Are You Trying to Fit a Square Peg in a Round Hole?

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

12 Feb 2008 10:22 AM

I wrote the other day about reading notes from several parents talking about how frustrating homeschooling was and how they were sure. . .this was it. . .that child was going to go back to public school. Some complained of discipline issues that could be seen in all aspects of life, not just homeschooling. Others complained that they couldn't figure out how to teach their child so their child would get it. And still others complained that it was just plain old fashioned hard.

In general, homeschooling has never been difficult for our family. We have bad days as does everyone. But overall, we would say it has been a blast. Even my kids would say that they enjoy it. But I had somewhat of an epiphany today about those bad days.

One of my twins (I'm embarassed to say that I'm not really sure which one) was helping make macaroni and cheese. She really, really wanted to stir in the butter, cheese, and milk. So I handed her my trusty wooden spoon and she diligently went to work. She was doing a good job too--if we wanted to eat lunch at supper time! So I decided to help her. I went to grab the spoon and with her hand on it, continue stirring. . .but I fumbled.

You see, the twins are left handed and I am right handed. If I stir with my right hand, she doesn't get the full benefit of handling the spoon under my guidance. It makes it awkward for her. If I stir with my left hand, I fumble with the slippery noodles only slightly less than she does. So we had to work at it together, make it a team effort. . .and help each other learn to work around the awkwardness of pairing a lefty and a righty.

I obviously couldn't ask her to use her right hand. . .and yet so often that's what we do with our kids. . .figuratively speaking. We give them a task but try to force them to do it the way we would do it. The problem is sometimes, they simply can't. Sometimes they need us as their teachers to slow down and re-learn it differently for their benefit. It's not a cop out but just another facet of education.

So are you trying to fit your square peg in a round hole? Are you frustrated because your child isn't doing it right or timely? Maybe it's not homeschooling that needs to get tossed, but rather the approach or philosophy you're using!

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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Michelle Huddleston (60) 14 Feb 2008 04:16 PM

thanks for those words of encouragement. Today was a bad day and I seemed to forgot that my guys each have their own way of learning.

Valorie Delp (49340) 14 Feb 2008 07:37 PM

You're so welcome. We have those bad days too. I am learning that backing off, and looking at the problem from a fresh perspective is often the right answer.

saihem21 (10) 16 Feb 2008 01:05 AM

I regularly get the priveledge of teaching a square peg. My oldest is VERY busy and requires alot of attention with schooling (3rd grade). Thats not so bad but I have 5yo twins who will be ready for kindergarten this year. One is very advanced. He reads, writes some, types and does 3rd grade math. I have dillegently tried NOT to formally school them yet as they will be studying this for the next 16yrs. But my son likes to play reader rabbit, zoombinis and brainpop games and has taught himself. The other twin (my daughter) is more normal and likes to do puzzles and color with some computer games. I would love any advice on how I can home school all 3 of these children with such different needs next year. I would prefer not to spend 10 hours a day doing 1:1 with each child. Thanks for the encouragement for those challenging days.

Valorie Delp (49340) 16 Feb 2008 05:50 AM

I would suggest combining the subjects you can. Everything except for math and language arts can be combined easily. Knowing that you have this situation next year, try and look for a curriculum that will let you do that easily (if you don't already have one).