COULD it be??? a mathematical match for our extended European trip??? I do believe things are looking good ... mathematically speaking...
Thus far, my children are really enjoying the addition of ALEKS to their day!
Did I say ADDITION? You betcha! I don't have the time to throw out perfectly working curriculum to "see" if something May or May not work... So we are PLOWING full speed ahead and simply adding ALEKS to our day.... and they are LOVING it!
When they sit down in the morning and login to ALEKS, they are greeted with their personal colored pie. The pie is broken into pieces; each piece identifying with a different area of study. They have the option of choosing which area they want to study that day. There is also a review area to check out.
So what is there to motivate them to review, or to pursue anything at all, BUT whatever interests them... Well, every time they master something, that section of the pie gets bigger... Once the pie is all FULL... they are on to the next grade level! That is pretty motivating! Just the idea that they can move a grade level at THEIR will and motivation, with their own determination is huge!!
I liked that there is a nice review section. I liked that it shows the percentage via a fraction circle in the parent/administrator section of approximately how likely my child has actually mastered the material.... and will continue to review it until full mastery is achieved.
I like the section in the parent/admin area that shows me how many hours my child worked/vs how many skills per hour my child achieved.... I just liked it... I found it so ... I don't know... refreshing :)
So thus far the beginning of my "free month" is going pretty well. But I will hold out a little longer. I found having to upload and download, and unload different versions of Java a BIG pain in my neck! A pain that is STILL there, and now occasionally causes my computer to just freeze....
But ALEKS really does keep it's promise to remember JUST where your child was at :) so that when they reboot and re login, they pick up exactly where they left off, no data lost. :) good to know
more later!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
so what IS "gifted" anyhow???
What exactly is gifted anyhow? What is all the buzz about, can you "make" your kid gifted, can you eat certain foods to encourage giftedness in your child? Is everyone "gifted" in their own way? Isn't calling your kids "gifted" being a bit snobby????
Well one of the BEST lists I have seen to help you assess your child to see if they may be "gifted" is from the Gifted Development Center. (Linda Silverman)
Here is the Link to the List
http://www.gifteddevelopment.com/What_is_Gifted/characgt.htm
If you just are unsure, but suspect, because perhaps your child is simply NOT the same as his or her peers... check out the list. Please keep in mind 2E children may mask some of these attributes... like reading well, if your child has a vision tracking issue, reading well is simply NOT going to be on his list.... so keep in mind your whole child and any suspicions you may have of learning disabilities... if you have questions about 2E scroll down and read the post on this topic
Well one of the BEST lists I have seen to help you assess your child to see if they may be "gifted" is from the Gifted Development Center. (Linda Silverman)
Here is the Link to the List
http://www.gifteddevelopment.com/What_is_Gifted/characgt.htm
If you just are unsure, but suspect, because perhaps your child is simply NOT the same as his or her peers... check out the list. Please keep in mind 2E children may mask some of these attributes... like reading well, if your child has a vision tracking issue, reading well is simply NOT going to be on his list.... so keep in mind your whole child and any suspicions you may have of learning disabilities... if you have questions about 2E scroll down and read the post on this topic
a great bibliography
by a favorite in the gifted community..
kathi kearney!
http://www.hollingworth.org/homebib.html
I am not certain where to obtain all the information listed in it, but I plan on hunting for it and posting links to articles here as I find them. If you find one that I do not post as an attatchment here, PLEASE send me the link and I will add it to this Post! And give YOU the credit! If you have a blog of your own, be sure to add the link :) Let us network together for the sake of the children!
kathi kearney!
http://www.hollingworth.org/homebib.html
I am not certain where to obtain all the information listed in it, but I plan on hunting for it and posting links to articles here as I find them. If you find one that I do not post as an attatchment here, PLEASE send me the link and I will add it to this Post! And give YOU the credit! If you have a blog of your own, be sure to add the link :) Let us network together for the sake of the children!
ALEKS... so far
Well, we have officially had both children "assessed" with ALEKS.... One thing I didn't like was that I had to decide a level to assess them at... I felt that I was a bit unprepared for this. What if I was underestimating their ability, what if I was overestimating it? so stressful! In the end I decided to go for Pre-Algebra for both children, figuring if they rocked, the program would move them ahead, and if they bombed, it would regress them... or I WOULD :) They scored dead center within 4 points of one another. What that means is, they are half way through the Pre-Algebra level, and my best "guess" was a pretty good one...
What I really liked about the assessment...
It did NOT tell the student if the answer to the question was right or wrong... ever. It gave them a pie in the end showing them in a rich color all they knew and in the fair color the information they would "get to learn" ! :) This made it fun, like it just didn't matter if something was right, or if something was wrong, because ALEKS just wanted to know them, and to know what they knew, so ALEKS could be a good tutor. It was a relief...
I also liked that the test WAS NOT timed, and they had as much time as they needed to work out the problems.
I also thought the tutorial explaining HOW TO use ALEKS was very neat, and each of my children were very excited about starting the assessment afterwards.
My children took between 1 1/2 -2 hours to complete there assessment... they have some testing anxiety, and a rowdy 4 yr old in the house. Things like phone calls and other distractions could not be helped. I think with a quieter atmosphere it would have taken much less time.
So far they have each begun to work on their fair colored sections of their pie with great enthusiasm, and like the program very much. But then, we HAVE only begun... so more information on ALEKS as they progress..... :) but so far... so good... we may have our solution for FRANCE :)
What I really liked about the assessment...
It did NOT tell the student if the answer to the question was right or wrong... ever. It gave them a pie in the end showing them in a rich color all they knew and in the fair color the information they would "get to learn" ! :) This made it fun, like it just didn't matter if something was right, or if something was wrong, because ALEKS just wanted to know them, and to know what they knew, so ALEKS could be a good tutor. It was a relief...
I also liked that the test WAS NOT timed, and they had as much time as they needed to work out the problems.
I also thought the tutorial explaining HOW TO use ALEKS was very neat, and each of my children were very excited about starting the assessment afterwards.
My children took between 1 1/2 -2 hours to complete there assessment... they have some testing anxiety, and a rowdy 4 yr old in the house. Things like phone calls and other distractions could not be helped. I think with a quieter atmosphere it would have taken much less time.
