Dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects reading and writing fluency, can pose challenges for children in traditional school settings. However, homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to tailor education to each child's individual needs and learning style, making it an effective approach for supporting children with dyslexia.

Is it better to home-school a dyslexic child?

Personalised Learning Environment

Homeschooling provides a personalised learning environment that is conducive to the success of children with dyslexia. Unlike traditional classrooms where children must adhere to a standardised curriculum and pace, homeschooling allows for flexibility and adaptation to each child's strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences.

Multisensory Approach to Reading

Dyslexia often manifests in difficulties with phonological processing, the ability to recognise and manipulate sounds in words. Homeschooling facilitates the use of multi-sensory teaching methods, such as Orton-Gillingham, which engage multiple senses to enhance reading instruction. These methods involve visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities to strengthen phonemic awareness, blending, and decoding skills.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

Homeschooling fosters a supportive and encouraging learning environment, reducing the anxiety and frustration often associated with traditional school settings. With individualised attention and positive reinforcement, children with dyslexia can develop a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence, which are crucial for their overall well-being and academic success.

Harnessing Technology and Resources

Homeschooling offers access to a wealth of technology and resources specifically designed to support children with dyslexia. Specialised software, audiobooks, and online programs can supplement traditional instruction and provide engaging and interactive learning experiences.

Collaboration with Professionals

Homeschooling does not preclude collaboration with professionals. Parents can connect with dyslexia specialists, educational therapists, and other experts to gain guidance and support in developing personalised learning plans and implementing effective teaching strategies.

Strategies for Success

Here are some specific strategies that can enhance homeschooling for children with dyslexia:

• Identify and utilise learning styles:  Determine whether your child is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner and incorporate activities that cater to their preferred learning style.
• Incorporate movement and breaks:  Encourage physical movement and breaks throughout the learning day to promote focus and reduce fatigue.
• Provide regular feedback:  Offer positive and constructive feedback to reinforce strengths, address challenges, and foster self-improvement.
• Celebrate progress and achievements:  Recognise and celebrate your child's progress, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.
• Maintain open communication:  Maintain open communication with your child about their learning experiences, challenges, and successes.

Remember, homeschooling is a journey, not a destination. With patience, flexibility, and a personalised approach, homeschooling can empower children with dyslexia to achieve their full potential and thrive in their learning journey.

Homeschooling Dyslexia Pros and Cons

Homeschooling is an educational choice that offers a number of benefits, but it's important to consider both the good and bad before making a decision. While homeschooling provides flexibility, personalised instruction, and a supportive learning environment, it also comes with some potential challenges.

One of the main concerns with homeschooling is the potential for limited social interaction. Kids in traditional school settings get to interact with a diverse group of peers, which helps them develop social skills, empathy, and conflict resolution strategies. Homeschooling may need extra effort to make sure kids get the social interaction they need through activities like sports, clubs, or play-dates with friends.

Should I home school dyslexia?

Homeschooling requires a lot of structure and discipline from both parents and kids. Without the routines and expectations of a traditional school setting, it can be hard to keep up with learning schedules, manage distractions, and make sure kids are doing their work. Parents need to spend a lot of time and energy planning lessons, teaching their kids, and managing the homeschooling process effectively.

Academic Resources and Expertise

While homeschooling gives families more choice in what their kids learn, it may limit access to specialised resources and expertise available in traditional schools. Science labs, advanced technology, and specialised teachers for subjects like art, music, and physical education may not be readily available in a home school environment. Parents may need to invest in resources, seek external instruction, or work with other homeschooling families to provide a well-rounded education.

Parental Commitment and Expertise

Homeschooling puts a lot of the responsibility for teaching kids on parents. This requires a big commitment of time, energy, and dedication. Parents need to be able to adapt to different learning styles, manage their own time effectively, and keep learning new things to teach their kids better.

Financial Considerations

Homeschooling can cost more than traditional education. Curriculum materials, extracurricular activities, and potential tutoring support may add to the overall cost of education. Parents may need to adjust their work schedules or make career sacrifices to accommodate homeschooling responsibilities.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Homeschooling regulations vary from state to state, and parents must comply with local requirements regarding curriculum, assessments, and record-keeping. Figuring out these regulations and making sure everything is done correctly can be time-consuming and may require additional paperwork.

Balancing Homeschooling with Other Responsibilities

Homeschooling parents often face the challenge of balancing their educational responsibilities with other household duties, work commitments, and personal needs. Managing time effectively and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance is important for both parents and kids.

Even though there are some potential drawbacks, homeschooling can be a great educational choice for many families. By carefully considering the needs and circumstances of each child, families can make an informed decision about whether homeschooling is the right option for them.

Dyslexia Home School Resources

Before home schooling a dyslexic child, try a Dyslexic Mum online course. This will help you understand if homeschooling would work for you and your child. Also check out the national curriculum checklists for children. This will give you an idea of what your child should be learning at which age.

• What Should Dyslexic Children At Primary School Know? National Curriculum
• Dyslexic Mum Boot-Camp 6 Weeks For Parents/ Carers
• How Can I Help My Child Read UK? Top 10 Online Reading Programmes Dyslexia

Online Home School Programmes for Dyslexia

For more information on homeschooling and online programmes, see links below:

• Nessy Homeschooling
• Home Learning Help Pack
• Homeschooling with Dyslexia
• The Education Hub Gov.uk

What is a child with dyslexia entitled to UK?

Children with dyslexia in the UK are entitled to a range of support and accommodations in order to help them access education and achieve their full potential. This support can vary depending on the child's individual needs, but it typically includes:

• Assessment and diagnosis: A child with dyslexia should be assessed by a qualified professional to determine the severity of their difficulties and identify their specific needs. This assessment will form the basis of the child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.
• Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan: This is a legal document that outlines the child's specific educational needs and the support that will be provided to meet those needs. The IEP or 504 Plan is reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it is still meeting the child's needs.
• Specialised instruction: Children with dyslexia may need specialised instruction in reading, writing, and spelling. This instruction may be provided by a special education teacher, a dyslexia specialist, or a tutor.
• Assistive technology: Children with dyslexia may benefit from the use of assistive technology, such as talking word processors, spell checkers, and text-to-speech software. This technology can help children with dyslexia to access information and complete tasks more easily.
• Extra time for assessments and exams: Children with dyslexia may be entitled to extra time for assessments and exams. This extra time can help to alleviate the pressure of timed tests and allow children with dyslexia to demonstrate their true ability.
• Flexibility in teaching methods: Teachers should be flexible in their teaching methods to accommodate the needs of children with dyslexia. This may include using audiobooks, providing written instructions in multiple formats, and allowing children to use their preferred learning style.
• Support from parents and teachers: Children with dyslexia need the support of their parents and teachers to succeed in school. Parents can help their children by understanding dyslexia, providing extra support at home, and advocating for their child's needs.
• Access to inclusive settings: Children with dyslexia should be able to access inclusive settings, such as mainstream schools, with appropriate support. This will allow them to learn alongside their peers and develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.

By providing these supports, children with dyslexia can access education and achieve their full potential. With the right support, they can become confident learners and successful individuals.

For dyslexia friendly activities to do with a child see "Mooki Cards". Complete with 56 cards and storage wallet. Perfect for using at home or in the classroom. Order your "Mooki Cards" here!

‍

‍

‍