DearChristine5

My 12 yr old just started homeschooling this year. I have about 300 questions, but I'll try to limit myself here.

I find the 'time' I spend during the day on 'schoolwork' seems to be very small. Is it normal to only have a 3 or 4 hr workday? I'm concerned he isn't learning, and that I'm not a teacher. How much should I worry about actual academics like spelling and math? How can I be sure he IS learning those things? I said I was new! I'm trying not to worry, but I do anyhow. Thanks!

Lisa

Actually, Lisa, most homeschoolers who use a more structured approach spend less time than your son is spending, so don't worry too much about the time element. It just doesn't take anywhere near the time to do formal learning at home as it does in school.

Please don't feel as if you're "not a teacher." All parents are teachers and there's nothing special about a teaching degree or formal teaching experience that is necessary for homeschooling. Actually, some former teachers will tell you (I'm one of them) that all that formal training for classroom teaching can actually get in the way when you're homeschooling.

About assessing your son's progress -- just watch him and see if he's making progress. If he's just come out of school after last spring he may need a little more "down" time before you get too involved in highly formal academic work. A little can go a long way and it's easy
to get burned out at the beginning if you overdo.

One approach I kind of like, if you want to do structured learning, is to concentrate on only a couple of subjects at a time. You could do math all the way through, but alternate other subjects in several week increments. He can work at his own pace, cover subjects fairly
intensely, and not be spread so thin. It also doesn't take as much time each day, leaving time for all those great lifelong learning activities like music, computer skills, game-playing, sports, household skills, etc..

Good luck with this new endeavor. Twelve is a great age!

Christine

My DH and I will be coaching a robotics team this fall and I remember taking your workshop at OHEN but I am unable to find my notes. Would you be able to give me your best tips on
working with a team and how to foster a cooperative atmosphere? I'm getting more nervous as our start date approaches. <g>
Thanks,
Tonia

Tonia and all,

What fun!

There are lots of ways to foster cooperation in a team. Some that
come to mind right now include:

1. Everybody gets to talk.
2. When somebody else is talking, others listen, actively.
3. One person talks at a time (you can use a "talking stick" where
only the person who holds the stick can talk then pass it on to the
next person who wants to speak).
4. All ideas are valuable and should be noted.
5. No negative comments about ideas are allowed.
6. Learn some creative problem solving techniques for idea generating
and choosing.
7. Deal with any problems immediately -- don't let them fester.
8. Start your team year out with some fun "getting to know you" games
and use community-building games as a warm-up each meeting.
9. Start an e-mail loop so the kids can talk to each other about
ideas outside of meeting times.
10. Stand back as much as possible and let the kids take on as much
as they are able -- actively teach them communication and
organization skills.
11. Make it fun or it's not worth doing!
12. Keep a schedule and make sure every family has a copy.
13. Have a few "play days" scattered through the year -- go bowling
or swimming or something active.
14. Have a parents' meeting at the beginning so all parents with kids
involved are aware of the cost, time commitment, requirements, etc...
15. Find a mentor who can help you with this program if you have
questions or just need a shoulder to whine on a bit.

That's all I can think of right now. Just have fun with it and the
kids will too!

Good luck!

Christine