Homeschoolers are Rocket Scientists - Not! (Part One)

Last week, while babysitting some children at church with a friend, I encountered an energetic 8-year-old boy whom his mother reported had been doing homework since 4:00.  His mother was still diligently helping him through his homework when we arrived at 6:30.  When she left to attend her Bible Study group, she handed over the worksheet and flashcards that represented the remainder of his homework to be done and asked us to help him finish it.

My first thought was, “Good grief!  This poor kid has been in school all day, has been doing homework since he got home from school, and now his entire evening will be eaten up by it, too.”  I had helped this same boy knuckle down and endure his homework another evening a couple weeks ago, and I recall him digging his heels in like a mule – he hates homework!  I don't blame him.  I would dig my heels in, too, if I weren't allowed to enjoy a moment of downtime after a full day's work at school.  Children are born to play, have fun, imagine and create – not to be glued to a desk all day...but I digress, as that is a blog for another time.

So, what happened with this kid? 

Thankfully, my daughter was with me that evening and she happens to be in the same grade, studying the same subjects at the same level.  They had been having a fine time playing together, so I concocted some bait, hoping he'd bite.  I asked if he might like it if my daughter joined him to complete his homework.  We would make it a game.  He didn't respond again for a few minutes, then, thinking better of it, he took the bait and asked my daughter to join him.  I did a mental “Hooray!,” and the three of us went to a separate room to work together.

I split up the math facts cards between them and they took turns giving problems and answers – they were laughing with each other, falling off their chairs (on purpose) and having a good time – but they were making it through the math facts at a good clip, giving right answers all along.  The final activity was a timed test, and they were primed to compete.  Each child wrote clearly, thought quickly, and raced to complete the problems first.  Both students finished within a few seconds of each other.

We had had fun and finished the work quickly – without pain, grumbling, or digging in of heels.  The homework was put away and each child was rewarded with a snack and more playtime, which they easily enjoyed.

Now, you're probably wondering what being a rocket scientist has to do with this story.  I'm getting there.  I promise.  Watch for the next post later today.