Expecting too much in following directions the first time?

First of all, have you asked her what the problem is, in specifics? My son just told me flat out he didn’t like math!

I think what that teacher spoke about was the new age, poor incapable children modern syndrome (not an official name!). I believe it could be a form of laziness/intentional inattentiveness due to disinterest, or in too much of a hurry. However, having said that, a caveat being possibly you’re not honing in to her learning style? I don’t know, but if her narrations are good, then she can be attentive to something interesting to her!

Is she auditory or visual? It makes a difference. You can give directions directed towards her dominant style, while trying to strenghthen the other. One direction you could go in is have her look at the directions while you read them aloud. I know, with math, that my son-who is visual-prefers to see the words on the page; and he’s a good narrator, too! Another way, or alternate with the previous, (making a mental note of which one produces the best result) is to have her read her directions out loud in front of you; that appeals to the visual and auditory at the same time too; then ask her if she has any questions before she gets started.

With my son, giving him more work doesn’t work. If she’s hurrying, maybe (and I’m shootin’ from the hip here)break it up. Have her do a few problems, bring them to you and then continue. That just gets her into the habit of slowing down.

Let me know if any of these ideas sound reasonable.

Rachel

I think Rachel’s advice is excellent. I would just add one other idea: you might have her ‘narrate’ back to you the directions, whether you read them or she reads them to herself. That way, you will know just what she does understand. Then, perhaps she could work through section by section (I’m just guessing that would fit with your math curriculum) with a change in between, at least temporarily.

It is also important to remember that I may be able to give a stellar narration on my literature book after the first reading but need multiple repeats in more technical/math-y sorts of things. That does have to do with interest, but also with gifting. It takes practice to get into the habit of understanding things I am not really ‘into’ or that I am just not bent towards. I would build that habit just like you would build any other; one bit at a time. At the same time, I would give her big pushes where she is gifted so that she does not come out feeling dumb.

Mothering is so hard sometimes! If we could just crawl into their little brains to know whether we are dealing with a character issue or a real struggle this teaching business would be so much easier! But with prayer and compassionate patience, I think you will have victory with your daughter because she will know that Mom is on her side.

Blessings,

Cindy

Cindy ~ excellent idea! My dd8 is the same way and I was looking for answers! Thanks 🙂