Getting Started with Emergency Special Education Homeschooling
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the schools suddenly closed and now you find yourself charged with homeschooling your special needs child. Yes, this may seem daunting. Even terrifying. But, guess, what? You can do this! Even if you aren’t an expert in special education, you are the world’s leading expert on your child. And we will be here to help you every step of the way. So, take a deep breath and let’s dive in … or, maybe just dip a toe in first.
Slow Down. This is new to everyone. This situation was unexpected and now your entire lives have been turned upside down. There is not a rush to suddenly recreate school at home on day one. This is a stressful time and we all need to be kind to each other, our kids, and ourselves. Take a deep breath.
Make a Schedule. Routine provides structure, and structure is very comforting when your life has suddenly changed. This is particularly true when dealing with children with autism and other special needs. Knowing exactly what to expect next will ease everyone’s mind. Try your best to stick to the schedule, but know going in that there will be some days that it just won’t happen and that’s ok!
The 3 R’s: Reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic. The academic part of the day doesn’t need to be complicated or even take very long. And the focus really should be on the three R’s: reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic. Sometimes there really is wisdom in these old sayings. Because these are skill-based subjects, meaning that each level is built upon the skills of the previous level, it’s important to at least maintain your child’s skills in these areas by working on them consistently.
Reading. This is the number one most important academic activity you can do is read. Read to your child and have them read to you at whatever level they are at. Read, read, and read some more! No matter the topic or level, there are so many resources to help make this easy for you. And do not forget audiobooks! While your child might be an emergent reader who is just recognizing letters, they can listen to books well about that level.
Writing. Whether or not your child is a writer yet, they need to have time to get to know the alphabet and practice writing--even if it is just a scribble or they are still at the inventive speller level (just strings of random letters that don’t actually spell anything). It doesn’t even have to be pencil and paper! Our special needs kids sometimes need alternative pencils. Whatever they use is fine.
Math. This could just be learning numbers, shapes, and counting. Regardless of what level of math your child is working at, some sort of number activity is all you need each day. And guess what? It doesn’t have to be written. As long as you are doing some sort of writing each day, the other work can be done orally or in all sorts of other creative ways--don’t worry, we’ll get to that.
Everything Else. Subjects like science and social studies are content-based subjects. While you can’t learn to add until you’ve learned to count, you can pick and choose which topics you would like to explore in history. So don’t make learning these subjects the goal. Instead, use them as topics for your reading, writing, math, and other activities. Play interesting documentaries in subject areas. Spend time exploring an online museum. Go on a nature walk together. Basically, anything interesting is good!
Move. Yes, move. Make sure that movement is on the schedule. Whether it’s doing chores, walking the dog, or playing some music and jumping around, movement is important for overall health and to be able to focus throughout the day.
Play. Kids learn through play. The more school looks like play, the more they’re probably learning. Whether you are making a school activity into a game or you are just playing to play, keep the fun going!
Be Creative. No matter the subject, art, music, and fun projects should be part of the day. Coloring a picture about the story you just read, building shapes out of blocks, or playing the “drums” (just an old bowl from the kitchen) to a song breathes life into your lessons and makes them memorable for your child.
Be Flexible. There will be days when it just doesn’t happen. At all. That’s ok. You’re doing fine. Meltdowns happen. This isn’t the time to push. It’s a time to just do the best you can and “let the rough side drag.”
Stay Connected. Even if you can’t leave the house, find ways to stay connected to people. Whether it’s a phone call, video chat, or an online group, just stay connected and know that you aren’t alone. Also, don’t forget to keep the communication open and ongoing with your child. Their ability to verbally speak might change the way this looks in your house, but the communication should still be there.
Self Care. Yes, it sounds silly, but you have to take care of yourself before you can care for and educate your kids. Whatever grounds you needs to be a priority. It’s not selfish or frivolous.
Your challenge: As the parent of a child with special needs, your biggest homeschooling challenge will be making the material accessible and engaging to your child. That’s where we can help. Stick with us each day and we will guide you through all sorts of quality resources and creative ideas to make emergency special education homeschooling work for you. You’ve got this!
Your homework: Start thinking about a daily schedule that will work for your household. It doesn’t matter what works for anyone else. This is just a starting point, so do not stress about getting it exactly right!
Today’s activity: Read a book to your child. Anything that they love that’s familiar and comforting.
Next up: Creating the schedule
Who we are: AT4Kids is a team of assistive technology specialists with backgrounds in special education, occupational therapy, early intervention, social work, and homeschooling. Please let us know any questions you have about educating your special needs child at home.
