Before you judge us for using the term “special needs” know that we do not mean this in a negative manner in any way, shape, or form. There are many ways a child can be special needs-in fact all children are special needs. They all need special attention, geared toward their own personalities and learning styles. Special needs is just a broad term, and in no way a judgment on a child from anyone here at HERD.
Getting Started
The first step to homeschooling any child is to know what your rights are in the state you live in. The state laws can be found HERE by clicking on your state. Having this information at hand will aid you in any questioning you may receive.
Finding a local support group is key. You may want to find one that is geared toward children like-minded, but that is not necessary. Any support group will be able to help with ideas for bettering the educational process for you and your children.
What qualifies as “special needs”?
Special needs can be anything that doesn’t fit the “normal” child. ADD/ADHD, Sensory Integration Disorder, or just being a late bloomer can cause a child to be labeled special needs. Children with Downs Syndrome, Autism, and other more serious delays are also labeled special needs. This does not make them less worthy, just means they need extra attention when it comes to their education. As homeschoolers we are able to provide that extra attention.
What can I do to help my child?
First and foremost, be there for him. He needs a caring hand to guide him. If he is ADD/ADHD try using a balance ball as a chair while he is doing his schoolwork. This will help him concentrate because he needs to be moving. Another idea is to have him walk around while telling you the answers to questions orally.
There are services you can get through your local school district as well, such as speech and occupational therapy. Every school district and state is different so check with yours to find out the requirements and services offered. Most states offer services for different therapies as well. Check with your state health services department to see what is offered for services. Private therapy is also available, sometimes covered by your medical insurance.
Finding what works for your child can be a long, hard process, and what works for one child will not work for another. Try and try again until you find a system that works for your family. There are no right or wrong answers. Some kids need rigidity, while others need flexibility. If you and your child see differently on this compromise, by having a set of goals that must be met, but let the child do it at her pace, not yours.
Remember you are not alone. There are thousands of homeschooling families, and someone will know what you are experiencing. Reach out; ask for help, and relax…your child will learn it!
Further Reading:
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling
Home Schooling Children with Special Needs (3rd Edition)
The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling: A 20-Year Homeschool Veteran
Home Educators Resource Directory (HERD) is owned, managed, and maintained by parents passionate about giving their children the best education. The Directory’s mission is to provide resources, support, and information helpful to the diverse community of educators around the globe. Along with offering a rich store of varied resources, the Directory maintains a catalog of local and global support groups and calendars highlighting local events.
The HERD monthly newsletter keeps educators apprised of current homeschool events and supplies informational articles for both the new and experienced. We invite you to stay informed with your own newsletter subscription, explore our many resources by visiting the Directory http://www.homeeddirectory.com/ and check out all the information to be found on our blog.
Permission to reproduce this article granted only with the entire article, bio and all links included.
Getting Started
The first step to homeschooling any child is to know what your rights are in the state you live in. The state laws can be found HERE by clicking on your state. Having this information at hand will aid you in any questioning you may receive.
Finding a local support group is key. You may want to find one that is geared toward children like-minded, but that is not necessary. Any support group will be able to help with ideas for bettering the educational process for you and your children.
What qualifies as “special needs”?
Special needs can be anything that doesn’t fit the “normal” child. ADD/ADHD, Sensory Integration Disorder, or just being a late bloomer can cause a child to be labeled special needs. Children with Downs Syndrome, Autism, and other more serious delays are also labeled special needs. This does not make them less worthy, just means they need extra attention when it comes to their education. As homeschoolers we are able to provide that extra attention.
What can I do to help my child?
First and foremost, be there for him. He needs a caring hand to guide him. If he is ADD/ADHD try using a balance ball as a chair while he is doing his schoolwork. This will help him concentrate because he needs to be moving. Another idea is to have him walk around while telling you the answers to questions orally.
There are services you can get through your local school district as well, such as speech and occupational therapy. Every school district and state is different so check with yours to find out the requirements and services offered. Most states offer services for different therapies as well. Check with your state health services department to see what is offered for services. Private therapy is also available, sometimes covered by your medical insurance.
Finding what works for your child can be a long, hard process, and what works for one child will not work for another. Try and try again until you find a system that works for your family. There are no right or wrong answers. Some kids need rigidity, while others need flexibility. If you and your child see differently on this compromise, by having a set of goals that must be met, but let the child do it at her pace, not yours.
Remember you are not alone. There are thousands of homeschooling families, and someone will know what you are experiencing. Reach out; ask for help, and relax…your child will learn it!
Further Reading:
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling
Home Schooling Children with Special Needs (3rd Edition)
The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling: A 20-Year Homeschool Veteran
Home Educators Resource Directory (HERD) is owned, managed, and maintained by parents passionate about giving their children the best education. The Directory’s mission is to provide resources, support, and information helpful to the diverse community of educators around the globe. Along with offering a rich store of varied resources, the Directory maintains a catalog of local and global support groups and calendars highlighting local events.
The HERD monthly newsletter keeps educators apprised of current homeschool events and supplies informational articles for both the new and experienced. We invite you to stay informed with your own newsletter subscription, explore our many resources by visiting the Directory http://www.homeeddirectory.com/ and check out all the information to be found on our blog.
Permission to reproduce this article granted only with the entire article, bio and all links included.
