Ok...we are officially back into the swing of school and on a roll - or so I thought. This week were in the middle of learning decimals and converting to fractions - basic stuff for what we have been doing - and my oldest gets that "deer in the headlights" look....just not even there! I have no idea when he checked out or what it was that "stumped" him, but he was just DONE!
How do you respond? Right or wrong, when mine get that look, I know they have checked out on me and we will not get anything done by going down the same path. I stopped and we took some steps to correct the situation:
1. We changed rooms - a change of environment may seem like a trivial thing, but many times it is enough to trigger a "wake up" and shake up effect!
2. We had a couple of M&Ms - again, a wake up call and, more importantly, it alleviates stress of thinking that Mom is upset with them for "not getting it". My oldest puts a great deal of pressure on himself, so when he feels that I'm frustrated (whether I am or not), he REALLY shuts down.
3. We took a different approach - I tried explaining it in a hands on way - using household stuff that we could manipulate.
4. We made it a game - with a little bit of competition, it takes the emphasis off of learning something new and makes the challenge more of something that boys can get their hands around - competition....they will try harder without realizing that they are!
So...the next time you get that deer in the headlights look...before you get frustrated and aggravated, stop and think of some alternatives - you might find that it helps you and them to settle down!
Michele Everson, proud wife of Pastor Chad Everson
and Proud Mama to two great boys!
Thank you for sharing that. Dalton does the same thing. At times which seem for no reason at all he will act that way especially in Math. It could be something he already knows and just completly shuts down. I have tried what you stated but he has caught on and will say "I know what your doing. Your just trying to calm me down or change the subject". He like Caleb puts way to much pressure on himself. If you have any other tricks please let me know. That has and cont. to be one of his biggest problems.
ReplyDelete