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Embarking on the homeschooling journey with neurodivergent children can be both challenging and rewarding. As a homeschooling mom for the past 12 years, navigating the world of curriculum for neurodivergent learners has been a significant part of our educational journey. In this blog post, we'll delve into considerations such as learning styles, accommodations, and various resources that can aid you in choosing the best curriculum for your neurodivergent child.
Understanding Your Child's Needs:
Learning Styles:
Recognizing your child's learning style is vital. Consider if your child is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner. Tailoring the curriculum to match their preferences can enhance engagement and understanding as well as reduce frustration.
Busywork and Textbook vs. Interest-Driven Learning:
Evaluate how much "busywork" your child can handle. Some neurodivergent learners in do better with hands-on, interest-driven learning, while others may benefit from a more structured, textbook-driven approach. Finding the right balance will benefit you and your child.
Accommodations:
Identify the accommodations your child may need. This could include audiobooks, text-to-speech tools, or computer programs to help with writing assignments. For those with dysgraphia, consumable workbooks for subjects like math can be invaluable.
Flexible Assignments:
As you consider the curriculum, decide if your child requires extra time to complete assignments or if they would benefit from doing only even or odd-numbered problems. Flexibility is essential in accommodating their individual learning pace and workload.
Exploring Curriculum Options:
Hands-On Exploration:
Attend homeschool conventions and visit used homeschool bookstores to handle curriculum materials firsthand. This allows you to carefully assess if a particular curriculum will be a good fit for your child's needs.
Online Reviews and Groups:
Online resources such as Cathy Duffy's curriculum reviews can help you to gain insights into various options. Engage with homeschooling groups on platforms like Facebook, where you can ask questions and learn from the experiences of others. Websites like Rainbow Resource offer a wide range of curriculum at affordable prices. Their consultants can guide you through the selection process, providing advice based on your child's needs and your preferences.
Remember, You Are the Master:
Empower Yourself:
Understand that curriculum is a tool to support your educational goals, but you are the master of your child's learning journey. Trust your instincts and adapt the curriculum for your child's unique needs.
Flexibility and Patience:
Be open to adjusting the curriculum as needed. Neurodivergent learners often thrive in an environment that allows for flexibility and patience.
Homeschooling neurodivergent children is a unique, individualized, and sometimes stressful experience. By considering learning styles, accommodations, and exploring curriculum options, you can create an educational environment that caters to your child's strengths and needs, thus reducing the overall stress for you and your child. Embrace the flexibility, seek support from communities, and celebrate the joy of learning with your neurodivergent child.