Homeschooling Your ADD Child

We all have opposing views about success and failure. We promote the idea that everyone is able of reaching his or her full potential. However, we also quickly attach labels to those who do not fit our ideal of the correct way of reaching those potential, especially school-aged children. Adults who have limitless energy and focus in one area are seen as 'successful'. While children showing the same behavior are judged as being 'at risk' for educational failure.

There are truly disabilities that are caused by biochemical differences, genetics or even an accident during birth or early children. These disorders can be quite severe or mild. The mild group usually consists of 'on the rise' diseases that have grown in popularity such as Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Bipolar disorders, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Processing Disorder.

According to Lenore Colacion Hayes, author of "Home schooling The Child with ADD (or Other Special Needs), these diseases create 'alphabet disorder' children and companies profit off of their parents desperate for answers and 'cures'.

However, there are common qualities among these disorders and this is inattentiveness, moderate to high activity levels, forgetfulness, tendency to frustrate easily and distractibility. Because of these traits, these children are usually unreasonably labeled and treated. These treatments include various and exhaustive therapies, psychotropic medication or special classes. Unfortunately, a good deal(but not all) of these treatments do nothing to help the issue at hand but to worsen it. Many of these children just need compassionate direction, respect and a great deal of patience from the adults in their lives. The following can help the parent of an ADD child decide if home schooling is the right path.

Assessment Tests

Most parents, whether they have a child with learning disabilities or not, wonder if tests and evaluations are even necessary. After all, parents are the best assessing their own child's strengths and weaknesses. Most home schooling parents don't feel that it is necessary to compartmentalize a child's behaviors and personality.

We had our 14-year-old daughter evaluated because we feared that she had autism. We were right. Jess was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a high functioning form of the Autistic Spectrum Disorder. We did not have our 11-year-old evaluated because we already knew that she had ADD and learned at her own pace. If we had allowed a school to assess her, she would still be sitting in a Resource or Special Education class learning at a fifth grade level. Ali did not learn her multiplication and division tables until last year yet she could inform anyone that would listen the dates when each state was founded and when they became a state. I'm a college graduate with four degrees and I couldn't tell you that!

But if you do plan to seek out evaluations on your child you must first become an expert researcher in your child's troubling behaviors. Most professionals today will not spend the time to run extensive diagnostic tests on their patients. As a parent of several children, I learned to know exactly what to look for before I entered that physician's office because they wouldn't ask if I didn't tell them what to look for in my child.

If you are home schooling and know exactly what disability your child has, then evaluations aren't needed although some parents find it reassuring to know what their child's exact disorder is. But don't rush into any assessment. Do your homework, read books on the subject and definitely network with both homeschoolers and professionals before coming to a decision.

What Kind of Learner Is Your Child?

Public schools teach in one way, the verbal and linguistic way. There are at least eight different learning styles, or intelligences, according to Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner. Everyone has multiple intelligences so why think your child is any different? These have been very useful for home schooling parents as different methods in reaching their children. And a person can have more than one intelligence.

Visual/Spatial-Children that learn through maps, graphs, art project and images such as films, comic books, puzzles, etc.

Verbal/Linguistic- These children learn well in the standard 'public school' method by hearing the directions or storylines. They usually spell well, enjoy writing and words.

Musical- Children who fit this intelligence live for and learn well through music. They love creating music, are very musical in tone and in instruments, and learn well while listening to music while they study.

Kinesthetic-ADD children adapt well under this intelligence. They have a tendency to fidget while being seated for long periods, may touch other people while carrying on a conversation, enjoy playing sports and may but not always use their body for expression.

Logical/Mathematical-Children with this intelligence understand complex logical systems, love computers, have enthusiastic reasoning abilities and can quickly compute problems in their heads.

Interpersonal- These children love group activities, love to socialize, understand people are sympathetic to the needs and are usually mediators in other people disputes.

Intrapersonal- They understand the inner works of their own emotions, are strong-willed, independent, are self-motivated and prefer to do solitary activities.

Naturalist- Children under this intelligence understand patterns in nature, love to collect natural objects like shells or leaves, enjoy microscopes and telescopes and enjoy nature-based activities like camping, taking of animals and hiking.

