ~ he just doesn't care. And it's sad to say, but it shows in everything he does. God seems so far away to him, having to pay his own way is not an issue right now, and learning seems to be a waste of time.
It's just not computing in my son's “here and now” mind.
For the past few weeks I've been working out the details of a new idea. I’m changing his curriculum, and life is going to get a little rough for him. But not by me forcing boring, uninteresting subjects on him. Hopefully he will find more joy in learning about things he is interested in, and most of all he'll realize that having consequences for not doing anything is more of a time waster than an education.
To be continued…
It's homeschool, so we can do that, right?
Mary wrote a post that was almost verbatim to thoughts I've been having for quite a few months. So, I'm making a change in how we do things. In the past I'd make a plan and schedule lessons similar to the public school method. I was a little more flexible with time and resources, but the plan was still the same. I’d say, “Here are your lessons, now let’s do it.”
Well, that's not working for us.
My son isn’t seeing the connection between education and real life. I've always wanted him to be excited and interested in learning, but that's just not happening. Then I thought of implementing an "interest led" or what is called an "unschooling" approach. I'm not sure this would be something my son or I would be happy with. It gives him too much control, not enough structure, and plain and simple my son is not interested in school at all. If he had his way there would be no learning.
I think my biggest problem has been that I've focused so much on teaching the fundamentals I forgot a simple but major fact; I can't teach everything all at once and what I do teach should be interesting, compelling, and worthy of my child's time and energy. Sometimes the "fundamentals" need to be re-prioritized, or just changed completely.
I've wanted my son to be able to write and do it well, regardless of his attitude, learning style, and all other equations that don't fit into my plan. I've wanted my son to excel in math beyond what he is capable of because I know he is smart. Doesn't he know how smart he is? His mind just hasn’t conformed to my standards. (Dare I say a public school standard?) So in order to get my way, I've tried to break him. Poor guy!
My son is only interested in one thing - what is in it for him.
He doesn't see the benefits of a good education, and I'm not helping him by trying to cram it down his throat. I've been telling him with good grades he’ll be able to get into a great college (he's not interested). He'll be able to get a better paying job (what does that matter). He'll have a chance for a better life (what does that mean).
Sounds like a typical teen, right? Well it makes me want to lose all control; ripping out of hair, smashing windows, putting a few holes in the wall, but I digress. I'm praising God that I'm a passive person, but I'm loving the images passing through my mind. Anyway....
We've talked about being a good steward and God's expectations, but the bottom line is ~ he just doesn't care. And it's sad to say, but it shows in everything he does. God seems so far away to him, having to pay his own way is not an issue right now, and learning seems to be a waste of time.
It's just not computing in my son's “here and now” mind.
For the past few weeks I've been working out the details of a new idea. I’m changing his curriculum, and life is going to get a little rough for him. But not by me forcing boring, uninteresting subjects on him. Hopefully he will find more joy in learning about things he is interested in, and most of all he'll realize that having consequences for not doing anything is more of a time waster than an education.
To be continued…
I am changing things up too, Lynda. My son enjoys school and does well, but behavior issues cloud it at times. I am trying to walk away from too many workbooks and do more hands on and "fun" and it is a challenge.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. It's so nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower and have just joined your blog hop!
I think you are diffidently on the right path. I took a peek at your other blog. I really like your layout for both.
ReplyDeleteBlessings for success in your homeschool endeavors.
Lynda, change is good, especially when you know what you are doing isn't working. I am a more school at home kind of girl but each year I try to move a little more towards delight directed homeschooling with the kids. I love those moments when they find something they love and I find a way to let them run with it! I try to balance that with our feeling that it doesn't always have to be fun. Life, and work are not always fun, sometimes you just have to suck it up and do it! ;)
ReplyDeleteI think I'm finding a good balance between delight directed and traditional. The biggest problem my son faces is the "sucking it up" part, but there will be consequences because after all that is life too. He's getting to the age where it is going to matter even more. If push comes to shove I'll just get my sister on him, lol, she'll get him in line real quick.
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