How much did you "push" your kids

fogfog
Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:28:32 +0000

Didn’t read all posts here–just first OP

FWIW
if you student is happily doing high level math–go for it
…meaning as I understand it, math is developmental.
Our older student did Alg 1 in 7th grade and our second student did it in 8th…just by where we lived and where they went to school…

…that being said, both of ours seem to have leanings towards math/sciences…neither like English very much and one lovse Amer Gov/History types of things–the other hates AM history (loves world history)… (meaning all kids are different as they grow)

Having solid alg and geo etc …may come naturally for your student and then perhaps he will be interested in pursuing other things after a season of more math…

same for vocab etc…

If you student hasn’t started a foreign language–and comes to a place where math or vocab is now no fun—consider places on the maps he would like to visit (or where you travel)…and thnk about where his foreign language interests might be. OUr older student has an “ear” for langauge naturally and with travle our student realizes learning a language isn’t scary… OUr younger student took time to find a passion for language and is studyihng Chinese

I would let him enjoy it (math right now) if its what he wants–not the pursuit of the ivy–so if he decided two weeks from now he is into building stuff for awhile (your garage may become a workshop) then go for it…and let him explore the natural mechanics and geometry in that
enrichment is great
and when he is more interested in the soccer ball, thats all good too…

Another great thing–reading–reading for fun, quiet time, where everyone is reading for fun…Even listening to books on tape helps language …

We have done lots of enrichment beyond the schoolwork, travel, books etc…read alot together and read outloud as well…

As long as its about enrichment
and his love of learning for the sake of learning
not for pursuit of the grade (or ivy)
then he will continue to love learning for a lifetime…

just my 2cents
clear as mud?