It is assumed that every child must go to school in order to maximize their ability to learn and make friends. However, rules such as these do not include every type of child. For some children, especially those with a learning disability such as NVLD, school can be an incredibly stressful and emotional experience where no one really understands them or their needs. Indeed, this can quickly lead to social exclusion, bullying, and a lack of care from over worked teachers. If this sounds familiar, then it may be worth considering homeschooling your child. After all, you know how they tick more than anyone else.
The Benefits of Homeschooling
Any parent who has a child considered to be “unconventional” will relate to the struggles of trying to explain to countless teachers, doctors and therapists what you live with every day and how they can relate to your child. Imagine taking some of this frustration away, and bringing your child into an environment where they can feel safe and talk to people around them in a way they know they’ll be understood. For children with NVLD, this is a major benefit of homeschooling. This will open them up to being able to learn more than what they would in any classroom, and giving them more of a desire to learn. It also reduces social pressures.
Maximizing Their Potential
Getting started can be a scary process, especially if you have no idea where to begin. However, it will be worth it. You can expect a rocky start, but one day it is likely you will find yourself getting into a familiar system with your child, able to cater their learning to what they want when they want it to be, and trusting them to complete it in their own time. You can therefore design a curriculum which takes into account their unique non-verbal learning difficulties, so they can learn the most possible, and slowly overcome some of these problems in a relaxed, loving, and understanding environment.
Although some concerns may accompany this, such as how will they make friends, you will find a way to make it work. Be sure to build up a good support system for both you and your child(ren) – it will help to make the process much easier. It is possible to connect with other NVLD children in the area or region or others with different learning difficulties or just other homeschooled children to form understanding social groups and group activities.
For Them
Ultimately, the decision to begin homeschooling was for the benefit of your child, so trust your instincts and know that it will all pay off. Finding ways to talk to your child about what they hope to get from this experience will also help if you feel you are stuck in a bit of a rut. They could help give you inspiration for lesson plans or what to focus on in general, which direction they want their education to go.
Sally
Sally is a professional freelance writer with many years experience across many different areas. She made the move to freelancing from a stressful corporate job and loves the work-life balance it offers her. When not at work, Sally enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family and travelling as much as possible.
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