By the time my children get to jr high they have all been proficient readers and understand math concepts (not just memorizing math tables). If they were not, our goal would be to get to that point. We’d still do fun stuff. But if my jr high student really didn’t understand some math concepts then I wouldn’t be concerned with him being on his grade level and barely passing. We’d be working on those concepts and then “catching up” is easy.
They have had a variety of history and science that we’ve done at home. They have also had a variety of literature, geography and other classes complements of our co-op.
So, Phoebe will begin the 7th grade and she’ll actually be doing a lot of the same stuff that Benjamin is doing just at a higher level.
In the morning we’ll start with Bible reading, English From the Roots Up, and Rip the Page. Then she, Benjamin and I will do Prairie Primer and Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space together.
For her independent work she’ll do Teaching Textbook Math 7 and Apples vol. 2
At co-op she’ll take Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space, a literature class, art and an American History Art Appreciation class.
She also will take Drama on day a week and will have dance 3-4 times a week. This is her first year in our local Ballet Company. We’re trying to not let it overtake our lives and stay calm about the time commitment. She’s just going to have to be extra diligent in her studies and chores in order to get it all done.
Rachel E.
Tuesday 28th of August 2012
My son is going into 7th grade as well. He really has to focus so hard on his subjects, but even then he doesn't do so well. I feel badly for him, but always tell him the best he can do is what is important.
SchneiderPeeps
Tuesday 28th of August 2012
Doing their best is what is important - and not comparing ourselves to others. It will be interesting as he is getting older for him to find things that he is truly interested in and see how quickly he learns.
I think boys have a hard time in our education enviroment. A lot of boys just aren't ready for what I would consider "academic" work - workbooks, etc. until much later than most girls. And then by the time they are ready they already feel demoralized and behind.
This is something I've struggled with having 4 boys - one of whom didn't read until 5th grade. Now that I have one in college and one who just scored really well on his college state entrance exam I've thought about writing a post about these challenges...but I need to get permission from my boys to share their struggles and how they overcame them.
All of that to say, keep on encouraging him, I think he'll surprise you one day.