In addition to my Co-op Chemistry class, I home-school Lacie, tenth grade, and Paul, fifth grade. Often, their instruction is prescriptive. What do I mean? When I run across a problem, we address it. For example, Lacie was struggling with pronouns in Warriner’s; Paul seemingly forgot how to identify prepositions. Both received extra practice. I downloaded a Pronouns and Antecedents for Lacie and pulled out Easy Grammar for Paul. Easy Grammar teaches grammar by first eliminating prepositional phrases.
When Paul needed more practice with area and perimeter, we downloaded more examples. When a child has a problem, hit pause, and make time to address it. Are you using novels to teach? Make vocabulary lists from new terms in the novel. Classic novels, such as The Swiss Family Robinson Or its inspiration, Robinson Crusoe, have loads of new terms. This study guide for Swiss Family Robinson has some of the terms. Try to get your child to write down unfamiliar terms. You’ll probably want to download a study guide, such as this one for Robinson Crusoe.
Use the lessons your child is doing to drive instruction. When Paul was studying Mitosis, I had him make a Mitosis Wheel. Mitosis is hard to understand; manipulative help. Whenever your child hits a blockade, stop and do extra practice. You’re sending a message about the need for complete mastery of the material.
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