So far they have each begun to work on their fair colored sections of their pie with great enthusiasm, and like the program very much. But then, we HAVE only begun... so more information on ALEKS as they progress..... :) but so far... so good... we may have our solution for FRANCE :)
oh ... to check out ALEKS you too can get a free one month subscription @ http://www.aleks.com/
Saturday, February 7, 2009
SIDE BAR - funny parenting moments :)
Dear Mrs. China....
So, one of my blessings is an extrovert exuberant boisterous boy, I refer to in Cyber World as Buddy. :) He is my youngest darlin' and he is just now 4! :) I think the cake was only recently finished, is how JUST 4 he is :) cute as a button!
Buddy is in a fixation right now with trucks, cars and recently added, the wonderful helicopter. This new addition seems to be crowding in on last years obsession with trains... though he still loves trains, he seems to, at least for now that is, have exhausted his need for knowledge of them. And so begins my story, the little boy who needs to line them up, and then rearrange in appreciation of color, will then, rearrange them, by make and model, and then, by size, and , or who KNOWs what ... always ordering them, rearranging them, and then, the testosterone kicks into gear, and he just has to, HAS to know, which cars and trucks and helicopters are really worth their salt. He will let them rip, flying into walls, crashing into moms feet while making dinner, rushing nearly flying over the living room sunken in steps, and if it survives all these crashes, then, THEN he will drop it from the 2nd story when you are NOT watching, to see what comes of it.. We have all taken to walking carefully and calling out his name before walking out from under the loft to the designated drop spot. Matchbox cars, and remote control hummers HURT when they land on your head! Please note the other two children are in fact INTROVERTS, and this REALLY stresses them out :) Makes for an interesting day sometimes.... Yes, anyway, he NEEDS to know... If a car makes it, he will ask his brother, what it says underneath, and make a mental note. If a car does not, again he will inquire what the car says on the bottom and make a mental note.... now that you are updated, on to the story....
We all go to the Chiropractors each week, for adjustments and the two older children for physical therapy, this story takes place in the office. Buddy decides he NEEDS to chat with Ms. Merry behind the counter, so ever the extrovert, he simply walks into the office space and begins to chat... Ms. Merry by now rather enjoys these visits from Buddy each week. This weeks choice conversation is about Buddy's disgust with CHINA.
MS MERRY: why are you so upset with China Buddy?
BUDDY: They are all China's cars and trucks...(he pulls out an example or two to display... poor wretch things that may once have been cars that rolled on the floor... but no more) NO one else makes these junkie things, they don't pass any of my tests, you should see! a broken Axel Look here, (he flips it over for her to see the mishaphed and clearly disfunctional axel... that he knew it was an axel was sort of endearing I thought...) it is awful! LOOK Ms Merry, someone ought to tell china Her toys stink, they all break, and then you don't have them anymore because you have to throw them away.
Ms MERRY : Do all the cars and trucks break when you play hard with them Buddy?
BUDDY: OOOOOOOOOOOO no! Tia wan and USA and maly asia they do great!! you should see! No NO, it is China that can't do it right. ( head shaking in utter disappointment for this poor China, who ever she is)Always it is my china cars and trucks and helicopters that break... china! ( he is not ranting, but talking calming, tapping his feet and using hand gestures to make his point take more effect... he looks very adorable, and very serious ) no quality, like they don't care what they are making.... My German toys, and French and English toys don't break as easy... no, just china It is soo frustrating... (clenched fists pounding the little legs! He was so emphatic!!!)
Ms Merry : Maybe you should write them a letter
BUDDY: (goes to show her on the computer that she should type it) and begins the dictation ... Yes, lets write a letter!!
Dear Mrs. China......
what is a mom to do...? I thought to blog it, so I'd not forget how sweet 4 can be :)
oh, I had to show him where China lived on the globe when we got home so he might know where to send his letter when he finished it... He just shook his head, and said she was soo big.
So, one of my blessings is an extrovert exuberant boisterous boy, I refer to in Cyber World as Buddy. :) He is my youngest darlin' and he is just now 4! :) I think the cake was only recently finished, is how JUST 4 he is :) cute as a button!
Buddy is in a fixation right now with trucks, cars and recently added, the wonderful helicopter. This new addition seems to be crowding in on last years obsession with trains... though he still loves trains, he seems to, at least for now that is, have exhausted his need for knowledge of them. And so begins my story, the little boy who needs to line them up, and then rearrange in appreciation of color, will then, rearrange them, by make and model, and then, by size, and , or who KNOWs what ... always ordering them, rearranging them, and then, the testosterone kicks into gear, and he just has to, HAS to know, which cars and trucks and helicopters are really worth their salt. He will let them rip, flying into walls, crashing into moms feet while making dinner, rushing nearly flying over the living room sunken in steps, and if it survives all these crashes, then, THEN he will drop it from the 2nd story when you are NOT watching, to see what comes of it.. We have all taken to walking carefully and calling out his name before walking out from under the loft to the designated drop spot. Matchbox cars, and remote control hummers HURT when they land on your head! Please note the other two children are in fact INTROVERTS, and this REALLY stresses them out :) Makes for an interesting day sometimes.... Yes, anyway, he NEEDS to know... If a car makes it, he will ask his brother, what it says underneath, and make a mental note. If a car does not, again he will inquire what the car says on the bottom and make a mental note.... now that you are updated, on to the story....
We all go to the Chiropractors each week, for adjustments and the two older children for physical therapy, this story takes place in the office. Buddy decides he NEEDS to chat with Ms. Merry behind the counter, so ever the extrovert, he simply walks into the office space and begins to chat... Ms. Merry by now rather enjoys these visits from Buddy each week. This weeks choice conversation is about Buddy's disgust with CHINA.
MS MERRY: why are you so upset with China Buddy?
BUDDY: They are all China's cars and trucks...(he pulls out an example or two to display... poor wretch things that may once have been cars that rolled on the floor... but no more) NO one else makes these junkie things, they don't pass any of my tests, you should see! a broken Axel Look here, (he flips it over for her to see the mishaphed and clearly disfunctional axel... that he knew it was an axel was sort of endearing I thought...) it is awful! LOOK Ms Merry, someone ought to tell china Her toys stink, they all break, and then you don't have them anymore because you have to throw them away.
