Just Frustrated

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  • suzukimom
    Participant

    Ok – overall things are going ok…  

    I was using a new course for scriptures with my son.  He is in “grade 5”, but isn’t working at a grade 5 level – he probably has dyslexia.   This course is for grades 4-7 so I knew it could be a bit of a stretch, but I didn’t hink it would be too big of a stretch.

    Obviously this isn’t going to work.  The other day he whined and complained because he had to write in it…. there was room for 1 – 2 basic sentences.  He whined, and complained – then did it.    Well today he had to write a bit more in it….. and I just left him to see how long it took – he took over 2 hours and had written maybe 5 words.  Everyone else was done school, so I’ve grabbed him now to do other stuff.

    I know I’m frustrated because I’m comparing him to “shoulds”…. but why can’t he write a sentence of his own without a reaction like I’m going to make him work as a slave for 8 hours?  My grandson (same age/grade – but in PS) had to write a whole page a day.  Not that I want that (I’m sure the quality isn’t great…) – but you know?  It just brings all the “shoulds” – he is doing grade 2 math.  reading at about a grade 3 level (maybe….).  writing looks like a Kindergartener unless he is copying and really taking care (and then he isn’t making the letters right again – so we are back to doing letter formations again!)    

    I know that I shouldn’t look at the “shoulds” – but then he doesn’t live in a bubble.  He will be going up to Scouts soon…. he is looking at Cadets, and darned if I know what his Sunday School teacher thinks.  (Ok – I don’t know what the ss teacher thinks about writing – but she has commented about him really knowing his scriptures, that he sings the songs (when most boys his age won’t, etc…..)

    And now I have to find something else for scriptures for him.  

    art
    Participant

    I just sent you a PM

    pjssully
    Participant

    Hi,

    I understand your frustration.  I have one child who is “behind” by the world’s standards, will graduate “late”  and i have had similiar reactions that you have had.  My boys who are 11 almost 12, have just started writing without complaining.  A lot of times, I will let them “write” on the computer as well.  I am not sure what to suggest exept to love your son where he is at.  Maybe do some research about learning disabilities and ways to help him.  An d I know that you know as long as you compare him to others, he will always be at the bottom academically.  But when you do that you miss his strengths and the beauty of who he is as a person.  

     

    I am not sure why I am posting when i don’t have a solution, but I just really understand where you are at.  And I pray that you will find some answers from others here!!

    pj

    suzukimom
    Participant

    Thanks everyone.  Actually, I think a CM education has been wonderful for my son – he knows a LOT about a lot of things, and enjoys school (well, except for writing – which there is very little of at this point….)  

    It is just when something like this happens, it is easy to get frustrated.  I’m feeling better.  I’m going to “toss” the program that isn’t working for him – I did know it would be a bit challenging.  And I think I have a general plan on what to do next in my head…  so that helps me feel better.

    kym
    Participant

    I’m new to this forum but I wanted to say that I really appreciate the honesty of your post. I have a 7-yr-old son with a lot of energy. He has to move a lot of the time…not a great quality for traditional book work or the development of fine motor skills.  He goes through seasons of complaining about his work or digging in his heels. In early September there was some resistance to school work. I never really know how to handle it. I realize I have been guilty of trying to squelch the complaining with my anger! (Not very effective, guaranteed.) This time, after kind of taking a deep breath and asking God for help, I pulled out some of his kindergarten/grade 1 work to show him his very first letter formations; his first attempts at making words. Together we investigated just how far he has come. Something happened. That “evidence” seemed to provide some kind of encouragement and the attitude disappeared. Anyway, I still am figuring out this home education experience and trying to interpret what will work best for my kids. I think your honesty will go a long way in really seeing what your son needs, what is actually working for him and what is not. I admire your persistance in pursuing material that will work for who he is.

    suzukimom
    Participant

    Hi Kym. I do try to be honest. I sometimes get frustrated easily. I’m sure Heavenly Father has a sense of humour. I was a highly gifted child that almost everything came essily to me. My kids are great, very intelligent, but the two oldest do seem to have learning disabilities.

    My son knows a lot about science, and loves history. He is excelling in cubs and will likely only miss earning maybe 5 or so badges out of 60 possible. He is very sensitive in the good way – caring about how people feel. He usually works hard, although occasionally…

    The program I picked wasn’t a good fit. I had hoped it would work well. But I have a plan.

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