Well, I think I’ve been ignoring the fact that he is more hands-on because I’m NOT and projects and hands-on things just exhaust me! I know that sounds horrible, but it’s the truth, and I’ve come to realize that, unless I can teach it and enjoy it, it’s not going to last long term. That being said, I’m not opposed to some hands-0n things and projects, BUT, my brain just doesn’t think in those terms! It’s really hard for me to relate to him because I’m whole-brained, and he’s completely right. I just don’t even know where to start with projects and hands-on things. Plus, I always feel like if I make time for that and don’t stick to the lesson plans, I’m failing. I’m such a “check the box” person and I’m really trying to let that part of me go….but it’s hard. It’s VERY difficult having a child who learns the complete opposite of how you yourself learn!
And, as I’m writing this and processing, I just keep thinking….stick to narrations and stop trying to make him want to do notebooking. He’s actually REALLY great at narration and has great depth and comprehension when he’s read to. I need to let that be enough….sigh…….it’s so hard having a child that makes you stay on your toes constantly! 🙂 I appreciate all your input and feedback. Our kids are likely more similar than different!
I have always needed a guide and feel if I don’t do everything the guide says that I am failing. But, as time goes on, I am learning how to adapt the work to meet dd’s needs. We went through a period of time where she was saying she hated school. We tried so many things, but at a certain point the frustrations would come. I know I could have adapted certain curriculum, but, instead, I would look for something else. I am determined to stick with the things I have chosen now and adapt them if needed. It has only taken 5 years to do that:)
SAME HERE!!!! It’s been going on for 7 years now….Kindergarten all the way to 6th. It’s just so tiring. You’re right though, and I’ve slowly come to that realization as well. Stop switching curricula constantly and thinking that will “fix” our problems. I don’t think that’s even possible anymore. We have to adjust our curricula to fit our child’s needs! 🙂
I probably should have said it has been since kindergarten for me as well. I even put dd in school during kindergarten, hoping that would help. It was a private school. But, not long into that, I knew she couldn’t stay. The teacher looked at dd’s refusal to do her work as a behavioral issue. It was 5 years ago I realized dyslexia was a major part of her problem.
My dd was adopted and has some emotional struggles to begin with. Frustrations caused by school work just adds to those struggles. I am posting a link to an article on http://www.ldonline.org that was very helpful for me. It tells how dyslexia can cause emotional problems and I saw so much of my daughter in that article.