would you flippin credit it

[morethanpotatoprints]

I posted a while ago to dds aversion to anything scientific and she hasn't done anything academic really since mid June, due to her other commitments.
So we don't have any plans for how long a summer hol we will have and generally play it by ear.
Today she appeared with ipad, I thought playing games.
Next thing the science study book is out and she is reading about the body, looking at websites and really showing an interest.
No idea where it has come from but Bingo, at least theres a hint of scientific knowledge there.
A question for all you autonomous people out there, how do I get it to last and spill into other subjects?

You don't :) You just provide resources and answer questions when required. SHE decides how long it will last :)

The brittish heart foundation have a free pack with all the body organs in it, might help keep the interest.

You act as if you don't think the science is any more worthy than games. Bonus points if you can be overheard telling family members how educationally valuable games are. Double bonus points if you start believing it.

You wander off and find some subject which YOU genuinely find interesting, and read a book or watch a video or visit a site of interest. You grudgingly allow your dd to join in if she happens by. If she has any pocket money, you make her pay her own admission to the science museum (Oh all right, I admit I don't actually make my kids pay their own way.)

Essentially you pretend that you already believe that learning is deeply pleasurable and that your dd doesn't need it pressed upon her any more than she needs to be persuaded to eat chocolate brownies. Go try to scoff some alone and she'll soon sniff it out and beg you to share it.

Which is not to say that I don't understand your surprise and relief.

I doubt there is a parent on the planet, regardless of how much pro-autonomous rhetoric she may spout, who doesn't heave a secret sigh of relief when her older child finally decides it's time to learn to read. I am already practicing saying coolly, "Of course I wasn't worried when dd wasn't reading by eight. I knew she'd do it when she was ready. Kids do." I think I may have a few more years in which to practice those lines before I get to use them!! It does help that two close friends have recently mentioned that their ten year olds have just started reading...

Ah, thank you so much for that.
When/if she shows an interest in other sciencey things we have a cunning plan. However, if it doesn't come from her we're a bit knackered.
Up until now we have usually used a mix of autonomous (music) and semi structured, theacademic stuff.
The problem has been her reluctance to the academic stuff, in particular science.
Our plan is to relate as much science as we can to her saxophone, her and dh regularly operate on instruments (repair and service) he explains the physics around various bits and the metal/materials, once she thinks its educational though or relates to other things she may see in a book, website etc, she blanks off or becomes disinterested.
Almost shoots herself in the foot

Casually watch this in sight/sound of her. I just start watching, as I used to love They might be giants anyway, and like these songs myself, and my two normally gravitate to me to see what I'm watching! A mix of music and science. 'They Might Be Giants' songs. Our two favourites are the blood one and the elements