Homeschooling with Dyslexia: Best Practices
Amy Yacoub Speech-Language Pathologist
October 04, 2023
The Benefits of Homeschooling with Dyslexia | Best Strategies and Tips | How to Start Homeschooling | Homeschool Curriculum for Dyslexia | Challenges of Homeschooling with Dyslexia | Using Forbrain
Having dyslexia can significantly impact a child’s educational outcomes, and some parents may choose homeschooling for their child. Homeschooling a child with dyslexia can provide parents with a unique opportunity to address the child’s specific learning needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the recommended best practices to follow and tips for homeschooling a child with dyslexia.
The Benefits of Homeschooling with Dyslexia
Choosing to homeschool a child with dyslexia offers several advantages. It’s an option that allows parents to tailor their child’s education to fit their needs. Here is a closer look at some of the numerous benefits:
Individualized Instructions/Plans
Homeschooling with dyslexia allows parents to provide individualized instruction. Students with dyslexia have unique learning profiles that include deficits in cognitive skills such as reduced attention and difficulty with executive functions. Customized lesson plans can be created to cater to the child’s specific strengths and difficulties.
Parents can focus on subjects or skills that require more attention, ensuring that the child gets the help they need to overcome challenges without being left behind in a generalized curriculum
Flexible Curriculum in Dyslexia Homeschool Programs
A flexible curriculum is one of the key benefits of homeschooling for children with dyslexia. Traditional school settings often rely on rigid programs that may not suit a dyslexic learner’s needs.
In contrast, homeschooling offers the freedom to adjust the pace and focus of the curriculum, prioritizing essential skills such as phonological processing and language development. This flexibility also allows parents to explore alternative teaching methods and incorporate creative learning approaches that resonate with their child’s unique style. The result is an engaging and supportive educational experience that nurtures both confidence and academic growth.
Reduced Peer Pressure in Homeschooling Dyslexic Child
Children with dyslexia can have low self-esteem which may be exacerbated by the peer pressure that often occurs in a traditional school setting. Homeschooling eliminates these social stressors, creating a safe space where the child can focus on learning without fear of judgment.
This supportive environment encourages the child to embrace their individual learning journey, helping them build confidence and develop a positive relationship with education.
Low Distractions
A homeschooling environment naturally offers fewer distractions compared to a traditional classroom. The controlled setting allows parents to design a learning space that minimizes interruptions and fosters concentration.
This is particularly beneficial for children with dyslexia, who often struggle with maintaining focus in chaotic or noisy environments. By reducing external distractions, homeschooling ensures that the child can direct their energy toward mastering new concepts and engaging with the material in a meaningful way.
One-on-One Attention in Dyslexia Homeschooling
Research states that a child with dyslexia needs more careful and intensive support in literacy, and the one-on-one attention offered through homeschooling can provide this. A personalized approach allows parents to ensure that their child’s unique learning needs are addressed effectively.
In a traditional classroom, this level of attention is difficult to achieve, making homeschooling an invaluable option for addressing the unique needs of a dyslexic learner.
Positive Family Dynamics
Homeschooling has the added benefit of strengthening family relationships. The collaborative nature of homeschooling encourages open communication and fosters trust between parents and children.
By taking an active role in their child’s education, parents gain a deeper understanding of their child’s strengths, challenges, and progress. This involvement not only creates a positive and supportive learning environment but also enhances emotional bonds within the family, contributing to the child’s overall well-being.
Homeschooling with Dyslexia: Best Strategies and Tips
Creating a dyslexia-friendly learning environment at home can facilitate a successful homeschooling experience. Here are some of the most effective strategies and tips to help children with dyslexia thrive in a homeschool setting:
Create a Supportive and Organized Learning Space
Having a dedicated and well-organized learning space can significantly improve a dyslexic child’s focus and productivity. Choose a quiet area in your home free from distractions like excessive noise, clutter, or visual stimuli. This space should have comfortable seating, good lighting, and all the necessary learning materials within easy reach.
- Use visual schedules and charts to provide structure to the child’s day.
- Incorporate calming elements like soft lighting or sensory-friendly tools to reduce stress.
- Keep the space flexible to accommodate hands-on activities or multi-sensory tools.
Incorporate Multisensory Approaches into Daily Lessons
Multisensory teaching methods are particularly effective for children with dyslexia, as they engage multiple senses—sight, sound, touch, and even movement—to enhance understanding and retention. Incorporate tactile materials, audio resources, and interactive activities into your lessons.
- Use sand, playdough, or textured boards for tracing letters and words.
- Combine reading with listening through audiobooks or paired reading sessions.
- Engage in movement-based activities, such as hopping to spell out words or using large motor gestures to reinforce spelling patterns.
Leverage Assistive Technology
Assistive technology can be a game-changer for homeschooling children with dyslexia. Tools such as text-to-speech software, speech-to-text programs, and phonics-based apps provide essential support to help children overcome reading and writing challenges.
- Text-to-Speech Software: Programs like NaturalReader or Kurzweil allow children to hear text read aloud, aiding comprehension.
- Speech-to-Text Software: Tools like Dragon NaturallySpeaking let children dictate their thoughts without worrying about spelling.
- Dyslexia-Friendly Fonts: Fonts like OpenDyslexic or Dyslexie can make text easier to read.
Develop an Individualized Learning Plan
Every child with dyslexia has unique strengths and challenges. Creating an individualized learning plan (ILP) ensures that the child’s education is customized to address their specific needs. An ILP outlines goals, strategies, and methods tailored to the child, providing a roadmap for success.
- Identify the child’s strengths and areas of difficulty through informal assessments or observations
- Set clear, achievable goals for literacy, numeracy, and other academic skills.
- Select curricula or teaching methods aligned with the child’s learning style.
Monitor Progress and Adjust Methods
Monitoring progress is essential to ensure that the teaching methods and curriculum are meeting the child’s needs. Regular assessments can help identify what’s working and what may need adjustment.
- Use informal methods, such as reading logs or journals, to track progress over time.
- Have open discussions with your child about how they feel about their progress and adjust the approach as needed.
- Conduct periodic reviews of the child’s work to identify patterns of improvement or difficulty.
Foster Social Interaction
Social interaction is an important part of a child’s overall development. While homeschooling provides a safe and supportive learning environment, it’s crucial to ensure that children with dyslexia have opportunities to interact with peers and build social skills.
- Join local homeschooling networks or co-ops to connect with other families.
- Enroll your child in extracurricular activities like sports, arts, or music classes.
- Arrange playdates or group field trips with other homeschoolers.
- Participate in online learning communities or virtual clubs for additional interaction.
Incorporate Regular Movement Breaks
Children with dyslexia often benefit from frequent movement breaks to refresh their focus and reduce frustration. These breaks can be short and simple, such as stretching, dancing, or taking a quick walk.
- Physical activity helps improve mood and reduces anxiety, making it easier to concentrate.
- Movement can reinforce learning through activities like acting out stories or using body motions to memorize spelling patterns.
Focus on Strengths and Passions
Children with dyslexia often have unique talents, such as creativity, problem-solving skills, or storytelling abilities. Homeschooling provides an ideal opportunity to nurture these strengths and incorporate them into the learning process.
- Use art or music to teach concepts in subjects like history or math.
- Encourage storytelling through writing or oral presentations.
- Explore topics the child is passionate about, making lessons more engaging and meaningful.
Provide Emotional Support and Patience
Homeschooling a child with dyslexia can come with its own set of challenges, and it’s important to create an emotionally supportive environment. Be patient and acknowledge your child’s efforts, celebrating small wins along the way.
- Encourage open communication about frustrations or concerns.
- Reassure your child that mistakes are a natural part of learning.
- Build resilience by emphasizing effort over perfection.