Ms MERRY : Do all the cars and trucks break when you play hard with them Buddy?
BUDDY: OOOOOOOOOOOO no! Tia wan and USA and maly asia they do great!! you should see! No NO, it is China that can't do it right. ( head shaking in utter disappointment for this poor China, who ever she is)Always it is my china cars and trucks and helicopters that break... china! ( he is not ranting, but talking calming, tapping his feet and using hand gestures to make his point take more effect... he looks very adorable, and very serious ) no quality, like they don't care what they are making.... My German toys, and French and English toys don't break as easy... no, just china It is soo frustrating... (clenched fists pounding the little legs! He was so emphatic!!!)
Ms Merry : Maybe you should write them a letter
BUDDY: (goes to show her on the computer that she should type it) and begins the dictation ... Yes, lets write a letter!!
Dear Mrs. China......
what is a mom to do...? I thought to blog it, so I'd not forget how sweet 4 can be :)
oh, I had to show him where China lived on the globe when we got home so he might know where to send his letter when he finished it... He just shook his head, and said she was soo big.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Having FUN with your Gifted Child
you may have already noticed, but at some point Shoots & Ladders just stopped cutting it with your kid... Perhaps you are looking for some games that are a bit more strategic, more intellectual, but NOT so dark as dungeons and dragons... IF you know what I mean :) Along with the card games, I do reccomend getting a good book on Card games at your local book store, one like Hoyle's. This will give your gifted child countless opportunites to learn, think, and strategize! But be WILLING to play :)
Well, some great games for we have found so far, as well as classics that frankly will probably NEVER go out of style :)
Settlers of Catan ( and their are additions to this and variations too!)
RISK
Carcassone
Yahtzee (yes this is fun even our 3 yr old would play, he's now 4 )
Monopoly (we play by the cultural rules because the rules on the box are too stiffeling)
Rummy
Poker (we use chips not money... I think it teaches them how to read people)
Sadoku (we have a fun wooden board from Smart Minds! use colors or wooden number tiles!)
http://www.sodokuboardusa.com/
Domino's (great for playing Mexican train dominos... this is sooo fun!!!)
War ( a classic card game - goes back to my own child hood)
Strategeo (for two people)
Battleship (for two people)
Pente (for two people GREAT strategy game)
Othello (for two people)
Scrabble (only IF you have a good dictionary though... to many arguments otherwise)
Chess
Now as far as educational games.... While I would agree that the above all have STRONG educational qualities, and it could be argueed that they are indeed very educational for games, below are what I would consider more... educational games...
World Wise Geography Card Games (available Asia/Africa/Europe/America's editions.)
http://www.globularinnovations.com/
Game of Trees Juniper from Naturegraph (by Ruth Wheeler)
PO Box 1075 Happy Camp CA 96039
Game of Wild Flowers Goldenrod from Naturegraph (by Ruth Wheeler)
PO Box 1075 Happy Camp CA 96039
Lucy Hammett Games Bingo
PO Box 905 mineola TX 75773 (888)420-7585 http://www.lucybingogames.com/
these are bingo games but so great for visual spacial learners, fact filled cards learn all about bugs, or ocean animals, horses, nature, YOU name it Lucy probably came up with a bingo game for it! she is so creative :) She really took Bingo to a whole new level!!! Take it with you to your next co-op or visit to the Nursing home :)
Think it Through Tiles from Discovery Toys
http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/
Money Money
http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/
Five Senses Game from Lake Shore Learning
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/search/results.jsp;jsessionid=JJGKzJJGggpWMpJzLpKJHJVsnhGVQP3fLms2PtDTy5yLHh1LYdBn!1286615813!2046199723
this one is for younger children, but older ones don't usually mind participating, it is rather a fun game!
The Incredible Word Building Game CHUNKS by Smart Kids
1-800-458-0024
This helps make learning patterns of whole concepts fun, kids SEE blends and ends in a game!!
Number Rings by Discovery Toys
http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/
Famous U.S.A. Landmarks from Learning Resources
http://www.learningresources.com/
There are several games I would like to try, so as I get my hands on more I will clue You in, as to what we think of them... Feel free to reccomend games to me and my family in the comment section!! We are always on the look out for more fun things to do together as a family!!! I will hopefully have a list of my favorite places to SHOP up and running soon just for YOU :)
Well, some great games for we have found so far, as well as classics that frankly will probably NEVER go out of style :)
Settlers of Catan ( and their are additions to this and variations too!)
RISK
Carcassone
Yahtzee (yes this is fun even our 3 yr old would play, he's now 4 )
Monopoly (we play by the cultural rules because the rules on the box are too stiffeling)
Rummy
Poker (we use chips not money... I think it teaches them how to read people)
Sadoku (we have a fun wooden board from Smart Minds! use colors or wooden number tiles!)
http://www.sodokuboardusa.com/
Domino's (great for playing Mexican train dominos... this is sooo fun!!!)
War ( a classic card game - goes back to my own child hood)
Strategeo (for two people)
Battleship (for two people)
Pente (for two people GREAT strategy game)
Othello (for two people)
Scrabble (only IF you have a good dictionary though... to many arguments otherwise)
Chess
Now as far as educational games.... While I would agree that the above all have STRONG educational qualities, and it could be argueed that they are indeed very educational for games, below are what I would consider more... educational games...
World Wise Geography Card Games (available Asia/Africa/Europe/America's editions.)
http://www.globularinnovations.com/
Game of Trees Juniper from Naturegraph (by Ruth Wheeler)
PO Box 1075 Happy Camp CA 96039
Game of Wild Flowers Goldenrod from Naturegraph (by Ruth Wheeler)
PO Box 1075 Happy Camp CA 96039
Lucy Hammett Games Bingo
PO Box 905 mineola TX 75773 (888)420-7585 http://www.lucybingogames.com/
these are bingo games but so great for visual spacial learners, fact filled cards learn all about bugs, or ocean animals, horses, nature, YOU name it Lucy probably came up with a bingo game for it! she is so creative :) She really took Bingo to a whole new level!!! Take it with you to your next co-op or visit to the Nursing home :)
Think it Through Tiles from Discovery Toys
http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/
Money Money
http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/
Five Senses Game from Lake Shore Learning
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/search/results.jsp;jsessionid=JJGKzJJGggpWMpJzLpKJHJVsnhGVQP3fLms2PtDTy5yLHh1LYdBn!1286615813!2046199723
this one is for younger children, but older ones don't usually mind participating, it is rather a fun game!
