Homeschooling a Dyslexic Child

Yes, there may be advantages to homeschooling your dyslexic child, and no, in most states you do not have to be specially trained to teach your child.
Q
Will homeschooling my dyslexic child help her in achieving what the public school can't offer? Do I need to be specially educated to help in homeschooling her?
A
Yes, homeschooling may be beneficial to your dyslexic child, and no, in most states you do not have to be specially trained to teach your daughter. Parents Instructing Challenged Children publishes a wonderful list about the advantages of learning at home. A strong desire to help your child and a firm belief that she can and will succeed are really the most important requirements as you begin your homeschool journey. You will have to do a bit of research to discover the best teaching method for your daughter. Here are some resources to help you get started: You'll also find these books helpful:
  • How to Reach and Teach Children With Dyslexia by Cynthia M. Stowe
  • The Gift of Dyslexia: Why Some of the Smartest People Can't Read and How They Can Learnby Ronald D. Davis, Eldon M. Braun, and Joan M. Smith
  • How to Teach Your Dyslexic Child to Read: A Proven Method for Parents and Teachers by Bernice H. Baumer
  • To Teach a Dyslexic by Don McCabe
  • Discover Your Child's Learning Style by Mariaemma Willis, M.S. and Victoria Kindle Hodson, M.A.
Good luck!
Isabel Shaw is a freelance writer and homeschooling mom of 15 years. She and her husband Ray homeschool their two daughters, Jessica and Amanda. Besides being a contributor to FamilyEducation.com, Shaw has written for Home Education Magazine, The Link, Homeschooling Horizons Magazine, The Homeschool Gazette, and other publications.

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