Moving Toward Independence: Logic For Life

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Cornell Notes

Main Notes

  • Logic stage is a time of growing independence, both mental and practical
  • Students should begin to form their own opinions and take responsibility for parts of daily life
  • Increased time in self-study is important during middle-grade years
  • Parents should gradually step back from minute-to-minute supervision
  • Practical application of logic: certain behaviors have certain consequences
  • Responsibility leads to freedom
  • Students should understand logical relationships of daily living
  • Connection between work and money, preparation and success should be emphasized
  • Students should begin to manage their own finances and daily schedules
  • Seventh graders should open a checking account and learn budgeting
  • Fifth graders should start using planning calendars
  • Students should learn to keep to a schedule independently
  • Importance of flexible scheduling and goal-setting
  • Cardinal rule: If it isn't on the calendar, it doesn't happen
  • Students should keep track of their own time using alarm clocks and watches
  • Training in daily life logic yields three rewards: structure, self-motivation, and preparation for college/career

Cue Column

  • How does the logic stage relate to independence?
  • What is the role of self-study in the logic stage?
  • How should parents adjust their supervision during this stage?
  • What is the practical application of logic in daily life?
  • How does responsibility relate to freedom?
  • What financial skills should students develop?
  • When and how should students start managing their own schedules?
  • What are the key components of a student's budget?
  • How can calendars be used effectively for planning?
  • What is the importance of flexible scheduling?
  • How does independent scheduling prepare students for the future?
  • What are the three main rewards of training in daily life logic?
  • How does this approach prevent students from foundering in college?
  • What role do alarm clocks and watches play in developing independence?
  • How does this method help students understand the consequences of their actions?

Summary

The logic stage, typically encompassing the middle-grade years, is a crucial period for developing independence in students. During this time, students should begin to form their own opinions and take on more responsibility for their daily lives. This independence is reflected both in their academic pursuits and practical life skills.

Academically, there's a shift towards increased self-study. Parents are advised to gradually reduce their direct supervision, allowing students to manage their own assignments and experience the natural consequences of their choices. This approach helps students understand the logical relationship between their actions and the outcomes.

On the practical side, students should start managing their finances and schedules. Opening a checking account, creating budgets, and using planning calendars are key activities that promote independence. These skills not only help in organizing daily life but also prepare students for future challenges in college and careers.

The overall goal is to help students understand the logical relationships in daily living, including the connection between work and reward, and between responsibility and freedom. This training yields three main benefits: it provides structure to the student's day, fosters self-motivation, and prepares them for the independence required in college and beyond.

Action Items

    • Start in fifth grade with single assignments
    • Increase to assigning a day's work at a time
    • Adjust supervision based on the student's responsibility level
    • Help seventh graders open a checking account
    • Create a budget with categories for spending, saving, family responsibilities, and charity
    • Purchase a daily planning calendar and a large wall calendar
    • Plan the school year together, including holidays and commitments
    • Set monthly goals for each subject
    • Establish a rule: If it's not on the calendar, it doesn't happen
    • Create a basic daily schedule for the student to follow
    • Provide the student with their own alarm clock and watch
    • Allow natural consequences for completed or uncompleted work
    • Gradually reduce direct supervision as the student demonstrates reliability
    • Encourage the student to manage their own time for assignments and leisure activities
    • Teach the connection between work and money, preparation and success
    • Help the student understand the importance of self-motivation and time management

Resources

books

Don Quixote

By: Miguel de Cervantes

Pride and Prejudice

By: Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility

By: Jane Austen

Emma

By: Jane Austen

Mansfield Park

By: Jane Austen

Northanger Abbey

By: Jane Austen

Persuasion

By: Jane Austen

How the Irish Saved Civilization

By: Thomas Cahill

Series: The Hinges of History

curricula

Great Books curriculum

educational Tools

Cornell Notes system

reference Materials

The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers