He is 7 years old and this is our first year homeschooling. He is suppose to be in second grade but it's very hard for him to do because he still cant read that well so I am having him do first grade. I have tried everything in getting him to learn simple adding but he either doesn't want to try to its to confusing. I try talking to him but he just cries. I don't know what other math help there is out there.
Don't give up. The light bulb will eventually turn on.
Does he like computer games? JumpStart has several things available...1st grade, 2nd grade, math, music, art, etc. There are also several websites available: just Google "math games online" and you'll find plenty.
I have 2 ADHD sons. Sometimes they learn better if they're in motion while they're learning. Example: hop on one foot and say "two". say "plus" and hop to the other foot and say "two", say "equals" and land with both feet with the answer "four". Give him visual aids, like counting out M&Ms or cheese crackers.
My sons are more than likely ADHD as well, although they've never been officially diagnosed ( I don't like labels, I think you just need to get to the root of the problem and find what works, rather than focusing on a diagnosis) but anyway...
My sons were struggling with math, my oldest struggled last year, my youngest was struggling this year. As Rhonda suggested, try some hands on activities, using M &M's and Goldfish ( that's how I taught mine how to add and subtract). This website has some excellent math games, my kids love them!! http://www.mrnussbaum.com/mathgames.htm Using manipulatives, like Legos or blocks is good too.
As far as curriculum goes, I had to switch my youngest son's math curriculum recently. We were using Horizons, but it was confusing and overwhelming him. It was so frustrating!! I bit the bullet and bought "Rod and Staff" math for him and it is MUCH better!! It's laid out simple and straightforward, no nonsense or clutter. Also, he likes playing store, with play money and coupons and sale papers, giving him something he can see and touch makes a big difference.
With both of mine, having them write out problems on the blackboard has made a HUGE difference. It's more fun than just writing on a piece of paper.
Hi,
ADHD is not necessarily a bad thing. It's like having the whole orchestra going on in
your head, instead of just a clarinet and tuba. Rejoice God has made your child with
lots of gifts to serve Christ!!! You are a blessed woman.
Now, the problem is to get him to adulthood, because he is so curious.
Also, the problem is to get him to channel his God-given gifts to be used by God, because
somedays it seems as though he is a hose with lots of holes in it, that by the time the
water comes out, most of it is gone.
First of all, an ADHD child love and flourishes with behavior modification. He loves
a very structured environment and day. So, the problem is that sometimes the mom or dad is ADHD also. :)
If you are, have a friend help you set up your house, schedule, and school day.
Also either belong to a once a week co-op have you have to hand in your homework or do some things online, where there's a due date, at least in mom's head. Or make yourself
accountable to another homeschool mom. Tell her for instance that you are going to turn
in all your children's work for the week every Friday at 4:00 or the children's work won't count for that week. Make sure it's someone who will really hold you accountable to do this.
Make the child's day a routine. Get up at the same time, then do the same things in order
child gets physically ready for the day, child cleans their room up, child eats (with family),
child brushes his teeth, child gets some playtime (even 15 minutes), child gets some exercise (more than you think he needs! :) (For instance child jumps on trampoline, or runs or walks or
bikes or cross country skiis or another good exercise, hopefully outside for 30 ro 45 minutes.) This is not just playing on a swing set. Get the child moving real good.
challenge them to do 100 miles each month and make a chart for the 100 mile club and give a reward. Like dad will ride with you the last SAturday of the month (and take a picnic), if we do 100 miles this month.
Then do subjects in order each day.
Also another thing that helps is to have the child have a reward each day for let's say 10 completed things. He rightfully knows what these are and the reward is something he really wants. Let him choose the rewards (you will be surprised what he says, things like he can read to a younger child over the phone or rake a neighbor's yard. I am not kidding they pick very interesting rewards.) But make sure it's a reward that he can redeem that day.
Or let's say for 10 completed things *same ten completed things each day. He gets one hour or TV or one hour or game system or ?
Then in general when there is a problem give the child two choices but have it be two choices that mom wants anyway. For instance do you want whole wheat toast with butter or whole wheat toast plain. (But the child still gets whole wheat toast, only he thinks he had a choice. :) ha ha but
And lots of outdoor time in the evening with you, also.
Say I love you, give lots of hugs, lots of compliments, give 7 compliments for every critique (suggestion for improvement.)
I have an ADHD son X100 and he is now getting a seminary degree with languages.
