As I've mentioned in other questions...we are in the diagnosis process with my 6 year old (possibilities include ADHD, Sensory Processing disorder, and Severe anxiety). I am currently homeschooling him (kindergarten) - in general, it's going wonderfully. This morning I said, "Let's try to get everything done early and we'll go on a nature walk up the canyon around lunchtime." About two minutes later, he said, "Mom, now that you told me that, I feel like running around the house and jumping and yelling and not doing math."
Me: "I bet you're excited, so am I! Let's see how quickly we can get this done."
Child: "Next time, can you just not tell me and make it a surprise."
Ok...so, lesson learned...not a smart mommy moment...so much for motivation...but HOLY COW!! I feel like I'm trying to do school with a ping pong ball on steroids! He can't sit still for more than 30 seconds! I explain something and I can see that he's listening...for maybe the first 5 words? Than his brain is off somewhere else or something?? Any recommendations on how to get through the next hour of school? (or for future reference?) Normally when he's this hyper and unfocused we go and do something else for a bit...but knowing we're already supposed to go do something...and beings as I have already told him we needed to get stuff done first...I don't know...do you know what I mean? Thoughts?
I like the idea of combining the two...we are doing K12...if it was just up to me...we'd probably do everything outside and hands on. I don't much care for as much 'book' type work as they generally include in the curriculum - especially for kindergarten. I don't know if we'll do k12 for next year...we'll see :p. I think I may just do that for today tho'! I'll definitely handle the whole situation differently next time :). Anyway...about to run out the door...thanks for the input!
Well, since he is 6 and you are working on kindergarten work, could you combine it? Incorporate the math or whatever needs to be done into the nature walk. You can help him see that things can be made fun or that you can use your learning in other areas. Also, that sometimes, it is necessary to take a breather from learning.
Is there any way to integrate movement with lessons? For example, I was able to get my "I can't sit still" child to practice spelling words by having her spell aloud and jump rope with each letter or spin. We've done reading upside down. We've done math while swinging or in a tree. The truth is, sometimes she actually processes the information better if her body is in motion.
I have 3 kids, one is mentally retarded, one ADD and currently being tested for Aspergers and my youngest is ADHD and is on meds, which has helped TREMENDOUSLY!!! I suggest this book: "All About Attention Deficit Disorder" by Thomas W Phelan. It has great tips on Behavior Management which as really helped us with both the youngest kids. I hope you find something that helps. =)
I like the idea of combining the nature walk with his math. Probably too late today, but in the future.
As you are walking, you can have him count big rocks or whatever and then take a break and use natures bounty to do a bit of addition or subtraction, whatever the case may be.
Another suggestion would be to do the outing first and then have class work in the afternoon after he's had a chance to work off some energy.
