If you took a look back last month, then you may realize that while your struggling learner has made progress, you need to do something different to continue moving forward. This is not unusual. I used to think that because I purchased or borrowed a curriculum, that I had to use it until the end of the school year before switching to something new. That was the classroom teacher in me (I had no option but to use a designated curriculum for the whole year back then). I know better now.
Homeschooling a child with special needs means that we have the flexibility to customize our child’s learning experiences. We can provide them with the types of activities they need while allowing them plenty of time to process the concepts we’ve presented and to engage in hands-on activities that help them really understand the concepts and how to apply them.
And we can change curriculum.
This can happen anytime, not just when preparing for a new school year. I first realized this freedom when my younger daughter started kindergarten. The reading curriculum that had worked so well for my older daughter wasn’t working at all for my little one. Because I was desperate, I set it aside and moved on to another curriculum someone had given us. It didn’t work either. I borrowed a third curriculum and tried it for four to six weeks. Nothing. I bought a used curriculum from a local homeschool mom and tried it. No luck. Before buying or borrowing something else, I got some help (but that’s another story).
The point is that we can change curriculum as often as our special needs kids need something different. Now that I understand how my daughter learns best, I don’t buy anything that doesn’t meet the criteria for her learning style. When I find a good fit, I stick with that curriculum or resource until it doesn’t work anymore, and then I find something else that works. Over and over again. Homeschooling gives us that flexibility, which is exactly what we need to make sure our kids are getting the best opportunity to learn, grow, and progress in a time frame that fits their neurological, physical, and emotional needs.
If looking back with your child has made you realize that something different is needed, consider a fresh start altogether. Consider a change to the curriculum or teaching methods you use, the addition of more hands-on activities or field trips, using more films and documentaries to help you make a point, or whatever you know your child will respond to.
It’s never too early (or too late) in the year for a fresh start. Fully embrace the freedom you have in homeschooling to make a change that will reignite the passion for learning in both you and your child!
What changes are you making as you evaluate your homeschool year to this point?
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