The homework machine

Shel Silverstein has always been one of my favorite authors, and his poetry was a favorite read for my kids.  Aside from the very short Gumball Machine, Garrett's all time favorite poem was The Homework Machine.  I think I should have known then that we needed to find one.

School is back in session after the Christmas break and we are cranking the Machine back up.  Both the kids have gotten into pretty bad habits regarding homework.  Garrett doesn't like to do it, at all.  And McKenzie does it, but with her phone buzzing texts and the radio blasting.  All that lead to mid-semester grades that were dismal, for both the kids.

As of last night I re-engineered the Homework Machine in hopes of getting a better end product.  Some back story:  Garrett is a very engaged student, who is excels at looking busy, and getting very little done.  With an ADHD diagnosis, I have come to see that he finds it incredibly difficult to stay on task for more than 3-4 minutes.  He isn't that kind of kid that spins like a top, a whirling dervish so to speak.  He just moves constantly.  As a parent, I was always amazed when our play mates would sit quietly for an hour or so coloring a book.  Neither Garrett or McKenzie would have ever spent more than 5 -10 minutes coloring.

That brings us to 8th grade, when grades are starting to mean something.  It is under that pretext that we work on a better machine.  I am the fuel that runs the machine, with the kids cranking out the homework.  A bigger challenge I am sure exists, but not after working 8-9 hours.  Let's hope this works better.  Between a designated hour or two for homework, and an additional stimulant given to Garrett at 4 pm to help him focus, I am hopeful we will see an improvement in his grades.

McKenzie remains motivated to make good grades.  She just needs to put in concerted effort.  She tends to skim by but is capable of straight A work.  However, she is a very social girl, and puts a bit more effort in socializing than studying.  Here's hoping to course correct quickly.

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Homework Machine

By Shel Silverstein

The Homework Machine , oh the Homework Machine,

Most perfect contraption that’s ever been seen.

Just put in your homework, then drop in a dime,

Snap on the switch, and in ten seconds time,

You homework comes out, quick and clean as can be.

Here it is – “nine plus four?” and the answer is “three”.

Three?

Oh me…

I guess it’s not as perfect

As I thought it would be.