Dyslexia is a general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but do not affect general intelligence. Despite their struggles, dyslexic students tend to have a strong imagination, thorough reasoning skills, and comprehension of new concepts. They grasp abstract ideas and story flows, accentuate meaning over memorization learning styles, and enjoy solving puzzles and building models. They also have the ability to read and understand highly-practiced words in an area of interest or expertise, and they tend to grasp the “big picture” while thinking outside of the box. Relationally, dyslexic students possess exceptional empathy, warmth, and expression of feelings, while exercising flexibility and maturity. Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to cater to the individual needs of every child, and for those with dyslexia, it can be a transformative educational journey. Dyslexia presents challenges in traditional classroom settings but offers avenues for growth and success in homeschooling environments. We'll explore the key strategies and benefits of homeschooling kids with dyslexia, empowering them to thrive academically and personally.
Tailored Learning Approaches: Homeschooling allows for personalized learning approaches that cater to the strengths and challenges of children with dyslexia. By incorporating multisensory teaching methods, such as Orton-Gillingham-based approaches (see below), and utilizing adaptive curriculum materials, homeschool educators can provide tailored instruction that meets the unique learning needs of each child.
Flexible Pace and Structure: Flexibility is fundamental in homeschooling children with dyslexia. Adapt the pace and structure of lessons to accommodate your child's learning style and needs, allowing for breaks, repetition, and reinforcement as necessary. Create a supportive learning environment that minimizes distractions and fosters concentration, empowering your child to engage with material at their own pace and comfort level.
Embracing Strengths and Accommodating Challenges: Dyslexia is not a barrier to success but rather a different way of processing information. Embrace your child's strengths, whether in creativity, problem-solving, or visual thinking, and leverage these abilities to enhance their learning experience. Implement accommodations, such as audiobooks, speech-to-text software, or dyslexia-friendly fonts, to mitigate reading challenges and empower your child to access information effectively.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: Homeschooling provides a supportive environment for children with dyslexia to build confidence and self-esteem. Celebrate your child's progress and achievements, no matter how small, and encourage a positive attitude towards learning. Foster a growth mindset that emphasizes effort, resilience, and continuous improvement, instilling a sense of confidence and self-belief in your child's abilities.
Accessing Supportive Resources and Communities: As a homeschool educator, it's essential to access supportive resources and communities that understand the unique needs of children with dyslexia. Utilize online dyslexia support groups, educational websites, and professional organizations to gather information, advice, and curriculum recommendations tailored to your child's learning profile. Connect with other homeschooling families of children with dyslexia to share experiences, strategies, and encouragement along the journey.
Online Resources for Dyslexia: Homeschooling Kids with Dyslexia and other Special Needs FB Page Dyslexia Support for Parents and Dyslexic Children FB Page Homeschooling Dyslexic Kids FB Page Dyslexic Kids FB Page
Lexercise- Over 40+ years of experience toward creating structured literacy programs with a basic and a professional therapy tract. Geared toward all methods of childhood education while offering free dyslexia exams.
C-Pen Reader The C-Pen Reader is a scanning pen that displays a word definition and reads text aloud to support dyslexic children and adults with reading difficulties.
Orton-Gillingham Reading Programs:
What is Orton–Gillingham? Orton-Gillingham was the first teaching approach specifically designed to help struggling readers by explicitly teaching the connections between letters and sounds. It also pioneered the “multisensory” approach to teaching reading, which is considered highly effective for teaching students with dyslexia. This means that instructors use sight, hearing, touch and movement to help students connect language with letters and words. Nessy Reading and Spelling Program Nessy Reading & Spelling offers classes, programs and educational methods with a multisensory activity and reading/spelling combination emphasis. Nessy also adheres to the Orton-Gillingham approach, meaning that each child receives instruction tailored to his or her specific needs. Educational packages and bundles range from $30 – $150 per year and are easily adaptable to other curriculums. Reading Horizons Reading Horizons is a research-based methodology that teaches foundational language skills in an explicit, systematic, sequential, and multi-sensory fashion. The program provides individuals with proven, Orton-Gillingham-based reading strategies from the most basic foundational skills through all five pillars of reading (i.e., phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). Reading Horizons offers various instruction tracts and bundles ranging from $199 – $525. All About Reading An Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching, AAS offers a multi-sensory, hands-on, and built-in review system instruction method which helps children with or without disabilities. Packages range around $186 with a money-back-guarantee should outcomes prove unsatisfactory. Barton Reading Program The Barton Reading Program is a teaching method which is based on the highly structured Orton-Gillingham approach. It offers free, unlimited phone and online support. Lessons are highly structured and carefully scripted for people without educational training. It offers a multi-sensory approach to teaching and is geared toward a one-on-one dynamic. Various curriculum items range from $250 – $300. Diane Craft Learning System The Dianne Craft Learning System identifies the symptoms of blocked learning gates and makes corrections using a successful three-pronged approach: Brain Integration Therapy, Right Brain Teaching Strategies, and Targeted Nutritional Strategies. Dianne Craft’s Brain Integration Therapy Manual teaches parents to informally diagnose their child’s processing problems and teaches specific daily exercises along with crucial once-a-week Brain Training sessions to make permanent connections between the two sides of the brain. There are specific exercises that address and correct Visual Processing (reading & eye tracking), Auditory Processing issues (Phonics, oral directions, math facts), and Visual/Motor/Writing (Dysgraphia). Dianne Craft’s Brain Integration Therapy is a “home depot” approach, meaning that it is in-expensive, in-home therapy. Packages range from $52 – $335.
Logic of English Logic of English provides approaches to reading and spelling instruction that are effective for all types of learners. The methods used align closely with those recommended by the International Dyslexia Association, and our materials work very well for dyslexic students. The Logic of English series is based on the multi-sensory Orton-Gillingham method, which has been used successfully for over eighty years to teach students with dyslexia, autism, and other disabilities. Packages range around $229.
We at Statheros Academy would love to come alongside you as you homeschool your children with any type of special needs or learning differences. Our Homeschool Coaches can help you brainstorm, process, plan and anything else that you need to ensure your children are learning at their ability level. Homeschooling kids with dyslexia is a journey of discovery, growth, and empowerment. By embracing tailored learning approaches, providing flexibility and support, celebrating strengths, and accessing resources and communities, homeschool educators can unlock the full potential of children with dyslexia, fostering a love for learning that transcends challenges and celebrates individuality. Together, we can empower children with dyslexia to thrive academically, creatively, and personally, laying the foundation for a bright and fulfilling future.
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