Q&A: Getting Started Homeschooling a Child with Dyslexia!
"My daughter is in third grade and has been diagnosed dyslexic.
(I have thought this for some time, but the schools disagreed. We had taken her outside the school district to have her tested) We are in the process of a formal IEP at the public school, however, I am concerned that she will not "qualify" because she is not far enough behind in their terms!! Our school district does not believe in dyslexia as a LD. I have been praying about homeschooling her and am trying to find a cirriculum to use. There is so much out there and I am overwhelmed. Do you have any suggestion?"
The first thing to know is that you're not alone! There are hundreds of parents across this country dealing with this issue same as you. Now if we can just get you in touch with them, you'll be able to get the support you need. I don't know if you have found a homeschool support group yet, but if not - you should! Here are some resources to help you do that:
Once you have found a support group to contact in your area, ask them all the questions that you have been dying to have answered. This will help you feel strong and supported when you have to stand up against your public school and get your child the resources and education she deserves.
Now about that Curriculum...
Before you make any major choices you need to better educate yourself. First you should take the time to discover you and your child's learning style and your teaching style. You can easily do this using our great Learning Style and Teaching Style Quizzes.
Once you have discovered what your teaching style is and your child's learning style then you will have a much better idea of the type of curriculum that you are looking for. Use our Curriculum Resources page to see what types of curriculum is available:
When you really narrow down what you're looking for, then you can save a little money by buying it used! Here's a Homeschool Views article that discusses The Best Place to Buy Used Curriculum
More Dyslexia Resources...
Here is a great Homeschool Views article, Battling Dyslexia, that helps parents to better understand dyslexia by showing how to identify it and even how to help your child overcome it's challenges.
Here are some great sites that are for dyslexics that I have had a lot of help from:
- Internation Dyslexia Association
This site id jsut an overall Great resource for parents, teachers, and dyslexic students! - Dyslexia Online Magazine
Articles of interest to parents, adults and teachers. - Reading Success Lab
Iake their free reading and dyslexia screening test, read their informative articles on dyslexia, and check out their software solutions to help your child learn to read. - Dyslexia My Life
This site offers help and resource links for dyslexia. - Dyslexia Resources
This site offers articles and audio files about dyslexia. - Dyslexia.com
This site explores the positive talents arising from dyslexia. - Dyslexia Teacher
Learn what causes dyslexia and become a certified teacher of children with dyslexia. - Texas Education Agency
Information on the Reading Proficiency Tests in English (RPTE) from the Texas Education Agency.
What to do as a New Homeschooler...
Oh, if you are going to homeschool, here is a great article that will help you get started with the basics, How do I get started homeschooling in a hurry?
You would also find our New Homeschooler section of Homeschool Views worth looking at too. It has articles about:
- Creating your own curriculum
- Should you grade your homeschooler’s work
- How to Work and Homeschool
- Resources for the Homeschooling Dad
- Keep your Homeschooler from getting too Bored
- How to Budget
- How to convince your family and friends that homeschool is the RIGHT choice
- How to deal with Socialization!
Share Your Ideas about this question or next month's: "How young is too young to start homeschooling? If I know from the very beginning that I will be homeschooling my child, when should I "start?" How do I start homeschooling a very young child - say, 1-2 years old?"