Teaching your learning disabled child at home
Many parents of learning disabled children choose to home school to ensure their children get the individualized attention they deserve. Find out how to get started and how to get help when you need it.
The biggest questions on the minds of most parents who are considering home schooling their learning disabled children is, "Can I do it?" or "Am I qualified?"
Traditional setting not working?
For the most part, the fact that you are considering home schooling is probably because your child is not doing well in the traditional school setting. He or she is probably not getting the individualized attention needed to address the specific learning disorder or the school and instructors simply do not have the resources or skills to provide the necessary education.
If this is the case, then you are not alone. The fact of the matter is, many schools do not have special education teachers who are trained to address specific learning disorders. They still adhere to a one-size-fits-all teaching method, even though children with similar learning disorders learn at their own pace and in their own style. On top of that, if there are many students needing specialized attention and instruction, the schools simply don’t have the resources to carry out the individualized education plans for them. There may be only one teacher for 15 or 20 students.
Special education teachers are often left on their own to evaluate students’ needs and implement programs to address those needs. There are many programs available to help, but ample resources and time are needed to address each students’ individual needs. Teachers who truly care end up spending their own money and time trying to do what’s right for their students, but they can only be stretched so far.
The good news
Like the special education teacher, you have access to plenty of resources to help you find the right educational program for your child. Plus, you still have access to the services of the public school if you need them (they are required by law to help homeschooling parents with special education needs).
Unlike the swamped special education teacher, you have only your children to worry about and you can focus on their individual needs.
Time and effort required
The answer to the question of whether you can do it is up to you. Do you have the time? Are you dedicated enough to be able to sit down each and every day and work with your child? Will you be able to adhere to a schedule or plan?
The answer to the question of whether you are qualified, is yes, if you are willing to do your research. You are not unlike the teachers in public school. Most teachers rely on purchased programs to provide instruction to their special education students. These programs have the lesson plans already laid out and all you have to do is read and follow the instructions. Many program providers even offer live help and support to those who need it or are having trouble understanding certain sections.
So if your child isn’t advancing in public school even though he or she is smart, homeschooling is probably a good idea. Your child will get the individualized attention needed and will probably come out ahead of his or her peers with the proper instruction provided by a loving parent.