You’re Done… Or Are You?
I remember hearing a parent say something like, “You’re 18, and now you’re on your own. You’re an adult.” What the parent didn’t say, but implied, was “Now, I’m finally done; I’m free.” And yes, this was spoken by a one-time home school parent. Maybe spoken in frustration or during a time of stress, I don’t know.
Maybe you’ve thought the same thing, but never said it. For most of us, raising kids is hard, time consuming, and tiring work. Sometimes we just want it to be over. We’re ready for an extended break. No need to apologize if this is how you’ve felt.
The Gradual Release Model I’ve been writing about the last few weeks presents a plan to gradually move your child from academic dependence to academic independence. Will it impact your relationship with your child in areas beside academics? Sure, and it should. Something I haven’t emphasized is that the model is designed to be repeated again and again.
In the illustration to the right, the lesson plan starts at the top and flows downward. In the fourth and final part of the lesson, the tip of the teacher’s triangle is blank. The teacher’s job, as far as this lesson is concerned, is done. In the base of the student’s triangle, the word Independent is written. The words, “You do it alone” are written off to the right side. The student is working on his own, not needing assistance.
The qualifying phrase to what I’ve written above is as far as this lesson is concerned. This model is intended to be used again and again as future lessons and new content are presented. By implementing it regularly, not only will your student gain independence, but confidence as well. The independence you gain will result in time saved. You’ll be able to focus on other things because you won’t be constantly doing it, doing it, doing it.
That’s the tip of the week!
Curt Bumcrot
Read the rest of the series:
- How to Take Your Child From Dependence to Indepedence
- Are You Still Doing All The Work?
- Are You Doing the Work Together?
- Are You Meddling?
Is your student struggling with comprehending a subject or staying on schedule? Basic Skills offers flexible tutoring for students with and without special needs. Regardless of your student’s academic situation, Basic Skills can help them to make progress. Click here to request information.