The Incredible Word Building Game CHUNKS by Smart Kids
1-800-458-0024
This helps make learning patterns of whole concepts fun, kids SEE blends and ends in a game!!
Number Rings by Discovery Toys
http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/
Famous U.S.A. Landmarks from Learning Resources
http://www.learningresources.com/
There are several games I would like to try, so as I get my hands on more I will clue You in, as to what we think of them... Feel free to reccomend games to me and my family in the comment section!! We are always on the look out for more fun things to do together as a family!!! I will hopefully have a list of my favorite places to SHOP up and running soon just for YOU :)
Is it a Cheetah
This is one of my favorite articles about gifted, please read it if you feel led!
Stephanie Tolan wrote it... it is simply wonderful :)
http://www.stephanietolan.com/is_it_a_cheetah.htm
Stephanie Tolan wrote it... it is simply wonderful :)
http://www.stephanietolan.com/is_it_a_cheetah.htm
VISUAL SPATIAL LEARNERS
So, I mentioned previously this term... the VISUAL SPATIAL LEARNER... and these terms can get bantered about, tossed to and fro in conversation, and we can feel when reading them, that we really don't have a grasp... We can feel like the child on the playground in the spiel of Monkey in the Middle... the ball is JUST at the tip of my finger but I can never reach HIGH enough to grasp it... those other kids just keep thowing it so high, so fast, and won't let me have a chance...
Christianity, like the Gifted community, can do this sometimes... honestly, I don't think either means to do so, they are really just very busy talking amongst themselves... They do have each their own versions of Outreach, to find their own you know... but they have been communicating so long in and amongst themselves they sort of have developed their own lingo... a language unique to them....
So what is this Visual Spacial Learner... How can one identify a Visual Spacial Learner in the Home School, in the Co-Op, in Church Sunday School, or in a regular Classroom (welcome to you too if you are a traditional teacher :) ! )
Well, the child who is Visual Spacial really thinks, dreams, imagines everything in pictures, just like the name illudes, rather than in words. The child MAY use words well, to try and describe the pictures they see in their head, but WHAT they are seeing, HOW they think, well it is in pictures.
The child who is "Visual Spacial" is strong visually, will learn better with those diagrams, flannel grams, photo rich books, always, yes always leaning in to see if their is a picture in the book you are reading.... Unlike their counterpart, the auditory learner, who needs you to "repeat that"... The Visual Spacial Child won't say "could you repeat that", but rather, "can you show me again..."
The Visual Spacial Learner learns and grasps the whole picture before YOU are ready for them too, and frankly stresses most of us out... They are NOT step by step sequential learners, they do not do well walking through most curriculum choices we make, they FLY, or skip, or if we don't let them, they become frustrated. The complex concepts come very easy to them, it is often the simpler concepts that they struggle with. This is the child that will learn Algebra in 1st grade and not know their multiplication table..... (or third grade... feel free NOT be hindered by my example) This child is a synthesizer of information rather than an analytical thinker.
Frustrating to detail oriented teachers, and neurotic homeschooling mothers :) this child sees a BIG picture only, and never the details, the world is painted in broad strokes, and the world is complete, and working, and he/she is studying it in WHOLE, while the Auditory or also called Sequential Learner is very detailed, painting in nice neat strokes, learning JUST whatever is before him or her.... Very easy for teacher, very managable, very relaxing.... NOT like our Visual Spatial Child at all.
The Visual Spacial Child is the One who will draw the map for you giving you logical directions, most likely using North, South, East and West, and land marks, this child can read a map very well as well, and will enjoy geography class!
The Visual Spacial Child reasons through his mathematics, grasping full concepts but not always as successful with computation, for as stated above he is not detail oriented, and hasn't time to be bogged down with such details. Visual Spacial Child also learns whole words very easily, and this works even better than phonics for him or her... though throwing out phonics isn't necessary, more than one approach to anything is good for the Visual Spacial Child. Yet to do spelling well, this child generally will not memorize spelling words sequentially, as you and I were taught.... but as a word picture... as a whole, for information on how to help your struggling speller, check out my link to http://www.diannecraft.com/ for excellent resources and ideas, she even has a book to teach you some great ways to TEACH a right brained child :) including spelling !
The Visual Spacial Learner prefers the Keyboard to the pen, yes it is true, they would prefer to sit at the computer, the typewriter the notepad than sitting at the table with pen in hand to write you that essay or short story. The Visual Spacial Learner is NOT that organized child, with their room all tidy and nice; clean and dusted; bed made military fashion; clothing neatly put away; no Alex P. Keaton was NOT a Visual Spacial Learner.... a far cry from it... these children have ways of organizing that some would concider unique.... I am still considering...
Yet intuitively, as if with direct connection with God, these children will make the right decision, coming to the correct solution to various problems... unable to explain to you why... they have an inbred street smart, a common sence, a natural wisdom. They do not learn best by rote memorization, but rather by seeing relationships. So even if learning something like medicine, the child would learn better the parts of the anatomy, if they learned by seeing the relationship of the parts to the WHOLE, as well as one to another. It simply requires looking at EVERYTHING out of the box in a totally different way.
This is a child that has a long term visual memory, but may not remember what you just said :) frustrating I know, so, it might be a great idea, to look at them, and have them look at you, when you give them something to do, and have them say it back, and laugh together, so emotion, and relationship are there, and will be remembered. The memory of YOU will help. This child learns conceps PERMANENTLY. Skip the drill and repetition, it will NOT help, will not work. If they haven't got the concept, they haven't GOT it yet. Drilling into their heads will only frustrate them and YOU> and this does not make a happy family situation, does not build the relationship at all, and does not honor who God made them to be. You'll need to do some homework to find a NEW way to teach that concept, and step away from it for a season and let their mind rest a few days... Come back refreshed and try again.
The Visual Spacial Child will come up with their "own way" of doing things, their "own way" of solving problems, and the development of this ought to be encouraged not discouraged. Being that you are dealing with a "child" you have to grasp, it may be very difficult, very challenging for them to even be able to explain their methodology to you. The only question worth answering is this... does it work? Does it work every time? If there is continuity to their method, let them use it. If you are afraid, and are not sure of it's continuity, because of the LACK of detail on their part, here is my suggestion.... Let your child run with it a while, not long, and then say "can I see?" let them show you.... then say "wow!" yes BE enthusiastic :) and add...."that is sooo neat!" they NEED PRAISE! :) continue with " I do it so differently, can I show you how I was taught??? " usually the child will say yes... be sure to tell them how great their method is. How you plan to look up in your old college books to see if it is one of the methods used, ... and tell your child they are free to use BOTH methods... show your child EVERY method to math... don't hold back because a teacher manual says to. It is unfair, let their minds soar.
ok back to Examples :) You may have noticed my many comments about your approach, your attitude towards the child, well, that is because these children are sooo sensitive to YOU, to your attitude towards your moods. Highly sensitive infact, unlike counterpart who will learn despite the day you are having...
These children also learn asynchronously, quite so, or unevenly, their grades may be uneven, the may do well in algebra, but they enjoy geometry and physics, they master language from immersion rather than a class. Meaning put them with text books and their French is not so hot, but buy them tapes, hang out with French People, get Rosetta Stone, Games for French, French Books, (yes these kids cost more).... they need to be immersed... go to France :)
Visual Spacial Learners are NOT academically talented because of the way we set up our academics. What they are is Creative, Vibrant, Mechanical, Technological, Emotional, and a pure delight!
Much of the information I have in this post is based on information I obtained studying under Linda Silverman at a Seminar, and much of it is based on my own understandings and observations. I want to give credit where Credit is due, Linda is a wonderful speaker, teacher, and advocate for the gifted, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet her and study under her, if ever tooo briefly. Perhaps in a different season of my life it could be longer, but for now, it is what it is and I am so thankful.
more on Visual Spatial Learners and Twice Exceptional to come :)
Christianity, like the Gifted community, can do this sometimes... honestly, I don't think either means to do so, they are really just very busy talking amongst themselves... They do have each their own versions of Outreach, to find their own you know... but they have been communicating so long in and amongst themselves they sort of have developed their own lingo... a language unique to them....
So what is this Visual Spacial Learner... How can one identify a Visual Spacial Learner in the Home School, in the Co-Op, in Church Sunday School, or in a regular Classroom (welcome to you too if you are a traditional teacher :) ! )
Well, the child who is Visual Spacial really thinks, dreams, imagines everything in pictures, just like the name illudes, rather than in words. The child MAY use words well, to try and describe the pictures they see in their head, but WHAT they are seeing, HOW they think, well it is in pictures.
The child who is "Visual Spacial" is strong visually, will learn better with those diagrams, flannel grams, photo rich books, always, yes always leaning in to see if their is a picture in the book you are reading.... Unlike their counterpart, the auditory learner, who needs you to "repeat that"... The Visual Spacial Child won't say "could you repeat that", but rather, "can you show me again..."
The Visual Spacial Learner learns and grasps the whole picture before YOU are ready for them too, and frankly stresses most of us out... They are NOT step by step sequential learners, they do not do well walking through most curriculum choices we make, they FLY, or skip, or if we don't let them, they become frustrated. The complex concepts come very easy to them, it is often the simpler concepts that they struggle with. This is the child that will learn Algebra in 1st grade and not know their multiplication table..... (or third grade... feel free NOT be hindered by my example) This child is a synthesizer of information rather than an analytical thinker.
Frustrating to detail oriented teachers, and neurotic homeschooling mothers :) this child sees a BIG picture only, and never the details, the world is painted in broad strokes, and the world is complete, and working, and he/she is studying it in WHOLE, while the Auditory or also called Sequential Learner is very detailed, painting in nice neat strokes, learning JUST whatever is before him or her.... Very easy for teacher, very managable, very relaxing.... NOT like our Visual Spatial Child at all.
The Visual Spacial Child is the One who will draw the map for you giving you logical directions, most likely using North, South, East and West, and land marks, this child can read a map very well as well, and will enjoy geography class!
The Visual Spacial Child reasons through his mathematics, grasping full concepts but not always as successful with computation, for as stated above he is not detail oriented, and hasn't time to be bogged down with such details. Visual Spacial Child also learns whole words very easily, and this works even better than phonics for him or her... though throwing out phonics isn't necessary, more than one approach to anything is good for the Visual Spacial Child. Yet to do spelling well, this child generally will not memorize spelling words sequentially, as you and I were taught.... but as a word picture... as a whole, for information on how to help your struggling speller, check out my link to http://www.diannecraft.com/ for excellent resources and ideas, she even has a book to teach you some great ways to TEACH a right brained child :) including spelling !
The Visual Spacial Learner prefers the Keyboard to the pen, yes it is true, they would prefer to sit at the computer, the typewriter the notepad than sitting at the table with pen in hand to write you that essay or short story. The Visual Spacial Learner is NOT that organized child, with their room all tidy and nice; clean and dusted; bed made military fashion; clothing neatly put away; no Alex P. Keaton was NOT a Visual Spacial Learner.... a far cry from it... these children have ways of organizing that some would concider unique.... I am still considering...
Yet intuitively, as if with direct connection with God, these children will make the right decision, coming to the correct solution to various problems... unable to explain to you why... they have an inbred street smart, a common sence, a natural wisdom. They do not learn best by rote memorization, but rather by seeing relationships. So even if learning something like medicine, the child would learn better the parts of the anatomy, if they learned by seeing the relationship of the parts to the WHOLE, as well as one to another. It simply requires looking at EVERYTHING out of the box in a totally different way.
