Idea Boy

As I set off on this education journey with my 'idea boy,' I am well aware that I will need to be thinking outside of my box. Being an i dotter-t crosser, I loved workbooks as a child. I loved boxes to check off, stars on a chart, a paper neatly finished.

What do you do if you have a child/student who could literally sit and listen to stories for hours on end but faces seat work (writing or math, for example) with nonexistent focus or disinterest? This is what has worked for us (so far...in my very short experience):

1. Short lesson times. (10-15 minutes per subject)

2. Sitting on the floor or couch when possible.

3. Curriculum that is not workbook style.

I am so pleased with the hands-on nature of RightStart Math! It is very interactive between the parent/teacher and child/student which may not work for some parents or some children, but seems to be the right pick for Levi and myself.

Handwriting Without Tears was the perfect choice for Levi, beginning with the wooden shapes to form letters and progressing on to making letters on a little chalk board. After completing the Kindergarten printing book, we have been able to make writing more meaningful by copying sentences that enhance other lessons or are a real part of life. Levi has a new little pen pal which makes writing letters enjoyable. Discovering imaginative, well-written sentences from literature to copy will be one of my favorite tasks.

4. Colored pencils.

Yes, sometimes the answer is so painfully simple. There is absolutely no scope for the imagination when finishing the equation '1 + 87 = ' unless, unless the answer can be '88.' What can be said for, 'A noun is the name of a person, place, thing, or idea?' Unless you happen to be writing, 'A noun is the name of a person, place, thing, or idea.'

As an aside, we started First Language Lessons this week. It is on my 'favorite resources list' already. I told Levi the definition of a noun and then told him we would start by talking about 'persons.' He promptly asked, 'Can't we start with ideas?'

5. Reducing outside distractions.

We are doing our seat work when Leif is napping and Luke is having quiet time. I would love to do lessons in the mornings, but at this time in our lives we just have to go with what works.

Any additional ideas from seasoned teachers or homeschooling parents? Or from those of you currently teaching an imaginative child?