He is a youth pastor and they love him. The other ADHD son is a US Army Officer.
So, be encouraged this day. God has blessed you with someone with lots of energy and lots of gifts. But, you have to channel that energy for the Lord, by being disciplined. (And, I am not naturally disciplined, but I had to force myself for my child's sake.)
Check out my book on www.currlick.com called Homeschool Your Preschooler on $1 a Day for free or nearly free extra activities to do. God Bless
momlaughs, mom of 6
I am no expert on this subject but math us see is a hands on math and they can see what they are doing so it is suppose to be easier for them to understand. Maybe you will have to back up and go slowly. The jump start computor games are fun and very educational.
my son has ADHD. we went got him some meds. he takes a very low dosage of Focalin which just helps him focus in class. we have a low dosage that wears off around the time our class finishes. he is 8 and in the 3rd grade. because i couldnt find ways to help him sooner, he is at the 1st grade level with reading and we are just getting up to 3rd grade level math. we had to get him hooked on phonics with his reading. This has helped out SOOO much. i would also suggest hooked on phonics math. i would talk to your son's doctor about different kinds of meds. i was never one for it, but it has made a HUGE difference in our school lessons!
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD
There is some excellent advice in these posts. Having him move and play before settling down to work is a great idea and one even we as parents should follow! Take breaks throughout the day as well, between tasks, or if you see he is struggling. Have him move around, do some jumping jacks, get a drink...a child cannot be expected to sit still and focus on one task for longer than his age in minutes (i.e. a five year old should be able to sit for five minutes). This is often less for a child with ADD or ADHD. If there is a time when he needs to listen to you explain something or watch a video, or possibly even read, have him try a "fidget". That is something he can hold in his hand to squeeze, manipulate, fiddle with. You can also buy special cushions or pads that have bumps on them and provide the child with a physical stimulus. Try things like "Brain Gym", and learning through motion, some of which has been suggested. Hands on activities like playing store, or trading up and down, programs that use manipulatives like Math u see or Everyday math are often very beneficial. Make sure he is drinking plenty of water throughout the day. I know this sounds cliche, but research has proven that having enough water intake keeps our brains well oiled and working well. Having a child who is sluggish or unfocused get up, walk over to the sink or refrigerator and get a drink of water can actually improve their focus and function. Computer games are a great incentive, and there are wonderful programs and sites out there, but a computer can turn into something as mind zapping as a television if it is not used wisely and sparingly. As I write this, mine are plugged in on computer free time :).
We are just starting the homeschooling journey at my house, and I know there will be challenges ahead. I have stair steps, 1st,2nd, and 3rd grade, but my 3rd grader has learning challenges and my 2nd grader is accelerated in some areas. I am starting them all in first grade math, and letting them move at their own pace from there. That way I know I've covered all the gaps and holes, and they have the freedom to move on at their own ability level.
We did recently purchase the Financial Peace Jr. Program by Dave Ramsey (daveramsey.com), and I will also be using that to teach life skills math, with money and financial responsibility, including managing their own savings, spending, and giving jars or envelopes.
Good luck with everything and I hope that all or some of the advice you've been offered works for you and your son.
I also don't have any ADHD children, so I can't offer much advice, but I think my advice can go for anyone choosing to homeschool: try not to focus on the age/"should be in" such and such grade concepts.
If we were back in the days of the one-room schoolhouse, the teacher would start a new child coming in at whatever place they are already at. They wouldn't say "Oh, you are 7 so you must already know this and that and this too." So your son is new to your classroom. Figure out what he does know, continue reinforcing that, and build upon it with whatever method works for him. Don't worry about what he "should" know by now.
Also, we are taking a break from the "extras" of history and science "lessons." We read books that cover these topics, but I don't make them do any lessons on them right now. This is because with a 6 and 8-year-old, I want to be sure they have good strong reading and math skills. The rest can be learned along the way. For that matter, I have been learning right along with mine because I didn't ever contain what I learned in public school. I could spit it out on a test well enough to get a C or B, but I didn't KNOW the material.
I hope this helps calm your nerves. I have some really awful days here just because it's our first year and we haven't completely figured it out yet, but I rest in the assurance that as long as they are increasing their reading and math skills, we are getting somewhere. We can do better next year, I'm sure!
Do you teach your children about...
- AngelaPorter5
on Oct. 8, 2009 at 11:35 AM