School vs. Learning
Below is the archived discussion from the ADD Homeschool List the week of February 2, 2004. The names have been removed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. There are free print-outs for the Learning at Home system available multiple formats.
My 7yo son is struggling with doing even a little school work because we are
doing A Beka workbooks/seatwork. I explain the concepts, he uses manipulatives if appropriate, then I want him to
work the worksheets on his own. Not working very well, as would be
expected. I know this isn't the best curriculum for an ADHD
child, but I am having a hard time with the 3yo and the 10yo Asperger's
child. I can't seem to keep up with everyone and need my children to work independently sometimes. This isn't happening.
We haven't had access to my 10yo's SOS for the past 2 months because we had
to purchase a new OS for two of our older computers. **message trimmed**
I need to go back to Saxon Math 2, which my 7yo loves because of the fun
lessons and manipulatives, and very little busy work.
The 3yo is all over the place. I have puzzles galore, manipulatives,
learning games, etc. but when I do this with him, it distracts the other
children.
My 12yo daughter has to listen to music while she does her SOS work, which
interferes with her ability to listen to the
computer feedback, etc. I guess she has worked out how to handle this. She
is doing better, though not retaining much because of her severe memory
problems.
My 13yo is doing well as he continues to go to my dh's office each day. He
has a friend in Middletown, so he has been going over there occasionally.
I feel like I am so scattered and need to settle down. I guess I am just
being extremely ADHD right now.
I guess I could use some prayer. Even when I know the solutions to some of
these problems, I can't seem to apply them. Does this make sense?
Any prayers would be appreciated.
Homeschooling Mom of 6
Oh _____, I completely understand how you're feeling. My mind hasn't been
so reliable either from the juggling act I feel like I'm doing. It is
extremely hard when you bounce around to feel like you're accomplishing anything. I
was getting to this point recently.
I printed out a sheet of paper that had
12 subject areas on it (in a table format). I gave it to my older children and
said "Between the hours of 9 and 3, you are to be fulfilling something in
these areas. Log your time and what you did." I didn't expect them to fill
something in each area and I told them they cannot do 6 hours or one subject, etc.
However, I needed a break from our schedule of chaos and confusion so I
could regroup and put some thought into what changes need to be made. I had to
feel like they were focusing academically during the school day though.
I had
life skills down as one of the subject areas. I told them if they make lunch
and clean up after it, they can jot it under life skills. It had read-aloud on
there so if they read to their brothers, it could go under there. At least I
felt like they were doing something educational with their day and I could
see what they were doing.
**Even when I know the solutions to some of these problems, I can't seem to
apply them. Does this make sense?**
It makes perfect sense (to me anyway). I'm so mentally spent that even
though I can see some changes that need to be made, implementing them needs energy.
I'm so spent that I don't think I can do what I need to, to carry it
through. My mind hasn't been too focused lately and I'm not sure I'll be as
consistent as I need to be in order to implement changes and have it work. My girls
and I are going through "The Purpose Driven Life" right now. I'm hoping to
learn (along with them) where to focus my energy and thoughts, and help get
things in perspective. I'm right there with you on feeling completely overwhelmed
with everything. I'll be praying for you.
Homeschooling Mom of 5
** I like the idea of the "list" for the children to fill out. Could you give
the other subjects that you used? I may try that a day or two next week - so
I can get my sewing caught up. **
The subjects I had listed were Art, Bible, Civics, Critical Thinking, Free
Reading, Geography, Health, History/Social Studies, Language Arts, Foreign
Language, Life Skills, Math, Music, P.E., Read-Aloud, Required Reading, and
Science. I did explain that listening to the radio/stereo/cd player did NOT
constitute music (unless were learning what different styles they were, such as jazz,
classical, etc.). It would be learning different styles of music, music
staff/notes, famous musicians, etc.
I was trying to get into the mindset that we are always learning (whether we
like to say we do or not). We just need to be more aware of what area we're
focusing our learning. We also need to focus that our learning is good for us
and not foolish wisdom. I did this for my 12 and 14 yo because they're old
enough to lay out their day and be constructive. If they're not sure how
something will fit in, they can ask me. Basically I was giving them free reign of
their education at this point, but being reassured that they were not "wasting"
their day. Not everyone will feel comfortable doing this, but I was at a
point where I felt we were getting nothing accomplished but stress. I really
didn't have a whole lot to lose at this point and I needed some time to regroup
(as I said in my earlier post). I'm also trying to work on a "heart" attitude
that works WITH learning instead of an attitude of dislike for anything called
school.
Hope that helps some! I also have 3 boys at home that are 6, 4, and 2. My 2
yo is into EVERYTHING and has to be watched constantly. They are often off
somewhere making a mess while I'm busy "doing school." I need some time to
focus on getting some direction for them so they won't be so disruptive down the
line.
Homeschooling Mom of 5
Thanks so much for these ideas! I sure don't know how you do it with the
little ones!! I can barely do it some days with the two I have. I only hs
the 13 and 8 yr old. The 8yr old likes "bookwork" and will ask if she can work
in her work book - she is so far ahead I wonder how I will get it all
graded!! The 13yr old ds is a total different story as you can see. I do
have "computer" work that he enjoys and I must admit to opting out in favor of
it sometimes. Get tired of the fussing to get stuff done - you know what I
mean. Anyway, thanks again.
Homeschooling Mom of 3
I made up record sheets like you described and titled them "Learning at
Home". They have the subjects you listed and a grid 5 across and all the
way down the subjects.
I presented 3 of my children with a Learning at Home sheet yesterday
morning. I spent a few minutes explaining what was acceptable and
unacceptable activities and they took off.
Wow, my 7yo positively lit up. Of course, everyone did Art first. LOL.
Then came music. I had to reinstall the Jumpstart Piano on one of the
pianos and two of the children did lessons using the software.
My 10yo Asperger's son did a lot of science.
My daughter made personalized thank you cards, made rock candy as a study on
crystalization, and a couple of other activities, but fell short. I told her she would have to spend more time on learning tomorrow.
My 10yo Asperger's son had a real hard time doing anything for any amount of time, but did
great on science and even drew a picture for art. Most of his activities
show 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there, but there was no balking and the
children loved it.
I felt so relieved about HSing for the next month. I think this will work
fine for a break for me. I need it.
Thanks for the great ideas. If you have any more suggestions for fulfilling
these subjects, please share.
Homeschooling Mom of 6
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2006 by ADHD of the Christian Kind.
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