Results tagged “reading” from Learn at Every Turn - Creative, Enriched Homeschooling

For the longest time, I've been concerned about Kipp's reading. I am not referring to his ability to read, but rather his interest in reading. I cannot keep Landry supplied in books. Indeed, I can't even keep his shelf on the blog up to date because he finishes book too quickly. Kipp, by comparison, shows no interest in reading independently. I know he can read above grade level, but simply doesn't want to read more than he must for school.

I have been wondering if Kipp's disinclination results from his need to be different than Landry. It seems healthy to me that Kipp and Landry have different interests, and I'm happy to encourage that. However, I think Kipp is shooting himself in the foot if he chooses not to read simply to be different from his brother. Indeed, I can't think of too much that would make me feel as though I had failed as a homeschooler, but raising a child who didn't love books on some subject would do it. (Mind you, it might still happen despite my best efforts, but it will really trouble me.)

I've been watching for any possible way to ignite a fire for reading in Kipp, and I finally found one today. It happens that Kipp needs two books of his next literature unit in MBtP that use the graphic novel format. I got them from the library today and left them laying on the sofa. The next thing I notice, Kipp is happily curled in a pile of pillows, reading these books. At one point, he claimed one of the characters made a particular statement. I said I doubted it and asked him to show me the text. Without a pause, he showed me the statement he had quoted.

Suffice it to say, I spent some time on my library's webpage, searching for graphic novels that I thought might interest him. I explained to Kipp that these books will be his alone, and Landry may not read them unless Kipp says he may. Kipp is very excited.

So is his mother!

Kipp seems to be blossoming before my very eyes lately. He has always appeared to me to be the antithesis of Landry. I've wondered if both boys just have very different inclinations and dispositions or if Kipp works hard to be the opposite of his overachieving older brother. Lately, I'm coming to realize that it is probably some of both. He has very different strengths than Landry. At the same time, Kipp seems to be covering considerable abilities with silliness and nonsense. I'm also quickly realizing that under endless silly babble, he has definite interests that need to be nurtured.

Reading: Anyone who reads this blog will realize that Landry is a voracious reader. Because I am also a bookworm, I thought that all it took to "make" children who loved to read was some good basic instruction and, later, a constant stream of fantastic stories. Kipp, thus far, has proved me wrong. By all accounts, he really does not enjoy sitting and reading to me. I've brought home dozens of books, trying to ignite his enthusiasm and have failed to see even a spark. I've worried that I was remiss in teaching him the basics somehow.

A couple of incidents have happened recently to change my thinking. First, I walked out to our living room the other day to find Kipp voluntarily reading a simple story to Galen. Later, I noticed him sounding out large, complex words off of various signs and product boxes without any difficulty. Finally, he received a free issue of Robot magazine, a magazine I would say is geared to an adult reading level, and had little or no difficulty reading small portions of it to me.

I'm guessing that Kipp can read, but (a) does not enjoy sitting still and reading to me, (b) doesn't want to be seen as doing the same thing as Landry, or (c) a little of both. Either way, as long as he has the ability to read, I am content. When he wants to know something, he will read. In the meantime, I am contemplating subscribing to Robot magazine and using it as a reader for him.

Games: Landry loves chess, and as you can guess by this point in this post, Kipp really has no interest in it. In the past couple of weeks since we turned off our television and computer games, I've noticed that Kipp likes different types of logic game. In two days, he completed a tanagram-based game called Mighty Mind and can work with considerable focus on Rush Hour, Jr.  In a related incident, Jerry reported that Kipp carefully examined the pieces of the robotic arm kit and began putting them together correctly without reading the instructions. By comparison, Landry shows no lasting interest in either of these games or any type of building.

The conclusion is pretty obvious, but my original idea of just handing down Landry's books, puzzles, games, etc. was remarkably naive. I need to take time to seek out those things that hold Kipp's interest. Today, I ordered two books of designs that expand the Mighty Mind game, and, as soon as he completes Rush Hour, Jr., Kipp will have Rush Hour. It goes without saying that I will continue to seek out opportunities for him to build.

At least for me, I think that what I've been seeing in Kipp lately is some of the most interesting part of the parenting process. I really enjoy getting to know these little individuals that I may have helped create and possibly shape, but definitely do not control.

During the winter break, I like to evaluate our homeschooling to determine what is working and what is not. I also like to evaluate if the boys are progressing at a good rate and if they are covering all of the state requirements. Furthermore, winter break provides a good opportunity to assess whether I am using all possible resources to their best advantage and if each son is getting enough of everything he needs.

 

I dreaded undertaking this review.  This year, I am responsible for educating both Landry and Kipp through the charter, and Galen desperately wants to learn anything anyone will take time to teach him.  I doubted seriously whether I was living up to my hopes of giving each boy an enriched learning experience.

 

However, I was relieved at first. I attempted to create a fairly diverse and challenging curriculum last summer, and Landry and Kipp are plowing through it without issue. They are not falling behind. Indeed, they appear to be a bit ahead in some areas. On reflection, I think that they are really learning the material presented. While I should spend more time with Galen, I can remedy that readily now that I know that Landry and Kipp are progressing nicely. 

 

Still, I am troubled. Because I am responsible for educating more than one child this year, I've become preoccupied this past semester with the number of chapters covered each week, the number of projects completed, how each activity translates into an entry on the lesson plans for the charter. These issues, however, have little or nothing to do with the rich learning experience I want for my sons.

 

Now, I am not going to become an unschooler. Truthfully, I think that I am simply incapable of unschooling. I have too much need to direct, organize and control. Still, I think the boys will benefit from the following changes to our routine.

 

First, I want to spend more time out of doors with the boys. If nothing else, I think the outdoors will help me keep a clearer eye on the big picture.

 

Second, I want to continue to lessen my dependence on workbooks and increase my reliance on projects.  I'm looking forward to building a robot with Kipp, creating a miniature version of the Great Wall of China on the property, and exploring chemistry, biology and botany in this year's vegetable garden.

 

Third, I want to seek out more opportunities for the boys to meet other children. We live on a few acres, and most of our neighbors are older.  Unless we seek out other families, opportunities will not arise on their own. Making time for more park days with our local co-op does not mean that I am neglecting their education. Joining our local children's chess club and attending science classes at our local nature center will enhance both their lives and learning opportunities. 

 

Fourth, I want to make more time to read with the boys. This one sounds a bit silly. Landry is fully capable of reading any book that interests him. Kipp needs every possible opportunity to practice his reading to gain confidence because he's on the verge of being an independent reader. Galen prefers board books. By the end of the day, I'm often so worn from keeping the boys on task that I only want to curl up with my own book. Still, discovering the joy in becoming entranced by a story is equally important with learning to read. I can't think of a better way to help the boys discover that than by modeling my excitement in sharing a book with them. Besides, they clamor for me to read with them, and that will not last forever.

 

Finally, I want to work in more fieldtrips. I've fallen out of the habit of seeking out fieldtrips because I was subconsciously afraid that the boys would fall behind in their curriculum. Well, that is simply ridiculous. Before we had children, I dreamt of the day I would introduce my favorite art museums or Jerry's favorite science museums to our children. Now, it's time to put those dreams into action.  

 

I'm sure that I will be tempted to fall back into my old habits as I become caught up in the semester, but this post will record my intentions and remind me of what I want for my sons.