High School 4 days a week?

[elegantlion]

It's a hypothetical question at this point, but can you successfully do high school only schooling four days a week?

My ds is 12 and a few times this year he has gone to work with his dad, he's a carpenter. My dh is having him work, not just goof off, and I think the quality time with dad with very valuable. He's learning work ethics, the skill of construction, and much more.

I can see to the future when dh would love to have ds help him at least one day per week. Whether it would be volunteer hours or paid work is still up in the air. However, his academics are first priority.

At this point we follow a mostly LCC schedule with a tad more emphasis on science. I wouldn't want to short change his academics, but time with his dad can not be replaced.

Any cautions? Words of wisdom?

[JennW in SoCal]

Love your avatar!

I think there are all kinds of ways to make that work, and I think it is very worthwhile to make sure it works. Time spent with dad plus work experience and learning a craft are all excellent reasons to make it work. And he will look so well rounded when it comes to applying for college!

You could make the school year longer, or adapt his schedule in other ways -- math and language daily, history and science assignments (as opposed to reading) every other week. Literature -- monthly essays and a reading journal. Make 2 days a week extra long (rather than all 4 so he doesn't burn out on you).

I'm sure an obvious solution will evolve as you get to the high school years.

[In The Great White North]

I scheduled four days a week. Something always comes up at least once a week anyway. Dd usually gets it all done in the four days. Ds wouldn't get it all done in four years.

[Susan C.]

If he is fast and efficient, it could be done. Neither of my kids could have done that, piddlers to the nth degree (scowl). I would regularly look at his work to make sure he isn't falling behind. Slower students would have to add 6-7 weeks to their school year doing a four-day week.

[Colleen in NS]

:bigear:

I asked about this once, too, but I can't find that thread right now.

[MamaT]

My 10th grader occasionally goes to work with his dad (we own a family business). He also wants to do it once a week and has been trying to get his work done in 4 days to show me it can be done. It CAN be done, but the 4 days he does academics are long ones. If he is willing to work hard those 4 days, the 5th day off working with his dad shouldn't be a problem.

[elegantlion]

Love your avatar!

I think there are all kinds of ways to make that work, and I think it is very worthwhile to make sure it works. Time spent with dad plus work experience and learning a craft are all excellent reasons to make it work. And he will look so well rounded when it comes to applying for college!

You could make the school year longer, or adapt his schedule in other ways -- math and language daily, history and science assignments (as opposed to reading) every other week. Literature -- monthly essays and a reading journal. Make 2 days a week extra long (rather than all 4 so he doesn't burn out on you).

I'm sure an obvious solution will evolve as you get to the high school years.

Making the school year longer would probably be our best solution. I like the idea of 2 long days instead of 4. Thank you.

I scheduled four days a week. Something always comes up at least once a week anyway. Dd usually gets it all done in the four days. Ds wouldn't get it all done in four years.

Yes, ds is more motivated by anything than academics at this point. Unless it involves water or batteries, wiring, and magnets.


If he is fast and efficient, it could be done. Neither of my kids could have done that, piddlers to the nth degree (scowl). I would regularly look at his work to make sure he isn't falling behind. Slower students would have to add 6-7 weeks to their school year doing a four-day week.

Yes, efficiency is an issue now, but I'm hoping having the ability to go to work with his dad (and away from his evil teacher/mother :tongue_smilie:) would be a good motivator.

:bigear:

I asked about this once, too, but I can't find that thread right now.

Oh, I'll look too. I'll link if I find it.

My 10th grader occasionally goes to work with his dad (we own a family business). He also wants to do it once a week and has been trying to get his work done in 4 days to show me it can be done. It CAN be done, but the 4 days he does academics are long ones. If he is willing to work hard those 4 days, the 5th day off working with his dad shouldn't be a problem.

I talked to my dh after I posted this question and he was pretty excited about pursuing this in a few years. Dh learned carpentry from his father (who is deceased) so the opportunity to pass on the skill means a lot to him. I'm sure his future wife will appreciate the fact he could handle a long honey-do list.

Thanks to everyone for your advice.

[Stacy in NJ]

once every other week; say, every other Friday?

[elegantlion]

once every other week; say, every other Friday?

Thanks, that should be a consideration too.

I'm taking notes, thank you all.

[PollyOR]

:bigear:

I asked about this once, too, but I can't find that thread right now.

Is this the thread (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8662)?

[Colleen in NS]

Is this the thread (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8662)?

No, but this is one I was thinking of.

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124287&highlight=day+week&page=2

Though it seems like there was another and I just can't find it. I'm having problems with the search feature tonight.

[Deb in NZ]

My dh is a carpenter as well. My dh has taken our boys to work with him occasionally. What they learned working with their dad couldn't be taught in "school." PS's in NZ have been putting students in the workplace for "real-life" learning for the last couple of years. This is mainly in years 11-13 (ages 15-18), but the current gov't has mentioned extending this program to include at-risk students in years 9-10 (ages 13-14). Not long ago boys would have been in apprenticeships by age 14, learning the trade that would enable them to support a family one day. IMHO boys need to see the "why" to be able to focus on learning. Real-life experience provides the "whys."

Ds#2 wants to become a mechanic. When he turns 13yo, I'll be looking for a workshop where he can volunteer an afternoon a week. By age 15yo I fully expect that he'll be working/training in that field at least 2-3 days a week. Early work experience teachers dc to "work." This is something that can't be taught in "school" & is a big requirement for success in life.

Ds#1 is aiming to enlist in the Navy, either as a navy diver or a marine technition. To prepare him for this next year he will get his open-water dive certificate & take some engineering courses at the local polytech. At home I will continue to teach him Maths, English/Latin, & Science.

The Moore formula recommends a balance of school/service/work. IMHO this is a very good way to prepare dc for real-life.

Blessings,

[stansclan89]

I would give him hs credit for going--carpentry, shop, vocational training...something like that. An 8 hour day for 36 weeks is worth 1.5 credits.

[Ellie]

I don't see why not. So your school year might be a couple of weeks longer. No big deal.

[elegantlion]

No, but this is one I was thinking of.

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124287&highlight=day+week&page=2

Though it seems like there was another and I just can't find it. I'm having problems with the search feature tonight.

Thanks, I remember reading through that one originally. Now I need to re-read.

My dh is a carpenter as well. My dh has taken our boys to work with him occasionally. What they learned working with their dad couldn't be taught in "school." PS's in NZ have been putting students in the workplace for "real-life" learning for the last couple of years. This is mainly in years 11-13 (ages 15-18), but the current gov't has mentioned extending this program to include at-risk students in years 9-10 (ages 13-14). Not long ago boys would have been in apprenticeships by age 14, learning the trade that would enable them to support a family one day. IMHO boys need to see the "why" to be able to focus on learning. Real-life experience provides the "whys."

The Moore formula recommends a balance of school/service/work. IMHO this is a very good way to prepare dc for real-life.

Blessings,

I agree, these are life skills that no one else should teach him.

I would give him hs credit for going--carpentry, shop, vocational training...something like that. An 8 hour day for 36 weeks is worth 1.5 credits.

I wondered about the yesterday. Thanks.

I don't see why not. So your school year might be a couple of weeks longer. No big deal.

I always love your no nonsense advice. Thank you.