Home School Modification and Accommodations
Inside this post - Wondering how to make modifications or accommodations for you child with dyslexia, ADHD or learning disability? This weeks post covers 5 ways to make those adjustments for supporting your child at home.
New Normal - Learning at Home
If you’re feeling anything like I am this ‘new normal’ is proving to be difficult to adjust to. My kids are all over the place with the schedule as my partner and I try to divide our time between the 3 of them and working full time!
Our biggest challenge is maintaining some form of normal while we go through this bump in the road. Like many we are wanting to ensure that our children are still learning, don’t get overwhelmed with the news and continue to feel safe.
For families with a child with a learning difference it can be hard to know how best to support them. As parents we are not equipped to be teachers, and even more so when it comes to our children who struggle with learning.
So how you can you support your child with a learning challenge or difference at home?
5 Tips to help you through this time of change and learning.
5 Ways to Support Your Child at Home:
Dig out your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP)
This is a great time to dig out that IEP Binder Organizer you’ve gotten for joining my MAILING LIST. Haven’t done that yet? Make sure you join the mailing list at the bottom of this post.
This IEP will be your guide for what your child has been working on what levels to look for. So for example if your child is in Grade 3 but their IEP has them working at Grade 1 then you should be looking resources that for students in Grade 1.Also if your child as a decrease in the number of expectations, questions or number tasks make sure to also use that as a guide. So if in a writing task they would normally only write two paragraphs where their peers would write 5 that’s alright. That information should be find able in their IEP.
If you have questions reach out to your child’s teacher or Special Education team. Through this time they will be there to support you.
Reach out to your child’s teacher
As stated above, remember that your child’s teacher is still available to you to connect with. During the time of closure in the schools teachers are still working. Trust me when I tell you they want to help and support you anyway they can.
A quick email asking a question will help you feel better and ensure you’re on the right track. Don’t be shy in explaining what you’re looking for. You can ask questions around how they accommodated or made modifications if you’re not sure.
Never be afraid to ask.
Learning doesn’t have to be paper and pencil
There are lots of ways to engage your students in learning that doesn’t involve paper and pencil work. Some examples of these things are cooking, walking up stairs, building Lego, colouring are just a few examples. As parents we can sometimes forget that as non-teachers there are different ways to engage our kids.In the baking example there you are exploring fractions, procedure and chemical reactions. In one simple activity you’ve covered three areas of study, math, science and language.
The other day I went on a walk with my kids in the neighborhood. We passed over and under three bridges. This turned into a 20 minute conversation about types of bridges and their make up.
Look for ways to engage in conversation the encourages learning without them even knowing!
Use resources on line
In this changing time many, many internet based programs are providing their service for FREE. Over the past few days I’ve noticed more and on line platforms offering FREE use. Epic Books is an example of this, they provide on-line books for kids. Audible is now also offering free access to audio books.
If you’re looking for math pages check out NetMaths, their program is curriculum based by province and grade level. Pearson Publishing is a a source that many school boards use for text books. They have many subject areas and at the moment are providing some text books, including math, for free on line currently.
If you’re looking for math games try Math Playground. This site offers fun and engaging ways to do math for grades 1-6. It covers many of the math strands covered at school.
Be patient with yourself and your child
Remember most importantly, you are your child’s parent and not their teacher. Your job right now, in this ever challenging time is to be there for your child. Students with learning challenges can often struggle when their routine is not the normal. Be kind to yourself.
Do only what you feel you can handle. Getting overly focused on how much they are doing or not doing can lead you down a path full of stress. Remember to breath, love your child and do what you can.
Asking for help is hard, but asking for it is brave.
In Times of Change Breath!
No matter what you do with your children during this difficult time remember you are doing your best. You are balancing your child being home everyday all day, working possibly and the emotional roller coaster that is our currently world.
Remember to breath and be kind to yourself and others. If you are looking for support ask for it. In this time of change we all need to band together and support.
Please know that Access to Education is here to help and support in anyway possible. Please be safe and take good care of yourselves and your families.
Have you gotten your FREE IEP Binder Organizer yet? Join our mailing list to get yours and help keep your child’s school documentation in order.
Follow me on Instagram @access2educationtoronto and Facebook.
June can be a scary time of year for those who struggle with transitions. Looking at BIG T Transitions and little t transition can help you build a transition to ensures the success of your child.