r/homeschool•
GelBirds

Help working with a stubborn/active 6yo

Help!

My son just turned six in May and we've chosen to homeschool. He had a tough start in life with a seizure disorder that caused some cognitive delays- but he's three years seizure free and about to 'graduate' from speech/OT. He still has some struggles, and those make it a little hard to work with him in a traditional sense. I've been experimenting with what works, but feels like I'm flailing in open water sometimes..

The curriculum I've chosen is Kindergarten Math with Confidence and Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Lessons accompanied by Reading.com.

He is incredibly bright and has a fantastic memory. However, he is incredibly determined to do what he wants, when and how he wants to do it. He does not engage well with games I've created or rules I suggest. (For instance, he initiated a game of taking food orders- but will maybe do one order I ask for correctly and the rest making what he wants. It's not that he doesn't know how to follow directions, he doesn't want to) Book work and anything to do with handwriting/crafts/coloring he does not enjoy. I try to slip in learning in regular play, "I have five Legos and I added two, now I have seven!" though he does not reciprocate. Reading I'm actually not all that concerned with- he's picking it up beautifully but handwriting and math concepts are riding the struggle bus.

He is also very active and prefers to be moving. He CAN focus- if it's something he wants to do or if there is a bribe involved. For instance, he'll lament and fight and do poorly on a page of math but if I offer a really good bribe he finishes it with ease. I'm not above bribery but they have to be good bribes- he's not working for a sticker or piece of chocolate. More like, we're going to the zoo when you're done kind of bribe. Obviously I can't do that every day.

How can I support him learning in a way that makes him feel like he's in control? I've tried choices, setting out multiple activities so he can visually choose, integrating concepts into play (that gets ignored, at least he doesn't reciprocate). Checklists aren't his jam either.

Signed, mom of very smart and stubborn boy.

Posted Jul 8, 2025, 4:47 PM UTC

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