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Barbara C.
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| Posted: July 18 2009 at 9:34am | IP Logged
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I recently read The Wonder of Girls by Michael Gurian, and I'm currently working on a short series of posts about it for my blog. I can not recommend this book enough to the parents of daughters.
One of the biggest things that struck me, though, was when he talked about the neurological development of girls between the ages of 10 to 12. Around age 12 a girl's brain will start to kind of atrophy in areas that haven't been used as much for the previous two years. As a result, information and activities that were studied, enjoyed, favored between the ages of 10 to 12 are more likely to "stick" in a girl's memory and be something she comes back to again and again throughout her life. Not that she is incapable of learning or doing other things later in life, but these things make the most lasting life-long impression.
Knowing this information, would you change your approach to homeschooling your daughter during this period (roughly fifth/sixth grade)? And has anyone with older daughters noticed this?
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Barbara
Mom to "spirited" dd(9), "spunky" dd (6), "sincere" dd (3), "sweet" dd (2), and baby girl #5 born 8/1/12!!
Box of Chocolates
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katilac
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| Posted: July 28 2009 at 7:33pm | IP Logged
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Very interesting! I put this on hold at my library.
I'd say it would make me more committed to keeping math at the forefront, and to keeping it challenging and as interesting as possible. Middle school is a very common time for girls to lose interest in math, and confidence in their math ability.
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Barbara C.
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| Posted: July 30 2009 at 9:10pm | IP Logged
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I've thought that this kind of favors what they were saying in "A Well-Trained Mind" about starting a foreign language in addition to Latin in 5th grade. I don't plan on doing Latin except for roots, but I'm thinking that I might indeed start foreign language at that age.
And then I thought about things that she's already expressed an interest in like cooking or learning an instrument...perhaps this would be the time to offer proper lessons. My husband will be sure to keep her interested in sports. 
I also thought that maybe this is the right time to make sure that she is really connecting with the faith. Maybe this is the period to do apologetics, so she can really connect with why we believe the things that we do and keep them forever.
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Barbara
Mom to "spirited" dd(9), "spunky" dd (6), "sincere" dd (3), "sweet" dd (2), and baby girl #5 born 8/1/12!!
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Mimip
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| Posted: July 31 2009 at 9:32am | IP Logged
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Oh Barbara I just got the book from the library. I'll post again when I finish it 
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In Christ,
Mimi
Wife of 16 years to Tom, Mom of DD'00, DD'02, '04(in heaven) DS'05, DS'08 and DS '12
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Nique
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Thank you for this book recommendation! My oldest dd's are at this age and your timing was perfect!
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I had always thought that once you grew up you could do anything you wanted - stay up all night or eat ice cream straight out of the container. ~Bill Bryson
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Marcia
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ILL'ing it now....sounds like something I need to read.
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Marcia
Mom to six and wife to one
Homeschooling 10th, 7th, 5th, 2nd, PreK and a toddler in tow.
I wonder why
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SuzanneG
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I bought this one, cuz after checking it out, i figured it would def. be a book I'd be marking up. Hope to start after Christmas!
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Suzanne in ID
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Mom of 7 (Girls - 14, 12, 11, 9, 7 and Boys - 4, 1)
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Nina Murphy
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Barbara C. wrote:
I also thought that maybe this is the right time to make sure that she is really connecting with the faith. Maybe this is the period to do apologetics, so she can really connect with why we believe the things that we do and keep them forever. |
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That is what I was going to say, Barbara. I would say Catechism, Scripture, and making the liturgical life and traditions come alive ends up being the most important; continued reading of classic poetry, art, and good music should be enforced, even if they start losing interest due to wordly influences; and fostering a love for the "household arts", assistance with the younger siblings/babies----- if possible---- and helping care for the upkeep of the home in not just a spirit of service, but a spirit of joy, to "beautify", promote family celebrations, memories, etc. (especially and even if you get some push-back from a daughter who starts being attracted by worldly things). It can only bear good fruit in the balance of things with how many pulls there are for them in the future!
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God bless,
~~Nina
mother of 9 on earth,
and 2 yet-to-be-met
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4Real Forums : Philosophy of Education
Topic: The Wonder of Girls ages 10 to 12