This is a child that has a long term visual memory, but may not remember what you just said :) frustrating I know, so, it might be a great idea, to look at them, and have them look at you, when you give them something to do, and have them say it back, and laugh together, so emotion, and relationship are there, and will be remembered. The memory of YOU will help. This child learns conceps PERMANENTLY. Skip the drill and repetition, it will NOT help, will not work. If they haven't got the concept, they haven't GOT it yet. Drilling into their heads will only frustrate them and YOU> and this does not make a happy family situation, does not build the relationship at all, and does not honor who God made them to be. You'll need to do some homework to find a NEW way to teach that concept, and step away from it for a season and let their mind rest a few days... Come back refreshed and try again.
The Visual Spacial Child will come up with their "own way" of doing things, their "own way" of solving problems, and the development of this ought to be encouraged not discouraged. Being that you are dealing with a "child" you have to grasp, it may be very difficult, very challenging for them to even be able to explain their methodology to you. The only question worth answering is this... does it work? Does it work every time? If there is continuity to their method, let them use it. If you are afraid, and are not sure of it's continuity, because of the LACK of detail on their part, here is my suggestion.... Let your child run with it a while, not long, and then say "can I see?" let them show you.... then say "wow!" yes BE enthusiastic :) and add...."that is sooo neat!" they NEED PRAISE! :) continue with " I do it so differently, can I show you how I was taught??? " usually the child will say yes... be sure to tell them how great their method is. How you plan to look up in your old college books to see if it is one of the methods used, ... and tell your child they are free to use BOTH methods... show your child EVERY method to math... don't hold back because a teacher manual says to. It is unfair, let their minds soar.
ok back to Examples :) You may have noticed my many comments about your approach, your attitude towards the child, well, that is because these children are sooo sensitive to YOU, to your attitude towards your moods. Highly sensitive infact, unlike counterpart who will learn despite the day you are having...
These children also learn asynchronously, quite so, or unevenly, their grades may be uneven, the may do well in algebra, but they enjoy geometry and physics, they master language from immersion rather than a class. Meaning put them with text books and their French is not so hot, but buy them tapes, hang out with French People, get Rosetta Stone, Games for French, French Books, (yes these kids cost more).... they need to be immersed... go to France :)
Visual Spacial Learners are NOT academically talented because of the way we set up our academics. What they are is Creative, Vibrant, Mechanical, Technological, Emotional, and a pure delight!
Much of the information I have in this post is based on information I obtained studying under Linda Silverman at a Seminar, and much of it is based on my own understandings and observations. I want to give credit where Credit is due, Linda is a wonderful speaker, teacher, and advocate for the gifted, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet her and study under her, if ever tooo briefly. Perhaps in a different season of my life it could be longer, but for now, it is what it is and I am so thankful.
more on Visual Spatial Learners and Twice Exceptional to come :)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Algebra Algebra, where art thou o Algebra!
So far we are in a rather pre Algebra sort of place, children ages 10 & 12. That is all my fault you see. They were quite ready a few years ago.. But having my 1st grader and 3rd grader jumping into solving for x and other wonderful things just rather FREAKED me out... can i just be honest with you...
especially when I was struggling to comprehend at the time how a 1st grader could grasp algebra when said child still didn't have the multiplication table memorized, and all her peers were still doing basic addition.... It was a bit of mental overload frankly... But the Lord is patient, and full of grace and tender mercies, and so are my children, PRAISE GOD! and so here I am, flying through curriculum I bought back then.... flying literally, and having fun... understanding a little more now about 2E, and how they LEAP ahead and fill in gaps as they go, or don't and that is why you are there...
not to teach them everything sequentially, but to fill in the blanks as they leap and bound, to research and prepare for the next bound, the next leap, to anticipate and to pray they land safely.
sometimes they don't and there is a bump or bruise, and feelings are hurt, and someone is misunderstood, and we must be there to tell them they are sooo smart! That everyone has an "off day"; a "bad day" a day when things just don't "click", where the lights don't "go on"... They need us to rub their shoulders and soothe them, because these are the days they just feel....
STUPID....
even on the smart days, they remember the bad ones, and believe them.... it's like believing LIES from the pit of hell.... it haunts them, telling them, "they aren't as smart as people think", look at how hard they have to work at this, or at that.... "must be pretty dumb".... they start believing these good days are flukes....
It is our job to remind them, to fill them with the truth, to bathe them in it. That the Sun shines on us all, and the rain falls on us all, and we will all have gloomy days, stumbling bumbling days sometimes weeks, when we trip over our own feet... Blustery Days as Winnie the Pooh would say... and they can make EVERYTHING seem soo much darker than it really is...
WE need to be hopeful, full of LIGHT, full of TRUTH, and ever mindful, that our children, are REAL people too, with real fears and doubts, real trials and real stress.... and they need real counsel, not pat answers and easy dismissal...
And so... I am learning.... and I am back to Algebra, the basics, the Pre stuff... The getting their minds pumped and primed and Rearing to rock and roll, and mine are VISUAL SPACIAL LEARNERS... ( I bolded that because you may want to google it... and I wanted to remind myself to blog about that another time... sort of a note to self :)! )
Fun additions to what we are doing right now in our Math Class are Pre Algebra BLAST OFF by Josh Rappaort, published by Singing Turtle Press.... This is very fun, it has a great comic book style story line to give children a great grasp of zero, and positives and negatives and how they work in linear equations. Also in this book are fun worksheets, and game pieces to give the hildren who learn more concretely or kinestheticly a better grasp... it is great for the Visual Spacial Learner, very fun and the story is great to refer back to again and again!
Another wonderful, and I would consider a more core curriculum in regards to preparing children for Algebra is HANDS ON EQUATIONS by Henry Borenson. This is VERY very excellent for the visual spatial, kinesthetic learner, as well as the linear! The rules of Algebra are laid out much like the rules of a game, and the children learn them incrementally, it is very fun, and there are only 10 problems per page.... 4 problems on the new concept and 6 review problems... GREAT program
For our main curriculum we use Singapore Math! We like this program very much, but because my children are sooo Visual Spacial ... we found that Singapore just wasn't cutting the mustard when it came to FRACTIONS, and so for that we opted to run over to Steve Demme with MATH U SEE!!! I was hesitant at first, thinking ... what am I crazy... so much math,.... so many curriculum... oi vey... but I have not regretted my decision one minute! It was great for my family, especially since sometimes they can become a bit fixated on a topic, and then need a complete break, but not be done with numbers... This was a wonderful solution for us....
