Having a child with special needs is often a major reason for families to pick homeschooling. While some disabilities may be physical and immediately obvious, there are a whole bunch of disabilities which are not so. Once your child has been officially diagnosed as a special needs child, you may want to consider the following tips as you move him into a homeschool classroom.
Always Have a Backup Caretaker and Teacher
Since there is a lot more to the basic care of a special needs homeschool student, it’s a good idea to have a second teacher and caretaker come in regularly. This allows the homeschool student to become familiar with the other person and when the parent is unavailable it will be easier to handle their absence.
Work at The Child’s Pace
There is no right or wrong way to learn. Ensure that the child is comfortable with whatever has been taught before moving on to the next step. Allow for some extra time in your schedule for concepts that may take longer. Remember it’s not a race. The well being and comfort of the child are always to be adhered to.
Pay Attention to Preferred Learning Style
Each special needs child is likely to have a different way of learning. There is no one size fits all solution for homeschooling such children. The homeschool parent may like to pick up workbooks that are supplements to the preferred learning style of the child. This will make doing the school work much more appealing.
Take Time For Special Therapies
Depending on the needs of the homeschool student special therapists may have to be brought in to help. In some cases you may have people willing to come home, while in others you may have to take your child to the therapist’s office. Make sure you add time in your schedule for this.
Recreation is Just as Important
Studies is the main stay of homeschool, but play time is just as important. Come up with activities that you can enjoy as a family. No matter what their limitations, special needs children also enjoy having fun.
