Math and Habit of Attention

That’s a tough section of the program!  I usually encourage my DC when we get about 3/4 through a MUS book that they are at the toughest part of the book, and it won’t get more difficult than where they are right now.  Sometimes this has motivated them to work a bit harder in the tough sections.  My oldest especially needs this reminder.

When we get to the difficult lessons in MUS like multiple digit multiplication or long division, I often diving the lesson over two days or have them do half in the morning and half in the afternoon.  These problems take quite a bit of time for my oldest, who really struggles with math, even while she’s focusing.  We also usually start by working through the first one together, and from then I’m there to help as needed.

For getting them to focus, sometimes I mention something for them to look forward to when they are done…we often end our math lesson with a small snack or outdoor time.  Sometimes we follow up with a fun subject like art or science.  We usually follow our Latin and math lesson with a needed break, since those are more difficult subjects and everyone needs a break by then!

A final consideration would be to schedule math at a different time of day.  I find we do best with it first thing in the morning.  It’s out of the way and they can enjoy the rest of their lessons without the knowledge that math is finished.  By times, I’ve had it as our last subject, so I can work with them one-on-one, but I’ve found everyone just likes it out of the way.  Maybe a different time of day would be more beneficial?