When dealing with dyslexia in homeschooling, one of the most important things for a parent to do is to understand the specifics of the child's learning disability. Not all dyslexic children have the same problems with written language, and the teaching of reading and writing will have to be adapted to each child's specific needs. Many experts agree that teaching phonics is the best way to teach a dyslexic child to read and that requiring accuracy is important in order to overcome the difficulties faced by children who have this disorder. Teaching a child who has dyslexia in homeschooling requires both patience and tenacity
The first thing that a parent of a dyslexic child should do is to seek a formal diagnosis from a trained professional. People who work with the identification and treatment of dyslexia will have many strategies to use when working to overcome this learning disability. Even though parents who deal with dyslexia in homeschooling will likely be working with their children one on one or in small groups, this doesn't mean that the parent is alone in dealing with the disorder. Reaching out to other parents and organizations can help parents feel supported throughout the homeschooling process.
Once a child has been diagnosed, parents should make sure that they fully understand the child's limitations and strengths. Teaching to the child's strengths and teaching ways to cope with and overcome limitations can make dealing with dyslexia in homeschooling easier for both parent and child. Advancements in dyslexia eduction are made all the time, so parents should keep up with the latest research and advancements.
One of the best strategies for dealing with dyslexia in homeschooling is teaching reading through the use of phonics. Children who can already read may need to be retaught, a process that can be quite frustrating and exhausting but can ultimately lead to the child being able to overcome the learning disability if it is learned rather than innate. There are many strategies for teaching phonics, and parents who are homeschooling their dyslexic children can try out a number of different methods.
For dyslexic children whose disorder is caused by a malformation in the brain or a synaptic disorder, teaching reading may be more difficult than simply teaching phonics. Accommodations, such as reading test questions aloud may be needed to help the student succeed in homeschooling. Though reading is an important skill, it is not the only way to learn new information. Students who succeed in learning will feel more confident regardless of how they acquire the new knowledge.
