Tips for Homeschooling Your Child With Down Syndrome

Today, we have many options for educating our children. Many parents find homeschooling their children is the best option for their family’s lifestyle. In this article, we’ll look at some tips for homeschooling your child with down syndrome to help get you started. 

Schedule

A child with down syndrome does well with a schedule so they know what to expect each day. You know your child better than anyone. Create a plan for the day that allows you to teach during your child’s best learning hours and rest or play during the times you know they’ll need it. Knowing what to expect each day helps both you and your child. 

Attention Span

Many young children have a short attention span. Your child with down syndrome may as well. A short attention span is an excellent reason to homeschool. As a parent, you have the ability to work around your child’s attention span rather than fighting it. 

Plan short lessons and prepare to stop what you’re doing with your child at times to move on to something new. You can always come back to a lesson another day. It’s important your child doesn’t get frustrated or bored. 

Education Materials

Every child is unique, and each child with down syndrome has different needs. Oftentimes with down syndrome, a child’s gross and fine motor skills develop slower than average. Keep this in mind as you choose homeschool materials. 

For example, if it’s difficult to grab small objects for organizing and counting, choose larger, easy-to-grab objects. Don’t be in a hurry for your child to hold a regular-sized pencil. Let them use the ones designed for small hands. 

A wonderful benefit of homeschooling your child with down syndrome is the ability to spend an entire day working on things like motor skills if you choose to. Remain flexible and creative in homeschool materials and how you spend your days together. 

Set Goals

Decide what your goals for the school year are, and don’t pressure yourself, especially if this is your first year of homeschooling. 

Go ahead and set those more challenging goals but keep in mind if the goal isn’t reached this year, it may be reached the next. Set smaller goals as well. Small steps build and lead to bigger things. 

Motivation

We all need motivation, and your child does as well. Grades are likely not a great motivator for your child with down syndrome. Instead, create a reward system. What does your child enjoy doing? Do they have a show they love to watch or art they enjoy, such as painting? Consider what they enjoy and reward using those things when they complete a task. 

We hope our tips for homeschooling your child with down syndrome help you as you begin your exciting journey. The one-on-one attention you give your child during this time will reap wonderful rewards as you see them blossom under your care and direction.