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Question: I plan to begin homeschooling two of my boys, ages 15 (just turned) and 12 1/2. My eldest has ADD and didn't perform well his freshman year despite being in a classical, Catholic, and very tiny school for boys. My question is this; since both boys are almost on the same level academically, I was planning to teach Math, Science, U.S.History, Religion, Latin, Music, and Art with the same texts, thus beginning high school all over again for the oldest and pulling the younger up a notch.( varying the assignments and reading selections ) For math, I plan to use Key to Algebra series instead of Saxon and then several other of the CHC course selections. Do I need to have different lesson plans for each child or should I just adapt them? We live near NYC and I intend to incorporate its museums, attractions and history all that I am able. Neither of the boys is a fan of high culture but I am confident they will gain more than they ever could in classrooms by taking their studies to the city. Thank you for your site and this great curriculum.
Answer:

Dear Mom,

Thank you for your patience in waiting for a reply. I have been away with my family on a vacation near the ocean and have only just returned. I pray the delay has not been inconvenient for you.

I have followed the same method that you describe with two of my girls. The older girl has severe dyslexia and needed to take her studies a little slower while the younger daughter needed more challenge. The only drawback that is possible is that the child that is moving at a slower pace may indeed sense or feel that they are not being allowed to preform at grade level. I would not recommend that you teach the boys together on every subject but instead pick those subjects that lend themselves to this method. I think that Math should be taught separately but this is strictly my preference. You may find that it works for you. With Math it is important that the foundation be presented and fully understood. It is possible that your younger student will find the repetition tedious assuming that your older son will need such repetition etc.

Though both of the boys are working together it is still very important that each boy be treated as one student in the homeschool (separate planners and assignments etc.) It is possible for their assignments to compliment one another. For example, if experiments or research presents itself in Science then allow each boy to work independently on different parts of the same theme. They can compare notes and learn from one another.

Museums and the many attractions found in NY (I actually visited there this past spring to see my son receive his PhD in Math from CUNY) will be a great advantage. However make certain that you have a lesson plan that follows your needs. When studying a unit of history pick a museum that adds meat to the bones of your curriculum. Pictures and journals, etc. are fantastic ways to enhance the learning experience. Do your research and have the boys research as well.

I am certain that you will find teaching the boys a wonderful experience and that you will see many advantages to the method you describe. I admire your desire to begin the journey of homeschooling. It is indeed a calling from the Lord. I sense that you feel the call and are more than willing to step up to the tasks ahead.

Let us offer up our prayers this afternoon for all those families who are in the process of discernment with regard to homeschooling. We ask, dear Lord, that You surround each family with a sense of peace as they make choices through prayer and desire to know Your will. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn

   
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