Monthly Conference

Had the monthly conference with K today. Our first for the school year. I had listed questions and issues I have been meaning to ask her when she finally calls. Listed here they are:

1. N has problems understanding concepts in Science. She tends to not stay focused.
History she's okay with, but not Science.

2. H is too chatty. He bothers his sisters and sometimes leaves things out in his worksheets. I can't tell if he's understanding or not.

3. S has problems solving math problems. She doesnt seem to know where to begin.

K's suggestions:

For N:
1. Have a highlighter and have her highlight what she thinks if the main points in what she's reading. (for science especially) This will require her to focus because she will be in control of mastery.
2. Make a graph chart, very much like a story web with the main idea in the middle and all the related points extending out like a web. This will also require her to pay attention and do something so her mind won't wander.
3. Relate the science concept to her, since she takes in history very well. For example, for the water cycle, begin by talking about how when she's wet, gradually the water dries up.

For H:
1. Make a reward system. Tell him if he finishes one sheet he'll get a small treat let's say.
2. if he messes up his worksheet, talk to him about it. Tell him that since he didn't pay attention due to excessive chatter, now he has to do extra work, erase and do it all over again while S and N gets to take a break. So next time he'll think twice before engaging in mindless chatter.

For S:
1. Make a general step by step guide taped to her wok area. She can refer to this everytime she's doing her problem solving in math.

This is why it's great to have a certified teacher monitor you homeschooling. Otherwise I'd have to scout around for these tips myself. Ain't got the time, ain't got the energy. As for right now, virtual charter schooling is the best choice for us.

My 'homework' is to think of goals for each child for this school year, which we will discuss on our next phone conference in the end of October. I also have to mail in that form from the Parent Handbook, oh and yeah, READ the Parent Handbook. Duhhhh.