Advice for a 9th grade boy?

[CMH]

I homeschooled my 6 kids for 12 years (spent many years on these forums!), and a friend has asked me in desparation to school her 14 yo son who is drowning in public school.

I'm comfortable doing this, and relish the opportunity, but as he is not my son I'm wondering where I should start regarding finding his learning style and what curriculum might fit him best. I intend to let him decompress from the public schools (he has been dealing with migraines from stress for 3 years now and is extremely behind in his school work already this year). I intend to focus on math, reading and some writing...low stress but interesting for a few months. I want to take him to the library and just watch to see what he gravitates toward, spend lots of time talking with him about what he likes (besides my 15 yo daughter *grin*) and what stuff he liked about school in the past and what he hated. Any other things I should be considering?

Are there any resources available for helping me with this endeavor? Again, I"m a veteran homeschooler, but this is a unique situation for me.

I know he is behind academically, and his mama tells me he's never been a very motivated learner, but has basically kept up fairly easily until becoming so ill. As I'm mostly familiar with TWTM methodology, I would love to use it, but it might be just too much for him to start with.

Thanks oodles!

[Susan C.]

Things my son loved at that age and that worked well:

Beautiful Feet: Ancient History (we left out Quo Vadis and Caesar's Gallic War). (bfbooks.com)
Jr. High Foster series is also good w/Beautiful Feet
Apologia Science, you could even do General if you need to
Math: was a disaster, I am wondering if you should pick up a copy of Lial's Basic College Math used, Jann in TX high recommends it for pre-algebra level and for filling in gaps. I switched with dd to BJU, their 7th and 8th grade texts are good as well and can be picked up used (you don't need dvds at this level).
Grammar: Easy Grammar Plus - goes quickly, not much time each day, a great way to easily get him on board with grammar
Wordsmith (Common Sense Press)
Wordly Wise - be sure to go a few levels lower, get level 6 or 7

Hope this helps!

[Nan in Mass]

Could you get started right away in as fun a way as possible on something that he would like to learn? Anything? Electronics, games programming, fencing, bike repair, wilderness survival, orienteering, astronomy, manga drawing, guitar, woodworking, origami, chess, car repair, house repair, ... I'm just listing things that would appeal to my sons - your library idea is a good one. It doesn't have to be something that would be a full credit, or something academic. He could have a number of quarter-long electives. I just think he might feel better about homeschooling if he got something out of it tha the wants. I would try to pick a more hands-on way of learning whateveritis. He could learn to use a sewing machine and build a tent. If you have to grade, you could give a grade for the project. For example, he could chose to learn to use a sewing machine and build a tent, and he could research tents throughout the world and write a report, but I think I would skip the report part at this stage and just let him do the hands-on part, until he's decompressed a bit and is feeling better. You might have to present him with a list of possibilities. My children haven't been good at imagining the possibilities in situations like this. I would aim to have him saying to himself, "Wow! This is so much better than school. I'm actually learning something!"

TWTM logic stage literature and history lists might be a good place to start. Jensen's Format Writing is dreadful but seems to work for boys, at least mine. I think TWTM is a good place to start because it makes it easy to build up the academic skills.

How good you are to take this on.
-Nan

[Martha]

Total might know nothin opinion here

I'd do:
mercy academy learning styles test
do a placement test for math and writing
ask him to make a list of 5 things he wants to learn about or goals he'd like to meet this year

I think that would give a clearer picture of where to begin and how to go about it.

What an awesome friend you are!

I hope it is the begining of an amazing journey.

[Kinsa]

Before anything else, I would check on the legality of teaching a non-custodial child in your home. Many states do NOT consider this to be "homeschooling" in the organic sense, and it could be against the law in your state.

[Susan C.]

I think it is ok, the parents supervise the homeschooling, and the other mom carries out their wishes.

[CMH]

Thanks for all the info! I'm in Indiana, and homeschools are considered 'private schools' so it isn't an issue for me to teach him.
We met tonight, and I asked him where he felt he needed the most help catching up. Grammar and writing. Thankfully I love teaching those things. :D

I'm sure I'll be back here often for advice....I appreciate all the suggestions!