Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

"It's great that you finished so quickly, but you missed half of the questions!" Listen to Home School Heartbeat today as Michael Farris talks about motivating the quick finisher to finish well.

Mike Farris:


Today's subject: the quick finisher. The boy who gets the job done, but does low quality work because finishing is his goal. I'm very familiar with this young man; I've got a quick finisher at my house.


The big problem is convincing this boy that doing quality work is a better goal than simply finishing. He wants to finish, so that he can go do the things he enjoys. Unfortunately, his immaturity is causing him to develop a poor work ethic.


One possible solution involves tying the quality of schoolwork accomplished to the privilege of spending time on a favorite hobby, getting that learner's permit, or another reward that suits your particular child. Poor quality work yields lost privileges. The big key is consistency, and again, getting Dad involved. Moms should not have to deal with their teenage son's immaturity alone.


If your wife is discouraged about your son's schoolwork, it's time to step in and help, Dad. Holding your teenage son accountable for doing quality work, as well as finishing on time, is your job. So set up a system of accountability that you can really stick to. Decide with your wife if your son needs a daily or weekly check up. Eventually, a monthly meeting should be sufficient. Mom and Dad, make a plan, persevere, and you'll see your quick finisher become a quality finisher as well. I'm Mike Farris.