Overwhelmed Mom

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  • August 20, 2009 at 2:50 pm
    JulieE
    Member

    Hello,

    My name is Julie, I have attempted to homeschool my sons, 6th and 8th graders for the last 2 years and am afraid we haven’t accomplished much.  I have to admit I am not the most organized person,  and I have Firbromyalgia which tends to put a damper on things.  At the moment I am very frustrated with myself and freaking out about my boys being behind. Surprised

    I want my children to have a solid education and hope the CM method will work for us.  Per Cathy Duffy, I have a Perfect Paul and a Wiggly Willy. Wink My Wiggly Willy (8th grader) is a VERY reluctant learner and detests anything that resembles school or learning and fights me like a cat getting ready for a bath.  My Perfect Paul (6th grader) is constantly worried he isn’t learning and thinks he must be in a school environment to be a successful student. 

    Help please!  Where do I start?  I am concerned that my 8th grader is behind in most subjects.  His spelling and writing skills are very weak and he struggles with Math.  I want to help him excel but don’t want to neglect my 6th grader.  I have the utmost respect for homeschool moms with multiple children. :o)

    I apologize for sounding so whiney, and so appreciate your advice.

     

    In Him,

    Julie

    August 20, 2009 at 5:57 pm
    richpond
    Participant

    Hey Julie,

    You don’t sound whiney…just a homeschool mom in a state of panic…which we all go through at times. BUT thank the Lord we don’t have to be there for long. Cry out to God for discernment and good judgement. God is faithful to provide answers.

    I only have five children and they are all under the age of 8 (almost 9) so I don’t know your specific struggle with an 8th grader and 6th grader. But here is my .02 worth.

    If your 8th grader is behind..slow down and just go over the basics ..if its math-just work on those areas that are problematic but are foundational, in other areas too just slow down and get back to the basics…make it more engaging and fun. Remember that this isn’t a race to beat anyone to the finish line (graduation)..we want them to learn how to learn and to appreciate learning. It doesn’t matter if your son knows what his 6th grade brother knows WHEN he knows it..just so that he learns it at some point. 

    And if your 6th grader wants more work then give him more work..give him ideas of things to do with his time that would further his education. May some projects would excite both of your boys ..challenge one and motivate the other.

    I am sure you will get lots of ideas from those more experienced then me..but most of all REST in the LORD. Fall on your knees in prayer asking God to show you the areas that need working on and those that are just perceived needs. I am sure you are doing better then you think you are.

    Keep up the good work in the Lord,

    Shelly

    August 21, 2009 at 1:16 am
    CindyS
    Participant

    Julie,

    I totally agree with Shelly that much of this needs to be worked out on your knees. God is the one that knit these children together in the way He would have them. Our job is to discover their areas of gifting and give big pushes in them. With the weaknesses, we give gentle nudges. It truly is a blessing to see these children blossoming in their gifts. I do have a couple/few suggestions, but as always, I like to preface them with, “I’M NO EXPERT!” These are just a few things that are working for us.

    For example, math (why do we mom always pick on the subject of math?!). Anyway, let’s say that the weakness is math and so we’ll keep moving but , using the curriculum you have, allow for a)more time to perhaps work with him, b)give shorter lessons, c)give lots of real life examples so that he can see the value in it, d)ask for one proof daily and give a word problem daily. A proof is when the child writes his problem (2+2=4, for example) and we say, ‘prove it.’ He then has to come up with some way, usually by using some objects, to prove his answer. It sounds so tiny, but can reap major benefits in comprehension as they have to sometimes explain the lesson they just learned.

    Then, with his interests, you could allow him to run with it. Say it’s electricity. He can do lots with that as far as projects and research goes. Then, he can type up his findings or, if that’s difficult right at the moment, he can dictate to you (or his brother!) and it can be typed and perfected over the course of the week. Of course, you will want to aim at the goal of having him type up his own. My only caution is that my boys would just as soon spend mega amounts of time perusing the internet for information and never really ‘wrap things up.’ We all know the dangers of the internet, but what I’m talking about is the bogging down; I have to make sure they’re moving along to a conclusion.

    If you have noticed a particular strength, just make sure he has a opportunity to exercise and learn about it. Speaking, for instance, or hospitality, or whatever.

    Blessings,

    Cindy

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