What would you use with an extremely independent and motivated 2nd grader?

[one l michele]

My middle ds is 7. It is very challenging keeping him supplied with materials. I really could use suggestions for him now and in the future.

He is very organized, creative, introverted, motivated, and independent. He prefers non fiction. He does not like to use the computer. Repetition or ineffciency drives him batty. He likes things that have a defined purpose and relate to real life. He loves school and learning, if it's in a workbook form he can open, work ahead, and just have me look over and give brief but specific feedback.

What sparked this post is our planned math and writing are not working for him. Math is Horizons, too much review, too spiral. We tried Singapore but he found the layout visually distracting. Writing we are using WWE, he doesn't care for fiction and sees the program as busywork. Previously he used Draw, Then Write and Flashkids Writing workbooks.

Some things off the top of my head we've used and he's enjoyed: Thinker Doodles, Logic Safari, Primarily Logic, Lollipop Logic, Visual Perceptual Skill Building books, Highlights Puzzlemania books, Highlight's Top Secret Adventures books, Draw Write Now, Draw Then Write, Challenging Word Problems, Complete a Sketch books, TCR My Body unit, Art Adventures at Home, How to Teach Art to Children, Flashkids Language Arts, Daily Language Review, Laurie Carlson's books, Mary Ann Kohl's books, One Small Square series, various Science kits, art/craft kits, word search books, Maps, Charts, Graphs, Dover books, etc. I'm sure there are many others I've missed, did I mention he's just entering 2nd and has completed all of the above?

My orders are only lasting a couple months until I hear "I don't have enough school mom."

I am awaiting on an order that includes some of the "The Complete Book of ______" titles, Science grades 2-3, Social Studies grades 2-3, and some drawing workbooks. Any other suggestions are very much appreciated.

[zaichiki]

Did you try Sinagpore Primary Math's Intensive Practice books? The review is different, because most of it (the first few pages of each book is simple repeition) requires problem solving and thinking outside of the box (even more than is taught in the text/wkbk). My oldest doesn't like repetition/review at ALL, but he likes working in the IP books. They're not at all visually distracting (that would be the pics and colors in the textbooks, right?).

Would your ds be the type of learner who could fall in love with a topic and self-educate? Or does he prefer to be handed workbooks? I have one of each. The first type is easier because they are independent learners -- give them access to a library and some really good internet sites (national geographic and university sites etc.) and they're good to go. They've got the drive to teach themselves. The second type is more work for the parent, who has to choose, organize, and make available all the learning material.

Sounds like your ds wants to be made more busy? Wow! I don't have ANY kids like that. Mine all prefer to do LESS of the work *I* assign. I don't think I have any wisdom to share. Maybe... add a language? Would he like to learn a new language?

[one l michele]

I'll have to locate some samples and show him. He does like Challenging Word Problems, but I think it's because it requires some thinking and relates to how he'd use math vs solve this problem, YKWIM?

This ds is definitely the latter, he will run with something and give ideas what he's interested in learning about, but needs an "assignment" to get him going. He's not big on reading although he does have a solid phonics foundation, the only thing he reads on his own involve sports, mainly magazines, sports section of the newspaper, or biographies. And it IS a lot of work to try to keep him supplied with material. I have a RR order arriving tomorrow.

Yes, he asks for more work. I tried him with Prima Latina, but it wasn't a good fit. I have Greek Code Cracker on my wish list, but thought it may be better for a 3rd grader.

[Jewel]

We just purchased GeoSafari Laptop....my 6yr loves this! I cannot keep her off. I find her retesting herself so she learns each informational card. I hear there are additional cards. Just a fun learning toy.

[Karin]

Did you use the Singapore textbook or workbook and at what grade level??? I find that the workbooks are much less visually distracting as you go along, as are the texts, but most especially the workbooks. Heuristically it is still one of the strongest programs out there, especially for the mathy.

MEP is another option, too, and it's free. All you pay for is the paper and ink to print it. You can find it at http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/projects/mep/default.htm

CWP is good, along with SM, but it's going out of print. We haven't done the IP since we do 2 math programs and I do MEP sometimes.