One thing that my house is not short on is BOYS. Of the six kids total, three of them are of the male gender. I’m only teaching two of them now, but our 19 year old had his homeschooling years too. What does it mean to teach your sons?
It means to allow for the wiggles. And the belly laughs. And gas, usually followed by belly laughs. Any type of body function that can be imitated or described using exaggerated facial expressions and noises will be favored over talks about linking verbs or multiplication. I try to make room for their gross humor as long as it doesn’t get out of control. If it does, I end it.
I have learned that math, memorization, grammar, and many other subjects can be studied while upside down. Or while practicing their kicks for Karate. A boy’s memory recall is much sharper if the subject you are asking him about was studied while he was in motion. Teachers in classrooms everywhere cringe when these active boys are moving around, but if they would just let them MOVE they might learn a thing or two also.
Recess around here means “Go run around the backyard”, “Find your helmet and go for a bike ride”, or “Yard clean up time!”. A break for a boy means stopping whatever is forcing him to sit and pay attention and replacing it with physical activity. This same break—for Momma—means a few minute of precious quiet (if you send them outdoors!)
My boys LOVE things that they can DO when it comes to school. Things like SCIENCE. Rocks, testing things, mixing chemicals, making Mentos and Coke fountains… it just doesn’t matter. They love everything about science because science is not a passive subject. It’s not a ‘read and let’s talk about this’ type of thing. They can get their hands dirty! Sometimes their clothes and my kitchen too. Cooking even becomes science when boys are involved, as mine usually ask what would happen if we mixed this and this? Thankfully they enjoy making things that are edible, so we haven’t had any tragic food experiments—yet.
If there is one thing I have learned though, it is that boys are fun. Boys like to laugh, and they like to talk, and they don’t usually get overly emotional (okay I have one who tears up when he’s frustrated). The hormone wave is a lot gentler to ride with boys!
I just love being able to do this homeschooling thing all over again, with boys!
What about you? What do you love about your boys?
I was going to link up…but can't until 1a.m. I chose the same topic LOL almost chose B is for Bible …oh well I will link up later
Katey recently posted..B is for Boys
I agree, boys do seem to find the strangest positions to do work in, many times I wonder how on earth you can concentrate like that.
wondersndreams recently posted..ABCs of Homeschooling – B is for BOOKS!
I agree about boys being different and needing different stimuli to work. I have one of each homeschooling, and it is a constant struggle finding what works for each. This year I realized that the curriculum that worked for her is not going to work for him. Great B!
Becky recently posted..ABCs of Homeschooling – “B” is for…
Hi ~ I'm linking up today! What a cute idea. Mine is B is for Baseball! I added my link, but I can't see the collection on your page. Am I doing something wrong?
Mary recently posted..My Baseball Loving Boy
I fixed it!
I linked up – but I can't see the others. Did I do it wrong?
Stef – Layton Family recently posted..B is for BEST MOM EVER!
I will fix it! Sorry!
I have said many many times before my daughter loves to do her school work upside down and sometimes picking her nose. So it isn't only boys that do that stuff!
Carol
Homeschooling one child that is a visual learner
and with ADD.
When my Boys get Big they can Banter about Bible, Basic Philosophy, and Bountiful Life. (Sorry, I was enjoying the alliteration:)
My youngest is now 14. It is delightful to see his mind and soul develop into a Godly, mission-minded young man. Homeschooling gives the perfect environment to raise sons like that.
Vicki recently posted..WINNER WEDNESDAY – Which Way Do I Go
I just linked up today as well! I have 3 boys so I totally understand the thoughts on recess, wiggles and learning through action!
Kat Morris recently posted..A is for Adventure!
Kat, go ahead and put your link into the linky list! Then everyone can find it.
and probably the same reason I like science.. I can DO things!
OK- got my 2-fer-1 blog linked….
Kimberly recently posted..Cow Hearts & Caviar