This is part of a series. . .if you missed the first two blogs you may want to go back and read part one and part two.
Realizing My Skill as THE Homeschool Teacher
I’m not a math dummy. I actually feel pretty confident that with the right curriculum I can get my kids through Calculus. I never anticipated having to think about what to do after Calculus. But here I am, teaching a 7 year old, and wondering where to go after Calculus in a few years.
I’m not THE ultimate homeschool teacher. . .but I’ve realized that I certainly am the best of the best when it comes to my own children. But this past year has been a year of self-doubt. . .until I had an epiphany. I had never considered sending my kids to school–assuming that we would homeschool through high school–but what do you do with a kid like this?
The Epiphany
If you had a child who had a rare cancer–what would you do? I know I would seek a second opinion and maybe a third. I’d research until I found answers and I’d keep advocating for my child until I felt like he or she was getting the best possible treatment. I don’t know other parents who would do differently. I’m not a doctor–and yet still I’m capable of pulling together resources on behalf of my child.
Okay so homeschooling isn’t exactly like having cancer–but I do have a child that is going to need special treatment with regards to education. I have researched and researched and I’m finally satisfied with what we do. I am his best advocate, and I am capable of pulling in other resources when necessary. This is what makes me better qualified than a school teacher to teach my child. . .but that’s not to say that we may not use a school teacher some day.
In Conclusion: What We’re Doing
I thought some of you might actually like to look at what we’re doing with Alex–particularly if you’re finding yourself looking at what to do with a gifted child. I will share what we do with this disclaimer: One of the things that I’ve learned this year, is that this is not a one size fits all proposition. Maybe you can look at what we’re doing and find one thing that will help your family. Finding resources for Alex has been a struggle and finding a path that is suitable has been nothing short of a mini expedition. If I can save you some steps then I’m happy to do so, but remember of course, that not all gifted kids are alike.
Developing Math Talent–This has been a great resource for us. There is a beginning section on “myths” about math talented students which was incredibly helpful. I highly recommend it although it is geared towards the public school teacher in a classroom.
Saxon–Yes, we’re using Saxon. I modify it and before you go to write a comment about how Saxon is too easy–I will point out to you that I’ve tried numerous other curriculums that were supposedly for gifted kids and they were easier. While I’m sure the folks at Saxon would give me a tsk tsk for modifying it–it’s working, and working well. Right now he’s doing three grade levels per year.
Art of Problem Solving–This is a website that’s geared towards kids who are going to enter math competitions. You do not have to enter math competitions in order to use their stuff and I have found it to be an invaluable resource.
Misc. Engineering–The bulk of our allotted time for math class (which is 30 minutes long–15 min. per grade level) is still for him to explore and apply what he’s learned as he’s interested. His current fascination is buying Lego kits, then disregarding the directions and making something new. He created a chart describing the dimensions of a foundation in porportion to the height of his buildings. Yesterday, as we waited and waited for what was supposed to be a bad storm–he decided that the weather man wasn’t accurate enough. . .last night I saw him reading his weather encyclopedia. I can only wonder.
So with a big sigh of relief, I can say–yes, I know what I’m doing with my gifted child–mostly, sort of, really.