Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Learning Environments homeschool question

Do you limit the amount of educational programs/lessons your dc does during a particular day? How much computer time (educational-i.e., EPGY math, Explode the Code Online, Timez Attack, Time4Learning, etc.) do you deem appropriate, and do you separate these types of activities from other typical entertainment programs? Do any of you use these as the lesson for a particular subject for a particular day? I'm asking b/c I see better results (learning) and cooperation from ds when he receives his "lessons" is computer format rather than traditional one-on-one with Mom. Typically we have a limit of 1 1/2 hours of electronics time per day. This includes computer, television, and video games, but now I'm starting to rethink this. Thanks.

I don't homeschool (but I do afterschool) and DS might play video games or watch TV every other week but he loves the computer. While I try to limit his time as long as he's doing something and learning I don't limit him too much. One day he might play 30 minutes and another day 2 hours. It's a fun way to learn for him so I don't mind too much.

I think the question you have to ask yourself is that if the behaviour has negative effects in other areas of his life? Does he interact w/ others meaningful? Is he engaged with what he is learning? Is he able to discuss what he is learning. I think some kids just enjoy learning on their own and computer courses give them that feeling that they are doing it on their own. I would break it up during the day as to minimize eye strain. And of course this varies depending on the age. I know a kid, older than yours (10yrs old) who did all his course work online (EPGY Math, EPGY Science, EPGY Language Arts).

Dazey

We have times designated for "fun" learning, like educational computer games or chess. Within those times, they can choose what they like to do. I have computer folders titled "DS8 in the morning" and "DS5 in the morning" for them to open so that the sites they visit have been pre-approved by me.

Outside of those free-choice times, computer use is limited to specific schoolwork. (We use Plato/Cybered science and Rosetta Stone for foreign language.)

But these limits are in place because I see a negative effect on their behavior if my kids spend too much time using the computer. If you see good stuff coming out of computer time, then I'd say it's just as valid a method as any other educational tool. Use what works!

I allow my DS9 to do "math" computer or Plato science or word process (he's currently doing NaNoWriMo. Plato or writing is self limiting. He won't do either of those for too long. He is on timer for most other online education activities. Usually 15-20 minutes per activity, and he doesn't do them every day. He gets 20-30 minutes of recreational Wii or computer time daily. And he rarely if ever watches TV. Maybe an occasional movie on the weekend. He'd rather have time to surf on the internet.

My son's behavior is negatively affected by too much screen time as well, so YMMV! I'd limit any activity that makes him ornery. I want him to have lots of time to interact with people and work on social skills too.

I have a similar question-- I am currently homeschooling my YS7 who sounds similar to Jen's. He has some issues in math. If I give him pages of, say, multiplication problems, they are absolute torture for him. He'll do them, but it appears to be torture.

But He would do the same multiplication problems on the computer all day.

We are using k12 for math, and he only likes to do the computer, so he gets way ahead on those sections. Getting him to do the book work is a struggle, to say the least.

Should I find a program that is more computer-based for math?
Or should I continue trying to limit it?

ps I used to post all the time but haven't in a while... I have been dealing my son's health issues... and finally took the homeschooling plunge more because of his health (his immune system does not function right, so school is just too dangerous for him) than because of giftedness.)

... Oh, and WHY would a kid find it so much easier to focus on a screen than on a piece of paper? Does this support the possibility that there really is ADHD there underlying everything?

Sometimes when he sits in front of a piece of paper he starts yawning violently and looks like he's really going to fall asleep right on the table. Is that what an attention deficit looks like?

Bronxmom --
I remember your postings about PANDAS and struggling with the decision on whether to home school. I am so glad you checked in. Now may not be the time, but when you have a second, please start a new thread and update us on your situation. I know a lot of people are pulling for you and your son.
Fondly,
Irisheyes

Aw, thanks! Will do.
I have been reading this forum all along, but just didn't have the emotional strength to post any more.

I, too, am glad to hear from you, bronxmom, and am glad you are having some luck with homeschooling.

I'm not sure about the ADHD question. I hope someone will have help for you.

As for the "more computer time or no?" question, a leading psych for GT kids gave us some good advice when I began homeschooling DS8 that might apply to your situation, at least in a roundabout way.

He said that the temptation for many parents of HG+ kids who homeschool is to focus too much on the child's relative weaknesses. He suggested a 3:1 ratio of time spent on strong areas:time spent on weak areas. In this way the child would have plenty of time to enjoy school and to feel good about what s/he can do, but would still have time to improve on the weaker areas.

Maybe this ratio works for computer time:book time for you, since the computer seems to be the strength? (Assuming that you don't see behavior problems with more computer time, of course.)

Just a thought...