Kevin's Watch

Elfgirl wrote:Personally, I should think that the teachers would have assessed their comprehension and reading ability by this stage surely?? Or does he have a new teacher to deal with? If so, yes - perhaps letting the teacher assess his strengths/weaknesses would be best, so that he/she can then discuss with you where you can help.

I'm guessing the school system is a little diferrent here Elfy. He's moving from primary (8th grade) into secondary (9th grade, a freshman in high school) school. All incoming freshman will be coming from different middle scholos.

Elfgirl wrote:No, it isn't cheating to help your kids with homework! If anything, a good discussion about all things actually helps them retain information by confirming/disproving what they may have interpreted.

Excellent point.

Elfgirl wrote:And as far as 'reading between the lines', that is SO subjective a matter as to not warrant discussion. Everybody gets something different out of a book.

Ye-es...but it's a little more than that with Beorn's AS...

Have him read The Way of the Peaceful Warrior - Dan Milman-incredible, lifechanging book-he can even look at it as fantasy if he wants! You and Paul should enjoy it too! I'm looking for the movie to come out on DVD!

Thanks danlo, I was hoping you would check back in.

Any input on the four required books?

Peaceful Warrior is great. Second in class only to Bach's Illusions, imo. Journey of Socrates is almost as good, but less philosophy.

Syl wrote:Peaceful Warrior is great. Second in class only to Bach's Illusions, imo. Journey of Socrates is almost as good, but less philosophy.

You've read Illusions? Man, I thought I was the only one! Have you seen this: Reminders for and Advanced Soul

Menolly wrote:Thanks danlo, I was hoping you would check back in.

Any input on the four required books?

My Antonia is a good book, and should generate some useful family conversations. It was one of my favorite readings in American Literature (I hold a BA in English Literature). Here is a discussion guide for it:

www.readinggroupguides.com/guides/my_antonia.asp

More guides:
www.readinggroupguides.com/guides3/night1.asp

www.readinggroupguides.com/guides/lesso ... _dying.asp

Farewell to Manzanar discussion guide:
www.csun.edu/%7Epjs44945/manzan.html

Summer of My German Soldier Unit (homeschool)
www.geocities.com/athens/troy/9122/

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants guide:
www.bookbrowse.com/reading_guides/detai ... number=898



Hope this helps.

Oh wow...

Thanks, Lyr!!!

I've heard of it, Balon, but never seen it.

Syl wrote:I've heard of it, Balon, but never seen it.

It's basically a real life version of the book that Donald Shimoda gave to Richard. If you don't remember, the Handbook wasn't read normally (front to back) but rather you put into your mind a problem needing solving, or something bothering you, flip to a random page, and read the passage. It would give to you some much-needed wisdom, although Shamdoa makes it clear that the Handbook itself isn't nessecary, you can do it with any handy bit of reading.

Presentation is important. Tell him to look at the subtext as patterns to be identified or code to be deciphered. You may hit a problem solving nerve. And add a book or two on Asperger's and social interaction. They will show him what types of patterns to look for. If he's starting high school, he'll need books like that anyway.

Balon wrote:

Syl wrote:Peaceful Warrior is great. Second in class only to Bach's Illusions, imo. Journey of Socrates is almost as good, but less philosophy.

You've read Illusions? Man, I thought I was the only one! Have you seen this: Reminders for and Advanced Soul

Haha, I love Illusions. So does Fist.

--A

Avatar wrote:

Balon wrote:

Syl wrote:Peaceful Warrior is great. Second in class only to Bach's Illusions, imo. Journey of Socrates is almost as good, but less philosophy.

You've read Illusions? Man, I thought I was the only one! Have you seen this: Reminders for and Advanced Soul

Haha, I love Illusions. So does Fist.

I love Illusions too. When I was 18 I read a lot of Richard Bach. I even got over my fear of flying and got into a glider after reading...um...I think it was "A Gift of Wings".

Khaliban wrote:Presentation is important. Tell him to look at the subtext as patterns to be identified or code to be deciphered. You may hit a problem solving nerve. And add a book or two on Asperger's and social interaction. They will show him what types of patterns to look for. If he's starting high school, he'll need books like that anyway.

Thanks Khaliban. I don't know if you and I have interacted on the Watch before, but I appreciate your insight.

:::subtext as patterns or code; that just might work:::

When Beorn was first diagnosed at 10 years old, we all did a lot of reading, and Paul and I sat and had a talk with him about how this dx did not mean he was diseased or encumbered; it simply meant he looked at and processed the world differently than most other people. We have since sat back and waited for him to be ready to talk to us more about it.

He's read Kenneth's Book and Luke Jackson's book, also when he was 10, but not really anything else since. I take your advice to heart, and feel this summer Paul and I must broach this subject with him again before high school starts.

Thank you.