Homeschool World Forum

[janineb781]

He is only five and he will try to laugh or lay all over the floor. If we are at the table he will lay all over the table. He will talk to his sister or just talk to the cat. What do you do to motivate him or her to do the work. I get frustrated and want tips not to get frustrated as well as any tips to motivate him. Thanks

[Lily]

Change the work. I'm guessing it's inappropriate, being not the learning style he needs, not at his interest level, and not at his development level. How can he be taught the way that works with him, not against him?

-add more movement. Play games, run around, make it hands on.
-add more real life situations. Take him to the thrift store with a handful of monopoly money, read to him, help him write a letter to Grandma.
-Listen to him. Learn his interests and build on that. Likes building Legos? Tell him the stories as you act them out.
-Relax, and put it away. There is nothing so pressing that a 5yo needs to know or learn from a book. He will when he is ready.
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"The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist."
- M. Montessori
Proud non-member of the HSLDA

[luvtolearn]

My son is a bit older, but still has a hard time focusing his attention on the task at hand. Games motivate him. Sometimes I set a timer, or make a silly story up about what he is doing. I have also had him set goals that are easily and quickly attainable. When he accomplishes his goal, I reward him with a big hug and "Good job". He responds really well to positive reinforcement. I do have consequences as well for not fulfilling his responsibilities.

Of course, teaching through songs, games and other active things is so important at this age.
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http://www.idealcurriculum.com.html