Special Needs Homeschooling- Choosing the Right Curriculum

Q: How do you choose the right Curriculum for your Special Needs Children?

A: When we first started homeschooling three years ago, I had a lot of well meaning people give me advice in this area. Even though I had been homeschooled, I was still afraid I was going to choose the wrong thing. It wasn’t until this year that I really felt comfortable choosing a curriculum for my kids.

What changed? I started to realize that while it is wonderful to choose a teaching style, (Classical, Eclectic, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, Textbook, Unschool) one style didn’t work for my kids, or me. It is easy for someone to say, “Classical Education, all the way, no exceptions”, when their child doesn't have special challenges. But I had to realize that I am doing this so that my children can receive an education tailored to their needs.

Over the course of two years I really had an awesome opportunity to observe the way my daughter learns. (I am still figuring this out about my son) I am a very by the book person, so a boxed curriculum worked great for me and the way my mind worked, but Hailey HATES, LOATHES,MAKES HER VOMIT,  Let’s just say sheet work does not work for her. Also, she really needs (demands) one on one teaching. She also thrives on structure. So this year when I sat down to choose her curriculum I took it step by step.

1. I prayed that God would guide me.
2. I sat down and thought about what things worked, what things didn’t work, and what I thought her learning style was. If your child is coming from public school you may not know this, but I bet you can think about what struggles your child had in school. Also, if they are coming out of public school, you may need to do a bit of de-schooling. During that time you can learn what makes your child tick, and asses their educational needs. It is important to note that your child may have several different learning styles, Hailey learns different subjects in different ways.
3. I took it subject by subject, and nailed down what I thought her learning style  was for that subject and chose curriculum accordingly.
4. I remained flexible. (a work in progress for me) Sure I chose a curriculum I thought would work great, and for the most part it all has worked great. But, not everything was a good fit, so we moved on and kept going. I didn’t allow that to stop us.
5. Last, but not least, I sat down with my husband and nailed down our main goals for homeschooling.

What does #5 have to do with choosing a curriculum? EVERYTHING! We all enter into homeschooling on different levels, and with different goals. Is it your goal that your children will all be spelling bee champions? Then you will have to tailor your curriculum to make that possible. Are you homeschooling, because of religious reasons? Then you will most likely want to choose a bible based curriculum. Do you want your child to explore learning in natural environments? Then you will probably like Un-Schooling, or Charlotte Mason. Are you homeschooling because your child CAN learn, but wasn’t learning in Public School, or maybe the supports were not available for them? Again, that will play a part in your curriculum  choices. Does that make since?

So in a nutshell-

• Take the time to observe, how your child learns, and choose accordingly.
• Remain Flexible.
• Don’t compare to others, they may not be in your situation.
• Take breaks to re-asses when something isn’t working out.
• Remember why you chose to Homeschool.
• Let God lead you.