Making the decision to homeschool any child is difficult, if not daunting, for any parent, and especially those who have children with special needs, such as Down syndrome.
Do the benefits of educating a child at home outweigh those of an education within the public sector? How can one be sure that homeschooling is appropriate for their child? These questions can only be answered by each individual considering the option. However, once the decision to homeschool has been made, there are several things that need to be done to help your child reach her full potential in this educational setting.
First and foremost are the individual needs of the child and their learning process. What spectrum, or how severe, is his learning disability? How are your interaction skills with others? What objectives are sought and how do they reach them? Because each child is different, an individualized plan is essential.
The Individualized Education Program, also known as an IEP, is required for all children who attend public school. This evaluation is also essential for children who are homeschooled. The IEP looks at the child’s specific needs and helps identify a specific program with effective goals and strategies for both learning and teaching. The plan allows for flexibility so that the child can learn at her own pace and her success can be more effectively measured.
There are several steps involved for the IEP, as well as assessments and reassessments, but this highly effective tool is beneficial to students, parents, and caregivers alike. Information about the IEP, the steps involved, and what to expect can be found on the website below (1)
The second strategy for creating a successful and positive homeschooling is the environment in which the child will learn. Having a separate area in the home is essential for the homeschooled student. This area is to be used only during the educational process and at no other time. This area helps establish the mindset of learning time, just as being in a school or library helps a child make the correlation between quiet time and reading versus the cafeteria during lunch. The room should be filled with the necessary learning tools and materials. Some parents also include items that can be used as rewards once the child has successfully completed a certain task or learning session. The Homeschooling National Network (NHEN) has great resources, links, and information for homeschooling along with forums, support, and help for those just starting the process or those who have been homeschooling for years. (two)
Structuring learning times in homeschooling is also vital, leaving room for flexibility. Many families homeschool during specific hours, while others find that dividing up instructional times gives children time to absorb what they’ve learned in a short period of time, before reinforcing that same material in a different way or starting on new ones. goals. Again, this is a matter of personal preference and what works best for your child. Karen, a mother from Ohio, has found that the short breaks between learning sessions with her son, Tom, allow for much-needed mental breaks when the material seems excessively difficult for him, but she has found that he has surpassed goals they never thought he could. could achieve. at first. Her schedule is flexible, with the attitude: “If he does well and completes the tasks, we move on!”.
Finally, homeschooling should be both fun and educational. The limits of teaching and learning are limitless. Children excel in rewarding learning environments and more often than not exceed goals and expectations when given an exciting and fun curriculum. Almost anything can be turned into a fun learning activity, limited only by our imaginations. And, for those who may be struggling with that part of teaching, going to your local library has great resources to help jumpstart that fun and creative side that we may have buried.
The decision to homeschool is both rewarding and challenging, but by assessing your child’s needs and creating a functional program with an IEP, setting up the environment with the necessary tools to get the job done, having a functional schedule, and an exciting and rewarding for your child to learn, excel, and grow, you’ll find that both you and your child will thrive beyond expectations. So, get those bubbles, finger tickles and silly faces out and enjoy the whole process!