Learning Disabilities in Children – Is Homeschooling Better?
One of the first things that needs to be considered where learning disabilities in children are concerned is that the sooner these are identified, the more effectively they can be treated. Here are five signs that indicated the possibility of learning disabilities being present:
1. difficulties involved with developmental skills
2. elevated indications of confusion
3. emotional levels appearing abnormal
4. interaction while they are doing their homework and learning in school
5. problems involving motor skills
Most importantly, it is the early diagnosis of learning disabilities in children that becomes critical and could lead to a better outcome for the child and their parents if these disabilities are discovered early enough and addressed properly.
Educating children with learning disabilities
Every school district, educational system, and the US Department of Education have different views and perspectives involving learning disabilities in children. Although the focus and goals are all similar, many parents question whether or not the American education system really benefits this type of child or just shuffles them until they graduate. The onset of Special Education teachers has helped to counteract this dilemma somewhat, but the reality is that homeschooling benefits the child more than public education.
Educating your learning disabled child at home is oftentimes more beneficial to them than what they will experience in the public education system. Here are some steps to take if you are considering homeschooling your learning disabled child:
Study the homeschooling regulations of your home state or contact your State Department of Education to find out what you need to know regarding the state laws. Additionally, some states will require that you notify the school district if you are going to homeschool your child while others may not be that strict.Contact the state Department of Education and the Department of Health so you can find out what academic resources and support. They may be able to provide you with additional mentoring or tutoring support.
Before you develop the teaching plan for your child, be sure to assess their academic skills and the grade level they have actually attained. You can search the internet and find a wide range of assessment tests in order to determine if the best learning style for your child is auditory, tactile, visual, or a combination of all three.
Research several types of curriculum and learning plans in order to determine which one will effectively meet your child’s educational and personal needs. Networking with other homeschooling parents is also recommended.
Make sure that you set daily short-term goals that are reachable by your child. Challenge them, but don’t make it impossible for them to meet these goals. Otherwise, they will get frustrated and eventually stop learning or resist your teaching.
Allow some flexibility with the subjects that your child studies. You may find that he or she excels at a different grade level when confronting them with different subjects you want them to teach them.