DD finishes independent work quickly

[tbarr12]

My oldest dd, 12, is doing CTC. She seems to finish her independent work very quickly - she is usually done by about 9am (she starts around 7:30am). She is usually practicing piano by 9, and done at 9:30, then waiting for me to finish with her younger brother and sister so I can meet with her.

Is this too quick? I'm wondering if I'm requiring enough of her, but she's simply doing the independent work that's in the guide, including Extension Readings. Her independent work doesn't include grammar or writing, math, or science (we're doing a different science curriculum). I meet with her about those later. In the past she's had a problem with doing quality work, but she has definitely improved in her efforts, so I know in her mind she's doing her best. I do not want to accuse her of not doing her best, as that would not be assuming the best of her, and I know it would hurt her. Just wondering if others find that CTC independent work takes their kids much longer. Thanks.

[tollhousemom]

You might want to check this post viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3765 which lists the typical times for each box and see how that compares to what she is doing. Also, are you looking over her work (written narrations, copywork, etc.) to check for quality?

[Carrie]

Tracey,

In reading through your post, I'm thinking that the times you are sharing for independent work are not including time spent on DITHR, math, Write with the Best, grammar, science, Genesis: Finding Our Roots, Storytime, or A Child's Geography.

To clarify, in CTC I'm thinking you are referring to the "I" boxes of Reading About History (25 min.), Bible Quiet Time (20 min.), Independent History Study (10-15 min. with more on drawing days), Poetry (10-15 min. and more on painting day), extension reading (20-35 min. including follow-ups, depending on how fast she reads). You may also be including the "S" box of History Project (20 min.). If so, then you can see your time is about right for this part of her day.

It is also good to bear in mind that she is 12, which means she's in the Extension range. So, we could expect her to work more efficiently and to be more easily able to do what we are asking of her.

There is still a substancial amount of work that she is doing beyond the "I" boxes each day. DITHR takes 35-45 min., Write with the Best/Grammar takes 20 minutes, science in our guides takes 30 min. at this level, Genesis/Geography takes another 20 min., Math takes another 35 min. or so, and Storytime takes 20 min.

If what I am listing above is close to what you are doing, then you're doing great!

Blessings,
Carrie

[tbarr12]

Carrie - you're exactly right in the way you assessed that! I hadn't thought about the fact that she IS doing other independent work throughout the day, just not necessarily all in that initial block of time. That makes me feel better. You're right, I was only including the "I" blocks. I'll go back and compare those times in more detail, but I think you nailed it! thanks!