My two youngest have several intelligences and knowing this has helped immensely in their education. For example, my youngest that has ADD, has 6 of the 8 intelligences listed. There are, in fact, several types of home schooling methods that utilize that the different intelligences.

Classical Education is also called The Trivium or the well-trained mind approach. This method is completed through the spoken and the written word rather than the use of imagery and all learning is interconnected. There are three phases of this type of education: Absorbing facts during the early years, developing critical thinking skills during the middle years and culminating in learning to express themselves in the later years.

Charlotte Mason Method developed by Charlotte Mason a teacher from turn-of-the-century England. She based her method on establishing in children a life long passion for learning. It is one of the most popular methods used for home schooling because it incorporates high academic standards, fine arts, and basic life skills. Her method using nature walks, picture study, and short lessons to encourage the child's concentration. This is something that all ADD children definitely need to learn. This method also suits children with diverse learning styles since it also uses books of literature rather than texts hence the phrase 'dumbing down'.

Unit Studies- This method integrates various subjects while concentrating on one subject. If the topic is the Ice Age, for example, children would study about it in history by reading books, in science where experiments may be planned, go to museums with an exhibit on the dinosaurs of the Ice Age, read fiction about it, and even watch the animated movie, 'Ice Age'. Children become totally immersed in the subject. Unit studies can last a few days, weeks or even months in some cases. This helps an ADD child absorb what the information is, unlike public school, which would give the child a week or two before assaulted their senses with exams.

Unschooling- This is also know as child-led learning, interest-initiated learning or natural learning. John Holt, a veteran teacher and child advocate, conceived this method. This method does not always work well with a lot of ADD children who would rather watch television or play computer games than do something that might lead them along an educational path.

Young children who have never attended public school most likely want to 'do' things such as days at the park and will ask questions as you walk with them. This is a perfect time to interest them in how flowers grow or why the sky is blue.

But if your child is older or they have just been removed from public school, this may be a little more taxing. They want to stay away from anything that requires work or, in their eyes, boring drudgery. You can use anything and everything to your disposal; museums, libraries, long walks, baking in the kitchen, replacing a light bulb or fixing that tire. It can all lead to education!

Eclectic- You can do one method or do them all as in eclectic learning. Many parents don't like the idea of 'canned curriculum' which seems as if you just dropped your child right back into a classroom once again. Families home school successfully by using different styles to get through to their ADD child. Anything that works should be used.

That Dirty Word: Socialization

Socialization has become just that when it comes to home schooling an ADD or ADHD child. Many parents feel that their children need the socialization that only, they feel, a public school can offer.

Let's examine this: Once your child arrives at school, they are told to sit down, be quiet and begin their work which is usually referred to as 'bell work'. When they go to the lunchroom, they form lines and must be quiet while going down the hallway. At lunch, they will get into trouble for being too loud. At recess, a teacher may speak down to them for loud 'behavior'. Once inside, they must do their work, be quiet and do not speak until spoken to. Before leaving for the day, the children must form a quiet and orderly line and are told not to speak. There is less socialization in the public school than what the average parent believes.

But attempting to socialize an ADD/ADHD child can be an iffy proposition at best. Many ADD children are either immature for their age and cannot relate to age-appropriate peers but prefer younger ones while others are too mature and prefer the company of older children and even adults. Socialization for these children can definitely be a double-edged sword.

But what do you do to make certain that 'your' child isn't a social pariah? There are several ways to make certain your child is around other children and gets a chance to form relationships outside the home.

Your Neighborhood- If you live in a neighborhood that does have children, this might be a great help in the socializing game. It's best that your child starts slowly with one or two peers rather than the entire block. But allow them to go at their own speed without attempting to make 'introductions' or attempting to help. Your child and other children can see this as interference which may make it more difficult for your child to make friends.

Support Groups- If you live in area that has local home school support groups, this may another stepping stone to help your child find peers to play with. Remember that not all children are going to get along in these groups. Just because they have the common trait of being home schooled doesn't mean that they will all like each other. If there aren't these type of groups in your other, you might consider forming your own.

