Posts Tagged child
Homeschooling a Child With Learning Disabilities
Posted on October 2, 2011 | Home Schooling.
Homeschooling a child – let alone one with special needs – can be challenging, to say the least. Many parents aren’t sure where to start or how to effectively teach their child. Yet, numerous children with learning disabilities are successfully taught at home. In fact, these children generally perform better when learning from home rather than in other types of educational settings, largely in part to the parents’ love and commitment.
No one knows your child better than you. As parents, we better understand our children’s needs. We know their weaknesses as well as their strengths. So if you are just getting started homeschooling your child with special needs, or even if you’re just thinking about it, becoming familiar with the individual needs of your child is half the battle. Learn all you can about his/her learning disability.
Talk to and obtain support from others. Correspond with other families of special needs children and homeschooling parents.They are the best resources available when it comes to homeschooling a child with learning disabilities. After all, they have experienced some of the same things-the ups and downs, the successes and failures, etc.
Check the legal requirements for your state regarding special needs homeschool. Although there are no laws specifically denying the homeschooling of children with learning disabilities, each state differs in their educational requirements. It is also important to keep accurate records demonstrating how you are meeting your child’s learning needs and how he/she is progressing.
Consider your budget and whether it’s feasible to choose specific learning materials. You’ll want to learn all you can regarding curriculum materials suitable for your child and ensure that they will meet your needs.Choose materials that complement both you and your child. There are different teaching methods and learning pathways, especially when it comes to those with learning disabilities. Generally, special needs children require clear instructions with well-structured lessons and repetition. Take advantage of technological resources, real life “teachable moments,” and hands-on activities.
Finally, relax. If you can’t relax, neither can your child. There’s no “one size fits all” style of teaching, and you’re certain to make changes along the way. The end result will inevitably be a happier, more well-rounded child that can adapt to his/her learning disability within the homeschool environment.
Best Tips on Training Self Learners
Posted on September 29, 2011 | Home Schooling.
Homeschooling has often presented some challenges. If I let it, the paper tiger would devour my life. However, I am constantly looking for ways to simplify and streamline my life. From taking an introspective look at my self to gadgets and apps, I want to be effective. Yet, my goal in homeschooling is not simply to de-stress, but to give my children a better education without making myself insane. After researching and studying ways that I might accomplish this, I am convinced that I can do this by training them to be “self -learners.” A self learner will be able to progress through a curriculum, read “living” books, and discover knowledge on their own. Here are a few tips that I am putting into practice:
1. Introduce your children to the love of reading. Encourage them to read at every possible chance. Be an example to them by living this yourself. Reading is the gateway to knowledge, and if your child has a love for this the possibilities are endless!
2. Find homeschool options that lead your children to self learning. A curriculum that requires a person to impart to the child the knowledge contained in it – is definitely not conducive to self learning. During the very young years this is more of a necessity. However, as the child gets older – and we train them to discover knowledge for themselves – they will become independent in this area.
3. Study by immersion. Allow your child to study one subject or book until they completely tire of it. This can be several days to several weeks. They can do part of the book or complete it. I am particularly hopeful about this at our house. I believe that having less “starts” and “stops” may actually help my children stay on task.
4. Teach them the value of a “job well done.” This is something that my father taught me, and his father taught him. Doing something right just because it is the right thing to do – will be a lesson that will serve our children the rest of their lives. If they don’t do the job well the first time, make them do it over. If that doesn’t correct the issue, make them do it over several times during the week. This applies not only to home education, but also to household chores.
5. If a child comes to me asking me for an answer to a question in his homeschool studies, I invariably respond with… “Look it up.” or “Read the section over, I am sure the answer will pop out to you.” Encourage your children to find answers on their own. They can re-read their books, look it up in an encyclopedia, or even Google it. Being persistent in finding the answer will also be a priceless lesson learned for the rest of their lives.
Though I believe that these principles will serve our family well in the years to come, other homes may have different perspectives. I know that each family and each child has individual needs that will determine how they must be educated. I hope that you will find exactly what you need to be successful.