Need some advice/input for my SN child and curriculum?

[mykdsmomy]

I wasn't even sure how to title so here's the deal......My ds5 has several challenges (many behavioral) related to his diagnosis of fetal alcohol effects. He was in a special program over the summer that recommended he be put in a mainstream classroom with supports such as an aide, speech therapy, OT and resource specialist. Well, let's just say after 3 weeks, no aide and a delayed IEP, we pulled him out. We are currently using K12 but it's not working for him. I can't get him to sit for 5 minutes to do ANY work, let alone 3 hours! He has learning challenges, severe ADHD and a brain that cannot regulate his emotions well. I was hoping someone here could give me some input on what types of curriculum I could use with him to get the same results as K12. I would like to work on letter and number recognition. He REALLY wants to learn to read but he doesn't have the patience to sit and do it the traditional way. I try to incorporate his learning letters while he's playing games, etc. That works some but as soon as he senses I'm trying to "teach" him something, he instantly switches OFF and refuses to pay attention.
Suggestions? Thanks

[sbgrace]

I'm going to try Headsprout with my son for reading. I believe they have to know letter sounds before starting it. He learned letter sounds from the Letter Factory Leapfrog video. I am pretty sure they have a number one too. If your son can sit for even a bit of video he might pick them up through the videos.

I'm doing handwriting without tears for writing and Rightstart for math. Both are quick and very hands on. We do very, very short bursts basically. But my son isn't resistant to instruction like you're dealing with..he's just extremely hard to focus (very poor attention) and poorly regulated emotionally (and in every other area of regulation). He's on the spectrum.

[meetoo]

http://delightfullearning.blogspot.c...for-tiger.html

I think this site would be perfect for you!!!! On the side bar is all the letters. I also think you really need to toss out "grade level" expectations and work where he is.

[Momma Aimee]

just offering HUGS

my 4 yo is high anxiety / expressive speech delay / SPD (and maaaaybe ADHD but i think it is the anxity and inablity to self regulate emotions / incoming stim myself)

Personally we are seeking professional assitance, though we will be keeping him home, as i feel i need all the support i can get.

HUGS

Aimee

[ChristaN]

I'd see if your library has the book Home Schooling Children With Special Needs by Sharon Hensley. Although I haven't read it myself, one of my friends who is hsing a special needs child tells me that it is a very good book with practical suggestions. It also has good reviews on Amazon.

[Momma Aimee]

Originally Posted by ChristaN

I'd see if your library has the book Home Schooling Children With Special Needs by Sharon Hensley. Although I haven't read it myself, one of my friends who is hsing a special needs child tells me that it is a very good book with practical suggestions. It also has good reviews on Amazon.

thanks for the book suggestion, i have that on my loooong amazon.com wish list. but i will ILL request it and read it -- it is nice to actually hear someone say it is a good book rather than just see it on amazon.com

[mykdsmomy]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I tend to feel pressure to make sure he's meeting all the objectives with K12 when there's no way he can Then I feel like I'm failing him if he can't learn his letters (or more importantly won't sit to do a traditional lesson).

I've heard a lot about Headsprout so I'll check that out....and thank you Meetoo for the blog suggestion
I hadn't heard of the book suggestion so I'm off to check it out on Amazon

Thank you all again

[griffin2004]

my DD loved to make (or approximate, anyway) letters with her body, arms, and legs, when she was learning and shout the name of the letter and its sounds; is that an activity he might like?

[heatherdeg]

I would also look into Montessori. They have some great alternative methods for teaching that can be awesome for SN children. I like:

Teach Me To Do It Myself for "lessons"

and then At Home With Montessori for a very short, but clear, look at how to arrange your home to foster confidence and independence in your child. For us, this made a huge impact in our son's behavior.

You should also keep in mind that trying to "keep up" with the public schools at their pace with their standards is barely working for them. I agree with a pp that says to let go of those expectations and just start off wherever your child is--following their lead. Focus on the non-academic stuff that they really need like self-care, helping others, respect for others and property, imagination, and worry about tackling academics in another year or two. As a society, we've been ingrained to believe that this leaves a huge "missed opportunity of learning", but in reality--it's far more in line with the child.

We're not a Waldorf household, but I did find this information on a Waldorf site that I found to be very eye-opening... so I'll share it with you and maybe it will help you as you move forward. Or maybe it won't, but it's worthwhile to review educational models other than the US public model.

[mykdsmomy]

Heather, THANK YOU!!! I have limited knowledge on Montessori type curriculum but I've always been interested in learning more. These are great resources


Griffin2004, thank you for your suggestion too! Boo would probably like that but our biggest problem is getting him to do anything even if it looks "fun", he is still resistant if it's not on his terms.

[blessedmum]

hi I would recommend speaking to Beth at Enki education here. She works with all sorts of SN children. She has great ideas-I really like their movement book. They also have a yahoo group.
Don't be overly worried 5 can be young for any child to be focusing that long.