Home education can often leave parents questioning whether they're doing enough to ensure their child’s education is on track especially when you are homeschooling with special needs. Here’s a guide to help you assess your progress, set benchmarks, and handle the unique challenges of homeschooling, especially when special needs are involved.
Start with a Clear Yearly Plan
Begin by mapping out your entire school year. Whether your schedule follows a traditional September through May calendar or is year-round, it’s crucial to have a bird’s-eye view. Mark off holidays, vacations, and any recurring activities like co-op days or sports practices. This step helps you identify the days available for academic instruction.
Break Down Core Subjects
Next, examine each core subject individually. Determine what you want to cover throughout the year. Consider skipping content your child already knows or is unnecessary. Then, divide the remaining lessons into two semesters and further into weekly segments. Use your planner to schedule these lessons loosely in pencil, allowing for flexibility.
Reevaluate and Adjust Regularly
As the school year progresses, periodically reassess your schedule and benchmarks. If you find that you’re not meeting your goals, it’s essential to ask why. Are you over-scheduled? Have unexpected events disrupted your routine? Is your child struggling with the material? Adjust your schedule, cut back on commitments, or change your teaching approach as needed.
Focus on the Big Picture
When evaluating whether your child is on track, avoid strict comparisons to traditional school settings. Each homeschool is unique, and progress should be measured by your child's needs and abilities. If your child is progressing at their own pace and mastering the material, you’re on the right path.
Addressing Special Needs in Homeschooling
For families with children who have learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, processing disorders, autism, and a slew of other learning differences the pressure to keep up with grade-level standards can be overwhelming. It’s vital to tailor your homeschooling approach to your child’s unique needs rather than striving to match the progress of neurotypical peers.
Protecting Your Mindset and Your Child’s Well-Being
Parents must manage their expectations and focus on what’s best for their child. Avoid the stress of comparisons with conventional schooling, as this can harm your child’s self-esteem and learning progress. Instead, seek out resources tailored for homeschooling children with special needs, and remember that progress is progress, no matter the pace.
Utilizing Resources for Special Needs Education
There are numerous resources available to support homeschoolers with special needs. Whether through specialized curricula, online communities, or professional support, help is available to guide you in providing the best education for your child. Here are four of our favorites in no particular order: SPED Homeschooling, Dianne Craft, Tara Roehl, and Wowza Brain.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling offers the flexibility to adapt education to your child’s needs, ensuring they can thrive in their learning environment. By planning, regularly reassessing, and focusing on your child’s unique progress, you can confidently guide their education without the fear of leaving gaps in their knowledge. Check out our podcast where Kim and Colleen dig into these issues.
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