Sometimes More is Better

Posted by Chris | 0 comments

Adding high-interest subjects has positive results!

Most days, I feel like we barely squeeze in the school work that must be done. Despite that, I am taking a new approach for this school year: I am adding more.

Ack. I know what you are thinking – I am going to crash and burn by November. That may be true, but I think adding more, in this case, will mean less work and more fun in the long run.

In addition to algebra, English, Spanish, history and science, my son is doing computer science, a unit on architecture, physical education, art and guitar. All of our “extra” subjects are of my son’s choosing. They are areas of interest that either he would not have time to explore in a regular classroom or he would be required to take when he is older, but not allowed to study now.

While every child is different, my boy thrives on activity and high-interest adventures. For him, learning Visual Basic and seeing his computer program work is a source of joy. (For the record, I am married to a computer programmer, but I know nothing of it myself. What I do know how to do is find free/low cost resources when my son has an interest. I do not have to know everything in order to have him learn it.)

A $1 thrift store purchase, “Great Architecture of the World,” is resulting in a homegrown unit on architecture – styles, designers, engineering and even geography will be included. This is fun stuff. And when my son plows through his grammar lesson in order to get to the computer or to learn about columns or how Frank Lloyd Wright made Fallingwater? Well, a little incentive never hurt anyone. Just don’t tell him how much he is learning “after” school.

Chris Worthy is mom to Caroline (16) and Nolan (11) and will soon celebrate 21 years of marriage to her favorite person, John. Chris practiced law before becoming a writer and stay-at-home mother more than 10 years ago. She enjoys cooking, crafting, spoiling dogs, green living and rummaging though old books. Follow along at www.chrisworthy.com.