This month I am going to be trying a "trial membership" with ALEKS.... an online math community for my children... To see if we enjoy this educational option for those months we are on the road traveling... I think it may suit our needs, and be less for me to pack in my suitcase. Packing for oversea's long term trips is NOT easy, with kids who LOVE to learn, so, I would love to hear from any of you who have used ALEKS, both any pro's and any con's to this curriculum would be helpful. I will blog about our thoughts as we go through our trial. Each child is different, so what works for one, may not for the other, and I will be sure to blog about the opinions and thoughts of each! Be sure to come back and read!
Also, any thoughts, opinions or suggestions for Algebra I would be well received, as I am researching NOW :)
They are flying, and leaping and bounding, and wh, ,o KNOWS when they will finish what I have for them.... next month? I must be ready.....
especially when I was struggling to comprehend at the time how a 1st grader could grasp algebra when said child still didn't have the multiplication table memorized, and all her peers were still doing basic addition.... It was a bit of mental overload frankly... But the Lord is patient, and full of grace and tender mercies, and so are my children, PRAISE GOD! and so here I am, flying through curriculum I bought back then.... flying literally, and having fun... understanding a little more now about 2E, and how they LEAP ahead and fill in gaps as they go, or don't and that is why you are there...
not to teach them everything sequentially, but to fill in the blanks as they leap and bound, to research and prepare for the next bound, the next leap, to anticipate and to pray they land safely.
sometimes they don't and there is a bump or bruise, and feelings are hurt, and someone is misunderstood, and we must be there to tell them they are sooo smart! That everyone has an "off day"; a "bad day" a day when things just don't "click", where the lights don't "go on"... They need us to rub their shoulders and soothe them, because these are the days they just feel....
STUPID....
even on the smart days, they remember the bad ones, and believe them.... it's like believing LIES from the pit of hell.... it haunts them, telling them, "they aren't as smart as people think", look at how hard they have to work at this, or at that.... "must be pretty dumb".... they start believing these good days are flukes....
It is our job to remind them, to fill them with the truth, to bathe them in it. That the Sun shines on us all, and the rain falls on us all, and we will all have gloomy days, stumbling bumbling days sometimes weeks, when we trip over our own feet... Blustery Days as Winnie the Pooh would say... and they can make EVERYTHING seem soo much darker than it really is...
WE need to be hopeful, full of LIGHT, full of TRUTH, and ever mindful, that our children, are REAL people too, with real fears and doubts, real trials and real stress.... and they need real counsel, not pat answers and easy dismissal...
And so... I am learning.... and I am back to Algebra, the basics, the Pre stuff... The getting their minds pumped and primed and Rearing to rock and roll, and mine are VISUAL SPACIAL LEARNERS... ( I bolded that because you may want to google it... and I wanted to remind myself to blog about that another time... sort of a note to self :)! )
Fun additions to what we are doing right now in our Math Class are Pre Algebra BLAST OFF by Josh Rappaort, published by Singing Turtle Press.... This is very fun, it has a great comic book style story line to give children a great grasp of zero, and positives and negatives and how they work in linear equations. Also in this book are fun worksheets, and game pieces to give the hildren who learn more concretely or kinestheticly a better grasp... it is great for the Visual Spacial Learner, very fun and the story is great to refer back to again and again!
Another wonderful, and I would consider a more core curriculum in regards to preparing children for Algebra is HANDS ON EQUATIONS by Henry Borenson. This is VERY very excellent for the visual spatial, kinesthetic learner, as well as the linear! The rules of Algebra are laid out much like the rules of a game, and the children learn them incrementally, it is very fun, and there are only 10 problems per page.... 4 problems on the new concept and 6 review problems... GREAT program
For our main curriculum we use Singapore Math! We like this program very much, but because my children are sooo Visual Spacial ... we found that Singapore just wasn't cutting the mustard when it came to FRACTIONS, and so for that we opted to run over to Steve Demme with MATH U SEE!!! I was hesitant at first, thinking ... what am I crazy... so much math,.... so many curriculum... oi vey... but I have not regretted my decision one minute! It was great for my family, especially since sometimes they can become a bit fixated on a topic, and then need a complete break, but not be done with numbers... This was a wonderful solution for us....
This month I am going to be trying a "trial membership" with ALEKS.... an online math community for my children... To see if we enjoy this educational option for those months we are on the road traveling... I think it may suit our needs, and be less for me to pack in my suitcase. Packing for oversea's long term trips is NOT easy, with kids who LOVE to learn, so, I would love to hear from any of you who have used ALEKS, both any pro's and any con's to this curriculum would be helpful. I will blog about our thoughts as we go through our trial. Each child is different, so what works for one, may not for the other, and I will be sure to blog about the opinions and thoughts of each! Be sure to come back and read!
Also, any thoughts, opinions or suggestions for Algebra I would be well received, as I am researching NOW :)
They are flying, and leaping and bounding, and wh, ,o KNOWS when they will finish what I have for them.... next month? I must be ready.....
Educating Homestyle
we home educate, home school, unschool, classic school, eclectic school, call it what you like. we just like learning, growing, and each other, in the grace and mercy of the Good Lord Jesus.
Things I hope to do here on this blog are chat about curriculum, stuff I love and stuff I don't.... Things that work for my kids or others kids and things that haven't... Trends I see, trends I would like to see.
About me, well, I'd like to keep this a bit less personal, but I will share a few things. I am educating 3 blessing. They are what some would categorize as "gifted" or to be more technical 2E... that means Twice Exceptional.
Twice Exceptional does NOT mean twice as nice as your kid, or twice as good as... no not at all.
