As we are preparing for the Fall we are looking at what courses to take. Some students will be taking Algebra, and others will be starting Calculus. Still others will take something in between.
I focus on Algebra and Calculus because both of those courses typically represent a turning point for many students. Algebra is where students move from elementary arithmetic into applied math, with abstract thought, variables, constants, and true equations and expressions. Many students who struggle here do so because the transition to logical math is something of a leap. Not because students are not good at math, but because simply children’s brains develop at their own unique rate and while many kids are able to handle logical thought at around 14, I’ve seen several students who needed to wait until way after 14, while still others were masters at Algebra much younger.
The point here, though, is to realize that everyone goes at a different pace. I know as my 10 month old son is now starting to stand and say phrases, it is easy to compare him to other kids his age and wonder if he is ahead or behind other kids. Whenever there is a child that is doing something my son isn’t yet mastering I want to blame myself for not preparing him right, or be concerned that he has some developmental issue I need to fix. I can only assume that I will be this way when he starts school, and I know other parents are this way with their school-age kids, because they call and email me at the support line with their similar concerns.
My blanket advice (as far as math education–I’ll probably need to call some of you to ask about raising a boy!) is to chill. If you start something like Algebra or Calculus and you are concerned that your students won’t be able to handle it, relax in the thought that we are homeschoolers. If you get a couple months into the curriculum and you can see that either a slower pace, faster pace, cooperative class, online class, study sessions, supplements, or different curriculum all together is what is called for, you have the freedom to change. You are never stuck with your choice, and you don’t always have to re-invest hundreds of dollars to buy a new set of math materials.
If you get into Algebra, for example, and you find that you need a slower pace, then go slower. You may not even have to follow the book at all. Find a concept in the book that your student needs to learn and bring it out of the textbook. Find a connection to something real and tangible, and do that day’s lesson only on that one thing. You don’t have to cover the whole lesson in one day just because that’s how some other kid did it. This is your kid, and you get to decide how to educate him/her. That’s why you signed up to be the homeschool parent. You signed up to be the educator, which means not only that you have to put in the extra work to supplement when that’s called for, but it also means you get to decide what constitutes a day’s lesson and you get to dictate what is acceptable for your student.
So don’t worry! You’re in control, and you can do it! And if you ever forget that you can handle it, call or email us, and we’ll be there to help and encourage you.
support@askdrcallahan.com
205.790.2617
