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Homeschooling

puffin

Hi all!

I am about to send off my application to LEA to homeschool my six year old.  HE has Aspergers and finds school a stresssful place, some of the time.

He has been struggling on at school, refusing to go half the time, very anxious with any changes but he is very social in small familiar groups.  He is quite bright and says alot of school is "boring"!

My husband is keener than i on the homeschooling issue.  I am unsure , one day i am all for it the next i worry it is the wrong thing.  Social skills is my biggest concern.  My husband has Aspergers and i worry he might not be thinking it all through enough.  his main concern is safety and to protect our son, the "wrapping him up in cotten wool syndrome"!!  Dont ge me wrong, i feel the same way sometimes but being the NT i wonder if it is always for the best ?!

I am willing to give the homeschooling a go and it would be great to think we are preventing the bad memories and hardships some Aspies go through at school, but that is a worse case scenario. We could be stopping him from some good times too? I have always expected to homeschool one day but wonder if we are trying this too soon.  I do intend to increase the socializing and have friends around more often but still worry if i am doing the right thing?

Any comments on the pros ad cons of homeschooling much appreciated before i send off my applicaion! 

My son by the way is keen to try it, He may flourish at home i am excited for him and worried at the same time?!  I have read a few homeschooling books and feel i can do it just not sure i should, yet?

Sorry about all the dithering,

Puffin

 

 

 

Parents

  • Hi Mrs Tumble

    I agree with Puffin and would add there are lots of supportive groups on facebook and one for Home Educating Our Special Needs Kids which is great. 

    If you decide to HE or Flexi there are online systems like Education City and various others that will offer the majority of the curriculum online if that is what you want.  Libraries are great and you will probably be surprised how much you have already that you can use.  Cooking is fab for Maths, Reading Recipes, Following Instructions and Writing if you want to build it in.  A real self esteem boost too.

    If self esteem is a challenge I have a book I have found useful - THink Good, Feel Good CBT for kids.  Gives you ideas.  NAS should be able to tell you if they have a library in your area so you don't have to keep buying books.  Are you involved with your local NAS branch, they may be able to give you a few pointers.

    If you do decide to go ahead there is likely a HE group in your area which will also give you ideas.

    For us, we follow his strenghs and build on these in a way that he enjoys and he learns.  Often spontaneous questions answered and explored, i.e. how is glass made - we look it up and may get a book out or go and visit somewhere that does glass blowng in the weeks after.  We were reading about the 2nd World War the other day and he acted it out with lego while i read.  You can be as creative as you want and to their ability level.  Look out for useful tv programmes in whatever interests him i.e. science, animals, nature, history, building even Coronation Street can be useful for life skills to talk through what is happening in the programme, the dangers, how they should behave etc.

    It is the right thing for our lad but it has to be a family decision and one he is ready for.  It is his legal right to have his needs met in school and reasonable adjustments made to accomodate and support his needs.  Have you tried ringing the NAS Education Helpine?  They are very helpful.

    Best wishes Smile

     

     

     

Reply

  • Hi Mrs Tumble

    I agree with Puffin and would add there are lots of supportive groups on facebook and one for Home Educating Our Special Needs Kids which is great. 

    If you decide to HE or Flexi there are online systems like Education City and various others that will offer the majority of the curriculum online if that is what you want.  Libraries are great and you will probably be surprised how much you have already that you can use.  Cooking is fab for Maths, Reading Recipes, Following Instructions and Writing if you want to build it in.  A real self esteem boost too.

    If self esteem is a challenge I have a book I have found useful - THink Good, Feel Good CBT for kids.  Gives you ideas.  NAS should be able to tell you if they have a library in your area so you don't have to keep buying books.  Are you involved with your local NAS branch, they may be able to give you a few pointers.

    If you do decide to go ahead there is likely a HE group in your area which will also give you ideas.

    For us, we follow his strenghs and build on these in a way that he enjoys and he learns.  Often spontaneous questions answered and explored, i.e. how is glass made - we look it up and may get a book out or go and visit somewhere that does glass blowng in the weeks after.  We were reading about the 2nd World War the other day and he acted it out with lego while i read.  You can be as creative as you want and to their ability level.  Look out for useful tv programmes in whatever interests him i.e. science, animals, nature, history, building even Coronation Street can be useful for life skills to talk through what is happening in the programme, the dangers, how they should behave etc.

    It is the right thing for our lad but it has to be a family decision and one he is ready for.  It is his legal right to have his needs met in school and reasonable adjustments made to accomodate and support his needs.  Have you tried ringing the NAS Education Helpine?  They are very helpful.

    Best wishes Smile

     

     

     

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