Why do kids struggle with learning certain subjects?

If your child is struggling with science—or any subject like math or reading—it’s not because you’re failing as a homeschool teacher. Most of the time, it’s because one of your child’s core needs isn’t being met.

But how do you figure out what that need is? And more importantly, how can you meet it?

The answer might be simpler than you think: just ask them.

The key to unlocking your child’s love for science (or any subject) is understanding what they value most. By asking the right questions, you can uncover what makes them tick and tweak your approach to meet their needs.

Here’s an example:

If your child loves soccer, ask, “What is it about soccer that you really like?”

If they say, “I love playing with my friends and learning new skills,” you now know that social connection and personal growth are important to them. Take a closer look at your science curriculum:

• Does it include activities they can do with friends or family?
• Does it allow them to learn new things that spark their interest?

If they say, “I like being outside in the fresh air and never knowing what’s going to happen next,” this tells you they value variety and nature. Consider:

• Is your science curriculum filled with outdoor exploration or open-ended experiments
• Or is it rigid and predictable, lacking the excitement they crave?

If they say, “I like knowing I’m the best on the field and that no one can stop me,” you know they thrive on feeling successful and unstoppable. Ask yourself:

• Does your science program make them feel confident and capable? 
• Do they have opportunities to excel and feel like a “top dog”?

Every child has unique motivations, and once you understand what they value, you can adjust your homeschool science curriculum to align with their needs.

Here are some practical tips based on the example conversation above:

For Kids Who Value Social Connections:

• Incorporate group experiments with siblings, friends, or co-ops.
• Use hands-on activities that spark conversation and teamwork.

For Kids Who Thrive on Variety and Adventure:

• Try outdoor science experiments, like growing plants or studying wildlife.
• Introduce open-ended challenges, like building a rocket or designing a simple machine.

For Kids Who Need to Feel Successful:

• Break lessons into smaller steps so they can achieve frequent “wins.” 
• Celebrate their accomplishments and show how they’re mastering new skills.

When you take the time to understand your child’s unique needs and values, you’re not just teaching science—you’re creating an environment where they feel happy, successful, and excited to learn.

The best part? These detective skills don’t just apply to science! You can use the same approach to troubleshoot struggles in other subjects and discover how to bring out the best in your homeschooler.

Let’s turn struggles into triumphs and create a homeschool experience your child will love for the long term!