Me: "Quit playing with the toy; put it down and get back to work"
Dash: "I'm not playing; I'm thinking. When I play with things it helps me think. It's actually a fact, which is wierd... "
Me: Not quite sure what to think. To me, it seems that his way 'playing/thinking' actually makes the assignment take longer. And, the noise of the playing is soooo very annoying to me! Usually toy trucks (like the kind he was playing with) are not allowed in the school room during our active hours. Distraction vs. Thinking in a 12yo .... how do you tell the difference??
I think he's messing with his mama's mind, so he can continue to bug and distract and play. But I'm a tough mama, no sympathy here!
ReplyDeleteHe's 12, he's smart.
My sentiments exactly ... did I sound sympathetic?? I'm so onto this 12yo and his illogical thinking that it tires me out. You are right, Jamie. He's smart, and he uses 'it' to tire me out and try to get his way. It's exhausting and makes me want an extended break!
ReplyDeleteJust felt like I needed to write down this particular exchange ... I'm going to toss it back at him someday for fun.
Though I obviously don't know him as well as his mama, I must just say, with my middle school youth group experience and experience with all 3 boys, kinesthetic learning is very real, and some people DO process things better when they're working with their hands. For instance, a good friend, a college professor actually (also a woman...kinesthetic learning isn't just 'for the guys') knits during staff meetings -- which many accuse her of doing to tune out, but for her, its a very real way to tune IN.
ReplyDeleteI have tried letting him use something to keep his hands busy. But, it truly doesn't help him get done in a more timely manner. I've tried a number of different strategies ... math manipulatives, separate table, squeeze ball in his left hand, isolation in his room (this was actually part of a punishment - it worked well for a consequence), changing to more kinesthetic focused teaching in certain subjects, etc.
ReplyDeleteI know not all of those are kinesthetic solutions, but at least he's not distracting anyone else with his actions (in his room). At some point, regardless, he has to take responsibility and learn. He's made progress, but some days are still incredibly frustrating!