Twice Exceptional children are people who are gifted but have some learning struggle, disability, something hindering them.... I would like to quote Linda Silverman
"How is it possible for a child to be both gifted and learning disabled? When giftedness is thought of as learning-abled, it seems incomprehensible that a person could be simultaneously learning-abled and learning-disabled. However, when giftedness is seen as developmental advancement or as advanced abstract reasoning ability or as asynchrony (the discrepancy between mental and chronological age), it becomes conceivable that a bright student may have difficulty reading, writing, spelling, calculating, or organizing. Giftedness can be combined with blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy, other physical handicaps, and psychological dysfunctions. It provides no immunity against physical diseases and accidents that impair functioning"
While my children are gifted, and have each their own personal struggles their own demons to wrestle, they know the risen Lord, and it is on Him we lean, :) It is He who has blessed them with both their strengths as well as their weaknesses, and it is to their Papa and I the great task of raising them up has been given, and we all stand in awe. For where we fall short, and all too often it seems that encompasses all too much, the Lord fills our needs, covers our failures, wraps us in grace and keeps us so gentle and humble.
As a Christian there are areas of our Western Church at large that frustrate me. Those topics may come up on this blog, please do not be offended, and feel free to discuss all matters with grace and humility, as I am just a mom, just a gal, a sinner, a wife, only saved by grace... I am not above discussion. For those of you who stumble across this who do not share my faith, please don't let that aspect of who I am frighten you off. Why ever you have come, I hope you find rest, peace and an ounce of acceptance here.
One comment about the church at large I find frustrating that is very much prevalent in the culture today is the assumption that "gifted" is to be "proven" or to be "accomplishment" driven... a real "what have you done for me lately" sort of mentality... as well as the driving force of the egalitarianism that is shifting gears. This thought process is simply wrong in my view. God has made us each unique and beautifully, we are as the psalmist wrote, "fearfully and wonderfully made". Unless you are gifted that is... Then you should hush down, shut up, fit in, conform, hide yourself, be less noticeable, learn what meek is according to someone else, and stop being weird, because it JUST isn't popular. Really THINKING, I mean OUT of the BOX thinking, is JUST unacceptable in today's culture, especially in today's Christian Culture.
Well you won't get that here. It was minds like C.S. Lewis, Ravi Zaccarais, Augustine, Calvin, Luther, that finally got my attention as an adult. Before that I thought all Christians were mindless blind followers of some pansy "jesus".... I read the Bible on a sort of personal challenge, and it shocked me, shook me, changed me, challenged me, and I was riveted and reborn. But those deep questions, I needed answers, and found them among the intelligentsia of Christianity, and frankly don't want my kids questions hindered by some smooth talking fancy pants pastor who smells of Cologne and dresses better than a girl, and has a professional rock band to set up his sermon for him, the sermon he bought on line, cus he was too busy @ Starbucks to actually think thru theology class.
So I have opinions, and I want to be free to have them here. It is MY blog after all. So don't be mean, It isn't nice.
Be prepared for fun links, fun ideas, interesting curriculum options and so forth :)
ta tah for now :)
Things I hope to do here on this blog are chat about curriculum, stuff I love and stuff I don't.... Things that work for my kids or others kids and things that haven't... Trends I see, trends I would like to see.
About me, well, I'd like to keep this a bit less personal, but I will share a few things. I am educating 3 blessing. They are what some would categorize as "gifted" or to be more technical 2E... that means Twice Exceptional.
Twice Exceptional does NOT mean twice as nice as your kid, or twice as good as... no not at all.
Twice Exceptional children are people who are gifted but have some learning struggle, disability, something hindering them.... I would like to quote Linda Silverman
"How is it possible for a child to be both gifted and learning disabled? When giftedness is thought of as learning-abled, it seems incomprehensible that a person could be simultaneously learning-abled and learning-disabled. However, when giftedness is seen as developmental advancement or as advanced abstract reasoning ability or as asynchrony (the discrepancy between mental and chronological age), it becomes conceivable that a bright student may have difficulty reading, writing, spelling, calculating, or organizing. Giftedness can be combined with blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy, other physical handicaps, and psychological dysfunctions. It provides no immunity against physical diseases and accidents that impair functioning"
While my children are gifted, and have each their own personal struggles their own demons to wrestle, they know the risen Lord, and it is on Him we lean, :) It is He who has blessed them with both their strengths as well as their weaknesses, and it is to their Papa and I the great task of raising them up has been given, and we all stand in awe. For where we fall short, and all too often it seems that encompasses all too much, the Lord fills our needs, covers our failures, wraps us in grace and keeps us so gentle and humble.
As a Christian there are areas of our Western Church at large that frustrate me. Those topics may come up on this blog, please do not be offended, and feel free to discuss all matters with grace and humility, as I am just a mom, just a gal, a sinner, a wife, only saved by grace... I am not above discussion. For those of you who stumble across this who do not share my faith, please don't let that aspect of who I am frighten you off. Why ever you have come, I hope you find rest, peace and an ounce of acceptance here.
One comment about the church at large I find frustrating that is very much prevalent in the culture today is the assumption that "gifted" is to be "proven" or to be "accomplishment" driven... a real "what have you done for me lately" sort of mentality... as well as the driving force of the egalitarianism that is shifting gears. This thought process is simply wrong in my view. God has made us each unique and beautifully, we are as the psalmist wrote, "fearfully and wonderfully made". Unless you are gifted that is... Then you should hush down, shut up, fit in, conform, hide yourself, be less noticeable, learn what meek is according to someone else, and stop being weird, because it JUST isn't popular. Really THINKING, I mean OUT of the BOX thinking, is JUST unacceptable in today's culture, especially in today's Christian Culture.
Well you won't get that here. It was minds like C.S. Lewis, Ravi Zaccarais, Augustine, Calvin, Luther, that finally got my attention as an adult. Before that I thought all Christians were mindless blind followers of some pansy "jesus".... I read the Bible on a sort of personal challenge, and it shocked me, shook me, changed me, challenged me, and I was riveted and reborn. But those deep questions, I needed answers, and found them among the intelligentsia of Christianity, and frankly don't want my kids questions hindered by some smooth talking fancy pants pastor who smells of Cologne and dresses better than a girl, and has a professional rock band to set up his sermon for him, the sermon he bought on line, cus he was too busy @ Starbucks to actually think thru theology class.
So I have opinions, and I want to be free to have them here. It is MY blog after all. So don't be mean, It isn't nice.
Be prepared for fun links, fun ideas, interesting curriculum options and so forth :)
ta tah for now :)
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