Homeschool for a Struggling Learner

MomSchooling Moments: Uncovering the Joys of Homeschooling a Large Family

Do you have a child that may be struggling with Math, Spelling, or Writing? Have you gone through multiple curricula trying to find the right one that fits his/her learning style? Are you frustrated, tired, and ready to give up because nothing is working? Is your child frustrated, upset, and discouraged with school? I have been there. I understand.

I have spent many nights on my knees trying to figure out what would work best. I tried easy curriculums, computer programs, colored workbooks, plain workbooks, special programs…you name it. About five years ago, I went to my first homeschool conference and there is where I found my answer. I had my plans for all the conferences I wanted to attend. But when I went to one of my classes, the doors were shut because the class was full. So I searched for another option and ended up just “sitting in” on a class because it was close by and it was open. Little did I know that the Lord meant for me to be there.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways,
acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Within minutes, the speaker caught my attention when she started describing behaviors that were spot on to what I was observing on a daily basis. I went up to speak to her after the class just to confirm what I was thinking. Sure enough, I was where I needed to be.

That day changed my life. I realized I had to take a different approach to homeschooling. I have been using Dianne Craft’s material for years now and it has been a success for our family. Each year I try something new and when I put in the time, I see results.

This year I will be trying some new things:

• Brain Integration Therapy
• Times Tales Math (Dianne Craft has Right Brain Multiplication Cards)
• I will also continue to use a successful “coloring” method I learned from Dianne Craft at a homeschool conference. I draw pictures around parts of the word to trigger a word-imagery association to help memory and build confidence in spelling. We get 100% on more tests now than ever! (see Dianne Craft’s flashcards)

Dianne Craft has many resources to help your struggling learner gain confidence and enjoy school. One of her popular resources includes The Biology of Behavior which is an informational set that provides education on how diet can impact behaviors. You can also visit HSLDA for more information on homeschooling a struggling learner.

Homeschooling is so rewarding, but it also comes with many challenges. Homeschooling a struggling learner is a whole different experience. It comes with many rewards when you see your child overcoming barriers and excelling. It comes with challenges when even the best efforts seem useless. Be encouraged and don’t give up. It may be a while before you reap the harvest of your planted seeds. Continue to cultivate and care through the good times and bad times for great is your reward in heaven.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time
we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9

Let’s Talk

Do you have a struggling learner? What resources and techniques do you use to help your struggling learner? What is the hardest part about supporting your struggling learner?