Recently, the psychologist who tested my three oldest kids (9, 7, 7) emphasized that in spite of their language processing issues, they ought to have the opportunity to do some sort of summertime gifted programming, especially if it involves math. She gave us a list of programs that she keeps on hand. However, none of the programs will work for us (many of them are out of town, for starters, or just too far of a daily drive, or having entry requirements that my kids will not meet).
Currently they are in a montessori charter school, which while not perfect, seems to be going well. After our latest round of conferences, the teachers all seemed willing to both help them with their language issues and move them forward with math, which is a strength for each of them (e.g. ds7's first grade teacher agreed to teach him multiple-digit multiplication and long division, since he does some of that anyway).
So I'm not looking to homeschool full time at the moment. But I've been reading a fair amount about it and it suddenly occurred to me that perhaps their weekday summer activity (besides more swimming lessons and generally playing otuside) could be homeschooling? Except I'd have to call it something else?! We already started Latin (Getting Started With Latin) and have some Fred books. So I'm thinking that Latin and Life of Fred - Fractions ought to be enough (if I can get the younger two up to speed on long division first; or else I could come up with some other math instead of LOF), plus regular reading. DD9 moves more quickly through material than her younger brothers, but probably still needs to cover the same material - it's hard to really know what they've done in the montessori curriculum. (Oh, I guess we'll be continuing language therapy over the summer but I'm having a feeling that I'm wasting my money with that. Not sure.)
Anyway, can I really make homeschooling these two subjects a fun summertime activity? They seem to like Latin so far, but still it requires them to use their brains - occasionally they (esp. one of my ds7's) resist things that require actual thinking. Any thoughts or suggestions? If I have to bribe them to do it (point system or whatnot), does that mean I shouldn't do it? For example, we have a rule that they must practice piano before playing Wii - I could make the same rule re: these subjects.... I so think that their minds need continuous stretching that I'm willing to do it that way.
