Homeschooling children with learning disabilities and/or ADHD may have more benefits that parents are aware of.
It is common for children with learning disabilities and/or ADHD to struggle in a typical school environment.
They are asked to sit still for hours at a time and listen to lectures while surrounded by their peers and other school distractions.
The Covid-19 Pandemic forced many parents around the country to homeschool their children.
Parents quickly learned that homeschooling can be a difficult task, especially when juggling their full-time jobs.
While there are obvious challenges to homeschooling, it can have some benefits for children with learning disabilities.
Here is a list of the benefits of homeschooling a student with learning disabilities and/or ADHD:
Flexible Scheduling
Homeschooling provides students the opportunity to have flexibility with their schedules. They can work on assignments at their own pace and take breaks as needed.
Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, benefit from having the ability to move around when they feel overwhelmed.
Safe Learning Environment
Students with learning disabilities in math and/or reading experience daily struggles within a typical school environment.
They might be afraid to make mistakes in front of their peers. This experience may cause them to blend in the background and not receive the support they need.
Homeschooling allows more focused attention on the students’ learning needs and provides them a safe environment to make mistakes.
Parents can also set up their child’s learning environment that is tailored to the student’s environmental needs.
Traditional school environments are often not equipped for students with certain sensory needs. Homeschooling a child offers flexibility in a child’s learning environment that will benefit their growth.
Appropriate Curriculum
Homeschooling a child with a disability allows the student to receive learning materials that are at their level.
Students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD are oftentimes below their grade level in reading and math. While in a typical education setting, teachers may struggle to provide them with the materials they need to learn.
Providing a curriculum at a student’s learning level is a huge benefit of homeschooling. Many online programs offer differentiated curriculum based on the students’ personal grade level.
Independence
While many may think that homeschooling inhibits students from growing independent, it may be the opposite.
Students that are homeschooled are often asked to complete assignments and study on their own. While support is available, students need to learn to advocate for themselves.
Being a self-advocate is an important skill for students with a disability. Homeschooling will provide a student many opportunities to reach out to their support people when they need help.
Learning to ask for accommodations they need to learn will carry with them into adulthood and the workplace.
Socialization
A common misconception about homeschooling is that children do not get enough socialization.
Although homeschooled students will not be with their same-aged peers at school each day, they will have the same opportunities to join clubs or sports.
Unfortunately, bullying is a common occurrence within the public school system. When students spend a majority of their day together, they may target and bully specific students.
By homeschooling, parents can limit the time they are around their peers and enroll them in activities that promote togetherness and acceptance.
Considering the right learning environment for your child is crucial to their success, Be open to a less traditional way of schooling.
Stay empowerED,
Nicole
