Homeschooling For Special Needs – Help Your Child Thrive

by , | Charlotte Mason Ideas, FAQ, How To Teach

special needs homeschooling

Special Needs Homeschooling – Helping Your Child to Thrive at Home

Do you need good advice on homeschooling for special needs? Here at My Homeschool we are happy to offer some valuable tips and strategies to help you create a successful learning environment for your child. With a broad feast of subjects, Living Books, and a range of unique teaching methods, a Charlotte Mason inspired homeschool may be just what you have been looking for.

Many families choose homeschooling to accommodate the particular needs of their child, and for some families this includes supporting special needs including disability. Students with disability have a range of abilities and needs and so homeschools can be the best place to provide the adjustments they need to help them thrive.

Here at My Homeschool we have a number of families who are enjoying the homeschooling life while catering and supporting the special needs of their children. They observe how the wide feast offered in our homeschool programs sparks new interests and ushers in delight. They also feel confident that the unique needs of their children are being met.

Homeschool Curriculum Options with Special Needs

If you have a child with special needs and are considering home education, then you already know that one size does not fit all when it comes to special needs education. For that reason, you may be hesitant to select a homeschool curriculum. However, there are some valuable tips and strategies to consider when homeschooling your special needs child. With a few tweaks here and there, you can create a successful learning environment tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Charlotte Mason Parents Share Tips on Homeschooling with Special Needs

You may have been told that Charlotte Mason inspired programs are only for families looking for a more intellectual-based curriculum, which is simply not true. This homeschool method of education has something to offer for every family and every child and there are benefits of incorporating a knowledge rich curriculum like My Homeschool when homeschooling a child with special needs.

Read here about how other families use the Charlotte Mason Method for homeschooling with Special Needs.

Homeschooling With Special Needs and My Homeschool

The My Homeschool Lite Start course is a great option for those families looking to homeschool a primary school child with special needs. Many families find that having two terms of lessons works well because it allows them to include other individual therapies, support and activities their child receives. Knowing they have some lessons prepared already offers reassurance and so many comment on how their child thrives in the rich environment of the Charlotte Mason method. They also say that they feel confident knowing that their child is enjoying the full feast of a Charlotte Mason education and are learning across a range of topics, activities, and subjects in a fresh and engaging way. There isn’t a fear that this is too much for their child because they have determined that these are the best and right lessons to offer their child.

If you are homeschooling high school and your child’s special needs are non-academic issues, such as anxiety or depression, the high school grade appropriate to their age may be the best curriculum to choose.

If you’d like to use My Homeschool remember that the key is to find the grade that best suits what stage your child is actually at, rather than being guided by the average age noted. With two terms worth of lessons, you have plenty of scope to add additional support in the areas your child may need and take the time to enjoy the homeschooling journey too.

Preparing an Individual Learning Plan for Special Needs Homeschooling

Every child is unique. Regardless of issues of special needs or not, parents need to take time to observe and assess their child’s strengths, interests, weaknesses, and inclinations.  For parents with special needs children this may also include considering aspects such as sensory, physical, emotional, or communication challenges. Oftentimes there are specialists and therapists involved in the assessment process so time, patience, and reflections are needed to sift through their observations and recommendations.  This will help your own understanding and guide you to create a learning plan that is personal in responding to the particular needs of your child at this stage.

In some jurisdictions, like New South Wales, parents have the opportunity to provide copies of the support materials from professionals and therapists when submitting their application to homeschool. This can help inform of the circumstances around your homeschooling situation and many many Authorised Persons (the person who will assess and approve your application) are well-equipped to make innovative suggestions on how to best cater to the needs of your student if you wish to ask for their advice.

Create a Routine and Encourage Good Habits

Offering structure and consistency is often an important element of successfully homeschooling children with special needs. Having a routine helps to manage the outside appointments and commitments families may have with therapists and support people and helps to create harmony in the home.

Most homeschooling families develop a homeschool schedule that includes dedicated time for learning activities, group learning time, breaks, meals, and other commitments. Some families pin up their schedule in an area where families do their homeschooling so everyone knows what’s coming next. Workboxes are also a practical way to add a visual schedule of lesson progress and organisation.  A working schedule helps to develop good homeschool habits but also to foster a sense of calm and peace in the home.

Seek Support From Other Homeschooling Families.

Many parents of children with special needs wish to have the opportunity to join in with homeschooling co-ops, excursions, and other activities. They don’t want to miss out on the social connections and all the fun these offer! They also find that their children gain so much from this valuable interaction beyond the family unit or working with therapists and support people. Most homeschooling groups are considerate of this, welcoming all to their group and we encourage all co-ops to consider how you can be more inclusive.

Connecting with other homeschooling families who have children with special needs can provide a sense of community and understanding. They can offer support, share experiences, and provide valuable insights and recommendations. Joining local support groups or online communities can help you connect with other families who are on a similar journey and can offer encouragement and practical tips. Remember, you don’t have to navigate special needs home education alone – there are professionals, parent coaches, and other families out there who are ready to support you every step of the way.

Reach Out

Are you interested in seeing how My Homeschool could be used to help your special needs child thrive in a homeschooling environment?

Please contact our team with your queries – we are happy to help you and your child and see how a rich Charlotte Mason inspired curriculum can enhance learning opportunities for your beloved family.

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