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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Philosophy of Education
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Subject Topic: The Wonder of Girls ages 10 to 12 Post ReplyPost New Topic
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Barbara C.
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Posted: July 18 2009 at 9:34am | IP Logged Quote Barbara C.

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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katilac
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Posted: July 28 2009 at 7:33pm | IP Logged Quote katilac

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 Quote Barbara C.

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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Mimip
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Posted: July 31 2009 at 9:32am | IP Logged Quote Mimip

Oh Barbara I just got the book from the library. I'll post again when I finish it

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Nique
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Posted: Dec 18 2009 at 12:47am | IP Logged Quote Nique

Thank you for this book recommendation! My oldest dd's are at this age and your timing was perfect!

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Marcia
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Posted: Dec 18 2009 at 8:25am | IP Logged Quote Marcia

ILL'ing it now....sounds like something I need to read.

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SuzanneG
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Posted: Dec 18 2009 at 8:40am | IP Logged Quote SuzanneG

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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Nina Murphy
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Posted: Dec 18 2009 at 2:51pm | IP Logged Quote Nina Murphy

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.

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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