Online Support Groups-For the shy child or the child that doesn't like to participate in groups, this is an option. Many home schoolers feel just as connected by the Internet that they do standing in the middle of a crowd. Message boards, chat rooms, instant messaged and emailing listings are very popular among the older children. There are also many list for parents of special needs children that home school and some websites even have parent-child message boards where you can not only talk to other parents but keep an eye on your child at the same time.

But there is a cautionary note for this type of socializing. There has been more than a fair share of juvenile predators on the Internet just looking for an innocent victim. These people will pretend that they are children themselves to gain your child's trust while plotting what they plan to do. This includes stalking, kidnapping, and sexual crimes. Pay close attention to what your child is doing and whom your child is talking to online.

Religious Groups- A family's religious affiliation can help with the transition that most home school children have with socializing. Most churches, synagogues, covens and temples have children's or youth groups not only to teach about their own religious laws but also these group can create a wonderful environment for home school to make friends.

Extracurricular Activities-This can be anything from Girl/Boys/or Spiral Scouts, gymnastics, seasonal team sports, dance, or karate. Activities for children after school and during the summer months are numerous and diverse. This might be a good way for your ADD child to hone a skill such as karate or check out something that they 'might' be interested in, such as the local chess club or softball. Again, don't push your child into something that you would like to see them in rather than what the child is interested in. It could backfire making you both unhappy.

However, if your child shows no interest, it wouldn't hurt to introduce them to a solitary activity such as golf or swimming. Some children, ADD or not, are just afraid of making mistakes in front a group of strangers much like most adults are. Take it slow and see what that child's true interests are.

It Is Easier Than You Think

Home schooling your ADD child is easier than you think it is. You have always been your child's teacher whether you knew it or not. You have taught your child to eat, walk, read, talk and even go to the toilet. Yet some professional walks in and tells you to step aside and that you don't know anything about being a teacher.

I would have to argue that point for you know everything about being a teacher. You deal with all the daily things that help your ADD child through the day without having meltdowns. You handle your child's emotional, medical, social and educational needs. You have researched your child's disability and know more about your child's needs than most professionals. So do not stress yourself over the little things that you feel are overwhelming.

You do not need to be the diva of organization to home school your child but you do need to know your legal rights. States vary in laws pertaining to home schooling. Talk to people who are already home schooling especially in your state and take notes.

Prepare for the fact that your life is about to change. Understand the responsibility that you are about to undertake and understand that the changes are more internal than external. Also learn to understand your child during this transition. You will learn about your child's potential and your child's struggles when it comes to education. You will most likely discover and begin to appreciate your child's talents.

Be ready to receive flexibility into your lives, whether you're educating your child or not. There may be days when home schooling is not an option because your child is having an extremely bad day while there will be other days when you are just soaring away and realize that it is time to fix dinner. Even though most states have a set number of days and hours that a child needs to be taught, there is no rule that states that one of those days have to be Monday through Friday and not an occasional Saturday or Sunday. And who says you have to teach during normal public school hours. Numerous parents home school in split shifts with one parent teaching in the morning, giving the child the afternoon off and the other parent picks it up in the evening. Flexibility.

Give it some time. Home schooling, especially for those new to it, takes some time getting used to. Be patient. If you're taking your ADD child from school, it will take a few months before he or she will get adjusted to their new learning environment. After all, a few days cannot make up for the years of the mass education machine.

Remember that this is a family decision and the family will have to deal with the negatives and revel in the positives. Home schooling can generate wonderful and frenzied changes in your household. Yes the challenges can be mind numbing but they can also be exhilarating. You possess the ability, patience, knowledge and love to teach your child. Home schooling is a series of baby steps towards that one major goal.

But you must learn to walk before you can fly. You and your child have the equipment to do it. It's up to you whether the two of you take off together.

SOURCES:
"Homeschooling The Child With ADD ( Or Other Special Needs)" by Lenore Colacion Hayes

"The Well-Tained Mind: A Guide to Clissical Education at Home" by Susan and Jesse Wise Bauer

"A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Rflection son the Gentle Art of Learning" by Daren Andreola

"Frames of MInd: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences," by Howard Gardner

"Learning All The Time" by John Caldwell Holt

"When Children Don't Learn: Understanding the Biology and Psychology of Learning Disabilities" by Diane McGuinness