4Real Forums: Child Choosing Their Own Path

Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.

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Topic: Child Choosing Their Own Path

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mamaslearning
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Joined: Nov 12 2007
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Posted: Feb 21 2014 at 4:19pm \| IP Logged

I am kicking around the idea of letting my oldest choose her own studies for this year, but unsure how I would approach this. Do you ask for their input or simply follow a progression of studies that you started for them? Do they choose a time period to study or a science topic?

Thanks for your ideas! Oh, and my oldest is 10, so I of course would have to ensure that core learning is included.

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Lara
DD 11, DS 8, DS 6, DS 4
St. Francis de Sales Homeschool

Angie Mc
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Posted: Feb 26 2014 at 11:37am \| IP Logged

You might want to give you and your daughter some parameters so that the choosing doesn't get too overwhelming. Start with what you, the mom, enjoy engaging with the most. Let's say you like reading. You can then say, this is what I can offer you in way of reading options... Then you can brainstorm together.

For your weaknesses, you might want to find a way to outsource them via a great product. For example, if math isn't your thing, then have her look at curriculum that she thinks might fit her style and your budget. (Don't forget Kahn.)

You can also brainstorm together a list of skills that you think she needs and that she would like to have. Then find a way to practice them often.

Then for the broader knowledge stuff, come up with books, movies, field trips, etc. that you would like to do.

Hope this helps!

Love,

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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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JodieLyn
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Posted: Feb 26 2014 at 1:07pm \| IP Logged

Well even in public schools kids get to choose an elective or two. So I would probably start with asking what one thing she's interested in learning about this year. And then giving her some options while I keep her ideas in mind. And then again giving more choices. Working toward being able to give her a list of things that she needs and leaving time for things she wants (if she can figure out how to do them.. like taking piano might mean finding the money and a teacher)

But no reason to jump into it too soon with too much.. make it a collaborative effect and see how it goes.

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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4

All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott

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