A struggling learner is one who needs to be given special attention in the homeschool classroom. Many such children may be afflicted with learning disabilities and the homeschool teacher will have to identify their learning blocks early in order to handle the issues. However some may actually be gifted children who are just not interested in the regular ways of learning and can pick up a lot from scanty resources. In either case handling them is a priority.
Set the Personal Priorities and Academic Goals
Very often the homeschool parent will have to decide between spending extra time on the struggling learner and leaving the other homeschool students alone to get on with their tasks. While it may not seem fair to spend extra time on one child, having well defined academic goals for all the students will ensure that no one in the homeschool classroom lags behind or feels neglected.
Have a Realistic Daily Plan
If you have a daily lesson plan for the homeschool students, try and make it as flexible as possible for the struggling learner. Remember that there can be good days when everything goes as per the plan, and there will be bad days when even the first item takes up the whole day. Keep spare activities up your sleeve in order to stay productive through the day.
Keep Spare Time in Hand
Time is always a premium commodity in the homeschool classroom as it is so limited. While you must make sure that you utilize your time optimally it is also necessary to keep some spare time in hand for yourself. Maybe an hour a day or a morning on the weekend when the spouse can take over the responsibility of the children. This allows the break that is essential for rejuvenation and better teaching in the homeschool classroom.
Delegate Within the Family
The family is a team that works and plays together. The homeschool family even more so. Each individual of the family should have a set of chores that they can do and must complete. This allows the struggling learner to gain a sense of confidence in areas where he can manage well.
