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Did I do something wrong? Please HELP!
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Hi moms, I am new using CM me methods to homeschooling my kids. I try to keep every activities short, such as 5 mins copywork, 5-10 minutes reading, 15 mins Science, 10 mins Bible… however, my kids seem don’t have much intesesting in everything. They keep saying boring and cannot sit still. I feel like I am the only one talking. Am I talking too much? I try to ask them questions, they just don’t want to asnwer.
I am getting frustrated already. It’s only 4th weeks of our homeschool! =(
Any suggestion?
How old are your kids? Have you always homeschooled? What method or what type of school did they attend before? I think answers to those questions will give us a better idea when we answer you.
What resources are you using? You say that you are the only one talking – what talking are you doing? Reading the books or explaining them? You should have very little “talking” to do – because then you are getting between the student and the idea. Also, questions – unless very open-ended aren’t helpful here…. they should be telling you (narrating) instead of you asking…
This is my 2nd year of homeschooling. Last year, I used FIAR with them. I shifted to CM method because I spent lots of time preparing materials everynight. So, I would like to try short length method on every subject, oral narration and living books. So, to my kids, they kind of feel I am reading all day long. Besides Art and Science activity, I have read lots of books to them. I am following SCM guide this year. In the morning, they will do both Math, copywork and AAS.
I have 7.5 yr old ds and 5.5 yr old dd. They are in between K-2nd grade level.
Thanks Suzukimom, you reminded me one thing, talk less and asking open-ended question.
It took a little while for my son to “warm up” to CM methods too. I switched from a traditional curriculum to AO and totally lost him. I backed off with the overkill reading and just chose one very engaging book at a time. We have built our way up to a full blown CM education in the past two years. He was very interested in nature study and maps so we included those early on. I’ve found that as he has grown and adjusted to the new style he could handle a lot more reading and learned to find it interesting.
Books like Charlottes Web and The Trumpet of the Swan are so engaging they often draw children in until they complain when you stop. History and science type books are usually require a little more concentration and effort. You can add those in later.
Tara
Also, remember that not all subjects are meant to be done everyday. that will cut down on the reading. For example, you could do History Monday, Wednesday, Science Tuesday Thursday and Map drill on Friday. They may not be ready to narrate, either. The 5 year old shouldn’t be required to narrate at all. But, if you want to do narrations, there are great ways to mix it up and still make sure they’re understanding things. Have them act it out together instead of just telling you. My daughter (3rd grade) likes to draw a picture while I read, then tell me about it when I’m finished. SCM has a whole list here http://simplycharlottemason.com/timesavers/narration/
I’ll be praying for your homeschool journey! This is our first year after 3 years of public school and it’s been a bit of a rough transition, but I know it’s for the better. Good luck!
~Kate
Thnak you so much for all your encouraement, prayer and advice. I definitely will cut down some readings. I like acting out idea, I think my ds would like it.
Oh, one more question, how do you make more fun on some subject, such as act out. Anything else?
We occasionally add in a lapbook..not CM but my kids love to do them! We are currently working on America’s West lapbook, a very short and simple state lapbook, and have done a character one in the past. We also add some notebooking pages. Although, your kindy is young for that. She could draw instead! You can find some good lapbooks and notebooking pages at http://www.currclick.com
When my boys were that age, we did 106 Days of Creation. We enjoyed it and they had a good time making their creation book!
Also at that age, we took breaks in between readings by marching around to kid’s Bible songs! And sometimes before school we listened to them while passing a ball back and forth. They learned scripture songs and got the wiggles out as well! 🙂
You could also add in some audio books for a variety and to train them to listen and be still! HTH
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