Midwest Homeschool Convention 2011 ~ part 4

HOMESCHOOLING THE REAL CHILD ~ Susan Wise Bauer
Diagnosing the problem leads to solving the problem!!!

1. What is the real problem?  You? Do you have realistic expectations? Think of things that block the goal. Sit down and write a half page summary of what you think your perfect day should look like ~ then you can evaluate what road blocks are in the way.
2. Do you have a daily plan?  Children need a daily plan ~ so they don’t feel out of control.
3. Have you looked back at where you were a year ago? Have you progressed? Is it real for each child? They are all different.
4. Have you forgotten your child is a human being?  A constantly maturing and changing being.

Look beyond the symptoms at character qualities:
Purposeful~ determined to do what “he or she” wants to do (impatient and moody)
Immature ~ children working ahead of the age/skill level (will often be argumentative, unenthusiastic, restless, distractable)
Single-minded ~ focused on one topic
Multi-talented ~ finds it hard to focus
Independent or creative child
if there is a constant battle ~ CHANGE THE CURRICULA!!
STRATEGIES:

1. “Nibbled to death by ducks” ~ a little tiny bit every day. Release the worry of progression. Give kids time to mature and decrease frustration. 5-15” lessons will decrease conflict and anxiety. Let go of progress expectations.
2. System of rewards ~ there is nothing wrong with occasional bribery.
3. Drop the difficulty level, increase the time ~ by dropping the intensity of the program, you let the child learn at their own pace.
4. Parent / child contract ~ All people need some range of power. Negotiate something mutually binding of appropriate powers. (in writing and in view)
5. 3 - way teaching ~ when kids hit an academic wall, you need to find a way around that wall. Read out loud, read to self, read to you ~ slightly change the variables everyday. (HEAR, FEEL, SEE)
6. The timer ~ this won’t change a kids normal work pace but it will aide in eliminating distractions. Motivate thru rewards when using a timer.
7. BLOCK scheduling
8. Ten minute sprints ~ list people, play musical chairs, liven up the day and the curriculum.
9. Written checklist ~ gives kids control over their day and how much needs to be done before it’s over. They need a visual picture of when they can be done.
10. Create your own curriculum
11. Step out of time ~ YOU are the one in control. Always question this, do it your way.

DON’T GO GLOBAL ~ keep a sense of humor and find a sense of peace. Kids aren’t machines. It will all work out  in the end!