Homeschooling Dyslexic Child: How to Start
Careful planning and consideration is needed when preparing to homeschool a Dyslexic child due to their unique needs and learning styles. Here are some tips to get started:
Evaluate the Child’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Caregivers should identify and consider the strengths and difficulties of their child’s learning profile in order to know which teaching approaches may be most effective. For example, many children with dyslexia learn best through a multisensory approach.
Reading programs such as the Orton Gillingham method provide this, in which the child engages in activities such as tracing letters with their finger or writing them in sand.
Research Dyslexia Homeschool Programs and Resources
Exploring available resources and dyslexia homeschool programs is vital, as this can guide parents in their approach. Helpful information and material to incorporate into the child’s homeschooling program can be found through websites, support groups, apps, and materials. For example, the Barton System is an evidence-based tutoring system that can effectively help children with dyslexia learn to read, write, and spell.
Identify Your Child’s Learning Style
Consider your child’s learning style (i.e. some children are more visual learners or are kinesthetic/learn best through hands-on activities), and seek out a homeschool curriculum that aligns with this.
Choose an Appropriate Homeschool Curriculum
Selecting a dyslexia-friendly curriculum that best accommodates the unique needs of the child can help ensure that he or she will be engaged in learning activities.
Know Legal Requirements for Homeschooling Dyslexia
Each region has its own legal requirements and regulations for homeschooling. Research the Department of Education for your state to understand and ensure you comply with the guidelines so that you and your child have a smooth homeschooling experience.
Homeschool Curriculum for Dyslexia
Selecting an evidence-based curriculum for homeschooling a Dyslexic child can maximize their progress. Here are some to consider:
- Orton-Gillingham Approach: This is a multisensory, structured approach that is designed specifically for learners with dyslexia.
- Barton Reading and Spelling System: A phonics-based program that is systematic and incorporates Orton-Gillingham methods to improve a child’s reading, writing, and spelling abilities.
- All About Reading and All About Spelling: These programs adapt to an individual’s learning needs by offering multisensory activities.
Challenges of Homeschooling with Dyslexia
While homeschooling a child with dyslexia offers many benefits, there are some challenges to be aware of, including:
- Maintaining a supportive and disciplined approach. Some families may find it difficult to maintain a structured learning routine within the home.
- Use of valid instructional methods. Time and planning is essential to obtain and become familiar with instructional methods for children with dyslexia.
- Deep understanding of a subject. Because parents are the primary educator in homeschooling, they must have a thorough understanding of the subjects being taught in order to provide effective instruction.
- Providing social activities. Homeschooling lacks the opportunities for socialization with peers that is provided in a traditional educational setting. Parents will need to seek these out, as socialization is a vital aspect of a child’s development.
Using Forbrain to Help with Dyslexia
Forbrain, an auditory stimulation headset, can be a valuable tool to use when homeschooling a child with dyslexia. Forbrain allows the child to hear and process the sounds that they produce, louder and better. Some of its potential benefits include:
- Improvement of speech and language skills
- Increased self-monitoring of speech, which can improve articulation
- Enhanced motivation and engagement.
More details on the potential benefits of using Forbrain with Dyslexic students can be found through the Forbrain website.
Final Words
Homeschooling a child with dyslexia offers a wealth of benefits for the child’s learning needs. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals should use individualized strategies to help children with dyslexia in their homeschool learning journey.
The ability to create a supportive learning environment and choose a specialized curriculum that best fits the child’s unique needs makes homeschooling a unique and effective approach for a child with dyslexia.
References
Casserly, A. (2012) The socio-emotional needs of children with dyslexia in different educational settings in Ireland. DOI: https://nasenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1471-3802.2011.01227.x
Ferreira, T., et al. (2023) Cognitive and Behavioral Profile in dyslexia: Challenges in Interdisciplinary Assessment. DOI: 10.4236/psych.2023.146056.
McPhillips, T,. et al. (2009). Evaluating the teaching and learning experience for the child with dyslexia in special and mainstream settings in Ireland. DOI: https://nasenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-9604.2009.01401.x
Amy Yacoub
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