The Math curriculum we use stresses that it's important to master a concept before moving on to the next one. Maybe all Math programs do. Since new Math concepts often build on previously learned concepts, it makes sense, and it's a guideline I have always kept. Until now.
Like many homeschoolers, I don't necessarily believe you HAVE to start a new grade level at the beginning of a school year. At the end of Sissy's 2nd grade year last spring, she had just started multiple digit subtraction with borrowing. She struggled with it at first, then just when I think she got it, school was over for the year. I knew I would have to review it for a few days at the beginning of 3rd grade, but I had no idea it was going to be the bear it has been.
On the first day of school, I reviewed the concept with her, did a couple of example problems, then asked her to solve a problem. She seemed to have completely forgotten it over the summer. Well OK . I kind of expected that. I guided her through her lesson step by step.
The following day, she again stared blankly at the page. Again, I prompted her through each step of each problem.
And again, the next day.
By Friday, she was showing progress.
Monday we were back to square one. Just two days without review, and it had left her. This went on for three weeks. I even had her do a couple of problems on weekends thinking that might help it stay fresh in her mind.
She was frustrated, and so was I. I could sympathize with her. I remember the beast that is multiple digit subtraction with borrowing. Addition facts came easily, subtraction.....not so much.
Subtraction with borrowing often stumped me. Take one away from this one to make this one bigger by ten. And I was paralyzed by zeros. How do you take one away from zero? So I could understand Sissy's misery, but her attitude was making things worse.
She loves to learn new things, but when she doesn't quickly pick up whatever it is, she often starts whining "I don't get it!". A wall goes up, and I know there will be no learning taking place in that particular subject on that particular day.
This was happening nearly every day in Math. Then three weeks ago, I decided to throw caution to the wind and start on her 3rd grade book. I knew it started out with the easier multiplication tables. I knew that she already knew 0's, 1's, 2',s and 10's. The day we started the new book, there was an immediate change in Sissy's attitude. Suddenly she was the bright and happy child who enjoyed learning again. She actually asks to do extra Math pages now.
Yesterday she said the words, " Mommy, I love school!" The difference is amazing. It's even carried over into other subjects. Of course, I know I didn't really fix the root of the problem. Her balky attitude will rear it's ugly head at the next difficult lesson. But for now, I can enjoy our smoother mornings. And maybe I've bought myself some time to figure out how to handle the attitude when it comes up again.
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3 comments:
I'm glad Sissy is enjoying school again. I taught 3rd grade in a private Christian school years ago, so I know just what you mean about trying to teach this stage of math.
Our aspie Caleb is like that. He hates math of any sort with a passion and will make excuses not to do it. It's not that he's bad at it, but like you said the wall goes up. Once we get going it is ok. I just know God doesn't want Caleb to be an accountant :-)
God bless,
Sallie
Sounds like you handled the situation well. It seems to work well to let children go "back" to what they feel they're good at, and sort of get a run at what's more difficult. Good luck!
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