My daughter is currently in 4th grade in the public school system. She was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade and has received dyslexia training in school (Alpha Phonics). She has "graduated" the course and, after talking with her teachers, I plan to homeschool her as she moves to intermediate next year. She's struggling academically, socially, and in self-esteem. I currently have Math U See and All About Spelling. I am debating the rest of the curriculum. She needs hands-on work, and the computer seems to stress her out. I'd prefer books/workbooks to websites. We are a Christian family, but we don't need overtly Christian curriculum. She is my oldest of three. The younger two will continue in public school...for now. Where do I start with an LD kid? Any advice is GREATLY appreciated. TIA!
You might find some good curriculum suggestions at this site: http://www.littlegiantsteps.com/curriculum/ They specialize in homeschooling children with special learning issues. The curriculum they recommend generally is stuff they've found that is good for kids who have learning differences.
We did the same thing! Our daughter is dyslexic and we started homeschooling her in 5th grade. She is now in 9th grade and we have never looked back! It is awesome that you are willing and able to do this for your daughter. I will share a couple of things from our experience: 1. This first year will be full of trail and error. Give her a few months to "de-school" while you figure out her interests and learning style. There is no one curriculum will work for every child, so you may try many before you settle on what works. Work together, read to her (lots!), get her in the kitchen, get her outside, anything that will open her mind! 2. MUS is a good curriculum. We used it for several years. My daughter can not memorize facts. I spent 2 years, holding her back, while trying to get her to memorize the math facts. Don't do what I did! If she understands the concepts but can't remember the facts, give her a calculator and move on. I should have done that sooner. That is my biggest regret. 3. All About Spelling is also a good choice. 4. I highly recommend Easy Grammar and IEW (for writing). Don't push her to write until you think she is ready. We started composition in the 8th grade. 5. Apologia Science is what we have always used. I love it!!! 6. History is one of those subjects where you can let your imagination go to work! There are endless resources and possibilities. 7. Reading will come with maturity and hard work. I let her choose from a list now what she will read and she gets through about 3 "assigned" books a year. We started that in 8th grade also. Do not go by grade level - go by interest. You can get comprehension workbooks that are called "Hi-Lo" workbooks. (High interest, low readability) We went through several of those to work on comprehension but I can not remember where I got them. I think maybe Mardel's and Amazon. I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination. These are just some things that are "been there, done that" suggestions. Just remember one thing, never go with anything that says it can cure dyslexia! ETA: How is her handwriting? We use A Reason for Handwriting. Believe or not, I have her working on cursive now, in 9th grade! Also, teach her to type. We use Mavis Beacon for Kids.
The Alpha Phonics curriculum started cursive in 2nd grade. It has helped a lot. Hasn't helped with the spelling at all, but you can read her writing at least. Thank you so much for the suggestions! Let me know if you think of more!
Well, we did not completely take time off. We worked on math and spelling and were very relaxed about everything else the first year. We did a lot of work outside when it was warm enough. Don't worry to much about getting behind. Maturity kicks in and they catch up quickly. Oh, if you can find a homeschool group in your area, that helps a lot. We are part of a large co-op. My son (her twin) takes most of his classes there, and she is taking Biology (because I am teaching that this year), home economics and art. We do the rest of hers at home. Have you heard of the Barton Reading and Spelling System by Susan Barton. We did that up to level 6, then she went teenager on me and got bored with it! It is very expensive to buy, but more and more tutors are being trained. If you can find one in your area, it is a great program. They also have a very helpful Barton google group, but I am not smart enough to tell you how to find it!
Jamieanne, "behind" is a public school concept. that is very hard to get rid of. There is no "behind" in homeschool. There is only where "is" and goals for the future. If your student needs to keep a math facts chart handy, or a calculator, then use it! As long as the "what to do" is understood, then use whatever tools are needed to complete the work. CLE www.clp.org has some nifty laminated "cheat sheets" with facts, reminders, formulas, diagrams, that can be very helpful.
Can I second most of what Shilman posted. My daughter is much younger, but is dyslexic. We have homeschooled from the beginning. I pushed her to be just like her brother and learn just like he does. It was a disaster. So last year we tried something different We took an entire year off to do Saxon Phonics Intensive to help her with reading, and did her math. That was it, no writing, no anything extra school wise. It helped a ton. She went from reading at a 1st grade level to a 3rd grade level in one year, in spelling she jumped two levels. Shilman's #2 is so right on. My DD-8 is learning double digit division (like 3345/ 34) but she is still working on basic addition facts. She does xtramath everyday, and a speed drill that is part of her CLE math, then we move on. She will get them eventually, it just takes longer and different methods then what other kids use. She isn't behind just where she should be, which doesn't match "normal". MUS was to fact centered for my daughter. Have you tried cross crawling, or the writing 8's. Both of those help my daughter quite a bit when she is having a particularly hard day. We use CLE math, Spelling power (the big orange book), Apologia Science (because there is no writing involved just listening and talking) Mystery of History- for the same reason as SP.
