Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Observation is a great tool for unlocking learning difficulties. Michael Farris and his wife Vickie talk about identifying and using a child's strengths to promote learning on today's Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Farris:


Vickie, one of the first questions a new homeschooler might have is, "How can I recognize the academic differences in my children? What are their strengths, what are their weaknesses, and how can I find a balance between those things?"


Vickie Farris:


Well, that's a good question. I think just as parents, all of us realize that our children are different and we often adjust our parenting techniques to those differences. And I think the observations we make in normal life kind of carry over into academics.


For example, our daughter Jessica is just a great daughter-we've had very little trouble with her. She's been a good student, but she's slow in everything that she does, and we've had to work with her in life situations and in school situations with that-kind of helping her to discern priorities and not spend so much time on details, helping her to maybe schedule her time and give herself time limits.


Another child I think of is Michael; he just in all areas has a little trouble with verbal instructions, and I notice that a lot in his schoolwork. He does much better when he's just reading the material as opposed to me trying to explain something to him verbally.


So I think just knowing our kids can help us in life and in school.


Mike:


Vickie, thanks so much. I'm Mike Farris.